Marketing in a Down Market

May 11, 2010 and June 11, 2010

 

Presented by Gail Jordan of Jordan Consulting

Our speaker for this luncheon will be Gail Jordan of Jordan Consulting. Gail is an award-winning Sales Professional with a proven track record in building successful advertising programs for medium to small businesses for over 26 years. Her major strengths include handling multiple projects simultaneously, performing in a fast paced environment and meeting strict deadlines.  The title of her presentation will be "Managing Customer Personalities". Come out and hear about different ways to cope with the many personalities your customers may have! 

The luncheon will take place at the Ramada Plaza North, 2301 Wagner Ford Road. Registration and networking begin at 11:00 a.m.  Lunch and the program are from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration fees are $25.00 for members and $30.00 for non-members.  Register today at www.naridayton.org or call (937) 222-6274 and RSVP today!

The EPA RRP Rule, What it Means to the Contractor

Presented by Don Ebding and Mark Fleming

Of great concern to members of NARI are the legal and insurance ramifications of the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Final Rule.  As we learned from asbestos, being Certified by the EPA may not be enough to protect yourself and your business.
 
Mr. Don Ebding of Kinker-Eveleigh Insurance Agency graduated from the University of Cincinnati and specializes in contract review, establishing and maintaining large fleet safety programs, OCIP/Construction Wrap Programs, Worker's Comp Programs, and more. Don will bring us up-to-date with the insurance needs and concerns of this new Lead Ruling including what you should be looking for in your policy.

Speaking from the legal issues perspective, Mr. Mark Fleming has over 30 years experience in the construction business.  He has been a residential and commercial general contractor and construction manager.  He has extensive experience as a litigation consultant, working with his clients to analyze individual dispute situations and provide the objective and technical assessment needed to reach resolution in settlement negotiations, mediation or arbitration.  In the event a case proceeds to trial, Fleming has served as an expert witness and is able to support his clients in every phase of the legal process. Mark will educate us in how to protect ourselves concerning the RRP Initiative. 

The breakfast will take place at the Ramada Plaza North, 2301 Wagner Ford Road. Registration and networking begin at 7:30a.m. Breakfast and the program are from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Register today at www.naridayton.org or call (937) 222-6274 and RSVP today! Registration fees are $10 for NARI Certified Professionals, $20 for NARI members or $30 for non-members.

Membership Meeting: May 25, 2024

Networking events are jammed these days with Walking Billboards: hard-selling, attention-grabbing, in-your-face, walking, talking advertisements. No one in their right mind wants to be talked at and sold to while sipping a cocktail and schmoozing with new contacts, so why are there so many walking billboards?
Fact is, in our enthusiasm to pitch our businesses, many of us have unwittingly been walking billboards at one time or another. Maybe we're not as aggressive as used car sellers, but we are giving a canned monologue when a constructive dialogue would serve our purpose much better. We are talking at, rather than with. Here are four tips to dial down your presentation and create a genuine conversation in your networking:
 
1. Set the stage. Most people like to have a little conversation before listening to a promotion of any kind. Michael Port, in Book Yourself Solid, recommends avoiding "So, what do you do?" as the first question you ask a new contact. Instead, he suggests discussing a valuable book or conference that might be relevant. By getting to know the person and making a connection, you may not even need to use canned self-promotions.
 
2. Ask first. No matter how excited you are about your idea and your business, rushing to speak and get your message across is likely to create a barrier, no matter how great your offering. To reduce this barrier, you can simply ask: "Can I pitch you on my business and services?" This sets the stage for the person you've met to engage in a conversation with you, even if you simply can't wait to rattle off your 30-second advertisement.
 
3. Allow personal space. I'm amazed by how often people pitching ideas move closer and ignore the fact that I'm moving away. If I need to endure a 30-second commercial, I like to have a little distance so I can actually process what the person is saying and not get distracted by their spittle and breath. I think everyone appreciates some breathing room when listening to a promotion.
 
4. Read body language.  Most people, in a rush to get their message out, ignore the body language of the person they're speaking with. Ask yourself: Are they listening? Are they engaged in the promotion? Do they share my enthusiasm? Then you will see where you're connecting and where you're missing the mark. Reading the person's body language indicates if your message is being heard or if you've become a walking billboard-seen and ultimately ignored.
 
At one time or another all of us get lost in our enthusiasm to pitch our businesses. This enthusiasm can get in the way of a genuine dialogue. By setting the ground, asking before promoting, giving some space, and watching the body language, we can create real conversations and memorable new connections. Let the billboards stay on the highways.