Dave Block & Victoria Munro of Make-it-Fly

Feature Article: Are You Shooting Yourself in the Foot?

Business Owner in the Spotlight
 Angela Libby Jankousky
Turning Point Presentations

Refueling Recommendations
Make-it-Fly® Programs
Alumni Board Openings

Make-it-Fly® MarketPlace

Next Make-it-Fly® Café

ISSN# 1552-3705

May 1, 2007
Volume 4, Issue 9

"In-Flight Refueling" is published twice a month.

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A Note from Dave & Victoria

Springtime has definitely arrived here. Trees turning green, flowers blooming along the trails, and in the landscaping outside our office a goose has made her nest. She’s sitting on seven big eggs. They’re not golden eggs, but if you get too close, she protects them as though they are.

Last week, we facilitated several advisory boards and are looking forward to six this week—it’s busy, fun and very demanding. This past weekend, we changed our pace, slowed down, took long walks together, sat and people-watched in a sidewalk café, and just enjoyed each other.

Last Tuesday was Make-it-Fly’s birthday, and one of the advisory board members brought birthday cake for the group. It’s been fun to look back over four years of advisory boards. We’ve met some wonderful clients who’ve become life-long friends.

Our very best regards,

Dave and Victoria

Business Owner in the Spotlight

Angela Libby Jankousky
Turning Point Presentations

Prior to founding Turning Point Presentations in the fall of 2006, Angela Libby Jankousky founded EME Solutions, an environment, management and engineering consultancy, with her husband in 2000. Before that, Angela managed Health, Safety and Environmental issues for Johns Manville locations worldwide. In addition to her speaking and coaching business, she teaches Environmental Engineering at Red Rocks Community College.

 Angela Libby Jankousky, of Turning Point Presentations

Angela’s thoughts on coaching and leadership were developed during her time at Johns Manville and refined during her subsequent experience as a business owner.

“When we present,” Angela says, “we seek to spark a change in our listeners.”

Turning Point Presentations specializes in helping entrepreneurs and businesspeople give presentations that are clear, compelling and concise.

Q: What do you find most fulfilling about the business?
ALJ: I love coaching people, especially pointing out what they are already doing well. This allows them to become more effective by building on their natural strengths.

Q: What motivated you to get into this business?
ALJ: I have a background working for large companies in technical, managerial and executive capacities. I believe that my presentation and communications skills helped me to be promoted quickly. I always loved mentoring others and helping them to succeed. I am also a Toastmaster who has won a number of speaking awards. This business allows me to combine my communications abilities and my passion for coaching and mentoring.

Q: What book has been most helpful to you in your business?
ALJ: Just one? That’s like asking me to pick my favorite child. Probably the most life-changing book was Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin.

Q: Who has influenced you most in your life?
ALJ: In addition to my parents, my husband and my children, I have always been inspired by biographies and autobiographies of people who have overcome adversity. Some favorites include: Benjamin Franklin, Marie Curie, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Rosa Parks, Sandra Day O’Connor, Lance Armstrong… sorry! I’m guilty of providing Too Much Information.

Q: What has proved to be your most successful marketing strategy?
ALJ: Meeting people through Make-it-Fly® and really focusing on my niche. I’m working to implement Andy Cleary’s brilliant, all-purpose mission statement. “Support and inspire your crowd.” (Andy, of Orbit Design, is a Make-it-Flyer and a branding guru.)

Q: What have been the greatest challenges you have had to overcome, or are currently facing, in your business?
ALJ: I’m loving what I’m doing, but I’m not busy enough yet… and I hate asking for help. But here goes: Does anyone have a referral for me? My ideal client has an important and complicated message and wants to deliver it in a way that’s both effective and entertaining. Tell them working with me is fun.

Q: How have you benefited from participating in a Make-it-Fly® board?
ALJ: A lot of my clients have come to me through Make-it-Fly®. The program has paid for itself many times over. I’m new to an Alumni Advisory Board, but I can see great potential there.

Q: What would you say to other business owners who are contemplating getting involved in a Make-it-Fly® board?
ALJ: Benjamin Franklin said, “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that’s the stuff life is made of.” Don’t squander your time trying to get a business going without Make-it-Fly®.

Angela Libby Jankousky can be reached by phone at: 303-279-7647, visit her website at: www.turningpointpresentations.com.

Click here for special speech coaching offer!

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Dave Block, Co-Founder of Make-it-FlyDave’s Networking Tip:

Thank people. Gratitude is often lacking in today's business world. Focus your attention on those you meet and thank them at every opportunity. This will make them feel appreciated and help you stand out from the crowd.

Make-it-Fly Feature Article

Victoria Munro, Co-Founder of Make-it-FlyAre You Shooting Yourself in the Foot?
Tips to Help You Get the Right Message Across
By Victoria Munro

What sort of an impression are you really making? As we seek to gain new customers, many of us overlook the obvious—how we appear to those we want to influence most. Making a positive impression, whether in person, through printed materials or via the Internet, is worth thinking about.

