Small Biz Saturday Showcase 07-05-14
Handyman, Loans, Rock n Roll, Kid's Author
Hosted By Joanne Quinn-Smith
Listen to the show online HERE
Today's Guests:
Lou Lombardi
Rock N' Roll Philanthropist, Musician, Band Leader and Online Business Expert
Brian Fallet
Handyman, He's Pretty Handy
Emily Keebler
Pittsburgh Lead, Kiva City
JoAnn R. Forrester
Empress of Biz, Business, S. I. Business Associates, and Author of The Gift of Holiday Valley
Rock N' Roll Philanthropist, Musician, Band Leader and Online Business Expert
Brian Fallet
Handyman, He's Pretty Handy
Emily Keebler
Pittsburgh Lead, Kiva City
JoAnn R. Forrester
Empress of Biz, Business, S. I. Business Associates, and Author of The Gift of Holiday Valley
Lou Lombardi
Rock N' Roll Philanthropist, Musician, Band Leader and Online Business Expert
Lou's stellar method is:
Creating interactive, audience participation and Good chemistry socially, business and artistically!
Lou works his magic by creating success for other musicians and those in the live entertainment business such as:
- Other musicians
- Indie artists
- Venue owners
- Those looking to promote and profit from live entertainment
- AND Entertainment seekers who are looking for a live music experience that has them "saving the date" for the next one.
- Being a musician... working with non-profits
- Using Internet Lifestyle Network, How I am using the Facebook Graph Search to generate leads and the importance of outsourcing.
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- New Radio Show
- Video Marketing
We “zig zag our way to success”
Video marketing is the top skill that I see as most beneficial to this position. I became interested in video about a year ago and decided to learn as much about it as possible. Video requires various skill sets; there is more to it than just making videos that look and sound good.
Effective video marketing requires a good screen presence and solid video persona. It has taken me some time to develop these. While I learned a lot from watching masters like Andy Jenkins, there was also a lot of trial and error. I would do a video; watch it, usually get disgusted for a bit, and the get back to it, working on it again and again. I had some amateur flaws to overcome. I would look away from the camera at inappropriate times. I would talk too fast. I also had a bad habit of repeatedly blinking. With some work and persistence, I was able to smooth these things out and develop quality on-screen presence. My videos are now shorter and much more to the point. I come across cool and confident, yet fun and "down to earth". Developing my video presence has been key to creating a growing internet presence. As of this writing my YouTube channel has 71,689 views and that is primarily organic traffic.
I work hard to combine solid content with casual product mentions. The best videos are subtle - they do not sound like a sales pitch. This is more of an art than a science. Admittedly, I do some pure sales videos as well, but those are usually to get people to take advantage of a free offer, followed up by emails and Facebook interaction.
The other side of video marketing is how you market the actual videos themselves. This includes everything from deciding what to name the video, to the text that appears below the video on Youtube, to deciding what keywords to use and how to embed the video on a capture page and how to drive traffic to that capture page. These are only a small portion of the things that a video marketer must consider when doing video marketing. Learning all I can about video marketing and putting it into action has become a driving part of my life and online success strategy.
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| Lou's Band, "Strangelove" |
Entrepreneur Tip:
There will always be ups and downs. I have learned that we “zig zag our way to success”. The most important thing is to never give up.What stands in the way becomes the way.
There are many challenges facing the online entrepreneur and I am no exception. Some of these challenges are simply inherent to the business but the biggest challenges are inherently human.
As a personal development coach, I often have to tap in to my own advice and coach myself - to stop and
refocus on the idea of “vision.” For me, vision means being able to see the possibilities within challenges or problems. One of my favorite quotes is by Marcus Aurelius “What stands in the way becomes the way.” I am always looking for the opportunity. I ask myself, “How can I make something out of this?” I look for the path through. I look for the path that will utilize not only my gifts, skills and talents but external resources as well. Who or what is in my life at this moment to get me to where I want to go?
Vision also means being able to look at myself honestly. This can be tough sometimes. I have to admit where I am. That is the only place for me to start. Then I look at where I want to go and ask “What do I need to get from where I am to where I want to go? What is the fastest path?” And most importantly, “Who can help get me there?” I have learned to consider everything and everyone as a possible resource.
Finally, vision is inextricably linked to leadership. Pushing forward with a goal in mind means constantly improving my leadership skills. This was something that I had a mental block about for many years. Carrying the vision, like it or not makes you the leader. I had to get over myself and take charge if I was ever going to create the life that I wanted. Learning to rally people, to give clear and concise direction without being overbearing or overly critical has become invaluable.
