Professional Networking

Join us April 22 for our open mixer!

2010-04-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

Who: SLO Professional Networking Group What: A business mixer open to all SLO County business owners and press. When: April 22nd, 2010 5:30pm - 7:30pm Where: Cerro Caliente Cellars, 831-A Via Esteban San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Why: Cause you can never meet enough smart business people and drink good wine.For more information call Charity Boulton at 805-594-1880

Thrive in 2010!

2010-01-24T11:47:00.000-08:00

by Eric Hubbs, Collaboration I want to challenge each and every one of you to sit down, right now, and put a 2 hour block into your calendar to go through the attached exercise, designed to help you Thrive in 2010. Plan to go to a coffee shop, a library, or your deserted office and really focus on this planning. It’s only two hours. The worksheet takes out all the stress of knowing what to

What's your BHAG?

2009-10-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

By Ellen Curtis, Creative Commander, Whizbang I saw an article in Fast Company about BHAG. (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). James Collins and Jerry Porras coined this phrase in a book "Built to Last". They define BHAG as "clear and compelling and serves as a unifying focal point of effort, often creating immense team spirit." Microsoft's BHAG, for example, is " A computer on every desk and in

PN Mixer is a Success!

2009-10-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Over 50 business professionals came together for Professional Networking's first open business mixer. Lawrence Dieter, Dr. Backman and Professional Networking's Vice President said, "Our mixer was 1st class, from the weather, the seating outside.....the food, wine, and a myriad of significant business connections reported". Chef Elizabeth Eggen of Mix It Up supplied the scrumptious food and the

Join us October 1 for our Mixer!

2009-09-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

Clever Ducks featured in top national trade magazine!

2009-09-18T10:10:00.001-07:00

Weathering Economic Turbulence and Preparing for Economic Upturn

2009-09-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

The current economic downturn has challenged many business owners to re-evaluate existing business models, operational efficiencies, and capital expenditures. Many forward thinking organizations are finding unique opportunities and looking past near-term challenges to position themselves for success when market conditions calm and return to vibrancy.Doing More With LessA critical role

August BizEd Lunch- Blackberry Tips and Tricks: Your first steps to becoming a Blackberry master

2009-08-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Presented by: Clever Ducks and Collaboration LLC Amy Kardel, of Clever Ducks, will help busy professionals optimize productivity when using the tool most at hand every day: the Blackberry. By gaining control and learning some insider tricks, you will get better business results while reducing stress and staying in sync with the flood of information that comes your way. RIM Co-Chief Executive Jim

Visit Tech Brew, September 14, 2009

2009-08-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

Keep up on what's new on the Central Coast in a casual, social atmosphere. Join us for a cash bar, appetizers and lots of time to talk to other technology professionals. Santa Barbara's best networking event for technology professionals has found a regular home in San Luis Obispo. This is a standing event on the second Monday of each month.We meet at Mother’s Tavern in downtown SLO from 5-630 pm.

Want a Job in SLO Government?

2009-08-17T08:23:00.001-07:00

Are you following the saga of the stupid in SLO county government? Is it making you crazy and are you reordering your anti-depressant meds like I . . . I mean, like others I know? Have you wondered how you could get a job paying $200k where you could have an affair that destroys confidentiality and creates a huge conflict of interest and where you could also send very personal and explicit

Strengthening customer relationships in times of crisis

2009-08-04T09:27:00.001-07:00

by Mark Cox During times of economic crisis, organizations struggle to communicate unfavorable news, from lower earnings and shrinking market share, to cuts in service and increases in prices. The conventional wisdom is that bad news damages customer relationships and breeds mistrust among consumers. However, a new Simplicity Survey from global strategic branding firm Siegel+Gale finds that

Floral Art after Dark!

2009-08-03T15:36:00.001-07:00

Do you want to see some great floral masterpieces? Check out The Art Center this Friday evening for Floral Art after Dark. This is part of Art after Dark and I expect this to be a very interesting and showy good time! The winner of this will move on to the Top 10, a state competition for floral design. I hope to see all of you this Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. I will be there from 6 till

Trust Counts

2009-08-03T13:34:00.001-07:00

In a recessionary time, cost is only a marginally more important factor than trust in determining people's product choices, with 53% saying that in the past six months they switched brands for a lower cost and 45% saying they switched because they lost trust. "Trust is now a tangible in both corporate reputation and product marketing," said Mr. Edelman.

