Our next meeting is on Friday, September 17, 2010 at 8:45 am

Our free business networking group invites you to join us and share referrals. Our business blog offers you an opportunity to promote your own web site.

Members, please be advised that your $5 attendance fee is payable at the door.

NEW for VISITORS only: attendance fee is $10 at the door, until you become regular members. To become a member of this group, please fill out the application form.

To make things easier for you and e-Spot staff, please consider paying $10 or $20 in advance. Your credit can then be used to cover your substitute’s fee, or will be carried over to your next meeting. Receipts will be issued by the e-Spot quarterly.

Boris Mahovac R.G.D.

Sign up for my next Contacts2Clients Business Seminar

Let's connect:

The popular variable-rate product tied to prime that helped people buy a lot more house with more debt is going up. The prime rate at the major banks, which tracks the Bank of Canada’s rate, is now at 2.75%.

At 2.05%, a variable-rate product today may look as attractive as ever, but the five-year fixed-rate closed mortgage is falling fast. It can now be had for under 4%.

Bank of Montreal senior economist Sal Guatieri does agree that variable-rate products have worked out better than fixed-rate mortgages throughout history, but says the tide may be turning.

Bank of Montreal is forecasting another 25 basis point move in September and says rates will climb another 1.5 percentage points by the end of 2011. If Mr. Guatieri and others are right, by 2012, the variable-rate products out today would clock in at just above 3.75%, if the discounting remains the same.

“If you are still in that variable-rate product then, you’d have to sweat out the next three years because there would still be possibly more increases,” says Mr. Guatieri, who adds his bank sees the overnight rate eventually going to 4% in the following three years. Based on the present gap between the Bank of Canada and prime, that would place the variable-rate product you get today at 6% by around 2015.

Fears of such a scenario are driving people into fixed-rate products again. That, plus new mortgage rules that make it easier to qualify for a mortgage if you go for a fixed-rate product with a term of five years or longer.

For updated rates and more information on the right mortgage for you please visit www.designermortgages.ca/rates.htm or call 1-866-824-8057

Source: Garry Marr, Financial Post • Tuesday, Jul. 27, 2010

 At Sydcam Marketing Communications, our goal is to help businesses just like yours properly evaluate your marketing and sales efforts, and do so in a cost-effective manner that won’t break your budget. For as little as $199 (plus HST), we can offer you the following:

•  A complete review of all your existing marketing material, including business cards, website and any promotional material (offline and online) you currently use.
• A written report that outlines our key findings and recommendations for improvement.
• A comprehensive rewrite of one (1) of your key marketing pieces (i.e. one webpage, promotional brochure/postcard, tagline, mission statement, email marketing article, blog, etc.), up to a maximum of 1,000 words and one round of revisions, or a creative review of any of your marketing pieces (i.e. logo, website, print or tradeshow material, etc.) from a branding strategy perspective.
• Save 25%* by booking any additional marketing or copywriting work you require at the time of your review (*off our normal hourly rates for each respective service – contact Sydcam for more details).

 Oakville Networking members – Act now and save!

 Attention all Oakville Networking members and guests, book your package today and save!

•  Book by September 15, 2010 and save 15% on the above package (now only $169 + HST).
• Book by September 30, 2010 and save 10% (only $179 + HST).

 To book your package or to find out more, contact Ian Turner at 416-452-6960, or by email at ian@sydcamcommunications.com.

To learn more about Sydcam, please visit us at our website at www.sydcamcommunications.com.

Getting started is easy with  Set The Stage For Follow Up -  September 13, 2010 in Oakville, Ontario

2.5 hours of hands on, skill based business training teaches you how to engage people in conversation, rather than just sell. A straight forward strategy that builds the know you, like you, trust you factor and maximizes your subject matter expertise.

