Welcome! You have entered [The Lounge] at 12:00 pm
[The Lounge]: Amanda Hamm has entered at 12:10 pm
[Amanda Hamm] 12:13 pm: Hi Ginger
[GingerMarks] 12:13 pm: Hello dear
[Amanda Hamm] 12:14 pm: I see there were some technical difficulties, lol
[GingerMarks] 12:14 pm: yes, again this week
[Amanda Hamm] 12:14 pm: Kim will be here shortly she is recording some audio with me right now, but she will be here in a few minutes
[GingerMarks] 12:15 pm: good thing I came in early and found out.
[GingerMarks] 12:15 pm: Yes, that is what she said.
[GingerMarks] 12:15 pm: Did you read the WIN message about the $1000+ prizes for the Fling!
[Amanda Hamm] 12:16 pm: yes I did that is so awesome!
[GingerMarks] 12:16 pm: I am doing the happy dance!
[Amanda Hamm] 12:16 pm: I bet:)
[GingerMarks] 12:16 pm: well, gotta go get ready. back in a few
[Amanda Hamm] 12:16 pm: k
[GingerMarks] 12:16 pm: BTW, can you save the chat incase my cable goes down again this week. grrr
[GingerMarks] 12:17 pm: I hit save last week and just at that moment the cable went out!
[Amanda Hamm] 12:17 pm: lol, sure
[GingerMarks] 12:17 pm: I REALLY wanted to save that one. It had suggestions for topics.
[GingerMarks] 12:18 pm: BTW, do you want to speak in two weeks? We have a hole in the schedule.
[GingerMarks] 12:18 pm: Know anyone who can step up?
[Amanda Hamm] 12:18 pm: two weeks, is it during the expo?
[GingerMarks] 12:18 pm: egads!
[Amanda Hamm] 12:18 pm: if so I can't, but if it's not then yes
[GingerMarks] 12:18 pm: Let's just make it open forum. lol
[GingerMarks] 12:19 pm: May 3rd
[Amanda Hamm] 12:23 pm: I can do it then
[Amanda Hamm] 12:23 pm: the expo doesn't start until the 7th
[GingerMarks] 12:25 pm: cool
[GingerMarks] 12:25 pm: what subject?
[The Lounge]: Betty Lynch has entered at 12:26 pm
[GingerMarks] 12:26 pm: Betty!!!!
[GingerMarks] 12:26 pm: Whoohoo! You snuck out!
[GingerMarks] 12:26 pm: or rather IN
[Betty Lynch] 12:26 pm: Hi Everyone. I'm still home.
[Amanda Hamm] 12:26 pm: Hi Betty
[GingerMarks] 12:27 pm: Betty, you need to call me later.
[GingerMarks] 12:27 pm: ok?
[GingerMarks] 12:27 pm: awwww.
[GingerMarks] 12:27 pm: not feeling any better today?
[Betty Lynch] 12:27 pm: I must have been allergic to the cough medicine. I was up all night itching like crazy.
[Amanda Hamm] 12:27 pm: Business Etiquette?
[Amanda Hamm] 12:27 pm: oh wow that isn't good Betty
[GingerMarks] 12:27 pm: ok thanks Amanda
[GingerMarks] 12:27 pm: or Netiquette?
[Amanda Hamm] 12:28 pm: Netiquette sounds better
[Betty Lynch] 12:28 pm: Okay Ginger, I will call you this afternoon.
[Amanda Hamm] 12:28 pm: so that way I can emphasize on networking etiquette too
[GingerMarks] 12:28 pm: okey doke
[GingerMarks] 12:29 pm: I'll post it after this session when I update the page
[Amanda Hamm] 12:29 pm: k
[Amanda Hamm] 12:29 pm: May 3rd at 12:30 EST right?
[GingerMarks] 12:30 pm: yes
[GingerMarks] 12:30 pm: I think I'll wait 5 min to get started.
[GingerMarks] 12:30 pm: this is kinda a dry run for my Expo presentation.
[GingerMarks] 12:30 pm: sans slides
[GingerMarks] 12:31 pm: are you both memebers of the Parent's Lounge Network?
[The Lounge]: Teresa Morrow has entered at 12:31 pm
[Betty Lynch] 12:31 pm: No, I'm not.
[Amanda Hamm] 12:31 pm: yes I am
[GingerMarks] 12:31 pm: Hi there T! Little Sis
[Amanda Hamm] 12:31 pm: Hi Teresa:)
[GingerMarks] 12:31 pm: Stay tuned they have a surprise coming up.
