Major Developments, Forward Motion, Events and Actionable Items.April 4, 2009
Bulletin # 10
"PUTTING THE 'BULL' BACK INTO BULLETIN"
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I. MEMBER NEWS
***Visit Featured Columnist Ann Barczay Sloan's NEW BLOG about her book, WHAT TO DO WITH THE PIECES OF A BROKEN HEART, at http://annebarczaysloan.blogspot.com/. The site is fascinating. Be certain to download all of the documents (plenty of buttons to press, and no BIG RED ONES). Ann is also offering a chance for certain qualified participants to capitalize the publication and initial promotion of the book. This book will be a smash. In this economy, TNNW sees a participation in the capitalization of the publication to be a fabulous investment -- everyone loves royalties.
***Featured Columnist Christine Sotmary, author of LIVING ON THE VERGE OF INSANITY, a book about her personal experience as a caregiver to her late husband, who suffered early-onset Alzheimers Disease, is having a book signing on Saturday, April 18th at 2:00 pm, deluxe with film, discussion and reception. Christine's rare wisdom is crucial for anyone who has had the experience of being a caregiver to a loved one suffering from a chronic illness, or may face that situation in the future. Please call Christine directly at 917-273-1308, or email her at sotmary@gmail.com in order to make your reservations...advance notice will help Christine to be certain that she has adequate refreshments (hint) for all who attend. She is a brilliant writer.
Click on this link for a press release on Christine's book, and about a later book signing in Manhattan: http://www.prurgent.com/2009-03-24/pressrelease33899.htm . Visit TNNW IN THE NEWS for a collection of TNNW-related news releases. To purchase your own copy of Christine's book, click on http://christinesotmary.blogspot.com/. You will want to own a copy of this book for your own knowledge and reference...you will also want to provide copies to many friends and relatives in need of Christine's first-hand words of wisdom.
***Be on the lookout, in this issue, and in future issues (as well as throughout the entire internet, webnet and blogosphere) for WILL BANTER, a cartoon character and the essential networking evangelist, created by cartoonist, writer and media expert J.D. Gershbein. Will shall be circulating and percolating (he is a frenetic, overbooked meeter-and-greeter, as well as a chronically caffeinated coffee drinker) throughout TNNW's publications and bulletins, and throughout the Networking Community. He is even threatening to become the Spokesperson (SpokesToon?) for THE NATIONAL NETWORKER. Step aside, Geico Gecko -- we have WILL BANTER! Creator J.D. has advised us (since he knows that we can be trusted with a secret), that Will has an acquaintance (female) by the name of BRANDY SHARE, who is just one of the many characters slated and destined to complicate Will's life --Brandy is one of Will's colleagues and networking contacts. J.D. Gershbein is more than a humorist and an artistic talent -- he sees the value in utilizing cartoons as a delivery mechanism for serious business media -- and you will, too. J.D. is a font of creativity, and we are lucky to have him.
[Incidentally, Douglas Castle is completely responsible if you should find J.D. overusing the term "cerebrotonic." And no, cerebrotonic is not a cognitive enhancement and energy drink like Red Bull, or its lazier counterpart, Sitting Bull]
***TNNW welcomes new Bureau Chief Karl Smith, a longtime TNNW fan and networker who is situated in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa. Karl is an excellent writer, and opens up a shole new world to so many of our readers. Amazing possibilities abound on the Continent of Africa. Karl has much to offer!
***TNNW welcomes new Bureau Chief Stefanie Gorder, who will be situated and reporting from Alaska (which my eith grade teacher, Mr. Kilkelly used to call the Land Of The Midnight Sun, when he wasn't referring to it as "Seward's Icebox" -- Mr. Kilkelly was a cantankerous fellow, who gave me mediocre grades just because of my propensity toward insubordination and narcolepsy). Don't be foolish -- Alaska is becoming a new Mecca of innovative networking. watch for Stefanie!
***TNNW welcomes Yossi Feigenson, a new Featured columnist who shall be writing a column entitled REAL ESTATE - AND OTHER THINGS OF VALUE. Yossi is a successful real estate sales and rental broker, an expert on real estate finance and valuation, and he is, remarkably, a very gifted writer and observer of the Human Condition. Be certain to read his column, and be certain to also get the RSS feed or the daily Email feed in order to get Yossi's essays and articles between weekly editions of The NATIONAL NEWSWORKWER Newletter. He is a fascinating fellow, and we are delighted to have him on board! Yossi makes his home in Brooklyn, New York, the cradle (arguably) of American Civilization.
