Professional Biz Connections 9.10.13

Professional Biz Connections Newsletter 9.10.13

Another week has passed, another week hitting the ground running. Just like this week’s musical tribute we must dance to the music played. Menu Magazines First Thursday networking even was a fun filled event with close to 100 people. The food was fantastic and the people better. I definitely would suggest that our chapter members get out in full force and network this event. I passed out over 50 business cards with Professional Biz Connections web site.

I had a very pleasant time with Mary King a former Biz Connections member. It is always a special time to meet up with Mary. I remember meeting Mary at one of the first chapter meetings when we were are Serenoa Lakes golf course and the sparkle in her eye and she still has that sparkle. She is practicing law regarding IRS work so if any of you for any reason I do not want to know are having IRS issues see Mary. This week I also visited Stephanie Dluzneski and would like to thank her for closed business. Stephanie is with Take shape for life. I also would like to thank Jim Tate our former member with credit cards for closed business.

This past week was a short work week with the holiday. I love a 4 day work week though it seems I am always catching up with the lost day. I could have a 10 day week and still try to catch up from a lost day. Part of my great weeks is due to Kim’s and Dr. Dees treatment. Though I am going to get the needle in the ear for sleep and hope that allows me to nap during treatment. Not that I need it anyway I always seem to come out of Kim’s treatment a little short of an air head. This time I was so relaxed I almost forgot to pay her. I started to head out the door and Kim said you can pay me next week. I completely forgot that is real relaxed people. I would have made it to my car and said (expletive) I have to ride the elevator 2 floors. I am blown away what acupuncture can do and what it does.

This week I have been out visiting clients and it is great to know I still have it. I have a blast working with customers. They are so much fun and exciting to me. I get the chance to hear old stories of real world living. I get to hear sorrows and explosive joyfulness stories. The best part is I get the chance to see their eyes light up when they tell their stories. I do enjoy hearing g stories of how my customers met and ended up marrying. Recently I was told of a man that went to Italy to visit relatives and saw a woman and instantly they both felt the earth shake, rattle, and roll. They married while he was on vacation and have been married 67 years. How cool is that just like a story book romance. Referrals were more like cold leads that are not solid but could turn into something and I cannot count those.

Now to the portion of this newsletter that we KNOW Jayme likes the spotlight on music. The past couple of weeks I have stepped back in time and this week imagine this is no different. This band busted on the scene around 1967 and was the sign of the times. Dance to the music, Everyday people, Thank you, I want to take you higher, Stand, Family Affair, Different strokes by different folks to name a few of the family’s songs. Everyone knew the lyrics to the songs and danced like fools. Of coruse the music had rhythm but we did not, our arms flailed and our legs went in f=different directions than or arms. That was ok as we had fun. Here is the link to a recent concert by some of the original members. http://youtu.be/CJUQQadUJB0

Enjoy the songs, dance in your chair and submit your referrals, closed business at BNI Global Connect. Let your hair down, uncork that bottle of wine, and sing and dance a little in celebration that we lived through an exciting time musically and socially and still going strong. Boom shakalocka.( new old word)

BNI EVENTS

Member Success Program, 9:30a-12:30, Hampton Inn & Suites
09/06/2013 9:15 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:30am-12:30pm, Chain of Lakes Complex, Winter Haven, FL
09/06/2013 9:30 AM
Leadership Team Training-Polk, 11:45a-4:00pm, TBA Church, Lakeland
09/13/2013 11:45 AM
Leadership Team Training-Lee/Collier, 8:15a-12:30p, location Embassy Suites, Estero
09/14/2013 8:15 AM
Leadership Team Training-Lee/Collier, 1:45p-6:00p, location Embassy Suites, Estero
09/18/2013 1:45 PM
Member Success Program-Sarasota-AmericInn 5931 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL
09/20/2013 9:15 AM
Leadership Team Training, 8:15a-12:30p, The Venetian River Club, North Venice
09/21/2013 8:15 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:00a-12:00p, Comfort Inn, 9800 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs, Fl
09/23/2013 9:00 AM
Leadership Team Training-Sarasota, 12:45p-6:00p, The Venetian River Club
09/24/2013 12:45 PM
Leadership Roundtable 12:00p-1:30p, Citizens Bank and Trust, 402 S. Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
10/09/2013 12:00 PM
Member Success Program(MSP) 2:00p-5:00p, Citizens Bank and Trust 402 S. Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland
10/09/2013 2:00 PM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:30a-12:30p, Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers/Airport/FGCU
10/11/2013 9:30 AM
Leadership Roundtable 1:00p-2:30p, Hilton Garden Inn, 16410 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL
10/11/2013 1:00 PM
Awards Gala-Lee and Collier Counties, 6-9 pm, Crowne Plaza, Fort Myers
10/11/2013 6:00 PM
Leadership Team Roundtable 7:30-9:00 am, AmericInn 5931 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
10/18/2013 7:30 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:15a-12:30p, AmericInn 5931 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
10/18/2013 9:15 AM

Professional Biz Connections Newsletter 9/2/13

Professional Biz Connections Newsletter 9/2/13

What a strange strange trip it has been this past week. I had 4 referrals to give. The great news is my referral partners could not do the work. They were too busy. Bad news the jobs could not wait. 2 of the jobs were rental units where I had to get hot water to the tenants and the other was a hotel and it was essential to get them up and running immediately. I needed exhaust pipe installed and electric. I am lucky that my referral funnel is large and deep.

This past week I have met with more sales people than I normally meet with in a month. One I believe is an exceptional opportunity to grow your business. Be aware the lady is very excited and enthusiastic about her product. Slow her down and ask her to send you an email and set a return time to speak to her. I was told not to expect client calls for a few weeks from their efforts and by Friday I had already received 2 calls. For me it has paid for itself for 1 month.

