Bill the Builder Speaks

Marketing & Creative Advertising With Networking

billthebuilder — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:37:44 +0000

Bill is available for keynotes and seminars

In this economy every business, big and small, is looking for ways to reduce cost and increase profits. One of the questions I’ve been hearing is, “Should we cut our marketing budget?” The short answer is no. That is unless you are retooling your marketing efforts with proven tools and techniques that cost less. In this article I am suggesting a timeless marketing technique that doesn’t have to cost a dime.

Networking is something all living organisms do naturally. The strongest have just learned how to do it better. In business networking means connections and visibility. The more you network the better you are known.

Think of networking as team building. Your team will work for you at all times. To network well, you need to first decide who you need on your team.

The most obvious question that will help you build your team is to ask, “Who are my customers?”

Think about your most faithful customers. You might want to find out about their interests. Where do they spend their time? What are their hobbies? What are their causes? If you discover they have a favorite charity you might ask, “How can I help with that?” If you find out they are attending an upcoming event you might plan on attending yourself. By getting involved with their causes and attending the events they attend, you create opportunities for them to introduce you to their network. These can be rich opportunities. Do your customers have children? Are they involved with youth teams or activities? Wherever people congregate, is a good place to network.

Another customer related question might be, “Who do your customers do business with?” If you have a customer doing business with the sign shop down the street, you might simply send an email that states, “One of my customers highly recommends your services. His name is Mark. I was hoping we might talk about how you can help me with a unique project we’re working on.” The fact that Mark is a shared customer creates incentive for the sign company to work with you in any way possible.

A third question you should be asking is, “What services do I pay for?” How well do you really know your service providers? Could they serve you better if they knew you better? If they knew you might generate referrals, would that incent them to give you a better deal?

A question you might be overlooking is, “Who does business with the people I do business with?” For example, as a speaker I do business with event planners. Hotel and conference center sales managers do business with event planners. So, I should be networking with the hotel sales team. I might give them a CD of me speaking or offer to provide a free training day for their staff. In return I might ask that they keep my brochure on hand to give to event planners they meet.

One last question to consider is, “Who can I give value to?” Obviously, these may be potential customers. However, they may just be people who will speak highly of you if you help them solve their problems. And you can’t have too many people singing your praises.

There are three things you need to know to start network marketing right now.

Networking works best when everyone finds value in the network. Value is the greatest reason anyone connects on an emotional level with another person. In other words, if I feel you have helped me, encouraged me or informed me, I find value in that. If I think of you as an asset I am comfortable with investing in our relationship. The most important thing you can do to be successful as a networker is to share ideas, solutions, tips, referrals and support.

Trust is oxygen to relationships. When trust is broken it is like a fist to the diaphragm knocking the wind from our chest. When that blow is dealt, it is unlikely that I will trust again. Safeguard your integrity as if it were your most valued possession- because it is. If you make a mistake, admit it readily. If you drop the ball, inform everyone affected promptly. Even if you think the dropped ball is insignificant, follow-up. You don’t want others hearing comments like, “She took three weeks to get back to me about my premiums.”

Experts at networking understand the value of being outstanding. Make sure you are memorable from exemplary service to your business card. Avoid the ordinary. Make people laugh. Give others something to talk about, you. Of course, you don’t want to be obnoxious, off color, rude or excessively loud. You want to strike a delicate balance between credible and entertaining.

A great networking resource is www.meetup.com. You can join us for a networking event by registering online at www.meetup.com/columbussbn

You can follow Bill the Builder at www.twitter.com/billthebuilder

There are videos at www.charlesspeaks.com and you can email at Charles@charlesspeaks.com

Bill Carpenter is available for keynotes, seminars, personal coaching and webinars.

Bill is available for keynotes and seminars

Save Time & Improve Communication With Free Web Based Tool

billthebuilder — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:43:44 +0000

I just ran across a really awesome, free web based tool that can save you time, improve customer communication, organize your thoughts, help you easily share your thoughts, provide a repository for needed info you can access from home office or abroad as long as you have web access.

Start up page

Webnotes can be found online and is absolutely FREE. I was first impressed at just how easy Webnotes is to use. As I began toying around with Webnotes I was further impressed with how many ways I came up with to use this amazing resource.

