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High Five! DirectBuy of Hampton Roads celebrates five-year milestone

CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA

For more than five years, DirectBuy of Hampton Roads has been offering consumers in the greater Chesapeake area a brand new way to save on home improvement products, home furnishings and accessories.

As the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club, DirectBuy of Hampton Roads offers direct insider pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors five years ago is a little hard to fathom,” said Don Zimmerman, owner of DirectBuy of Hampton Roads. “Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy. And that’s got us even more excited about the next five years.”

In addition to the tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, many times at a discounted rate.

“Our five years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community and as a contributor to local charities,” said Zimmerman. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

Since 2004, DirectBuy of Hampton Roads has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 1122 Executive Boulevard, Suite N, in Chesapeake, DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy

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 and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct enables members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Hampton Roads area since 2004. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct.

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

High Five! DirectBuy of Hampton Roads celebrates five-year milestoneRead More

A perfect 10! DirectBuy of Tulsa celebrates 10-Year Milestone!

TULSA, OKLAHOMA…

For ten years, DirectBuy has been offering consumers in the greater Tulsa area a brand new way to save on home improvement products, furnishings and accessories.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Tulsa offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors 10 years ago is a little hard to fathom,” said David Berry, owner of DirectBuy of Tulsa. “Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy. And that’s got us even more excited about the next 10 years.”

In addition to tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, many times at a discounted rate.

“Our 10 years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families in the greater Tulsa area create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community,” said Berry. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

Since 1999, DirectBuy of Tulsa has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 5125 South Garnett in Tulsa, DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable setting where consumers finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada, and more than 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

A perfect 10! DirectBuy of Tulsa celebrates 10-Year Milestone!Read More

Your new travel guide…Tom Wright purchases Resort Maps franchise in Melbourne, Florida.

MELBOURNE, FLORIDA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, recently announced Tom Wright as the new owner of their Melbourne, Florida operation.

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at rest and travel information areas as well by advertisers. The Best of Melbourne Map highlights local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Melbourne area. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

“With more than 33 miles of unspoiled beaches in and beautiful weather most of the year, you really can’t go wrong in Melbourne,” said Wright. “Resort Maps helps to point out the many places to explore and things to do in the area, including the Eau Gallie Arts District and Historic Downtown Melbourne.”

The Best of Melbourne map offers a real treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just down for a day or two. Resort Maps free ‘souvenir style’ maps can be found not only at the local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout Melbourne.

These same colorful maps can also be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of all 90+ resort areas to choose from. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information. 

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Melbourne map, you can call Tom Wright at 321-243-0449 or email at tomw@resortmaps.com.

Resort Maps began creating and publishing maps in the northeastern U.S. back in 1986. In an effort to continue the company’s growth and simultaneously maintain the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to more than 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

“We publish over 20 million maps per year in more than 90 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do make you want to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like them for that very same reason,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps.

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Your new travel guide…Tom Wright purchases Resort Maps franchise in Melbourne, Florida.Read More

On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Key West” map, advertising opportunities available.

KEY WEST, FLORIDA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently began work on the first edition of a map of Key West, Florida.  Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities, free to area visitors. 

The creation of the Best of Key West Resort Map will show what the area has to offer by highlighting local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Key West area. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

These same colorful maps can be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of all 90+ resort areas to choose from. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information. 

“You think Key West and you think Jimmy Buffet and Ernest Hemingway and that’s all part of Key West, yet there are many other wonderful places to see and things to do here,” said John McClain, Resort Maps franchise owner. “The new Key West map offers a real treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just down for a day or two. Our free ‘souvenir style’ maps can be found not only at the local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout the area.”

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Key West map, you can contact franchise owner John McClain by e-mail at john@resortmaps.com or by phone at 305-433-8442.

Resort Maps began creating and publishing maps in the northeastern U.S. back in 1986. In an effort to continue the company’s growth and simultaneously maintain the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to more than 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico.

