Archives for October 2011

Learning To Be Your Own Customer : 5 Tips For Putting You First

Take a look in the mirror. . .  Guess what? You’re looking at your #1 customer. When was the last time you thought of yourself or treated yourself as one of your own clients?

I don’t know about you, but I had this question pop into my head recently. . . funny how some of the greatest conversations and lessons happen at events. My most recent lesson came from a conversation I had after the presentation by Julia Rosien of Social North“The Digitally Savvy Retailer – Using Emerging Technologies to Engage Shoppers (and sell more stuff!)”.

I was speaking to Denise Osborne of Accessory Design Services and we were chatting about how, as a designer, it was difficult to be your own client. I believe that it’s the same regardless of what industry you’re in.

When the day is done, the last thing you want to think about is more work . . . you need rest so you can stay focused for your own clients. This mindset leaves little room for keeping your environment, online or off, where you need it to support you and offer what you need to succeed.

Here are 5 Tips For Putting You First

  • Set quarterly goals both personally and professionally. You can’t accomplish much if you don’t know where you are going. 
  • Schedule weekly “meetings” with yourself to focus on tasks that will help you reach your quarterly goals.
  • Reward yourself. You heard me. Whether it’s a nice dinner out, a new suit or a weekend off. When you accomplish milestones – DO IT! Small rewards will keep you motivated and on task.
  • Spend time alone. For many that is a challenge due to the fast paced demands we all face on a daily basis. Regardless of your circumstances, find time to do something that you love, even if it’s only 15 minutes at a time.
  • Read more. In today’s tech heavy life it’s important to develop a habit of making time to read. Books, Blogs, news and articles – be sure to keep up to date on the latest information related to your industry both locally and nationally.

What are some ways you have successfully made you your best client?

 

TECHiquette : Cell Phones and Public Speakers

Yesterday while I was attending the WithIt Educational Breakfast at High Point Market featuring keynote speaker Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan of Apartment Therapy 3 cell phones went off. Yup. 3.

I have to say that the first “oops I left my cell phone on” moment brought the room to a chorus of roarous laughter – due in large part to the timing, Maxwell’s great sense of humor and the ring tone that blasted the Day-O tune.

The second ring was quickly silenced by a blushing attendee. In the tables around me, I saw that everyone was quietly checking their phones to make sure their ringer was off. . . a reminder that, for those of you who know me from the Linking Greensboro Luncheons, I try to offer before the event starts out of respect for the speaker & those attending the event.

The third ring was the worst. It was a cell phone grenade. Not only did the person continue to let it ring as they made it toward the exit from across the ballroom – they answered it “Hello, Hold on a second I’m attending a conference . . .”  to stunned looks from everyone they passed on their way to the door. Maxwell paused until the person left the room and continued with his brilliant presentation without skipping a beat.

My TECHiquette tip for the next time you are attending an event or anywhere in public that your cell phone will be a distraction to those around you . . . put your cell phone on vibrate.

And if the call that you receive is important . . . PLEASE for the love of all things etiquette, let it go to voice mail until you leave the room and are in a situation to give the caller your full attention and NOT be a disruption to those around you.

As a speaker, how do you handle the situation when a cell phone grenade goes off?

How do you handle the situation when your cell phone accidentally goes off at an in opportune moment?

Do you have a ritual of checking your phone before you take you seat at an event or enter a quiet space?

[UPDATE] Be sure to check the your alarms on your phone too! I was attending Julia Rosien‘s presentation and had an alarm go off to my deep embarrassment. Just because your ringer is off does not mean that your phone will be silent!

 

10 Things I Learned About Blogging from Apartment Therapy at the WithIt Educational Breakfast at High Point Market

Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, Co-Founder / CEO of Apartment Therapy Presenting to Withit at High Point Market

Thanks to long time twitter friend Julia Rosien, who just happens to be the Withit 2012 President, I attended the WithIt Educational Breakfast at High Point Market this morning featuring keynote speaker Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan of Apartment Therapy.

