Helping Intelligent Professionals

Fox's Past Life

2009-08-21T09:56:00.001-07:00

Extras Casting is looking for a couple more Homeless People tonight at 6:30pm for "Past Life".If you are free to work late into the night and early morning and fit this description of a homeless person, please email picture, age, phone number ASAP to:PastLifeExtras@gmail.comThis is filming in East Atlanta. All positions are Paid.

Katherine Heigl Movie

2009-08-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

We are looking for a rock band to be extras for the new movie "Life As We Know It" starring Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel. Would like them to be guys in their 40's and have their own instruments.If you fit this description or know someone that does please email us info, picture of guys ages, and phone number at:LifeExtras@gmail.com

HIP Atlanta event in upcoming months

2009-05-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

Information Coming Soon!

HIP Atlanta Tonight!!!!!!!

2009-05-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

Speed Networking for Young Professionals.

The event starts at 7pm at the Geisha House

1380 Atlantic Drive Atlanta, GA

If you have any questions, feel free to call 404-484-7595

Build Your List, Grow Your Business By Gail Goodman

2009-05-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

More and more business people tell me they've gotten religious about building their permission-based mail lists. They've been doing e-mail marketing for years, and they've come to realize that if they get serious about building their lists, they can bring in more business. It really works!
Building your list is even more important in a tough economic environment.

Your list is your pre-qualified target audience. They know you and your products and services, and they've bought from you in the past. They're an easier sell and a source of referrals. That's why e-mail marketing is still the most effective tool in your marketing mix.

For fractions of a penny per person, you can stay in touch with your best customers. So when they're ready to buy--even in a down economy--they'll think of your business first.

List-Building EssentialsBefore you get started seeking out new subscribers, review these three e-mail marketing "commandments."

1. Ask permission. E-mail marketing is different from other direct marketing. You need to ask before you add someone to your e-mail list. Only permission-based e-mail marketing works. We no longer trust or even open e-mail from people we don't know. And only permission-based e-mails get past the spam filters and into the inbox.

2. Permission is perishable. If someone shares his or her e-mail address with you--whether on your website, at your store or when you meet at a business mixer--that person is now expecting to get something from you. Don't wait six months to send the first e-mail. He or she won't remember you and will delete your e-mail or unsubscribe immediately. Send a welcome e-mail and a copy of your most recent newsletter while the connection is still fresh in his or her mind.

3. Provide an opt-out link. All e-mail campaigns must include a working unsubscribe link or instructions on how to be removed from the list. Purge those names from your list promptly--within 10 days. It's not just polite; it's the law.

Ways to Find New SubscribersLet's start with the tried-and-true and end with the exciting-and-new. They're all great ways to share your expertise and valuable content with the people who might be interested in what you offer. That's really what list-building is all about.

1. "Join My List" visitor signup box. Your homepage is the "must do" place to put a sign-up box. But it's not the only place. Include a sign-up link on your other web pages and in your e-mail signature block. Archive your e-mail campaigns and include a link to past articles near your signup box, so people will know what they're signing up for.Other places to invite mailing list sign ups include:

2. In your store and over the phone. Keep a "join our mailing list" sign-up sheet at your cash register, and ask employees to invite shoppers to sign up. Put a sample newsletter in a Lucite stand on your counter so customers can see what they're signing up for. A visual is powerful! Offer an incentive for sign-ups, e.g., an e-mail coupon for 10 percent off the customer's next shopping trip.Ask for sign ups when doing phone sales or consultations, too. Don't forget to ask vendors, suppliers and business partners.

3. At business networking events. When you meet colleagues at a business function, ask permission to sign them up for your mailing list. Put your website address and a line that says "sign up for my free newsletter" on your business cards and . . .

4. . . . On all printed materials. Prompt people who receive your direct mail, brochures, fact sheets and other sales and marketing materials to visit your website and sign up for your e-mail newsletter and promotions. Point them to your website and give them an incentive to sign up, e.g., "Sign up for our newsletter and get a free report on [what you do here]" (or "a free consultation").