I would like to thank Jayme and Kim for their referrals. I am extremely happy that we could help Jayme and Kim’s referral. I am also anxious to visit Kim on Tuesday. Friday we had a Hotel call for a commercial water heater. It was supposed to be in Tampa. When we were on our way at 5:00 PM we received a phone call to inform us it was not there. We found it in another city. We headed towards Miami at 7:00 PM returning to Sarasota at 3:00 AM for a Saturday 8:00 AM install. I am still exhausted. The seat that I sat in for over 6 hours was a perfect 90 degree angle similar to the old airplane seats back in the day. The exception is you could not move the truck seat backwards 2 inches for the comfortable setting.

http://youtu.be/dZesbTTpsVk Listening to this music and writing the newsletter my foot is jumping up and down to the beat at a very high rate of speed. I am extremely happy for a slow song; You can’t always get what you want. My other problem is I breakout in song. That normally is not too bad however I am wearing a headset. Suzy has come in a few times and reminded me that she did not pay for the show. This band does not require an intro however this is our newsletter and so the show must go on. The Rolling Stones

Many years ago, 22 to be exact my friends and I purchased tickets to the Rolling Stones. Back then I said before I die I want to see Keith Richards and Ron Wood jamming with cigs burning from the bridge of their guitars. It was during the Steel Wheels Tour. I have been to a Stones concert in the past during the Jumpin Jack Flash years. I did not remember that concert.

We were with 107 thousand of our closest friends bopping all over the place. We had 3rd row seats. Forget the seats no one sits when they are that close. As lousy luck would have it, it was at a time where I liked to sit. This concert I did not forget. This was one of the best live shows I have ever seen. They were full of energy and a show to match. After the show they had a spectacular fireworks show celebrating the 4th of July. It was at this concert where I found a new favorite song called 1000 lite years from home. They had changed the song from the original album and it blew me away.

I was able to fulfill my dream of watching the cigs burning attached to the bridge of their guitars while the boys in the band jammed. This concert is a cut down version. They played for over 3 hours and ricked like there was no tomorrow. If you ever do get the chance to see the Stone do yourself a favor and go. They are really good in concert. They are a band that gets better with age.

BNI Events

Member Success Program, 9:30a-12:30p
09/06/2013 9:15 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:30am-12:30pm, Chain of Lakes Complex, Winter Haven, FL
09/06/2013 9:30 AM
Leadership Team Training-Polk, 11:45a-4:00pm, TBA Church, Lakeland
09/13/2013 11:45 AM
Leadership Team Training-Lee/Collier, 8:15a-12:30p, location Embassy Suites, Estero
09/14/2013 8:15 AM
Leadership Team Training-Lee/Collier, 1:45p-6:00p, location Embassy Suites, Estero
09/18/2013 1:45 PM
Member Success Program-Sarasota-AmericInn 5931 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL
09/20/2013 9:15 AM
Leadership Team Training, 8:15a-12:30p, The Venetian River Club, North Venice
09/21/2013 8:15 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:00a-12:00p, Comfort Inn, 9800 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs, Fl
09/23/2013 9:00 AM
Leadership Team Training-Sarasota, 12:45p-6:00p, The Venetian River Club
09/24/2013 12:45 PM

Menu Magazine will have a networking event at Sam Sneads off Hillview Street this Thursday. Go to meetup.com to register for this event.

Professional Biz Connections Newsletter 8/27/13

Professional Biz Connections Newsletter 8/27/13

What a week. It started on Monday and has sustained and seemed never-ending until today, Sunday. Non- stop action, please do not ask me what I have been up to as I have zilch to show for it. All I know, I was on the go and spent most of the week traveling in my vehicle. The car looks lived in and is in dire need of a serious cleaning both inside and out. I think that is ok however I am not quite sure I would like to keep doing this week in and week out. This week our guys have been exceptionally busy. This had me visiting customers helping them get what they want and deserve. I cannot believe how much of a creature of habit I have become. Changing the routine changed my line of normal activates. Hopefully this next week I will be back.

I suggested to numerous customers to call other services. However it seemed like they were unwilling to pull the trigger. One such customer has had his heating and air conditioning equipment that has not been modified since 1994. I understand why he is hesitant to move on those units as he is getting ready to have his water piping re-lined and have us install filtration and 3 water heaters. It is expensive to own a home and maintain the home the way it should. I was able to pass 2 to Palm Island and a third did not pan out. I should have but did not keep track of any others. If I did send something to you please remind me. I was able to help a contact of Jayme’s giving her people to connect with to help aid her in her quest to enter the workforce.

I named this past week “Back to school week” in Sarasota for obvious reasons. I believe people are being hesitant to move forward due to all of the activity and uncertainty. This can be a stressful week for kids and parents. I appreciate and get the humor in the back to school week with my wife and daughter welcoming students and prepping them to receive teaching instructions.

I am definitely extremely happy to do what I do. I am also exceedingly happy that we have become empty nesters. We do not have to worry about hurrying up teenagers and still having them miss the bus. I enjoy having the bathroom to myself without make-up and hair care products all of the counter and my toothpaste empty.

There are certain things that I do miss with our children becoming young adults. Suzy has always had to get up and go to work earlier than the kids had to be at school with exception of high school. I used to get the girls ready and braid their hair, pulled back in a ponytail or pigtails. I never became proficient with their hair and I loved it anyway. I definitely used the Bill Cosby diet plan for breakfast. Cake does have all the stuff a kid needs plus extra sugar for the teachers.

This week’s musical tribute I propose to go back in time to the mid 70’s when this group was at its peak. I have seen this group 2 times live and they sound better than ever. Personally I believe this group took a downward spiral when they went from playing music bad tried to become theatrical. The band has had a few musical changes and went back to their roots. One of my favorite songs by this group is a song that Tommy Shaw wrote called Crystal Ball. http://youtu.be/l8tFmGxHKEE

The new singer sounds almost identical to the old lead singer and seems to have more energy than Denis De Young. I am glad that they are back together and putting out a great sound once again. Tommy Shaw looks like he is enjoying the music more than ever. Enjoy the new STYX. This is a celebration of The Grand Illusion Tour. Take a listen and drop back in time.