***Welcome to our new Featured Columnist for TNNW, Christine West, who resides in Alaska, and is a prominent speaker, organizer, networker, personal coach, hypnotherapist and speaker. Be on the lookout for her articles. also be on the lookout for announcements about her upcoming webinar series which promises to be SRO! Read these Bulletins and Updates as they come out, and be certain to check http://tnnw3.blogspot.com/ which is our site for Webinars and Broadcasts -- you can find webinars of interest, and you can also register to produce your own professional-quality webinars and briadcasts. You are advised to book any TNNW-sponsored webinars or other media events very early.
***Be on the lookout for Jake Thompson and Eagle Capital Management's upcoming webinar series (in three parts) about BEING YOUR OWN BANK. Registration will be extremely limited, and the information which you will receive will not only chnage the way you think about banking, investments and insurance, but it will absolutely change the way you conduct business and become a permanent component of your income-production and wealth accumuation strategy. This is brilliant fiancial planning. Be certain to check http://tnnw3.blogspot.com/ for updates on thise one-of-a-kind educational webinar series.
***REMINDER: Always check our Calendar of Events daily to keep current on all of the nation's and the world's networking activities. Always double-check http://tnnw3.blogspot.com/ for other exciting webinars which you can subscribe to right on that page!
***Member Rick Itzkowich (not related to Adam), a/k/a, the "White Frog," has a wonderful program called Quote Actions which you should explore of http://tnnw9.blogspot.com/ . While you are there, review the special offerings being made by our advertisers and affiliates. Rick's program is ingenious -- if asked, he will tell you this. Our subscribers and Members receive substantial discounts for Rick's Quote Action program. Rich, who is a terrific fellow, will be submitting his first article to TNNW within a week -- it looks great, and it is on our editing board right now.
***Member Jay F. Rowland, innovator of CHAPTER TRACKER, an administrative, organizational aned amazing labor-saving tool will be finalizing the terms of his affiliate relationship with TNNW shortly. Look for information about ChapterTracker to appear on http://tnnw9.blogspot.com/.
In the interim, if you would like to learn a bit more about CHAPTER TRACKER and how it can organize your multilocational organization, club, or group, visit our provisional landing page at http://www.refma.org/tnnwSignUp.aspx . Jay is offering a fantastic deal to our Membership, for which we are grateful. The negotiations were rough, but Jay acquiesed, and as soon as he is able to stand up again (upon his release from TNNW's desert negotiations dungeon), we are going to promote the heck out of his wonderful, high-utility project. Importantly, Jay has the ability to actually customize the basic package to provice for specific applications, too. Welcome to TNNW, Jay!
***Member Elaine Ingis, CEO and Founder of SENIOR MEETUP!, a social and business networking interactive community (with actual get-together events!) for Baby-Boomers over 60, has made stunning progress on her website. Visit it, and leave your comments and complements today at http://srmeetup.blogspot.com/ . Make sure that you favorite her blog just to access her jukeboxes, quizzes and other great things to enjoy.
We at TNNW support Elaine's vision and her business. Visit Elaine's blog today, and make it a favorite. The SENIOR MEETUP website is still under construction, but take a peek at http://www.srmeetup.com/ .
Elaine is interested in gathering some good writers, advertisers and affiliates who can cater to the specialized Baby-Boomer market. Contact Elaine directly at esingis@yahoo.com. She is filled with positive energy, and it is highly contagious. TNNW is delighted to be working with Elaine and with SENIOR MEETUP! Her organization will be member-based, for profit, and enormously successful. A new lease on life starts at 60! Elaine says that Adam and Douglas aren't "mature" enough to get membership. We say: Just give us time, Elaine!
*** TNNW extends a warm welcome to new Member Gladys Kartin, who does job interview and placement consulting, and is a lecturer at several important venues. Elaine is going to be running a seminar (or several) for technologically -oriented students about networking. Be on the lookout for more about Gladys. TNNW will be posting more information about Gladys.
II. SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS/CALENDAR
***Will you be attending Chicago’s premiere business networking event on April 29th?. Lillian Bjorseth is asking you to!
Sign up now at http://www.greaterchicagonetworking.com/.