[Teresa Morrow] 12:32 pm: Hello
[GingerMarks] 12:32 pm: Oh Betty, do sign up for that network. It is Barb Desmarais'
[Amanda Hamm] 12:32 pm: ok you said the 3rd but thats a Thursday?
[GingerMarks] 12:32 pm: She's another of our Big Sisters
[Betty Lynch] 12:32 pm: But I don't have children.
[GingerMarks] 12:32 pm: oopsy
[The Lounge]: Teresa Morrow has left at 12:32 pm
[GingerMarks] 12:33 pm: so 2nd
[GingerMarks] 12:33 pm: lol
[Amanda Hamm] 12:33 pm: k, just wanted to make sure
[GingerMarks] 12:33 pm: :D
[GingerMarks] 12:33 pm: oopsy, we lost T
[GingerMarks] 12:33 pm: neither do I Betty
[GingerMarks] 12:33 pm: :D
[GingerMarks] 12:34 pm: but we still have to deal with them.
[Betty Lynch] 12:34 pm: Oh thats right. Isn't the talk about dealing with parent issues>
[GingerMarks] 12:34 pm: Specially at church, if you work with the children's ministry at all.
[Amanda Hamm] 12:34 pm: ok put it on my calendar
[GingerMarks] 12:34 pm: ty
[The Lounge]: Teresa Morrow has entered at 12:35 pm
[GingerMarks] 12:35 pm: wb, T
[Betty Lynch] 12:35 pm: Hi Teresa
[GingerMarks] 12:35 pm: Well, it is Bust-A-Link time
[GingerMarks] 12:35 pm: http://www.DocUmeant.net
[GingerMarks] 12:35 pm: http://www.NibrocMarketing.com
[GingerMarks] 12:36 pm: go for it
[GingerMarks] 12:36 pm: Teresa, I know you have some NEW links, don't you!?
[Teresa Morrow] 12:36 pm: wwww.keybusinesspartners.wordpress.com - my administrative business
[Amanda Hamm] 12:36 pm: http://www.divamomsradio.com and http://www.mommyneighborhood.com
[GingerMarks] 12:37 pm: I love that header Amanda!
[GingerMarks] 12:37 pm: Did you design that yourself?
[Teresa Morrow] 12:37 pm: www.tragic2magic.wordpress.com - my business resources and consulting business for other floor cleaning/restoration companines
[Amanda Hamm] 12:37 pm: lol
[Amanda Hamm] 12:37 pm: thank you, no I didn't design it, it is a wp blog
[Teresa Morrow] 12:37 pm: www.keybusinesspartners.wordpress.com
[GingerMarks] 12:37 pm: ohhhh
[GingerMarks] 12:37 pm: it's a sure winner
[Teresa Morrow] 12:37 pm: I really like Diva Moms Radio page too
[Amanda Hamm] 12:38 pm: thank you ladies
[GingerMarks] 12:38 pm: we speak but the truth!
[GingerMarks] 12:38 pm: :D
[GingerMarks] 12:38 pm: Well, I have a ton to cover so I better get started.... Betty, where's your links?
[Betty Lynch] 12:39 pm: Not sure what you are doing? Just posting our websites?
[GingerMarks] 12:39 pm: yes. Bust-A-Link is put your website URLs up
[GingerMarks] 12:39 pm: :D
[Teresa Morrow] 12:40 pm: Hi Amanda & Betty
[GingerMarks] 12:40 pm: Ok, today I will be sharing about "The Five Key Elements of Business Image Design"
[Betty Lynch] 12:41 pm: www.mycountrykitchen.com; www.bettylynch.biz;

I have three blogs:

http://bettylynch.blogspot.com/

http://mycountrykitchenkids.blogspot.com/

http://adreamlife.blogspot.com/

[GingerMarks] 12:41 pm: There you are!
[GingerMarks] 12:41 pm: :D
[GingerMarks] 12:41 pm: Given time, What we will touch on
[GingerMarks] 12:41 pm: What is a business image?
[GingerMarks] 12:41 pm: why do you need one
[GingerMarks] 12:42 pm: the pieces of the puzzle
[GingerMarks] 12:42 pm: First what is a bus image?
[GingerMarks] 12:42 pm: 1. Defines who you are
[GingerMarks] 12:42 pm: Defines what you do
[The Lounge]: LisaG. has entered at 12:42 pm
[Amanda Hamm] 12:43 pm: Hi Lisa
[Teresa Morrow] 12:43 pm: Hi Lia
[LisaG.] 12:43 pm: Hi
[Teresa Morrow] 12:43 pm: Sorry about that...Hi Lisa
[Betty Lynch] 12:43 pm: Hi Lisa
[GingerMarks] 12:43 pm: It's your choice, you can let others perceive their own idea of your image or
[LisaG.] 12:43 pm: np
[GingerMarks] 12:43 pm: you can develop and share your actual image
[Betty Lynch] 12:44 pm: Like a logo?