As a leader, I have had to learn to keep a close eye on what is and what IS NOT working. I have had to learn when to cut losses and change direction in order to stay the course toward the vision.
Contact:
Lou Lombardi
YouTube: Your Guitarist
Blog: Your Guitarist
LL Strangelove.com
LL Strangelove Videos
LinkedIn: Lou Lombardi
7 Days To Profit With Lou Lombardi
Awaken the Rock Star Within
Brian Fallet
Handyman, He's Pretty Handy
I was born in Johnstown, Pa, and raised in the small town of Cassandra, Pa. I graduated from Portage High in '78 and then joined the Navy. I was stationed on board the USS Donald B Beary out of Norfolk, Va, for 4 years. After that, I married a shipmate's sister as she was joining the Air force. We were stationed in San Antonio Texas, and then Dover Delaware. We had 2 Beautiful boys, but it ended in divorce in 1990. After the divorce, I moved to Pittsburgh where I have been ever since.
I have 32 years of Mechanical and electrical background. I am retired from the military after serving 28 years, 4 active and 22 reserves in the Navy and then 6 years reserves in the Air force. I have an Associates degree in Business and another in HVAC from CCAC and a Bachelors degree in Marketing from Robert Morris University. I worked as an HVAC tech in Texas, Delaware and did Maintenance in Apt complexes and colleges and Base housing.
I started my handyman business as a side business in 1995. Then in 2011 after being laid off from a sales position with a window/door company I decided that rather diving back into corporate America I would prefer to work for myself so I made my handyman business my primary job.
Talking Points:
I serve primarily residential customers and some small commercial. The services I provide are many, mechanical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning it would be hard to list them all. Mainly, "If it's broke, I'll fix it." This can include:
Consumer Tip:
As a consumer you should always try to get 3 estimates for a job. Make sure that your handyman is insured / licensed.
And Remember to call me first if you have any handyman questions or need advice on a repair. My advice is always free 24/7.
Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
Call and and mention that you heard Brian on this show and receive 10% off labor for 6 months from date of this show (07/05/14).
Contact:
He's Pretty Handy
www.BrianFallet.com
I am located in the South Side of Pittsburgh, which makes it easy for me to travel anywhere in and around the Pittsburgh area.
(412) 431-1498 (h) | (412) 886-4348 (c)
brian@brianfallet.com
Facebook: HesPrettyHandy
I have 32 years of Mechanical and electrical background. I am retired from the military after serving 28 years, 4 active and 22 reserves in the Navy and then 6 years reserves in the Air force. I have an Associates degree in Business and another in HVAC from CCAC and a Bachelors degree in Marketing from Robert Morris University. I worked as an HVAC tech in Texas, Delaware and did Maintenance in Apt complexes and colleges and Base housing.
I started my handyman business as a side business in 1995. Then in 2011 after being laid off from a sales position with a window/door company I decided that rather diving back into corporate America I would prefer to work for myself so I made my handyman business my primary job.
Talking Points:
- Installing a new faucet
- Replacing a light switch
- Replacing a ceiling fan
- Hanging a wall mount for a tv
- Clean & Check furnace/air conditioner
- Installing smoke detectors
- Patching drywall
- Pressure washing decks
- Hanging shelves
- Replacing a garbage disposal
- and much, much more!
Entrepreneur Tip:
Avoid debt like the plague. Start small, take your time growing, do not undercharge. Follow a 5 year business plan. Do everything as if it were your mother's house. Take a business course, hire a bookkeeper, accountant and put a lawyer on retainer.Consumer Tip:
As a consumer you should always try to get 3 estimates for a job. Make sure that your handyman is insured / licensed.
And Remember to call me first if you have any handyman questions or need advice on a repair. My advice is always free 24/7.
Call and and mention that you heard Brian on this show and receive 10% off labor for 6 months from date of this show (07/05/14).
Contact:
www.BrianFallet.com
I am located in the South Side of Pittsburgh, which makes it easy for me to travel anywhere in and around the Pittsburgh area.
(412) 431-1498 (h) | (412) 886-4348 (c)
brian@brianfallet.com
Facebook: HesPrettyHandy
Pittsburgh Lead, Kiva City Pittsburgh Lead
Talking Points:
- Over the course of her career, Emily has served the communities and residents of Pittsburgh via her work for several non-profit organizations and the City of Pittsburgh. In each position, she has particularly enjoyed opportunities to help individuals navigate resources and systems within the world of personal finance.
