Making Connections For Members of Your Network

How often do you sit with one of your contacts and discuss what it is they actually do? What I have noticed is that after having a one to one discussion with a contact, I find out more about their business than I ever would have at a networking event.

I had the opportunity recently to sit down in a local coffee shop with Deborah Flate of Dialogue Consulting. I've known Deborah for a few months now and have seen and spoken to her at several C.H.I.P.s events. I just realized, however that I never had a true grasp of what she does. Deborah runs a consulting firm that I originally thought targeted Interior Designers, maybe because I knew that she has a strong Interior Design background. While some of her services and workshops do target designers, what I found out was that her main clients are actually suppliers to the Interior Design community. Furniture & textile manufacturers, fabric suppliers, flooring suppliers, etc.

So my question to you is when was the last time you asked those in your network "What type of clients do you look for"? For even more clarity, I followed that question up with "What are some of your recent clients?" These simple questions will give you a better idea of what type of connections you can help make. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to look through my contact list and see who I can connect with Deborah, and who I should meet with next.

This post by Israel Retana. Israel is the founder of C.H.I.P.s and 2ndgeneration craftsman at Retana Cabinet Works , where they've been specializing in custom cabinetry and antique furniture restoration for nearly 30 years. He can be followed on twitter (iretana), friendedonFaceBook , connected with on Linkedin, or contacted atisrael@retanacabinetworks.com

Improving Your Outlook On Self-Improvement

Allow me one moment to get hippie-ish on you.

Being in sales for many years, I've attended many sales & self improvement seminars as well as purchasing many books on the same subjects (most of which, by the way, lose me within the first chapter). While I understand that there is a purpose and need for these seminars and books, I've found that they generally don't work for me. I usually find them to be filled with what I would consider to be common sense ("If you want to make more money, you just need to sell more..."). I've always wanted to write my own books: "How To Use 'How To' Books" and "Improving Your Self-Improvement Reading", and then of course, go on a speaking circuit based on the books.

Don't get me wrong, I have seen some speakers that have made an impact on me or my business (General Colin Powell comes to mind). I do like books by Bob Berg (Endless Referrals) and Keith Ferrazzi (Never Eat Alone); these books I've often lent out to others who have asked me for suggestions.

That being said, I'd like to suggest a book to you. The last four weeks or so have been rather hectic for me, and I find myself on the brink of losing control of both my business and personal life. When I feel this way, I often turn to The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. My younger brother turned me on to this book a few years ago, and I've read it a least twice a year since. This book is also filled with common sense, but a beautiful common sense that I need a reminder of from time to time. The book always helps me stop and rethink the path I'm on, and helps me calm down and find a different perspective. It's simply about four agreements one should make with others but more importantly with ourselves:

1. Always Be Impeccable With Your Word

2. Don't Take Anything Personally

3. Don't Make Assumptions

4. Always Do Your Best

Simple, right? I could expand on these, but I wouldn't do the book justice. Follow the link above and see it for yourself. I've bought a few copies of this book because sometimes I don't get it back when I lend it to someone. When I was managing a design center, I made it mandatory for my department managers to read this book and memorize the four agreements.

So what does this have to do with the Chicago home interiors business? Take a look at those agreements again. If you decide to make those agreements with your clients, associates, employees, family, etc., your business life and your personal life will be rich with true happiness.

I don't know about you, but that's what I'm looking for.

This post by Israel Retana. Israel is the founder of C.H.I.P.s and 2nd generation craftsman at Retana Cabinet Works , where they've been specializing in custom cabinetry and antique furniture restoration for nearly 30 years. He can be followed on twitter (iretana), friended onFaceBook , connected with on Linkedin, or contacted atisrael@retanacabinetworks.com

CHIPs Member Designated Certified Aging In Place Specialist

GOLD COAST BATH SYSTEM AWARDED
CERTIFIED AGING-IN-PLACE SPECIALIST (CAPS) DESIGNATION

Toba Marks of Gold Coast Bath Systems (GCBS) recently became one of the select
group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying her as one of the building industry’s top professionals with skills and knowledge specific to home modifications for aging-in-place.

“We’re thrilled that Ms. Marks has achieved this certification,” says Jane Wang-Wesley, President. “Our team is committed to exceeding the expectations of our clients, especially our aging population and serving as a true partner throughout the remodeling process. We look forward to continuing to provide reliable products and services of value to our customers.”

The Remodelers™ Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB Seniors Housing Council and the AARP created the CAPS program. The CAPS designation program teaches the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry—home modifications for the aging-in-place.