“We publish over 20 million maps per year in more than 90 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do make you want to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like them for that very same reason,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps.

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes, Windsor), Costa Rica (Escazu and Santa Ana) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra, San Juan).

On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Key West” map, advertising opportunities available.Read More

“How to Network with Impact” presentation sponsored by New England Franchise Association (NEFA)

QUINCY, MA…

In recognition of the fact that non-sales professionals are often uncomfortable or ineffective at networking, the New England Franchise Association (NEFA) welcome members and non-members to a lively presentation to hone their networking skills.    The event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, 5:30 p.m. at Granite Links Golf Club, Quincy, MA.

Jim Ayraud, president and founder of Next Level, Inc., a sales management consulting firm and an authorized licensee of Sandler Training, will raise the bar and demonstrate how to be much more purposeful and therefore effective in our business networking.

The evening includes a cocktail and networking session beginning at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7:00 PM, and then the presentation from by Ayraud. The entire business community is urged to attend. Membership in the NEFA is NOT required. Reservations are required.  Registration Fee is $60 per person and includes dinner.  NEFA Members receive $10.00 off. 

Ayraud believes that networking is like anything else in life—the more serious you are about it—the more success you will have. 

“In particular, service business opportunities are largely based on relationships. New business and recurring revenue comes from collegues and referral sources who know you and trust you,” notes Jim Ayraud. He added, “Networking should be an essential part of your business development plan. The challenge is to chosse the right events and use proven strategies and techniques to make the most of your valuable time. Plan on walking away with a healthy mindset about networking and referral generation.”

About Next Level, Inc.

Next Level, Inc. is a Boston-based sales management consulting firm  that recognizes and capitalizes on the power of reinforcement. Understanding and implementing a complex set of human attitudes, behaviors and selling techniques is not a “quick fix” solution that can occur in a seminar.

 

Next Level, Inc. works with companies and individuals who are absolutely committed to sales professionalism.  Clients come to Next level when they are fearful that their people do not optimize opportunities to identify and secure new business, worried that their processes are causing selling cycles to be stretched longer and time is wasted, and/or anxious that their pipeline is inadequately filled with relevant business opportunities that will allow for profitable revenue growth.  

 

About NEFA

New England Franchise Association (NEFA) is the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the region, with over 150 members. The mission of NEFA is to bring franchise executives, franchisees and vendors together to share ideas for success.

Franchising more than ever before, has an unprecedented opportunity to make a major positive impact on the future New England economy. In a 2001-05 study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoppers on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) found that in New England over 875,000 jobs are a result of franchising, the total output is over 100 Billion dollars a year, and there are over 35,000 franchise establishments in the six New England States.

To reserve your seats, please contact New England Franchise Association via the organization’s website www.NEFranchise.org, email: info@NEFranchise.org, or by calling Jim Coen, (617) 469-3002.

 

“How to Network with Impact” presentation sponsored by New England Franchise Association (NEFA)Read More

Dreaming of a green Christmas

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY

Bing Crosby had a white one. Elvis was blue. And while a “green” Christmas might not lend itself to song as well as those other colors, celebrating the holiday season in a greener, more environmentally friendly way is certainly desirable. DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishing club, has some helpful tips on being greener with you holiday celebrations.

“The holidays are a great time of year to get together with family and friends, but the amount of waste is really astounding,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

How much waste? Consider more than one million greeting cards are thrown away every year. Or that the lights used to decorate your home produce enough carbon dioxide to inflate 12 balloons. Worse yet, the 51-plus miles of wrapping paper used once and then thrown away.

