Production Notes: In addition to being a professional actress, coaching actors, and running Charisma Studios, Karli is my wonderful wife!  Karli reveals some core knowledge that every actor must embody in order to thrive as an actor.   Karli will be embarking on her own journey as she will be interviewing guests of her own, here on ThriveAMERICA.  Stay tuned and enjoy the interview!

Charisma Studios

Karli@thecharismastudios.com

Brent & Karli’s Wedding Dance Video

Check out  Karli as she stars in LOAN HARMONY as seen on CLScasue.com

Taxation Tales!Cast by Charisma Studios.

More Taxation Tales at Pro@ctive CPA. Want a FREE business tax assessment? Mention where you saw the video, and email: Mark Wyssbrod, mark(at)pro-active-cpa.com

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Videos produced by Blank Stage Productions.

Interested in advertising or being a guest on ThriveAMERICA , please email interest to: info(at)blankstageproductions.com

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Secret Spot for the rough cut screening of Karli’s performance in FALLEN ANGEL’S. Offer feedback in the chat box above or send email to brent@blankstageproductions.com.  FYI: It was an honor to be working with all of you this weekend! Actresses: Karli G. Brooks & Melissa Morrow Perignat | Director Brent Brooks| DP Byron Conrad Erwin | Camera Tyler Hodnett | Gaffer Troy Moore | Sound Mason Hodnett

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FALLEN ANGELS

- rough cut

Meet the eXpert.

More Info / REGISTER HERE!

As part of the GrowthANSWERS Live Learning Events, this is a monthly Executive2Executive opportunity to learn, apply and grow responsibly.

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A Trusting Workplace Helps Close the
Prospect and Customer Gaps

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Have you ever noticed how much a greeting with a smile means to you when you are being served? What does the employer of that person do to create the environment that produces that pleasant experience.

Conversely, how do you feel when a greeting is abrupt and expressionless? What emotions come up when a person on the phone is unfriendly or abrupt with you? Do you tend to respond to each person the way they respond to you? Which persons do you intuitively trust more?

From my reading of “how to” books, most written written in the last 15 years, has yielded five characteristics of a trusting workplace. Right people in the organization, doing the right jobs for them.

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• Clearly and consistently communicated enterprise vision.
• Based on clearly defined and demonstrated values, not rules.
• Listen to employees & customers.
• Build on strengths.
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• Mark Walker on Reciprocity
  

Date: May 20, 2009

Place: The Georgian Club

Time: 7:00-9:00AM

Cost: $25 (includes buffet breakfast)

Agenda:
7:00-7:30 Breakfast
7:30-9:00 Meet the eXpert program

Check out Erica Parker on LinkedIn.

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Commercial Lending Solutions

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WHAT MAKES A GOOD BUSINESS OWNER

Many people make the mistake of looking at entrepreneurship as being very cool, very hip and in some ways it is. But the harsh reality is that it is very, very difficult. If you follow an entrepreneur you will find they will work more hours then anyone else.  Business owners are always working in or on their business, so you have to LOVE what you do.  A trait that makes a successful business owner is passion.

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Accountant’s Fairy Tale!

Pro@ctive CPA
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A BUSINESS PLAN

It is very, very important to have a plan, it is the road map for your business. I look at them as a work in progress. Your business plan is not set in stone. You can change your plan to meet the changing needs of your business. The Edge is an awesome site to help you get started with developing a powerful business plan.  Also SCORE is an awesome resource to get counseling, professional advice and connect with other business owners.

WHAT ARE SOME RED FLAGS OF BUSINESS OWNERSHIP?

Not enough experience in that field, or starting capital to get started.  You have to have some starting capital when starting a business or getting a business property. Watch the video for great stories Erica shares about her experience with this.

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2ND SEGMENT

THE PROCESS OF GETTING A LOAN

1. Have a mission, have a goal and some structure. This is your business plan.  We need to see that your idea is sound.  We are going to ask you questions about your experience, your financial forecast and how you plan to use the loan. So be ready to answer these questions.

