AtlantaEvent.com NewsFlash - Lead, Follow or What?

Intro From Jeff Glaze

Jeff Glaze
Editor



"Buy my eye-opening ebook!" from Jeff Glaze, The editor of AtlantaEvent.com

Greetings From Jeff Glaze:

I'm back! Not in the sense that I had ever left, but I have been spending a lot of time at home lately being nurse to Susan who is recovering well. Thank you for all of the email offering help and wishes, she is getting around better each day.

I have been out networking more lately and if you haven't run into me yet, you will, unless of course you are reading this email in some state besides Georgia. If you are reading this email in another state, I am open to invitations to come and speak to your organization. If I can travel more than 50 miles from Atlanta to speak I can qualify as an expert! At least that is what the professional speakers say. (Don't tell them I told you!)

The Atlanta Business Mixer was a great success in January with about 100 business people attending. We have set that meeting up with a full buffet dinner, so if you get a chance to attend this month, do so. It will get you a free dinner at Copeland's and possibly some new business. Don't forget that we have display tables available for those events. (See Below)

Speaking of display tables.. how many times do you wish you could have a display table at a business expo, but it was either too expensive or inconvenient? We have a solution for that. If you look at the ad below, we have built the first ever Worldwide Virtual Online Business Expo that will launch in March. It will run online for an entire month giving you A LOT of exposure for your business. If you were to buy Google ad words to promote your web site, you could spend as much as $100 to get 100 people just to visit your web site. This online expo will not only drive tons of traffic to your company web site, you can literally sell things at your table or display booth.

AtlantaEvent.com has thousands of unique visitors every month and thousands of repeat visitors. We are one of the worlds most popular event web sites, and not only do people in Atlanta use us, others from all over the world visit to find out what is happening here. Do you want to reach a lot of people? Get in on this expo. See the ad below.

Well I have said enough in this segment, be sure to read the articles, we hand pick them from hundreds we receive and ship them to you fresh so you can benefit from the information as soon as possible.

As always, I love to hear from you so do not hesitate to write and sling your opinions at me!

Have an awesome week and plan something special this weekend, you deserve it!

Jeff Glaze
www.AtlantaEvent.com Editor

Coming Thursday - February 24, 5 PM - 8 PM
AtlantaEvent.com and The Atlanta Business Calendar Present:

The Atlanta Business Mixer

Copeland's
3365 Piedmont Road in Buckhead
$5 at the door
Free Buffet Dinner - Free Validated Parking
Display Tables Available call 678-508-5975

Please Note, for now Five@Five has been merged into this event.

Are you feeling even more trapped?

Are you overworked and understaffed?

Is your to-do list causing “Todolitis”?

By John Delves

I have always disliked slackers. I have no time for people who don’t contribute their fair share. However, if it took me 12 hours a day to do my job, I don't think I'd be going around and bragging."

The opposite of that is a local CEO who runs a chain of restaurants, that his daddy started, and is one of the most organized people I have ever met. Most of us are not organized and that is the problem. Are you concentrating on the important things in your life or are you digging yourself deeper and deeper with each passing hour, day and week. Sometimes a traumatic event will awaken you to the reality of life after which you will refocus your daily efforts not by working harder, but by working smarter. You will realize that you must learn to use your talents and achieve the intentions that are of importance to you.

Managing for results according to time and tasks:

Time: Most people manage their lives, personal and business, by allocating attention to requests as if they are faucets and were designed to pour an unending supply of time: Somebody asks to see us; we deliver an hour of our day. Somebody ask if we are busy; “No” and we deliver another hour or so. Somebody calls or e mails, we deliver 10 minutes for a response. Somebody else needs a report or some data, we deliver, even if it is our evening or weekend. Yet we never question whether our responsiveness actually achieved anything other than making sure that we receive even more requests.

IMPORTANT VERY IMPORTANT: Execs with perfect records for responding but who don't create value get fired. Start asking yourself whether the batch of emails you just finished really added value for the customers or the company and what you might have done instead.

