Mastermind Luncheon

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Comment by Melissa Osburn on August 19, 2009 at 3:11pm

I started attending the Mastermind Luncheon in the spring and have had wonderful feed back for improving my company's position and expanding its services. Attendees helped me select a revised business name and niches that I have now fully implemented and already seeing the benefits. I never leave the lunch with something new to use in my business or a way to help someone else.

Comment by David Faulkner on August 4, 2009 at 9:31pm

I want to thank David Stacey for addressing us today and for providing some wonderful and insightful information. It was obvious to me that David is a seasoned veteran and leaves no stone unturned with regards to providing his clients with all aspects of a successful business plan. I look forward to hearing again from David in the future.

Comment by Kevin Thompson on August 4, 2009 at 3:20pm

Thank you, David Stacey, for taking the time to chat with us today! You offered some very insightful commentary. It was a great first luncheon for me. Thanks again.

Comment by Tim Cummings, PE, AInstIB on June 11, 2009 at 3:42pm

Mastermind Luncheon - June 9, 2009

We started ouer mastermind session with Jeanette Shatz, owner of Pets and More. Jeanette is satisfied with the size of her business at this time, but is always open to meeting people who really care about their pets. If you can help make an introduction, that would be great.

Our next business owner was a first time participant by the name of Gerry George. Gerry has since become a CEO Nashville member. His company is Relevant Resources Group, LLC, which assists businesses with the procurement of corporate and government opportunities. In addition, Gerry provides consulting and support for those businesses as they grow. Gerry is looking for opportunities for clients in the areas of commerical office janitorial services, construction, and real estate development.

The next business owner was Heidi Hyatt who wowed us with her Wally Corn, a boutique flavored popcorn with her own health - and delicious - flavor coating. It was a big hit with everyone. Heidi owns Glass Design Studios, featuring the finest quality custom leaded glass windows. She is exercising her entreprenuerial flair as she brings Wally Corn to the market place. We brainstormed ways to get the popcorn produced and packaged and discussed a way to test market it locally, as well. Specifically, Heidi is looking for businesses that could produce and package the popcorn for her distribution. If you have ideas or specific contacts, please contact Heidi.

Continuing around the table, we had first time visitor Deanna Rupa. Deanna is an amazing entrepreneur with tons of contacts and she is not afraid to use them. She runs a non-profit DUO (Do Unto Others). Deanna has created a line of cartoon characters and several Christian children's books which she uses to secure donations to her project of helping people to remain in their homes. The books are quite entertaining and she has done a tremendous job or branding. Deanna is seeking to expand her range of contacts and build the network of people offering her books for sale. To learn more about the Gerkins, go to www.clubgerkins.com

Gerry George of Relevant Resources Group, LLC, Heidi Hyatt, owner of Glass Design Studios, and Deanna Rupa of the Duo Foundation.

Next at the table was a new visitor, Jeff Sparks. Jeff is with Qwest Bussiness. You may not realize that Qwest is the number three supplier of business telecommunications behind ATT and Verizon. Jeff is seeking to build Qwest's presence in the Nashville market. He is looking for medium to large businesses with Corproate Headquarters in the Nashville area. Qwest has some exceptional features in the areas of security and HIPPA compliance and at the same time may be able to bring savings to the client over existing communication services. If you have contacts that might be of interest, why not give Jeff a call.

Our next member was Megan McInnis, a branding and marketing professional with JTMarCom. She specializes in social networking. Her target client is a business with 10-15 employees or anyone in the entertainment field. She is looking for opportunities to make presentations on how to utilize social media as a part of your effective brand strategy. If you can make an introduction or schedule such a presentation, contact Megan.

Our last participant for the day was Erica Hayes, CPA, president of Fortunate Consulting, Inc. Erica has a small business and non-profit focus, but is ready to help any business with a need to define its structure and operations and develop the appropriate accounting systems to support those decisions. Her ideal client is a business 3-5 years old with a budget for accounting services. She also specializes working with businesses who have been keeping records on paper and are ready to migrate to a computerized accounting system. From the way she talked, I could tell that Erica is very knowledgeable about her business, and has the heart of a teacher. If Accounting is one of those areas where you don't know what you don't know, give Erica a call.