I stopped in to pick up our veggies this past Friday and had the pleasure of seeing Michele outside of our BNI Chapter meetings. I also had the chance to speak with Jayme. It is always nice to interact with our members on the outside.

BNI Events

Member Success Program (MSP) 6:00p-9:00p, IHOP 1789 Tamiami Tr., Port Charlotte
08/27/2013 6:00 PM
Member Success Program, 9:30a-12:30p
09/06/2013 9:15 AM
Member Success Program (MSP) 9:30am-12:30pm, Chain of Lakes Complex, Winter Haven, FL
09/06/2013 9:30 AM
Leadership Team Training-Polk, 11:45a-4:00pm, TBA Church, Lakeland
09/13/2013 11:45 AM
Leadership Team Training-Lee/Collier, 8:15a-12:30p, location Embassy Suites, Estero
09/14/2013 8:15 AM
Leadership Team Training-Lee/Collier, 1:45p-6:00p, location Embassy Suites, Estero
09/18/2013 1:45 PM
Member Success Program-Sarasota-AmericInn 5931 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL
09/20/2013 9:15 AM
Leadership Team Training, 8:15a-12:30p, The Venetian River Club, North Venice
09/21/2013 8:15 AM
Member Success Program (MSP) 9:00a-12:00p, Comfort Inn, 9800 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs, Fl
09/23/2013 9:00 AM
Leadership Team Training-Sarasota, 12:45p-6:00p, The Venetian River Club
09/24/2013 12:45 PM

Menu Magazine
WOW! It’s our 1st Anniversary of 1st Thursdays Happy Hour !
Thu Sep 05 starts at 5:00 PM. Please go to meetup.com and register for this networking event

o → RSVP
o 67 attending
o 7 comments
Sam Snead’s American Grill
1830 South Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, FL (map

Professional Biz Connections Newsletter 8/20/13

Professional Biz Connections Newsletter 8/20/13

I got the feeling that I am feeling lucky again. This whole year among many other years have been just that way. There is no other way to explain what has happened and is happening. Then again I have always been lucky with the way the roll of the dice has landed. It all starts with an attitude of gratitude and being thankful for what I or you have.

The amazing part of all this is all of the wonderful people I have had the opportunity to work with and for in the past, present, and in the future. There has never been a step forward and 2 steps backward. It has been the idea of walking forward sometimes blindly and landing squarely on my feet.

A big reason for this has been the people that are extremely important to me and have made sure to help me when I wobbled a bit and almost fell. The most important person throughout and she must have a saint somewhere watching and helping her is my wife Suzy. All the crazy, zany, and frequently stupid things that I thought were once a good idea at the time she has inspired and has been the level one that supported me.

Yeah yeah I know you are wondering where this is going. Part of my success is your success. You have allowed me to shine with my customers and I tip my hat and congratulate you for a job well done. We have amazing referral partners. The strength of our referral partners is not only with their professional skill it is in the way they communicate with other people. This without a doubt is the strongest group of characters Professional Biz Connections has had in its 3 years plus reign. The potential within this chapter is mind-blowing.

We must say thank you to Michele, Kim, and Dan for their vision to lead this group. Each has given so much of their time to help guide and develop this chapter. Now it is up to us to grab and run with their vision and excitement to trek forward at a greater pace since they have laid the groundwork for us to follow. As they prepare to relinquish their roles please take time to thank each of them for fulfilling their roles with a well done. I have a saying I would rather be known for well-done then well said.

This week has been extremely busy for me. I was pulled from all sides and had a great week. Quite a few quotes were accepted for work down the road. With all the people I have seen I was called upon to give different types of referrals this week. This is what networking is really about as far as I am concerned. It is about building funnel of networking partners that can help in all phases of life.

I have been building a network for many years. I have also wondered for many years exactly how to use the networking funnel. At first I was hungry to gain work for our company due to that really being the message and what was taught. The concept is an easy concept give without expectation of getting. These ties directly into Zig Ziglar’s message; when you help enough people get what they want you will get what you need. Somehow I knew there was more to this than what we have been led to believe. I have given to a business in various states leads to other professionals in separate states. I have used BNI to give my customers professionals in their northern homes. We have had people call our office and they were out of our area and I have given them to other plumbers across the state of Florida, Finally I have given to members of our chapter and other chapters in our region. I have used my network to give my customer’s more business by referring clients to them and a way to meet other professionals in the area. This past week I discovered one more way to use my network.

Referrals are not always about giving your business referral partners work. This is something that I have learned this week. Here is my discovery: I was able to send 4 of our customers business by hooking them up with some of my networking friends that needed their services. Something way better than this is I hooked up 2 people that were unemployed with jobs. Today I was able to give another person that is unemployed the opportunity to talk with other people in my funnel for possible employment. This is the true power of networking and helping others. All 7 of these people are customers of Bill the Plumber. One of our purposes is to make a difference in people’s lives in any way that we can. Allow your network funnel to inspire dreams for other people.

On a reverse note this week I am only able to pass 2 referrals to BNI members 1 to Matt of Palm Island Electric and I did pass a referral to a plumber in Orlando. I did receive a referral from a BNI member from Bradenton. I am going to look at that job on Tuesday. I invited her to visit our chapter and she will be there Tuesday. I look forward to understanding how our chapter can help her company. I would like to thank Greg for closed business. We were able to help him complete a sink install at his church. Thanks Greg.

I would like to thank Michael Mansfield and Andrew Haddad for contributing content to our blog driving new visitors to our web site. To reach wider audiences please send SEO key words for your profession. Keep the great articles coming?

This week’s musical challenge Sarah Brightman http://youtu.be/EvuhMYU-Zas. This is from the Harem World Tour. Andrew Lloyd Weber is said to have written Phantom of the Opera especially for Sarah to sing. I have been a fan of Sara Brightman well over 5 years. She also sang with the Gregorian Monks prior to her sister singing with them.
There are some interesting cover songs that are good . She sings Dust in the wind sung by Kansas in the 70’s, Do you want to live forever a Queen song for the movie Highlander. She also sings A whiter shade of pale from the early 70’s. She has an amazing voice mixing pop with opera. The video offers more songs than the album/cd and is the concert version.

