I threw my Power Point presentation out the window after attending a short seminar by the ethos3 company.  We had committed every conceivable presentation sin possible when preparing our presentation.  Too many statistics, too many bullet points, and enough information to choke a horse.  I realized that our Power Point was a mess and probably confused more customers than helped.  Take a few minutes and read what the experts have to say about creating a powerful presentation.

Scott Schwertly Founder of Ethos3 writes:

Below is a tip to keep in mind the next time you start preparing for a presentation.  Trust me; you’ll be considered a nonconformist just by preparing in the right way.

A winning presentation must be well thought, brewed on, and dreamed on.  It takes time.  It takes research.  It takes patience. You can’t build a memorable presentation in an instant.  Therefore, it can’t be prepared in a microwave.  A great presentation must be built in a crock pot.

All the great thinkers and presenters that have come before us spent meticulous hours crafting their masterpieces.  If you want to create a legacy, you must spend the right amount of time crafting your speech.  Our nanosecond culture, where time is our most precious asset, makes it difficult to prepare accordingly.  However, there is no quick fix.  Practice is the mother of skill.  I can’t emphasize more on the concept that title or knowledge will not save you when public speaking.  Only true preparation creates the confidence that will enable you to succeed.

To learn more about Ethos3, check out their web site at http://www.ethos3.com.

Dan Zellars

TheDailyClassifieds.com

It’s headed at us like a freight train.  You can’t drive around making sales calls.  Oil is $120 per barrel as I write - $125 by the time you read this.  We have to adjust now and the best way for sales people to adjust is to start using Web Conferencing like “MeetMeNow” by Webex type programs. Work with your customers from your office (not every time, they have to see you once in a while) but stop all those unnecessary trips.  Real Estate Agents, qualify the properties via the Web first before driving your customers around all day.  Hot Tip:  Commissions are not going up, just your gasoline bill!  I know this is another one of those computer things to learn but it’s not hard and it’s worth the effort.  They offer a 14 day free trial.  Get a friend or a fellow worker and play with it.  They offer easy to understand tutorials and chat rooms.
TheDailyClassifieds.Com is offering a FREE demonstration each Saturday at 10 am for the next 4 weeks starting 5-10.The demonstration is limited to 10 people per session so sign up now at 615-673-1112.

Written by David Bohan: ‘Marketing Matters’ column that appears twice a month in the business section of The Tennessean.”

“Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise.”

That was the marketing mantra of Cohen Williams, patriarch of Martha White Foods. In times of economic uncertainty, it is especially smart to heed this sage advice.

It might sound insane right now—considering the decline in consumer confidence, the perils in the financial and housing markets and the slowdown in retail spending—but this is a great time to be in marketing.

Historically, companies that take aggressive action during recessions win.

A Profit Impact of Marketing Strategy (PIMS) study found that marketers who maintained or increased advertising expenditures in a recession bounced back stronger than those who hunkered down and lowered their voices. Their market share grew three times higher than brands that cut spending, and their profits were five times stronger in the first year of economic recovery.

An American Association of Advertising Agencies study found that companies with even modest increases in marketing and advertising spending during the last recession saw gains in market share.

A tough economy is also a fertile time for innovation and for introduction of new products. An example is one that has lasted for decades, television’s venerable “soap operas.” Proctor & Gamble piloted this new entertainment medium during the Great Depression to help sell laundry detergent, hence the very name.

The 1974 recession lead to creation of the discount brokerage industry with Charles Schwab.

Cable television networks CNN and MTV were launched during double dip recessions of the early 1980s, and airlines’ now-ubiquitous frequent flier programs were a marketing tactic born of the same economic downturn.

Apple’s iPod was introduced at the depth of the tech-bust “dot bomb” period. While not immediately successful, the iPod’s impact on the music industry has been profound.

Advertising Age columnist Jack Neff offers five tips for marketers who want to survive in tough economic times.

First, don’t cut the marketing and advertising budget. Maintaining or even increasing spending can create opportunities in times when the overall level of spending may be dropping. Your message will more likely be heard during times of less noise.

Second, maintain strong new product launches. Will history repeat itself with another category-changing introduction such as the discount brokerage or the iPod?

Third, beware that discounting can be addictive. Did Taco Bell’s under-a-dollar value menu that was introduced in the early 1990’s forever brand it as a place for cheap food? Discounting as a tactic can be effective. Discounting as a strategy is potentially dangerous.

Fourth, if you have a new product or service to introduce, make sure it fits the times.  Ideally, something new in bad economic times recognizes the recession’s reality and provides a remedy to a problem. 

Fifth, you can’t go wrong with diversion. If times are difficult, give people something to take their minds off the current economic storm. Promotions and messages need to be upbeat.

So whether you are selling flour, furniture or real estate, get a good night’s sleep, and you might find some “Hot Rize” when you get up.

