Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Fancy Feathers Hair Extensions At Talk Of The Town Salon


The new and fabulous feather trend has taken the country by storm and this sensation is putting a large strain on the limited supply of quality feathers that are available. Many people do not realize is that there is only ONE source that produces the quality and length of feathers that we offer. It takes 2-3 years for a bird to grow these beautiful feathers, and as with anything worth having, supply and demand must balance each other out.

Jackie is Now Offering Fancy Feathers Hair Extensions!

1 Feather $7.00
or
3 Feathers for $20.00

So Get "Fancy"...Call Jackie at 707- 365-9965

~ Extensions are applied with silicone lined micro-beads.

~ Once applied, extensions last anywhere from 1 to 4 months with just a little care and need only be treated as you would where a regular hair extension has been applied - no fine tooth combs and avoid brushing the area with the extension.

~ All regular styling tools and products are safe to use. Washing, blow drying, curling and flat ironing are all safe, with no temperature restrictions. Feather color longevity and brightness are directly related to the quality of care - just like with regular hair color.

See their website at http://www.tottsalon.com/.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Mold Exposure Can Cause Serious Health Problems: Call Servpro of Fairfield


Mold exposure can cause serious health problems and as such, it is important to recognize early on if what you have is caused by mold or perhaps is caused by something else entirely. The most common symptoms associated with mold exposure would include the following:

1. A skin rash which is not always caused by direct contact with the mold contrary to popular belief. You can also develop skin rashes even through inhaling fumes that were given off by the mold.

2. Redness of the eyes is another symptom which can be caused by mold. During spring many people would think of it as a seasonal allergy when in fact it could be caused by invisible mold in their offices or homes.

3. Headaches can also be caused by mold through inhalation.

4. Lethargy is another for prolonged periods of times and even during days when you had enough sleep and is well rested. This can also be a symptom of exposure to mold.

5. Sore throat is also a symptom. If you are experiencing hoarseness when you talk or if you experience a raw feeling every time you swallow, then this could mean that there are spores that are lodged in your throat and causing irritation to your membranes.

You can also tell if it's a mold problem if when you travel away from home, your symptoms disappear. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, then its time for a mold inspection because the sooner you get rid of the source of your health problems, the sooner you'll feel better.

Mold can be hazardous to your health which is why it's important to know about mold exposure symptoms in general and black mold health problems in particular as exposure to this type of mold can be disastrous to your health.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Howard_Mouldar 

Servpro is certified in Mold Remediation by the IICRC and the IAQA. We can help you if you have any kind of mold problem, from small little isolated areas of mold, to whole houses that are contaminated. We can also help you to discover why you are having a mold problem, if the problem isn't evident.
Whatever your mold problem, we can help!
(707) 207-0122

Saturday, May 28, 2011

LeTip International and LeTip of Vacaville


Our video "The answer is yes!" was created by LeTip International to help answer prospective member questions. Find more information at: http://www.letip.com/

This 10 minute video will give you a brief overview of the LeTip program, show you a LeTip chapter in action plus you'll hear some quick testimonials from our members. Find more information at: http://www.letip.com/

Upward Trend Management Services, LLC is a member of the Vacaville LeTip. Check out their website at http://www.letipofvacaville.com/.

Friday, May 27, 2011

American Leads Products


As a premier provider of expecting mother and recent birth lists, we provide the most accurate Marketing List Data available.

We maintain high quality control standards. Our staff is among the best in the industry. We will always deliver your list promptly without delays. Your satisfaction is or paramount importance to us.

Below is a short list of the services we offer:

  • Expectant Parent List - New current data every month
  • Expectant Parent & New Parent (within last 3 months) -New current data every month
  • Families with a Child in the home - Selection for child age and family income
  • New Mover - List of new movers added in the previous 4 to 5 weeks
Selections are available by Zip code, SCF, City, County and State

Areas include All of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.

We have no minimum order size on the monthly orders.

When requesting a count estimate, please include your area and type of business.