Tasks: Most of us as managers have been taught that to manage our time we must start by organizing our tasks and priorities. At first this seems to be a great improvement over not being organized at all. From the old practice of barely responding to every demand, we decide when and to what we will respond; we begin to take charge of our days. The problem is that most of us have far to many requests for our time at work not to mention our personal lives at home, at school, in the community ( just to mention a few) that our tasks list stretches from here well into the next year.

IMPORTANT – VERY IMPORTANT: If your daily to do list has more than seven items at any one given time, you haven't really made a decision about what's important at this particular time and how best to spend what little time you have.

Either trim the list or accept the fact that you will always feel unsuccessful because you will always be swamped, overworked, tired and out of control.

Intent: The most difficult thing for leaders is to organize according to the intent, both for themselves and for their companies. Why? Because unlike focusing on, budgets, manpower request or strategies, intent seems soft. Because unlike focusing on inventory or cash flow, intent seems hopelessly long term in payoffs and benefits. Because unlike focusing on time or tasks, intent, requires thought and courage on the part of individual managers and employees.

Yet the more experience I gain in companies that seem to stay the course and remain successful longer the more convinced I become that the difference between success and failure is one thing: The intent.

Time after time it is the leaders who encourage/inspire organizations with a mission beyond merely making money – a vision that can capture the imagination and hearts of customers, employees and investor’s alike are consistently more profitable than those who don't. Making sure that your days are organized by intent and understanding how each hour and task serves that intention will create success.

Without that same commitment, you can work 12 hours a day forever and never come close.

How are you managing time, tasks and intentions at work and at home? How are you managing yourself?

The first in a personal development series to be found at this site. www.setrainingdev.com
John Delves can be contacted at 770-439-7561

Sponsorship is the fastest growing form of marketing in the U.S. It is still very much in its infancy, especially in the trade show arena. With this in mind, you can find unlimited opportunities to broaden your competitive advantage by increasing your credibility, image and prestige in sponsoring events attracting your target market.

Some trade show promotional opportunities include sponsorship of the press room, an international lounge, a speaker or VIP room, an awards reception, educational programs, banners, badge holders, audio visual equipment, display computers, tote bags, shuttle buses, napkins and drink cups.

So, why should your company be interested in sponsorship? When done well, it offers significant opportunities for distinct marketing and competitive advantages, as well as showing support of the event.

What is sponsorship?

Sponsorship is the financial or in-kind support of an activity, used primarily to reach specified business goals. According to IEG’s Complete Guide to Sponsorship, "Sponsorship should not be confused with advertising. Advertising is considered a quantitative medium, whereas sponsorship is considered a qualitative medium. It promotes a company in association with the sponsee."

A large number of events these days use sponsorship support to offer more exciting programs and to help defray rising costs. Sponsorship allows you to reach specifically targeted niche markets without any waste. In addition, it is a powerful complement to other marketing programs, in addition to having a dramatic influence on customer relations.

Why sponsor?

Sponsorship offers the possibility of achieving several goals at once. According to Schmader and Jackson in their book, Special Events: Inside and Out, a company can benefit from sponsorship in many ways, such as:

1. Enhancing Image/Shaping Consumer Attitudes

Often companies are looking to improve how they are perceived by their target audience. Sponsoring events that appeal to their market are likely to shape buying attitudes and help generate a positive reaction. Coca Cola, for example is always looking to generate a positive influence of their products in the minds of their consumers and as such regularly support events they feel can influence consumer opinions.

2. Driving Sales

Sponsorship geared to driving sales can be an extremely potent promotional tool. This objective allows sponsors to showcase their product attributes. Food and beverage companies often use sponsorship to encourage samplings and sales.

IEG’s Complete Guide to Sponsorship cites Visa’s fund-raising effort around its sponsorship of the Olympic Games and the U.S. Olympic Team. They promoted their association by offering to make a donation to the team each time consumers charge a purchase to their card. American Express used a similar strategy by donating to needy causes with their "Charge Against Hunger" campaign. As a result, both companies experienced a significant rise in sales volume.