Written by David Bohan-Bohan Advertising/Marketing

Are you looking for a new way to meet local business people without having to join a club and obligate more of your time on a weekly basis?  Well, that was me.  As a business owner, our first responsibility is to our current customers but we also need to recruit and explore new business opportunities.  If nothing else, we need to meet new people that might be able to help us. 

Three years ago I found Strategic Business Network and I’ve been attending meetings ever since.  Strategic Network is operated by Adam Small and he has developed his business into a very user friendly networking event.  Adam sends out reminders (via email) about every week tell of the upcoming events.  Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro and more are included.  It’s simple.  You just choose which ones you want to attend.  The cost is minimal - usually $30-$35 which includes lunch.  Where else can you meet 20-30 business people for $35.00?  The event starts off with having lunch then you are divided up into tables of 2 where you have 5 minutes to exchange cards and get a basic knowledge of the other person’s business.  You’re not there to sell!  You are there to meet and follow up with your new acquaintances at a later date.  Meeting new people is always healthy and you never know who might refer your services or products to a friend.  Sign up for their Newsletter you won’t regret it.

Dan Zellars

TheDailyClassifieds.com

It’s a secret but don’t keep it to yourself! You can save lots and lots of money on all types of paper at the Dennis Paper Outlet Store. Just plan ahead a little and save big. About 2 years ago I discovered The Dennis Paper Outlet Store on 8^th Ave, South in Nashville. We had been buying a glossy paper at one of those office supply stores and paying through the nose. I found a better paper at 20% the cost of what I had been paying. Dennis Paper Company is a major paper supplier in the Middle Tennessee area but most of us can’t buy enough for delivery. That’s where the Outlet Store comes into play. Take samples of the paper products that you are using. They will match them for you. The folks that work there really know their stuff and are willing to help. Now that’s a concept, employees that actually help you when you go to their store.
Here’s the address and phone number: 625 8^th Ave. South, 37203  254-3721.
Here’s a tip: Go around lunch time and eat at Arnold’s next door, get your paper, then pick up a supply at Frugal MacDoogals. You can buy lunch with the money you will save.

Dan Zellars- TheDailyClassifieds.Com

NASHVILLE, TN – Education, networking and career growth are all at the top of the agenda for the Tennessee Association of Mortgage Brokers’ (TNAMB) 2008 conference, scheduled for May 7-9 at the Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin, Tenn.

“Your Pathway to Excellence” is the title of this year’s event, which will provide participants with three different paths, each designed to enhance professional development.

“In light of everything that’s happening within our profession right now, we couldn’t be more excited about this event,” said Brian Short, CMC, CRMS, president of TNAMB. “For mortgage brokers, and anyone involved in the home lending industry, nothing is more important than staying on top of trends and developments. This year’s conference is a wonderful opportunity that I hope everyone in our profession will mark on their calendars.”

The first of the conference’s three pathways is a two-day Trade Show featuring mortgage-related vendors from throughout the United States. This one-of-a-kind opportunity offers a chance to speak face-to-face with those on the cutting edge of the industry and to learn more about the latest products and services available. The Trade Show is scheduled for May 8-9.

The conference’s second path is designed to provide education in a subject critical to each and every mortgage professional. Instructor Chip Cummings will lead a class on the ABCs of FHA on Friday, May 9. Cummings, an international speaker and recognized expert in the field of “Technology Marketing,” will provide the basics on FHA loan origination along with other important new development associated with this important aspect of the residential mortgage industry. The course provides 8 NAMB CEUs.

The conference’s third pathway is the TNAMB Golf Tournament, scheduled for Wednesday, May 7 at the Windtree Golf Club in Mt. Juliet. Sponsors and attendees will enjoy an afternoon of networking while playing golf on one of Middle Tennessee’s best and most scenic courses.

This year’s TNAMB conference will also include a membership meeting at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, at the Marriott.

Sign up for the conference online by going to TNAMB’s Web site at www.tnamb.org. Hotel reservations can be made at the Franklin Marriott by calling (88 403-6772. Mention TNAMB to receive the group rate discount.

Sponsor and exhibitor spaces are still available for this year’s conference. For more information, contact TNAMB at (615) 301-3050.

For more information, or to interview a mortgage broker in your area, contact Lance McKerley at (615) 595-1444 or lance@mckerleycommunications.com.

Welcome to Spring Hill, Tennessee!

 Spring Hill is located 30 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee. It is situated in Maury and Williamson counties and convenient to I-65 via Saturn Parkway. “Spring Hill boasts of rich historical sites, lush farmland, businesses, industry and booming residential growth”.

Spring Hill’s estimated population on the Maury county side is 4,767 and on the Williamson county side 18,695 for a total population of 23,462.

