In it to Win it! – Tracy Myers Signed To Write Book With Sales Training Legend Tom Hopkins

March 13, 2012 by 1 Comment

Tracy Myers and Sales Training Legend Tom Hopkins photo by Tracy Myers

Great news in the Triad as local leader, well known author and  owner of Frank Myers Auto Maxx, Tracy Myers, announces a collaborative book with international sales training legend Tom Hopkins.

From Tracy’s site :

“The book, titled “In It To Win It”, will be a collaborative effort of Tracy Myers, Tom Hopkins and other Entrepreneurs and Professionals all around the world revealing their top secrets on an array of subjects ranging from health, wealth, marketing and business success. The book is due to be released in 2012.”

Read the full story  >>

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What are YOUR top secrets to be “In It to Win It”?

Learn more about Tracy and order your own copy of his other best selling books!

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Filed Under: BOOKS, BUSINESS, RESOURCES, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Top 5 Piedmont Triad Resources for Small Business Owners

January 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

When it comes to owning your own business, finding resources that actually help you succeed without requiring a huge investment of time or money are rare.

This list is meant to inspire business owners to think outside of the box when it comes to what may not be traditional resources to most.

Help to a small business owner comes in many forms.

1) Ed Mckay’s Book Store – Learning about your industry and where you can grow your business is crucial to making the changes you need to survive. Ed McKay’s is one of my favorite places to invest in books for my business library. I can stay in my budget and come out with an amazing selection of books that keep me up to date, inspired and focused on success.

2) Habitat Restore – Whether you are building your home office or furnishing one off site, Piedmont Triad area Habitat Restore Store outlets are a great place to shop for chairs, desks and any thing else you may need to make your space work ready. Not only do you save money – you also support a great cause!

3) Public Library – The public library is an amazing community resource. You can take computer classes, access their premium business databases, receive planning consultations as well as receive direction in career development. It is as simple as contacting your local business librarian.

4) Board of Advisers – Having a trusted Board of Advisers that you can turn to as you make decisions for your small business will help you grow and learn faster that going it alone. It’s recommended to include people that are outside your area of expertise so that you can learn from their unique perspective and see the bigger picture of where your business can grow. Inc.com has an amazing article on How to Assemble a Board of Advisers.

5) Attend Local Social Events – Professional Networking and Educational Groups that offer FREE memberships such as Linking Greensboro and Linking Winston Salem are great examples. They offer social events that share the best and brightest from in and around the Triad on a regular basis. Not only to you get to network with other area professionals and small business owners – for the price of lunch, you get to learn from Triad’s brightest leaders who speak on a wide range of topics. They also offer networking online via Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin Groups – so even if you can’t make their events, you can still connect and benefit both personally and professionally!

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As a small business owner, what have been your top 5 resources to grow your company?

What resources have you discovered that are free or have little to no cost to you and your company?

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Filed Under: BUSINESS, DIY, FACEBOOK, HOW TO'S, LINKEDIN, RESOURCES, RESOURCES, TWITTER, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Climbing Out of Chaos : 15 Ways to Claim Success

December 7, 2011 by 3 Comments

Let’s face it – life can get pretty chaotic.

Every day there is a new call, text, task, meeting, play date, family emergency or event to add to the chaos of modern living. We schedule, plan and make long ‘todo’ lists – but we can only fit so much into 24 hours.

Here are 15 ways to calm the chaos and claim your success!