3. Creating positive publicity/heightening visibility

Every sponsor is seeking wide exposure in both electronic and print media. Positive publicity helps create heightened visibility of products/services. Various media covering the event may include sponsors names and/or photos. In addition, the kind of media coverage a sponsor may get is often unaffordable if the company were to think of purchasing it, and if it were available. To maximize this objective, it is important for the sponsoring company to have a comprehensive media campaign to augment the regular media coverage promoted by the organizers. Sponsorship can often generate media coverage that might otherwise not have been available.

4. Differentiating from competitors

The mere act of sponsoring an event, especially an exclusive sponsorship, is a significant way to create competitor differentiation. Your company name has the opportunity to stand out head and shoulders above the competition. This is particularly helpful if your company wants to combat a competitor with a larger ad budget. Sponsorship allows smaller companies to compete with their industry giants.

Target audiences often perceive sponsorship in a positive way. They see you as making a greater effort to support the event, often allowing more or better activities to take place as a result of your sponsorship.

5. Helping with good "Corporate Citizen" role

Another powerful sponsorship objective allows companies to be viewed as a "good neighbor." To be seen supporting the community and contributing to its economic development is extremely powerful and creates enormous goodwill.

6. Enhancing business, consumer and VIP relations

Sponsorship that offers hospitality opportunities is always very attractive to companies.
Perks may include special exclusive networking settings such as VIP receptions or golf tournaments – opportunities to meet key customers and solidify business relationships.
It is important to evaluate each opportunity and look for ways it could tie into your marketing objectives.

Written by Susan A. Friedmann,CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, Lake Placid, NY, author: “Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies,” working with companies to improve their meeting and event success through coaching, consulting and training. Go to http://www.thetradeshowcoach.com to sign up for a free copy of ExhibitSmart Tips of the Week.

Success Leaves Clues

By Patricia Twitchell





Editors Note:

Patricia talks about the basics in this article. Often we get so busy we forget the basics in running our business. I thought that this is an excellent reminder to get back on track.

Bear lovers take note!

- Jeff

Read Chapter 12 In "Guerrilla Marketing in 30 days" about AtlantaEvent.com

How often have you thought of running your own business because you assumed it would be easy? Or if you currently have your own business, you thought, “There’s got to be an easier way to do what I do.”

Fact is, often there is not an “easy way” to achieve business success. It takes time, commitment and most importantly realizing that success leaves clues.

The clues are available if you are willing to look for them. As the owner and operator of a unique retail store in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, I have experienced the ups and downs that come with being an entrepreneur.

Fortunately, there are far more ups than downs, but it was during the low points, I have had to evaluate the choice I made in the early 90’s to open Just Bears and Stuff in a town of little more than 3,000 people.

What I have learned over the last decade is enough to fill not only one book, but several. For the sake of space, I will share with you the high points of what has allowed me to be one of the most successful teddy bear and specialty item gift store owners around.

As I share my strategies with you I do not do so to impress or gloat. I do it to impress upon you the importance of studying success and then determining if the path of business ownership is for you.

Vision - Every journey begins with a vision. Without vision it is virtually impossible to stay on target.

Plan – As the saying goes, you must plan for success or you are planning to fail. Have a plan in place that is your road map. The plan will allow you to stay on course with your vision. Of course, there will be times when the plan must change due to unforeseen circumstances. Which leads to the next point.

Flexibility – Life is not set in stone, nor is business. There will be occasions the best laid plans will not work. In a moments notice you will have to do something else. The key to flexibility is a solid foundation.

Foundation – The more you have a solid infrastructure in your business the more likely you will make it through the times of economic downturns, fickle customers, new competition, personal tragedy and the absolute unforeseen obstacles that can and do occur.

Hard work – It never ceases to amaze me how many people say they want to start their own business because they think it will be easy. Fact is, owning your own business is probably one of the most difficult things you will ever do and yet, one of the most rewarding. If you are not committed to hard work, you are not committed to your success.

