The Secret Law of Attraction

This past Monday at the Silver Screen Seminar we watched “The Secret Law of Attraction” by Jack Canfield.  The term “harmonic resonance” was brought up in the video, and it basically means that when you focus on the negative you will attract the negative.  Focusing on the positive will attract positive things in your life as well.  If youapply the laws that he spoke about, you can double your income, double your time off, as well as have a better balance between home, work, and alone time.  There are three core principals to the law of attraction, and they are ASK, BELIEVE, and RECEIVE.  Jack Canfield says to do what brings you joy and practice faithful persistence.  In order to achieve your goals you need to have daily discipline.  When you acknowledge the Law of Attraction working, you will see better and faster results.

Texas ranks first for business

Texas has been named the country’s No. 1 state for business once again, this time by Directorship, a publication that caters to corporate boardroom leaders.

According to its Web site, the magazine’s mission is to provide corporate boardroom’s and governance committees with the best intelligence on the U.S. business environment.

Texas nabbed the No. 1 spot due to its ability to attract Fortune 500 companies, its solid economy, affordable cost of living and its pro-business tax climate.

The magazine names major corporate relocations and expansions—such as Comerica’s move from Detroit to Dallas and Caterpillar’s decision to build a new assembly plant in Seguin—among the reasons for Texas’ ranking.

Directorship evaluated all 50 states on their overall economy, tax climate, cost of living and education.

Texas “has a pro-business tax climate that ranks third, a low cost of living, a relatively solid economy, and a litigation environment that ranks 10th on our list,” the magazine reported. “Texas also ranks first in the number of Fortune 500 companies located there.”

Gov. Rick Perry boasted about the survey results Tuesday.

“Our commitment to low taxes, predictable regulations, and a fair tort system are setting an example for the nation and creating a magnetic force for the businesses and jobs that are vital to maintaining Texas’ competitive advantage in the global marketplace,” Perry said.

(source: Austin Business Journal)

Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse & Parade

Come down to the Historic Square Saturday June 20th, at 10 a.m. to helpthe Willaimson County Sheriff’s Posse kick off Rodeo Week with their annual parade.  The parade will be on Austin Avenue from 10th to 5th Street.

Bring your family and friends out for a fun weekend at the annual Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo on June 26th & 27th! This year’s rodeo will be better than last, including all your favorite rodeo events as well as Mutton Bustin, Calf Scramble, Rodeo Clowns, a Kids Corral Area, and vendors.  There is also going to be an HEB Steer Saddling Challenge! There is something for everyone, so come on out!

For more details and a schedule of events go to:

http://www.georgetownrodeo.com

The rodeo will be held at 415 E. Morrow Street in San Gabriel Park.

Hike and Bike Trail River Crossing Planned at Blue Hole

A new hike and bike trail crossing over the South San Gabriel River at Blue Hole Park will soon be under construction. Last week, the city council approved a contract with Joe Bland Construction of Austin to construct the new river crossing on the trail.

The trail crossing will connect with the hike and bike trail at Rock Street on the south side of the river and with parkland along San Gabriel Village Boulevard on the north side of the river. Randy Morrow, community services division director, says the trail crossing will create a secondary retention pool at Blue Hole Park downstream from the existing dam. Morrow says the crossing has been engineered to withstand the tremendous floodwaters that occasionally inundate the south fork of the San Gabriel River.

Water will flow through sluices on the crossing surface and then cascade down a limestone stair-stepped embankment on the downstream side of the crossing. The design is similar to water features on San Antonio’s River Walk, says Morrow.

Construction of the trail crossing is expected to begin this summer and is projected to be complete in the spring of 2010. The cost of the pedestrian crossing is $218,000.

The trail crossing is part of a larger project that includes a new wastewater line in the vicinity, as well as the addition of a vehicle turnaround at the entrance to Blue Hole Park at Rock Street. Three handicap parking spaces will be included in the turnaround area. The cost of the entire project is $1.1 million. Tom Benz, systems engineering director, says that including the pedestrian crossing as a part of the larger project created a cost-savings of $200,000, based on an earlier bid to do the trail crossing as a separate project.

For more information about the pedestrian crossing and trail system, contact Randy Morrow, community services division director, at (512) 930-3540 or rmorrow@georgetowntx.org. For more information about the wastewater line or road improvements for the project, contact Tom Benz, systems engineering director, at (512) 930-2572 or tbenz@georgetowntx.org.