American Leads Company will only use your email to respond to a count request. We do not compile or sell email data.

For more information or for a FREE count/estimate, Please contact us 800-695-5323. Visit their website at http://www.americanleadscompany.com/.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Vinny the Wrench and Velo Wrench Bike Shop Have New Internet Sites



This is Vince Coons, or in the bicycle world, "Vinny the Wrench," owner and master passion behind the Velo Wrench Bike Shop located at 1011 Mason Street, Suites 5 & 6 in Vacaville. The Velo Wrench Bike Shop carries Jamis, KHS Raleigh, Bianchi and Free Agent--BMX for the smallest children to adults to racing enthusiasts. "Vinny" is also involved in the Grass Roots Race Team and a very enthusiastic supporter of bike helmets. He has several mounted on his wall of people that were saved as a result of wearing a good helmet, including one of his own. The Velo Wrench Bike Show has a large selection of helmets in stock.

Check out the Velo Wrench Bike Shop facebook page, their new blog, and brand new website still in initial building and expanding phase. Give "Vinny" a call at 707-451-4706, or stop by the store and check out the selection of top quality bikes.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Green Build Energy Group: Our Approach Is A System


More than walls, windows, doors and a roof, a building is an integrated assembly of systems for managing heat and pressure, moisture, air quality, lighting, and wide range of appliances supporting diverse activities.

These systems interact, so that increasing the efficiency of one system may actually reduce overall performance and result in less comfort and even an unsafe and unhealthy environment.

It is important to consider the combined effects of improvements and to verify the results through objective measurements.

Green Build Energy Group will verify results through pre-project and post-retrofit testing.

See more at http://www.gbengrp.com/

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Chief Difference At Rick's Body and Paint in Vacaville


Chief Automotive Technologies® has been the market leader in collision repair equipment since 1972. Rick's Auto Body believes in using the best! With the Chief EZ Liner we are capable of multiple simultaneous pulling to restore the entire structure of damaged vehicles to manufacturer's specifications, from the smallest subcompact up to full size vans and pickups, even duallies.

Call Rick's Body and Paint at 707-446-0736 and visit their website at http://www.ricksbodyandpaint.com/.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Good Business vs. Funny Business

eBay is a wonderful marketplace to find good things and bargains too. It is also great place for entrepreneurs to give a go at selling online because it is an inexpensive learning ground.

I started an eBay store back in 2004 and at one time had over 12,000 items on eBay. The store is still on eBay, but I have only a few items now, not having the time I used to dealing with it. Nonetheless, in that time I sold a lot of stuff and developed a high feedback number.

One thing that always amazed me was what people said in their listings that they would not do. It reminds me of that old phrase, 'I don't do windows,' then the list starts growing.

I get notices of certain items offered for sale and I ran across one that stood out. There was this long dissertation about how they do business and it just made me laugh. It is ridiculous and all about them. I love the second line telling what their 'paramount objective is. . . " If you ever sell on eBay, I highly recommend you not do this. For your viewing pleasure, here is the exact quote from the listing (I'm sure they put that in all their listings):