Hear what others have to say about Set The Stage For Follow Up;

Cheryl Scoffield, Follow Up Specialist, has developed a 10 Step Follow Up System that manages and maximizes your follow up activities. As in the follow up needed after you meet new prospects for your business; return from networking or the follow up needed to turn that stack of business cards on your desk into paying clients. If you need to know what to do next, Cheryl is the person you need to meet.

Kristeen Sopeju Edwards, Gifting Specialist, Business Owner, The Wreath Queen, Oakville, Ontario

Enterprise Toronto has chosen this training for their fall sessions in Toronto, Ontario.

Then progress to Automate Your Follow Up Process – Advanced Training on November 8th, 2010.

Hear what others have to say about Automate Your Follow Up Process;

Cheryl showed me how to get more from ACT by setting me up with Swiftpage. (Automate Your Follow Up Process) Cheryl gave me a guided tour through the basics demonstating how they work together. As a sales representative, following up and increasing sales opportunities is a top priority, but time consuming. The expertise that Cheryl showcased and the tips she shared, will help me automate the process and maximize the time I spend staying top of mind with prospects and clients.

Fabia Zampieron, Account Executive
Boothworks Inc., Toronto, Ontario

Follow Up Training is specifically designed to give you enough ideas, tips and techniques to empower you to Follow Up to the 5th -12th contact where 80% of sales are WON!

I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE IT. 

Book your session or  have this training come to your office by contacting Cheryl Scoffield, Follow Up Specialist today! 866-642-5145

Oakville Handywoman at your service!

We should all understand the importance of having the right tools for the job that we do.  Whether you are an accountant, medical practitioner, yoga instructor or decorator, you need a set of tools that allow you to do what you do, efficiently and effectively.  Without these tools, you would be spinning your proverbial wheels to get the job done.

Here at Lakeshore Home Maintenance, we believe that our clients should benefit from our growth by hiring a company that has the specialty tool to do the job in the most effective way possible. 

The lovely tool that I am holding above is our latest addition.  Drills a hole in your house faster than you can say “Jack Robinson” and breaks up concrete like nobody’s business.  Believe me, it’s a heck of a lot easier than the old sledgehammer and chisel route, and, well, it just feels better in your hands, if you get my drift.

Many clients in the Oakville area are looking to have a specific home repair job done and they want it done for a fair price.  By having the right tool, we can often save our clients money by getting the job done more efficiently.  This level of service shows our valued clients that we constantly strive to give them the quality of work that they demand, and with the latest technology we can offer this at a reasonable price. 

With fall just around the corner, and things needing to be tackled before the cold weather, have a look around your house, or let your friends and clients know about us.  We are quickly becoming the go-to company in the Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga areas that can tackle their home repair and renovation projects.  Our service, quality and expertise is exceptional, and we want to help you take care of your “to-do” list…inside and out.

Oh, and if you want me to pose live for your next function, drop me a line. 

Lakeshore Home Maintenance – Taking care of your “to-do” list…inside and out.  289-242-8439

Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier than ever before. Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own new home.

Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make. In fact, most American and Canadian home owners would be financially broke at retirement if it weren’t for one saving grace – the equity in their home. Furthermore, mortgage rates are more flexible today than ever and tax allowances favor home ownership.

Real estate values have always risen steadily. Of course there are peaks and valleys, but the long term the trend is a consistent increase. This means that every month when you make a mortgage payment the amount that you owe on the home goes down and the value typically increases. This owe less-worth more situation is called equity build-up and is the reason you can’t afford not to buy.

Even if you have little money for a down payment or credit problems, chances are that you can still buy that new home. It just comes down to knowing the right strategies, and working with the right people.

Deadly Mistake #2: Not hiring a buyer’s agent to represent you.

Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it is often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated. New technology, laws, procedures and competition from other buyers require buyer agents to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism. For many homebuyers, the process turns into a terrible, stressful ordeal. In addition, making the wrong decisions can end up costing you thousands of dollars. It does not have to be this way!

