Small Biz Saturday Showcase 08-09-14
Today's Guests:
Matt Tomsho
Owner of Baker Street Business Solutions
Sally Power
Founder and Executive Director of Treasure House Fashions
Dawn Pomaybo
President and CEO of Pomaybo, Inc. and
Founder of the National Association of the Women’s Interactive Network
Alexander Vornoff
Memory Expert
Owner of Baker Street Business Solutions
Sally Power
Founder and Executive Director of Treasure House Fashions
Dawn Pomaybo
President and CEO of Pomaybo, Inc. and
Founder of the National Association of the Women’s Interactive Network
Alexander Vornoff
Memory Expert
Matt Tomsho
Owner of Baker Street Business Solutions
Baker Street Business Solutions works with small established businesses who want to get more bang from their marketing bucks. More prospects, more repeat customers, without spending vast sums of money on marketing.
- After 30 years programming and analyzing data, as well as seeing what customers wanted and didn't want, I decided to combine that knowledge and show small businesses how to increase sales using technology and innovative marketing techniques.
- Email is still one of the most effective ways to maintain contact with customers and prospects - if it is done right. If done wrong it is one of the most effective ways to alienate customers and prospects.
- The list is the thing, but size is somewhat a matter of taste. The required size of a list depends on your market, your product, and the level of engagement needed to turn prospects into customers.
- Most small businesses do customer and prospect follow up wrong. It isn't about continously selling, it is about engaging so they want to buy when the time is right.
- Only 7% of your market is actively looking for you at any point in time. 60% may buy in the future. Most businesses focus solely on the 7% and ignore the 60% - or hope that advertising will catch them.
- Matt also has internet TV channel on PPLMag with tips on how to get your lists ready to market to your clients and prospects.
Entrepreneur Tip:
If you don't have your customer and prospect data in some form of a database - even an excel spreadsheet can work! Do it. Do it now!Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
FREE 30 minute strategy session with me on the phone - talking about your customer and prospect lists and how you can better leverage them. - just send a message to: ss30ppl@thebakerstreetsolution.com with PPL in the subject line.
Contact:
Owner of Baker Street Business Solutions
The Effective Detective - "Showing you how to stay top-of-mind without being a pain in the butt"
TheBakerStreetSolution.com
matthew@thebakerstreetsolution.com
Sally Power
Founder and Executive Director of Treasure House Fashions
Sally Power is Founder and Executive Director of Treasure House Fashions. Since 2000 this nonprofit resale shop has served over 10,000 women. Sally enjoys networking with businesses, organizations and agencies to affirm women, particularly women in transition or crisis. She has received numerous awards for her efforts, and her story was featured in Woman’s Day Magazine. More than any award or achievement, Sally is most proud of her three children: Nathan, Stephanie, and Chad. “To watch them passionately pursue their dreams despite challenges is the best legacy.”
Treasure House Fashions is a nonprofit, quality women’s resale clothing shop with a tender heart. Our mission is promoting the dignity and self-esteem of women, particularly women in transition and/or crisis. “Outward appearance is not an accurate reflection of your worth, but it can affirm the treasure that you truly are.”
Treasure House Fashions is open to the public for shopping, and we offer HALF OFF to Single Moms, Sassy Seniors (55+) and Female Veterans through our S.M.A.R.T. Card Program.
Treasure House Fashions is the “closet” for over 60 women’s agencies throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area that address various challenges: homelessness, addiction, incarceration, poverty, divorce care, mental illness, natural disasters, indigenous reservation, domestic violence, health issues, unemployment and job training. The overarching need of all of these women is appropriate clothing for their specific situation; the underlying issue is a lack of self-worth. Clothing is our means – not our mission: our heart is to affirm the worth of women on challenging journeys.
Talking Points:
Consumer Tip:
Resale shopping is savvy on so many levels – it’s GREEN so it’s great for the planet, it’s great for your budget and it’s great for your community. Treasure House belongs to ANS – Alliance of Nonprofit Stores – all of which serve and reinvest in our community so if you’re mindful about where you do your resale shopping, it’s community service! That’s SMART SHOPPING WITH A MISSION!