- In February 2014, Emily began helping entrepreneurs in the Pittsburgh area to utilize Kiva Zip to obtain 0% interest microloans to develop their small businesses.
- In March 2014, Kiva City Pittsburgh was launched. A Kiva City is a focused initiative led by Kiva.org to build awareness of the opportunity that Kiva Zip provides to a particular metropolitan area. It requires the support of a network of partners including local politicians, funders, small business technical assistance providers, as well as Kiva Zip trustees, borrowers, and lenders.
- As the Kiva City Pittsburgh Lead, Emily works to inform three broad groups about Kiva Zip: current and potential borrowers, trustees, and lenders
- Borrowers: Current and soon-to-be business owners can benefit from Kiva Zip by using the online platform to crowdfund loans of up to $5,000 at 0% interest. By using Kiva Zip, small businesses can access capital to help them develop or grow their business, and do so at 0% interest, allowing them to use their hard-earned dollars for direct business expenses rather than finance charges.
- Trustees: The Kiva Zip model relies on individuals and organizations who aim to assist entrepreneurs and have existing relationships with small business owners. Trustees benefit from being involved with Kiva Zip by promoting the good work that they already do for area businesses and helping entrepreneurs to access capital.
- Lenders: The Kiva Zip crowdfunding model would not work if it weren’t for the generous lenders that contribute to collectively fund loans for Kiva Zip borrowers. As Kiva Zip spreads to new cities, such as Pittsburgh, it is essential that the number of lenders keeps up with the growing demand for this alternative capital.
- Small business owners in the U.S. cite ‘access to capital’ as one of their top three business constraints. Kiva Zip’s alternative funding provides a platform for entrepreneurs that face this constraint to crowdfund a small loan to help them start or expand their business.
- Because Kiva Zip loans are crowd-funded by individuals who believe in a small business owner’s character and reliability as endorsed by a Kiva Zip trustee, lenders do not ask for a borrower’s credit score, cash flow, or collateral. By removing those criteria, Kiva Zip is able to help new and innovative businesses that might not otherwise qualify for a traditional loan, as well as borrowers with a short or damaged credit history.
- A benefit to crowdfunding loans is the connection that is made between lenders and borrowers. Kiva Zip lenders become cheerleaders, potential customers, and brand ambassadors for the businesses they’ve also supported financially.
- Kiva Zip loans are all offered at 0% interest and without any fees, giving an advantage to small businesses that could use a hand.
- First-time borrowers on the Kiva Zip website may borrow up to $5,000 and may choose a repayment term of up to 24 months. Once this amount is repaid, there is an opportunity to borrow progressively larger amounts.
Entrepreneur Tip:
Most people genuinely want to see others do well, so don’t be afraid to ask people in your network, even those you don’t know well, for help.Consumer Tip:
Remember that finding a rock bottom price is not always the most important thing when shopping. Supporting local businesses, by lending on Kiva Zip or as a customer, has many positive impacts on the community, some of which may even have direct or indirect financial benefits for you.
Contact:
KivaZip.org
contactzip@kiva.org
Twitter: @KivaZip
social media addresses | social media addresses
Kiva City Pittsburgh
Kiva.org | Kiva.org/Pittsburgh
(412) 204-7410 | emily.keebler@fellows.kiva.org
Twitter: @EmilyPGH | Facebook: KivaCityPittsburgh
social media addresses | social media addresses
JoAnn R. Forrester
Empress of Biz, S. I. Business Associates
Author of The Gift of Holiday Valley
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Once upon a time there was business consultant by the name of JoAnn R. Forrester who worked very hard for her small business clients, raised them lots of money ($40 million), taught hundreds of classes, seminars and workshops to thousands of clients and students, won many awards for her accomplishments and helped her clients gain national recognition for their accomplishments and even had her own podcast show, The Empress of Biz, Listen, Learn, Prosper and had helped many organizations that served women and children…something was missing…and she was beginning to become bored and sad…very sad. She was tired of doing cost analysis, business plans and having to joust with bankers to help her clients….she wanted some fun, she wanted to play and just be happy.
Then one day she woke up and felt inspired to set down at her desk and figure out what else she could do to besides “serious business stuff”. Well she sat and wrote, and sat and wrote some more….and “Oh My” she discovered that she loved to write and had lots of stories in her head…many of them children’s stories that had been waiting to be told for a long time. And the more she wrote the stories ….the happier she was.