Leadership Roundtable 7:30-9:00 am, AmericInn, 5931 Fruitville Road Sarasota
08/16/2013 7:30 AM
Leadership Roundtable 8:00am-9:15am, Community Southern Bank, 3340 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland
08/16/2013 8:00 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:30a-12:30p, AmericInn 5931 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
08/16/2013 9:15 AM
Ambassador Meeting 9:30-11:00 am, AmericInn, 5931 Fruitville Road Sarasota
08/16/2013 9:30 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:30a-12:30p,Comunity Southern Bank, 3340 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland
08/16/2013 9:30 AM
BNI Connect – Online Slips & Referral Tracking
08/19/2013 11:00 AM
BNI Connect-Connections, Groups & Testimonials
08/21/2013 1:00 PM
BNI Connect-Building VCP (Updating Your Profile)
08/23/2013 9:00 AM
Leadership Roundtable 7:00a-8:30a, The Comfort Inn, 9800 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs, FL
08/26/2013 7:00 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:00a-12:00p, Comfort Inn, 9800 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs, Fl
08/26/2013 9:00 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 6:00p-9:00p, IHOP 1789 Tamiami Tr., Port Charlotte
08/27/2013 6:00 PM
Member Success Program, 9:30a-12:30p
09/06/2013 9:15 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:30am-12:30pm, Chain of Lakes Complex, Winter Haven, FL
09/06/2013 9:30 AM
Leadership Team Training-Polk, 11:45a-4:00pm, TBA Church, Lakeland
09/13/2013 11:45 AM
Leadership Team Training-Lee/Collier, 8:15a-12:30p, location Embassy Suites, Estero
09/14/2013 8:15 AM
Leadership Team Training-Lee/Collier, 1:45p-6:00p, location Embassy Suites, Estero
09/18/2013 1:45 PM
Leadership Team Training, 8:15a-12:30p, The Venetian River Club, North Venice
09/21/2013 8:15 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:00a-12:00p, Comfort Inn, 9800 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs, Fl
09/23/2013 9:00 AM
Leadership Team Training-Sarasota, 12:45p-6:00p, The Venetian River Club
09/24/2013 12:45 PM

Changes in the Foreclosure process for Florida

Andrew Haddad

Sarasota Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
941.313.1218

Changes in the Foreclosure process for Florida

Recently, Governor Scott signed the HB 87 into law. This law has been referred to by many as the supercharger for the foreclosure engine in the judicial system. Currently, the average foreclosure process takes approximately 2.5 years to work its way through the process to the final date of foreclosure sale. Aside from the time it takes, this new process shifts due process of the “burden of proof” from the lender to the homeowner. In addition, there is a tiny time frame (45 days) for the homeowner to produce the paperwork to defend their case. A modification or short sale with the lender is no longer considered a legal defense. Traditionally speaking, the foundation of our legal system puts the burden of proof on the plaintiff. However not in this situation with HB 87 the defendant must supply the burden of proof.
What does this mean for homeowners facing a foreclosure lawsuit?
As a homeowner, you will need to be prepared to move much more quickly than what someone you know may have experienced through a foreclosure process. Since this is new and we don’t know exactly how quickly it can move through the process, I would anticipate and be prepared for somewhere between 91-180 days from the day you are served Lis Pendens paperwork. Step one; contact a good foreclosure defense attorney immediately. I have several that I highly recommend. Don’t just do a Google search; get a referral from someone who has direct knowledge. Step two, contact a really savvy Realtor who will list and market your home for the best chances of success for a short sale approval with your lender(s). This process of selection is as important as your attorney selection. Don’t go with a Realtor because they have a sign in the yard of a house up the street. Interview, do your research, ask how many short sales your agent has successfully completed and get a gauge of their knowledge. Step three, list your home and start preparing your paperwork that will be required for your short sale and foreclosure defense. This can feel overwhelming- stay in constant communication with your team (attorney and Realtor) to discuss your concerns and stay on the same page in the process. Emotionally and mentally, this is very important. Keep in mind, you do not have a moment to spare. This new process could potentially reduce the average time to foreclosure by more than a fourth.

During the months of April 2012 –May 2013, there were 103,000 foreclosures in Florida. Our state leads the nation in foreclosures; 20,000 more than California which is a state nearly double our size. Unfortunately, this new law will give greater leverage to the banks. There are roughly 700,000 properties in foreclosure in Florida as I type this in June, 2013. Once a foreclosure process starts, we fear it will be nearly impossible to stop it. The only good thing we found in HB 87 was the reduction of time the banks can pursue deficiency, but that may lead to simply a stronger fight against the homeowner for the debt after the foreclosure sale through collections, judgments, or garnishment of wages.

Written by Kristi Service and Andrew Haddad – Sarasota Rainmakers

12 Ways to Lose Weight

12 Ways to Lose Weight

Copyright2012 Mansfield
By Michael R. Mansfield, MBA, CPFT
Most people are only aware of a few ways to lose weight. The reality is that a person becomes overweight by forming habits that lead away from fitness. Replacing the fattening habits with slimming/fitness habits is the way to achieve and maintain a slender body that functions well. It is important to acquire new habits that are targeted toward healthy, slim fitness instead of just away from fatness. “Crack” cocaine might aid in weight loss, but at the cost of health and sanity. If you want to lose weight, add some of the below listed habits and eventually your new good habits will overcome the old “fat friendly” habits. The general categories of habits that affect our bodies are food and drink, physical exercise, medication use, and mental attitudes about our place in the world.

