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Business coaching vs. business consulting: what’s the difference?

MANCHESTER, MARYLAND …

In the past several years, business coaching has gone beyond a luxury reserved for Corporate America’s executives but an invaluable tool for small business owners. Yet many small business owners are still unclear on the difference between a business coach and a business consultant.

“The difference is as simple as the old expression ‘give a man a fish, he eats for the day, teach him to fish and he feeds himself for life’,” said Karen Boyd, a master licensee for ActionCOACH, the top business coaching firm in the world.

Continued Boyd, “That’s not to say that business consultants do not perform a valuable service. Their expertise is used to complete tasks where the business owner is deficient or does not have the time to do themselves. A business coach teaches the business owner either how to do those tasks or how to find the resources to ensure that the task is completed both in the present and future.”

So what are the main differences between a business coach and business consultant? Here are a few of the chief differences:

  • Business coach transfers their knowledge to the business owner; the business consultant takes their knowledge when their mission is complete.
  • With business coach, plan is driven by client needs; with consultant, plan is driven by deliverable definition
  • Business coach works in 90-day planning cycles; business consultant’s schedule is based on deliverable milestones.
  • Business coach helps implement self-sustainable systems; business consultant sets up maintenance contracts for deliverables.
  • Business coach is a generalist; business consultant is a specialist.
  • Business coach paid by the program; business consultant paid by the hour.

“In its simplest form, a business coach is a teacher. The business consultant is a doer. Both have a place in the business world,” said Boyd. “When you own and operate your own business, you get used to calling all the shots, even if some of those shots might be off-target. A business coach not only will tell you why you’re off target, but shows you how to stay on target and that’s a service that has real value for the small business owner.”

About ActionCOACH

ActionCOACH is the world’s #1 business coaching firm and executive coaching firm. Operating in 26 countries, the franchise has more than 1,000 offices around the world. That includes locations in the five states (and Washington DC) that make up the Gulf Atlantic region: Alabama (Pelham); Delaware; Louisiana (Baton Route, Loranger, Mandeville, New Orleans and Shreveport); Maryland (Baltimore, Freeland, Fallston, Manchester, Rockland, Silver Spring); and Mississippi (Madison).

Founded in 1993, the ActionCOACH has received numerous awards including Fastest Growing Franchise, Franchisee Satisfaction, Best Overall Company and has been named the number one business coaching franchise for more than five years running.

For information on ActionCOACH Founder Brad Sugars’ 2010 “Business is Booming” North American tour, please visit http://businessisboomingtour.com and use code KBM001. 

To learn more about working with an ActionCOACH or the ActionCOACH franchise opportunity, contact Karen Boyd, www.karenboyd.actioncoach.comwww.karenboyd.actioncoach.com, (410) 374-3536.

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Lenae Richard Joins South Shore Skin Center as New Medical Assistant and Licensed Aesthetician

Lenae Richard, a Medical Assistant and Licensed Aesthetician, has joined South Shore Skin Center, one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts with offices in Cohasset and Plymouth.

In her new role at South Shore Skin Center, Richard will care for both medical and cosmetic dermatology patients at the practices’ two offices in the capacity of Medical Assistant working alongside board certified dermatologists Dr. Richard Eisen, Dr. Ramzi Saad, Dr. Kate Ayers, Dr. Emily Tierney and Dr. William Stocker. She will also care for patients as a Licensed Aesthetician and provide microdermabrasion, chemical peels, facials, waxing and Latisse.

Richard received her Medical Assistant certificate from Clark University in Braintree and her aesthetics license from Skin Techniques in Pembroke.

Richard is a resident of Onset, MA.

To schedule a cosmetic dermatology appointment with Lenae Richard, contact (508) 747-0711.

South Shore Skin Center

South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. The practice has attained and maintained an “A” rating on Angies List Health.
Having outgrown their previous office at Resnik Road in Plymouth, South Shore Skin Center has recently relocated to the 6,600 square-foot third floor of One Scobee Circle in Plymouth.
South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more. The practice also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, Radiesse, Sculptra and other wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels. Anti-Aging and Cosmetic treatments are both safer and more effective when administered at a physician’s office such as South Shore Skin Center and Spa.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and One Scobee Circle in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711. For more information, visit the website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

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Low rides with Todson…Todson hires Bert Low as sales manager.

Bert Low
Todson's Bert Low

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS…

Todson, Inc., the U.S. distributor for Topeak cycling accessories and OnGuard Locks, recently hired Bert Low to the role of sales manager based out of the company’s corporate offices in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. In this role, Low will be handling sales to national sporting good chains as well as Todson’s network of wholesale distributors.