For those of you who may not know . . . Apartment Therapy is one of, if not THE, top design blog. They receive 7 million unique visitors per month (PER MONTH!), their reader base is 59% women, and they currently have 18 full time and 170 freelance design bloggers that contribute to their success!

Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan’s presentation “10 Things You Need to Know about Apartment Therapy” shared Maxwell’s personal philosophy and and the mission that has changed the way millions approach creating a home. Regardless of whether you’re a renter or own your own home Maxwell says that “your home is a path not a place.” He went on to share the “Design’s purpose is beyond “stuff” it’s how you, your family and friends feel in your home.”

10 Things I Learned About Blogging from Apartment Therapy at the WithIt Educational Breakfast at High Point Market

  1. Have a mission.
  2. Know your purpose.
  3. Be a resource.
  4. Collaborate with guest bloggers.
  5. Share your passions online and off.
  6. Know your blog’s “prime time” – the better you know your readers the more your can offer them information they crave when they are hungry for it.
  7. Visit your readers blogs and participate in their success. Comment, share and celebrate!
  8. Paths are often blurry. Your success comes from knowledge of yourself and knowing where you excel.
  9. Don’t be afraid to put people in the rooms when taking photography of your projects.
  10. Environment affects learning – make sure your blog is the right environment for your readers.

What did you learn from Maxwell’s Presentation?

How will it change the way you connect with and build your community?

Follow Apartment Therapy on Twitter and show them how much you like them on Facebook!

Be sure to enter Apartment Therapy’s Room for Color Contest!

High Point Market Makes Planning Easier With Event Calendars

This year, planning which events to attend during High Point Market just got easier with their Social Events and Educational Events calendar!

Deciding which social and educational functions to attend during Furniture Market is always challenge. These calendars are an amazing tool to keep you in the know and on time!

Here are just a few Highlights from each day thanks to High Point Market  website. Please visit the Social Event / Educational Events Calendar for the full daily listing of events)

Friday ::

 

High Point Market Kick-Off Party

When: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Where: Center Stage, Between the Transportation Terminal & Showplace

Summary: The official kick-off to High Point Market Week presented by IHFC, Market Square & Suites, Showplace, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza, National Furniture Mart, Hamilton Market, 200.320.330 North Hamilton. Sponsored by: Shelba D. Johnson Trucking, Ashley Furniture, Furniture Today and Home Accents Today.

Saturday ::

 

Breakfast in Bed with Leslie: Waking Up to the Power of Social Media

When: 10 AM – 11 AM

Where: Market Square, Antique & Design Center – Mezzanine Level Seminar Space

Summary: Featuring Leslie Carothers, The Kaleidoscope Partnership. Sponsored by Pandora de Balthazar. There’s one topic currently befuzzling the minds of designers, retailers and manufacturers everywhere: How do you measure the return on investment (ROI) of social media? Does it really work to get new sales? Secure new clients? Attract media attention? If you’re wondering whether your investment is truly paying off, join social media expert Leslie Carothers for a rousing wake-up call on social media metrics. Chock full of insight, specific tips on how to measure a program’s effectiveness, and real-world examples on how to connect the dots between sales, client acquisition and the kind of media exposure that leads to further financial opportunities, this presentation will kick off your Market and get your social media strategy on track faster than a double-shot espresso. Complimentary breakfast served.

 

Industry Mixer

When: 4 PM – 7 PM

Where: IHFC, The Phillips Collection IHFC – C 202, sponsored by ASFD, ART, SFC, YHFP, WithIt

 

Meet Rachel Ashwell – Shabby Chic® Founder

When: 4 PM – 6 PM

Where: Miles Talbott, 1690 English Road

Summary: Come early and receive a signed copy of Rachel’s newest book, Shabby Chic Inspirations and Beautiful Spaces. Cocktails and hor d’oeuvres.