Dietary Change is an obvious category of habits that can guide you out of the “wide world”. Let’s start with the fact that the fat you eat is the fat you wear. Most women in the USA are between 35 and 40% body fat. The average American diet is between 35 and 40% fat. What a coincidence! Since oil and fat are higher in calories per gram (9 calories per gram) than protein (4 calories/gram), carbohydrate (4 calories/gram) or alcohol (7 calories/gram), you can consume less calories and store less fat by reducing your dietary fat intake. A simple rule is to keep all or your food intake under 30% calories from fat. Check the labels and do the math. I keep all of my food intake below 20% calories from fat. Nobody has ever had a deficiency of fat unless they were starving.

On the same subject, we can gain a great deal health and weight loss advantages by increasing our intake of dietary fiber. We all know that we should eat more fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Instead of snacking on a candy bar, eat two pieces of fruit. A banana and a pear are about the same calories as a candy bar and are much more satisfying. Over time, as your digestive tract gets enough fiber, the digestive process will speed up and you will absorb fewer total calories. Also, fiber is an important part of eating satisfaction. If you ever watched any of those documentaries on super heavy people, you probably noticed that they did not get that way by eating lots of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. At the same time, reducing our intake of fibreless foods, we can reduce total calories and keep the digestion working well. Meat, fish, processed white grains, animal fat, vegetable oil and dairy products all lack fiber. Do not worry; nobody has ever died from protein deficiency. In fact bulls, horses and gorillas stay big and strong eating leaves, grass and whole grains. Two men became Mr. Universe on vegetarian diets.

Eating three times per day is not a good habit. Do not wait to get hungry. The recommendation is to eat six small meals per day. All you have to do is eat some fruit between your usual meals and you will not be as hungry, therefore you will eat less total calories. I find that by eating every three hours, I do not really get very hungry. By the way, eating more often has another advantage. Each time you put something that contains calories into your stomach, it increases your metabolism (meaning that you burn more calories).

Liquid calories are a good way to gain weight. Cut down on beer (ever heard of a beer belly?), wine, soda, juices, milk and you will see big changes. In the long run, eliminate all liquid calories. Nature has provided water and it has zero calories. I have heard numerous stories about people losing weight by cutting out carbonated, sugar laden drinks or eliminating alcohol. When I quit drinking alcoholic beverages, I eventually lost 130 pounds (in other words I lost the alcoholic wife).

Physical exercise is next.</a Since I have covered five ways to reduce caloric intake, let’s go to the other side of the formula for slimness and fitness. Each type of activity that burns calories can assist us in our quest for healthy weight loss in several ways. Years ago, a coworker went from 350 pounds to 175 pounds by walking 90 minutes per day. When a person does steady cardiovascular exercise (aka: cardio) at a medium heart rate, extra calories are burned during the exercise period. Also, cardio increase metabolism for three to five hours afterward (the body burns more calories) every time. At a medium level of effort/heart rate, a training effect occurs over weeks and months. This increases the body’s ability to burn fat and eventually it is necessary to increase intensity to attain the original target heart rate. So for the same perceived effort level, the exerciser will burn more calories per session. But the best effect of cardio training is in the long term, the ratio of calories coming from carbohydrates is reduced, while not exercising, and the rate of burning fat is increased. Normally, untrained individuals burn about half fat and half carbohydrates while not exercising. This can be pushed as high as 70% fat over a few years. To sum up cardio training, it gives us four ways to burn fat, only one of which happens while exercising. My specific recommendation is a total of 90 minutes of cardio per week at a heart rate of between 120 and 140 beat per minute.

Here come three more slimming methods. Cardio exercise is not the only exercise that assists in weight loss and slimming. In the long term, strength training can improve body shape and increase metabolism as much or more than cardio. I put a 29 year old man on a simple weight training program and told him to stick with it three days per week and ignore what all the other people were doing in the fitness center. In one year he tripled his strength and lost two pounds. His waist was slimmer, his chest and arms were bigger and people noticed the changes. I am not saying that everyone should be gung ho bodybuilders. I am saying that most overweight people are also under muscled. Here is how it works. During strength training sessions, a person will burn some calories; less than during cardio, but a calorie is a calorie. After each strength training session, the results get very interesting. The metabolism boost is going for six to ten hours after each session, which is twice as long as from cardio workouts. It gets even better. A good strength training program can add three to five pounds of muscle mass per year. Five pounds of muscle takes up the space of one pound of fat. Every pound of muscles burns 35 to 50 calories per day, 365 days per year. So a person who adds five pounds of muscle from strength training will burn an extra an extra 15 pounds of fat per year. Besides increased metabolism, a person with stronger muscles will automatically have stronger bones, joints and spine. For someone who needs to lose a lot of weight, do the math on adding 10 pounds of muscle, which is only the size of two pounds of fat. My specific recommendation is three strength training sessions per week on a three way split (push-legs-pull).
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Professional assistance can make all the difference in the world. You could spend years reading book after book about nutrition, behavior change and exercise physiology. If you want to become a fitness training professional, a nutritionist or a mental health therapist, I will not get in your way. But if you just want guidance over the next six months to a year, hire someone who has knowledge and experience. Joining a fitness center is no substitute for hiring fitness trainer. Talking to a friend who has lost weight is not as helpful as meeting with a mental health specialist who understands many methods for changing habits. No book can give you a personal nutritional analysis and eating plan.

On this same subject, your doctor may need to help with adjustments in prescription dosages. Every time you lose 10 or 15 pounds, your medication should be weight adjusted. Be aware that many drugs have known side effects that might include weight gain. Insulin, prednisone, birth control and some blood pressure medications are a few of the examples I have seen inhibit the weight loss efforts of past clients.

12 Ways to Lose Weight“Habits to support habits” is the most important concept to make all of this work. To begin a new habit, there are other behaviors that a person must do to consistently follow the new path. For example, in order to get in the habit of getting to the gym three or four times per week, a person must have the habit of keeping their gym bag in the car and packed with all the clothes, shoes, towels and so on to get through the week. Another example is eating fruit. To support a habit of eating two pieces of fruit per day, a person must be in the habit of buying 15 or 20 pears, bananas, apples and peaches every week. The extras are in case someone else eats one, one is rotten or grocery shopping day gets delayed. In order to build a habit of drinking water instead of sugary soda, a person has to buy water or keep a cup/jug/bottle available at work, home and in the car. Along with these habits should be some rewards. When new levels of strength are reached, when stretching ranges improve, when clothes become too loose, it is important to buy rewards that support the new slimming habits. Athletic shoes, a tennis racquet, a basketball, registration for a road race are all examples of rewards that support new slimming habits and are actually more enjoyable and memorable than fried foods or chocolate.

