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| Welcome
to our new GMS Newsletter! |
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The
election is over (thank goodness), and it is very clear
that the economy has taken front and center stage. Regardless
if your guy (or gal for that matter), won or lost, life
goes on, we have plenty to be thankful for and I would
like to share a few thoughts with you.
First off, as small business owners, we will get no bail
out! While big business failures are being rescued left
and right, we are going to have to fend for ourselves.
Like it or not, that is the way it is. Personally, I for
one am up to the challenge as are most small business
owners. We will overcome this current challenge the same
way we have overcome all past challenges - Hard Work!
However, we don't have to just work harder. Let's work
smarter! Together, we can help sustain growth by utilizing
each other for most, if not all of our needs and keep
one another strong. We can create our own "bail out"
opportunity by sticking together. |
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not panic or get caught up in the negativity. It is an easy
trap and can lead to bad decision making.
Our success as small business owners has almost nothing to
do with elections and almost everything to do with how we
run our business and service our customers. Business success
in tough economic times will be achieved only through good
customer service, adding value, and efficient marketing.
Saving money is important, but not at the expense of limiting
exposure or reducing customer service. During economic contractions,
everything is scrutinized, so you have to make sure your customers
know you care.
To me, this is good news if you are willing to listen to customer
feedback, accept and digest the critisizm, and make changes
where appropriate, you will stand out amongst competitors.
Over the last couple months, GMS has had to do exactly that
and we are all set to make significant improvements in 2009
that will accomplish 3 main goals.
1st
- More Relationships - Increase the number of FREE
networking opportunities, especially focusing on "In-house"
events.
2nd - Encourage Relationships -Maintain our
budget for reward and incentive programs in 2009 which totalled
over $25,000 in 2008.
3rd - Superior IT Services - Improved IT
services, upgrade our server and add new design services without
increasing rates one red cent.
Many details will be rolled out in the December Newsletter,
however one thing we will be putting in effect immediately
is our increased FREE networking Breakfasts and shortly we
will be adding FREE networking lunches as many members can't
make it to morning events. We will be using GMS caterers for
ALL of the above.
On your end, we ask you to double down your efforts to get
involved in GMS and the other excellent members throughout
The Network. Relationships are the key to sustained growth
year after year. Your best clients trust you. Trust is built
through relationship building. Let GMS get that ball rolling.
We will do everything we can to make it easy to get involved.
Your
feedback is always welcome! |
| BREAKFAST
WITH GMS! |
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If
you haven't had an opportunity to have Breakfast
with GMS, don't worry! We are increasing these
opportunities to twice per month as demand requires. And,
we will be opening these opportunities to ALL Members
with priority going to those who have never attended.
(Still room to RSVP for December 5th!)
In addition, we will be adding a "Lunch with
GMS" as well, catered by GMS caterers.
This is an excellent opportunity for us to get to know
you better, but more importantly for you to get to know
other fellow members in a real, up close and personal
way.
Cost to Members? Zero, Zippo,
Nada! All you have to do is show up! |
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GMS
Racing is another what? You guessed it...
Marketing Opportunity! We have special strategies
and ideas in place to not just get our sponsors
on a sticker like most, but to actually
offer practical marketing tools to help
their business grow.
Obviously,
this is a fun way for us to go a little
"crazy" on weekends, but who says
business can't be fun. Members are invited
to pit and enjoy the races with us. You
are always welcome! |
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GMS
Racing has really been awesome this year even
though it has had its share of setbacks. 2 blown
motors, 6 burned clutches, and bad weather in
the middle of the season tried to slow us down,
but it didn't work.
Both Brian Smith and Marvin Ellis Jr. (#55 in
the pic to the left) have performed quite well
and Marvin Jr. will be moving up in class for
2009 and Xavier Ellis will be entering his first
season of racing.
Brian Smith and GMS are currently on hold for
2009 as we re-assess our goals. Brian is getting
married (congratulations!) & we are excited
for him.
Stay tuned and many thanks to our sponsors below
for their support. It is because of them that
we are able to go to so many events and keep the
bikes on the dirt. |
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2008
GROA CONTEST
Point totals below do
not include the last 3 events. The December Newsletter
will have the full update |
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Lastly,
Below is a message from a brand new member to The Network.
This is what GMS is all about. Thanks Susan! |
So
far, I have to say, since I have joined GMS I have been to a
luncheon and a breakfast. It was a very pleasing experience
and everyone that I have met has been extremely outgoing. I
enjoyed the breakfast because of the smaller and more personal
atmosphere and have met even more interesting people thus far.
This has been a different approach to the other networking groups
I have attended over the years. I hope to meet even more people
to share our entrepeneurial spirits with. Happy Thanksgiving
to all!
Susan Hetrick, NCTMB
Tree of
Life Wellness Center |
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