"FOR SALE IN THE U.S. ONLY.
I ship my auctions as fast as I can.
My paramount objective is to encourage my customers to continue buying as many of my auctions as possible!
Please read my Ebay feedback to see what people are saying.
I understand people don't always look at things the same way so I would ask that you please work with me if you have any objections before you leave feedback.
Also please ask me any questions you might have about an item before an auction ends (so we can avoid any misunderstandings).
Without a doubt there are some people who seem to enjoy trying to tear down other peoples reputations.
Very rarely I will be left poor feedback from a customer (no matter how hard I attempt to address their concerns). I do ask that you work with me before leaving negative feedback. I want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
I am sad when people seem to revel in such negative behavior and I know that sometimes, no matter what you do, there will always be a few customers who sadly won't take "yes" for an answer.
I say a prayer for all concerned and Thank God He's our Creator, Savior
and that He has reserved a place in heaven for all of us who believe in Him!
When I get a neutral or negative feedback, it hurts my opportunity to stay in highest standing with Ebay. The 20% discount Ebay gives me when I am in highest standing with them, really helps me save on my auction costs. This really helps me to make ends meet.
I have 2 young girls and I am a single dad. I need to support my family by being the most professional and responsible Ebay seller that I can be.
I am happy to respond to all your auction questions with a quick accurate answer that I'm sure you were hoping for.
If you have any ideas that would enhance my describing the item better, I am available to improve my description!
I know it is important to provide the best pictures I can, but I must admit my camera and I sometimes struggle to get just the right light, color and clarity.
I inspect each item I sell and I do my best to point out any imperfections related to each listing.
Forgive me if I miss something on an auction that might make you think my item has not been properly described.
I am always willing to work with my customers!
I am happy to return any item that you choose to return (for any reason)!
The only exception on returns is IF an item has been professionally graded (because the problem then becomes the grading companies responsibility to review the item and make a financial adjustment if they agree that they goofed).
I combine shipping costs on your multiple winning auctions.
I do my best and use extra care when packing your item(s) so they arrive intact.
Please contact me before you would leave neutral or negative feedback.
My motto is "live and let live" and we all know the impact poor feedback can cause. I am always striving to put a smile on your face and I believe there is a solution to every Ebay transaction.
Sometimes items get lost, damaged or a description may not seem exactly accurate to you. All I ask, is that you contact me - so we can work together to work out a happy conclusion .
Honest mistakes regarding auctions (omission of details, misinformation, the wrong item shown etc.....) will occur. These mistakes are inevitable and my willingness to make things right is also inevitable.
There have been many times when I issue partial refunds because the shipping charge turned out to be higher than it should have been.
This is usually because multiple winning auctions were not combined by the automatic Paypal invoices that Paypal generates.
Sometimes I can miss these "non combined" shipping charges.
Please point out to me if several winning auctions did not have their shipping charges reduced. These auctions had to be reasonably close to each other in terms of when they ended (so that the items can be combined in the same package)..
If you plan on bidding on multiple items (that have a big gap in time between when they end on Ebay), please inform me in advance what other item(s) you were interested in.
This way I can keep track of all the items you acquire and I will wait until the last auction has ended (again, so combined shipping charges will be adjusted lower).
Please believe me when I tell you that my aim is to have you become a happy and contented regular customer. I am blessed with many customers who follow my auctions continuously!
I generally put my items up with "no reserve".
Sometimes auctions will sell for next to nothing. I am happy when that happens because my customers can be assured that my auctions are honestly posted. There are times that I lose money on my auctions. Again,I believe this is a good thing because the integrity of my auctions has been established.

Please! do not bid on any of my auctions if you are uncomfortable with the shipping charges. It is frustrating when someone pays for their item(s) and then leaves me bad feedback because of the shipping charges (which they were aware of ahead of time)?
I am not trying to make money on shipping charges, I need to buy shipping materials and I charge a fixed amount of money for shipping by estimating (to the best of my ability) what I believe my actual shipping costs will be.
Thank you for your winning bids and God bless you and our's."

Masterack and West Coast Truck Equipment Is A Good Combination








Here's a Masterack commercial van package with options that are useful, such as the commercial locking system adding an outside lock to the rear door in addition to the factory lock. Look also at the dual fold-down ladder rack with the conduit tube in the middle. Notice also the wire rack package and drawer units.

For all your Masterack needs, give West Coast Truck Equipment a call at 916-376-0690.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Dixon Landscape Materials 50% Off Planting Pot Sale




Every planting pot in stock is on sale for 50% off. Get on down and take a look at their selection of beautiful, quality pots and containers substantially discounted. They're at 150 East H Street in Dixon, CA. Call Dixon Landscape Materials at 707-678-8200 and visit their website at http://www.dixonlandscape.com/.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Full Service By We The People, Fairfield CA


Whether it is incorporation, Living Trusts, Divorce or other uncontested legal matters, We The People, Fairfield CA can help you by getting the paperwork done right and making it inexpensive at the same time. We have over 80 different forms and processes available. Give us a call and see how easy it is to take care of many of your uncontested legal matters.