2. Talk to a real estate agent.  Tell them what you are looking for in a physical space.  Make sure the real estate agent is experienced in the area you are looking to acquire.  Every area has different rules and regulations and you will need a real estate agent who is savoy in this area.

3. Prepare your loan package.  Get your tax returns, and your profit and loss statements together.  What are you showing?  We also need to know what the funds are going to be used for.  How are you going to use the two million dollars?  Let’s get a picture.

4. Identify the property and place a contract on the property.  Then get the property inspected with someone you find and can trust.  This is for you and represents someone in your corner.  You want to know what you are getting with the property.  Will the lights work when you expect them to?   The bank does not care really if the lights do or do not work.  You do! If you get a property, and expect to open business and find the lights don’t work, the toliet breaks, or some other concern then you will have to hold off opening and get these issues fixed.

Don’t get stuck in a property you can’t use, or a just a bad location.  Be smart and go through this process!

THE BUS TOUR

We have a bus tour for investors that educates potential commercial real estate investors.  On the bus we have a representative of all the people you will need to know when getting a loan and getting investment property there to educate you on this process.

3RD SEGMENT

HANDLE REJECTION

A lot of times you will get a “no” when applying for a business loan.  This, many times, means your business does not fit the box for that bank, not that you have a bad business idea.  This doesn’t mean you should pack up and go.  Do not give up, simply move on to the next bank or give us a call.   Much like an actor who will audition for a movie.  That actor may be a GREAT actor but does not look the part for that particular film. Have a think skin.  Here your passion and this will carry you through.

HOW CAN WE THRIVE?

Stick to the plan.  AND re-visit your plan.  Attend a ActionCOACH 90-day GrowthCLUB plan. This will inspire you to keep changing, keep innovative and sty on track.  Stick to your mission.  Consult with experts who know more then you.

CLS – HOW DO WE GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?

Just call us!

clscause.com

Commercial Lending Solutions,LLC
3020 Highlands Parkway Suite F
Smyrna,GA 30082
(678) 556-0887

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CLS

CLS is committed to YOU, the borrower. Since we are not obligated to one bank, we have the freedom and flexibility to present your loan to a wide range of capital resources and secure the best terms and pricing the markets has to offer. We pride ourselves on effectively managing the process from start to finish.

Specialties

Commercial Lending Solutions, LLC offers a field education tour .
The day usually starts with breakfast, giving you a chance to mix and mingle with some of the other investors. From there, everyone will board the bus for an educational field trip, filled with an overview of the important numbers to pay attention to, what it takes to get started, and how you can make it happen.

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ThriveAMERICA is produced by Blank Stage Productions

We have had amazing guests visit the set of ThriveAMERICA.  We have identified and put a collection of the best segments thus far.  To scroll through all the videos and get to the one you want to see, use the arrow icons you see in the video player.

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FIVE Ways to use LinkedIn Effectively

Show Notes: Sean comes in right in time.  We know very little about the powers of the social outlet, LinkedIn.  No one has covered its potential, until now. In the show Sean outlines the five effective ways to use and succeed on LinkedIn.  Follow these basic steps and you will be well on your way to making things happen on this business professional social media networking hub.  If you like what you see here please leave a comment and if you want more info about LinkedIn, take a visit to Sean’s blog.  Sean’s blog reveals specific ways or instructions on how to upload video, use applications and many more strategies.
http://linkedintuition.com/blog/

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From the Eyes of an Angel Investor, FIVE Secrets to Success

1. Know who you are and build your plans around this core strength.
2. Do not be diverted by attractive distractions from this core. Stay true to it.
3. Execute flawlessly. In this unforgiving economy there is very little margin for error.
4. Stay lean. You can not expect banks, VC’s or angel investors to provide you the funding you would have found just a few years ago.
5. That being said, if you can build share during a down economy you have a deadstart on competitors later on

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How to Master Social Media

TODD SCHNICK

It’s OK to fail.  You might just find that right combination. To thrive in this economy you have to wrap your head around the idea that marketing is changing.  It is a two way street.  If you give you are going to get back.