Another habit to support habits is documentation. I always tell my clients that the measurements of waist, hips, thighs, weight and body composition are all beginner numbers that they will be proud of when the numbers have been changed by smart habit changes. Measurements should be done about at least every two months. A food log has been shown to support dietary changes. Dieters who logged calorie consumption consistently, lost more weight. The same applies to exercise. When the goal is to exercise four times per week, an exercise log can tell better than one’s memory if the goal is being met.

In conclusion, I promised 12 ways to slim down and gave you 14 new habits to use in your efforts to have a healthier, stronger, happier new year. I recommend that you add one of these new habits every three weeks. With each new planned habit, give some thought to the other new habits that are needed to support the new habits. Concentrate on making permanent changes in your habits and delightful changes in your body will follow automatically.

Disclaimers:
It is each individual’s own decision as to how to use the increased energy that results from the above written habits.
I take no responsibility for any costs incurred because someone’s clothes no longer fit.
No one should tell their doctor that it is my fault that they will be seeing her less.
Above all, everyone is on their own in dealing with friends, co-workers and even strangers complimenting them on the new body shape that happens as a result of these new good habits.
Under no circumstances should anyone share this information with anyone else.

Written by Michael Mansfield, a Sarasota resident and ACE certified personal fitness trainer who operates Super Circle Fitness Studio. His own path to fitness was cluttered with numerous obstacles including a low back deformity from birth, low thyroid since childhood, gluten intolerance, sleep apnea requiring two surgeries etc.

Professional Biz Connections Newsletter 8.13.13

PBC’S weekly newsletter

I am going to start this newsletter out a little differently than I have in the past. I had an amazing 1 to 1 with Jayme Westrom. I must say I started to giggle when Jayme started to show me what she does. I am secretly thinking that this is Voodoo or some type of witch doctor stuff. There is no way that she can do what she does and have it become factual.

Let me tell you just how wrong I was. Throughout my life I have been through quite a bit and I kept that stuff a secret and did not tell her any of my past medical history. She gave me her supplements to hold and I touched certain points on my body and she tried to pull my fingers apart. Yeah that is going to give her results.

To my amazement and I am still bewildered to how she came up with what she did. She did not put me through all of the tests that she normally does however she hit everything that has happened to me in the past. Simply remarkable and mind-blowing and she was spot on with her diagnosis. I have not stopped thinking about what she does and how I can possibly help guide people to her. I know I need to get back to her and do another 1 to 1 to help me figure a way to even tell people go now and you will be astonished as I am. I can say with all confidence that I left her place of business more amazed than she was. I am totally dumbfounded with how she discovered my health risks. Not just some of them but all of them and with the help of no machines or data. She is really good at her craft and the enthusiasm is unmatched. I would be lucky to have ¼ of her enthusiasm.

Great job Jayme and you are extremely impressive.

Now back to the normal newsletter. Whew what a week. I was able to refer a customer to a BNI member in Gibsonton however I have not found a way to enter it into BNI Global connect. It is not user friendly when it is out of our region. I gave the referral to a BNI member in Record Busters.
This was a fantastic week for both referrals and 1 to 1’s. I finally ran into a customer before they made a choice to choose a realtor and I am able to pass on the opportunity for Andrew to sell a condo on Longboat Key. I am sure Andrew will give her an AHA moment with his excitement level.

We need business cards for one of our plumbers and Dan came to the rescue once again. We like to get the cards when there are close to 200 or so cards left. My plumber came to me and said ooops I am out.

Vincent received 2 referrals from us that are extremely hot leads. Our office staff was sweating bullets and needing relief and Devon came to the rescue there. I discovered that women do not like to sweat and may get irritable when they do. What was worse is our phones were blowing up. Devon was getting ready to test the system when our power went out during the storm. It was way too funny at the exact same time he turned it on the power went off. The look on his face was priceless. I did a job that was a landlord tenant situation and I have sent a 3rd referral for Vincent to the landlord who is out of the state. It is a warm lead as I have not talked to the landlord.

For this same landlord I have given Damien’s name as we found evidence of rodents and I am hoping he is able to kill those as well as those things that have more legs than we have fingers. I was able to give Chris Matthews and Greg Hasko a lead with this landlord too.

After this week I am ready for a nap.

Have you ever had a time where everything seems to just be right? This month has turned into that pot of porridge that is just right. I have been lucky that I have been in the right place at the right time. The pieces of the puzzle are falling into place including that missing piece.

If any of you write a blog please send me your blog piece so that we can add it to our web site and or post it on our web site. Thanks to Paul for his piece on investing and our leader at Bill the Plumber wrote his first blog piece on being a veteran and how we can help the veterans in our area.

Send me information on fantastic 1 to 1’s you have had or great experiences with our fellow chapter members.

On a sad note our hearts and prayers are with Damien and his family. We wish our best that you celebrate your father’s life and the time that you have had together. It is said that we are our parents after all and if this is true Damien’s family is lucky to have a solid family base that that has a strong foundation built with resilient and robust character.

This week’s musical adventure is a group called Within Temptation. This is a Dutch group that specializes in Symphonic Metal and they had their start with Gothic Music. In this concert you tube presentation they are performing with an orchestra. Sharon den Adel has strong vocals with a hard driving beat that fits beautifully at dusk while you have a taste of your favorite wine sitting outside with a roaring fire kicking sparks straight into the air.

The lyrics are surprisingly strong and have meaning and reach out and grab you. The music is for all ages to enjoy. It includes ballads that show her strong voice and also has very high energy. A solid choice to add to your musical selection.

