DENNIS SMITH, LITTLE RED TRUCK PLUMBING

His dad was a preacher and an adept speaker, preacher and handyman.   Dennis tells us that he learned from his dad.  Dad said that the new copper plumbing was the “bees knees” (Dennis apparently think so, too).
Dennis’ work includes, but is not limited to: a toilet spewing forth.  For a stopped-up sink, call Cleveland Morris.  If it is a water heater; water system not functioning;  re-pipe; tankless water heaters (of which Dennis is not a big fan); dripping that won’t stop (and it is not a medical issue for Dr. Sandler), then you can call Dennis.
If you are having trouble with hot-water delivery to your bathroom, Dennis can provide a recirculating pump that will give you quicker water delivery.  If it includes water, waste, drainage or gas, Call Dennis for a professional repair.http://tinyurl.com/2cr2z4x

LIONEL TROUILLIER, PAYPROS, PAYROLL SERVICE

Lionel has done a variety of presentations, but today he did not want to be too easy on us.  We saw the down and dirty of over-papered payroll.  He showed us under-the-hood what 100% paper payroll looks like (and it isn’t pretty).  Payroll documentation includes: 1. New Hire Report, starting the process. 2. Checks 3. And stubs, with YTD totals.  4. State tax coupon each month sent to California.  5. IRS tax coupon each month.  6. State quarterly return with all workers and their gross pay amount (also used for Worker’s Comp, DE-6). 7.IRS Quarterly Return, in a 2-page format. 8. State Annual Return (DE-7). 9. IRS annual return (940).  10. W-2’s for each employee at end of year.  11. IRS Copies of the W-2’s.  Total: 122 pieces of paper for a 3-person payroll for the entire year.
PayPros is an electronic firm, saving paper, time, assuring accuracy at a very fair cost, using Laser-printed, and signature ready ready checks or automatic deposit(s).  For payroll questions and excellent service, call Lionel.http://tinyurl.com/282hl96

RICHARD RAMER, RAMER ARCHITECTURE

You have to be in focus, “all the time.”  In the mid ‘90’s Richard started concentrating on medical outpatient surgery centers.  He showed us a beautiful PP presentation of offices, apartments and single-family homes.  His work on the surgery centers is not limited to L.A., having built high-end clinics nation-wide.  More recent medical service clinics are more interesting architecturally, including the new UCLA Hospital.
Today, Richard does ¾’s of his work in medical, but he does other work as well.  One example is a concrete, fire-proof house and another, an estate in Simi Valley.   Richard showed us drawings from a restaurant that he designed  two years ago.  That client subsequently hired Richard to build a second restaurant in Orange County.
“There are no great projects without great clients” (Frank Lloyd Wright).  Perhaps Richard’s next great client will come from “you.”
If you know any physician, or somebody in the medical field; people who do facility planning in hospitals; or any other type of construction that requires an architect, contact Richard.http://tinyurl.com/27ec6bd

STEVE POLLACK, SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION (“SEO”)

The method by which a website becomes recognized, found and located in a search..  Most websites will not receive first place ranking unless they are optimized.  Expect 5 to 10 times increase in website traffic with a good SEO optimization.
Google has “spiders” that follow links and read pages, allowing Google to rank the site.  He recommends 2-3 keywords per page.  These keywords much be site-specific and not too general.  Include the keywords in the meta, title and webpage. Add regular website links, blog links and forum links – built slowly and consistently (not many one week and nothing the following week). 
Triangulations – linking between 2 sites does not work, whereas among 3 sites it looks natural to Google. Outgoing links are good, but don’t generate as much credit as incoming links.  Too many keywords on a page fools Google, it is called BlackHat.  Google may eventually ban the search for this company.  Call Steve if you want your website to be found at the top of a search.http://tinyurl.com/23mggu8

TONY SANTARELLI, IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY

Tony Santarelli, Immigration Attorney.  Tony has been in the group for 9 ½ years and wanted to tell us something different, but he tells us that last night he got cold feet.  Maybe he will offer this in 6 months.