We The People, Fairfield CA is located at 1371-C Oliver Road, Fairfield, CA 94534. Our phone number is 707-428-9871 and our website is http://www.wethepeopleca.com. We serve Solano, Napa, Yolo, Contra Costa, Sacramento and San Joaquin counties.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Escape Your Hectic Life And Treat Yourself To A Spa Day!


We know life can be very stressful at times, why not escape from it all for an hour or two...or even all day? At Thirty Six Oaks we have many different relaxing options to choose from or try a few with our serenity package! 

Serenity Package
(4 hours)
One Hour Massage
Salt Glow, Tub Soak
Herbal Facial Massage
Catered Snack

For one $165.00
For Two: $315.00

36 Oaks Country Retreat is nestled in a grove of majestic oak trees on Gibson Canyon Road. A lovely country cottage setting on two and a half acres, with wild ferns growing in the shade. It is not uncommon to see deer wandering through, an occasional raccoon or even a fox.

For more information on our individual spa treatments or to schedule an appointment please call or visit our website!
707-447-8037
Open 7 days by appointment only.
6963 Gibson Canyon Rd
Vacaville, CA 95688

Thursday, May 19, 2011

A.R.E "Z-Series" Truck Cap or Camper Shell


This is a walk around presentation of the A.R.E. "Z-Series" Truck Cap or Camper Shell by Kevin Snedeker, owner of Vaca Valley Truck & SUV in Vacaville, CA. www.vacavalleytruck.com, 707-447-9905

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Jason Fried | Talking Management


Jason Fried founded 37signals in 1999. Jeff Bezos of Amazon is its only outside investor. The company designs web-based software for individuals and businesses. 37signals estimates that more than 1 million people use its products.

Note: This is an excellent company and Upward Trend uses 37 Signals products. http://www.37signals.com/

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Business plans, five-year spreadsheets, and other fairy tales.


I have no business plan. I have no spreadsheet with five years of projected earnings. There are two reasons: Most business "plans" never come to fruition, and five-year sales projections are about as accurate as political polls.


Oh, there is another reason: The people that you prepare a business plan for never read them, unless you put a one-page executive summary at the front.

THIS IS WHAT I RECOMMEND: Prepare a one-page executive summary. Then create a forecast of what you believe sales will be over the next 100 days, and the next 12 months. Nothing more. Beyond that it's a wild guess.

The reason to make a 100-day plan is to ensure that in the short-term everything is much more intense, and your blue-sky effort has a deadline. I sincerely apologize if I have busted your bubble. But in the long run I have just saved you 100 hours of work, a huge consulting fee (charged by people who use boiler-plated, cookie-cutter material), and the mental letdown of not achieving that plan anyway.

If your banker insists on a business plan try this... Go online, download a business plan template, insert your name and logo, and in five minutes you will have a document that your banker will never read anyway.

Ok, that's a joke suggestion (or is it?).

Here is the serious suggestion: Call a limousine service and rent a van. In the van, place your banker, any potential investors, some of your key executives, and your best salespeople. Create a road trip that touches five of your biggest customers in four hours. Start at 8AM at the first customer's business, bring coffee, and talk to the people who actually buy from you. Find out why they love you, talk to their CEO, tell them what your game plan is for the next 12 months - maybe have it prearranged so that they give you an order right on the spot - thank them for their business, their support, and their loyalty, and then go to the next customer.

It is important that you bring a recording device (I recommend a Flip camera), so that throughout the morning you're video taping.

Each time you visit a customer, go through the same process. Talking to the people that use your product or service, talking to the CEO, picking up an order, telling them your 12-month plan, and filming the entire process.