BNI Events

Maintaining Your Chapter Website
08/13/2013 9:00 AM
BNI Connect – Member Tools & Reports
08/15/2013 12:00 PM
Leadership Roundtable 7:30-9:00 am, AmericInn, 5931 Fruitville Road Sarasota
08/16/2013 7:30 AM
Leadership Roundtable 8:00am-9:15am, Community Southern Bank, 3340 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland
08/16/2013 8:00 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:30a-12:30p, AmericInn 5931 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
08/16/2013 9:15 AM
Ambassador Meeting 9:30-11:00 am, AmericInn, 5931 Fruitville Road Sarasota
08/16/2013 9:30 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:30a-12:30p,Comunity Southern Bank, 3340 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland
08/16/2013 9:30 AM
BNI Connect – Online Slips & Referral Tracking
08/19/2013 11:00 AM
BNI Connect-Connections, Groups & Testimonials
08/21/2013 1:00 PM
BNI Connect-Building VCP (Updating Your Profile)
08/23/2013 9:00 AM
Leadership Roundtable 7:00a-8:30a, The Comfort Inn, 9800 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs, FL
08/26/2013 7:00 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:00a-12:00p, Comfort Inn, 9800 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs, Fl
08/26/2013 9:00 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 6:00p-9:00p, IHOP 1789 Tamiami Tr., Port Charlotte
08/27/2013 6:00 PM
Member Success Program, 9:30a-12:30p
09/06/2013 9:15 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:30am-12:30pm, Chain of Lakes Complex, Winter Haven, FL
09/06/2013 9:30 AM
Leadership Team Training-Polk, 11:45a-4:00pm, TBA Church, Lakeland
09/13/2013 11:45 AM
Leadership Team Training-Lee/Collier, 8:15a-12:30p, location Embassy Suites, Estero
09/14/2013 8:15 AM
Leadership Team Training-Lee/Collier, 1:45p-6:00p, location Embassy Suites, Estero
09/18/2013 1:45 PM
Leadership Team Training, 8:15a-12:30p, The Venetian River Club, North Venice
09/21/2013 8:15 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:00a-12:00p, Comfort Inn, 9800 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs, Fl
09/23/2013 9:00 AM
Leadership Team Training-Sarasota, 12:45p-6:00p, The Venetian River Club
09/24/2013 12:45 PM

Plumbing Discount For Sarasota Veterans

Plumbing Discount For Sarasota Veterans
by Bill The Plumber on August 8, 2013

Dress Blues with Parents ’65
In late summer of 1964 I decided to not go to college but instead join the Marine Corps. The recruiter was excited and my parents were very unhappy. I went to Parris Island on the first of October to start a six year enlistment. Being an athlete, I got through boot camp and infantry training without too much difficulty. A few months later, in late 1965, I found myself at El Toro MCAS in Santa Ana, California.

20mm Cannon rounds at Chu Lai

About a year later I volunteered to go to Vietnam. In late 1966 and 1967 I found myself at Chu Lai, Vietnam and found out what combat was really about. When it was time for me to come home I was willing to stay but I wanted them to promote me to Sargent which they declined three times. I then found myself on a WWII Liberty Ship call the General John Pope, heading for San Diego. I was surprised at how badly the American public treated me and I know that a lot of my comrades in all branches of the service felt the same way.
Recently I took my friend (a retired Master Sargent) to the Marine Corps Museum and the Vietnam wall. We had a wonderful 5 day trip and during the trip we had three occasions where people thanked us for our service: once while we sat near the Vietnam wall, another time on the subway and finally at gas station in Lake City, Florida where the clerk gave me a coffee and thanked me for my service. I was astonished. I can’t explain how good that felt.
As the owner of Bill The Plumber, Inc., I am inviting all Veterans to sign-up on our mailing list and for doing so I will give you a one year maintenance agreement valued at $179.00. It includes a lot of special offers. One benefit is a 10% discount on any work completed, a plumbing inspection, a five year warranty on labor and materials, and much more. Just go to our sign-up form on this page to fill in your contact information and we will do the rest.
My offer to all American Veterans starts on August 1, 2013 and ends October 31, 2013.
I would like to thank all Veterans for their service and sacrifice for our great Country.
Thank you and God Bless America, Bill Loiko.
– See more at: http://www.billtheplumber.com/blog/#sthash.LsTDCrgz.dpuf

THE INTELLIGENT INVESTOR: SAVING INVESTORS FROM THEMSELVES

Paul Tarantino
Canandaigua National Trust Company
Vice President, Business Development Officer
1586 Main Street
Sarasota Florida 34236
office 941.366.7222 (ex 50720)
(800) 724-2621 x50720
(941) 366-7444 (Fax)

This piece has been shortened and altered from the quoted article below.

THE INTELLIGENT INVESTOR: SAVING INVESTORS FROM THEMSELVES

By: Jason Zweig, The Wall Street Journal June 28, 2013
Good advice rarely changes, while markets change constantly. The temptation to pander is almost irresistible. And while people need good advice, what they want is advice that sounds good.

The advice that sounds the best in the short run is always the most dangerous in the long run. Everyone wants the secret, the key, the roadmap to the magical low-risk, high-return investment that can double your money in no time. Everyone wants to chase the returns of whatever has been hottest and to shun whatever has gone cold. Most financial advice, like most of Wall Street itself, is dedicated to a basic principle of marketing: When the ducks quack, feed ‘em.
In practice, for most of the financial advisors, that requires telling people to buy Internet stocks in 1999 and early 2000; explaining, in 2005 and 2006, how to “flip” houses; in 2008 and 2009, it meant telling people to dump their stocks and even to buy “leveraged inverse” exchange-traded funds that made explosively risky bets against stocks; and ever since 2008, it has meant touting bonds and the “safety trade” like high-dividend-paying stocks and so-called minimum-volatility stocks.