When Tony first became a lawyer, he took just about any case.  For several years that worked, but then he got a special case from a woman living in Brazil.  He settled the case 3 ½ years later for $3.2 Million.  When you become successful, the next thing you want to become is significant.  Most of his clients are not brand new immigrants to the U.S.  They have been here a long time (often), but haven’t done anything to obtain their citizenship.  Tony represents clients from 47 nations working on getting into the U.S.     

He also wanted to thank Tommy Power for introducing him to his lovely girlfriend at a birthday party for Nick Mendoza.  Contact Tony with any immigration questionshttp://tinyurl.com/23c4jqs

ALEX TRAKHTENBERG (DRY CLEANERS)

Alex Trakhtenberg (Camden Cleaners) generously spoke to us about FaceBook.  Executive LeTip has a FB page and you should all log into it.  You should each have one as well.   When you go to the LT page,  you can either comment or just click “like” to help get the word out.  

If FaceBook were a country, it would be the 3^rd largest in the world.  As with any promotion, you must learn the regulations and learn how to utilize the social networking site to benefit your business. Contact Alex for more details.http://tinyurl.com/25mn5dw

DIANE BERLIN WORKER'S COMPENSATION LAW (FOR BOTH EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE)

Diane Berlin, Worker’s Compensation Law (for both employer and employee).  Diane showed us a video of a “typical” case involving a stress claim.  The defense in this example was a pre-existing condition.  Defense Apportionment was another theory offered.  The client had “unrealistic expectations.”  She suffers from a Sleep Disorder.  The client is totally neurotic, but Diane is patient, experienced and understanding.  If you file a work comp case after you get fired, it is pretty-much too late.  

Diane has 25 years experience in Worker’s Comp.  She studied 5 languages and is fluent in Spanish.  When an employee sues an employer for anything work-related, even if enroute to work, the doctors get paid, the injured party gets paid and the attorney gets paid directly from the settlement.

Since April 2004, the value of the cases went down 30% to 50%.  For the employee, it is a contingency fee arrangement.  For the employer, it is an hourly fee.

Carpal tunnel, headaches, stress, physical injury are all valid claims.  An independent contractor is not able to file a case, however.  Contact Diane for any work-related injury (employer or employee).http://tinyurl.com/2bjww7n

ROBERT SNYDER, SIGNS OF LA - THE SIGN OF THE TIMES

Robert Snyder, Signs of LA – The Sign of the Times.  Everything in signage, other than glass. Located in Sherman Oaks with easy access to the Westside.  Licensed, bonded, liability insurance and all necessary credentials.  Signs services all of L.A. County.   Examples include: ADA, Banners, Vehicle Graphics, Light Boxes andMagnetics.  

Signage is one of the most important aspects of advertising for a small business.  Banners can be custom designed in a retractable stand for transpor. They are usually printed on vinyl material.  Any color, font or graphic is available.   Channel Letters can be front lit, back lit.  Dimensional letters can be used indoors or outdoor and made of acrylic, metal laminate or polished aluminum.  Light boxes are a little old-fashioned but less expensive than channel letters and they get the word out.  Vehicle and window graphics can be perf-vinyl so you can see out, but not into the building/car.  

Remember, a business without a sign is a sign of no business! http://tinyurl.com/26ux86a

JULIE HOPKINS - CAMERA CREATIONS - EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Just a  few testimonials from Julie's Wedding Session clients...