Growth in Spring Hill

·     In 1985 General Motors introduced Saturn. Developers and speculators arrived and the town began to experience a building explosion as it moved away from agricultural roots and toward business and industry.

·     In 1987 a New City hall was dedicated.

·     In 1989 Saturn Parkway was completed.

·     From 1995-2002, the “Food Lion Shopping center was the first such center and offered the Food Lion supermarket, Family Dollar Store, tobacco store, liquor store, video store, dry cleaning shop, McDonald’s, UAW local 1853 Union Hall, and UAW Credit Union.

Growth has continued in Spring Hill and is constantly on the move with the new developments.

·     In the Spring Hill Business Park there is Cheek’s Optical and Curves.

·     The Village shopping center, & the Market Place condos offer restaurants, pastry shops, a Pizza Hut, Blockbuster and more!

·     The Crossings at Spring Hill feature a Super Target, a movie theater, restaurants, a clothing store and other stores.

·     A Cracker Barrel will be adjacent to the Crossings at Spring Hill.

Spring Hill Homes

·     Spring Hill homes on the Maury county side, range in value from a little over $100,000 to about $700,000.

·     Spring Hill homes on the Williamson county side, range in value from about $150,000 to over a million.

·     Search Spring Hill, TN Homes for Sale

Spring Hill New Homes Construction with Wimbledon Properties, LLC

Wimbledon Properties, LLC (a Berkshire Hathaway Company), has teamed up with the Crye-Leike’s Spring Hill office to market their “System-Built” custom homes in the subdivisions of Willa Park and Spring Haven in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

·     Homes in the Willa Park subdivision range from $194,900 to $289,900. View homes for sale in Willa Park.

·     Homes in the Spring Haven subdivision start at $189,900 and go up to $342,900. View homes for sale in Spring Haven.

·     Wimbledon Properties also has Columbia, TN homes for sale in Windstone Village. Home prices range from $129,900 to $169,900. View homes for sale in Windstone Village.

Call for more information, Crye-Leike Spring Hill, 931 487-0070.

Schools in Spring Hill

Schools on the Maury county side are:

·     Spring Hill Elementary

·     Spring Hill High School

·     Marvin Wright Elementary

Schools on the Williamson county side are:

·     Heritage Elementary

·     Heritage Middle School

·     Longview Elementary School

·     Chapman’s Retreat Elementary School

·     Independence High School

Worship Services

Spring Hill is home to churches of many denominations, some of them are; Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, New Town Church of Christ, First Baptist Church of Spring Hill, People’s Church, First United Pentecostal Church, Gateway Church Spring Hill,Peace Lutheran Church Spring Hill, His House Assembly Church of God, and many more.

Parks & Recreation in Spring Hill

·     Harvey Park (4001 Miles Johnson Parkway) features 2 picnic shelters with cooking grills, a half mile walking trail, playground, and restroom facilities.

·     Evans Park (575 Maury Hill Street) features 2 picnic shelters with cooking grills, a Pete Boyd recreation complex, ball fields, a playground, and restroom facilities.

·     Winchester Community Facility - Available to Spring Hill Residents only for a rental fee. Offers kitchen, holds up to 255 people, 60 chairs and 13 tables are available (you set up); Located at 563 Maury Hill Street (downstairs)

Sources: Some information and statistics from the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce.

Article Courtesy of:
Pat Ford Davis, Crye-Leike Spring Hill Office
Broker, Vice-President, CPPS, CSP, CRS, GRI
http://patforddavis.crye-leike.com

Tom Miller of Coldwell Banker Commercial Professionals announces the opening of new Executive Office Suites of Corporate Woods, on New Hwy. 96 just west of downtown Franklin TN. Amenities included in the rent are a full time receptionist, janitorial service, all utilities, phone, fax, high speed Internet, fully equipped kitchen and use of 2 Executive Conference Rooms.  Prices will vary according to size of office space needed.
These executive offices are in a growing location and offer an alternative for Executives looking for office space in the West Franklin TN who are opting out of the congestion of the Cool Springs area. Click here to see pictures and complete details.

 “Just listen to your Customers” says Ashley Zellars of TheDailyClassifieds.Com (TDC), “and they will tell you what their needs are. Our customers have been asking for a faster way to search “Just Listed” Real Estate listings for their local regions. Nashville & Mobile are the first markets to receive the new search feature. Categories include Homes For Sale and Condos for Sale.  See more details on Just Listed search.

Doug Johnson, a nine-year veteran in the debt relief industry, is one of the few sources of truthful, factual, unbiased information concerning ALL potential debt relief options. He’s able to clear up the misinformation and controversy surrounding the debt relief and credit-restoration industries. He will also suggest options best suited for your specific situation and goals. Best of all, he does not charge any fees for his services! Read the Rest of this Article.