So, how can you have a greener holiday season? Try:

  • LED instead of your classic holiday lights. LEDs last 80 to 90 percent longer. The price for strands of LED lights are roughly the same as those classic lights. And if everyone switched to LEDs in their household, the savings alone would be enough to power 200,000 homes for a year. 
  • Turn off your lights and electronic devices when not in use. Even in standby mode these items can consume 15 percent of your household’s electricity.
  • Using real glasses and dishes instead of disposable ones for your holiday party. Also, go with cloth tablecloths instead of throwaways.
  • Sending online cards instead of mailing paper holiday cards. Or make an online photo album yourself and circulate the link to family and friends.
  • Giving presents that aren’t actual items that have to be stored but experiences—e.g. horseback riding lessons, a massage, or even a gift certificate for a class at your local continuing education facility.
  •  Re-using grocery bags or posters from old magazines and decorating them yourself for wrapping paper. If that’s a little too work-intensive, you can also purchase a recycled version of the traditional wrapping paper that you can buy online.
  • Buying a real tree this year. Surprised? Artificial trees are petroleum based and non-biodegradable. The process of making them includes metal and derivatives of PVC and the by-products such as led harm both humans and the environment. Instead, buy a potted tree that you can later plant in your garden and possibly use next year.

 “The holidays really are a time for us to reflect back on the year and be grateful for the many gifts we do have. One of those gifts is the very earth we live on,” said Klinger. “By following just a few of these green suggestions, you can make a difference in your carbon imprint and, perhaps, even enjoy a more memorable holiday season knowing you’re making your corner of the world a little greener.”

For over 38 years, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy

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 and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.   DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

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

Dreaming of a green ChristmasRead More

Acing customer service…DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates earns an A+ grade from Better Business Bureau.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

 When it comes to taking care of your customers, some businesses talk the talk while others walk the walk. As a recipient of an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau, you can count DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates among the latter.

An accredited Better Business Bureau business since 1989, DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates earned their A+ grade based on 19 criteria, ranging from years in business to complaints received and resolved, to other service-oriented factors. Each criterion has a certain amount of points associated with it, with a perfect score being 90 out of a possible 90 points. DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates’ A+ grade represents 88 out of a possible 90 points.

“Along with offering great products to our members, we go to great lengths to make visiting our store a pleasant and enjoyable experience. If it’s not, we want to know about it. That’s part of the reason we’ve joined the Better Business Bureau and have been an accredited member for quite some time,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates. “So while we’re thrilled to receive an A+, it’s especially satisfying because it means we’re delivering the kind of superior customer service our members deserve.”

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories by purchasing from over 700 brand name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition to DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, located at 2200 Stonington Avenue in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, DirectBuy has several convenient locations in greater Chicago (Chicago, Gurnee, Naperville, and Tinley Park). At DirectBuy, 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

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 and 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 160 locations throughout North America.

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

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving greater Chicago area: 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.  

Acing customer service…DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates earns an A+ grade from Better Business Bureau.Read More

How going ‘coach’ can upgrade your business class…Why business coaching delivers for small businesses, too.

FREDERICK, MD; BATON ROUGE, LA; WILMINGTON, DE; RICHMOND, VA; AND MIAMI, FL … 

Business coach? The emergence of business coaching is helping many small, local businesses in this challenging economy.  Yet, the concept of coaching, outside the athletic arena, is still a fairly new one, particularly in the business world.

Once a luxury as a resource affordable only to Fortune 5000 companies, business coaching is now accessible to even solo practitioners. But what is business coaching anyway?

Is it a financial advisor/tax consultant who can show business owners how to be more profitable? Are they sales coaches who teach business owners, many who do not have sales as a background, how to sell? Or are they management consultants who teach business owners how to run their operations more efficiently?

The answer is that a business coach can be one, some or all of the above. And for the small business owner seeking out the guidance of a business coach, it’s important to know exactly what it is you are getting.

“The three areas most critical to a small business owner are time, team and money. In other words, how you budget your time, how you manage your staff and/or operation and how you manage/make your money,” said Karen Boyd, an ActionCOACH business coach. “When hiring a business coach, the small business owner needs to determine the areas where they need assistance and hire somebody who can address those areas.”