 

IMC Opening Night: featuring the B52s

When: 7 PM – 9:30 PM

Where: Center Stage, Between the Transportation Terminal & Showplace

Summary: Please join International Market Centers (IMC) as we make our debut at the High Point Market with a concert and celebration co-sponsored by the High Point Market Authority. IMC will present The B-52s, the World’s Greatest Party Band.

 

Sunday ::

WithIt Educational Breakfast

When: 7:30 AM – 9 AM

Where: IHFC, IHFC Green Wing, 11th Floor, Ballroom A

Summary: “The 10 Things You Need to Know About Apartment Therapy”, presented by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan. Maxwell is an interior designer, author and the founder of Apartment Therapy Media, a network of blogs devoted to helping people make their homes beautiful, organized, and healthy. Today, Apartment Therapy is the web’s leading source for all things design and the most-trafficked blog in the design space. Maxwell’s talk is a compelling history of his personal story, the humble beginnings of the brand, and a general roadmap for understanding design and the role it plays in our lives. Sponsored by IHFC and WithIt. Breakfast and Seminar are free of charge. Reservations are required by email (please see event page for email details) or www.withit.org.

 

Dwell Studio’s Christiane Lemieux – Growing a Business in Today’s Digital Age

When: Noon – 1:30 PM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom B

Summary: Dwell Studio founder Christiane Lemieux will delve into how today’s small businesses can get ahead and compete with the big brands by being creative with the resources they have and the free technology available to everyone. The key to growing a successful business in today’s economic, digital and sonsumer-driven age with topics ranging from sourcing to marketing to media and design trends. Sponsored by IHFC and IFDA, Carolinas Chapter. $20 includes lunch. Advance registration recommended. Reservation is secured upon receipt of payment. Mail check to IHFC, Attn: Holly Allred, PO Box 828, High Point, NC 27261. You can request a credit card authorization form via email. (Please see event page for email details)

 

David Easton Book Signing

When: 3 PM – 4 PM

Where: Market Square, Safavieh, Suite 120

Summary: Renowned architect and interior designer David Easton and rug maker Safavieh will introduce Easton’s new Indian Sojourn collection of ikat carpets for Safavieh Couture with a celebration and book signing on Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. The designer will sign copies of his latest book, “Timeless Elegance” at Safavieh’s Market Square showroom, Suite 120. Wine and Indian-inspired refreshments will be served, and Easton will present the collection with insights into his extensive studies of weaving crafts in Silk Road Cultures.

 

American Furniture Hall of Fame Induction Banquet

When: 6 PM – 10 PM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor International Ballroom

Summary: Each Fall Market, we induct industry leaders into the American Furniture Hall of Fame, the furniture industry’s highest honor. Cocktail reception begins at 6pm, dinner at 6:45pm. Tickets are $125 a piece. To purchase tickets, please call 336.882.5900 or purchase online at www.furniturehalloffame.com

Monday ::

Reception with Kathy Ireland

When: 11 AM – Noon

Where: IHFC, Pacific Coast Lighting – M430

 

“Modern Design in the 21st Century” by Dwell Editor Amanda Dameron

When: 6:30 PM – 8 PM

Where: 220 Elm, Leif Petersen Showroom 328

Summary: Appetizers and cocktails followed by the Dwell presentation.

 

ASFD Pinnacle Awards Banquet

When: 6 PM – 9:30 PM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom

Summary: Winners in 16 home furnishings categories will be presented by Furniture/Today and Guest Retailers at the 16th Annual ASFD furniture design awards dinner. For more information: info@asfd.com or www.asfd.com

 

UPCYCLE Textile Runway Show

When: 7 PM – 9 PM

Where: Market Square, Courtyard

Summary: In conjunction with Dstripped Magazine, ITMA – producers of SHOWTIME, and Market Square & Suites, we’re putting on a fashion show like no other! Designers from the apparel, footwear, jewelry, furniture and set design industries are collaborating to showcase their talents. Come see these designers’ creative solutions light up the runway with recycled fabric swatches. Join us for live entertainment, food, beer and wine.