  1. Access Your Responsibilities. Make 3 separate columns on a sheet of paper   (family, work, community) and be honest with where you are spending your time. Look at what you can start saying no to, delegate or eliminate completely from this list.
  2. Schedule Private Time. If you want to claim your success, you need quiet time to rest your mind and reflect on what you have, need to and hope to accomplish. Treat this alone time with as much respect as you give a client meeting.
  3. List Your Goals. Write your top 5 immediate goals on a piece of paper and keep it with you. Goals are beacons in the chaos. Personal Goal Setting serves to remind us of what is truly important and helps guide our decisions in our day to day life.  At lunch, in between meetings, while waiting in line at the grocery store – as often as you can – LOOK AT THIS LIST. When you complete a goal, replace it with another one from your master goal list.
  4. Chuck Your Stuff. Schedule time each month to get rid of clutter. . . at your office, home and your car. Have 4 boxes handy (donate, give, put away, throw away) to make this process more organized. A favorite book is Lose 200 Lbs This Weekend: It’s Time to Declutter Your Life by Don Aslett and Carol Cartaino.
  5.  Learn to Say NO. For many of us – saying no is difficult. This article by Zen Habits is a great place to start learning how. 7 Simple Ways to Say “NO”
  6. Create a Board of Advisers. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a young adult, having a trusted and varied group of people who you can turn to for advice and guidance is priceless. This post from Inc. Magazine is perfect to get you started : How to Assemble a Board of Advisers
  7. Study the Masters. Regardless of your profession or trade there is, inevitably, someone (or many) whom you admire.  Learning from Leaders by reading their blogs, following them on twitter, reading their books and when the opportunity arises – engage with them. Focus on a more respectful studying of what has made this person a success . . . that includes their failures.
  8. Create a Vision Board. What The Heck’s A Vision Board—and How Can It Change Your Life? Cut out images from magazines or use your own images, sketches and pictures to create a living life plan of what you want. You can easily create or purchase a cork board to hang in a private room to create your masterpiece. When you achieve a goal on your board – take a photo, then replace that accomplishment with the next goal.
  9. Read More. There is a wealth on knowledge on the internet that comes at you at break neck speed. Taking time to read and learn things that will help you reach your goals will give you much needed rest while you still fill your head with valuable knowledge. Success Books is a great blog that has reviews of Success Books, Blogs, Podcasts, Websites and other tools that will help you claim your success.
  10. Sleep. All too often we make poor judgement calls when we have not had enough rest. From bad driving, short temper, dozing off in a meeting – none of these will help you reach your goals. Learn more about how much sleep you need from the National Sleep Foundation. 
  11. Learn How to Manage Your Time. At the end of your day write the top 6 priorities for the next day. Number them from 1 to 6 in order of importance – tackle each task until close of business. What ever you did not finish gets bumped to the top of your list for the next day. This advice comes from Ivy Lee, known as the “founder of public relations” and the man who gave this same advice to Charles Schwab back in the 1920’s.
  12. Turn Your Phone Off. When you are faced with a task or meeting that needs your undivided attention – turn your phone off. . . or for those of you who are parents – at least put it on vibrate. Giving the task and the people in front of you your undivided attention will go a long way in helping you reach your goals. Remember to Turn Off That Cell Phone! Business Etiquette Still Counts.
  13. Follow Up. Whether by phone, email or handwritten note – make time each week to touch those that have made your week great. Keep a list of those that you want to stay in contact with and schedule alerts that remind you to reach out. Here is an oldie but goodie post on The 10 Best Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools.
  14. Organize. When you are organized both in the physical and virtual worlds your everyday tasks take less time. Think of how much time you waste searching for files, tools, clothes or that thingy that you need to finish that home project. Woman’s Day has a fantastic list of 100 Ways to Get Organized.
  15. Ask for Feedback. It’s a good rule of thumb to always ask for feed back.  Whether it’s for your new recipe, your recent blog post or that project you just completed. Not everyone will respond and you may not always like what you hear – but those willing to offer constructive ways that you can improve what you are doing . . . they will be the hands that guide you and helps you climb out of chaos. Learn How to Offer Constructive Feedback.

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What tips would you offer to conquer the chaos and claim success?

 

 

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Filed Under: BUSINESS, HOW TO'S, LIFESTYLE, OPINION, RESOURCES, RESOURCES, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

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

October 26, 2011 by 1 Comment

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?

 

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Filed Under: BUSINESS, HIGH POINT FURNITURE MARKET, HOW TO'S, RESOURCES, RESOURCES, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

TECHiquette : Cell Phones and Public Speakers

October 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

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.

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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!

 

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High Point Market Makes Planning Easier With Event Calendars

October 19, 2011 by 1 Comment

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!

 

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