[GingerMarks] 12:44 pm: yes. That is a small part of it.
[GingerMarks] 12:44 pm: Know that if you haven't developed an image you DO still have one.
[The Lounge]: Eula has entered at 12:45 pm
[GingerMarks] 12:45 pm: It is just a poor business image. Mismatched, haphazard.
[GingerMarks] 12:45 pm: But it is still an image. So whether real or perceived you have an image.
[GingerMarks] 12:45 pm: So what do you need to consider in developing your business image?
[GingerMarks] 12:45 pm: There are 5 key components
[GingerMarks] 12:46 pm: Business Name
[GingerMarks] 12:46 pm: Logo and Tagline
[GingerMarks] 12:46 pm: Stationary
[GingerMarks] 12:46 pm: envelopes, invoices, letterhead, postcards, etc.
[GingerMarks] 12:47 pm: Marketing Materials
[GingerMarks] 12:47 pm: ads, again postcard covers, flyers, etc.
[GingerMarks] 12:47 pm: and your actual storefront/website.
[GingerMarks] 12:48 pm: For your Logo you need to be sure it is easily recognizable.
[GingerMarks] 12:48 pm: Matches the look and feel of what you want to portray.
[The Lounge]: KimEmerson has entered at 12:48 pm
[KimEmerson] 12:48 pm: egads!
[GingerMarks] 12:48 pm: Be sure to utilize the same color scheme throughout all your pieces.
[GingerMarks] 12:49 pm: It is when you dont do that your image becomes jumbled up and deemed unprofessional.
[GingerMarks] 12:50 pm: Now for your tagline
[GingerMarks] 12:50 pm: The key is to keep it simple yet choose something that makes people go ah ha!
[GingerMarks] 12:51 pm: You want to with your logo tagline combination let your potential customer know what you do and spur them to look further.
[GingerMarks] 12:51 pm: Let's look at some prime examples
[GingerMarks] 12:52 pm: who can tell me what these company taglines are?
[GingerMarks] 12:52 pm: Chime right in
[GingerMarks] 12:52 pm: Coke
[GingerMarks] 12:52 pm: noone?
[Eula] 12:53 pm: is it catch the wave?
[Betty Lynch] 12:53 pm: Mind is not working today...sorry
[GingerMarks] 12:53 pm: It's the real thing
[GingerMarks] 12:53 pm: sound familiar?
[GingerMarks] 12:53 pm: :D
[Betty Lynch] 12:53 pm: Oh yeah
[LisaG.] 12:53 pm: :)
[GingerMarks] 12:53 pm: How about Allstate?
[The Lounge]: Alyssa has entered at 12:53 pm
[Eula] 12:53 pm: you're in good hands
[Betty Lynch] 12:53 pm: Like a good neighbor
[LisaG.] 12:53 pm: your in good hands
[GingerMarks] 12:53 pm: YES
[GingerMarks] 12:54 pm: United?
[Amanda Hamm] 12:54 pm: We fly safe?
[The Lounge]: Sandy Morgan has entered at 12:54 pm
[GingerMarks] 12:54 pm: close
[GingerMarks] 12:54 pm: Fly the friendly skies
[KimEmerson] 12:54 pm: coke...um Mobile Drug Testing
[GingerMarks] 12:54 pm: and of course my favorite
[GingerMarks] 12:55 pm: lolol
[GingerMarks] 12:55 pm: DocUmeant?
[Alyssa] 12:55 pm: Ok what are we doing?
[KimEmerson] 12:55 pm: we make you look good
[Betty Lynch] 12:55 pm: wrong coke Kim. haha
[LisaG.] 12:55 pm: we make You look good
[KimEmerson] 12:55 pm: hehehe!
[GingerMarks] 12:55 pm: 2 brownie points for Lisa!
[GingerMarks] 12:55 pm: :D
[KimEmerson] 12:55 pm: hey!
[GingerMarks] 12:55 pm: So do you see how important your tagline is?
[Betty Lynch] 12:55 pm: magic fingers?
[KimEmerson] 12:56 pm: I put it in there!
[KimEmerson] 12:56 pm: man, I am so pouting now
[KimEmerson] 12:56 pm: lol
[GingerMarks] 12:56 pm: {{{KimeE}}}
[GingerMarks] 12:56 pm: Now on to the printed materials...
