Thursday, October 25, 2007

Christmas is coming

Announcements/News This Week

We are pleased to announce that Stephanie is now an official member of the Breakfast Club. Even though she got the tight spot this morning I am sure we will see alot more of Stephanie and look forward to learning more about her business.

Angela and her team at the Laker won the Community Booster of the Year award at their Chamber of Commerce dinner this week! Any photos Angela?

Catherine is selling the idea of a Holiday Home - only 5% down . . . . sounds like a deal to me!

Steve brought a r referral to the table for Dee which was prompted by Dee's talk last week - proof positive that education work. The more we know about a person's business, the better chance we have of being able to refer others to them.

Bill was the first to mention Christmas this week - lots of gift ideas at Advantage Frame & Mirror - we'll hear more about that next week as Bill is our speaker.

Joan continued the Christmas theme. She can provide gift certs for travel/vacations. Janet & Dolores also echoed the Gift Cert idea for The Adelaide, also Dolores for Mary Kay.

Liz talked about the recent B2B Expo that Jeff had kindly provided tickets for. Liz got a great referral from a company who attended the Expo.

Jeff told us he got a great lesson in Networking 'properly'!! Another networking colleague of Jeff's introduced Jeff to some of his contacts at the Expo and Jeff has added 70 new contacts to his list. Now to convert some of those to customers.

Dee is off the West Coast for 2 weeks to see her Dad who is recovering from a recent operation. While she is away she wants us to remember any referrals for her will go into the IG draw with a chance to win $10,000. See previous entries for more details on this.

Boyd is catching his breath before the next busy time and will happily assist anyone who wants to reduce their income tax . . . . that should be an easy referral for alot of people!

Lori not only reminded us about the upcoming Pleasetakemycard event, she also brought in coupons for us all to register FOC (no income tax deduction there!). All you have to do is ask a question - check out the website if you haven't already - a great idea!

Marybeth had an interesting statistic - 78% of the population spend some/all of their working day a a desk, which usually implies a PC too and therefore are at risk of developing RSI. Prevention is better than cure, talk to MB about it.

Eleanor would like to thank all of you who returned the questionnaire regarding which workshops to run first . . . . watch this space for dates & more info over the next few weeks.


This weeks Speaker was Louise. I think Entertainer would be a better word than Speaker. As always, Louise brightened up our morning by getting us all singing & chanting. Celine was disappointed she didn’t get to join in! Louise is just back from Kindermusik Convention and is bursting with new ideas, games, toys, songs - just as well she got her voice back!! Take it easy, Wheezie - I think we could incorporate a regular weekly vocal workout.


Next week’s speaker is Bill Munden - it will be Bill's first time up and we are looking forward to hearing all about Advantage Frame & Mirror.


Referrals

We had 20 referrals this week and Liz won the prize from Louise which is on order from Chapters!

Friday, October 19, 2007

Network Event

The next BBC Network Event is set for November 21st (it's a Wednesday) and we need to know who is going to attend! Looks like the majority of the Fall River Club are planning on attending so we will skip our Thursday meeting (22nd) that week - but we need numbers anyway. . . . so post a comemnt here or drop me an email by way of RSVP, please & thanks!

Time to Spare

Announcements/News This Week

This week was a first for me – a meeting that ended early!! 15 minutes to spare – no we were not missing half the group. We did have 16 for breakfast and thanks to Steve for time prompts; 90 second elevator speeches and a less-than-10 minute presentation by Dee we had time over!

Great to see Janet back at the table – with good news too! The Adelaide has been nominated for Halifax Chamber of Commerce New Business Award (2008). Well done Janet!

Janet also told us that The Adelaide is launching Respite Care in the Home – as if she isn’t busy enough!

Joan is encouraging us as always to spread our wings and fly to far-flung places like China – or anywhere – she’s not fussy, you name the pace and she’ll get you there.

Jerry wants us all to be on the look-out for a family that are willing to take over Bill’s Diner – as long as they are willing to put up with us every week – part of the deal!!

Angela reminded us about the Laker ad and prompted the new members to start thinking about their blurb so that when she contacts them with a looming deadline, they’ll be ready to hit the presses!

Marybeth brought jelly-beans for everyone! Suggesting that as we open them we consider how difficult such a seemingly simple task can be for some people – just one of the things an OT can help with.

Eleanor is looking for a little help with ideas for Workshops – she passed out a questionnaire which a few people passed back – if you get a chance please take a look and bring it back next week – only a short one! Your opinions are of great value. Thanks!


This week’s Speaker was Dee Govang.
Dee talked on the topic of (Ways of reducing) Taxation for Incorporated Businesses – I believe she referred to a program called a Corporate Insured Retirement Program – someone please correct me if necessary! Dee also talked about a reverse trade show concept which Dee will provide more details for, so watch this space, or ask Dee about it. Call her @ 423 8294 , Ext. 266.