5. Via blogs and social media sites. If you have a blog, include chunks of your newsletter content in your entries, with a sign-up link. If you're on social networking websites such as Facebook or Twitter, post to visitors or followers about your latest newsletter and encourage them to sign up.

Exposure on blogs and social networking sites can broaden your reach to find new subscribers. Then it's up to you to nurture those relationships and turn them into customers.

Want More Sign Ups? Don't Be Afraid to AskPeople can be a little shy about asking for an e-mail address. They feel it's an imposition. How will people know you've got a newsletter if you don't ask them to sign up for it? You're writing all this great content and sharing your expertise; the least you can do is offer it up to your new friends. If they say 'No, it's OK,' they're not rejecting you; they just don't want your newsletter.

You won't know if you don't ask. So just ask! Every "yes" is one more potential customer who can make your mailing list--and your business--stronger.

Gail F. Goodman is the e-mail marketing coach at Entrepreneur.com and is CEO of Constant Contact, a web-based e-mail marketing service for small businesses. She's also a recognized small-business expert and speaker.

ATLANTA PROFESSIONALS DOUBLE CONTACTS BY SPEED NETWORKING

2009-04-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

On May 15, 2009, HIP Atlanta will be hosting Speed Networking for Professionals at the Geisha House in Atlantic Station. Professionals gain useful contacts in a downturn in employment, a need to promote their business, and a place to let go of the daily stressors at work.

Many compare speed networking to speed dating. Like speed dating, speed networking provides several minutes of face time to exchange information with other professionals.

Speed Networking is a good way of meeting people. At other events, you're sometimes wandering. Sometimes you meet people; sometimes you meet almost nobody. With speed networking, you know you'll meet at least 20 people.

Half the group will don red nametags; half will wear black. And everyone will be armed with a clipboard, pen and HIP scorecard that listed the contact information and industries of the other participants.

That's the kind of feedback that HIP Atlanta seeks. Similarly, HIP Atlanta helps registrants gear up to maximize their results by sending them useful networking tips and instant e-mail confirmations.

By visiting what president of Hip Atlanta, Jennifer Williams says is Job Row is allowing the attendees to get useful job contacts without the headache of job fairs. Job Row has employers in the metro Atlanta area looking to spend 3-5 minutes, one on one time with each attendee in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. This gives the attendee a chance to sell themselves to this employer if that’s what they were looking to do.

Job Row is more efficient because every attendee gets the chance to have their time.
She states that professionals are also able to promote their business while helping others promote theirs. Williams hopes to increase the frequency of HIP Atlanta networking events to two each month - even more if there's an interest. HIP also plans on holding other social events that put you around like minded individuals.

We definitely plan to expand this concept and take it around the U.S. and online.
“It’s important for people to interact with someone they don’t particularly know.” says Williams
“This gives them the opportunity to link up with everyone in that person’s social and mental database. This can be a gold mine for someone looking for these types of contacts. Lasting friendships can also be a possibility.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (404)-484-7595 OR visit our blog at www.hipatlanta.blogspot.com

Best Places to Work in Atlanta- Top 5 for Young Professionals

2009-04-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

Do you love your job? That’s the question we asked thousands of Atlantans. To determine the top 40 companies where people love to work, we tallied benefits, perks, and all the usual data.* But we also found what makes people want to go to work each day. In today’s tough economic climate, that matters more than ever.

Edited by KIMBERLY TURNER
Researched by PHAKISHA PETERSON and MARY JO DILONARDO
Profiles by CHANDRA R. THOMAS and VIRGINIA PARKER

1. THE BUCKHEAD COMMUNITY BANK
Financial institution
Score: 97.75/100
Web: buckheadcommunitybank.com
Full-time employees: 120
Atlanta employees: 120
Employee turnover: 0-5%
Average salary increase: 6-10%

Benefits: Health insurance, disability insurance, mental health coverage, vision/dental coverage, 401(k) or other retirement, flextime or job sharing, telecommuting, child or elder care, employee education/tuition assistance, life insurance, dependent life insurance, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, free banking, discount gym memberships, free beverages and snacks, annual summer outing, end-of-year holiday party

2. SPANX
Lingerie and hosierymanufacturer
Score: 91.7/100Web: spanx.com
Full-time employees: 52
Atlanta employees: 52
Employee turnover: 6-10%
Average salary increase: 6-10%

Benefits: Health insurance, disability insurance, mental health coverage, vision/dental coverage, 401(k) or other retirement, profit-sharing or stock plan, flextime or job sharing, employee education/tuition assistance, life insurance, paid maternity and paternity leave, summer hours, free Spanx.