• "Julie Hopkins of Camera Creations captured our wedding day just beautifully with her artful photography. Her professionalism and friendliness allowed us to go about our wonderful day without worry. Her attentiveness and creativity produced gorgeous images that will always bring up fond memories as we look back in years to come through our photographs of our wedding day.”~Melissa and German
• "Julie Hopkins is extremely kind, talented and hard working. She will do her best to make your event special. My fiance and I are very happy to have chosen her as our photographer!" ~Sahar and Ryan

• "We loved having Julie as a photographer. Both my husband and I have been to weddings where we found the photographers too intrusive and over directing. We were both adamant that we wanted our event to feel intimate, and our guests to feel relaxed and unguarded.  Julie understood our vision, and never once posed our guests or demanded staged shots. And yet, we have amazingly beautiful shots of all our friends and family and all of the major parts of the wedding. I was also pleased that Julie thought to document so many of the details, like the floral arrangements and the table settings. These are things that I didn’t think to ask for but am so happy that I have such stunning photos to remember them by.” ~Hayley and Niallhttp://tinyurl.com/24dzswt

CLEVELAND MORRIS, MRS. ROOTERS ECONOMICAL DRAIN CLEANING

Cleveland Morris, Mrs. Rooters Economical Drain Cleaning.  “The Man Behind the Woman.”  Morris performed for us (don’t quit your day job), but then decided to tell us what he does.   He deals with a big mess. 
Often Morris will open a drain that a non-professional tried to clean.  He can explore the property and see that there are certain types of roots or other impediments.  When necessary, he will use a camera inspection to determine what is causing the blockage, such as a cracked pipe.  One method to clean the rain is to use a water jet.  If it needs to be dug out and repaired, he will bring in Dennis Smith of Little Red Truck Plumbing.
How to tip Cleveland?  Anybody with apartments, businesses, commercial, residential or even single-family homes.  He will also do a sewer line inspection before you buy or sell a property. http://tinyurl.com/2a5jr2l

DAVID DUBIN, M.D., LENS NEUROFEEDBACK

David Dubin, M.D., LENS Neurofeedback.  There are only a few people in the country that do LENS Neurofeedback so Dr. Dubin has to carefully explain what he does.  Two sensors are put on your ear and one on the scalp.  The sensors take information from what the brain waves are doing.  The brain is a bio-electric organ and the stimulation can “shift” the brain impulses, thereby lifting depression, aiding sleeping disorders, minimalizing the effects of ADD.  LENS frees up the brain.
Using Lens is like pushing the brains re-start button.  “Think SAD”  - Thinking (A-D-D, brain injury, stroke); Sleep; Anxiety, autism and Depression.  In only one to three sessions, Dr. Dubin can improve sleep issues.  He gave an example of a UCLA Grad student who hadn’t slept well in six months.  After only one session, she is able to sleep.
Improvements are maintained as proved by 7–10 year follow-up studies.  Medications do not necessarily get to the root of the issue, but LENS can return the brain to optimal functioning.
Through the end of October, Dr. Dubin is offering 3 sessions for $150. – money-back guarantee.  Contact Dr. Dubin if you have any questions. http://tinyurl.com/25djdgm

BOB MIRMAN, WEST COAST TIRE & SERVICE

Bob Mirman, West Coast Tire & Service.  Bob told us a story about why one business succeeds and another business fails.  Bob’s “Good Idea” is interested in increasing your sales and profits.  Recruit the best talent available and then demand superior performance.  We have all joined LT because it is a world-class business organization and we need to take advantage of that.
If you got one tip from each of your own clients, you would potentially double your own business.  Bob wanted to thank us for support.  Every action creates a reaction.  Not every customer is going to be thrilled, but we have to bend over backwards to keep them happy.  We must give each other the best service and pricing. 
If you are interested in opening a new channel to increase and improve your business, please call Bob so that you can get together.  http://tinyurl.com/27kuchu

TINA SCHUCHMAN, FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY

Tina Schuchman, Family Law Attorney.  Tina brought her favorite assistant, Aaron Schuchman today.  The Law Office of Schuchman & Marshall is a boutique Family Law firm with 3 attorneys and 100 years of experience (along with two paralegals).   Rates vary from $195 to $550 per hour and they will offer an initial complimentary free consultation. 
Tina will bring in experts as needed, including Kenny Furuya and Martin Horwitz.  Her motto is “kids first – money second.”  If the settlement is not good for the kids, it is not an acceptable settlement.
There is a time to file a case and a type of case to file.  Anybody with an impending marriage or bad marriage is a possible good client.
Tina has been a member of this group since 1994 and she is quite grateful to many, many members.
See Tina for a pre-nuptial agreement, post-nuptial agreement, or for a fair and honorable divorce. http://tinyurl.com/252tpda

