Raise your Celebrity Status!!!!

In this tough economic climate it is very important to continue to market your products and services, and to raise your so-called 'celebrity' status for yourself and your business.

As a business owner it's important to understand what we can do to become 'celebrities' in our own right.

Why?

Because as consumers; we view some people as “worthier” or “more expert” than others, just because they’re better known.

In fact, these people may not be any more talented than anyone else, but we assume that they are more skilled or talented just because they are more famous.

And because they’re famous, their names become currency in themselves. For example, think of how many movie stars make commercials for hair products, when they don’t even do their own hair!

It's important for us to do what we can to add some sparkle of celebrity to our own names. Simply put; the better known we become, the more customers and clients we’ll be able to draw in, and the higher the fees we’ll be able to command.

One of the easiest ways to raise your celebrity status is to create your own 'Special Event' - one that will draw attention to your company and its core products and services. The benefit of raising your celebrity status with an event is that the event speaks directly to your target market and establishes credibility for you as a leader in your industry and makes you and your business better known.

Becoming better known is a stepping stone to achieving other goals like attracting new clients, participating in speaking gigs (especially paid speaking gigs), making connections with marketing partners, attracting talented employees, and other activities that generate more business.

I recently worked with a client and helped him create a 'Special Event' designed to draw attention and create awareness for a custom service he provided to his clients. It was a fun event, capped by a contest that allowed him to tap into radio, TV, and newspapers with traditional marketing strategies, and incorporate Internet Marketing Strategies, utilizing newsletters, a Blog, Twitter, and Face book. The event and contest were both successful and the client was subsequently featured on both Global and CHBC news.

Events like this take a little time to assess the opportunities, assemble the right marketing information, and apply the right marketing strategies.

If done correctly, it’s a great way to raise your celebrity status and Build Your Business.

Donald Robichaud is the President of the FloodLight Consulting team and can be reached at http://www.floodlightconsulting.com/  or at 250-768-9415

An Obituary printed in the London Times - The Passing of Common Sense!!

An Obituary printed in the London Times - Interesting and sadly rather true.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been
with us for many years.. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth
records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than
you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing
regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual
harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using
mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student,
only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that
they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It
declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to
administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents
when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion..

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and
criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a
beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and
the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize
that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and
was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by
his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter,
Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone
Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you
still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
-
Donald Robichaud

So What Time Will You Finish Work Tomorrow? Work Life Balance

This is a great article from David Anderson of Priority - Okanagan Training Solutions

Donald Robichaud - FloodLight - Build Your Business

Just as few people are trained in information management, even fewer are trained in workload management. Yet every job in the world entails balancing a series of to-dos with the clock. Our research with over 1,000,000 of our customers worldwide in best-practice productivity processes, shows that very few people have a realistic plan for each day. Most plans that we see are long lists of non prioritized tasks-more of a wish list than a plan.

Here is a quick check as to how your workload management processes compare to best practice. Firstly, think about where you presently keep all the things you have to do . How many of the following tools do you use each day? Notepad, paper to-do list, scraps of paper, post-it notes, whiteboard, piles on the desk, Inbox, electronic to-do list, diary, electronic calendar and your memory. No wonder we so quickly lose the plot and find ourselves working late.
Best practice demands just one place to plan (yes, that’s ONE). When our work is in one place then we have something we can manage and control.
Now we have consolidated our tasks into one location we have a process that will get you home on time!

1. Write down all the things you need to do tomorrow in one place.
2. Estimate how long it is going to take to get each item done. Total the time - does it fit into
an 8 hour work day?
3. Are you likely to be interrupted tomorrow? If so, how will that impact your work? It will most likely double the time it takes to accomplish your work. Ask yourself if you can still get the work done after the interruption time is added?
4. Have you included time for lunch? What about travel time to and from your appointments? What about time to check your email? Remember that non-productive time for lunch, coffee breaks and checking email can easily add up to one-and-a-half hours.
5. Now total the realistic time and block out your calendar. What time are you going Home?
Is it time you want to go home?