Tuesday ::

Julia Rosien of Social North – “The Digitally Savvy Retailer – Using Emerging Technologies to Engage Shoppers (and sell more stuff!)”

When: 9 AM – 10 AM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom B

Summary: In 2011, consumers can know as much about your products as your sales staff before they step foot inside your store. Your business survival depends on creative and inexpensive initiatives for you to leapfrog past the competition and grab the spotlight. Do you know how to break through the clutter and capture your customers’ attention? Fortunately, a virtually limitless supply of new technologies, tools and networks are available. Social Media Strategist, Julia Rosien, will help “demystify” some of the more exciting new technologies like location-based marketing and social media marketing. It’s not rocket science but it is the smartest way to get and keep your competitive edge. “If you’re not doing business online, you’re just not doing business…” ~ Julia Rosien. Complimentary Continental Breakfast Provided. No reservation needed.

 

Currey Honors ASID

When: 4 PM – 6 PM

Where: IHFC, Currey & Company, M-110 Streeet Leve

Summary: Currey takes time on Tuesday to honor and support the American Society of Interior Designers. National ASID Board members will be on hand from 4 to 6 PM to answer your questions about ASID and to provide extensive information on this very important organization. Italian food & wine will be served –music will be a provided by Four For One Jazz Quartet and Martha Bassett & Friends.

 

Wednesday ::

“Market Trend Wrap-Up” Presented by Jenny Heinzen York – Home Accents Today

When: 9 AM – 10 AM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom B

Summary: The editorial team from Home Accents Today spends each High Point Market seeking out all the latest product styles and trends. Editor in Chief Jenny Heinzen York leads this exclusive review of the hottest trends from the October 2011 show. Complementary pastries and coffee provided. No reservation needed.

 

Designer Luncheon

When: Noon – 2 PM

Where: French Heritage, Inc., 1638 English Road

Summary: Spend some time with Henessey and Jacques Wayser as they introduce over 60 new items for market and enjoy a Classic French Lunch in our Bistro. 336-882-3565

 

Courtyard Cookout

When: 7 PM – 9 PM

Where: Market Square, Market Square Courtyard

Summary: Pull up a chair and kick back under the stars and join us for our traditional Market cookout. Connect with colleagues enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment on the last night of Market!

Thursday ::

 

Complimentary Buyers Breakfast featuring Starbucks Coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts

When: 8 AM – 10:30 AM

Where: 330 S. Wrenn St.-The Platinum Building, Platinum Decor

 

 

Complimentary Buyers Lunch

When: Noon – 2 PMWhere: 220 Elm, Leif Petersen -328; Jesper Office – 324; Linon – 202; Outer Limits/TemaHome – 311 

What #HPMkt events are you most looking forward to?

How will you use social media during High Point Market?Want to write a guest post on Furniture Market for Linking Triad? Leave a comment and we will work with you to share your High Point Furniture Market Experience!

 

Yes Weekly and Social Media : Covering Greensboro City Council

Yes Weekly logoYesterday I had the pleasure of interviewing Jordan Green (aka @jordangreenyes) News Editor of Yes Weekly. Many of you may already know that Jordan covers (brilliantly I might add) the Greensboro City Council Meetings via live tweets as a member of the  @yesweekly twitter team.

Why is he live tweeting you might ask? Well in his own words . . . “social media allows me to perform a unique service.” And it’s true.

With traditional print coverage it would take days to get the story out due to print cycle of a weekly paper – but with social media, Yes Weekly is live streaming the discussions of Greensboro City Council as they happen and (hopefully) in the process inspiring a new generation to become more involved in local government as well as spark discussions with older generations who are pressed for time and who are looking to feel informed and engaged via social media.