[GingerMarks] 12:56 pm: Stationary needs include business cards
[Sandy Morgan] 12:57 pm: am: lost----what r we soing
[GingerMarks] 12:57 pm: which should be clean and unjumbled.
[GingerMarks] 12:57 pm: Use the back if you need more room.
[Alyssa] 12:57 pm: ok so you're talking about taglines sorry Ginger, I couldnt' find ya'll
[KimEmerson] 12:57 pm: sandy, talking about importance of tag lines.importance of branding your business
[KimEmerson] 12:57 pm: not your cows
[Sandy Morgan] 12:57 pm: k
[GingerMarks] 12:58 pm: don't forget to put all of your contact information on your stationary.
[GingerMarks] 12:58 pm: You never know where it is going to end up.
[Teresa Morrow] 12:58 pm: hello Sandy, Alyssa, Kim
[Alyssa] 12:58 pm: hiya
[Sandy Morgan] 12:59 pm: hey
[GingerMarks] 12:59 pm: If your image is fun and lively, modern or traditional, keep it the same throughout all your business products.
[Alyssa] 12:59 pm: right
[GingerMarks] 12:59 pm: So colors and look should all match.
[Betty Lynch] 12:59 pm: May I ask a question?
[GingerMarks] 12:59 pm: There are a ton of prefab templates available. Don't be tempted to use them.
[GingerMarks] 12:59 pm: sure Betty
[Sandy Morgan] 1:00 pm: have u defined tag line
[Betty Lynch] 1:00 pm: Well, that is what I did. I used Vista print to make my business cards and postcards before Ginger designed the logo
[GingerMarks] 1:00 pm: Sandy, a tagline says quickly to your customer what you do and who you are. Makes them want to look further.
[Betty Lynch] 1:01 pm: So now I have bc and pc that don't match my website. Can I have two combinations or should I go with one?
[KimEmerson] 1:01 pm: Hi Teresa!
[Alyssa] 1:01 pm: how long should a tagline be
[GingerMarks] 1:01 pm: To stand out, your stationary need to carry the same colors and themes.
[Sandy Morgan] 1:01 pm: ie sender of crds
[GingerMarks] 1:02 pm: Your tagline should be long enough to get your sense of your business accross, but short enough to be memorable.
[GingerMarks] 1:02 pm: Look at the examples I gave earlier. They are all only a few words long.
[GingerMarks] 1:02 pm: Coke - It's the real thing
[GingerMarks] 1:02 pm: Allstate - you're in good hands
[GingerMarks] 1:02 pm: etc.
[GingerMarks] 1:03 pm: yes Sandy that is a good one for you
[KimEmerson] 1:03 pm: Sandy: like this: Sandy Morgan~ I Bring Referrals to You
[GingerMarks] 1:03 pm: Betty, chose just one.
[Alyssa] 1:03 pm: hmmm
[GingerMarks] 1:03 pm: Uniformity is better
[GingerMarks] 1:03 pm: KimE!
[GingerMarks] 1:03 pm: Yeah. Sandy there you go.
[KimEmerson] 1:03 pm: Sandy Morgan~ Bringing Customers to You
[Teresa Morrow] 1:04 pm: Key Business Partners - We open doors of success for your business
[GingerMarks] 1:04 pm: It takes time to develop the right tagline. Give it some thought
[Sandy Morgan] 1:04 pm: yah
[Alyssa] 1:04 pm: yes goonna take me some time
[GingerMarks] 1:05 pm: When you send an invoice to your customer does it solidify your brand or not?
[KimEmerson] 1:05 pm: Sandy Morgan~ Building Bigger Business for You
[GingerMarks] 1:05 pm: Who here has received an invoice from me?
[Amanda Hamm] 1:05 pm: me
[Sandy Morgan] 1:05 pm: hehe
[Eula] 1:05 pm: lol I think I have
[Sandy Morgan] 1:05 pm: me
[GingerMarks] 1:05 pm: Did you notice the form matches my business webpage, my business card, my envelope?
[KimEmerson] 1:05 pm: Teresa Morrow~ When you Need Two More Hands
[GingerMarks] 1:06 pm: What did that make you think when you received it?
[Betty Lynch] 1:06 pm: Yes, looks great!
[Teresa Morrow] 1:06 pm: I have Ginger
[Amanda Hamm] 1:06 pm: never seen your biz card or envelope but it does match your site
[Amanda Hamm] 1:06 pm: made you look organized and serious business woman
[Sandy Morgan] 1:06 pm: love it gingee
[GingerMarks] 1:06 pm: Did you think, "Low Budget!, Part timer?" or "Professional, Seasoned".
