General
Power Networking with LZ Noon Networkers
May 11, 2011
Today I spent time with two really dynamic members of my networking group, LZ Noon Networkers. Ginny Opsahl is a residential real estate agent with REMAX. She is passionate about her profession, intelligent, honest, and has a great personality that I believe would compliment most. The real estate market remains an unquestionably difficult world to understand for the average. Ginny has stressed how important it is to have an agent who is really up to speed with the real estate market and all the topics that encompass it. She is consistently providing our group with buying and selling tips, real estate statistics, and other tidbits of information that are interesting, even if you are not currently in the market to buy or sell. I would recommend Ginny to anyone buying a new home and/or selling their home. She is, without a doubt, a step above the rest!!
I also spent time with Jay Young, a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual, who I think is a genuine, professional, and personable guy. He takes a holistic approach to helping individuals and businesses with their financial future. He shared with me that he is helping businesses that offer 401(k)’s reduce expenses and add benefits to enhance their 401(k) offering. Another focus for Jay is families who need to prepare for their childrens education. Jay spends time with potential clients to show them (in presentation format) how they will benefit from the financial planning he recommends and can help them manage.
Let me know if you would like to get Ginny’s or Jay’s contact information. I am happy to recommend them to my family, friends, and professional network.
Teaching YEA! Students
November 23, 2010
WOW is what I say about YEA! A big thank you to the The Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce for bringing the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) to District 95 for the third year in a row. I am pleased to be the lead instructor for the first trimester of the 2010/2011 class. I am teaching 11 bright students, in grades 6-12, who have signed up to be a part of this groundbreaking program that takes them through the entire process of starting and running real businesses over the course of the full academic year. In this first trimester, we discuss business ideas vs. opportunities, idea generation, the anatomy of a business plan, SWOT analysis, naming your business, strategy and implementation (the four P’s), and business financials, among other topics. The students are doing extensive research on their business ideas and beginning to write their business plan. Their goal is to make a pitch to potential investors in the community, obtain funding, register with governmental agencies, and actually launch their own company. The founder and CEO, Gayle Jagel, quoted, “Young people with drive, passion and creativity can accomplish anything. YEA! just helps them see this.” This has been so evident in the absolutely astounding ideas that have come from these students. Quite frankly, much more than I was thinking about when I was in high school.
Coincidently I am reading, “Waiting for Superman” by Karl Weber, which is based on the movie by Davis Guggenheim that discusses the American education system and its shortcomings. The statistics and stories in this book are eye-opening to say the least. But the quote on the front of the book speaks volumes. “The fate of our country won’t be decided on a battlefield, it will be determined in a classroom.” I am embarking on my own journey through the public school system having two children just starting school. This book is a participant guide so it suggests ways that you and I can help to save America’s Failing Public Schools. Teaching YEA! students is, in my opinion, an amazing first step! I welcome your suggestions and comments on ways you have helped foster a higher standard for education in public schools.
The Shoemaker’s Kid
September 16, 2010
The phrase about the shoemaker’s kid finally getting new shoes comes to mind as I am finally implementing my own social media plan for Mindful Mix. I have been working with clients on developing and implementing their social media plans which has been an absolute blast! When we are in charge of running our own business, the clients come first (of course!), and it seems the marketing function is always getting pushed down the list of things that needs to get done. “Hey if we have business coming in the door then let’s not worry about it right?”. WRONG! Keep the marketing function alive and strong because a stormy day always comes along. Mindful Mix serves as an external marketing department for businesses that don’t have one and for businesses that need to outsource certain functions. I have also been coaching business owners so they stay on track with their marketing and business development initiatives and don’t waste time putting effort into the wrong ones. I invite you to sign up to receive our blog updates as they will have a very educational spin to them.