To put it very simply, Webnotes is a web based wall or whiteboard for organizing thoughts, ideas or needed information using the familiar PostIt Note concept. It is awesome because of accessibility. If you jot a note to yourself on a PostIt Note and stick it to the wall or your PC monitor you can only access the information while at the office. You can access your Webnotes wall from any web access PC or smart phone browser. The same accessibility makes it a great collaboration or information sharing tool. You can post information and solicit feedback by sharing the link to your wall.

: Create Workspace

First let me show you how it works. All you need to do is navigate to the Webnotes page. On the right side of the page you will find the Create or Load a Workspace dialogue. Just type a preferred name for your workspace, or as I like to call it, wall. Use a name you will remember. I have a wall called Bill’sinfo09. To access the wall of notes I’ve saved I just enter Billsinfo09 and click load.

Once you have created a workspace start adding content. Let me insert here that I prefer this resource of a Wiki because of the aesthetic appeal and ease of use and access. To add, review, or update content just return to your wall and click the PostIt Note Icon.

Just double click the new note box that appears. You can add text and even hyperlink text and then the save Icon.

You can change the color of your note too.

Finally let’s explore some creative ways you may use this. You can simply store personal notes for your own use. These can include dates, numbers, lists or just reminders. You can also use this for pre-meeting collaboration. You can post an idea and ask others to comment and share. I have used it for taking notes at a seminar. I can use my laptop and keep organized notes that I can access later from any PC. Also, there is no risk of data loss. Another creative use is for ongoing planning on a project. You can start a wall where project members can post issues and ask subject matter experts to visit the wall daily to help solve problems. This eliminates time consuming meetings and gives less experienced members access to expert advice.

As always, charlesspeaks.com is bringing you another tool and great ideas for saving time and working better. Please share this blog with everyone you know. Bill is available to coach and train your team on numerous topics that will improve performance. You can talk to a training consultant right away calling 937-935-6789. Bill can fill your training needs through keynotes, seminars, personal coaching and webinars. Learn more at www.charlesspeaks.com

Bill is speaking in Columbus Ohio several times over the next 90 days, two of the events are FREE. Learn more at www.meetup.com/columbussbn

There is an upcoming webinar you may want to invest it as well. Learn about it at www.charlesspeaks.com/bigdogmarketing.htm

4 Final Ps of Fatherhood

billthebuilder — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:45:02 +0000

Bill is available for keynotes and seminars

Personal Dads

I have had the pleasure and pain of experiencing growing children. They are so much fun as babies. They are needy, open and pliable. Seemingly overnight they start to develop independence, become self reliant, and capable of caring for themselves. I think every father can appreciate this development and perhaps even look forward to the freedom a parent acquires as a child matures.

Then, one day before you know it has happened you have a teenager asking for the car keys. While little Johnny isn’t in need of a diaper change or a warm bottle, he is still vulnerable and needs a father’s oversight and guidance; even if he is resistant to it at times.

We could debate about the question of age of accountability and coming of age, but I don’t want to debate. So, I’ll be very clear. There is no magic age when every child has reached an age of mature consciousness and is able to make safe responsible choices. I have a teenager that is making near adult choices at the age of 16. I’ve known 20 year olds that can’t keep a job because of irresponsibility. Even my very mature 16 year old needs guidance and advice to help his continuing development. Fortunately for me, mine asks for it, sometimes.

Our culture has cultivated a dangerous ideal of “child privacy.” While every child comes to an age where they need to learn about modesty, personal hygiene and personal space; a parent should be very conservative about defining personal space. Your child’s bedroom should not be off limits to search and seizure.

Here are three ways you can stay personal with your children.

Be conversational. Talk to your children about their friends. Ask questions. Share your observations about their friends. Sing the praises of their friends when applicable. I have told my children when I notice dishonest behavior in their friends. I’ve said, “You know, I think you should be careful about what you share with him, he isn’t trustworthy.” Ask about hobbies and interests. When you can’t be at events ask about them afterward.

Be observative. Pay attention to, mood changes, language, online activity and what is or isn’t being said by your child. If your teen is using vernacular that is unfamiliar ask about it. You don’t need to be confrontational, just ask, “What did you just say? What does that mean to you?” Invite their friends to dinner. Let them spend the night at your home. Slip into the room and join in on their conversations and video games. Pay attention to their reading material and other media. You not being “snoopy” your being a caring parent.