[Teresa Morrow] 1:06 pm: Kim, I like that too....I was first thinking about the key opening the doors
[Amanda Hamm] 1:06 pm: not like you set up shop overnight
[Betty Lynch] 1:06 pm: Very Professional
[GingerMarks] 1:07 pm: So now you understand how important this step is, right?
[Betty Lynch] 1:07 pm: Yes, mam
[GingerMarks] 1:07 pm: What about your marketing materials?
[KimEmerson] 1:08 pm: yes, branding, branding, branding, get the hot poker out and brand that biz
[GingerMarks] 1:08 pm: What are some of the things that come to mind when you think of the word marketing?
[Betty Lynch] 1:08 pm: new business
[Sandy Morgan] 1:08 pm: demo
[KimEmerson] 1:09 pm: gettin the word out about you and getting known to your target market
[Amanda Hamm] 1:09 pm: customers, comfort, speaking, out of the box
[GingerMarks] 1:09 pm: right. and what do you use to do that?
[KimEmerson] 1:09 pm: letting the world know you are the expert
[Alyssa] 1:09 pm: networking, promoting,
[Amanda Hamm] 1:09 pm: promotional material, networking, advertising
[Betty Lynch] 1:10 pm: marketing your business
[Alyssa] 1:10 pm: buttons, banners , ezine ads,
[GingerMarks] 1:10 pm: yes, presentations and networking
[KimEmerson] 1:10 pm: top notch email campaigns, good copy, articles, press releases, flyers, biz cards, networking
[Sandy Morgan] 1:10 pm: building relationship,
[Alyssa] 1:10 pm: yes
[KimEmerson] 1:10 pm: SANDY! woo HOO, you WIN!
[GingerMarks] 1:10 pm: yes, Amanda, Betty good, Alyssa excellent, Kim Right On Sister!
[Betty Lynch] 1:10 pm: AMEN Sandy, relationships!!
[Amanda Hamm] 1:10 pm: using Send Out Cards, lol
[GingerMarks] 1:10 pm: Sandy absolutely!
[GingerMarks] 1:11 pm: And again make sure they all match.
[Sandy Morgan] 1:11 pm: am bowing
[KimEmerson] 1:11 pm: see Sandy understands what the cards are all about. build those relationships, send those cards, people remember a physical card, they forget the sales letter
[Alyssa] 1:11 pm: right
[GingerMarks] 1:11 pm: Yes, you can have fun with your flyers and coupons etc. even if your business is more traditional. However,
[GingerMarks] 1:12 pm: be sure you still incorporate your logo at least.
[GingerMarks] 1:12 pm: Even your Gift Certificates should be branded to your business.
[Amanda Hamm] 1:12 pm: even Ginger's SOC have her logo on the front of the card
[GingerMarks] 1:13 pm: Don't just get a coupon book of Gift Certificates from the office supply store.
[GingerMarks] 1:13 pm: That is a sure sign you are only either getting started, or not serious.
[Alyssa] 1:13 pm: what about thank you notes
[GingerMarks] 1:14 pm: Thank you notes should be in your own hand if possible or at least with your branded cover if for business
[Sandy Morgan] 1:14 pm: hanwritten
[Amanda Hamm] 1:14 pm: handwritten?
[GingerMarks] 1:14 pm: Again, I give my own as an example.
[Alyssa] 1:14 pm: where do you get them made with your logo
[GingerMarks] 1:14 pm: I use Send Out Cards, not handwritten but branded with my business image
[KimEmerson] 1:15 pm: send out cards alyssa
[Amanda Hamm] 1:15 pm: oh ok, you were starting to worry me Ginger
[GingerMarks] 1:15 pm: Has anyone received one of those and knows what I am talking about?
[Alyssa] 1:15 pm: really someone send me info
[Sandy Morgan] 1:15 pm: send ouut carrds
[KimEmerson] 1:15 pm: and you can have your own handwriting in send out cards AND easy!
[Alyssa] 1:15 pm: I have
[GingerMarks] 1:15 pm: SOC even offers your handwriting font.
[GingerMarks] 1:15 pm: so that can fix that too.
[Betty Lynch] 1:15 pm: Yes, I have received one of your TY cards Ginger
[GingerMarks] 1:15 pm: Yes, Kim
[Alyssa] 1:16 pm: me too
[Sandy Morgan] 1:16 pm: yes
[GingerMarks] 1:16 pm: Do you think they tie in nicely to my Business image?