Professional Networking update

2009-07-29T22:49:00.000-07:00

Hi all, last week we covered a lot of ground at our business meeting. Below are the topics discussed.1. Attendance - we were going to decide if we should take a summer beak the last two weeks of August. Summer has dealt a blow to our attendance it seems. Also it was discussed sending someone from your organization if you can't make it . The group all agreed this was a good idea as long as it

Getting things done

2009-07-29T22:35:00.000-07:00

Last week, Eric Hubbs from Collaboration shared with us a new book, Getting Things Done, that he finds absolutely helpful getting things done at work. Add this to your to do list.

10 Bad Résumé Bloopers

2009-07-17T08:45:00.001-07:00

When 76 percent of executives say that one or two typos on a résumé can be enough to remove a candidate from consideration for a job, a jobseeker who included "my work ethics are impeachable" has probably sealed his or her fate. That's actually one of the many egregious résumé errors that a recent survey by Accountemps uncovered. The staffing firm conducted a survey that found that

Aardvark - A Human Search Engine

2009-07-10T07:30:00.001-07:00

Aardvark -- http://vark.com -- is an online tool that lets you ask a complex question and get an informed answer from someone on the network. It is little bit like Twitter as a search tool except Aardvark uses profile data from Facebook to match your question with someone who might be able to answer it. As a social network tool, it is built on Facebook and when you sign up for it you will

How to catapult your small business with a blog

2009-07-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hi all, I sat in on this very informative and short webinar given by Typepad. Click here to download the presentation. At Whizbang we use Typepad, Wordpress and Blogspot to create blogs for our clients. The thing I liked about this webinar was the case studies. You can see how easy and inexpensive blogging can be. Happy viewing.

Net Sells presents Internet Marketing for Results

2009-07-02T16:01:00.001-07:00

At today's meeting, Glenn Silloway of the Net Sells gave a great presentation on Internet Marketing to get results. You view his presentation via slideshare on Linkedin. While their make sure to join our group Professional Networking SLO.

"HARASSMENT" HAS A NEW MEANING

2009-06-11T14:58:00.001-07:00

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA (May 28, 2009) – After decades of lawsuits & legislation, & the institution of mandatory biannual prevention training courses for supervisors, sexual harassment may lose its place at the top of the discrimination heap; the new office evil is ageism. United Staffing Associates in San Luis Obispo is responding by offering open enrollment for a new, comprehensive

Presenting with PowerPoint: 10 dos and don'ts

2009-06-11T10:32:00.001-07:00

7 June, 2009 By Jeff Wuorio Cherie Kerr knows how PowerPoint can be both provocative and persuasive in a business meeting. She's also aware that precisely the opposite can occur. "It can be the very best friend you have," says the Santa Ana, Calif., public relations consultant. "But you have to use it right." Kerr's two-sided view of Microsoft's popular presentation

Mission Possible: Mastering Your Email in Outlook and Blackberry

2009-06-10T09:09:00.001-07:00

Amy Kardel, of Clever Ducks, will help busy professionals optimize productivity when using the tools most at hand every day: Microsoft Outlook and mobile devices, with a focus on Blackberry. By gaining control of both tools, you will get better business results while reducing stress and staying in sync with the flood of emails that come your way. Although these devices serve as your

EVC ANNOUNCES ROLE IN FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN FOR STATE

2009-06-04T17:01:00.001-07:00

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., June 4, 2009 - The Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC) of San Luis Obispo County has been designated by the State of California as a district coordinator for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the federal economic stimulus plan. Since April of 2009, the EVC has been coordinating proposals for projects needing economic stimulus funding on

Tryin to Pitch Products to the Savers

2009-06-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

LinkedinDiggFacebookMixxMySpaceYahoo! BuzzPermalink writePost(); By STUART ELLIOTT Published: June 2, 2009 THE biggest challenge confronting marketers is how to deal with the Meineke mind-set consumers

Communication is Key

2009-06-02T14:58:00.001-07:00

One of our culture’s most popular clichés is “timing is everything”. Just ask a realtor as they wait in the unemployment line. Well, we business and HR professionals tend to believe that timing is very important – but COMMUNICATION IS EVERYTHING. Employees spend over 75% of their time in an interpersonal situation: with clients, customers, co-workers, the boss, the public; verbally,