http://thriveamerica.com/video/toddschnick

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Why Become a Resource

CHAD MASSAKER

What a resource Chad has been over the years.  He gets the two spot for speaking with conviction about  digging deep in building relationships. Network Marketing.  It’s about relationships.  You have to dig down deep and figure out how to become a resource for other people.  Know people’s pains. You can do this in a lot of ways. Serve there needs, and take the time needed to get to know them.  Host networking events.  Let people get together.  There is more noise then ever before.

http://thriveamerica.com/video/chadmassaker

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Understand Networking Myths

DAVID ALEXANDER

David is business leader for BNI, Business Networking International, and his tips are spot on. Get involved with community.  Check out your local chamber of commerce, and get involved on a deeper level.  Get involved with community events and civic groups.  You will be seen as a giver.  Start meeting people and figure out what makes you unique, different.  Have 30 seconds to talk about your business?  Avoid mentioning that you provide great customer service, rather describe what makes your customer service so great. What is key is inspiring people to refer you.  How can you do this? You have to take the time to educate people what it is you do.

http://thriveamerica.com/video/davidalexander

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How to Empower Your Business

RICK CRAIN

My coach asked me to summarize what I learned from him, now it provides a powerful strategy list for any business owner. 1. Scout and develop your talent. 2. Plan, prepare and schedule.  How do you organize your business? 3. Position with a Mission. Why are you in business? Live your mission, your message. 4. Wake up, Get up and Show up.  Treat the day, the next client meeting like its game time, like Michael Jordan would approach a fame. 5. Do Your Best and Forget the Rest.  Determine what you are best at. 6. Do the Right Things. Be honest. 7. Go the Extra Mile. Who can our clients feel like they got more then they paid for.  How can we surprise them. 8. Practice Wild Empathy.  What are your customer’s pain points. 9. Never Deny Help.  See what comes your way. 10. Give to Others. Give referrals and watch what happens and be coach able.

http://thriveamerica.com/video/rickcrain

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Powerful Secrets to Internet Marketing

LISA BLACKSTONE

Lisa is a personal client and I have seen her grow leaps and bounds in this journey, we list her high because of some powerful tips she reveals. You have to build both the look and feel of your website with strategies to drive traffic to your website.  I went and learned from people who are experts in the art of driving traffic.  I learned how to use market samurai, a great product that helps you focus in on great keywords for your business.  I came up with 30 keywords, then I bought those URL’s. Then I used wordpress direct, a powerful that scowers the internet and brings in content to fill your micro sites. Surround yourself with people who know more then you.  A lot of things change, technology for example reinvents itself every six months, relationships don’t.  Don’t fall in love with your product.  If people aren’t buying it, you need to change. Where is your balance. We all are great at something.

http://thriveamerica.com/video/lisablackstone

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How to Find Working Capital

BOB FARRIS

Soft spoken, but listen carefully. Raising big money is often times easier then raising smaller sums of money. There are over 2,000 equity groups looking to get behind a certain business, could that be you?  Can you identify a competitor and acquire them?  This can help you get placed in a whole new league.  A business owner must be able to change on a dime. You can hang onto elements of your business way to long. Put your finger in the air and determine where the money is, go there.  Business can be a matter of luck, but you have to get into luck’s way. Get a mentor.  It’s funny how a mentor comes into your life. These people can sponsor you, help you grow your business and share their expertise with you.  Learn to recognize them.  A lot of businesses were started in the worst of times.  Do not be afraid.

http://thriveamerica.com/video/bobfarris

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Learn the Art of Reciprocity

JOHN HOLLNER

John was spot on, don’t let the placement fool you. Relationships.  This is the third R.  Learn the principal of reciprocity.  This is like Giver’s Gain. What can you do earn this principal. People are finding that you must connect 33 times with your clients to get your message across.  We are busy creatures, the gas we need to get, the groceries we need to buy… so you have to build your relationships. There is no silver bullet.  Try and out source your day to day tasks. Read the book the “4-hour work week”.  You have to meet your client in the way they want to be communicated with.

http://thriveamerica.com/video/johnhollner

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How to Help Google Bots Find Your Site