Volunteer to Enhance Downtown Vibrancy & Historic Preservation

The Georgetown Main Street Program envisions preserving downtown Georgetown’s rich history as a community-gathering place whose dynamic economy invites residents and visitors.  Volunteers are needed to work for 3-5 hours per month on committee projects.
Committees include: 

1. Design – targets infrastructure and building improvements that lay the groundwork for a physical transformation that will be both functional and attractive.
2. Economic Restructuring – redefines the district’s niche in the marketplace and sharpens the competitiveness of existing businesses, while nurturing new enterprises that respond to today’s consumers’ needs.
3. Promotion – focuses on authentic community assets, with high-quality image development campaigns and events that will attract new shoppers, visitors and residents.
4. Organization – builds a pathway to leadership in local efforts by launching community-based, volunteer-driven nonprofit entities that empower residents and investors to collaborate for sustainable revitalization.

Interested?  Contact Shelly Hargroove at 930.2027 or shargroove@georgetowntx.org.

Dvořák In Georgetown

The Georgetown Festival of the Arts is proud to present Dvořák in Georgetown.  There will be performances celebrating the music of Antonín Dvořák, as well as lectures from various scholars.

 

For More Information about the 2009 Festival of the Arts, call (512) 639-0433 or visit www.gtownfestival.org

 

Performers

The Shanghai Quartet

The Miró Quartet

Anton Nel

Lynn Parr Mock

Virginia Dupuy

Scott Cameron

Bruce Cain

Dale Dietert

Eri Lee Lam

Vincent Lam

Hai Zheng

Michael Schneider

Kenneth Sheppard

Scotty Rundell

Pam Rossman

Shelby Claire Williams

Mela Dailey

 

Lecturers

Alan Houtchens

J. Michael Cooper

Hank Hammett

Kirsten Peterson

 

Schedule of Events

Saturday, May 30

8:00 p.m.

Dvořák in the Park

(Gazebo, San Gabriel Park)

FREE

 

Thursday, June 4

2:00 p.m.

Dvořák Symposium I

(Palace Theater)

6:30 p.m.

Reception for Donors

(President’s Residence, Southwestern University)

 

8:00 p.m.

A Concert of Chamber Music

(Alma Thomas Theatre Sarofim School of Fine Arts Southwestern University)

 

Friday, June 5

9:30 a.m.

Dvořák Symposium II

(Caldwell-Carvey Recital Hall Sarofim School of Fine Arts Southwestern University)

 

2:00 p.m.

Dvořák’s Opera Rusalka

(City Lights Theatre)

FREE

 

8:00 p.m.

A Recital of Dvořák’s Songs

(First United Methodist Church)

 

Saturday, June 6

9:30 a.m.

Dvořák Symposium III

(Caldwell-Carvey Recital Hall Sarofim School of Fine Arts Southwestern University)

 

3:30 p.m.

A Recital of Chamber Music

(First United Methodist Church)

 

8:00p.m.

A Recital of Dvořák’s Piano Music

(Alma Thomas Theatre Sarofim School of Fine Arts Southwestern University)                  

 

Sunday, June 7

8:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Service of Worship

(First United Methodist Church)

 

3:15 p.m.

Pre-Concert Lecture

(Klett Center for the Performing Arts Georgetown High School)

 

4:00 p.m.

Final Concert

(Klett Center for the Performing Arts Georgetown High School)

Add Color, Add Fun, Increase Sales

A retailer in Ontario holds a “Winter Blues Sale” each year.  “We send out invitations to the sale and offer a 10% discount on all Blue Pottery, and if you wear something blue then you get an extra 10% off.  This way the customer has to think about wearing something blue and in doing that have already decided to purchase something before they come.  It really works!”

There are lots of ways you could adapt Donn’s mix of color, persuasive marketing, and fun into your promotions. 
How about asking your customers to wear green for Earth Day and offer a special deal on earth-friendly products? Or you could donate a percentage of sales to the Heart Association for every customer who wears red.

Flag Day is coming up on June 14th - what can you do for customers who bring an American flag into the store?  It could be a big flag, a little flag, a paper flag, a cloth flag, a crayon drawing flag, a flag picture from the internet, a flag on a t-shirt, a stars and stripes hat, a flag tattoo, or any other flag your customer can think of!

There are as many ideas as there are colors in the rainbow.  Get creative, have a ball with your promotions, and your customers will join in the fun.

This tip came from the weekly WizBang! Tip of the Week.  To receive these free weekly tips, e-mail tips@wizbangtraining.com.

10 Ways to Make Your Flyer Stand Out

1. Write a snappy headline or title
Make it memorable, unusual or provocative using a few carefully chosen powerful words. Popular titles contain one or more of these words: Easy, The Secrets to, Unlock, Finally, Insider, Time Sensitive, How to, Free Bonuses, Now You Can, Discover, Proven.

2. Use colorful or striking graphics
One large image will have more impact than many smaller images. A stunning photo or illustration grabs attention, creates a mood, and supports your story. This image is your “focal point” and will draw your readers in. You can purchase inexpensive but quality stock photos on the Internet. Download individual photos or purchase a CD with hundreds of images.