Contact:
Treasure House Fashions
THfashions.org | Facebook: TreasureHouseFashions
8035 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3256 | sally@thfashions.org
Hours: T-W 11-6pm, Th 11-8pm, F-Sa 11-4pm
Treasure House Fashions is a nonprofit, quality women’s resale clothing shop with a tender heart. Our mission is promoting the dignity and self-esteem of women, particularly women in transition and/or crisis. “Outward appearance is not an accurate reflection of your worth, but it can affirm the treasure that you truly are.”
Treasure House Fashions is the “closet” for over 60 women’s agencies throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area that address various challenges: homelessness, addiction, incarceration, poverty, divorce care, mental illness, natural disasters, indigenous reservation, domestic violence, health issues, unemployment and job training. The overarching need of all of these women is appropriate clothing for their specific situation; the underlying issue is a lack of self-worth. Clothing is our means – not our mission: our heart is to affirm the worth of women on challenging journeys.
Talking Points:
- In 2000 I was navigating a divorce and inherited over $200,000 – worth of debt! Naively I bought a resale shop to augment my teaching income but women in my situation or worse frequented my shop and I began to literally “give away the store.” An astute businessman, recognizing my ineffective “business plan,” advised me to become a nonprofit and walked me through the process – that was 14 years ago. Since then, we’ve grown from 850 square feet to over 6,000 from 2 volunteers to about 40 – but always need more; and from serving 1 agency to serving over 60.
- One of our biggest challenges has been our location! We’ve been located in Andre Plaza which is an office building – never intended to be retail space. And it is a challenge for clients to get to us on public transportation and simply to locate us because we’re not highly visible. It’s very tricky – which is why we’ve been looking for another location. And FOUND ONE!
- Our soon to be location is at 7607 McKnight Road (the former SURROUNDINGS furniture store). It has increased visibility, accessibility, and functionality. It exceeds our expectations for our mission! We covered the down payment – a big deal for a small nonprofit – and we can cover our mortgage, but we need to raise funds for the required renovations, transition costs and on-going programming during this transition. So we’re not moving yet. We’ve got some work to do!
- We have several up-coming fundraisers that will be fun and engaging. The first is AUG 27 – MASTERS OF MINI-GOLF INVITATIONAL – INSIDE GlowGolf, a glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course we’ll have mini-golf foursomes and hole sponsors and food and beverages included in their registration fees; OUTSIDE we’ll have corn hole games, food trucks, auction and raffle items, music and MORE. It will be a playful time! Listeners can be golfers or hole sponsors, donate auction items, or come to eat & have fun!
- On Saturday, October 18th from 10 to 2, we’ll have Sparkle Pittsburgh, which includes vendor shopping, luncheon, latest fashion tips from Jockey’s senior designer, and Jockey Person to Person Fall Fashion Show. The fashion tips alone are worth attending. And an auction for over $1,000 in Jockey clothing – raffle tickets $10 each and proceeds benefit THF. Tickets are $40 each and available at the shop. More information for each of these events is on our website.
- And of course we’re looking for friends to JOIN OUR CIRCLES in preparing our new HOME – we have various levels of support and would love to have listeners link arms in our new adventure to establish a long-term resource for women in need.
Entrepreneur Tip:
Follow your heart – it will lead you to amazing places! It might press you beyond your comfort zone but if your dreams don’t make you squirm a bit, they’re too small!Consumer Tip:
Resale shopping is savvy on so many levels – it’s GREEN so it’s great for the planet, it’s great for your budget and it’s great for your community. Treasure House belongs to ANS – Alliance of Nonprofit Stores – all of which serve and reinvest in our community so if you’re mindful about where you do your resale shopping, it’s community service! That’s SMART SHOPPING WITH A MISSION!