CHRIS SPEARS

I might have found a better segment of Chris, if I were to vote on best overall segment Chris would be top two. What is SEO and SEM? What is Google looking for?  Relevant information.  SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and SEM stands for Search Engine Marketing.  SEO is your content in your website while SEM is what you will pay for to be associated with key search words. Use Google Trends. Use keyword spy. You have to satisfy the Google Bots and these tools will help you.

http://thriveamerica.com/video/chrisspears

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Why Now is the Best Time

CHRIS HEUSER

Here is another powerful recap. Chris speaks the everyman way, easy and simple. Quick recap of Chris’s previous segments: 1. Now is the best time to start a business. 2. Doesn’t take a lot of money to start your own business. 3. Choosing the right business and making sure people what what you do.  4. Get an informative website.  5. Get skilled up.  6. Write your roadmap, pick 3-5 achievable goals.  7. Find alliances and build your team.  8. Get testimonials, people love to read them.  9. Ask for referrals. 10. Networking. One of the most important things you will do for your business.   Find out how you can help them.  Our meeting that meets monthly allows you to get in front of 70-80 people.

http://thriveamerica.com/video/chrisheuser

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Look For Opportunity

MARK WYSSBROD

Build liquidity and be more productive in our business. Now we need to look for opportunity.

Top Views on ThriveAMERICA | Click on Thumbnail to View the Interview

These past guests, in order of standings, are getting the most views for their past appearances on ThriveAMERICA. Click on their picture and see why!

Interested in advertising or being a guest on ThriveAMERICA , please email interest to: info(at)blankstageproductions.com

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find or follow or both

Top Views on ThriveAMERICA | Click on Thumbnail to View the Interview

These past guests, in order of standings, are getting the most views for their past appearances on ThriveAMERICA. Click on their picture and see why!

NOTE: Special ThriveAMERICA networking event honoring past and future guests is being held at Blank Stage Studios, Thursday, March 19, 2009 from 6-9pm. Click Here for more information.

We asked Bill King of Axxiom Franchise Advisers to come as a guest on ThriveAMERICA to share his experience, strength and hope so that other business owners might learn a new business building principal. Below represents a very basic summery of the interview so you might find what you need and move on. Be sure to comment on what you may have learned from this segment or list examples of how you might apply these principals in your business. Beside the video player is the comment icon.

WHY INVEST IN A FRANCHISE?
Minimal risk.  A franchise is a proven system, it replicable, things are already in place.  The idea is you can operate the franchise anywhere where the demographics are met.  A very creative person may not be suited to operate a franchise, this may be discovered deeper down the path as they may steer away from the success model.  In order to succeed you have to play in bounds of the system provided, and have a healthy dose of discipline.  Nothing is guaranteed.  The owner is always the “Wild Card”.  The results fall on the shoulder of the entrepreneur and how he or she might apply there skills.

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AD – WATCH THE PRO@CTIVE CPA

Pro@ctive CPA
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THE SUCCESS FACTOR
Banks are more willing to lend to franchise system.  Location, location, location. A successful commercial real estate development center will come from the franchise brands.

THE “HOTTEST” FRANCHISE
This is the most often asked question and our answer is almost the same.  What we do is make sure you don’t jump into the fire of the hottest franchise, why do we do this?  You may not be suited for that industry, you may not have the resources or the skill set.  The other way to answer this question is ask what is growth sector. Home elder care and nanny services are becoming very demanding. People are really looking for these kinds of services.  People want to stay home, think about it, we see a lot of growth in these areas.  Watch Bill as he goes in-depth on this topic.

WHAT QUALITIES SHOULD A POTENTIAL FRANCHISEE HAVE
A couple of universal qualities then those unique to the franchise. The right kind of entrepreneurial DNA.  You are confident, engaging and have high enthusiasm.  You will overcome any objection.  You are driven to the finish line, think of type A’s.   It is preferred you have a rich past experience of sales, marketing, business development and management.  You will wear all these hats.

HOW MUCH CASH SHOULD I HAVE
You need to have $50,000 to $100,00 in liquid assets.  This means cash you can get to or convert within 30 days. You should have little debt and a net worth of $200,000 and above.