Be bold. I’ll start with conversation. If you hear your teen having an irrational discussion with a friend address it. I overheard a comment that was racially slanted between my son and some friends, so I stepped in and challenged his friend’s position. If you are seeing behavior that may indicate a threat like drug use, sexual activity, etcetera, ask questions and do a room search. If you have concerns, be bold enough to check text messages, phone call logs and any other information that may give you insight into the child’s social behavior.

Plastic Dads

When I say be plastic what I really mean is be flexible. I have had to acknowledge that some of my ideals and values are dated at best and irrational at worst. Every parent needs to make concessions and compromise from time to time. Be cautious about drawing hard lines you don’t need to.

Talk to your children about the importance of boundaries and guidelines. Make sure they understand that they are about happiness, health and wellbeing. Establish and talk about boundaries conversationally.

Revisit boundaries occasionally. Boundaries that were important at the age of 12 aren’t as needed at the age of 16 perhaps. Understand that the needs of each child will vary. I may extend privileges to one at 13 that another isn’t ready for until 15.

One of the most important rules of plasticity is being able to admit our own mistakes. When you have been wrong or made a mistake, acknowledge it.

The Pacifier

There are times when our children are discomforted or troubled. Sometimes we simply need to pacify and at other times we need to rescue them. If my Hannah becomes the subject of playground teasing rescuing her may not be the best choice. If the children are singing, “Hannah and David sitting in a tree…” I don’t need to confront the children and demand they stop their singing. In this instance I would be wise to pacify Hannah explaining that het teasing is not intended to hurt her, and that those singing may not understand how she feels. I would also advise her that she has options, instruct how to respond.

Powerful Dads Are Prayerful

There is no substitute for the power of prayer. If you have any interest in leaving your children with a legacy of faith, be a man of prayer. Pray about everything. Pray when they have a skinned knee, are afraid in the night, about conflict with friends and about conflicts. Teach them how to pray and be seen and heard doing it yourself.

Purpose is Key to Success

I say this often in my presentations and I believe it. Why do you do what you do? Why do you have the boundaries in place that you do? Why do you discipline the way you do? Everything we do with and for our children needs to be with purpose. What do you envision for your children, what will they be as adults, what qualities will help them excel, what weaknesses do they need to improve?

Talk to your children about purpose, vision, goals, and direction. I talk to my son about the value of hard work, innovation, thinking, thinking outside the box and being outstanding. I ask him about his goals and dreams. I try to create realism and optimism. I want to instill in him a sense of purpose and direction.

I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings on fatherhood and will pass them on.

I am available for keynotes, seminars and personal coaching. One of the greatest challenges small business owners consistently bring to my attention is work life balance, I can help you with that. So pick up the phone or email me with questions. 937-935-6789 or Charles@charlesspeaks.com

If you are a small bussiness owner you may want to join the Small Buisness Network. We currently have one active chapter, Columbus Ohio and one inactive in, Indianaplolis Indiana. If you are interested in launching a local chapter you can volunteer as a local chapter organizer. Doing so is great exposure and a positive reflection of the value you bring your community. Join the Columbus chapter or email for details: www.meetup.com/columbussbn charles@charlesspeaks.com or www.meetup.com/indisbn

Charles Carpenter AKA Bill The Builder and Bill Carpenter by friends and audiences loves to thrill an audience with practical applicable solutions to the common problems we all face in life and business. He is a Project Management expert and organization/human efficiency expert. He talks about time management, leadership, process improvement, marketing, sales and innovation. You can learn more at www.charlesspeaks.com

Playful Dads

billthebuilder — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:30:21 +0000

As a man there are times when we should take off our work clothes and put on our play clothes. It is so important to children that dad create memories with them. Every dad makes mistakes and lets the ones we love down. If we aren’t making positive happy memories children can hang up on the let downs and forget the good times.
Take the time to frolic in the grass, chase bugs, play with toads and pick flowers. From peek a boo to baseball and scouting, the outings and activity create bonds that will never be broken.
We’ve created our own little family games and fun. Oh, by the way. Sometimes the kids won’t want to play, make them.