Jeff Sparks, of Qwest Business, Megan McInnis of JTMarCom, and Ericka Hayes of Fortunate Consulting, Inc.

If you missed this luncheon, there is always next week. Please make plans to attend soon. There is nothing better than walking into a place of cooperation with a need and leaving with a solution and new friends to help you move forward. We hope to see you soon.

Comment by Tim Cummings, PE, AInstIB on June 9, 2009 at 3:39am

Mastermind Luncheon - June 2, 2009

We had ten people attend lunch today. Two ladies were attending for the first time and two other attendees were friends we had not seen for some time. It is always interesting to see who shows up on any given day and on this day, we were blessed with a wonderful group of artists and graphics type individuals.

I started the meeting with a short presentation on Fusion Marketing. This is a technique where different businesses who have a very similar profile for their core target customer group work together to attract potential clients. After discussing Fusion Marketing, we went around the table, masterminding for each of the businesses represented.

First to present was Tony Bodoh, of Tony Bodoh, International. Tony has spent the last couple of years building and successfully launching this new business. One of the most amazing aspects of what he does is that Tony can help a business owner subjectively quantify and document the value of a business owner's goods and services to their client base. As you seek to clearly define your value proposition, Tony could be a great asset. Tony is looking to expand his client base. If you know of a business struggling to value its services or offerings contact Tony. You can reach him through is website at www.tonybodoh.com

The next participant in our Mastermind session was Jeanette Schatz co-host of the weekly luncheon. As you may know Jeanette is building her business Pet Care and More - Perfect care when you're not there! Jeanette is also looking for people who want that special extra touch by someone caring for their pets while they are away.

Tony Bodoh and Jeanette Schatz of Pets and More

Our next owner was Melody Erickson. As the first of our gifted artist, Melody elaborated on how she and four friends (fellow artists), employed fusion marketing at the Farmapalooza event. Melody has a wide range of business skills in addition to her artistic crafts. She has been successful in helping other businesses, especially those based on personal creativity, to be successful. When you realize what you don't know about running a business Melody would be a great resource.

Continuing around the table, we got to learn more about Denise Thompson and her selection of Dermatological products. Denise is building a direct marketing network for these products formulated by the same doctors who created Proactiv Skincare products. One of her product lines is targeted to repair skin damaged by the Sun. If you might be interested in becoming a client or a team member, don't hesitate to contact Denise.

Melody Erickson, Creative Market Presence and Denise Thompson, Rodan + Fields Dermatologists

Our next luncheon member was Megan McInnis. Megan is a specialist in branding, marketing and promoting your business through special events. She also shared that she is a writer for Examiner.com. Currently she is a Nashville Healthy Living Examiner - you can read her articles here. Megan is looking for people who are associated with a healthy lifestyle. If you or your business are focused in this area, get to know Megan and see if you can produce an article together.

A new lunch participant this week was Jacquelyn Thayer, a graphic designer. Jackie owns Market Arts and produces creative solutions for business promotions. Her portfolio of graphics was very impressive. Jackie is looking to expand the clients she serves, and is very open to working with other branding firms who may not have their own graphic artists on staff. If you are in need of some graphics Jackie would be a good contact for you.

Megan McInnis, JTMarcCom and Jacquelyn Thayer, Market Arts

Continuing with our creative lunchmates Lisa Kelley a longtime member of the Mastermind Group and a CEO Space graduate joined us. Lisa is CEO of White Chocolate Video Productions. Her company assists business owners with harnessing the power of the video media for branding, marketing, promotions, and securing capital. Video is a great tool for your website. If you are looking for a new and effective way to promote your business and draw in new clients, Lisa would be a great contact.