It takes time to acquire the expertise to become and active citizen“, Green says and adds that “any political coverage starts with the current elected officials – social media helps me share information with our readers immediately.

On behalf of a grateful community – Thank You Jordan Green and Yes Weekly for your commitment to keeping us informed via social media!

Pick up the print edition of Yes Weekly in and around the Triad and stay up to date on local news and events. Connect with them across the web ::

Yes Weekly on YoutubeYes Weekly on FacebookYes Weekly on Twitter

Greensboro City Council meeting can currently be attended/viewed via Channel 13, you can follow the meetings via Twitter (follow @yesweekly) as well at watch it live streaming on your computer (warning for Mac users :: you must have Silverlight installed in order to watch streaming meetings on your Mac.) Be sure to stay up to date on the next Greensboro City Council Meeting  and review past meetings.

You can learn more about Greensboro City Government and Council Members, and if you’re on twitter you can follow @greensborocity for sporadic postings of Greensboro events.

How do you learn about local government news?

How has social media changed the way you engage with your local community?

Undercurrent hosts Treanna Wine Dinner with Advanced Sommelier Julia Schiavone Hunt

Join Undercurrent Restaurant on Friday, October 14th for a VERY special wine event!

Chef Michael Harkenreader has prepared an exquisite five course menu, expertly paired with Treanna Wines chosen by Advanced Sommelier Julia Schiavone Hunt, who will be the hostess for the evening.

The price of this wine dinner is $60 per person and will begin at 6:30pm.

 

The menu and wines they will be presenting this evening:

 Liberty School Chardonnay

Green Apple-Goat Cheese Tarte Tatin, Almonds, Parsley-ThymePuree

Treana Viognier/Marsanne

Seared Sea Scallop, Sweet Onion Ravioli, Parsnip-Celery Root Cream, Citrus Gastrique

Troublemaker

Maple Smoked Quail, Bacon-Pecan Stuffing, Sweet Potato Puree, Cherry-Peppercorn Glaze

Treana Red

Roasted Lamb Chop, Roasted Root Vegetables, Duck Liver Bordelaise, Swiss Chard

Coffee and Dessert

Hazelnut Profiterole with Cinnamon-Chocolate Mousse, Caramel Ice Cream

Call Undercurrent today at 336.370.1266 for reservations.

 

About the Hope Family, Founders of Treana Winery

“The Hope family planted wine-grapes in Paso Robles in 1978. They were among a handful of pioneering families who helped to shape and gain recognition for this distinctive winegrowing region.

The Hopes established Treana Winery in 1996. Today, third-generation farmer Austin Hope is at the helm as director of winemaking and viticulture for the flagship brand. He remains uncompromising in his pursuit of wines of exceptional quality that specifically reflect their growing regions.”

You may remember the WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE feature from July 2010 that touted “Hope Family Wines launches a DJ iPhone app that matches wine, music”

Download the full article here! (PDF)

 

Capitol Opera Raleigh Presents: The Magic of Mozart

Join Capitol Opera Raleigh for their official RE-LAUNCH event!

From their site the news comes that the “Capitol Opera Raleigh has been newly resurrected in its original form by its Founder, Kathleen Torchia. ”

The Capitol Opera Companies of Sacramento, Raleigh, Harrisburg, & Albany are described as community opera companies that believe in fostering local developing artists & bringing affordable opera to the community.

When ::

Saturday, October 15th from  7:30pm – 10:30pm

Where ::

Kenan Hall
15 East Peace Street
Raleigh, NC

 

Act I: Mozart’s one-act Opera, Bastien und Bastienne

Act II: A program of beloved Mozart Arias, Duets and Trios from Don Giovanni, Cosi fan tutte, Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serrail, Le Nozze di Figaro and Die Zauberflote.