EXECUTIVE LE TIP SPEECHES, AUGUST 20, 2010

Noni Krikorian,  DEK Communications. Communication Cabling and Telephone Systems.  Noni used to climb telephone polls as an installer and now she manages DEK.  Doug & Noni started the business in 1986 doing both cabling and telephone systems.  She showed pictures of frighteningly messy computer rooms done by less than professionals.  Do you have problem with dial-tone?  Starting in the telephone box, DEK’s professionals will locate and correct the issue(s).
New construction, retro-fitting existing buildings, homes.  They are licensed & bonded and can show a Certificate of Insurance with worker’s comp and liability insurance.  Upgrading to new equipment, expanding to handle more business building out to the companies needs.   Everything is marked, noted and written on a blueprint if available.   DEK will also install T-1 lines (after you have ordered the line from Brett Evans). http://tinyurl.com/24t6uwf


Lissette Pleitez – Here2Cean, cleaning crew.  If you can think about a new housekeeper, call Lissette and her team.  They are professional, courteous, reliable and prompt cleaning service.  The ultimate goal is 100% satisfying the customer.  Services are available on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or just a one-time service.  Here2Clean uses their own supplies and if the customer demands, they will use the customer’s supplies or green supplies.
One of the pictures on the presentation was a horrendous living room that they organized and cleaned like new.  Lissette told us that she is a “clean freak.”  She does not like clutter or filth and even returns home every evening and makes sure her own home is spotless.
Do you know a busy mom that needs help:  How about the business professional who doesn’t have enough hours in the day?  A vacant house or a vacant apartment is another good tip.  Unlike much of her competition, they are reliable, experienced, licensed and bonded.  True professionals.http://tinyurl.com/2aavpdr

Bijan Kharrazi (1st National Processing), credit card merchant processing, is a nine-year member of LeTip and has been in business since 1999.  Bijan reminds us that  impressions are easily made.  How do you feel when a vendor does not take credit cards?  Would you hesitate going to that establishment the next time?  Convenience always brings buyer’s back allowing them spontaneous purchases and Bijan’s personal service is the best.
A short list of business categories includes: Private investigator, home health care, pest control office, auto collision center and restaurants are just some of the types of merchants that use Bijan’s services.
An application is filled out, a merchant number is issued and with approval you have credit cards.  The competitive pricing, no long-term contracts and personal services are some of the reasons to use Bijan rather than the competition.  Soon you will be able swipe a card on cell phone, or actually by texting.  Many government entities are even accepting cards.  The gift card industry is up to $26 Billion in 2009.  Advice: Do not use someone else’s processing account; keep your receipts for 6 months; minimize charge-backs by putting your business phone number on the account. http://tinyurl.com/23r86og

Sharyn Hillyer, M.A., M.F.T., Coach: Relationship & Personal.  Sharyn told us that she was not going to talk about relationships today, but she recommends a coach before getting very involved with somebody.  Have you experienced headaches, sleeping too much or difficulty staying asleep?  Have you been grinding your teeth?  Do you have tense or sore muscles?  Lowered immunity?  Anxiety or nervousness?  Problems relaxing?  Are you eating, drinking or smoking more?  These are a few of the common symptoms of stress.   We are living in particularly stressful times and Sharyn teaches techniques for dealing with stress.  Mindful breathing is an incredibly simple and easy technique to lower your stress in any situation.  Very simply, breath in through your nose for the count of four, hold it for the count of four and then breathe out for the count of four.  Notice the change in your demeanor.  Everything slows down and you will feel calmer.  Use Sharyn’s Mindful Breathing Technique in any situation to instantly feel better.   Call Sharyn to improve your relationships, lower your stress and generally improve your life.
http://tinyurl.com/287mrqq