Treasure House Fashions
THfashions.org | Facebook: TreasureHouseFashions
8035 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3256 | sally@thfashions.org
Hours: T-W 11-6pm, Th 11-8pm, F-Sa 11-4pm
Dawn Pomaybo
President and CEO of Pomaybo, Inc. and
Founder of the National Association of the Women’s Interactive Network
Pomaybo, Inc. is a human resource outsourcing firm dedicated to help businesses of all sizes to manage employees and the workplace.
NA-WIN, National Association of the Women’s Interactive Network, is a Professional women’s networking organization dedicated to building a community of women who encourage and support each other both professionally and personally. Women’s Interactive Network (WIN) offers an opportunity to meet women whom are successful in all aspects of business, from the corporate ranks to entrepreneurs. Every meeting and event allows ample opportunity to hone networking skills while enjoying the company of business-minded women. WIN-Pittsburgh is an affiliate of the National Association of the Women's Interactive Network (NA-WIN).
Talking Points:
Individuals Tip:
Keep your resume up to date, even when you are not looking for a new career. Why? Because a resume is supposed to highlight the great things that you are and do. It is difficult to create a resume when you are feeling down after having to leave a position for one reason or another.
Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
Any new member of WIN-Pittsburgh during the month of August will receive a $25 off coupon to become a member. Use code pplmag2014
Or if they choose to become a member – and not use the coupon, we will donate $25 to a charity of their choice. Just enter it in the comments section when registering to become a member.
Contact:
Pomaybo, Inc.
www.pomaybo.com | www.assessmentsbypomaybo.com
412-963-6311 | dawn@pomaybo.com
National Association of the Women’s Interactive Network
www.na-win.com | www.pittsburgh.na-win.com
412-963-6311 | info@winpitt.org
Launching a new chapter next month – www.greensburg.na-win.com
President and CEO of Pomaybo, Inc. and
Founder of the National Association of the Women’s Interactive Network
NA-WIN, National Association of the Women’s Interactive Network, is a Professional women’s networking organization dedicated to building a community of women who encourage and support each other both professionally and personally. Women’s Interactive Network (WIN) offers an opportunity to meet women whom are successful in all aspects of business, from the corporate ranks to entrepreneurs. Every meeting and event allows ample opportunity to hone networking skills while enjoying the company of business-minded women. WIN-Pittsburgh is an affiliate of the National Association of the Women's Interactive Network (NA-WIN).
Talking Points:
- Pomaybo, Inc. was founded in 2006 after I left corporate America. I worked for a company that provided HR outsourcing services to businesses. What I had found was that businesses wanted the option to pick and choose what services that wanted to manage employees and the workplace. I found a niche market that was not being offered by any other company.
- I provide all the products tools and services that businesses, managers and supervisors need to manage employees and the workplace from hire to fire.
- Creating job fit, policies and training for management and staff are just a few of the tools that I provide.
- By putting the tools into place that business owners will actually use helps them to minimize the liability that they face thru federal and state labor laws.
- Some of the tools that I provide are job descriptions, employee handbooks, pre & post-hire assessments, background checks, Drug tests, drugfree workplace programs and much more.
- The National Association of the Women’s Interactive Network…where professional women network with a purpose.
- Mission Statement:To build a community of women who encourage and support each other both professionally and personally.
- We accomplish our mission by hosting high quality events that provide for networking, mentoring and education. Every event offers an opportunity for give back, as well. A portion of our proceeds at every signature event goes to a non-profit charity that we or our members support.
- Upcoming events:
+ Pistols n Pink (speaker Matt Shipley- on 2nd amendment rights, a retired navy seal, congressional speaker) August 15th
+ Professional Development Day on Sept 12, a ½ day workshop – “Be the Change – a day filled with how-to’s”
+ Launching a unique referral based category specific networking group, Sept 4th.
Entrepreneur Tip:
Regardless of how large or small your business is, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone like me that can help you to put the protocols and practices into place to help you manage the employees and the workplace. It is surprisely cost-effective and in the long run may help you to eliminate turnover, increase productivity and have an engaged workforce to help you succeed in your business.Individuals Tip:
Keep your resume up to date, even when you are not looking for a new career. Why? Because a resume is supposed to highlight the great things that you are and do. It is difficult to create a resume when you are feeling down after having to leave a position for one reason or another.