Featuring performances by:

Stacy Dove, Soprano

Mitchener Beasley, tenor

Fran Coleman, soprano

Stacy Dove, soprano

Thomas Emerson Link, bass

Karine Eva Marshall, soprano

Karen E. H. Messina, soprano

Dr. Kent Lyman, piano

Wayne Wyman, Artistic Director

Sarah Stanton Goodwin, Stage Director

Accompanied by Kent Lyman of Meredith College

Produced by Capitol Opera Raleigh Founder, Kathleen Torchia.

Admission is free. Donations accepted at the door.

Become a Capitol Opera Sponsor

Love Your Mother Earth, Save Your Wallet

The Environmental Stewardship Commission of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro presents “Love Your Mother Earth, Save Your Wallet” now through October 30th.

All classes will be held in the Roe Library, 607 North Greene Street in Greensboro, NC from 10:15 am to 11:00 am featuring local business experts and resources from around the Triad.

  • Oct. 2–Andy Courts, energy efficiency expert and creator of  North Carolina Energy Partners.  This week, Andy is going to talk about hows and how-tos, and bring examples.  He will tell us how to find leaks, where and how to seal them, and what other things we can do to cut those energy bills and make our home more efficient.  It may be easier than you think and can add value to   your home as well.

 

  • Oct 9th–Eric Henry, President of TS Designs in Burlington will talk about the hidden costs of buying cheap.  As a producer of sustainable t-shirts, his company provides jobs for numerous local employees and purchases cotton from NC farmers, whenever possible.  What good is it to buy something that is made more cheaply overseas only to put ourselves and our neighbors out of business?  Can we re-localize our production and re-vitalize our community?  Come find out.

 

  • Oct 16th–Local Food and Composting–Kevin Dowling, of the Agricultural Extension Agency will answer your questions on what to compost and how to compost, saving on waste disposal AND producing rich soil for your garden at the same time!  He will also discuss the benefits of buying locally grown   food, from produce to beef.  It’s better, it’s better for you, and it provides local farmers with income.

 

  • Oct. 23–Sarah Denman will discuss how she and her husband Jeremy decided to really do something about lowering their carbon footprint.  Hear what  they did, how they live more simply and see if some of their changes might be ones you are ready for.

 

No RSVP required and all are welcome!

Community Theatre

Community can mean lots of different things to lots of different people, especially depending on when – and whom – you ask. This is a subject about which I’ve written before. Many of us create and/or join different “communities” to fill different needs in our lives, and as a result find ourselves gravitating in and out of a wide variety of circles. There are likely individuals who share multiple of our communities with us, but not necessarily.

Thinking along these lines lends a whole new meaning to community theatre. As an active member of this particular recreational company – I love the fact that individuals from multiple walks of life share a common love and passion and together create something to be enjoyed by members of a larger social group.

So whether you’re an actor, who loves the prospect of creating an entirely different and believable person on stage, or a director, who lives to bring all those moving parts and pieces together, or an audience member, who appreciates the temporary world that’s being shared with you, community theatre is a cog in the wheel of your social community. Participation by all members is what allows it to function.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a production that requires an intense commitment on the part of the entire community. And as one of the actors in this upcoming production by the Community Theatre of Greensboro (CTG), I can assure you, your participation as an audience member is not only greatly appreciated, but important to those of us on stage as we rely on your immediate feedback throughout the show to remind us of our own (albeit temporary) reality in these roles.

Please join our community, at least for one night, at the Broach Theatre in downtown Greensboro. Opening night coincides with First Friday, on October 7, so come early to enjoy a downtown dinner before the curtain rises at 8. The show will have a run of seven performances, total, which gives you plenty of opportunities to come more than once! Show dates and times are October 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 at 8:00pm, and October 9 and 16 at 2:00pm.

I look forward to sharing a community experience together with you at the Broach. Look for me on stage: I’ll be Candy Starr: the one wearing the cowboy boots.

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