Picking Up The Pace with Creative Marketing

The speakers who presented at this month’s WBOC program, “Picking Up The Pace with Creative Marketing“,  have provided links to their websites, blogs and Information about other speaking engagements they have coming up for those of you who would like further information. We would like to thank our panel of speakers for their time and for sharing their wealth of knowledge with us. Visit their websites, read their blogs, attend their upcoming presentations and learn more about how you can use creative marketing to help your business grow.

Julie Briggs – Red Shoes Marketing – http://www.redshoesmarketing.biz/
Julie will be writing a series of blog posts based on topics discussed at our WBOC Feb. program, starting with a step by step tutorial on how to set up a WordPress blog.

Lauren Greutman – THAT Lady Media, LLC – http://www.iamthatlady.com/   Lauren will be a speaker at the upcoming WISE Symposium on April 16, 2013. Visit her online blog and video series at http://www.iamthatlady.com/

Janelle Fields – JFields Marketing – http://www.jfieldsmarketing.com/ Visit Janelle’s How To Marketing Blog – http://www.jfieldsmarketing.com/

Chuck Bartlett – Talentude Training and Development – http://www.chuckbartlett.com/  Visit Chuck`s online video series at http://www.chuckbartlett.com/

John Timmerman – Dream Zocial Media – http://www.dreamzocial.com/  Visit John`s How To Marketing Blog and get further information at http://www.dreamzocial.com/

Healthy Routine: Why Wellness, Why Now – Takeaways

 In January 2013 at the WBOC monthly meeting, our guest speaker, Georgia Austin spoke to us about stress and how it can affect us. Here are some great takeaways from Georgia.

Stress Transforming Tips – from Georgia Austin, CCN, CNS:

 Tension Relievers – Feel Calmer Within Minutes!

 1. Breathe from your belly: in through the nose for 5, hold for 5, out through the mouth for 5. Repeat 5 times.

 2. Take a short walk, get a change of scenery every so often

 3. Burst into exercise, like running up several flights of stairs or as simple as stretching

 4. Listen to music,  softer music while using yoga poses or guided imagery activities

 5. Dance or sing, choose upbeat music on your iPod or other device that you can’t help but dance to

 6. Take mental break, gaze out the window or use a guided imagery CD (Dr. Martin Rossman is my fave)

 7. Have a good laugh, download a laugh track or your favorite comedy video clips

 8. Write in you journal, journaling can help you refocus & reflect on your emotions

 9. Take a power nap, even if for 5 minutes just close your eyes and turn out the lights

 10. Exercise regularly, whatever type of movement you enjoy

 Eating Tips – Break the Stress Cycle of Unhealthy Habits:

 1. Eat low-glycemic load, whole food – nuts, whole grains, raw fruits & vegetables as snacks

 2. Eat a protein-rich breakfast every morning & “break your fast” so you can avoid a sugar crash or binge eating later

 3. Eat small, frequent meals & snacks – this will also reduce cravings & help balance mood & sleep

 4. Don’t feed emotions with junk food – journaling can help you figure out if you really need

 5. Find new “comfort” foods – try flavored sparkling water instead of soda, apples dipped in almond butter instead of a cookie

Your Partner in Health,
Georgia D. Austin, MSACN, CCN, CNS
Certified Clinical Nutritionist
FLT Lifestyle Educator
New Leaf Functional Nutrition
315-663-4944 cell
www.newleaf.meta-ehealth.com

Thank you, Georgia.

Get to Know Our Members Video Series #1 – Sylvia Constable

FLAVORS OF FALL

Our blog post this week is from Sandra Pallotta of Nutritional Hip.  Sandra is a new member to WBOC and we welcome her to our organization.  You can reach Sandra at 315-682-5538 or email at nutritionallyhip@yahoo.com

www.nutritionallyhip.com

When we think of fall, our mind turns to leaves changing color, cooler days, hardier foods and heavier, darker colored clothing to keep us warm.  There is a reason for this.  Just like nature knows exactly what to do to balance itself so do our bodies. The body is amazing and has an inept way of knowing exactly what it needs.  The problem lies with the fact that somehow we have lost the ability to listen to what our bodies are telling us.   Most of us have very active, fast paced lives.  We work all day and then go home to our second job which is taking care of our families and home life.   Time is limited so we turn to a quick fix for dinner which is usually some type of fast food that may come from a restaurant, frozen box, or delivery man.  Poor food choices eventually pay a toll on our well being due to their chemical additives and lack of nutrients which can cause added stress, sleep disturbances, hormone unbalance, lack of energy and increased cravings, all cries of help from a body fighting to create balance.