[Teresa Morrow] 1:16 pm: I am in the process of being able to offer the floor cleaning business owners the Send Out Cards
[GingerMarks] 1:16 pm: or are they everyother business owners cards
[Alyssa] 1:16 pm: yes I want to get some of my own
[GingerMarks] 1:16 pm: Any other questions about this?
[Betty Lynch] 1:16 pm: Yes, Ginger
[GingerMarks] 1:17 pm: go Betty
[Sandy Morgan] 1:17 pm: i even havee my hand writing
[KimEmerson] 1:17 pm: SOC~it makes life a fun place to be
[KimEmerson] 1:17 pm: LOL
[Alyssa] 1:17 pm: send me info Kim
[Betty Lynch] 1:17 pm: What? I was saying Yes SOC brands your business nicely.
[KimEmerson] 1:17 pm: k Alyssa
[GingerMarks] 1:17 pm: If you want to save $ send Postcards instead of Greeting Cards
[Alyssa] 1:17 pm: ty
[Sandy Morgan] 1:17 pm: ..and i cant write lol
[GingerMarks] 1:18 pm: Cost less to send even and like Kim always says, the cover being pretty might end up on the fridge.
[GingerMarks] 1:18 pm: Sandy! LOL
[GingerMarks] 1:18 pm: Any other questions?
[GingerMarks] 1:18 pm: OK, now about your presentations.
[GingerMarks] 1:19 pm: When you give a presentation, you know, from reading my book, Presentational Skills for the Next Generation, that practice makes perfect.
[GingerMarks] 1:19 pm: But what we are speaking about today is the actual slide layout
[GingerMarks] 1:20 pm: that is the design part of your presentation.
[GingerMarks] 1:20 pm: Be sure that you use a simple background.
[GingerMarks] 1:20 pm: Don't get caught up in the flash or your audience will be looking at your slides and not listening to you.
[GingerMarks] 1:21 pm: Just because you CAN make a flashy slide show, doesn't mean you necessarily should.
[GingerMarks] 1:21 pm: Your slides should only have one or two thoughts that are easily perceived in less than 5 seconds.
[KimEmerson] 1:22 pm: Ginger, only perfect practice makes perfect :)
[GingerMarks] 1:22 pm: If you want to add more to your slide than than, say in a list, simply highlight the line you want to speak on in a different color font
[GingerMarks] 1:22 pm: Give aways?
[Sandy Morgan] 1:23 pm: needs to be big so visable
[Amanda Hamm] 1:23 pm: FYI....don't use red or green on presentations
[GingerMarks] 1:23 pm: With the Fling just around the corner, have you noticed what prizes are being offered?
[KimEmerson] 1:23 pm: why Amanda?
[KimEmerson] 1:23 pm: colorblind issue?
[Amanda Hamm] 1:23 pm: color blindness
[GingerMarks] 1:23 pm: Amanda, you can use those colors, just don't overdo them.
[KimEmerson] 1:23 pm: that's what I thought. good to keep in mind
[GingerMarks] 1:23 pm: If they are your brand colors then by all means use them
[Amanda Hamm] 1:24 pm: the majority of presentations that I go to, I can't see, and I learn nothing and can contribute nothing too, because they use red or green text
[Sandy Morgan] 1:24 pm: on aa light bkgrd
[Alyssa] 1:25 pm: oh no
[KimEmerson] 1:25 pm: so Amanda, do you not see the text at all?
[GingerMarks] 1:25 pm: Your give aways should have at least your logo and business name. The half life your give aways have is more important than the initial investment.
[GingerMarks] 1:25 pm: Ok, as to light on dark. That is best.
[The Lounge]: Vonda has entered at 1:25 pm
[Amanda Hamm] 1:25 pm: you can see some of it, depending on the background color, but alot of the times it's so blurry that you can't make it out
[GingerMarks] 1:26 pm: Don't use Black on White!
[KimEmerson] 1:26 pm: ((((Hi Vonda)))
[GingerMarks] 1:26 pm: THAT is very hard to read.
[GingerMarks] 1:26 pm: If you do, use it sparingly.
[GingerMarks] 1:26 pm: Moderation.
[KimEmerson] 1:26 pm: Amanda, that is so good to know, thank you
[GingerMarks] 1:26 pm: Vonda! Hello
[Vonda] 1:26 pm: Oh Hello! I was hoping y'all would still be here when I was able to get on
[GingerMarks] 1:27 pm: So the rule is Less is More
[Amanda Hamm] 1:27 pm: black backgrounds are awesome! Even for people who have any eye issues and those who may wear glasses, there are no glares, etc.
[GingerMarks] 1:27 pm: Rely on the words, not the slides
[LisaG.] 1:27 pm: good to note, Amanda
[GingerMarks] 1:27 pm: You want your audience to listen to you and not be mesmerized by the swish of the transistions and the slides themselves.