SLO Tech Brew Meets June 8

2009-06-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Slo Tech BrewJune 8, 5-7:00 pm at Mother's Tavern, SLOSanta Barbara's best networking event for technology professionals has found a regular home in San Luis Obispo.This is a standing event on the second Monday of each month.Keep up on what's new on the Central Coast in a casual, social atmosphere.Join us for a cash bar, appetizers and lots of time to talk to other technology professionals.Tech

It's all about Talent Communities

2009-06-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

byKevin WheelerMay 21, 2009, 5:26 am ETSubtle as it may seem, there is Grand Canyon of difference between a database of prospective candidates and a community of talented prospective candidates.Recruiters frequently tell me they have a talent community, when further investigation reveals that they have a huge database of people they do not know at all. These databases have been built up using

My Company's Values

2009-05-29T09:55:00.001-07:00

I have a framed drawing of Gandhi in my office, with his quote: "Each of us must be the change we wish to see in the world." It serves to remind me that business owners (and others in management) and employees can create a mutually-rewarding experience and that it is my job to assist them in doing exactly that. So this is a quick reminder to let your business' values lead your decision-making

Question about blogging

2009-05-28T16:21:00.001-07:00

Should I put all of my blogsites on my email signature? I now have facebook and pronetworking. (and Rotary’s polio plus program). Should I add LinkedIn and the betseyblog, too? Yikes Betsey

Would you like to present your products/services to the HRACC?

2009-05-12T14:00:00.001-07:00

The Human Resources Assn. of the Central Coast (HRACC) offers an opportunity to vendors for 5 minutes of our undivided attention! This 30+ year old organization of 120 human resource professionals offers a 5 minute “Vendor Spotlight” to any business that would like to be exposed to our group. In the past we have heard from supplemental insurance brokers, relocation specialists (CA Coastal

10 Ways to Use LinkedIn

2009-05-12T09:07:00.001-07:00

Recommended by Betsey: Increase your visibility. By adding connections, you increase the likelihood that people will see your profile first when they’re searching for someone to hire or do business with. In addition to appearing at the top of search results (which is a major plus if you’re one of the 52,000 product managers on LinkedIn), people would much rather work with people

SWINE FLU: TIPS TO AVOID EXPOSURE AND MINIMIZE RISKS

2009-04-30T15:57:00.001-07:00

In view of the national attention to the Swine Flu outbreak and to assure you that there are ways and means to avoid exposure, be aware of the following tips. While we’ve not been affected in SLO County yet, there are three schools closing in Oxnard – let’s be careful and safe. At the first sign of symptoms – do take appropriate action, see a doctor. How To Protect Employees Protection

The Net Sells Presentation Possibilities

2009-04-27T17:46:00.001-07:00

I'm starting to think about presentations for our group, and would love to hear your thoughts about some ideas. I'm hoping to use the time to give you something you can use (if you have a website), so your reactions will help me in choosing material.1. SEO Do It Yourself Basics: This one is taken from a module I do for MCSC a couple times a year to help budding entrepreneurs get their

PN welcomes two new members

2009-04-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

Professional Networking is excited to announce that Glenn Silloway of "The Net Sells" and Marty Indvik of "Lee Associates" has joined our group. Glenn brings years of experience in web SEO to the group and Marty brings extensive experience in commercial real estate. Welcome to both. We look forward to growing our businesses together!

Interesting Article about Social Networking at Work (from Betsey)

2009-04-20T16:29:00.001-07:00

To ban or not to ban? Social networking in the workplace As more and more people go online to create profiles, share photos, news and gossip with friends and spend hours updating their details and friend lists, organizations are starting to reassess their approach to social networking in the workplace. Full story > > > >

Stop Ignoring Me! ~ love, your Marketing Plan

2009-04-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

Companies who spend more marketing dollars during a recession come out on top. As soon as the word recession spreads, companies begin to look at advertising, marketing, and public relations campaigns as the first areas to trim. However, this is the best time to gain market share as your competition shies away. For more articles see Promotional Tips at www.promoconcepts.net/promotips

Whizbang Acquires 2point Media

2009-04-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

“We are so excited about expanding our agency’s services for our clients - from advertising, design and web to full service branding including vital marketing tools such as social media and public relations. We’ve been talking to the owner of 2 Point Media, Starr Hall, for close to a year now about forming a partnership or alliance of some sort, since we are both local companies who work on a

Linkedin Presentation

2009-04-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, it's Cary from Whizbang. Thanks for letting me speak on Thursday. Here is a link to the PowerPoint I presented, so you can have as a handy reference.When you get a chance, say hello and add me as a Linkedin friend.Happy Linking,Cary C.