Start today to develop the skills that will help you stay balanced and in control of your personal agenda. By developing essential skills such as personal organization, life/work balance and workload management you will improve every aspect of your life.

David Anderson
President
Okanagan Training Solutions / Priority Management Interior BC
250 762-5096 / 1-877-762-5096
prioritymanagment@telus.net
http://www.okanagantrainingsolutions.com/
http://okanagantrainingsolutions.blogspot.com/

Home Construction in Kelowna – what it takes today!

The biggest financial market crash since the 1930’s has been followed by the deepest economic slump since that time. And yet, if we are to believe some of the recent economic reports put out by major Canadian banks and investment firms, there is an unprecedented amount of money sitting on the sidelines, which for the most part is earning little to no returns.

Between the years of 2003 and 2008 Kelowna residents witnessed a period of unprecedented construction activity and real estate sales. Single family construction was ignited by the fires of 2003 (no pun intended), followed by what many saw as condo-mania. Many bought homes and in particular, condos, that they never intended on occupying. The lure of a quick flip and easy money were in full swing! Rising prices and low interest rates forced many buyers to make quick decisions in a very heated market. Most housing prices more than doubled over this period of time. Many of the local old-timers just shook their heads in disbelief.

This activity all but came to a halt in mid to late 2008. As inventory accumulated, trades went elsewhere for jobs, and the ripple effect of a slumped local construction industry created massive lay-offs across the board, when coupled with a gloomy macro economic picture.

Yet, there is hope! Fundamentally, people need homes to live in and Kelowna is still one of the most desirable places to live in Canada. What appears to be selling in today’s climate are homes under say $500K. There’s an issue of affordability and comfort for this buying demographic. Land prices, labor rates, and in many cases, material costs are down. Combine this with the unprecedented money that is sitting on the sidelines, and there’s only one factor missing, and that’s providing consumers with a reason to feel comfortable about buying, which boils down to confidence and perceived value.

There are enough interior and exterior finishing options that builders can use today to ensure their costs are reduced without compromising on appearance and quality significantly. The key to a healthy local residential construction and housing market is the supply of smaller, lower cost, energy-efficient homes to meet the needs of first time home buyers, young families, empty nesters, and the downsizing baby boomers. When builders focus their efforts on meeting the needs of these groups we will all witness some of those unprecedented savings being pulled from low interest yielding financial instruments and find their way back into the housing market.

Richard Tremblay has spent the past 25 years working in various aspects of the construction of building products industries. He is a partner in the Floodlight Business Solutions Group, which specializes in business coaching, helping small to medium size companies, build their business!
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Business Coach or Business Consultant – What’s the difference?

There is a “defined” difference between coach and consultant. At FloodLight we bring both sides into play as we work with our clients, through their Business Life Cycle. Over the past 5 years FloodLight has been called on as a Business Consultants in certain circumstances, and as a Business Coach in other situations.

Business Coach:
Generally a business coach operates with essentially a ‘hands off’ approach guiding and advising the client along the way. A good business coach is typically a generalist in his understanding of sound business management and leadership principles, as opposed to being an expert in any particular area. In most cases, coaching involves working with a client over a period of 6 to 12 months through a structured program where accountability rests squarely in the hands of the client.

In a typical coaching setting key objectives are identified, in many cases in the form of a 90-day plan, and a systematic approach towards achieving those objectives is designed by the coach. Regular weekly coaching sessions are held to monitor progress against those objectives and deal with any stumbling blocks along the way. The uniqueness of the relationship between the client and the coach often results in an on-going program as the client sees the value of having on-going coaching or guidance much in the same way that professional athletes have coaches throughout their careers. Coaching is a very affordable means of achieving greater business and personal success for most clients.

The Business Consultant:
Generally a business consultant operates with a ‘hands on’ approach with a client. In most cases consultant have a particular area of expertise and are brought in by clients to perform a certain task or accomplish a particular objective. While coaching can go on in perpetuity, consulting involves intensive involvement over a specified period of time. Once the task or project is complete, the consultant typically moves on to the next assignment.