The Preeminent father

billthebuilder — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:48:39 +0000

The dictionary defines preeminent as, superior to or notable above all others; outstanding. A father needs to be outstanding in the lives of his children. The preeminent father must be perceived as a hero. Every child wants such a father. No child every worshiped his father because of long hours at work or sacrificed hot meals with the family in the name of business.
The hero status is built when dad accomplishes amazing feats like hitting a ball out of the park, outrunning every boy at the park on a Saturday afternoon or staying wake later than anyone else at the all-nighter with a few movies.
In short, it’s ok to put in those long hours at the office as long as you make the homerun hit at the ball field too. Regardless of the long hours and the head splitting work you need to make that birthday party or band practice. It’s even ok if you make mention of the effort taken to make the event. It is these events that cause you to stand out from the crowd.
It may be true that many children may not fully recognize dad’s hero status until they have children of their own. Every dad should covet and work for that status nonetheless.

Positive Dads Put a Charge in their Kids

billthebuilder — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:39:20 +0000

Bill is available for keynotes and seminars

One of my greatest challenges as a father is being positive. After all, I am a professional critic. I make a living identifying other’s weaknesses and helping them improve.

When I say positive I don’t mean the warm fuzzy fathering like, “You’re as cute as a button.” While that is good, our children need so much more from us than that during the developmental years. My teenage daughter needs to hear dad tell her how beautiful and attractive she is. I need to compliment her hair, her teeth, her posture or anything else that merits an honest meaningful compliment. If she doesn’t get it from me another may win her heart prematurely in the truest sense of the word.

My children need to see a positive mental attitude toward hard work, crisis and life challenges.

Even a reprimand can be made positively. I can say, “John you did a terrible job organizing the garage.” Or I could say, “John, I know you’ve been working hard and the garage looks much better, however let me show you how I clean the tools before putting them back. This will prevent rust and make them more enjoyable to use for the next person who needs them.”

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting you must get it just right every time, I don’t. What I am suggesting is that with a little effort you can be more positive all the time.

Make a note in your calendar to praise and affirm your children, I do. Whatever it takes make sure they get positive affirmation from dad. If they aren’t getting it from dad they will seek it elsewhere. And someone elsewhere may have less than good intentions.

So make a note to self for tomorrow, “Be more positive today, and tomorrow you will be more positive.”

Charles (Bill) Carpenter is a fun and informative speaker and trainer. He serves small business owners through keynotes, seminars and coaching. He is founder of the Columbus Small Business Network and President of G&T Community service. The father of five he spends most of his time at home with the family. Learn more about him at www.charlesspeaks.com

Passionate Fathers are Adored By Adult Children

billthebuilder — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:57:27 +0000

Want your children to adore and value you in your old age? Be passionate about them in their youth. Celebrate childhood. Make lots of play time with your children. Take loads of photos, videos and save memorabilia. Get excited about the accomplishments they make. Jump, cheer, cry, laugh and express yourself any way you can.

I post photos of my kids in all my

Bill is available for keynotes and seminars

PowerPoint presentations for every presentation. I hang their crayon art work at the front of the rooms when I present. I tell stories about them to my audiences.

I like for my children to overhear my conversations about their accomplishments. Your children need to know you are proud of them. The need to know you would fight for them.

Passion can also be demonstrated in discipline. If you little girl steps into the street you may raise you voice slightly, pull her to you, stare her in the eye and tell her how much that scared you. Passion is expressive and we all understand it.

So, how do you express your passion for your children?

Fathers are Present

billthebuilder — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:59:37 +0000

Present
To be present as a father means more than being in the house. A present father is always listening, even if not being spoken to. The present father has an open lap policy and can always extend a hug. He will encourage when your down, instruct when your misinformed and just listen even when what you’re talking about is meaningless.
A present father shows up at important events like diaper changes, potty training, Tee ball, boy/girl friend breakup aftermaths, graduation, weddings and the birth of a grandchild. Grant it, you may not be able to make every little special moment but your child had better know you regret missing it. If my child was have a baby I’d make every effort to be there. If I couldn’t get there I’d call, send flowers, money and text messages. I’d ask for pic messages. My baby would know I was deeply interested in her baby’s birth.
You might say, “Well I’m just not like that.” Well, my advice is man up and get over yourself. When you made the choice to have a baby, you made the choice to be like that.
Regardless of circumstances make every effort to be present for your babies. Make sure they know you are interested. Be present.
So, what does being present mean to you?

Bill is available for keynotes and seminars

Life Balance for Fathers

billthebuilder — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:08:54 +0000

One of the most common challenges participants want to confront in seminars is life balance.

