Soroptimist Supports Cowpoke Fall Gathering of Cowboy Poets

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With the Soroptimist International Loomis Basin, I volunteered at the Saturday dinner for the 16th Annual Cowpoke Fall Gathering, a cowboy poetry event that benefits community organizations, and celebrates western traditions and values. The Cowpoke Fall Gathering was held at the Blue Goose, a fruit shed in Loomis that was renovated by the South Placer Heritage Foundation. This year, most attendees wore pink demonstrating that they were “tough enough to wear pink” in support of breast cancer awareness. Hats off to the Braun’s who have created this wonderful cowboy poetry event that brings together the community and supports community organizations such as Soroptimist International Loomis Basin, Loomis Union School District and the South Placer Heritage Foundation.

Filming Sierra STEM Tech-Explorer story

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Robert Ansell of Royce Video Production of Sacramento is working with Marketing Action in Loomis to record implementation of Sierra College National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for the Tech-Explorer project.

With the goal of preparing and encouraging students to consider Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and careers, Sierra College is building on the success of the Tech-Explorer catapult production project. Math lessons are being integrated into the hands-on building project to test the effectiveness of applied academics – using math while making the parts and building the catapult — in increasing math skills and retention.

This is just one of many Sierra STEM projects to prepare our future workforce in the Sacramento region for highly paid, in-demand technical local jobs.

Apply for Soroptimist Awards

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Teachers, girls volunteering & women training can apply

Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin announces that applications are being accepted for community awards. Contact Marketing Action if you need more information.

Violet Richardson Award This award recognizes young women who make the community and the world a better place, particularly for women and girls, through volunteer efforts. This might include fighting drugs, crime and violence; cleaning up the environment; or working to end discrimination and poverty. Girls must be between the ages of 14 and 17 on December 15, 2010 and reside in the Loomis Basin. This award winner receives $500 and an additional $500 for the non-profit of her choice. Applications are available from high school counselors.

Women’s Opportunity Award This award aids mature women who must enter the job market or return to careers in order to support themselves and their families. This award aids women who need additional skills, training and education to upgrade their employability. Candidates should be heads of households, completing undergraduate programs or entering vocational or technical training programs, who reside in the Loomis Basin. Applications are due by December 15, 2010.

Teacher Grants These small grants help fund teachers’ long-term projects that will benefit numerous classes over time. Previous recipients have used the funds for books, music, science project equipment, historic costumes and other similar projects that benefit the students and community. The grant request can be from any area of study. Applications will be available in November at elementary schools in the Loomis Basin.

Soroptimist (soroptimist.org) is an international volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin is a 501(c)(3) organization. The club supports Loomis Women’s Shelter, Loomis LIFE center, KidsFirst and other community projects.

To learn more Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin, visit a Wednesday 8 AM weekly meeting (first Wednesday excepted) at the Ugly Mug in Loomis, or contact Rhonda Morillas, president, 916-652-5276.

Referrals can grow your business

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Most successful businesses grow from the referrals of satisfied customers or business associates.

If you go out of your way to solve a customer’s problem, treat a client with kindness or help your friends’ businesses, they will remember your efforts. And, they may consider making referrals to your company.

It starts with you. Look for opportunities to be helpful. For instance, a client recently had a computer problem and I suggested an IT expert who I know. A company was looking for customized employee training, and I introduced Sierra College Training & Development.

And when you receive a referral or other kind gesture, show your appreciation. I’ve just discovered a great tool to make personalized printed cards using my own photos for thank you notes. The card can even be sent with an enclosed gift card.

When you genuinely communicate your appreciation and give referrals freely, your business and your friends’ businesses will grow, just like my pumpkin.

Success Stories Sell

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Rather than tell prospects how good your product or service is, consider using short stories about how your clients have benefited from working with your company.You can turn success stories into press releases or newsletter articles and then post them on your web site like Sierra College Training & Development does to promote customized training in lean process improvement and other business topics. Sierra College CACT and Training & Development Fall 2010 newsletter

Another way to help prospects envision how they might work with your company is to produce a brief bulleted outline summarizing projects. Use a one page format to explain the success of a project and position your firm as having experience in successfully completing assignments and overcoming challenges. These can be used in sales packets, proposals and on your web site. Generally the format should include:

Client Information: Name, web site and other relevant general information about your client. Look at the client’s home page to pick a few nuggets of information that prospects may be interested in such as location, number of employees or business focus.

Project: Describe what your company did for the client.

Goal: What was your client’s objective?

Challenge: What was the challenge or difficulty that this project faced such as lack of resources, tight time frame or change in the marketplace?

Solution: What did your company do overcome the problems, reinforcing the benefits your offer that differentiate your product or service?