Lillian D. Bjorseth, speaker, author and featured columnist for THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW) will be co-producing this exciting event. You can contact Lillian via email at lillianspeaks@duoforce.com . Look for Lillian’s column, “Breakthrough Networking: Building a New Kind of Wealth” in the Featured Articles section of THE NATIONAL NETWORKER Newsletter.
Reminder: For your free subscription to the TNNW Newsletter, just click on http://thetnnwomnigadget.blogspot.com/, and press the buttons to 1) subscribe and 2) to choose either RSS or EMAIL delivery.
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--BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE!--
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***We have several fabulous webinars which TNNW is co-sponsoring with ConferTel. They are part of the BUSINESS SURVIVAL STRATEGIES series. The schedule is:
WEBINAR DATE: April 24, 2009 – Get the Most from Your Website Redesign
WEBINAR TIME: 2:00PM (Eastern) / 1:00PM (Central) /12:00PM (Mountain) /11:00AM (Pacific)
WEBINAR DATE: April 27, 2009 – Financial Management for Small Business
WEBINAR TIME: 2:00PM (Eastern) / 1:00PM (Central) /12:00PM (Mountain) /11:00AM (Pacific)
WEBINAR TIME: 2:00PM (Eastern) / 1:00PM (Central) /12:00PM (Mountain) /11:00AM (Pacific)
WEBINAR DATE: April 27, 2009 – Financial Management for Small Business
WEBINAR TIME: 2:00PM (Eastern) / 1:00PM (Central) /12:00PM (Mountain) /11:00AM (Pacific)
Download a fact sheet and registration form about this webinar series by clicking on:http://www.mediafire.com/?twrminkmdht. Do this ASAP. Registration is limited. This series is an award-winner. Go to: http://www.mediafire.com/?twrminkmdht
III. CRITICAL FACTORS NEEDS ANALYSIS ("CFNA") - You'll Be Hearing About This.
CRITICAL FACTOR NEEDS ANALYSIS™ ARTICLE SERIES
Bruce Newman, Vice President of The Productivity Institute, LLC (http://www.prodinst.com/) and publisher of The Productivity Institute Newsletter, is presenting a series of articles, co-authored with Douglas Castle (http://aboutdouglascastle.blogspot.com/), which will be appearing in the EMAIL and RSS feeds of THE NATIONAL NETWORKER Newsletter (to subscribe for free, go to http://thetnnwomnigadget.blogspot.com/) and accross a number of social and business networking media.
These articles will discuss “Critical Factor Needs Analysis™,” which is an evaluative technique for making informed decisions about the potential restructuring of businesses, ranging from annualized revenue levels of $1.0 million to $100.0 million. The purpose of restructuring is to eliminate non-productive costs and to minimize any non-essential fixed costs in order to lower the business’ breakeven threshold level. In a difficult economy, this provides for increased levels of profitability despite temporarily deflated sales. It also provides the resiliency required to accommodate increased revenues in a post-stimulus expansionary economy. More information follows...
Bruce Newman, Vice President of The Productivity Institute, LLC (http://www.prodinst.com/) and publisher of The Productivity Institute Newsletter, is presenting a series of articles, co-authored with Douglas Castle (http://aboutdouglascastle.blogspot.com/), which will be appearing in the EMAIL and RSS feeds of THE NATIONAL NETWORKER Newsletter (to subscribe for free, go to http://thetnnwomnigadget.blogspot.com/) and accross a number of social and business networking media.
These articles will discuss “Critical Factor Needs Analysis™,” which is an evaluative technique for making informed decisions about the potential restructuring of businesses, ranging from annualized revenue levels of $1.0 million to $100.0 million. The purpose of restructuring is to eliminate non-productive costs and to minimize any non-essential fixed costs in order to lower the business’ breakeven threshold level. In a difficult economy, this provides for increased levels of profitability despite temporarily deflated sales. It also provides the resiliency required to accommodate increased revenues in a post-stimulus expansionary economy. More information follows...
-------THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM: ENTRENCHED BAD HABITS
Every business generates its profits subject to the same basic methods and constraints, regardless of the nature of the products it sells or the services which it renders.
It takes in revenues from sales or service activity, pays out variable costs, meets (by paying) its fixed cost obligations, and ends up with either a pre-tax profit, or a pre-tax loss. In a Not-For-Profit organization, the same dynamics apply, but the nomenclature is different: they collect contributions or donations (in lieu of revenues), and pay out variable and fixed costs. For the purposes of this article, we will address all organizations as if they functioned in a For-Profit environment.
