What information do different types of folks need in order to feel positive about their decision to buy from you? Are you keeping information about prospects, customers, business partners, and “friends” in a database, so you can communicate with them consistently? Is the information complete, accurate and up-to-date? Or is important information scattered all over the place on pcs and mobile devices? Some of the smartest, most practical things you can do to drive growth require creativity and effort — not dollars. 1) Your Company 2.0. Managing people. It’s outcomes. MORE >>

A client just e-mailed us information about this one-day course on architectural styles, with a request to pass it along. Click here for the U’s website and registration information:  [link]. Sounds fun, especially the tour. Tuition is $125. On August 9, writer and architectural historian, Richard L. Kronick will teach an all-day course for the U of M Continuing Education Department entitled “What Style is That House?  Twin Cities Home Styles Explained!&# Below is an overview of the course.  ——-. “What style is that house?&# What were their goals?  MORE >>

Last time this information may have froze us for a while, but this time, it won’t! For more information on how Virtual VP’s help residential building industry firms improve business results, click here. I just received an email blast with the title “Double Dip Predicted for Home Remodeling.” ” “If I could have reached through the screen and had a word or two with the publisher,  I would have been able to flush out the “real” reason why they sent this email. to get eyeballs reading it).” Things to Stop Doing this Time Around. MORE >>

Visit NARI at www.narimn.org or contact 612.332.6274 for more information. I heard through the grapevine that CoTY entries are down this year. If you can complete a binder or two, the chances of winning are really, really good. Can’t find the time? Suppose it takes 6 hours to complete an entry – that’s about 1/2 hour per day, between now and the end of the month – very doable. If you divide the work between two people… more doable. The benefits of being an award-winning company are obvious: 1) Feels good — provides a much-needed morale boost for staff and owners. MORE >>

Keep them informed about your products and services, especially if you expand or improve your offering. While preparing for our presentation on Wednesday, Jan 20 – Nothing Left to Cut, Now What? I came across these simple tips for creating more referrals. Most are common sense, but few companies have truly mastered all of them, so there’s always room for improvement. Make sure your clients understand your service. Build referral time into your meetings. Let people know in advance you will be asking for ideas. Seek phrases and praises. Be worth talking about. Show appreciation. MORE >>