“We’re delighted to welcome Bert to our team. He’s someone many of us here at Todson have known for quite some time and it’s great to have him on our team,” said Neal Todrys, president of Todson, Inc.

Prior to working for Todson, Low was the national sales manager for Pedro’s, working out of their corporate offices in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

“Through my previous jobs, I already knew quite a bit about Todson and the people who work here,” said Low. “It’s kind of neat to come to work on your first day and pretty much know everybody who works at your new company.”

A Brooklyn, New York native, Low started in the retail industry while in high school, working for Paragon Sports. After nearly two decades in the New York market, he moved to Massachusetts in 2006. An avid cyclist in his spare time, Low participates in both on-road and off-road races, including cyclo cross.

Married, he and his wife Laura currently reside in Billerica with their twin children Bret and Kamryn.

World Class Sports Accessories

Todson, Inc., the exclusive importer for Topeak for the U.S., is committed to providing the best in sports accessories to consumers around the globe.  Over the past 16 years, Topeak has risen to become the top cycling accessories brand in the world. 

In addition to Topeak cycling accessories, Todson is the distributor of renowned OnGuard line, the toughest line of power sport, bike and gear security products in the world.  The OnGuard line is available only through authorized dealers. Recognized for their legendary anti-drill and pick-proof M-Cylinder mechanism and flat key lock system, OnGuard’s locks, whether key or combination lock, are tested, approved and certified to guard bikes or power sport vehicles the world over.  OnGuard is the leading lock brand in Europe, in particular, Amsterdam, the bike theft capital of the world. 

Todson has successfully marketed recreational goods for more than 50 years. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Todson specializes in strategic sales and marketing, distribution, brand management and e-commerce. For more information about Topeak cycling accessories and OnGuard Locks, visit www.Todson.com or contact Todson at (800) 213-4561.  The company is located at 73 N. Washington Street, N. Attleboro, Mass.

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ViaMark Advertising wins 2010 Gold ADDY

PLYMOUTH, MA…

ViaMark Advertising recently won a Gold Addy for Best Local 60-second radio commercial for Uncle Dave’s Homemade Ice Cream.

ViaMark Advertising opened its doors for business in North Carolina in 1995, opening its northeast headquarters in 2005 in the Boston suburb of Plymouth, Massachusetts. The company now has 12 offices in four states including its Plymouth office.  The Gold ADDY gives ViaMark the ability to showcase the kind of creative talent that supports their local franchise offices.  The firm’s mantra is “Local Minds, National Talent.”

Led by Creative Director Lori McIlwain, ViaMark specializes in developing affordable, unique ad campaigns for retail, automotive, healthcare and service industries.  In addition, Viamark purchases media for clients locally, and throughout the United States.  In New England, ViaMark Advertising represents Silko Honda, Sullivan Brothers Auto Mall, South Shore Diamond Exchange, AJ Marks Jewelers, McLean Hospital and Omega Medical Research.  According to McIlwain, “creating emotional marketing campaigns is the best way to convey a client’s story, and win the customer’s trust. Make them feel safe, and you’ll create a customer for life.  At ViaMark we refer to this as true to life marketing.”  

For the Uncle Dave’s Homemade Ice Cream commercial, owner Dave Adami wanted ViaMark to come up with a fun commercial that would vault the Uncle Dave’s brand and increase its notoriety in their local market.  “After all, we are selling fun” says Dave Adami.  Dave contributes significantly to this commercial with his very catchy, locally flavored voice.  Dave is featured in both the beginning and conclusion of the commercial.  “It’s Dee-Licious” is now a phrase that many local consumers recall when thinking of the Uncle Dave’s Homemade Ice Cream brand.

Hear the commercial by visiting: http://www.viamark.com. 

ViaMark Advertising’s handles more than 100 accounts from South Carolina to Boston, Massachusetts and specializes in strategic media buying, and creative services, including radio, television, print, and outdoor. Viamark offices are located in Massachusetts (Plymouth), North Carolina (Asheville, Greenville, Jacksonville, New Bern, Raleigh, Research Triangle, Wilmington), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) and South Carolina (Greenville-Spartanburg).

To learn more about Viamark Advertising visit www.Viamark.com or www.viamark.com/plymouth

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Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Announces New HVAC Installation Division

Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has recently announced a new HVAC Installation Division.

As the home service experts, Winters Company goes well beyond plumbing to provide heating, cooling and air quality service to thousands of homeowners in the greater Boston area. Their new division will be dedicated to HVAC maintenance and repair as well as the installation of leading brands.