You only have one body and it is your vessel for life.  Treating it kindly or poorly will have a direct result on what it will return.  Recreating balance to your life is essential to good health.  Some ways to redirect your path are:

Eating for the season – Fall brings a harvest of root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, beets and onions, and when added to our diet help to ground us and bring balance this time of year.  Other seasonal foods to include are squash, kale, nuts and of course apples from all of wonderful local orchards in our area.   When cooking, make more stews, sautés, and soups that add warmth and comfort.  Steer clear of raw foods and colder dishes during the fall season.

Prioritize – With a little planning you can make health your number one priority.  Plan a week’s worth of healthy dinners for your family.  There are many fall recipes that you can include that take less than 30 minutes to prepare.  http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_fall_recipes  This is less time than it would take you to drive to your favorite fast food restaurant and back.  Making a list of all ingredients you need for the week and grocery shopping once will cut down on wasted time.   Also, in the summer season we tend to push projects off until the fall which can leave us feeling overwhelmed when trying to tackle them.  Learning to delegate responsibilities to other family members enables you to break tasks down into smaller chunks making them more manageable.  Learn to say no to things that are not a priority and you do not have time for.  Taking on unnecessary commitments can create stress and drain your energy.

Slowing down – Take time to slow your pace down.  When you are feeling stressed take a few moments to take a few deep breaths.  Deep breathing techniques supply oxygen to the brain, and sooth your nervous system leaving you feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated.   The crisp fall air is perfect for getting outside and taking a long walk.  This will also help you to clear your mind and enjoying the fall foliage bonds you with nature and has a grounding affect.

Relaxation time – In order to create balance the body must be nurtured.  Set aside time this fall that is totally devoted to something that brings enjoyment.  Whether it’s a forgotten hobby that you once loved, raking a pile of leaves and then jumping in them with your kids, apple picking, fall hikes through our beautiful CNY parks, hay rides with a loved one or catching up with friends, whatever it is that soothes your soul, make it a priority.  Schedule it into your appointment book the way you would all of your other commitments that way you have no excuses for not following through.

Member Spotlight : Allison Haslam – Primerica Financial Services

Name:  Allison Haslam

Regional Leader for Primerica Financial Services

Products and Services:

Allison will comprise a complete Financial Needs Analysis, which is a complimentary service she offers her clients. She has products that will help you & your family to develop a comprehensive plan for you family, including retirement planning, debt management, and life insurance protection, long-term care insurance, and legal services.

Number of Employess: Just Self

Location: New York State, Syracuse Area

Phone Number: 315-440-6940

Email: ali.haslam@gmail.com

Linkedin Profile

Twitter Handle : Allison_Haslam
What prompted you to start your own business?

I started my own business part-time because I wanted to earn extra income.  I turned my business into a full time career because I fell in love with the business world.  I knew that being a business owner would allow me to help an unlimited number of families and also allow me to fulfill the dreams I have for my family.

How much research did you do before starting your business?

I actually didn’t do much research – I was a client of Primerica before I started as an independent representative of the company.  I knew what they did was good for families, and it made sense for me to start working there.  My husband Eric, did most of the background research on the company when we became clients.  To me, there was no risk, because when I first started, I maintained my full time job as a teacher.

Who is your target client/customer base?

My client base is middle-class families.  Most families are not ever really taught how money works – it is my job to help them understand the financial concepts they need to know in order to be financially successful in their lives.  I do this by helping them save money and get out of debt, and also make sure their family is protected against anything that could happen to them financially.

What are you the most proud of?

I am proud of having taken the “risk” of quitting my teaching job, which was seemingly stable to go into business for myself.  It has allowed me to control my schedule and also to grow on a professional level very quickly.  I am also proud that I work with a company that has high integrity and does what is right for it’s representatives and the clients we serve.

How have you been “Affirmed”?

I am constantly affirmed by my colleagues through recognition and being asked to speak publicly for events that we hold.  I am also in charge of a training program at my office, which makes me realize how important a leadership role is for me.  In 2009, I was recognized through the WBOC as a 40 Under 40 recipient, which was one particular event that made me realize that I was meant to be in business.