Work with a buyer’s agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business and who is on your side. Buyer’s agents have a fiduciary duty to you. That means they are loyal to only you and are obligated to look out for your best interests. Buyer’s agents can help you find the best home, the best lender and the best inspector. Best of all, in most cases, the buyer’s agent is paid out of the seller’s commission, even though he/she works for you.

Trying to buy a home without an agent at all is, well… unthinkable.

Deadly Mistake #3: Getting a cheap inspection.

Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make. This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection. The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the home being inspected. The additional cost of hiring a certified inspector is almost insignificant. As a homebuyer, you have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages and trying to get the best deals. Do not stop now. Do not let your real estate agent, a patty-cake inspector or anyone else talk you into skimping here. First Impressions are important. Ask questions,

Observe his professionalism. Does he come in dress in sandals, shorts, t-shirt? Well you get the picture!

Regards

Michael Rocha

Certified Energy Advisor &
Home Inspections With A Peace Of Mind.
www.safensoundinspect.ca

E-mail safensoundinspect@yahoo.ca

Tel: 905-582-7662

Toll Free: 1-877-927-1222

My children are a precious and important part of my life and of who I am today. They are the ones that put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. They fuel my passion for life, giving me energy and inspiration, even when times are tough. Their passion for life, to live, learn, explore and grow is at the very core of what I want Sydcam Marketing Communications to be.

The essence of Sydcam is centred on my passion for life and all it has to offer. As a marketer that truly believes he is good at what he does, I believe I can help my clients be more successful at promoting their products and services. One of things I love to do as I shop or read the local newspaper is to be on the lookout for advertisements, posters and the like from national and local businesses. I then ask myself, “Is their message a compelling one, does it resonate with me and the general public and will it get any of us to take action? What are they trying to promote, and are they using the right messaging, context and content to reach their intended audience?”

I know, you’re probably thinking this all sounds pretty hokey – but it’s true. I’m thoroughly curious and fascinated by marketing of all sorts and in all mediums, online and off. I am equally intrigued by companies that are on the cutting edge of marketing communications, as well as those that can’t even use proper English grammar in their messages. I’m a firm believer that marketers can help consumers wade through all the noise out there today and help them find products and services that help them to enjoy life that much more.

So what else turns my crank when I’m not conjuring up the latest and greatest marketing strategy for a client? Well I love to play sports, listen to music, exercise and read. Sports are my real passion and I can’t get enough of them (except of course on those mornings when my body aches as I get out of bed!). From hockey to baseball, golf to football, and tennis to skiing, there aren’t too many sports I don’t enjoy playing. I just hope my body will hold up for many more years to come so I can keep on doing all of it.

So there you have it, a little peak into the life of Ian Turner, family man, marketing guru (an old boss always called me that), and sports fanatic. If you’d like to learn more about me and my business, I encourage you to visit my website at www.sydcamcommunications.com, or you can email me directly at ian@sydcamcommunications.com. Have a great day!

Let’s face it, you invested your time and money to network and get your business in front of more prospects. Not following up and maximizing that investment confirms the statistic that 48% of business managers never follow up past that 1st contact conversation. While you may not be alone, you might not be in the best crowd either! Cheryl Scoffield helps companies and individuals get started following up and building a Follow Up System.

Follow up makes sure that the door to greater sales stays open to the 5th – 12th contact where 80% of sales are WON. Maximize your networking investment and put your business in the position for an increase in sales.

If the topic of Follow Up interests you, I offer several options that you can use to move forward and increase the statistics for your company or your organization.

Follow Up Training is available in a group format on Monday nights in Oakville from 6 pm – 9 pm. Or arrange a session at your office.

Set The Stage for Follow Up – Learn what to say during your follow up so you connect with people and build the know you, like you, trust you factor rather than coming across as a busy sales person. Register for the next session  September 13 and November 22.