As you know Father’s Day is just around the corner. May is swiftly passing and summer is on us. So, dad, what kind of father have you been? What kind of father do you want to be? More importantly, what kind of father do your children need you to be? That is exactly what we are going to explore in the month of June. We will talk about what children need from a father, how a father can be all that and more, and how to insure your children grow up to be emotionally healthy adults with every advantage for success.

It is doubtful that any of us had perfect fathers and likely that many of our fathers were down right dysfunctional. Fortunately the dysfunction and lack of know how does not have to be passed from generation to generation. You can be an excellent father.

I have summarized the 10 most important qualities of excellent fathers. We will explore these 10 p’s in detail through the month of June. So don’t miss a single blog post. Here they are:

Present
Passionate
Positive
Preeminent
Playful
Personal
Plastic
Pacifier
Prayerful
Purposeful

Over the next few weeks we will explore and share some timeless and powerful father tips that are sure to put you at the top of the list of “perfect Fathers” this Father’s Day. So join in the discussion and share your ideas as well.

Perception is Reality™ 5 Laws

billthebuilder — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:05:41 +0000

Bill helps organizations reach higher standards

Perception is Reality™

It is a fact that what I believe to be a fact, is in fact a fact to me. When we underestimate the power of personal perception we are certain to experience communication and relational breakdown. My perceptions of you, my job, myself and my surroundings are built upon a foundation of personal experiences including pain and pleasure. I was reminded of this law yesterday while listening to talk radio. The topic was abortion. I only managed to listen to three callers but their arguments were illogical at best; and that’s not my opinion. These arguments were grammatically, scientifically and logically flawed. The host had no trouble shredding their points because they were so ignorant. However, when the host made a sound rational rebuttal and extended the option for the caller to rephrase or change their position none changed.

What I have experienced in the past influences what I believe about what I experience today. We all see and perceive the world around us through personal information filters called paradigms and for many of us a paradigm shift is in order. This information filter can beautify the world around us or make it really ugly. A young man that had been sexually violated by a female when he was a boy found it impossible to trust the opposite sex, he felt that they were all out to control and manipulate him. Nothing could have been farther from reality but as a counselor I had to take his perceptions seriously and walk him through small changes to change his paradigms about women.

Personal experience always affects our perception whether that is healthy or not. Consider these paradigm concerns:

About men
Abut women
About other races
About authority figures
About crowded places
About change

Practical Applications

When you overlook people’s personal perceptions they may feel that you don’t take them seriously or that you don’t listen. You are also at risk when you take what others say at face value without considering how their personal perceptions may have impacted what they are sharing with you.

A person’s daily communication will tell you a lot about their personal perceptions if you are listening. Here are a few cues to consider.

Negative statements about the opposite sex in general
Negative statements about authority figures
Humor at the expense of others
Unusual behavior in certain circumstances
Inability to reason or rationalize a situation

Kevin has told you that Mike is being belligerent, self-centered, controlling and doesn’t listen to the ideas of others. You know that this is unlike Mike and that you are hearing just the opposite from others. You may respond like this: “Kevin I understand you are frustrated with Mike and I want to help you resolve this. Since this is the first time I’ve heard anything like this about Mike I would like for you to give me some more details and explain why you feel this way.” Following are a few suggestions for dealing with other’s perceptions.

Take the persons perceptions and feelings seriously.
Repeat back to them what you think they have just told you.
Avoid agreeing or sounding agreeable unless you do and should agree at this time.
Give the person an opportunity to talk, don’t monopolize the conversation.
Be honest but diplomatic.
Don’t play therapist.
Don’t pretend to have all the answers or feel pressured to answer immediately.

I share the five laws in many of my leadership and communication seminars as well as diversity training. What many tell me is that simply becoming aware of these basic laws and considering the impact they have on relationships has been a great benefit to them. My challenge to you is that you attempt to apply these five laws to all of your relationship building skills.

Read the entire article at http://bit.ly/6wT85

Charles Carpenter is a nationally recognized leadership expert. He received leadership and communication training from the prestigious Rockhurst University. In recent years he has trained and coached executives from numerous Fortune 500 companies and shared his leadership insight with thousands through public seminars, conferences and keynotes and is the president of Success Solutions Group and charlesspeaks.com. Charles may be reached at 1.937.935.6789