Dress For Success!!

2009-04-06T15:44:00.001-07:00

It starts with a dream. Hannah, a local 6th grader’s dream to help others lift themselves up in hard times and feel proud to step out into the workforce and make a difference! It happens with a partnership. The Human Resources Association of the Central Coast (HRACC), along with local businesses. Join Hannah and the HRACC by donating “professional” clothing and shoes during the months

Collaboration Calendar of Upcoming Programs- Get your Business on Track for Success!

2009-04-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

April 8th- Jump Start Your Sales- 12:00-1:30 More Info April 14th- Sales Achievement Program-1:30-4:30- More Info April 23rd- Client Event (Party!)- You’re all invited- 5PM May 15th- New Venture Program begins- 8:00 AM More Info If you know a salesperson, manager, or emerging entrepreneur who want to get their business headed in the right direction, please let them know about our

have you seen this? Central Coast Today

2009-04-02T17:19:00.001-07:00

http://www.centralcoasttoday.com/I heard about it at Outspoken today. Anyone have any experience with it?Bets

Lower Your Unemployment Costs

2009-04-02T16:56:00.001-07:00

Next Thursday, the 9th, Betsey will guest host the Dave Congalton Show on KVEC 920 News Talk. Her guest at 5pm is Ed Laski, CEO of Corporation Counseling Services, a company that helps employers lower their unemployment costs. We'll talk strategies & tell great stories (like the ee who filed for unemployment because he said he was in “over my head”). Most ers know the basics – the ee cannot

Labor Commissioner is Making Surprise Inspections In Lodi

2009-04-02T11:34:00.001-07:00

A word to the wise, from Betsey: The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), also known as the Labor Commissioner, is conducting surprise inspections in the Lodi District Grape Growers area. The Labor Commissioner has the authority to investigate employee complaints and claims. Once a complaint or claim is filed, the Bureau of Field Enforcement (BOFE) has free access to all places

Whizbang gives linkedin training to group April 2

2009-04-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

Cary Conrady, Whizbang's communication specialist, will take the group through Linkedin set up and show how to leverage your connections. Hope to see everyone April 2nd. Remember we now meet at 12:15.

Restoration Landscape at SLO Home Show!

2009-04-01T08:55:00.001-07:00

Exciting News, Restoration Landscape is going to be at the SLO Home Show on May 16th and 17th. We will be promoting our rainwater catchment systems, and organic yard care services. Come out and visit us at our booth! Bryce Moore Restoration Landscapewww.restorationlandscape.com

Betsey is guest hosting for Dave Congalton

2009-03-31T13:23:00.001-07:00

I will be hosting the Dave Congalton Show on Thursday, April 9th, from 5-7 pm. Newstalk 920 AM, KVEC. Topic suggestions are welcome. Call 543-8830 with your questions. Betsey

Top 10 tips for surviving a recession

2009-03-31T08:34:00.001-07:00

12 March, 2009By Author: Gene Lewis, Director Sales & Marketing, Intuit Global Business DivisionWith the current financial crisis set to continue and most small businesses preparing for tough times in 2009, you should be looking at effective ways to survive a potentially long-lasting recession. While there may not be a magic wand for ensuring survival during a downturn, Intuit has

Career builder: Free Social Media Webinar

2009-03-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

Hi all – I MC’d a big social networking training event last Friday and learned how little I know. I thought you might want to “attend”. If you cannot I will be happy to “report” on what I learn. April 16 – 2pm PDT. Bets Betsey Nash, SPHR Human Resources Consultant United Staffing Associates 805.269.2677 x 23 805.269-2687

It's True! SBA Temporarily Eliminates Guaranty Fees.

