Let us help you in learning how to identify the different woods and what style they convey. Learn the difference between Hard wood floors, Engineered floors and Laminate. Did you know that not all wood floors can be placed on a diagonal? Did you know that Bamboo floors are not all the same? Leave understanding the difference of a “board” and a “rip” for flooring planks and how they can change the overall appearance of flooring.

Join JoAnne & DesAnn for the “What, Why & How Of Wood” webinar. Gain confidence in your knowledge of wood and have your clients FLOORED over your professional “Wood” knowledge.

As always you have the option to listen to the recorded version if you are unable to join us “live” on October 11 from 7-8:30 pm EST.

Register here for webinar.

Let there be light!

Recently I went on an inspection of a new homes construction with my husband. My husband, Tom, is a Building Official & Inspector for Residential & Commercial construction.  Usually Building Codes are a boring subject for me.

This trip though had me excited to see a new building code requirement that is soo awesome. As I walked down into the newly constructed basement I was first surprised by the amount of natural light that was pouring into what should have been a dark basement. This great new invention was done mainly for safety reasons. The result though is so much more than just a “point of egress”.

My “creative wheels” started spinning. WOW…no longer will basements of the future be dark holes in the ground. These “Window wells” are huge and completely change ones perspective of basements.

They can de decorated as long as the point of egress is not hindered. The possibilities are endless.

Due to the danger that a Bedroom in a basement can bring, these new codes were inacted. Smart move. If your only way out is the stairs then another way out in case of an emergency is paramount. Many who are Remodeling their basements need to be aware of these code changes. As soon as a new room is created in a basement that has a closet, the building Codes will recognize it as a Bedroom and Window wells MUST be used. Don’t cry the blues though as these new windows add so much more to the space besides a safety factor.

Redi-Exit has a wonderful site.

I was practically jumping for joy at the unexpected reaction I was having. My husband thought I would hate their utilitarian look. Heck we can tweak the utilitarian look, I LOVE all the natural light!

Do be cautious though. We can ‘decorate” them as long as the point of egress is not hindered. One gentleman added a water feature.

I can’t wait to see all of the possibilities! Pure joy!

DesAnn Collins

DSA Staging Director & Trainer

1. Only work on Five —-until each one is completed with Pride.  I find that a creative mind is borderline attention deficit. Having relocated and rebuilt a new business several times.  I try and focus on what matters and my bank account will jump for joy.  It is easy to add a lot of marketing ideas to the list but it is harder to identify the best ones and stay the course.
2.  I will use Social media as a networking tool only and not fall into the “facebook over facetime”.  There is no substitute for a handshake and eye contact.  Face it Facebook can be an excuse for not working.  I know the power of this medium but don’t forget to evaluate just like you would any other marketing effort.
3. I will Track my Money.  I love making money and buzzing by the bank to deposit it but can I track it better? YES. I will try out the new financial apps by February 1 to see which ones work best for me.  I should see the proof that the advertising dollars produced the return I expected. 
4. I will either excel in jobs I don’t like or delegate them. Hiring an assistant is the best way to maximize my efforts. My first assistant was hired not because I was making so much money but because I wanted to make so much money.  I could see how extra hands would allow me more time to work more efficiently.
5. Host a charity event.  Paying it forward always Pays.  There are many options from hosting a small to large, free to small charge, many business coming together or just little ole you.  Don’t let this marketing event scare you…it a win for everyone.  Clients, connections and most importantly, helping others. 

Carol Bass Business Tips

1. New year new page. Plan the whole year then break it down month by month then week by week.
2. Put time lines on things. i.e.  I will have three articles published by June
3. Watch everything you are working on closely. If it is working do more of it. If it is not then stop doing it before it cost too much money.
4.  Do something every month that takes you out of your comfort zone.  Go for a TV commercial or try to get on the radio, or even schedules a speaking gig. Something that scares you. Add
5. Make a pledge to contact all your former clients in a new and different way.  A card or call. It is much easier to keep a former client than find a new on.

DesAnn’s Top Five

1. Learn to embrace yourself. Instead of trying to be like someone else or what people think you should be and just be. I know I have crazy hair and a big mouth so I just run with it!

2. Are you still “in love” with your work? Recognize what you love. If you find certain types of projects do not make you happy then create a referral network so you can refer out the projects that do not bring you joy.

3. Be FEARLESS! Push yourself past your comfort zone. If you do not like to be in front of groups speaking, pair-up with a “kindred spirit” business who does. You can support each other in a public setting.

4. Track your success and failures. You can not get to where you are going if you continue to be tripped up by efforts that are not working.

5. Educate, educate! Soak up as much information as you can. Attend webinars and edu-conferences.