And while a business coach can manage a number of clients at once (i.e. 6 to 12 on average), a consultant typically works exclusively for one client and possibly 2. The consultant will typically work full-time for the client until the task is completed, while a coach will usually spend an hour or two per week with each of his or her clients. For this reason, hiring a consultant is usually a more expensive proposition than hiring a coach.

FloodLight Business Solutions Group

At FloodLight we have 60 plus years of business experience and our team approach to business solutions allows us to work with owners, executives, managers, and employees in small to medium sized companies. Our primary focus is to help our clients grow their business and achieve a greater work-life balance!

The outcome is a more effective management of your time, team and money!

In a number of cases we at Floodlight have been called in to address a very specific issue such as Internet Marketing or Search Engine Optimization. This sort of situation lends itself well to a consulting role as circumstances dictate that we specifically focus on implementing a solution over a brief period of time.

In many other situations coaching is a better approach in dealing with operational, strategic, business management, and team leadership issues. At FloodLight we work with business owners to Assess their business needs, Assemble a comprehensive strategy, and Apply tailor-made solutions in a practical day-to-day action plan.

Being a business owner can often be a difficult and lonely job. And hiring a Sales Manager, Marketing Manger, or Operations Manager is not always an affordable option. Hiring a business coach often makes more sense and is certainly more affordable.

At FloodLight we provide you with a coaching team to guide, advise, and coach you towards your business and personal goals.

Please contact us at 250.768.9415 or email us ( Click Here ) for more information on how we can help you “Build Your Business”!

At FloodLight we provide:

Business coaching, personal business coach, business coach, professional business coach, small business coach, business coach,personal coach, Kelowna business coach, strategic business coach, executive coach, coach, coaching and executive coaching.

Why is signage so important? Speedpro Imaging Kelowna

This  is a great article from Janet Fichett and her team at Speedpro Imaging Kelowna,

Donald Robichaud - FloodLight - Build Your Business

Signage is usually the first thing that a customer will notice about your business. The goal of any marketing or advertising medium is to “get noticed”. Professionally designed graphics for your signs and printing will help you yield the greatest return on your advertising dollars.

Here are 10 tips on how to create high impact graphics:

1.Use an image. The use of a photo creates a 300% greater recall than ads without a photo. Logos and other graphical elements can also be used.

2.Use the right font. The text should be easy to read and no more than two font types should be used. Special effects such as shadows and outlines can be used to create a more visual impact.

3.Use the correct text size. The size of your sign will determine the text size. We recommend one inch for every 10 feet of viewing distance. A combination of upper and lower case letters is more legible from a distance.

4.Use good color combinations. The text and background colors should contrast for better visibility and readability. The sign should al­so contrast well within the environment that it is placed.

5.Use power words to add sales impact – Approved, Authentic, Bargain, Better, Discount, Easily, Guaranteed, Improved, Introducing, Powerful, Professional, Profitable, Reduced, Successful, You…

6.Target your audience. Who is your best customer? Is your sign appealing to the them. Cartoons aren’t for everyone. What do you provide that they are looking for? Are they current or potential customers?

7.Think about its purpose. What words do you want to linger in your customers mind about what you have to offer? Is the information you include for advertising, direction or for safety purposes?

8.Consistency. Apply a consistent look and feel to all marketing materials – design, color, font. Familiarity leads to trust.

9.White space – Less is more! Although the temptation might be to get the most bang for your buck, too much text will make your sign difficult to read from a distance. If you can get your message across in a word or two, do it. You may only have a second or two to convey your message. Text without adequate white space leaves us feeling crowded and cramped. A general rule of thumb is that around 30% to 40% of the sign's face area should be left as white space for optimal readability.

10.Use a border. This can focus the reader on the most important information that you want them to take away. Also if your sign needs to be noticed by automobiles in traffic, it will increase reading speed.

Your signage is a reflection of your business and if properly designed and situated can attract new business throughout your target market and assist in the advertising, marketing and branding of your business.