MAKE CERTAIN YOU DO THIS: Get testimonials from each one of the five customers you visit. Ask why they buy from you. Get their history of doing business with you. Ask why they would refer you. And get a call to action from them. That information can be used separately on your website, in your proposals, in CD-ROM or DVD format in sales presentations, as part of your social media presence, and/or in your follow-ups.

After you have visited the last customer, take everyone to lunch. Nothing fancy, but not fast food. A local restaurant will work best. Make certain that they're prepared for you. Have a book or a small gift sitting by each person's plate. And have a general discussion about what just happened.

Film the luncheon. Film everyone's comments. Keep in mind that your Flip video only has about two hours worth of storage, and you will be on a five hour trip, so bring two cameras and make certain that you have someplace to download the video to during the morning if necessary.

Spend the afternoon editing the film, and get someone professional to help you. Make it real, but make it spectacular. Edit the entire thing down to 30 minutes or less. What you will have as a result of the morning will be a business plan, a marketing plan, loyal customers, excited bankers and investors, and a real-world look at your business and the relationships you have with your customers.

REALITY NEWS: In spite of banker's euphoria, they have one prime agenda with respect to lending you money: making certain that you can repay. Period. Just keep that in mind as you listen to his or her glowing evaluation of the day.

What I've just given you is a rough outline and game plan to create spectacular engagement and results. It will take planning, it will take coordination, and it will take some hard work - but the results will give you sales, sales tools you can use forever, and relationships that will never forget what transpired that day.

Or, you can write a fairy tale. Er, I mean a business plan.

If you want a few more ideas on what to ask your customers during the visit, go to www.gitomer.com, register if you're a first-time visitor, and enter the words VALUE MOTIVE in the GitBit box. http://www.buygitomer.com/.

Monday, May 16, 2011

STRATEGY: On People Turning 50


Tom Peters provides a compelling argument for marketing to the over-50 population, including this quote from Bill Novelli of AARP: "People turning fifty today have more than half of their adult life ahead of them." For more information, visit http://www.tompeters.com/.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

STRATEGY: 20x12=240



20x12=240=Powerful Tool=Number of Lunches. More simply put: Never Waste a Lunch. Tom Peters' equation for success.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Ford Electric Vehicle Education Animation


What's the difference between a BEV and a PHEV? Or why is an HEV considered an electrified vehicle? As electrification options are increasing for consumers, many are looking for information to understand how the new technologies work and if it's right for them. Ford offers some easy to understand explanations about electric vehicle technology with this new online.

For the electrified vehicle of your choice (or any other Ford or Lincoln product), call the commercial/fleet department at Folsom Lake Ford in Folsom, CA. Call Mark Higdon at 916-351-4279 or Ted King at 916-4278. Visit their website at http://www.folsomlakefordfleet.com/.

Friday, May 13, 2011

What Does SEER Mean To Me?


We invite you to share the next few minutes learning about the industry's most innovative and efficient HVAC comfort system, designed to increase total home comfort and lower your utility bills. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Otherwise known as SEER. It is the unit in which all cooling systems are measured -- much like a car's gas mileage. In the world of cooling, the higher the SEER, the better the efficiency, and the lower your power bills. From Maytag the 24.5 SEER air conditioner and 22 SEER heat pump. The best of all worlds.

Call D & D Plumbing Heating and Cooling to have them evaluate the best solution for your home, office or building. They've got it all covered from the small to the very large. Call them at 800-376-9971. Please visit their website at http://www.dndphc.com/

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Upward Trend Welcomes Just Cakin It As Our Latest Trend Setter Package Client




 

Upward Trend is pleased to announce Just Cakin It as our latest Trend Setter Package client. We will be rebuilding their current website, adding a blog, managing their social media including Facebook, Twitter, Linked-in and YouTube, and the package also includes video, a monthly email newsletter and SEO optimization.

Here's a little about Just Cakin It and the people who created it:


From whimsical and modern to classic and elegant, a creation from Just Cakin’ It Cakery & Dessert Bar is sure to make your event a grand celebration. Our specialty is custom-designed wedding and celebration cakes that are both sophisticated works of art and mouthwatering, memorable desserts.