[GingerMarks] 1:28 pm: amanda, Older people complain most about the Black background with white text over any other design work I have ever done.
[Amanda Hamm] 1:29 pm: that is interesting, when I was in college we did a study on presentation styles and overall black seemed to outrule all other colors
[GingerMarks] 1:29 pm: Remember the rule, reflect your business image. This even applies to slide design.
[GingerMarks] 1:30 pm: I suggest you do a poll among the elder population. You probably polled young folks
[Amanda Hamm] 1:30 pm: it was all ages:) from young children to seniors in nursing homes
[GingerMarks] 1:31 pm: Wesite or storefront. Your image needs to retain the look and feel of all elements when you are designing.
[The Lounge]: Vonda has left at 1:32 pm
[GingerMarks] 1:32 pm: Keep in mind that unless you are a nude artist, even the traditional office settings should steer clear of the rennesance nudes.
[GingerMarks] 1:32 pm: Anything that is potentially offensive should be disgarded as well.
[GingerMarks] 1:33 pm: For example, slave pictures.
[Amanda Hamm] 1:33 pm: so glad I work at home:) don' t have to worry about offensiveness
[GingerMarks] 1:33 pm: These things hanging on your office wall or or on your website can repulse your visitors.
[Sandy Morgan] 1:33 pm: excuse me, i just got a message from ron's sister...can i paste it here?
[GingerMarks] 1:34 pm: On this same note, if you insist on using music on your site, be sure to add a control button.
[GingerMarks] 1:34 pm: yes Sandy please.
[Sandy Morgan] 1:34 pm: Sarah is going to print out all the condolences she is reading from Ron's email address and from his friends at Ryze and other online communities - and she is going to print them and display them at Ron's funeral.

If you would like to send a special message for Ron, please send it TODAY to Ron's email address and Sarah will be reading it and printing the messages. Ron's email address is:

rh7272@comcast.net
[GingerMarks] 1:35 pm: ty Sandy. We will miss Ron greatly!
[Betty Lynch] 1:35 pm: Thank you Sandy! I will get a message sent today.
[GingerMarks] 1:36 pm: Realize, whether online of offline this is your main source of customer contact.
[KimEmerson] 1:36 pm: What a kind and wonderful soul...Ron Hunter has rejoined the rejoicing angels
[GingerMarks] 1:36 pm: On your website be sure that it is completely clear within a few seconds what you do and how well you do it.
[GingerMarks] 1:37 pm: Use the top 1/3 of your home page to clearly state the purpose of who you are and what you do.
[GingerMarks] 1:38 pm: In closing I would like to challenge you
[GingerMarks] 1:38 pm: Define or review your business image. Ask for customer feeback.
[GingerMarks] 1:38 pm: they will be your biggest asset
[GingerMarks] 1:38 pm: and secondly, Solidify your image.
[GingerMarks] 1:39 pm: Look at all your pieces, are they uniting your business or haphazzardly thrown together?
[Betty Lynch] 1:39 pm: When you say solidify are you talking about registering your image as a trademark?
[GingerMarks] 1:40 pm: It can include TMing, but it doesn't have to start there.
[GingerMarks] 1:40 pm: what I mean is carry it over into ALL pieces of your business.
[Sandy Morgan] 1:40 pm: r there quick ways of getting knnown
[Sandy Morgan] 1:41 pm: i'm s l o w at posts
[GingerMarks] 1:41 pm: The closer you stick to your brand the easier it is to let them know you are a vialble business.
[GingerMarks] 1:42 pm: As Kim says, Brand your cow or the competition will pick up the slack.
[Alyssa] 1:42 pm: lol
[GingerMarks] 1:42 pm: You don't want to spend all the time and money it takes to find customers only to loose them to the competition for lack of them remembering you even exist or worse yet they perceive you as unprofessional
[LisaG.] 1:43 pm: nice saying and so true :)
[GingerMarks] 1:43 pm: Any questions?
[Alyssa] 1:43 pm: no
[KimEmerson] 1:43 pm: LOL Brand You cow or the other rancers will take it home
[Alyssa] 1:44 pm: lol
[KimEmerson] 1:44 pm: ranchers as well
[GingerMarks] 1:44 pm: There it is! I knew it was something like that!
[GingerMarks] 1:44 pm: :D
[Betty Lynch] 1:44 pm: Great presentation Gingee, my magic fingers friend!
[GingerMarks] 1:44 pm: Ty Kim
[KimEmerson] 1:44 pm: omgosh! LOL I can't type!