Our next luncheon participant was Ruth Cox. Ruth is an energy analyst with US-City Energy. Ruth can assist you with reducing your residential and/or business energy costs through a number of different technologies. Currently, Ruth is looking for assistance in connecting with home owners who want to save on their electric bills by reducing their peak energy demands.

Our final lunch participant joined us for her first time, Heidi Hyatt. Heidi, like many of us is an active entrepreneur, dividing her efforts between several businesses, including a music publishing company, a stained glass window studio, and the launch of a gourmet popcorn product. Heidi is interested in expanding her contacts and locating clients who are interested in one of a kind windows for their homes. You can contact Heidi through the LinkedIn Network by clicking here

As you can see, each meeting has a flavor all its own. We hope that you may join us for lunch and add your distinctive perspective, skill set, and contacts. Feel free to contact any of these members if you need their skills and products; or if you can help them to make their next step.

Lisa Kelly of White Chocolate Videos, Ruth Cox of US-City Energy, and Heidi Hyatt, Glass Design Studios

Comment by Tim Cummings, PE, AInstIB on June 1, 2009 at 12:29pm

I also enjoyed visiting with Melody and her associates at the Farmapalooza event in Franklin. They were showing very creative marketing - called fusion marketing - in their booth. These 5 ladies are all very talented and gifted artists working in 5 different media. By banding together, they offer 5 different opportunities to draw customers into their booth. Once there, a person who loves art and creativity will find themselves looking at the other art forms represented. A great lesson in marketing and cooperation! Way to go Melody and Friends!

Comment by Jason Nickell on June 1, 2009 at 11:43am

I want to say that my day in Franklin saterday was very pleasant, Miss. Melodyhad a very impressive booth and great attitude for success . I am glad to see our members with such drive . I think our motto should be : "if you want to grow meet with CEO" lol.

Comment by Tim Cummings, PE, AInstIB on May 27, 2009 at 10:24am

Mastermind Meeting May 26, 2009

This week's luncheon brought two new entrepreneurs to our group. Philip Shoults, a member of CEO Nashvile and Ron Miller, a Music Teacher and Entrepreneur. Other participants incluuded Melissa Osburn, Megan McInnis, Jeanette Schatz - all members of CEO Nashville and Olga Alexeeva and Ruth Cox.

Philip Shoults (http://ceonashville.ning.com/profile/PhilipShoults) brings almost 20 years of experience, working with manufacturing businesses in the construction industry, to his consulting practice. His skill set makes Philip a tremendous resource for businesses in need of an organizational redesign. In today's new business environment, many businesses need help in this area to be profitable. Philip told us that his gifting is to help companies translate insight into action around the business' strategy. He has several out-of-town clients, but is looking to build relationships within our local community. If you know of a business friend who is in need of Philip's abilities, why not introduce them to each other.

Philip Shoults and Olga Alexeeva

Olga Alexeeva is an Artist and entrepreneur who has relocated from Moscow to Nashville. Besides being a fabulous artist, Olga is a crackerjack marketer. All of us can learn from her tenacious efforts to develop a relationship with art lovers so that when they are ready to buy, they want to buy from Olga. She is looking for people to come to the opening of her new studio location this Thursday. You can get the details at http://ogalleryart.homestead.com/events.html.

Ron Miller is an amazingly gifted person with a passion for all aspects of music. He has the heart of a teacher and will work with students of all ages, abilities, and interests. Ron has a strong entrepreneurial streak and shows it through his willingness to help others. One area where he may help your business is in bring music into your branding process. Audio branding can create a very strong top-of-mind recall ... think of all of your childhood jingles you can sing or hum without even thinking .... Ron next step is to build his student base. Perhaps, like me, you gave up on playing an instrument long ago, but now would like to pick it up again. Ron could be a way to make that happen.

Melissa Osburn and Ron Miller

Melissa Osburn of Pro View Property Inspections (http://ceonashville.ning.com/profile/ProView) contributed to our business exchange during lunch. She provided thoughtful connections for several of the people present. Melissa can provide inspections for both residential and commercial properties. For her next step, she wants to talk with others who are currently seeking investors for commercial property projects. She is interested in working with others to develop the profile for such investors in this current economic climate. If you are looking for this type of investor as well, contact Melissa and see what you can do together.

