Feature Article: Let Your Raving Fans Help!

Business Owner in the Spotlight
Terri Starck
Point B Strategies

Refueling Recommendations
Make-it-Fly® Advisory Boards
Advisory Board Openings

Make-it-Fly® MarketPlace

Next Make-it-Fly® Café

Though it’s technically still winter, on those days when it feels as though spring is here already (they’re usually followed by more snow!), we’ve enjoyed a relaxing day off and lunch at our favorite local restaurant together, as we catch up on the week and enjoy the sun.

Dave has recently been speaking to several groups about effective networking. He has a passion to help business owners realize the value of this, especially if they don’t have a big marketing budget. He encourages business owners to work at building their networking toolbox, so that they can help others.

A week from Thursday, February 28, we’ll host the next Make-it-Fly® Café in its new downtown location. There’ll be valet parking too!

Have a super week! We look forward to seeing many of you on the 28th.

Dave and Victoria

Terri Starck
Point B Strategies

So how do you get your business from point A to point B? By using the services of Point B Strategies, naturally. Terri Starck started Point B Strategies in July of 2007 as a way to help business owners develop strategic plans that take them from Point A (where they are now) to Point B (where they need to go).

“We work with you to identify where you need to go, what gets in the way of you getting there, and based on your strengths, what is the best way to get there,” Terri says. “We get you there faster.”

Q: What do you find most fulfilling about running your business?
TS: I love watching people light up when they realize they really can do what they have dreamed of doing. When I see their shoulders relax, the weight falls off, they begin to envision where they want to go and I show them how they are going to get there.

Q: What motivated you to start this business?
TS: I was motivated by a couple of factors to start this business. First of all, I wanted a job where I could be home for my family when they needed me and I was not tied to a traditional 9-5 job. I also wanted to do something that I was passionate about and that came naturally to me. After going through my Make-it-Fly® board, it became clear to me that this is what I was designed to do. I have a business background that includes a degree in business management, running a couple of my own businesses, team and leadership development, and a high amount of discernment to encourage and direct people. I have a natural ability to see a person and their circumstances and be able to strategize how to take them to that next level they are looking for.

Q: What book has been most helpful to you in your business?
TS: Many books have been helpful, including: The E-Myth Revisited, The Slight Edge, Blue Ocean Strategy, The Bible and The Purpose Driven Life. All have worked together to help formulate and build a foundation of what I do.

Q: Who has influenced you most in your life?
TS: My husband, Brian, has influenced me the most. He has shown me unconditional love and believed in me when I needed it most. He makes me laugh and encourages me to be all I am designed to be.

Q: What has proved to be your most successful marketing strategy?
TS: Trust. When people know they can trust you, they want to work with you.

Q: What have been the greatest challenges you have had to overcome, or are currently facing, in your business?
TS: Balance is my biggest challenge. My business is going well and with that comes more time commitments and issues that need resolving due to the growth. Remembering my values—faith, family and trust—helps me every day to keep it all in perspective.

Q: How did you benefit/are you benefiting from participating in a Make-it-Fly® program?
TS: Participating in my Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101 and my Make-it-Fly® Alumni Board has given me business direction, personal stability and confidence, a sounding board for issues, more clients than I imagined, and a group of people that I trust and consider my friends.

Q: What would you say to other business owners who are contemplating getting involved in a Make-it-Fly® program?
TS: Do it. It will change how you think about your business, how you do business and how you do life. Participating in Make-it-Fly® has changed my perspective in life from how can I get more to how can I give more.

Terri Starck can be reached by phone at: 303-596-6060, or visit her website at: www.pointbstrategies.com.

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Let Your Raving Fans Help!
By Victoria Munro

Your raving fans—those loyal customers you’ve enjoyed serving—have ideas and answers to grow your business. And, chances are they’d love to help you! So take advantage of this priceless resource by throwing a Raving Fans Party.

We have organized these events for several clients with very positive results. If the affair can’t be held at your place of business, decide on an appropriate location. Invite between 15 and 30 enthusiastic, loyal customers, giving several date and time options. Because of scheduling challenges, expect only 50 percent of those invited to attend. We’ve found that 90 minutes is enough time for an effective Raving Fans Party.

Make this a win for clients attending by providing a pleasant environment and serving yummy refreshments and beverages (appropriate to the time of day). Give guests the opportunity to network together and make new friends. Chat with them yourself and introduce those who haven’t met before. This should last approximately 30 minutes.

Call for quiet in the room, and start the formal part of the event by welcoming your guests. Thank them for taking time to attend and tell them how much you appreciate their business. Also express your sincere commitment to further improve the services and/or products you provide. Explain anything they should know about where your business is now and where you want to take it in the future. Keep your introduction to five minutes or less. Then, hand over the floor to your emcee, who will facilitate the remainder of the meeting and conduct a brainstorming session.

Your emcee should ideally be outgoing, upbeat and able to make your guests feel at ease. Don’t attempt to facilitate the event yourself. It’s awkward and inappropriate for you to ask clients what they love about doing business with you, etc. You’ll gain more if you keep quiet, resist the temptation to interrupt and just take notes. You can ask individuals for clarification later if necessary.

Your emcee will address the guests and explain that the purpose of the party is to thank them and ask for their help. He or she will use a flip chart to make note of guests’ ideas. You can also appoint a second person (who can write clearly and fast) to take notes on the flip chart during the brainstorming time.

The emcee will ask the following questions:

1. What do you enjoy and appreciate about our host and his or her business?
As guests give their answers, the appointed ‘scribe’ will write them on the flip chart. These comments can later be used for testimonials on your website and in print materials, but remember to get written permission to use them as such. You might want to take notes of who says what.

2. Realizing that no one is perfect, how can our host further improve his or her services and products? What could this company do that would make doing business with them easier or more profitable for you? Are there other services or products that you would appreciate the company offering?

Questions should be tailored to fit your current need, industry or profession. While guests are answering, you may be tempted to interrupt or add an explanation. Don’t! Make careful notes of any useful ideas and who mentioned them, and follow up later.

3. Our host would like to grow this business, and wants to do so with the best clients. How can he or she find more wonderful clients like all of you? What suggestions do you have to help him or her market the business? Brainstorm marketing ideas. Make note of any referrals.

This part of the event should be kept moving fast, and last between 45 and 50 minutes. The emcee or host business owner should then conclude the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and giving their helpful input. Guests should be encouraged to enjoy the refreshments, network and feel free to leave if necessary. You might consider giving each participant a small gift as a token of your appreciation—perhaps a book or gift certificate.

Follow up with guests, thank them and explain how you plan to use their valuable suggestions.

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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 program openings in Denver:

• Mondays - March 3, April 7, May 5, 2008 (Seats still available.)
• Fridays - May 2, June 6, July 11, 2008
• Thursdays - July 31, August 28, September 25, 2008

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® Café
High altitude networking, where exceptional people help each other.

Next Café is scheduled for

Date: Thursday, February 28, 2008

Time: 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Location: Maloney's Tavern, 1432 Market Street, Denver.
Click here for details and special parking arrangements.

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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 2008. 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