Any new member of WIN-Pittsburgh during the month of August will receive a $25 off coupon to become a member. Use code pplmag2014
Or if they choose to become a member – and not use the coupon, we will donate $25 to a charity of their choice. Just enter it in the comments section when registering to become a member.
Contact:
www.pomaybo.com | www.assessmentsbypomaybo.com
412-963-6311 | dawn@pomaybo.com
www.na-win.com | www.pittsburgh.na-win.com
412-963-6311 | info@winpitt.org
Launching a new chapter next month – www.greensburg.na-win.com
Alexander Vornoff
Memory Expert
As a young man, Alexander was diagnosed with ADHD and depression and has spent years studying the mind to overcome his disabilities. Among his studies, he has learned techniques for dramatically improving memory and teaches people the same as a certified speaker in the Farrow Memory Program.
We live in a time when technology is now practically thinking for us even as we receive more information daily than any generation before. Improving your memory to take in all of this data without getting burned out or leaning on technology as a crutch is one of the most effective ways to improve your work and keep your mind active for years to come.
Talking Points:
Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
Sign up for a free PDF guide on how to read body language at networking events and also receive weekly videos, sent out every Tuesday, all about how you can use the power of your mind to improve your work and every day life.
Contact:
Alexander Vornoff, Memory Expert
www.alexandervornoff.com
412-600-4445 | alexander@alexandervornoff.com
We live in a time when technology is now practically thinking for us even as we receive more information daily than any generation before. Improving your memory to take in all of this data without getting burned out or leaning on technology as a crutch is one of the most effective ways to improve your work and keep your mind active for years to come.
Talking Points:
- I've been coaching people on their memory since 2012 after I was introduced to Dave Farrow, who created the system I now teach.
- I teach entrepreneurs and small businesses how increased memory can increase their bottom line. In a service-based economy like this, many people have to keep track of volumes of client information as well as a large amount of technical information. Using your own memory rather htan relying on software or gadgets to keep track of things for you makes it much easier to do your job because you waste less time and become more organized. It also helps improve service as being able to remember a client's name without looking it up makes you look more likable, trustworthy and professional.
- For clients with busy schedules who prefer to learn at their own pace, there are CDs and DVDs they can buy to learn at home. For offices who would like multiple employees to get information and techniques they can start right away, I offer group coaching sessions that will triple your memory in 3 hours. And for people who want to master this skill, I offer my 3-month Genius School for 1-to-1 personal memory coaching.
Tip:
If you keep losing your keys, try imaging them exploding when you set them down. Take a moment to focus on that image in as much detail as you can. That outrageous mental image makes it easier to remember the spot where you put your keys down.Sign up for a free PDF guide on how to read body language at networking events and also receive weekly videos, sent out every Tuesday, all about how you can use the power of your mind to improve your work and every day life.
Contact:
www.alexandervornoff.com
412-600-4445 | alexander@alexandervornoff.com
Hosted By:
Joanne Quinn-Smith is the Creative Energy Officer of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a full service marketing company specializing in Web 2.0 Gorilla Branding™. Known as the Techno Granny she offers her clients unique, creative and energetic marketing and management plans. Joanne’s expertise is in creating online platforms that create perpetual buzz.
Joanne is an author, prolific blogger and talkcaster with over 800 shows. She has interviewed over 2000 prominent business owners, non-profit executives and celebrities. Her flagship website, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com garners 220,000 hits per month, 62,000 unique page views per week and in 1 year had 2.25 million visitors.
Joanne Quinn-Smith has been designated nationally, 2009 Small Business Journalist of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration for her advocacy and reporting on small business using New Media. Her good news reporting at PositivelyPittsburghLive was a finalist for best website or blog in Media for the American Business Stevie Award in 2010.
Listen to the show HERE
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Posted By: Stephanie Curtice
This was reported as a reproduction of PositivelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith.
(c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2014 All rights reserved.