Among our other lunch buddies, Ruth Cox is an energy analyst who can help you reduce your electric bill. She has access to green energy devices such as solar panels and wind generators which can produce electricity for the home owner. She also has a device called the Tesla which can reduce your peak demand charges, thus lowering your energy bill on a monthly basis. There are Tesla devices for homes and businesses.

Ruth Cox and Megan McInnis

Megan McInnis (http://ceonashville.ning.com/profile/MeganMcInnis) joined us for lunch. Megan is relatively new to Nashville. She has joined with JTMarcCom, a marketing and branding company. Megan brings gifting in branding and in marketing through social networks to the table. Her special interests include event planning. If you need to get your business known, an event might be the perfect way to make a name for yourself. Contact Megan and see how you can take that next step.

Jeanette Schatz (http://ceonashville.ning.com/profile/JeanetteSchatz) continues to build her business Pets and More. She would love referrals to people who treasure their pets and have a need for someone to help give these pets some special attention. When Jeanette is invited into a home, she provides care and love and a whole lot more! Check her out!

As for my next step, I http://ceonashville.ning.com/profile/TimCummingsPEAInstIB have developed training to help business owners to plan and budget for performing ministry through their businesses in the market place. I am looking for opportunities to present this teaching to business groups, church groups, or one-on-one. If you have some suggestions or contacts, please let me know.

Well, you can see we had a great time on Tuesday. If you need to contact one of the attendees who is not a member of CEO Nashville, please contact Jeanette Schatz or myself and we will get you contact information as is appropriate. Don't miss next week's meeting. If you plan to come, consider sending an RSVP. You can do so at http://ceonashville.ning.com/events/mastermind-luncheon.

Comment by Tim Cummings, PE, AInstIB on May 23, 2009 at 10:32am

Mastermind Meeting May 19, 2009
We had a great time at lunch, greeting four first time visitors and with three returning lunch members. Let me share what you missed. Among the first time visitors, we welcomed Melody Erickson who has a wide variety of skills in graphic design, art, business consulting and branding. She has a good grasp of how to brand a company across the spectrum of outlets, including the popular social networks. This is a skill any small business should be taking advantage. Melody is a member of CEONashville.com.

Our second new visitor was Heidi Tieslau. Heidi has just taken a position with Second Harvest, helping them improve their success in food drives and with event planning. She looks forward to working with local businesses, providing you with exposure while helping build Second Harvest. In a time when marketing budgets are being cut, partnering with non-profits in support of community events, can open a new path to customers.

Heidi brought Zach Davil with her. Zach is currently in transition, but has experience in running small businesses going all the way back to a successful T-shirt business he ran while in college. Zach is an ideas type of guy who has a passion for building a healthy fast food chain.

George Smoley had heard about our group sometime ago, but showed up for the first time to check us out. George has been a successful facilities manager for several large companies. He understands what it takes to support the manufacturing operations of a business and can be a great resource for someone looking to start a manufacturing enterprise or to improve the efficiency of an existing facility.

Our returning members included Melissa Osburn. Melissa is CEO of Pro View Property Inspections and a member of CEONashville.com. Pro View does property inspections for residential and commercial properties as well as performing Reserve Studies for home owners' associations. Melissa is interested in helping non-profits who are initiating building programs to assist them in getting the most for their money. Melissa is interested in working with others who are recruiting investors for real estate opportunities.

Jeanette Schatz helped host the luncheon. Jeanette continues to build her business, Pets and More. She provides companionship and care for pets and your home when you can't be there.

The lunch time passed quickly as we all had a chance to discuss what we needed next. A lot of See Me cards were exchanged and opportunities abounded to move each business forward. We are all experiencing challenging times in running our businesses, but the time spent at a Mastermind Luncheon always more than pays for itself. Hope to see you there next Tuesday.

Heidi, Zach, Melody and Jeanette

Tim, Melissa, and George