For further information or for great ideas on how to market and brand your business contact us SpeedPro Imaging at 250-763-8868

SpeedPro Imaging Kelowna
#135 – 1855 Kirschner Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N7
Ph: (250)763-8868 Fax: (250)763-8768 speedproimaging@shawbiz.ca
  http://www.speedprokelowna.com/   http://kelownasigns.blogspot.com/

FloodLight is Growing!!! Welcome Richard Tremblay

FloodLight is pleased to announce that Richard Tremblay has joined Donald Robichaud as part of the FloodLight Business Solutions Group.

FloodLight works with business owners, executives, and senior managers to Assess their business needs, Assemble a comprehensive business strategy, and Apply tailor-made business solutions in a practical, day-to-day action plan.

In the last four years in the last four year FloodLight has worked with 75 Okanagan base companies helping them grow their business.

Richard comes to FloodLight with a strong business background and extraordinary interpersonal skills. Over the past 28 years Richard has acquired extensive operational, sales and marketing, and financial management experience in 3 key industries: Canada’s chartered banking system, commercial asset management, and the building products and construction industry.


In the 4 years prior to becoming a FloodLight coach Richard took over the day-to-day management of Kelowna’s oldest and largest exterior finishing company, while the owners pursued other interests. Richard has lead several teams in the pursuit of greater corporate and personal achievement, providing coaching, leadership, and mentoring along the way.

Richard is committed to helping business owners, executives, and senior managers, find fulfillment and balance in the workplace, and at home. Whether it’s coaching a client through the steps of a comprehensive business plan, facilitating an owner’s succession plan and exit strategy, or structuring a corporate valuation.

Richard brings solid business fundamentals and a passion for success to FloodLight.

Coming up in February 2010, FloodLight will be celebrating its 5th year anniversary. Donald Robichaud the President of FloodLight is thankful for the support he’s received along the way from past and current clients.

Donald says that, “Richard’s arrival on the team, has come at the right time to compliment and expand our products and services to further meet the growing needs of our customers. Our individual strengths will make us better as a team and I’m excited for what this means to Floodlight and its clients. Please join me in welcoming Richard aboard!”

Over the next 2-3 months Donald and Richard plan on communicating with all of their current, past, and prospective clients, to identify how they can meet their needs and help them “Build Their Business”!

FloodLight is a leader throughout the Okanagan Valley in Business Coaching, working one-on-one with business owners, executives, and senior managers, and providing tailor-made coaching and training programs in areas such as Operations, Sales & Marketing, Internet, Strategic Planning, Fiscal Management, and Succession Planning.

FloodLight is committed to helping their clients implement business solutions in order to master the relationship between time, team, and money, and achieve an optimum work-life balance! For more information please visit their website at www.floodlightconsulting.com or call 250 768-9415.

FloodLight - Build Your Business
http://www.floodlightconsulting.com/ © FloodLight 2009 Phone-250-768-9415
Kelowna, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Canada

Social Networking What is it? How can it help you?

When you were in school did you hang out with the jocks, science club, chess club, or drama club? Well if you did you were a part of traditional social networking. If you go to a Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club or Classic Car event, then you are part of a social network

Social networks allow for the relationships that tie us together. When you meet someone for the first time you ask them “What do you do?” Or, “where do they work?” Or, “where they grew up?” Or, “where they went to school?” Through these questions you might discover people with common interests and develop new friendships. A social network begins to take shape.
When you go to someone’s house you get a feel for who the person is. You get to see family pictures, artifacts from where people have travelled, a guitar sitting in a corner, or a workshop for fine wood carvings. When you attend someone’s house party or meet people at a social event you become tied into a larger network of people.
Some of these people may never use your products or services, but guess what? If they like you and get to know you, they will eventually run into someone who can use your services and they will recommend you. Bingo! The power of social networking!
If you sat down to draw your social network in regards to which you are connected, you would have a difficult time establishing your complete sphere of influence. This is why internet social networking is so powerful. It allows you to hook up with old friends, make new ones, share photos, music, videos, and areas of common interest all in an interactive way. You can also join groups based on your interests such as politics, hobbies, favorite TV shows, job hunting, or seeking your soul mate! Again, the power of social networking!
Now apply internet social networking to your business and you can see how you might be able to raise your profile if you focus on the demographics of your target market. Different Social networking sites will achieve different networking results as they are focused on different target markets.
To implement your social media strategy you will need to decide which one of the social networking sites will best suit your specific goals. Below is a guideline to some of the most common.