Member Spotlight: Theresa Cangemi

Business Name:   Medicare Made Simple

Owner: Theresa Cangemi

Products and services: Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplements, Prescription Drug plans;

(ALSO:  life insurance, long term care, dental, group health insurance)

Number of employees:   just self

Location:   New York State; Upstate NY

Hours: 9-5pm

Phone:  315-676-4933

E-mail:   tcangemi@twcny.rr.com

Website:  www.MyMedicareMadeSimple.com

Twitter Handle:  http://twitter.com/MedicareSimple

What prompted you to start your own business?

I have always wanted to do my own thing and own my own business.  I just needed the product or service.  I found Medicare Made Simple and the enjoyment of educating a growing population of retirees about the Medicare system and their choices.

How much research did you do before starting your business?

It took me a year of reading the appointment contracts and discussing the contract language with my attorney before I decided to become appointed with UnitedHealthcare.

What were the most helpful sources, including websites?

I can’t say any source was the most helpful.  My sources and learning curve have really been a “learn as you go” experience.   The Help Desk through UnitedHealthcare has been a BIG help and network, network, networking.

When were you the most discouraged?

This year when CMS (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) announced that the Open Enrollment Period (January 1st – March 31st) was going away.  It is now a disenrollment period.  This has been very discouraging because just when I am in contract negotiations and about to increase my Medicare Advantage plan offerings, to offer a more holistic approach, with other carrier’s MA plans, a whole 3 months worth of earning potential gets shut down.

What company or individual do you admire?

I admire any start-up company who can take an idea, go into business, stick to it, make it work and make the company  profitable, and grow it to add employees and earn big revenues.

What will make your business stand out from competitors?

The service and educational experience that I provide, including the long term client relationship.

Who is your target client/customer base?

Those eligible for Medicare, age 65 and older.  Also, someone who has had a long term illness or disability and at their 25 month of their disability they can apply for Medicare.

What surprised you the most in your business venture?

The lack of earning potential due to the strict Medicare regulations and enrollment periods.  As of January 2011, the new Obama care plan has made some Medicare changes, such as, the three month Open Enrollment period will be going away and it has now become a disenrollment period instead.

In order to stay self employed, I have had to make some changes to my business. I have entered back into selling group health insurance and voluntary benefits (to businesses); also now offer life insurance, long term care, and dental.

What are you the most proud of? (Professionally speaking)

That I can say that I am self employed and have my own business.  My business is mine.  It is my personality, my creativity, my decisions, my hard work, and my clients I have earned.

How have you been “Affirmed”? (a specific event or something that showed you, that you made the right decision is starting your business.)

When after meeting with a client whom I have helped they comment, “thank God I met you”.

Reminder:  the Annual Enrollment Period, for Medicare, starts November 15th – December 31st.

Welcome to the 2010-2011 Program Year!

September is the start of our 2010-2011 WBOC year. I love the starting process. There is that sense of opportunity, ideas abound and minds are open to the possibilities.

Over the summer your WBOC Board of Directors has been working on our 2010-2011 strategic plan and look forward to sharing that with you. Our role is to listen and respond to the want and needs of the membership. We’ve been listening and heard that the majority of our members join for networking, education, and making deals.

I am a firm believer of ‘ What you put into things is what you get out of them.’ In order to make the deals you have to build strong connections and build trust. Being involved will help make your WBOC membership work for you. We did a survey among members in the spring and learned that:

• WBOC members employ about 500 people.
• Almost ¾ of our membership have provided goods/services for other members, some of those sales reaching over $10,000
• You can find just about any service/product from our members

So, next time you need something – go to http://WBOConnection.org/directory and think about doing business with another woman in business.

We have an exciting year planned and encourage all of you to take advantage of the benefits of your membership. Here’s what you will see this year:

• A new meeting format that allows for more time for education, accommodates the hectic schedules of business women with families, and costs only $10 for members.
• A stronger relationship with the WISE Center where our members can take advantage of the numerous educational programs and events available at the WISE Center.
• Connections Meetings will be held twice a month with a set schedule where members can sign up to attend via the website.
• On the Towns will be held quarterly by members.
• Members can post their own events on the website for all members to see.
• The introduction of WBOC Bucks — the more involved you are, the more ‘bucks’ you earn to be used towards monthly meetings, advertising on the WBOC website and program agenda, and more.

As we begin our year, I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about being a better leader and entrepreneur, I look forward to making stronger connections with members of WBOC, and I look forward to working with each of you to make WBOC the premier organization for women in business.

Posted by :

WBOC Board President, Nicole Samolis