Gil Deaton, a licensed HVAC Service Technician with more than a decade of experience, has been appointed to lead Winters Company’s new division. All of Winters technicians are trained NATE Certified technicians who are knowledgeable and capable of installing and servicing multiple products. Additionally, Winters vehicles are always fully stocked to facilitate the requirements of any service call.

Among the products that Winters Company carries and installs are York cooling systems, which are built with proven components to provide safe, clean and reliable comfort year-round.

“With the recent tax incentives that reduce the cost of heating and cooling system replacement, we’ve grown significantly within the HVAC market over the last two years. The demand is such that we’ve created an entire division that is dedicated to heating and cooling installation,” noted Tim Flynn, president of Winters Company.

Service Partner Programs Available

A heating, cooling or plumbing emergency is never something you want to experience, but it can happen when you least expect it. Winters Company offers Heating, Cooling and Plumbing Service Partner programs which include annual tune-ups and maintenance to help ensure that those emergencies don’t happen. For more information, visit wintershomeservices.com.

About Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Since 1994, Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has specialized in providing home services of plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and kitchen and bath remodeling projects to thousands of homeowners throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Winters Company is the largest residential plumbing company in the state, with 20 trucks on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. In addition to 24 hour service and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, Winters Company has standardized their services, which ensures that every customer receives the same high quality workmanship delivered in the same professional and courteous manner.

Winter Company’s trusted professionals are trained to care for a home ‘s systems as well as the home and homeowner. All of Winter’s technicians undergo drug-testing and background checks, ensuring that only first-rate providers comprise Winter’s team.

Winters Company has been honored with a number of awards over the years including the Local Torch Award for Excellence from the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List Super Service Award. Winters Company is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information, call (617) 484-2121 or visit the website at www.wintershomeservices.com.

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Love on the run…eLove offers portability options for singles

NORWELL, MA…

One of the primary reasons matchmaking services exist is that so many singles are busy with their careers—either from workload, travel or both—it’s difficult to meet that special someone.  eLove, one of the world’s largest online dating and brick-and-mortar dating services in the world recently added a portability feature to its matchmaking service for busy singles who find themselves away on business or for other reasons for long stretches of time.

eLove has matchmaking offices in 23 states. eLove matchamaking clients can utilize their membership at any of those offices. So if an eLove client from the Saddle Brook, New Jersey office goes away on business to Washington DC for an extended period, he or she can use the eLove matchmaking services out of the Falls Church, Virginia or Columbia, Maryland offices.

“Just because you’re away on business doesn’t mean your personal life has to come to a screeching halt,” said Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove. “The portability of our matchmaking memberships means you can utilize our services at any of our 45 offices, almost all of which are either in or reasonably close to metropolitan areas.”

In addition to the portability of its matchmaking services, eLove also offers online dating services, which connects singles across the United States. eLove’s online dating site gives users the capability of targeting singles by a geographic area—another handy tool if you know you’re going to be in a certain area for a prolonged period on business or vacation.

“You only get one life. And as important as careers are, all work and no play is not a healthy combination,” said Falzone. “By offering portability with our matchmaking services and the capabilities of our online dating site, singles do have a choice as to whether an extended business trip can be all business or have some fun mixed in.”

eLove is all you need

eLove, the next evolution in dating, has arrived.  eLove is the first “life stage company” within the dating industry to provide different levels of dating services, from internet to traditional matchmaking, based on how serious singles are about meeting their soul mate.  Never before has a dating service catered so completely to everyone regardless of their age, sex, or relationship goals. With matchmaking offices in 21 states and an online dating network of more than three million singles worldwide, eLove is everything that singles have been wishing for whether they are looking for casual dating or a serious, committed relationship.

eLove’s Matchmaking Service offices are located in:  Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith, Little Rock); California (Mountain View, Sacramento, Walnut Creek); Connecticut (Glastonbury, Stamford); Illinois (Chicago, Downers Grove, Normal, Northbrook, Rockford); Indiana (Carmel, Ft. Wayne); Kansas (Overland Park, Wichita); Kentucky (Louisville); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Massachusetts (Newton, Norwell, Shrewsbury, Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Missouri (Springfield, St. Louis); Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha); New Jersey (Saddle Brook); Nevada (Las Vegas); Ohio (Cincinnati); Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Tulsa); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg); Rhode Island (Warwick); South Carolina (Greenville); Tennessee (Memphis, Franklin); Texas (Austin, San Antonio); Virginia (Falls Church, Richmond); Wisconsin (Appleton, Elm Grove, Madison).

For more information on eLove, visit www.elove.com.

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ActionCOACH’s “Business is Booming” tour comes to DC on June 17.

ActionCOACH Founder Brad Sugars

WASHINGTON, DC …

Double-digit unemployment rates. Corporate bailouts. Foreclosures and slumping residential and commercial real estate markets.