It’s no wonder that, as brilliant research by the psychologist Paul Andreassen showed many years ago, people who receive frequent news updates on their investments earn lower returns than those who get no news. It’s also no wonder that the media has ignored those findings. Not many people care to admit that they spend their careers being part of the problem instead of trying to be part of the solution.
My job, as I see it, is to learn from other people’s mistakes and from my own. Above all, it means trying to save people from themselves. As the founder of security analysis,

Benjamin Graham, wrote in The Intelligent Investor in 1949: “The investor’s chief problem – and even his worst enemy – is likely to be himself.”

One of the main reasons we are all our worst enemies as investors is that the financial universe is set up to deceive us.
From financial history and from my own experience, I long ago concluded that regression to the mean is the most powerful law in financial physics: Periods of above-average performance are inevitably followed by below-average returns, and bad times inevitably set the stage for surprisingly good performance.

But humans perceive reality in short bursts and streaks, making a long-term perspective almost impossible to sustain – and making most people prone to believing that every blip is the beginning of a durable opportunity.

My role, therefore, is to bet on regression to the mean even as most investors, and financial journalists, are betting against it. I try to talk investors out of chasing whatever is hot and, instead, to think about investing in what is not hot. Instead of pandering to investors’ own worst tendencies, I try to push back. My role is to remind them constantly that knowing what not to do is much more important than what to do.

There’s no smugness or self-satisfaction in this sort of role. The competitive and psychological pressure to give bad advice is so intense, the demand to produce noise is so unremitting, that I often feel like a performer onstage before a hostile audience that is forever hissing and throwing rotten fruit at him. It’s hard for your head to swell when you spend so much of your time ducking.
But this time is never different. History always rhymes. Human nature never changes. You should always become more skeptical of any investment that has recently soared in price, and you should always become more enthusiastic about any asset that has recently fallen in price. That’s what it means to be an investor.

Professional Biz Newsletter 8.6.13

Professional Biz Connection Newsletter 8.6.13

This edition is running a little late and I am sorry about that. It has been a busy week with many things to do. Many places to visit and people to see. This week has been a beautiful week with a nice amount of rain and a ton of sunshine. We may want to consider getting together outside of our BNI Tuesday meeting. There are many activities that would allow us to gather as a group. One such activity is the Lakewood Ranch Music on Main Street. We may even wish to set up a booth to introduce ourselves to the Lakewood Ranch area. I have a 10x 10 cover. We would need a table and chairs and we are off to the races. I am not sure what the cost is to have a booth.

Suzy and I visited Music on Main Street Friday with our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter Harper. Harper had a blast dancing in the street and the band was really smoking. They have moved the band form the middle of Main Street to one end and there are many booths set up by Star Bucks to the movie theatres. It has really grown the past 4 years with vendors and people visiting the event.

Other local events are Span and menu Magazines networking. These are the 3rd Thursday and the first Thursday of every month at local restaurants. These are free to attend. You can check these 2 places out at http://www.meetup.com.The Sarasota Blues Fest is coming in November I believe and booth spaces are available. You can visit Florida Blue Blues &Musical Festival for more information.

It is the first week of Pro Football. Are you ready for some football? The Hall of Fame game is today Sunday August 4th. This game is set in my hometown and the game is played on a High School field. The stadium is simply amazing for a High School.

This week has been a little slow for referrals. My wife and I will be seeing Kim; I will be visiting Dr. Dees, and we did pick up our veggies from Debbie. I was able to help out a former member with one of their customers that had a pretty good size leak at the meter. Thanks to Nick of Dom- n-Nicks for closed business. I received confirmation from one of my clients Mrs. Swain that Greg and Ryan of SRQ did fantastic for her and she has thanked me once again for the list of professionals I have given her. She informed me that she has given her daughter Greg’s name and needs some work completed at her home. It is really cool when a referral has done a bang up job that reinforces our reputation. She is not afraid to use other people on the list. Great job guys keep it up.

This past week I was able to meet with Greg and Chris Matthews at one of my customers homes. Chris asked many questions and expressed concerns about the job. This definitely led me to know that I picked the right guy to do the job. I have no issues with recommending Chris and Greg for anything yo9yu may have to do in your home or client’s home. There are people that have “it” and they do. Complete trust and confidence they each are doing this for the right reasons and that is to help customer’s get what they want and need.

This week’s musical challenge is for Avantasia from The Flying Opera -Around the world in 20 days. This is a power group that German Tobias Sammet has put together to tour. The name is derived from Avalon and fantasy. The band members are from other power groups and have many guest singers and musicians. There are 4 main band members and the rest are super stars in Europe. It is Sammet’s idea of a Rock Opera. http://youtu.be/a8Fme90tp5Y

The lyrics are really hot and the guitar licks are ramped up. The drummer is pounding and shaking the drums. Watching this full length concert on You Tube will make you want to see these musicians live. It is a powerful event and I am not sure how I would categorize this power group. It is hot and heavy with sweet guitars blending sound that is pleasing to my ear.

Upcoming BNI Events

Leadership Roundtable 8:00am-9:15am, Community Southern Bank, 3340 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland
08/16/2013 8:00 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:30a-12:30p, AmericInn 5931 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
08/16/2013 9:15 AM
Ambassador Meeting 9:30-11:00 am, AmericInn, 5931 Fruitville Road Sarasota
08/16/2013 9:30 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:30a-12:30p,Comunity Southern Bank, 3340 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland
08/16/2013 9:30 AM
BNI Connect – Online Slips & Referral Tracking
08/19/2013 11:00 AM
BNI Connect-Connections, Groups & Testimonials
08/21/2013 1:00 PM
BNI Connect-Building VCP (Updating Your Profile)
08/23/2013 9:00 AM
Leadership Roundtable 7:00a-8:30a, The Comfort Inn, 9800 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs, FL
08/26/2013 7:00 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 9:00a-12:00p, Comfort Inn, 9800 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs, Fl
08/26/2013 9:00 AM
Member Success Program(MSP) 6:00p-9:00p, IHOP 1789 Tamiami Tr., Port Charlotte
08/27/2013 6:00 PM