The objective of every going concern is to collect more money than it pays out. Simply put, this means maximizing revenues and minimizing costs, thereby increasing the spread.
This would seem to be simple – in fact, as business organizations evolve, they become so filled with complexities, diversions and conflicts, that they lose sight of these basics.
There is a need to re-evaluate these business basics periodically – to take a fresh look at the business of the organization, instead of at the whole organization as a socially complex entity with a variety of objectives, many of which conflict with or constrain profitability. Stripped of these other factors, one can examine the inherent profitability structure of the business. At the risk of being politically incorrect, and of sounding callous, CFNA™ does not focus any of its energies on corporate citizenship, environmentalism, jobs creation, and the like. CFNA™ works precisely because it deliberately eliminates all of these largely qualitative factors from its evaluation approach. We isolate and we focus. Distraction and diffusion are the enemies of analysis and decision making.
We also have a tendency to look at cash inflows and outflows, rather than theoretical accounting constructs such as accruals, amortization and the like. These are good tools for properly matching expenses to the revenue-generating process, but they are not representative of “in the trenches” reality. CFNA™ does not delve into the world of best accounting practices. It is our objective to see to it that our Client Companies survive and thrive.
-------THE CFNA™ SOLUTION, IN BRIEF
Every business requires an outside evaluation overseen and conducted by a CFNA expert who is:
It takes in revenues from sales or service activity, pays out variable costs, meets (by paying) its fixed cost obligations, and ends up with either a pre-tax profit, or a pre-tax loss. In a Not-For-Profit organization, the same dynamics apply, but the nomenclature is different: they collect contributions or donations (in lieu of revenues), and pay out variable and fixed costs. For the purposes of this article, we will address all organizations as if they functioned in a For-Profit environment.
The objective of every going concern is to collect more money than it pays out. Simply put, this means maximizing revenues and minimizing costs, thereby increasing the spread.
This would seem to be simple – in fact, as business organizations evolve, they become so filled with complexities, diversions and conflicts, that they lose sight of these basics.
There is a need to re-evaluate these business basics periodically – to take a fresh look at the business of the organization, instead of at the whole organization as a socially complex entity with a variety of objectives, many of which conflict with or constrain profitability. Stripped of these other factors, one can examine the inherent profitability structure of the business. At the risk of being politically incorrect, and of sounding callous, CFNA™ does not focus any of its energies on corporate citizenship, environmentalism, jobs creation, and the like. CFNA™ works precisely because it deliberately eliminates all of these largely qualitative factors from its evaluation approach. We isolate and we focus. Distraction and diffusion are the enemies of analysis and decision making.
We also have a tendency to look at cash inflows and outflows, rather than theoretical accounting constructs such as accruals, amortization and the like. These are good tools for properly matching expenses to the revenue-generating process, but they are not representative of “in the trenches” reality. CFNA™ does not delve into the world of best accounting practices. It is our objective to see to it that our Client Companies survive and thrive.
-------THE CFNA™ SOLUTION, IN BRIEF
Every business requires an outside evaluation overseen and conducted by a CFNA expert who is:
1. Completely objective, viewing the business apolitically, without bias, and from the outside;
2. Thorough, who will aggregate the right data, break it down into its smallest meaningful components, and ask the right questions about each revenue item and each cost item. For revenue items: a) Can you control your volume of sales? [a market demand and competitive issue], and b) Can you control the price at which you sell? [another market demand and competitive issue] – For variable costs: a) Can you renegotiate your purchase costs and terms with your supplier/s? , and b) Can you use alternative sources of supply who might provide you with better prices, given your quality parameters? – For fixed costs: a) Are they truly fixed? Can they be re-negotiated or reduced? , b) Are they productive?
The proper CFNA expert can and will:
1. Identify every area which can be restructured;
2. Suggest an implementation plan;
3. Identify pre-qualified consulting, outsourcing and supplier resources;
4. Eliminate the tremendous expense associated with the amateur trial and error process, and with pursuing the wrong path with the wrong person or plan, only to have to begin again in a series of false starts;
2. Thorough, who will aggregate the right data, break it down into its smallest meaningful components, and ask the right questions about each revenue item and each cost item. For revenue items: a) Can you control your volume of sales? [a market demand and competitive issue], and b) Can you control the price at which you sell? [another market demand and competitive issue] – For variable costs: a) Can you renegotiate your purchase costs and terms with your supplier/s? , and b) Can you use alternative sources of supply who might provide you with better prices, given your quality parameters? – For fixed costs: a) Are they truly fixed? Can they be re-negotiated or reduced? , b) Are they productive?