CAPS was developed to help home remodeling professionals meet the needs of the 77 million Baby Boomers that will reach retirement age in the first years of the 21st century. The CAPS designation identifies remodelers that have been trained to help retirees and older adults remain in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of income or ability level, and continue to live in a familiar environment throughout their maturing years.

In three days of coursework, the CAPS curriculum incorporates a variety of information tailored to aging-in-place home modifications, including: background on the older adult population; communication techniques; common aging-in-place remodeling projects; marketing to the aging-in-place market; common barriers and solutions; codes and standards; product ideas and resources; and business management.

CAPS program graduates are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and/or participating in community service projects. CAPS classes are offered through local and state home building associations and at national trade shows including NAHB’s International Builder’s Show and the Remodelers’ Show.

ABOUT NAHB: The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association, representing more than 200,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. Known as “the voice of the housing industry," NAHB is affiliated with more than 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB's builder
members construct about 80 percent of the new homes constructed each year, making housing one of the largest and most powerful engines of economic growth in the country.

ABOUT THE REMODELERS™ COUNCIL: The NAHB Remodelers™ Council is the department of the National Association of Home Builders that represents and serves the interests of its 10,000 remodeler members as well as other NAHB members involved in the remodeling industry. Through a federation of 150 local Remodelers Councils nationwide, and the national office, the Council provides information, education and certification to improve the business and construction expertise of its members and to enhance the professional image of the
industry. "Remodeler" is the trademarked identifier of NAHB members active in the remodeling industry.

About Gold Coast Bath Systems
Gold Coast Bath Systems is a premier full service interior remodeler based in Chicago, whose trained staff has served the city, its suburbs, and nearby cities in all types of remodeling projects. The company works in all types of building structures, including any vintage or new, single family or multi-unit, residential or commercial properties. The company caters to any and all phases of the projects, including surveying, designing, selection, installation, and future repair and services. The company warranties all products and services and honors all applicable warranties. The company representatives guide clients through the planning and implementation of projects, following site rules and building requirements, and are available for any future needs for years to come. The company welcomes all small or large projects.
Since 1993, the team at GCBS has worked for more than 1700 clients over the past 15 years.
Now, with the special training and competency, the team is eager to work with the elderly, veterans, and all other physically challenged populations in the community.

For more information, visit the Gold Coast Bath Systems website.

Feng Shui Tips For Selling A Home (Part 4 - Bedrooms)

Part Four of Four

(Originally published on AMH Co., Home Interiors, Inc. - published with permission)

Bedrooms - 

this space energy is for resting well. The bedroom can't help but feel like a very personal, private area of the home. It takes extra effort to remove the "personal" from this room, so you must really focus. Take the extra time to prepare your bedrooms by removing anything that speaks of who you are; don't allow the buyers to identify you (or your family). If they are able to do this, that's exactly what they will remember - you - not the bedroom. Again, you are selling the property, not your personal taste in decor. Keep bed linens fresh, simple and neutral...you want to create a spacious but comfortable feel in the bedrooms. Take a good inventory of your furnishings; is the room crowded or home to "left over" pieces? Create balance by placing the bed on the longest wall with two nightstands, if space allows. Check the light, both natural and artificial. Use the highest wattage bulbs recommended in lamps and open the drapes! A nice, good quality throw across the bed speaks to the comfort level in the room as does nice, plump decorative pillows and shams. Don't overdo the room with too much pattern or "fluff"...let it speak hotel chic! 

Ann-Marie Haynes is a member of C.H.I.P.s and brings fresh, inspiring and sophisticated interior design to the Greater Chicago area through AMH CO., Home Interiors, Inc. This post was originally published on her blog, and is part four in a series of four - to read the entire piece click here.

Feng Shui Tips For Selling A Home (Part 3 - Bathrooms)

Part Three of Four

(Originally published on AMH Co., Home Interiors, Inc. - published with permission)

BATHROOM - 
this space energy is for unwinding.No one needs to know what brand of toothpaste or hair products you use. Trust me, this will only make them feel as though they've invaded your space...distracting them from envisioning themselves in this space. Not want we want! Think spa...think fresh...think clean. Whether you have a large or small bathroom, it can look like a spa with just a few, select items. Always replace everyday towels with fresh, solid-colored towels for all showings. Please - put the toilet seat down!! Nothing is more awful than looking at someones toilet, not to mention, all positive energy gets flushed when the toilet seat is left up. Wipe the mirrors and vanity so all reflective surfaces do just that - reflect.

Ann-Marie Haynes is a member of C.H.I.P.s and brings fresh, inspiring and sophisticated interior design to the Greater Chicago area through AMH CO., Home Interiors, Inc. This post was originally published on her blog, and is part three in a series of four - to read the entire piece click here.