Financial backing – Key to your success is to make sure you have enough money to start your business, buy necessary supplies and stock and carry you through the slow times. We would all like to think that all we have to do is open our doors and hang a shingle and the rest takes care of itself. Fact is, you have to build a client base and nurture the client base. That takes money and time. Additionally, as you grow, you must have the capital to grow.

Creativity – Business is about systems and it is about being creative. Be willing to take risks and introduce new products and services as the market demands it. Although my business originally began as a strictly brick and mortar teddy bear gift shop, it has grown beyond that. I now generate a great deal of revenue from Internet buyers. This was made possible by me being willing to create a web presence that is a great match for my market. Additionally, I began a corporate gifts division about a year ago that serves the needs of busy professionals who simply call or email their request for a client or staff gift. Both of these changes have been instrumental in strengthening my bottom line.

Enjoy yourself – Though some of what I have shared might seem bleak, the truth is, owning your own business can be one of the most enjoyable experiences you will ever have. Yet, there will be times you may forget that. Always remember what it felt like with every minor and major milestone you achieved. Also remember what your dream was when you began your business or what your dream is as you venture into ownership. It is in the remembering the commitment is renewed on a daily basis.

Serve – Above and beyond everything else, your job is to serve your customers. They do business with you because you create an experience for them. What is the experience you are known for?

About the Author
Patricia Twitchell is the proprietor of Just Bears and Stuff, a unique gift shop located in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. When you are seeking the perfect gift for someone special, Just Bears and Stuff is the answer. Receive “Beary Special Moments” a free online teddy bear facts and tips e-zine by visiting www.justbearsandstuff.com Call 1.541.863.6037

Lead By Example

By Jeff Glaze

www.besomeone.org
"Helping Children
One Move At A Time"

BeSomeone.org is the Official supported charity of AtlantaEvent.com

Have you ever read any good books on leadership? Maybe something by John Maxwell? What stands out in my mind when it comes to the information contained in these books is the technique for effective leadership. One of the biggest is leading by example.

Throughout history some of the greatest leaders were people of vision, people who saw something that others could not see and shared their vision with the masses to improve the quality of life. Never once did a leader become a great leader by being pessimistic and negative. Never has anything been accomplished of value by looking at a problem and complaining without offering a solution to the problem. In fact, a leader who only offers a negative picture remains a leader for a short time, a time when they are noticed but become irrelevant.

In my article last week, I spoke of the negative influence of the media in our lives and how we must strive to overcome it. I believe that immersing ourselves in the positive we can accomplish that. A leader of people must understand that to be effective, he has to give the people who follow him hope of better things. In doing so, he rises to higher levels and accomplishes great things. When he loses sight of the lofty challenge of being a positive visionary in any organization, a leader is destined to fail, for no one will follow a leader who is going over a cliff.

As you strive to develop your business or career, you should keep in mind that you can be whomever you wish to be. You can look at challenges and problems and offer real solutions and visions for the future that people can grasp onto, or you can see the problem and rub everyone's nose in it as you complain about it until no one is listening anymore.

When you have a customer and they lodge a complaint, you perk up and listen to them. If you work for a company that you complain about all the time, no one listens when you complain. Complainers develop a cloak of invisibility that is only penetrated when they are seen long enough to be removed from the company. At that point, the complainer has become nothing more than an eyesore.

As we look at the so-called leaders of the day, we should keep in mind that we are not the only ones who see them. The world is watching our country and our business. As our leaders complain without offering solutions, the world sees an ugly picture of discontent and failure with no solutions at hand. Only when people realize that the role of the leader is to be the visionary, the one with the answer, will things in our world change for the better. Until then, we get what we ask for and what we vote for.

Expect great things, offer great solutions, and when you are ready for the challenge, throw your hat in the ring and step up to lead.

Jeff Glaze is the Editor of AtlantaEvent.com and this newsletter.