The proper CFNA expert can and will:
1. Identify every area which can be restructured;
2. Suggest an implementation plan;
3. Identify pre-qualified consulting, outsourcing and supplier resources;
4. Eliminate the tremendous expense associated with the amateur trial and error process, and with pursuing the wrong path with the wrong person or plan, only to have to begin again in a series of false starts;
5. Accelerate the process of change to maximize savings and minimize further losses, whether actual or potential (opportunity costs).
NOTE: This requires specialized and detailed cost accounting and financial analysis which your accountants and auditors are neither qualified nor inclined to do. It also involves the continued survival of the business – many self-professed “turnaround” experts stop the bleeding by removing the company’s heart… and its future. CFNA™ always works on a “continuity of operations” assumption. Scorched earth and burned bridges do not make for a long-lasting business.
NOTE: This requires specialized and detailed cost accounting and financial analysis which your accountants and auditors are neither qualified nor inclined to do. It also involves the continued survival of the business – many self-professed “turnaround” experts stop the bleeding by removing the company’s heart… and its future. CFNA™ always works on a “continuity of operations” assumption. Scorched earth and burned bridges do not make for a long-lasting business.
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Links to this series of articles will be provided in posts to a number of social media groups, such as Linked In, Face Book, Twitter and others.
You cannot afford to miss learning about CFNA™. Be on the lookout!
Links to this series of articles will be provided in posts to a number of social media groups, such as Linked In, Face Book, Twitter and others.
You cannot afford to miss learning about CFNA™. Be on the lookout!
Reminder: For your free subscription to the TNNW Newsletter, just click on http://thetnnwomnigadget.blogspot.com/, and press the buttons to 1) subscribe and 2) to choose either RSS or EMAIL delivery. Don't make Adam angry.
Reminder: For your free subscription to The Productivity Institute Newsletter, simply send an email to newsletter@prodinst.com and type: “Subscribe Me” in the subject line of the email. Please also provide your first and last name, or your official company name in the letter. Don't hurt Bruce's feelings. This series initiates a whole new avenue of business for The Productivity Institute. Every company and organization will need a CFNA evaluation.
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IV. SPAM FILTER WARNING
IV. SPAM FILTER WARNING
Our new Newsletter format will be featuring a greater number of illustrations, photographs, and hyperlinks, PLEASE...be certain to clear our mailing address with your spam filter so that we don't wind up in your spam box! I am constantly going through my spam box to retrieve important correspondence that people have sent to me -- but because of pictures and hyperlinks, these wind up in my spam filter. Even though I receive enough spam hourly to cater a VFW picnic, I comb through the filter to find these lost gems. Be certain that your spam filter settings allow us into your IN Box.
V. CRUCIAL REMINDER: DON'T LET YOUR SUBSCRIPTION BE STOPPED!
If you are have gotten a forwarded copy of this Newletter, please get your very own FREE subscription by 1) going to http://subscribetothenationalnetworker.blogspot.com/, and clicking a subscribe button, and 2) going to http://TheNationalNetworkerWeblog.blogspot.com and clicking on your choice of delivery by either RSS feed or daily EMAIL. You must choose one (or both) in order to get all of the news, opportunities, invitations and other communications between published weekly editions of the TNNW Newsletter.
If you are already a Subscriber or a Member, PLEASE -- go to http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/, and choose your delivery method immediately...RSS, EMAIL or both. If you do not choose a delivery option, you may stop receiving your newsletter after may 1st, 2009. Don't let this happen.
Again: If you do not choose a delivery option (RSS, EMAIL or both), you may stop receiving your newsletter after May 21st, 2009.
Faithfully,
Adam J. Kovitz and Douglas Castle
p.s. Please take the time to visit http://Braintenance.blogspot.com and make it one of your favorites. In fact, subscribe for the RSS or EMAIL delivery option. Then, please do the very same for http://aboutDouglasCastle.blogspot.com. Thank. Your participation is truly appreciated.
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