Impact: How did the project help your client make money or save money? List other numeric results such as reduced costs, improved productivity and return on investment.

Testimonial: Include a quote from the client describing what it was like to work with your organization and the results.

Photo: If appropriate, use a photo of the client, the project or other graphic.

Ask your client to review what you’ve written and give permission to include a photo and testimonial before publishing it. Get into the habit of producing a success story as part of your project close out process. Use your success stories to sell others on doing business with your company.

Are you rattled by making an introduction?

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The key to a good introduction is to get the audience’s attention and have a specific message about your company prepared that describes the benefits of your services. Plan ahead and you won’t get rattled.

Share an interesting fact or experience that will get their attention.

  • If you are in security, give the latest crime statistics in the area or describe trends.
  • A home insurance agent said at a recent meeting that washing machine water hose leaks were the greatest source of claims so he gave away a new water hose as a raffle prize – very clever and practical!
  • I sometimes mention that sales usually happen on the fifth to seventh call but most sales people stop after two of three calls. I offer to help them develop a more systematic sales follow-up process.

Practice what you are going to say in advance while you are driving or in front of the mirror. Write it down. Sometimes it helps to use alliteration such as “my clients range from rice and robotics to real estate.” State the benefit of your services from the customers’ perspective, “Clients tell us that they appreciate ….” Say your name and your company at the beginning and the end. You can add, “find out more at your web site name.” Don’t forget to smile and look at the audience.

Be sure to watch other speakers to figure out what distance to hold the microphone from your mouth to project your voice most effectively. If they can’t hear you, they won’t know what you can do to help them.

Go to your next networking prepared and you won’t get rattled.

Soroptimist starts club in Rocklin, CA

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Last week, Soroptimist of Loomis Basin held an introductory event for women in Rocklin who are interested in community service. Members described the programs they support as well as the plans to charter a Rocklin Soroptimist club. Read more at Placer Herald Soroptimist invites Rocklin.

To learn more, see a Soroptimist meeting in action this Wednesday, June 2 at 5:30 at Cha Cha’s in Rocklin, CA. See the attached flyer: Soroptimist Loomis Basin hosts Rocklin Mtg June 2

I think that Soroptimist is a wonderful way to contribute to your community in a meaningful way with incredible women. Soroptimist is an international volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

Sierra College Employer & Energy Programs win Awards

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Congratulations to Sierra College for the acknowledgement at the Placer County Economic Development Summit held March 17, 2010 for leadership in economic development. Both the Sierra College Energy Technology Program and Sandra Scott, director of grant development and career technical education for Sierra College, received awards.

Marketing Action, Inc. is honored to work with both the Energy Technology Program and Sandra Scott who oversees Sierra College Training and Development for employers, the Sierra STEM grant promoting careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, and the Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT).

Learn more about the awards: Sierra College Receives Awards at sierracollegetraining.com

Soroptimist contributes to KidsFirst

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Read about Soroptimist Loomis Basin in the Loomis News 4/29/10 Soroptimist Club donates supplies to KidsFirst.

Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin has been making a difference in Placer County since 1974 and recently extended a helping hand to KidsFirst (kidsfirstnow.org) by donating over $1,700 in baby supplies.

KidsFirst, with centers in Auburn, Citrus Heights and Roseville, helped over 12,000 children and families last year and is dedicated to helping parents with difficult life circumstances before problems become overwhelming and a child is hurt. Soroptimist (soroptimist.org) is an international volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

In addition to welcoming new Loomis Basin members, the group is chartering a group in Rocklin and will host an introductory event on Tuesday, May 25 at Bistro 33 located at Mercedes-Benz of Rocklin, 4747 Granite Dr. in Rocklin from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Call Terry Duarte, Keller Williams Realty, at 916-417-5741 to RSVP. To learn more or visit a Wednesday 8 AM weekly meeting, contact Brenda Newsom, Newsom Industries, at 916-303-6837.

Business Blossoms at Loomis Chamber

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Horton Iris Garden hosted the Loomis Chamber of Commerce meeting night. Welcome to Master Color Printing a new Chamber member and a printer that I’ve been using for years. Getting involved is a great way to make your business blossom.

The Loomis Chamber actively promotes members’ businesses. For instance, if you bring a gift for the raffle, you can make a one minute elevator speech about your business. Be prepared:

  • Pay attention to how to hold the microphone so your voice can be heard. People often hold it too far away and the audience can’t hear the statement.
  • Say your name and your company name clearly.
  • Briefly describe what you do and how your clients benefit.
  • Tell the audience how you can help and invite them to your store or web site.

As you meet people, ask for their cards. Try to follow-up by sharing some useful information or a lead that might help their businesses. Marketing Action works with clients to set up sales communication programs to stay in contact and build relationships with people. Talk to me about how I can help your business grow.