2009-03-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

SBA will temporarily eliminate the upfront guaranty fees on 7(a) loans approved by SBA on or after February 17, 2009. Prior to this change to the 7(a) program (one of SBA’s most popular programs), guaranty fees ranged from 2% – 3.75% of the guaranteed portion of the loan. For perspective, the guaranty fee on a $200,000 loan was $4,500, and $11,250 on a $500,000 loan. For eligible loans

Clever Ducks invites you to IT Professional Social Hour

2009-03-19T17:53:00.001-07:00

TechBrew Registration The next Tech Brew will be April 13. It will be held at Mother's Tavern, SLO from 5-7:00. Unleash your inner Dr. Frankenstein (cue the lightning flash and crackling thunder) or Nutty Professor (watch out for the flying flubber!). At the next Tech Brew mixer, come experiment with Experts Exchange as Mike Phares of Experts Exchange leads us in an exercise aimed at getting

Wealth Health Radio Goes 21st Century

2009-03-18T09:49:00.001-07:00

AIG Bonuses - Recession - Financial Crisis - Huge Government Deficits - Even Bigger Government Budgets - Deflation - Foreclosures.These are all problems that affect each and every one of us. These are also all problems that could have been easily avoided IF there were a minimal amount of financial and economic literacy. It is not too late. We can pull out of this and build a better future for

Professional Networking Core Values

2009-03-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

• Service – to be of service to our customers, communities and each other through our commitment to helping others succeed;• Accountability – maintain a level of accountability to each other and to the growth of our businesses;• Leadership – determination to expand our members positions as top players in their respective fields;• Ethics – maintain the highest levels of ethics in all of our

Professional Networking Bylaws

2009-03-13T15:39:00.001-07:00

BYLAWSOFPROFESSIONAL NETWORKING ARTICLE IGENERAL1. Name. The name of this organization is "Professional Networking" (the "Organization"). 2. Vision Statement. "We are proactive business executives committed to assisting fellow members grow and expand their businesses through quality lead generation, strategic relationships and education."3. Core Values. The members are dedicated to

Calling all logos

2009-03-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

Please send me your logos, ellen@whizbangideas.com and I will post them on the blog. Send them as low res jpegs. Thanks

my info

2009-03-12T16:56:00.001-07:00

just sending you my email add. to be included.lawrence-- DrBackman.com Chiropracticlawrence dieter dc1171c Toro St SLO, CApo box 15858 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 office: 805.544.0237cell: 235.4446

Breaking News:

2009-03-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Professional Networking gets a new awesome blog!Simply email articles to have them automatically posted here : )Subject line of the email will be the headline.Make sure there is no digital signature at bottom of email as thesepost funny.

California Home Buyer’s Credit

2009-03-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

In an effort to stimulate sales of new homes in the state of California, a new $10,000 tax credit is being offered to the first 10,000 people to purchase newly constructed homes beginning March 1 2009 and ending March 1 2010. This tax credit is paid in three equal installments over a three year period and is not limited to first time home buyers, it also has no income requirements. For a

Recession Proof Your Business at Marketing Bootcamp

2009-03-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

Several top nationally known marketing gurus and companies have partnered to bring you the first ever Marketing Bootcamp right here on the Central Coast. And of course, Whizbang's Ellen Curtis will be taking about "How to advertise with impact". This one day conference will include a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, all class materials, marketing planner system and all pass workshop access.

You're Invited to Wine and Whine!

2009-03-09T23:39:00.000-07:00

As wine label designers, marketers and genuine wine lovers, Whizbang has been wine tasting every Wednesday and posting their findings on their wine blog . Whizbang has decided to open up wine-tasting Wednesday to the public. We figure with the economy such as it is, there is plenty for us to whine about... over some wine. Please join us for "Wine and Whine" next Wednesday, March 11th from 4-6 pm.

Jamie Magon – Promotional Concepts

2009-03-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

With many tradeshows coming up this spring, it’s time to start planning! Please contact us if you are either participating in or know someone who is participating in one of our local events – Mixer Showcase, Home Shows, Bridal Fairs, etc. We have many strategies to ensure that you get the most out of your investment in the show and your promotional handouts.~Jamie MagonPromotional ConceptsGet

John Buerger – Altus Wealth Solutions

2009-03-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

I want to give you all the details for the Wealth Health Evening coming up Tuesday, March 31st at 6pm. This is a 90 minute mini-workshop to get people started on the road to getting control over their money. By the end of the evening folks who attend will know:The four phases of successfully reaching any goal - especially one that involves money.Alternatives to the emotional thrill of spending