Next week’s speaker is Louise MacDonald. Louise is singing & dancing in Chicago this week with 500 other Kindermusik teachers and is already excited about speaking to the group next week.


Referrals
We had 16 referrals this week and Janet won the prize from Dee. Thanks Steve for bringing in your prize for Deborah – we are getting better at bringing them in on time - Thanks!


Referral Tip of the Week

Be remarkable.

No matter how mundane what you do might seem to you, there is always a way to make it remarkable. It can be as simple as a smile where you wouldn't expect it. I came across this example - A barber who invites his clients to visit in between haircuts to get a neck and sideburn trim at no extra cost. He also has bottles of cold water in the cooler and stacks of vintage magazines. He isn't cheap, he doesn't take reservations, and he always has a waiting line. Pure magic. And his wife always is driving a new luxury car. Just one example of how you can make your business stand out and that keeps people coming back (mind you I am sure he gives a good cut too!


Book of the Week ~ Life's Missing Instruction Manual: The Guidebook You Should Have Been Given at Birth by Joe Vitale
I received this book as a gift this year and it’s one I just keep going back to. Including gems like: "When the world seems bleak, when you feel out of sorts, when your body feels tired and you mind seems wild, sometimes all you need is a good nap." A great one for the desk, nightstand, briefcase etc


AOB
Marybeth reminded us that Breakfast Dues are due! So, don't for get the cheque books next week if you are falling behind.

That’s it! Have a great week ~ LNR.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Paris in the Spring & Other Great Vacation Ideas

Announcements/News This Week

A great turn-out this week and everyone seemed to be in good form - must be the short week :) The theme this morning seemed to be Holidays/Vacation. Joan started that thread and a few people carried it on in their Elevator Speeches - I even convinced myself I want to go to Paris in the Spring - the Power of suggestion at work!!!

Dr. Stephanie Gray joined us this morning for breakfast. Stephanie & her husband own Fall River Chiropractic located at the Sobey's Plaza. We hope to see her again at our breakfast table.

We are delighted to welcome Liz Curran as a member. Liz is just back from Northern Ireland & Majorca and is suffering a holiday hangover!! I am sure we will hear more about Liz's Photography business over the next few weeks. Check out the link to Liz's site (Mind's Eye) on the side of the blog.

Other jet-setters include Jerry who is back from his trip to the UK and now looking for even more houses to sell; Joan is back from Jamaica and happy to be back at the breakfast table; Catherine was in Chicago and Boyd was in Newfoundland!!

Boyd told us a little more about his recent visit to Tax Court and Bill explained Shadow Boxing & Poster Mounting (services now available at Advantage Frame & Mirror).

Trade Shows: Jeff kindly brought in some tickets for the Chamber of Commerce B2B Expo next week and Lori reminded us about the AMI show (see last week's entry for details) coming up - she has a few tickets available - email her for details.

Marybeth sent her apologies, along with her Elevator Speech! Thanks MB. If you are unable to attend, please let me know and if we don't have your Elevator Speech on file, send me a copy so we can share it with the group in your absence.


Membership in Fall River Club is now at it's maximum capacity. We have a big group now and it is hard to get a balance between networking, having fun & getting the business done . . . . . any suggestions??


This week’s Speaker was me - Eleanor Seaman-Bolton.
Eleanor talked on the topic of her business ~ Coaching ~ explaining some of the services offered, including One-to-One Coaching, Workshops and Advice & Consulting for small businesses & Entrepreneurs. After offereing a few definitions of Coaching, the group were asked to do a short exercise on Goal Setting. Don't forget the 1-week offer - if you would like some help (advice/support/another point of view) with setting or achieving a goal within the next 7 days, call or email Eleanor

Next week’s speaker is Dee Govang. We need a speaker for November 1st - any volunteers?


Referrals
We had 23 referrals this week and Lynn won the prize - a box of Irish handmade chocolates!! Notice she didn't offer to share them at breakfast :-)

Referral Tip of the Week
  • Reciprocate

Ask referrers (or potential referrers) how you might best refer them. Try to understand their business so you can describe it in a way that is likely to get them business (maybe you ask them for a copy of their elevator speech). If you think it might be helpful, plan a meeting with other members, have a coffee and a chat and find out what they do & how they do it.
Ask them to confirm your understanding. And, don't forget the obvious: Be sure you have their phone numbers, email addresses, and any other relevant details you'll need to pull off a referral.