Your Message
To ensure you evoke a positive response, you must be crystal clear about what you want to say. Distill the essence or core of your message into the fewest possible words so that it can be heard or read in 15 seconds or less. Take time to craft your message. Make it clear, concise and compelling.

Getting Your Message Across

In Person

Gain visibility by joining associations for industries or professions related to what you sell.
Establish yourself as an expert by giving informative speeches on topics related to your business. Hone your presentation skills to give talks that are polished and professional. Understand your audience and make sure that what you have to say is a worthwhile investment of their time.
Write articles for professional journals and industry publications your target customers read.

Via Printed Marketing Materials

Design quality marketing materials that accurately portray who you are and what you offer. Convey a professional image that will help customers and prospective customers feel comfortable and confident about you and your company.
Consistency is important. Make sure all your stationery, brochures and other promotional materials look like a cohesive family. Use these to create growing brand awareness within your target market.
Your business card maybe the only representation of you and your company that you’ll leave with someone. Dollar for dollar, it’s probably your most powerful marketing tool. Keep it simple, clear, and easy to read and understand. Never leave home without it—keep a stash of extra cards in your glove box, briefcase and computer bag.

Through Your Company Website

Your business website may also be people’s first impression of your company.

Make sure the appearance—the look and feel—is appropriate for your type of business and is consistent with your print materials. Your website should reflect your business personality, whether it’s formal, fun, high tech, etc.
Organize the navigation so that visitors can easily find what they’re looking for.
Your visitor’s finger is on the mouse button—you only have six to eight seconds to capture his or her attention. It’s even more important to communicate your message in a clear and compelling way here.

Keep your target customers in mind as you get your message out. Seek to understand them and what’s important to them. Whether you’re communicating one-on-one, as a speaker to an audience, via printed material or through your website, put your best foot forward and make sure you present a consistent, professional image with a memorable and meaningful message.

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Victoria’s Marketing Advice

Make Your Message Meaningful
Clearly define your target client. Learn all you can about them and what might motivate them to buy what you sell. Is saving money or time most important to them? Or will it be your outstanding customer service, perhaps convenience or location? Find out what’s truly important to them and craft a marketing message that resonates with them and motivates them to purchase.

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Refueling Recommendations

Turning Point Presentations

During the month of May, Angela is offering a two-hour speech coaching session for $100.
That’s 50% off of the special Make-it-Fly® price.
Call 303-279-7647 now to schedule your session.

READING THIS AD? THEN WHY NOT PUT YOURS HERE TOO? The In-Flight Refueling Ezine reaches more than 1,800 entrepreneurs, small-biz owners, consultants and marketers. Reserve your advertising spot today in the next In-Flight Refueling Ezine,
http://www.make-it-fly.com/ezineads.html.

Paid Advertising Disclaimer: Make-it-Fly® LLC does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the paid advertisements above or the quality of any products, services, information, or other materials displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an offer in connection with any ad. It's common sense to do your own due diligence before purchasing any product.

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Refueling Recommendations

The Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101

Each Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101 program consists of 12 non-competing business owners who meet once a month for three consecutive months. In the spirit of giving, they offer each other solutions, ideas, resources and encouragement. Dave and Victoria facilitate each group and share powerful tools to assist business owners in reaching their goals and living more balanced lives.

If you have experienced a Make-it-Fly® program, please share the following openings with other business owners who need support. Call Dave for more information at 720-962-8888.

Programs are held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Current advisory board openings in Denver:

  • Fridays - May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, 2007 (Full)
  • Thursdays - July 5, August 2, September 6, 2007
  • Fridays - September 7, October 2, November 2, 2007
  • Tuesdays - October 2, November 6, December 4, 2007

Click here to sign up for Advisory Boards.
Or call Dave at 720-962-8888.

Alumni Boards are groups of 12-14 small-business owners who have participated in at least one Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101 and wish to continue the support and accountability with a group of like-minded, giving business associates. Members meet once a month for a three-hour meeting. If you completed the initial Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101 and are interested in more information on Alumni Boards, call Dave at 720-962-8888.

Make-it-Fly® CaféMake-it-Fly Café - High Altitude Networking, where exceptional people help each other
High altitude networking, where exceptional people help each other.

Next Café is scheduled for

Date: Thursday, June 28, 2007

Time: 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Location: Seasons Café in the DTC, located at 8101 East Belleview, in the Marina Square Center.

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Contact Make-it-Fly® - Dave and Victoria:

email: info@make-it-Fly.com
voice: 720-962-8888
web: www.make-it-fly.com
Reprint Permission:
Please email or call Victoria if you'd like to reprint any information contained in this newsletter. Thanks! © Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
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Make-it-Fly® LLC
720-962-8888
355 South Teller Street, Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80235, USA
http://www.make-it-fly.com