In addition to cakes, we create all kinds of specialty cupcakes and sweet-treats available in-store daily. Clients often look forward to planning their next party just so they can order one of our unique creations. Located at 179 Elmira Road Suite C in Vacaville, California, we service the Sacramento and greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Consistently referred by many event professionals, Just Cakin’ It has earned a reputation for both fabulous cakes, and, equally as important, warm and professional service. We are a boutique bakery accepting limited orders. People are passionate about our cakes, not just for their unique designs, but also for their delicious taste and moist texture. Each cake is handcrafted from scratch using only the finest ingredients: dark Dutch-process cocoa, Quality chocolates, real fresh fruits and pure butter.

There is an art form to custom cake designing and Shelly Bakosh, co-owner of Just Cakin’ It proves to be an expert in the field. The professional artist aspired to own her own business, loved dealing with customers and had a passion for sweets. Thus, began Shelly’s adventure. She began studying the art of cake decorating. “The Eye of Design”, as she has been coined by her friends and fans, has fast become the go-to-girl when a custom cake is needed for a special occasion.


All of the recipes used are from the bakery’s Executive Pastry Chef and Cake Designer Jennifer Anderson. Chef Jennifer has known from a child that she would go into the culinary arts. She attended The California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, CA with her focus on becoming a pastry chef. Chef Jennifer’s extensive menu includes an array of fresh delectable treats and a cupcake menu of over 100 flavors and counting...

If you want to wow your guest, you found the bakery. From the elegant wedding cake to the quirky birthday cake, they can do it all!

Visit Just Cakin It at their brand new store at 179 Elmira Rd, Suite C in Vacaville CA. Call them at 707-447-2201. Their current website is http://www.justcakinit.com/.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Upward Trend Welcomes Dixon Landscape Materials As Latest Trend Setter Package Client


Dixon Landscape Materials has been a client of Upward Trend for over two and a half years. We built their website back in January of 2009. Now Upward Trend is pleased to announce that Dixon Landscape Materials is now our latest Trend Setter Package client. We will be updating their website, adding a blog, social media including two Tacebook pages, Twitter, Linked-in and YouTube. We will also be doing a monthly newsletter, SEO optimization, video and more.

Dixon Landscape Materials is a growing company. Every time we go to their location, they have something new and they are serving a growing list of landscapers and do-it-yourselfers alike. Small quantity or large quantities, they can take care of your needs--and deliver it as well. Call them at 707-678-8200 and visit their comprehensive website at www.dixonlandscape.com.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Upward Trend Highly Recommends Joseph Whitson and AiPC

When you find a person or a company that is so good you just want to tell everyone about them, it is pure joy! Joseph Whitson and Adventures in Personal Computing is one of those.

My partner Ryan and I met Joseph a couple of years ago at a chamber mixer, and we tried his services in computer repair and were very pleased. We did a small consulting job for him as well and have had the opportunity to work with Joseph many times. In addition, we have been buying our computers from him. A few months back, I bought a laptop from Joseph that is the best choice possible and loaded with personal service and all at a bargain price at the same time. Not what one would expect at a small independent business, but Joseph and AiPC seem to like to surprise people that way.

Joseph opened his store in downtown Vacaville not so long ago, and offered an excellent place to stop and do some work, have a little meeting, a cup of coffee. He holds meetings and allows others to hold meetings there and he will take the time to answer any questions anyone may have in whatever detail one would like. Considering the man was a scientist before a computer store owner, he is beyond knowledgeable, and yet as friendly and joyful as one can be. Matter of fact, I've never been around Joseph when he isn't joyful. That makes it a pleasure just to go in there!

Joseph's service is off-the-chart excellent. He stands behind everything he does and even some things others have not done so well. His prices are so reasonable that you find yourself looking at the bill thinking, 'is that it?' The bottom line to me is that it doesn't get any better than Joseph Whitson. I'm a huge fan, can't you tell? He paid me to say all this by being of such great service to me and our company and being a friend at the same time. Thank you, Joseph. It is a real pleasure to know you!