START A FRANCHISE, WHY NOW?
We are going to recommend that now is the best time.  There is always time and a place for the entrepreneur.  Disney, GE, HP all started there businesses in a recession, they saw an opportunity. There are certain kinds of franchise systems that are flourishing, thriving right now.

FINANCE A FRANCHISE
The franchisors are rolling out the red carpet. While there are many hoops to jump in getting loans you might see that the franchiors are ready to work with you.  It is a great opportunity that will not be here for long.

I AM GOING TO BE RICH!
Ummm, no.  You need to step into reality. Our job at Axxiom is to ask you the right questions, so you make the best decision.  What are you looking to get out of this? Don’t run on the enthusiasm, run on the facts. Even the best franchise system may have an area to improve, but more then likely the issue is the owner.  The best systems can only prepare you, but you are the wild card. No one knows if you are going to work as hard as you say do.

MYTHS TO OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS
The franchise fee is usually the smallest amount of money you will spend running your business.  You have to have operating capital.  You can’t look to the business as a profit center out of the gate.  You have to plan out far enough with your resources.

GOOD NEWS
Your time with Axxiom is free.  Axxiom will guide and direct you, advise you, and make certain you are making the right decision.

HOW CAN YOU HELP ANOTHER BUSINESS THRIVE IN THIS ECONOMY?
Adjust your mentality. We are in unusual times, so you need to look for unusual opportunities. Watch Bill as he reveals some growing industries.

Bill King
AXXIOM Franchise Advisors, LLC
770-552-9661 Direct
888-429-9466 X707
770-552-8774 Fax

bking@4axxiom.com
www.AxxiomFranchiseAdvisors.com

Mark is an expert sales trainer. I have had the pleasure to meet and work with Mark with my membership with the expert marketing force GrowthANSWERS. Mark can help develop and improve your sales force, employee retention and increase customer loyalty. It is amazing what this man can do for a company. What gets me so excited about having Mark as a guest is that we have gone in depth about business building principals with guests such as angel investor Alan Urech, thriving business owner Prince Niyyar and top business ActionCOACH Rick Crain and here we learn some tips on how to execute these principals out in the field.

THE LONG VIEW

During these tough economic times your leadership team must remain focused on what you and your company does best. It is common for companies to reduce the sales training and the other things that can have the strongest impact on your company’s long term bottom line. They forget about the customer experience. The most successful companies are the ones that stay focused on their customers and their overall experience, they constantly think about and improve this process.  Put yourself in their shoes.   Focus on your sales staff and ways you can motivate them and get them on same page.  Unfortunately most people have very negative beliefs about sales people.  To overcome this you have to rethink the way you train and educate your team.
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AD – WATCH THE PRO@CTIVE CPA IN DEATH-ATION!

Pro@ctive CPA
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THE WATER COOLER

What do people talk about at the water cooler?  Are they complaining?  Are they nervous about keeping their job?  What you want them to think about all day long is how they can leverage their skills, abilities and knowledge to create value for you customers.  How can you apply this principal in your business?  Imagine what would happen if this practice took place in your office.

BUILD YOUR PEOPLE TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS

One of the most important business building principals you can do is to make sure your team fully understands what you do best and how you can articulate this to your company’s target audience or ideal customer.  You can then give them the authority to make key decisions, empower them.  Your team must treat each other with respect, so create a culture of success within your company.  Get your sales team involved in your company’s core solutions.  Sit down with your people and engage them with the goals of your company and see where they all add value.  You have to get your team to buy into the success of your business.  Get them to communicate.

Final Thoughts: We have to create and constantly search for balance in our business.  This kind of work never stops.  In other words a powerful website is key but if you are going to thrive in this economy you are going to have to get out and talk and meet new people.  So where is our balance?  Are we spending equal time networking as we are sitting behind the desk?  While working on this segment one business workflow solution has come to my attention.  Make sure to go back and watch some of the past business building shows.  Before you start “selling” your business you have to a strong message, mission and vision for your company.  You have to stand out, be creative and have a strong selling proposition.  Then you HAVE TO SELL in order to thrive!