• Micro blogging (Twitter)
• Business Networking (LinkedIn, Xing)
• Social Networking (Facebook, MySpace, Blogger)
• Photo & Video Sharing (Flickr, You tube, Picasa)

All Social networking sites should be used to share information freely and allow people to get to know you and your interests. Then you can subtlety redirect them to your main internet marketing tool - your website. This will take some planning and fore-thought but by following the above social marketing guidelines you will be able to use social networking to “Build Your Business”.

Donald Robichaud President

FloodLight Consulting Build Your Buisiness
Email
250-768-9415
http://www.floodlightconsulting.com/
http://donaldrobichaud.blogspot.com/

OVES Re-launch Celebration Thursday, September 24th Summerhill Winery 5:00 – 7:00 pm

The Okanagan Valley Entrepreneurs Society is pleased to announce

the rebranding and restructuring of our organization!

You are invited to attend our Open House & Networking event to learn more about our new enhanced services

that we will now be able to offer you

We are looking very forward to you attending!

OVES Re-launch Celebration

Thursday, September 24th

5:00 – 7:00 pm

Summerhill Winery

Presentation at 6pm, cash bar

http://www.ovesociety.org/

In Search of “Okanagan's BIG FOOT” Men’s Custom Shoe Contest $1000.00 Grand Prize

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In Search of “Okanagan's  BIG FOOT” Men’s Custom Shoe Contest $1000.00 Grand Prize*

If you live in the Okanagan and have large feet Jim Belshaw of Roy’s Shoes Kelowna is looking for you!  

Your large feet will allow you to participate in the hunt for “Okanagan’s Big Foot”.

Win a custom made pair of shoes valued up to $1000.00

You can enter to win from September 15th 2009 to October 31st 2009.

To enter visit Jim at Roy’s Shoes at 1627 Ellis Street, Kelowna and have your feet measured.

There are eight categories to enter and they include Business Professional, Blue Collar Professional, Politicians, Civil servants, Local Celebrities, Sports figures, General public, and a Ladies division. Each Category winner will win a $200.00 Gift certificate that can be applied towards the purchase of a pair of custom made shoes.

The Okanagan’s biggest foot will win a custom made pair of shoes valued up to $1000.00*

Jim says that men typically, have two choices of footwear: comfort or style. A large number of men have trouble finding a pair of dressy, casual or even golf shoes that are comfortable.

Roy’s Shoes custom fits incorporate both. "If a customer has a size 10 on one foot and a size 11 on the other foot, that's what he gets." We make sure our customers get the perfect fitting pair of shoes.

For 37 years Roy’s Shoes Boot and Repair has offered great service and shoe repair in Kelowna’s the downtown core.

Roy’s Shoes provides Old World Custom Shoe Craftsmanship, specifically made for your feet by blending bench crafted footwear and the latest technologies to service all Western Canada.

Eight Categories to Win !!!

Business Professional: ( Professional Certification ) Doctors, Lawyers, Managers, Accountants
Blue Collar Professionals: Manufacturing, mining, construction, mechanical, maintenance, technical installers
Politicians: Municipal, Provincial, National
Civil Servants:Police, Fireman, Security guards

Local Celebrities: Radio. Tv, Internet,
Sports Figures: Hockey, Baseball, Football, Soccer
General Public: Young Adults, Retires, Others
Ladies Division: Self Explanatory

Roy’s Shoes Boot and Repair in Kelowna offers Old World Custom Shoe Craftsmanship. We provide truly comfortable footwear, specifically made for your feet by blending bench crafted footwear and the latest technologies to service all Western Canada.

http://kelownacustomshoes.blogspot.com/
* Custom made pair of shoes up to value of $1000
**8 Category winners -$200.00 gift certificate for custom shoes

Roy’s Shoes Boots and Repairs
1627 Ellis Street, Kelowna BC
250-763-5696
http://roysshoesandrepairs.blogspot.com/