3. SMITH & HOWARD, PC
Public accountants
Score: 91.5/100
Web: smith-howard.com
Full-time employees: 70
Atlanta employees: 70
Employee turnover: 0-5%
Average salary increase: More than 10%

Benefits: Health insurance, disability insurance, mental health coverage, vision/dental coverage, 401(k) or other retirement, profit-sharing or stock plan, flextime or job sharing, telecommuting, employee education/tuition assistance, life insurance, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, paid sick/personal time, recreational and community service activities, paid parking, catered meals.

4. INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP
Hotel
companyScore: 91/100
Web: ihg.com
Full-time employees: 16,688
Atlanta employees: 1,265
Employee turnover: 0-5%
Average salary increase: 0-5%

Benefits: Health insurance, disability insurance, mental health coverage, vision/dental coverage, 401(k) or other retirement, profit-sharing or stock plan, flextime or job sharing, telecommuting, employee education/tuition assistance, annual employee surveys, matching gifts program, adoption assistance program, community ambassadors program, wellness assistance program, smoking cessation program, Weight Watchers reimbursement, Healthy Baby program, free annual flu shots, discounts at select fitness clubs, discounts on room rates at IHG-branded hotels worldwide, IHG scholarship program for employees’ children, half-day Fridays in summer, monthly “denim days”

5. THINK INTERACTIVE
Marketing agency
Score: 89.1/100Web: thinkinc.com
Full-time employees: 52
Atlanta employees: 51
Employee turnover: 0-5%
Average salary increase: More than 10%

Benefits: Health insurance, disability insurance, mental health coverage, vision/dental coverage, 401(k) or other retirement, profit-sharing or stock plan, flextime or job sharing, telecommuting, employee education/tuition assistance, life insurance, flexible spending account, 40 hours of personal/sick time to use for personal matters, company events, special thank-you gifts (iPod Touch at end of 2007)

What is HIP Atlanta ?

2009-04-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

HIP Atlanta is speed networking for young professionals.Speed networking, it turns out, is similar to speed dating, where young professionals meet in a low-pressure environment to chat for a few minutes before rotating to the next seat. The difference is that in speed dating your goal is to narrow down the playing field of possible matches, while the goal of speed networking is simply to add to your network. Already speed networking had an edge in our book — no fear of rejection!

Before you come, develop a 30-second “elevator pitch,” explaining exactly what you do and why your partner across the table might want to know.
Once the networking begins, the “pitches” actually take on a relatively natural, conversational flow, as pairs of attendees introduce themselves, swap business cards, and chat about how each could help the other.

While two or three minutes is not enough time to develop a real relationship with someone, it certainly breaks the ice at the beginning of our HIP Atlanta events. You will talk with a slew of people you might otherwise never have met. The consensus among our other participants was overwhelmingly positive as well. “This is great,” said one attendee.“Usually at networking events, my first inclination is to head straight to the bar, but this really took the pressure off.” Ah … another fellow networking-phobia cured!

HIP Atlanta presents Speed Networking for Young Professionals

2009-04-26T00:00:00.001-07:00

Speed Networking for Young Professionals

Friday, May 15, 2009

7pm

RSVP BY May 3 and your ticket is FREE

$15 after May 3

$20 at the door

Geisha House

1380 Atlantic Drive
Atlanta, GA 30363

www.dolcegroup.com/geisha

Call 404-484-7595 to rsvp

http://www.hipatlanta.eventbrite.com/

Top 10 Business Networking Mistakes by Gary Storkey

2009-04-23T08:14:00.001-07:00

1. Don't be discouraged if the perfect networking contact gives you the cold shoulder. It is important to keep your head held high and not to take this personally as it is destined to happen in the fast-paced world of networking. Remember to smile, stay positive and try someone else. Keep persisting, as there are plenty of helpful contacts out there who will make up for the ones who give you the brush-off.