So what should business owners look for in a business coach? What should business owners hope to get out of working with a business coach? Here are some guidelines for business owners interested in hiring a business or executive coach:

 

·         Working smarter – One of the more important things a business owner can get from working with a coach is to optimize his or her time; working smarter. A time management evaluation and plan should be part of the package with definitive steps for improvement put in place.

·         Increasing sales – The most obvious reason for working with a coach is to increase profits. Working with a business coach should not only include a plan of how to increase sales, but a clear timetable of by how much and by when and within the structure of your organization.

·         The bottom line – Increasing sales is great, but it doesn’t automatically translate to profitability.  You want to work with a business coach who can look at the entire financial picture—sales, operations, etc.

·         Inspiration or exasperation? A business coach should be a mentor and motivator for   business owner. When looking for a coach, be sure it’s somebody you can work with. Find out about their background. A certain level of trust and respect is needed to successfully work with a coach and the business owner should at the very least have references from the coach so they can make an informed decision.

·         Accountability – Only work with a coach who will hold you, the business owner, accountable. A business coach should work with you to create goals and objectives. Those require actions and deliverables on the part of the business owner. As a business owner, that’s what you want.

“To get results out of a coaching relationship requires accountability on the part of the coach and the business owner,” said Everardo Recendiz, an ActionCOACH out of Shreveport, Louisiana. “It’s the job of the coach to work with the business owner to come up with goals and deadlines for actions and deliverables. It’s the business owner’s job to meet those deadlines. Success or failure of the coaching relationship really comes down to the commitment of the business owner.”

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 six states (and Washington DC) that make up the Gulf Atlantic region: Alabama (Pelham); Delaware; Florida (Coral Gables, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, North Miama, Palm Harbor, Pensacola Beach and Tallahassee); 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.

To learn more about ActionCOACH, contact Karen Boyd, www.karenboyd.actioncoach.comwww.karenboyd.actioncoach.com, (410) 374-3536.

How going ‘coach’ can upgrade your business class…Why business coaching delivers for small businesses, too.Read More

Draw play… Glenview resident scores Bears tickets in DirectBuy contest.

CHICAGO, IL …

As the leading home improvement and home furnishings club offering direct insider prices, DirectBuy specializes in helping members get more for less. Glenview resident Juan Gomez is a fine example of that. By visiting DirectBuy to learn more about a membership, he was entered in a raffle that won him two tickets to the Chicago Bears versus St. Louis Rams game on December 6, 2009 as part of a special promotion put on by DirectBuy of Chicago North and DirectBuy of Lake County.

“Congratulations to Juan Gomez for winning the two tickets to the Bears-Rams game,” said Brent Gilliland, managing partner of DirectBuy of Chicago North. “Judging by the number of participants we had, this was no small accomplishment, and we hope he had a great time at the game.”

Gomez’s victory marked the end of DirectBuy’s month-long football celebration. Leading up to the drawing, fans who attended an Open House at either DirectBuy of Chicago North or DirectBuy of Lake County received a piece of authentic NFL apparel and were entered into a drawing for the aforementioned tickets to the Bears-Rams game (members of the general public were also invited to enter). The winner was drawn on November 30, 2009.

“This was a really fun promotion for a lot of reasons. First and foremost, we have a lot of football fans among our members, guests and staff,” said Mark Perry, managing partner at DirectBuy of Lake County. “Since we border Wisconsin, a good many of our guests are Packers fans, yet the promotion still managed to create a buzz that made it a good time for even the most ardent Cheesehead.”

DirectBuy offers everything football fans could possibly need to watch the game from home — flat screen TVs, recliners and home theater seating, even kegerators for your den or entertainment room — at direct insider prices from your favorite brand names. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the “man cave” or entertainment room that works best for their home.

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories by purchasing from over 700 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers. 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

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 and 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 160 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.

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