So how can anyone truly say, “business is booming”?

Brad Sugars, founder and Chairman of ActionCOACH, the world’s number business coaching firm, says exactly that, and tells both why and how when his North American “Business is Booming” tour comes to the Washington Marriott on Thursday, June 17.

“History tells us that more money is made during economic downturns than during booms and that for every 10-month downturn is a 50-month boom,” said Karen Boyd, ActionCOACH master licensee in Washington, DC, Maryland and Delaware. “Brad’s message is that the companies can prepare for the next boom by cutting costs, developing good lead generation strategies and implementing effective marketing programs that deliver A- and B-level customers that will thrive in any economy.”

In addition to an explanation of why business is indeed booming, Sugars will also discuss 28 proven strategies to massively grow any type of business during his three-hour presentation.

Widely acclaimed as the world’s number one Business Coach, Sugars founded ActionCOACH in 1993 after successfully owning and or running more than 30 businesses in his native Australia. Today, ActionCOACH is ranked as the world’s leading international business coaching firm, with more than 1,000 offices in 26 countries.

A best-selling author of 14 highly acclaimed business books – including four international best-sellers – Sugars has taught nearly a half-million people worldwide how to create business, real estate and financial success.

“Brad Sugars is to business coaching what Tony Robbins has been to the personal development industry,” continued Boyd. “With his ‘Business is Booming’ tour, he’s literally giving away his years of successful business knowledge and expertise. It’s a message every small business owner in the Beltway should want to hear.”

To register for the June 17 event at the Washington Marriott (located at 1221 22nd Street NW, Washington DC), simply visit http://businessisboomingtour.com/ and use code KBM001.

There’s no charge to register, admission is free. The event will begin promptly at 6 p.m. with a 30-minute networking period prior to Sugars’ presentation.  

To find out additional dates and venues for the “Business is Booming” North American tour, please go to http://businessisboomingtour.com and use code KBM001.

About ActionCOACH

ActionCOACH is the world’s #1 business coaching firm and executive coaching firm. Operating in 26 countries, the franchise has more than 1,000 offices around the world. That includes locations in the five states (and Washington DC) that make up the Gulf Atlantic region: Alabama (Pelham); Delaware; Louisiana (Baton Route, Loranger, Mandeville, New Orleans and Shreveport); Maryland (Baltimore, Freeland, Fallston, Manchester, Rockland, Silver Spring); and Mississippi (Madison).

Founded in 1993, the ActionCOACH has received numerous awards including Fastest Growing Franchise, Franchisee Satisfaction, Best Overall Company and has been named the number one business coaching franchise for more than five years running.

For information on ActionCOACH Founder Brad Sugars’ 2010 “Business is Booming” North American tour, please visit http://businessisboomingtour.com and use code KBM001. 

To learn more about working with an ActionCOACH or the ActionCOACH franchise opportunity, contact Karen Boyd, www.karenboyd.actioncoach.comwww.karenboyd.actioncoach.com, (410) 374-3536.

ActionCOACH’s “Business is Booming” tour comes to DC on June 17.Read More

Lake in the Hills resident Sara Sosa celebrates 10 years with DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates

DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates' Sara Sosa and Dave Kushner

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL…

When most high school seniors look for an after school job, they are not typically thinking about a career. As Sara Sosa has proved over and over again during her 10 years with DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, she is the exception.

“I attended a DirectBuy open house and came away completely inspired by this company that helps save families literally thousands of dollars and create the homes of their dreams,” said Sosa. “I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. The fact that it’s been 10 years is rather amazing.”

Beginning in the service area as an appointment setter in the spring of 2000, Sosa rose through the ranks to her current title of member director. As a director, she’s responsible for leading the Open House tours (like the one that so inspired her) and explaining the benefits of a DirectBuy membership to families.

 “Not only is she my right-hand person, but Sara has been one of the leading membership directors in the United States,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates. “Sara is extremely self-motivated and has a great attitude. Her success with DirectBuy is a total reflection on how she goes about her job.”

In fact, Sosa’s longevity with the company is only trumped by Kushner, who opened DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates 11 years ago.

“Dave and all the people here at DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates have just been incredible to work with and have literally been like an extended family to me,” said Sosa. “That’s kind of fitting since I’ve experienced some of life’s biggest milestones—getting married, becoming a mother, buying a house—while working at DirectBuy.”

Raised in Algonquin, Illinois, Sosa currently resides in Lake in the Hills, Illinois.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery, and installation services.

With several convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Lake in the Hills resident Sara Sosa celebrates 10 years with DirectBuy of Hoffman EstatesRead More