2. Don't approach prospective networking contacts without doing your homework. Find out who they are, what makes them tick and their professional backgrounds. You will then be prepared to ask intelligent and informed questions which are likely to be greeted in a positive manner.

3. Don't bend the truth, boast about your experience or start name dropping other networking contacts - it is not a way to make a good impression. It may seem like a good idea at the time but will almost always lead to disaster - and most of all embarrassment.

4. Don't blatantly ask for a job - networking is not an interview process. People will be instantly put off if you lay your cards on the table during the first few encounters. Don't expect someone to send your resume around or make phone calls for you.

5. Don't be shy. Confidence is everything in the networking world and that includes a firm handshake, good eye-contact and remembering names. Don't sit at an empty table or hide in a corner. Approach people, speak up and choose conversation topics which relate to the person you wish to impress.

6. Don't go anywhere without a contact/business card and a pen. It is important to be prepared when you meet the right people and it is a sure fire way to give yourself a professional edge.

7. Don't be afraid of volunteering or work experience. If given an opportunity to gain experience in your chosen field, be sure to take it. Not only does it look great on your resume but it can open up a whole host of networking doors.

8. Don't get personal. Keep the conversation at a professional level and don't insist on telling the contact about your new dog or fabulous new partner - especially not during the first meeting. It is important not to confuse friends with contacts.

9. Don't expect to receive without giving something back. Try and assist your helpful contact in return and always keep them informed of positive outcomes. Remember that all successful relationships are about give and take.

10. Don't forget that a thank you goes a long way if your contact has been helpful. A personally written letter or a card is the best way to show your appreciation. This gesture is likely to secure you a long-term contact.

By Gary Storkey, CEO, HomeStart Finance

10 Tips for Successful Networking by Stephanie Speisman

2009-04-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

Effective business networking is the linking together of individuals who, through trust and relationship building, become walking, talking advertisements for one another.

1. Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.

2. Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.
3. Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.

4. Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.

5. Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.

6. Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.

7.Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.

8.Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, "How may I help you?" and no immediate answer comes to mind.

9. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.

10. Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.

Stephanie Speisman is a Success Coach who coaches groups and individuals in business networking skills based on her booklet "99 Tips for Successful Business Networking."

Property Busters sponsors HIP Atlanta

2009-04-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

OFFICIAL HIP ATLANTA SPONSORS

Property Busters LLC has been committed from it's inception to cleaner and safer neighborhoods. This has been the center of Property Busters philosophy.

It’s not just what they tell their clients, it’s the way they look at the importance of home value, code enforcements, andc keeping vacant homes safe inside and out.

Property Busters offers customized packages and a wide variety of property services for everyone from Banks to Private Owners. We offer it all with flexible scheduling to meet the needs of our busy clients. Our Property Concierges will schedule your free property estimate in as little as 3 hours from the time you call.

Check out Property Busters at http://www.propertybusters.blogspot.com/ for more information

HIP Atlanta Networking Event

2009-04-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

HIP Atlanta is speed networking. Speed Networking is an ingenious way for young professionals to meet each other. We bring them together in one place to mingle, meet, and see if there are matches between them and other professionals.

The result is a completely energetic and fun-filled event where strangers can become fast business associates and more.
At our event every participant will go on up to 15 network sessions. Each session will last 3 minutes. After every 4 sessions, there is a small 8-minute break so you can gather your thoughts on the people you just met, mingle some more, or get a drink. There will be drink specials for all the participants, and everyone is welcome to stay after the event to continue getting to know each other if there's a connection.
On a HIP card that we will give you at the beginning of our event, you will write down the names, e-mail, business website, and what they do. Afterwards, we will send your contact info so you can ensure you will network with everyone.