Adventures in Personal Computing is located at 331 Main Street Suite C, Vacaville, CA 95688 and the phone is 707-448-1775. Here's some links:

Website http://www.adventuresinpc.com/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/adventuresinpc
http://www.youtube.com/adventuresinpc
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/A...
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2F%23!%2Fadventuresinpc&h=e1ebb
http://digg.com/adventuresinpc
http://www.delicious.com/adventuresinpc

Hours Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Monday, May 9, 2011

Are You The Leader Or Just The Boss? | Leadership Training and Development


Are you the leader or just the boss?


The leader of a symphony orchestra knows how to play every instrument. He also knows how those instruments blend together to create a symphonic sound. The leader of a choir knows every note that everybody has to sing, and knows how the voices and notes blend together to make harmony.

They're actually called "conductors" - but you know what I mean.

When you can take both of these leadership elements and put them together, you have symphonic harmony. You have a team that knows their individual talents, knows their individual notes, knows their lyrics, knows how to play, knows how to sing, and knows their timing of when to do both - to create team harmony. And IF the leader is prepared, in control, and respected, the results can be spectacular.

If you're the leader of these people and these elements, it is imperative that you know how each player must perform, or you will fail. Same in sales.

All sales leaders and bosses want their people to be a team. All salespeople resist it, because they just want to sell -- but they often need other team members (accounting, production, shipping, service) to make it happen.

THE TEAM SECRET IS: Everyone must know his or her own skill and know it perfectly. Until they know themselves, they can't play well, or sing well with others.

THE LEADERSHIP SECRET IS: To be able to extract the excellence of their people's performance combined with the excellence of their own performance.

Often salespeople don't live up to their potential and don't do their best, or they make mistakes along the way. This is where leadership can make it happen, or break it down and continue with less than stellar performance.

THE LEADERSHIP REALITY IS: If you're a real leader, you can't blame the players for poor performance. You have to be the teacher, the conductor, the coach, and the encourager.

On the eve of a symphony performance, thousands of people pay to watch the orchestra AND the conductor perform. And at the end there is usually a thunderous applause, cheers of BRAVO!, flowers given out all over the place, and, at the urging of the conductor, members of the orchestra standing one or two at a time to take individual applause and a bow.

You, as the spectator (the customer), paid for and saw a one-hour performance.

But the outcome was not determined by their performance that evening. The outcome was determined long ago when they were practicing. If they didn't practice, their performance would not have been acceptable.

Same with you. And the key is the message I'm trying to transfer. Leaders and orchestra members PRACTICED TOGETHER. It's the same in sales. You can't just be the boss or the manager. You also have to be the leader by example, and the coach who knows the game.

If you've ever seen the video of the immortal UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden, on leadership -- you saw him on the court passing the ball to his players at the top of the foul circle leading the weave. He shows his players by example, practicing with them. The more you practice together, the more likely you are to win the championship, or get a standing ovation.

In sales this means go with your people. Make calls with them. Help them make more sales. Be their coach, not their boss.

Your time is as valuable as their time. Invest your time in getting ready to lead and coach your people. Invest your time in preparing new information for your people that they consider valuable. Invest your time in your own personal development by studying attitude and encouragement as two of your self-determining factors of your success.

Here are two more indicators you're on the winning path:

1. You're attractive. Not pretty. I'm talking about people calling you up on the phone because they want to work for you. Did you ever have a college professor that everyone would line up for and hope they made it into his class? The questions you need to ask yourself are: Who's willing to line up and wait for me? Who wants to play on my team? Who wants to sell for me?

2. Your former players stay in touch with you. People move on with their careers. I want anyone that leaves to say that you were the best coach, the best leader they ever had. You don't just win best coach -- you win the game of life.