JoAnn’s first children’s book, “The Gift of Holiday Valley” is one that she has carried in her heart for a long time and now being shared with you. Come and read about Holiday Valley. A special place where we would all like to be…where no matter who you are, what you look like, or where you came from…you belong and everyone wants to be your friend and help you. Although…even in a perfect place like Holiday Valley there are some new things to learn and different ways to be helpful and share the joy and happiness of everyone there.
Award winning Small Business Growth Management Specialist for over 30 years. Story teller since I was a child. Have written hundreds of business plans, profiles for clients, marketing and strategic plans two business workbooks and business advice columns, raised millions of dollars ……but in my heart I wanted to be an author and write stories and NOW I AM.
Talking Points:
Consumer Tip:
Buy my book…The Gift of Holiday Valley.
Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
The Gift of Holiday Valley: 1 book and a unique Holiday Valley Gift in a delightful gift box just in time for Christmas for $39.95 personally signed and mailed to you. Price includes tax and shipping. Being offered on You Miight Be a Pittsburgher….
Contact:
Empress of Biz, S. I. Business Associates
Author of The Gift of Holiday Valley
Empressofbiz.com
P. O. Box 472
Oakmont, PA
Office: (412) 440-6969 | Cell: (412) 670-4322
selfimagebz@aol.com | empressofbiz@gmail.com
Author of The Gift of Holiday Valley
Then one day she woke up and felt inspired to set down at her desk and figure out what else she could do to besides “serious business stuff”. Well she sat and wrote, and sat and wrote some more….and “Oh My” she discovered that she loved to write and had lots of stories in her head…many of them children’s stories that had been waiting to be told for a long time. And the more she wrote the stories ….the happier she was.
JoAnn’s first children’s book, “The Gift of Holiday Valley” is one that she has carried in her heart for a long time and now being shared with you. Come and read about Holiday Valley. A special place where we would all like to be…where no matter who you are, what you look like, or where you came from…you belong and everyone wants to be your friend and help you. Although…even in a perfect place like Holiday Valley there are some new things to learn and different ways to be helpful and share the joy and happiness of everyone there.
Award winning Small Business Growth Management Specialist for over 30 years. Story teller since I was a child. Have written hundreds of business plans, profiles for clients, marketing and strategic plans two business workbooks and business advice columns, raised millions of dollars ……but in my heart I wanted to be an author and write stories and NOW I AM.
Talking Points:
- Started in 1975, I was the junior partner, had an opportunity and grabbed it with two other men, Jim Martin and Bob Masse. Immediately had a major corporate client Allegheny Ludlum Industries and Allegheny Ludlum Steel
- Wrote book, The Gift of Holiday Valley, to give us a gift to family and friends when I had very little money and did not know what to do for gifts. That Christmas everyone got a handwritten copy of the story and homemade gifts of cookies and candies. It was one of the nicest Christmases I had…
- My Mother saved the story and everything I gave to her over the years and when she passed I found it again and read it and I could hear her saying to me…maybe I could illustrate this for you. She never did because she devoted her time to taking care of my Dad, who was an invalid for years. She always wanted me to write and I am doing this for many reasons…for personal joy, share the message of Holiday Valley and open a new avenue for work for me.
- My day to day business Concentrate on business and strategic and professional development for large and small to mid size companies. Much prefer to work with the small businesses…You can deal with the owners and management and they are quicker to respond and act to solve a problem…rather than deal with all the layers in between and not have a problem solved or be able to help people quickly was not for me.
- We serve small to medium businesses who do not have a CFO and help to eliminate waste and create a strategic plan for profit.
- When needed we raise fund for the businesses…have raised over $40 million dollars and work with them to manage the direction of the company once they obtained their financing.
- We serve small to medium businesses who do not have a CFO and help to eliminate waste and create a strategic plan for profit.
Entrepreneur Tip:
Money is a tool… use it wisely…it allows you to pursue your dreams…such as my dream of being an author and writing booksConsumer Tip:Buy my book…The Gift of Holiday Valley.
The Gift of Holiday Valley: 1 book and a unique Holiday Valley Gift in a delightful gift box just in time for Christmas for $39.95 personally signed and mailed to you. Price includes tax and shipping. Being offered on You Miight Be a Pittsburgher….
Contact:
Empress of Biz, S. I. Business Associates
Author of The Gift of Holiday Valley
Empressofbiz.com
P. O. Box 472
Oakmont, PA
Office: (412) 440-6969 | Cell: (412) 670-4322
selfimagebz@aol.com | empressofbiz@gmail.com
Facebook: JoAnnRForrester
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.