[GingerMarks] 1:44 pm: ty Betty
[Sandy Morgan] 1:44 pm: above gingee
[KimEmerson] 1:44 pm: thank you Ginger, you rock!
[GingerMarks] 1:44 pm: Sandy, I answered your question above.
[Alyssa] 1:44 pm: ty
[GingerMarks] 1:45 pm: Thank you all for coming. I hope you learned at least one thing today.
[KimEmerson] 1:45 pm: Sandy, the chat will be saved
[KimEmerson] 1:45 pm: you are saving, right Ginger?
[GingerMarks] 1:45 pm: If you need help putting the pieces together, let me know.
[LisaG.] 1:45 pm: ty, Ginger
[GingerMarks] 1:45 pm: I will be offering $5 discount on services to all here today.
[GingerMarks] 1:45 pm: yes, Kim, saving
[KimEmerson] 1:45 pm: woo hoo!
[Betty Lynch] 1:46 pm: WooHoo, thank you Gingee!
[GingerMarks] 1:46 pm: contact me at info@DocUmeant.net
[Alyssa] 1:46 pm: ty ginger
[GingerMarks] 1:46 pm: Just be sure to mention that discount.
[GingerMarks] 1:46 pm: Well ladies it has been fun.
[Sandy Morgan] 1:46 pm: hehe
[GingerMarks] 1:47 pm: if no questions, I say we do another Bust-A-link!
[Eula] 1:47 pm: ty Gingee!
[GingerMarks] 1:47 pm: Go for it!
[KimEmerson] 1:47 pm: have a great day everyone!
[GingerMarks] 1:47 pm: http://www.DocUmeant.net
[Alyssa] 1:47 pm: http://www.beautybydesignonline.com
[KimEmerson] 1:47 pm: oh whoops, thought you all were leaving
[Eula] 1:47 pm: http://www.sendcardsandmore.com/
[LisaG.] 1:47 pm: http://www.lisasart.com
[GingerMarks] 1:47 pm: http://www.NibrocMarketingSolutions.com
[Betty Lynch] 1:47 pm: I'm off to take more antiobotics
[Alyssa] 1:47 pm: busting links
[Teresa Morrow] 1:48 pm: www.morrservices.com - our floor cleaning/restoration company
[KimEmerson] 1:48 pm: http://www.universityofprosperity.net http://www.nibrocmarketingsolutions.com
[Alyssa] 1:48 pm: byeee
[KimEmerson] 1:48 pm: Betty! hold on!
[LisaG.] 1:48 pm: feel better, Betty
[Betty Lynch] 1:48 pm: http://www,mycountrykitchen.com or www.bettylynch.biz
[Teresa Morrow] 1:48 pm: www.keybusinesspartners.wordpress.com - I am founder of this administrative business
[GingerMarks] 1:48 pm: Bye Betty
[GingerMarks] 1:48 pm: hope we both feel better soon!
[KimEmerson] 1:48 pm: feel better Betty, my dear friend!
[Eula] 1:49 pm: bye all...have a successful week!
[Eula] 1:49 pm: feel better you two
[Teresa Morrow] 1:49 pm: www.tragic2magic.wordpress.com - consulting and business reources planning company for other floor cleaning companies
[The Lounge]: Alyssa has left at 1:49 pm
[KimEmerson] 1:49 pm: Eula, thanks for the body shop book!
[Teresa Morrow] 1:49 pm: I hope you feel better Betty
[The Lounge]: Betty Lynch has left at 1:49 pm
[Eula] 1:49 pm: you're very welcome
[LisaG.] 1:49 pm: have a great day
[KimEmerson] 1:50 pm: Woo Hoo! I love it all!
[The Lounge]: LisaG. has left at 1:50 pm
[KimEmerson] 1:50 pm: bye everyone
[Eula] 1:50 pm: lol careful, its addictive!
[The Lounge]: KimEmerson has left at 1:50 pm
[GingerMarks] 1:50 pm: Bye everybody. Thank you for coming
[Teresa Morrow] 1:50 pm: if anyone wishes to send me a floor cleaning or general cleaning question, I will place the question/answer in my ezine/blog along with your url and contact info
[Teresa Morrow] 1:50 pm: send them to emorrow1@verizon.net
[GingerMarks] 1:51 pm: heehee Teresa, get that plug in there! :SD
[GingerMarks] 1:51 pm: :D
[Eula] 1:51 pm: lol
[The Lounge]: Eula has left at 1:51 pm
[GingerMarks] 1:51 pm: Sandy, where's your link?
[The Lounge]: Sandy Morgan has left at 1:51 pm