Boss or leader? Boss or coach? Boss or teacher? Boss or encourager? The choices are obvious as they are written. Your challenge is to make them a reality. I hope you do. Visit http://www.Gitomer.com for more information.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

A Step Above Elevators & Escalators Has A New Look!



A Step Above Elevators & Escalators has a new look. Their blog and website have new custom banners and have redesigns that have them looking good. Check out the website at http://www.astepaboveelevator.com/, and to see the blog, while at the website, just click on the blog tab.

Friday, May 6, 2011

The Opportunity of Business Social Media


Social media has become a phenomenon beyond words. Hundreds of millions of people all over the world have joined the party. In a millisecond, millions of people can know everything about everything and everyone.


You knew it couldn't be long before business got involved.

Small business, big business, your business.

I'm 65-years-young. I've seen a lot of opportunities come and go. I have also seen the complete evolution of the computer, and the complete evolution of the Internet. But never have I seen, or could I have imagined, an opportunity so great as business social media. And the best part is, it's just beginning.

Now is your time to take full advantage of this low-cost (often no-cost), global, and local opportunity.

When companies like Procter & Gamble, Dell, Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Zappos, and Amazon dive head first into the process, you can be certain there is plenty of opportunity and plenty of room for you to do the same.

BUSINESS SOCIAL MEDIA REQUIRES AN INVESTMENT: Your time.

You must be willing to allocate an hour a day to build your network. When you do, and do it right, the rewards will be beyond your ability to measure. You will reconnect with business associates and you'll attract people and prospective customers to connect with you a thousand times faster and 10 thousand times better than making the 100-year-old cold call.

Business social media is the new cold call.

You'll make sales, you'll create loyal customers, and you will profit from your ability to expose yourself, your thoughts, your experiences, your interactions, and your value to your market around the corner, and your market around the world.

CAUTION: After you begin to see results, you'll curse yourself for not starting sooner. Turn that energy into action. Business social media is still young. There is still plenty of time. Commit to involve, decide to do it with value, intend to stick at it until you win, and reap the rewards both in reputation and in profit.

Get ready to ride the social media wave. It's a big one. Perhaps the biggest ever.

NOTE: I'm not writing this book alone. Far from it. I have enlisted the wisdom of others. Specifically: Sally Hogshead, Mitch Joel, Richard Brasser, Joe Soto, Noah Rickun, Mike O'Neil and Lori Ruff, Sandy Carter, Mark Schaefer, Chris Hamilton, Julien Smith, Andy Sernovitz, and Shar Govindan. I want to acknowledge them and thank them.

The world-class leader and expert of business social media has yet to emerge. Certainly it is not me. BUT I am proving to be quite successful at the process, and that's why I am sharing my strategies and what I believe to be true with you.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

TEDxMileHigh - Rob Schuham - Brand in Common


Very interesting talk about what companies can do . . .

What do we all have in common? Rob Schuham presents an entirely new way to think about brands and capitalism. As he puts it, collaboration is the new competition and the brand is the new vehicle for sharing wealth.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Upward Trend Welcomes North Bay Air Systems Inc As Latest Trend Setter Package Client

North Bay Air Systems (NBAS) was founded in 1989. Our vision is to provide quality heating and air conditioning services while maintaining the highest code of ethics.


With over 20 years experience providing excellent service to Solano and Contra Costa Counties, NBAS has matured to a well known and respected business. Providing residential and commercial HVAC service, NBAS and its team, has become highly recognized by property management associations, businesses and residential homeowners.

Upward Trend is pleased to announce that North Bay Air Systems of Benicia is our latest Trend Setter Package client. We will be rebuilding their current website, adding a blog, monthly e-newsletter, doing all their social media including Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube, SEO optimization and more. North Bay Air Systems current website is http://www.northbayairinc.com/

Sunday, May 1, 2011

The Electrical Industry Search Engine


Electric Pilot.com is the search engine source for Industry News, Events and Promotions. In addition, it is the source to over 6,000 distributors, 10,000 electrical contractors, and over 4,000 manufacturers.

Check it out: http://www.electricpilot.com/.