Book of the Week ~ Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want-Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible by Brian Tracy
One of my favourite topics - only one of a multitude of books on this topic but I chose this one as Brian Tracy is one of my favourite authors! This book synthesizes the best and most practical techniques for setting and achieving personal and financial goals. Tracy explains the seven key elements of goal setting and the twelve steps necessary to accomplish them, encouraging readers to use their strengths to define their values and to align their abilities with the particular opportunities presented to them. More here


That’s it for this week! See you all at next week ~ LNR.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Congratulations Catherine

Congratulations to Catherine Fitzsimmons who completed the Chicago Marathon last Sunday in a time of 5:27:24! Note this time includes walking 5 miles due to the fact that the course was closed halfway.

Due to the heat index and higher than expected temperatures, city officials implemented a contingency plan, as a precautionary measure, and closed the Marathon course at the halfway point - those runners that had not reached the halfway point when it was closed were turned back.

Friday, October 5, 2007

“STOP SELLING…START SOLVING”
A unique leadership workshop designed to enhance an individual’s ability to communicate and efficiently problem solve within their small business featuring
Randy MacKay of Sales Achievement Marketing
Randy combines his background experiences in social work and sales along with his certificate in Nero Linguistic Programming from MSVU to deliver this unique three hour workshop.
Supported by the NS Association of CBDCs, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, NS Office of Economic Development, Business Development Bank of Canada, CBDC Hants-Kings, Centre for Women in Business, Futureworx Job Search Centre, East Hants & Districts Chamber of Commerce, and the Hants RDA.

For more information or to register for this event, please contact Karen Donnelly, Regional Business Facilitator, Centre for Women in Business, MSVU at (902)223-3715 or wbieastern@msvu.ca
Hosted By: CBDC Hants-Kings & Centre for Women in Business
Date: Wednesday, October 24th, 2007
Time: 6 - 9 p.m.
Location: East Hants Sportsplex
1076 Highway 2, Lantz
“Refreshments to be provided”

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Newsletter # 5

Announcements/News This Week

Deborah brought Becky along as a guest this week. Becky is an artist who lives in Fall River and enjoys painting with a spatula rather than a brush :) It seems we made a positive impression on Becky, despite the fact I kept getting her name wrong!!! We hope to her again at our breakfast table.

Louise told us about her new Village program at Kindermusik for new-borns to 18 month olds.

Lori reminded us about the Please Take My Card event that AMI are hosting in November.

Jeff talked about the power of Advertising & Repetition. Works for Smiledog!

Dee reminded us that in addition to Financial Planning, she also offers Insurance and RESPs. The Investors Group Time to Dream contest is still running - based on last year, any entries have a 1-in-200(ish) chance of winning $10,000. What would you spend $10K on?

Congratulations to Katherine Larter who celebrates her 4th anniversary - here's hoping you have many more happy, successful years in business.

Great job on the Laker this month, Angela - some interesting articles & advertorials on some of our members. Great ads too - including Advantage Frame & Mirror!

Catherine Fitzsimmons is still running to Chicago!!! Let's hope she gets there in time for the marathon on Monday! Could someone please bring in a copy of the Chronicle-Herald for those of us that didn't see the article about Catherine. Found it online

Jerry & Annette are buying & selling and helping the migration from the UK to Canada. I know a few Irish people who might be interested in land in NS - plan a trip to the New Hibernia and I'll go along as your guide ;)

Finally, anybody know how to get Dave Cooper out of a tree? We look forward to seeeing more of David as the weather cools down a bit!


This week’s Speaker was Steve Boyce. Steve talked on the topic of Restrictive Covenants and was very well received judging by the number & quality of questions! And it may even have generated a new referral for Steve . . . .

The subject of Steve's talk was generated by a suggestion from one of the members - the power of suggestion, eh? If you would be interested in suggesting a topic to any of the members, post a comment here on the blog, or drop a note in the referral bag if you would prefer to remain anonymous!

Next week’s speaker is Eleanor.

BTW - When it's your turn to speak, please remember to bring a gift - believe it or not, it does motivate some people to generate a referral!


Referrals
We had 6 referrals this week and Deborah won the prize which Steve will bring in next week.


Referral Tip of the Week ~ (I thought this would be appropriate for the weekend coming up!).
  • Thank people properly
At the very least, thank people who have referred you in a handwritten note. Some people send flowers, or take them out to lunch. Remember to reward the behaviours you want to have repeated.


Book of the Week ~ Count Your Blessings: The Healing Power of Gratitude and Love by John Demartini
In this book, Demartini draws on the wisdom of the ages, cutting-edge science, philosophy and his own personal and professional experiences. He reveals the connection between health and state of mind, the power of dreams and the importance of visualization. Through these principles, he presents a programme that he believes will transform the negativity of your fears and problems into positive actions so that you become a stronger, healthier, more balanced person in control of your own destiny. I haven't read this one myself but I have heard great things about Demartini.


That’s it for this week – Happy Thanksgiving!

See you all at next week ~ LNR.