3. Focus on the benefits of your product or service
Your prospects will ask the question, “What’s in it for me?” Write from the their perspective using the words “you” and “your.” Avoid using the following words: we, us, I and our. Be sure to keep your text short and to the point. Some of the most powerful words to use are: free, save, love, new, results, and guarantee. Break up long paragraphs with bullet points and place them in a separate box.

4. Use compelling testimonials and case studies
Nothing strikes a chord like an endorsement from a happy customer, especially if it demonstrates the results they’ve had with your product or service. Be sure to include the first and last name, company name and location of the person providing the endorsement.

5. Organize your page with boxes, borders and areas of contrasting colors
You don’t need to fill your flyer with wall-to-wall text and graphics. Incorporate some white space to make certain elements stand out and to make the flyer easy to read.

6. Make your points easily identifiable
Highlight titles and subtitles in bold, but avoid using ALL CAPS because they are more difficult to read.

7. Don’t get too complicated
Make it simple with two typefaces, and align items to a grid. Your page layout program will provide non-printing guidelines. Use the “snap to guidelines” function to align items easily to the grid. Be aware of printing margins. I suggest you create your layout with 1/2″ margins on all sides, or add 1/8″ for bleeds on items that print off the edge of the page.

8. Don’t forget to proofread
Have someone else proofread your work. Check your contact information. Dial the phone numbers on the flyer to make sure they are correct, and type in the URL of your website to make sure it is correct, too.

9. If you are on a tight budget, try this
Select bright-colored or unique paper, and print with black ink. Use shades of grey to provide tones and contrasting background areas.

10. Offer a discount or special limited-time price
Design a coupon on the bottom quarter of the flyer. Be sure to clearly state the deadlines and limitations of the offer. If it is a mail-in coupon, be sure to include the payment specifications with areas for filling out credit card information, mailing address, etc.

(Article from www.givetogetmarketing.com.)

Texas Plans Holiday on Energy Efficient Products

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said Wednesday that consumers throughout the state could save big if they buy energy-efficient appliances and other household items next month during the Memorial Day weekend.

According to the Austin Business Journal, the state has scheduled a three-day tax holiday on state and local taxes when consumers buy products bearing the Energy Star label. The Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday applies to air conditioners priced under $6,000, refrigerators priced less than $2,000, ceiling fans, incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs, washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats.

The Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday is patterned after the state’s sales tax holiday on clothes and shoes, which takes place annually during mid-August. This will be the second year Texas has offered the Energy Star holiday.

“It’s a great deal for consumers who will not only save at the register, but also at home, where they’ll see the benefits returned in energy savings on their utility bills,” Combs said. “Texas benefits from conserving energy and natural resources.”

More information about the upcoming tax holiday is available at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/sales/faq_energy_star.html.

Get Customers To Sell for You

“Get Customers to Sell for You”, a Fortune Small Business article, suggests a simple metric that measures referrals and helps boost profits.  Here’s how it works.  First, you ask your customers to rate you on a scale of 0-10 based on the question, How likely are you to recommend this company to a friend or colleague?  The responses are sorted into: promoters (9’s & 10’s), passives (7’s & 8’s), and detractors (0’s through 6’s).  The percentage of promoters minus the percentage of detractors equals your score. 

The goal is to relentlessly drive up this score.  This is achieved by asking a few additional questions, beginning with: May I follow up with you later?  You want constructive criticism from willing customers.  You contact those who agree to talk and ask one final question: Why did you give us this rating? 

Detractors will often provide very useful feedback since unhappy customers are often very willing to talk.  They will also potentially reveal shortcomings in your company.  Taking the time to reach a detractor can be difficult for small businesses with limited resources.  On the other hand, it may be a way to get information that leads to changes that makes a significant difference in the profitability of your business.  

If you have a large enough company, consider having your sales people follow up with the promoters.  This will help energize your sales people and help them tailor their pitch to potential customers.  Have someone else in the office follow up with 7’s & 8’s, which often represent your “silent attrition group.”  It’s likely that something is nagging them but they’re just satisfied enough not to complain.  Have someone at the top of your company follow up with those who give the lowest scores.  Many will appreciate the call from someone at the top  and there may be a pattern that emerges.

Consider using promoters for marketing by giving them free samples & information packs or the equivalent to give out to others.  Another idea is to create an online forum or exchange e-mails with detractors on your ideas for improvement.  Many will be flattered that you asked and it helps open the door to them increasing their opinion of you. 

Software is available to help you keep track of the responses but even a simple spreadsheet may suffice.   To read the whole article go to: http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/21/smallbusiness/customers_sell_for_you.fsb/index.htm?postversion=2008052714.