Hear what others are saying about this Follow Up Training;

I met Cheryl Scoffield, the owner of Executive Sales Support, over a year ago and every time we talk business I walk away smarter. Yes, I said smarter! I walk away with usable information that will help my business.

Cheryl Scoffield, Follow Up Specialist, has developed a 10 Step Follow Up System that manages and maximizes your follow up activities. As in the follow up needed after you meet new prospects for your business; return from networking or the follow up needed to turn that stack of business cards on your desk into paying clients. If you need to know what to do next, Cheryl is the person you need to meet.

Why am I telling you this? Honestly, it’s because I have gained valuable knowledge from Cheryl over the past year and I am excited that Cheryl is now offering training sessions where she will share some of her tips and hints.

Kristeen Sopeju Edwards, Gifting Specialist, Business Owner
The Wreath Queen, Oakville, Ontario

Automate Your Follow Up Process- Learn how to maximize your efforts with automation. ACT and Swiftpage (email blaster) are demonstrated. Register for the next session, November 8 and December 6.

Follow Up Steps, Follow Up Process & Follow Up System – Learn to do it yourself  or collaborate with me and I do the bulk of the work! 

Follow Up -Discover Your Next Steps - This 2 hour session focuses on developing your first proactive Follow Up Steps that keep the conversation going past the 1st contact conversation. Book you Private & Group coaching session. Get started with one session or purchase multiple sessions over time to match the pace you choose to move forward.

Hear what others are saying about this Follow Up Session.

Cheryl’s first (Follow Up – Discover Your Next Step) meeting with us was nothing short of insightful. She listened to our wish list and quickly came up with advanced innovative marketing strategies in today’s competitive markets. She went as far as volunteering time to achieve our goals. Her experience provided us with actionable ideas to generate leads and a sequence of follow up steps.

Andrea Skerry, Relationship Manager
Park Lane Financial Group Ltd., Burlington, Ontario

Follow up – Take Action - This 2 hour session focuses on setting your Follow Up Steps  into your Follow Up System. Book you Private & Group coaching session. Get started with one session or purchase multiple sessions over time to match the pace you choose to move forward.

Interested in letting your group hear about this topic? Book a  Follow Up – Networking Keynote   and learn How to Maximize Your Networking with Follow Up .

Let’s face it, you invested your time and money to network and get your business in front of more prospects. Not following up and maximizing that investment confirms the statistic that 48% of business managers never follow up past that 1st contact conversation. While you may not be alone, you might not be in the best crowd either!

Follow up makes sure that the door to greater sales stays open to the 5th – 12th contact where 80% of sales are WON. Maximize your networking investment and put your business in the position for an increase in sales.

In some businesses, pricing might be flexible, however sacrificing service to reduce price is not in our business model, since our business has been built on excellence in service, quality AND value.  When price becomes an issue, and discussions begin around that, we can always remove part of the service, (ie. why don’t we paint the walls, but just wash the baseboards to freshen them up instead of painting the baseboards). 

We would never do this to restauranteurs, hairdressers, or retail stores would we?  Unless we have previously discussed some sort of “agreement” this video serves to reinforce the importance of conveying to our clients the quality of work that they will recieve, and the pricing associated with that. 

Enjoy!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2a8TRSgzZY

Sarah

Our next meeting is on Friday, September 3, 2010 at 8:45 am

Our free business networking group invites you to join us and share referrals. Our business blog offers you an opportunity to promote your own web site.

Members, please be advised that your $5 attendance fee is payable at the door.

NEW for VISITORS only: attendance fee is $10 at the door, until you become regular members. To become a member of this group, please fill out the application form.

To make things easier for you and e-Spot staff, please consider paying $10 or $20 in advance. Your credit can then be used to cover your substitute’s fee, or will be carried over to your next meeting. Receipts will be issued by the e-Spot quarterly.

Boris Mahovac R.G.D.

Sign up for my next Contacts2Clients Business Seminar

Let's connect: