Atlanta Small Business Owners Invitation Paid Research Panel Oct 4th

Dear Business Owner,

This session pays $300. Please feel free to refer a Small Business Owner to this invitation and I thank you for your time in advance.

We are an independent market research company looking for several small business owners to participate in a panel discussion group on behalf of the Enterprise Council on Small Business.

The session will last for 2 hours take place in Atlanta, GA on Thursday October 4th from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM.

Those people who are chosen to participate will be paid $300 at the end of the panel for their time and input.

There will be a one hour conference call on Wednesday September 19th from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST, to go over the topic of discussion and gather feedback for the panel discussion.

Your participation is completely anonymous and your information confidential. These studies are strictly for market research and no sales attempt will ever be made as a result of your participation.

If you are interested in participating, please take a moment to fill out the following brief questionnaire:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AtlantaSmallBusinesOwnersPanel

Please note that answering this questionnaire is not a guarantee of being selected to participate or receipt of payment.

Cortney Erskine
Research Coordinator
AlphaBuzz, Inc.
www.AlphaBuzzGroup.com

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E. Alexander Gothard City Councilman of East Point, GA Recent Email To Resident

Good Morning Residents,

Monday night at the council meeting, I was stunned to see that the fiscal year ‘13 budget did not pass. I have personally held extensive conversations with our (Interim) City Manager and with our Finance Director in helping me determine if this budget was right for our city and to understand the budget from several different views.

At one point, I was even under the impression that this budget called for the elimination of 18 unfilled police positions. I inquired, and this is the response I received from our Finance Director:

Hello Councilperson Gothard,

The math may point to 18 positions unfunded however, the facts show that the Police Department is free to fill all positions and funds will be available. FY12 actual personnel cost for the Police Department is projected to be 9.5million. The FY13 budget allots $11.1 million for Police personnel cost. That is an additional $1.6 million over their FY12 actual cost, which will more than cover 18 positions. Attached, is an analysis of the Police Department Personnel Budget.

Thanks,
Derrick


This was a huge concern for many residents as it was a concern of mine. There will be no cuts to our police department, filled or unfilled positions. Please do not pay attention to the rhetoric. See the link to a video below of Monday’s council meeting:

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/18820051/contested-east-point-budget-fails-to-get-votes

Also of concern to our residents was the property tax situation. We have heard everything that the council is apparently planning to do, including raising the millage rate to 20 or even 30 mils. The truth is, our city has seen a tremendous decline in property values. Personally, my property has seen a more than 50 percent decrease in value over the course of only one year. Of course I am happy to receive a large check back from overpaying my escrow account, but what is the real cost?

Currently, we pay a millage rate of 13.75. The council has recommended we raise the millage rate to 15, which will generate about another $1 million for the city’s general fund. What does this mean to you? More than likely nothing. Yes, the millage rate may go up but property values have unfortunately fallen so far that we still will pay less in taxes than typically paid over the past few years. East Point has been hit hard in this economic downturn, but we are not unique in this challenge. Below reflects the total amount collected in tax revenues over the years:

Year| Tax Receipts| Millage Rate|

2005| $10.4 million| 12.369 mils|

2006| $10.7| 12.163|

2007| $15.3| 14.75|

2008| $16.8| 14.75|

2009| $15.8| 14.75|

2010| $12.7| 14.75|

2011| $9.8| 13.75|

2012 (projected)| $9.2| 15.00|

As you may notice, it was not a good move for the previous council to drop the millage rate in 2011 at time we were in the middle of declining home values. Evening in raising the millage rate to 15, East Point will still not realize the same amount in tax values we saw in 2011.

Some other highlights of this budget include:

*Additional $1.2 million contribution for unfunded pension. Being proactive and ensuring city retirees will have the state required retirement amount available when due.

*No water base rate increase and less transferred from the Enterprise/Utilities Fund to the General Fund. Over the past few years, an average of more than $5 million has been moved from the Enterprise Fund to the General Fund. With this budget, there will be no question of the transfer amount of $1.28 million to help cover utility generated expenses.

*$776,889 for street repaving

In regards to recycling, I do not believe anyone on council wants to see the elimination of this program as has been put out there. At this point, our city staff is working to renegotiate the contract with Republic so that the city gets a fair deal. I am convinced that Republic can do a lot better in terms of what they offer us. In the first quarter of 2012, residents have redeemed their reyclebank points for a total amount of $1,134.40 worth of prizes and gifts. Also during the first quarter of 2012, the city has paid Republic a total of $71,882.10. In other words, for every $1 a resident receives in redemption points, the city pays out $63.37. We can do better and hopefully Republic will agree to better terms.

Also, I will be pushing for changes to the capital projects list, as several projects currently earmarked are not worthy of tax payer dollars at this time.

These are only a few of the highlights. This is, however, a balanced and very compromising budget. I am very excited about the possibilities of this coming year as we have some very exciting things on the table for our city. Please be sure to call your elected officials and tell them to show up for work, especially when voting on our fiscal budget as one Council Member intentionally chose to stall the city by refusing to show up for the vote. This is important once a year business...I do not think that is too much to ask. After all, as elected officials we are fully aware of this annual task and it is our responsibility to pass a budget in a timely manner. Thank you and have a wonderful day.

Cordially,

E. Alexander Gothard



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An Interview with E. Alexander Gothard (City Councilman) of East Point, Georgia

On Saturday Morning, June 9th 2012, we were invited to a meeting held on Norman Berry Drive in the heart of East Point, Georgia at the East Point Historical Society.

The meeting was called to session by East Point City Councilman E. Alexander Gothard of Ward A. It regarded the (5) five versions of the 2013 Fiscal Year Budget under evaluation and or consideration. The City Councilman decided to share the information with Citizens while gathering their input before voting on the appropriate budget.

Following the meeting we asked him for an interview and he agreed.

C. Henry Adams: City Councilman E. Alexander Gothard of East Point Ward A, we would like to thank you for the opportunity to allow us to interview you. We understand that as a local business owner , as well as, City Councilman you are passionately involved in the positive growth of East Point, Georgia.

Considering that you are perhaps a very busy person, we would like to ask three (3) questions. Our questions regard the meeting and its discussions on Saturday Morning, June 9th 2012 and the incident that preceded it Friday Night, June 8th 2012.

City Councilman Gothard, on Saturday June 9th 2012 you shared five (5) versions of the East Point City Council 2013 Fiscal Budget under evaluation to staff, constituents and friends to gather insights. Did you obtain constructive criticism and or recommendations from individuals at this meeting?

City Councilman E. Alexander Gothard: I did receive constructive criticism from those who attended. It was my intent to address rumors that were extremely untrue. I will be supporting budget version number five and this version will lock in a millage rate of 15, no utility increases, and will include an operations management review in which a professional firm will help the council decide which positions with the city are necessary and which are unnecessary. Residents were very appreciative of the meeting.

C. Henry Adams: What other efforts are being done to assure the Citizens of East Point that its City Council is working in their best interest?

City Councilman E. Alexander Gothard: To be 100 percent candid, it is entirely up to residents to decide if their council person is working in their best interest. One of the reasons I held my recent meeting with some of my Ward A community leaders was to ensure them that I am working in their best interest and to personally address any concerns they have.

C. Henry Adams: Recently, it was announced in the Metro Atlanta News that you were in some sort of altercation. It is understood that a Locksmith refused to leave the premises of your home after being address to do so, is this true?

City Councilman E. Alexander Gothard:As for the incident that took place on June 8, 2012, below is a statement from my attorney:

The firm of Johnson & Freeman, LLC has been retained to defend Councilman Gothard regarding the recent charge of Simple Battery. This matter involves a dispute with a vendor at his residence. Since this matter is presently under investigation, it would be premature and irresponsible to comment on the details of this alleged incident. Councilman Gothard is looking forward to his day in Court so that he can be vindicated in this matter. As with any allegation, there are two sides to every story and Councilman Gothard anticipates that everyone will hear both sides before rendering judgment. In the interim, Councilman Gothard will continue to provide quality representation to the citizens of East Point.

C. Henry Adams: Thank you Sir for your time.

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BIE Foresee HiTech Types Of Marketing Mixed With Grassroots

by C. Henry Adams


Q: Somebody said, "C. Henry, what type of Hi-tech Communications Marketing do BIE foresee working in the near future?"

A: Internet Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Grassroots Social Media Marketing, Mobile Marketing and Grassroots Mobile Marketing.

Grassroots Marketing from what I understand it to be is when you get out into the public and make face to face contact with a person to sell a concept, service or product.

OK, let's quickly describe Grassroots Social Media Marketing & Grassroots Mobile Marketing(Text Messaging or SMS)as ways to communicate with individuals you KNOW and or familiar with to make a sell.

Q: Somebody said, "OK C. Henry, I'm still not getting it, help me out & please expound on your concept or perception."

A: Today's small to medium-sized business should have clients that they are capable of sending emails, text messages, as well as, tweets. Unified Communications is the key to successfully marketing your service or product; it is not going anywhere. In fact, it has finally dug in to fight the good fight. (Figuratively Speaking)

If you are going to stay competitive in these ever changing times, you need to be advance in the way you communicate, period.

Q: Somebody said, "For grassroots mobile marketing, are you saying reach out to those potential customers contacted by cell phone?"

A: Yes absolutely ,but please please UNDERSTAND; you must have created a BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP with the customer or potential customer to send a text message! Don't send text messages to folks you hardly know or never had an agreement to communicate with in this 'particular manner'.

Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc. has evolved still again into mobile web development and mobile marketing research and support. Please feel free contact us for more information at (404) 348-8319 or www.biemediagroup.com

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Interesting News About Walmart MoneyCard (SM) When Stores In Atlanta Arent Accepting Cash @ Register

By C. Henry Adams
Friday October 28th 2011

It's Friday and just like any American, I like to eat a great meal. Well, before I could go and eat a great meal, I needed to place some money on one of the best debit cards I've used in relations to my business. What is the debit card?

Well, right now, its the Walmart Money Card. That was at least until I started to panic at the local Walmart in Lithia Springs this evening.

You see I found a way to pay for items online for clients like web hosting, domain names, U.S. Copyright fees and even ISBN(s) through the use of this card.

Then it happen. I walked in the store straight up to the cashier managing the self-checkout machines to discover that Walmart stop taking cash to place on the debit card that way.

The cashier told me this story, then the Money Center Cashier told me the same story.

Furthermore, a manager also told me the same story and I heard from a lady (Customer standing in line.) that travel to several stores in the Metro Atlanta area as well.

Nevertheless, the manager I mentioned, directed me to a Walmart ATM where I was able to insert cash into the Walmart ATM and place it on the Walmart MoneyCard.

So, the disaster for me was averted.

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A Past-Time Event Could Boost The Economy

By C. Henry Adams , President and CEO of Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc.



(A Micro-Blog written Saturday, October 8, 2011)

This is one of those 'did you know' moments.

Did you know that your favorite American Past-time could boost your economy in your area?

Past-time or pastime, is a period of time you spend for relaxation, enjoyment and or entertainment purposes.

Somebody said, "Alright C., name some Past-time Events?"

My Answer: Little League Games, Playing Sports or Exercising in a Park, Church Fish Fry, Skating Rink, Movie Theater, Scary House, watching a parade and much more to name a few.

Wait there's more! LOL Watching a Game on TV, participating in a Tailgating Party with or without tickets to the game.

Did you know that if your City's NFL, College, High School or even Little League team makes it to the playoffs & win the championship, you win too?

Somebody said, "Wait-a-minute C., are you trying to say if I live in Atlanta & I'm a Dolphin's Fan, but the Falcons win the Superbowl, I win?"

My Reply: Absolutely. Yes, the NFL makes money. But, so does stores, bars and other companies within the Atlanta area. Why? It boost morale.

Here is a 'short' list of companies and or organizations that could directly and or indirectly benefit from a boost in morale possibly leading to a spending spree large or small:

1) Grocery Stores
2) Liquor Stores
3) Stadiums and their Vendors
4) Cable TV/ Digital TV/ Satellite
5) Mass Transit
6) RV/Truck/Car Dealerships
7) National Historic Parks
8) Restaurants
9) Hotels / Motels
10) Public Sports Parks
11) Internet Business(es)
12) Retail Stores
13) Insurance Companies
14) Art / Music / Drama Theaters
15) Bars
16) Gas Stations
17) Other Government Services
18) Billboard Companies
19) Vehicle Repair Shops
20) Movie Theaters
21) Church and other Religious Organizations
22) Non-Profit Organizations
23) Private Institutions or Colleges and Universities

Somebody near me said, " That sounds crazy, are you saying it stimulates people to want to spend and thus give employment to others?

My Answer: Yes, plus it perhaps support positive thinking.

Somebody asked, "C. Henry, how can small to medium sized business(es) benefit from Past-Time Events?

My Answer: Become a Sponsor on an 'Affordable Sponsorship Level'. This means if you can afford the money to advertise, pay for the Ad in a small to medium sized periodical, church bulletin, non-profit organization event program, magazine or newspaper.

An 'Affordable Sponsorship Level' could be a donation made to a Church or Non-Profit Organization where they display your business information as a patron or supporter.

However, please be fully aware of what it is you are supporting! You don't want it to backfire. Anything you support should be a Win - Win Situation with a long-term, 'plant the seed', common sense approach to generating business from everyone.

An 'Affordable Sponsorship Level' should go Hand-in-Hand with 'Grass Root Marketing'.
Certain clients BIE have reaped benefits when we shared this strategy.

This means, we all (Owners & Employees) must improve our 'soft skills', customer service skills and ability to provide services or products with a smile.

Furthermore, while doing these things mentioned above; we must represent our companies in the community in 'person' while participating in various activities such as past-time events.

Warning: If you are hated in your community, perhaps you might want to find a way to resolve whatever differences exist when taking the approach mentioned above.

Oh, one more thing before I go. 'Grass Root Marketing' works well when you display pictures of your participation on Social Media, TV Ads, your Web site and other Marketing or Advertisement Mediums appropriately and or professionally when relating to an event you supported.

Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc. A Business Development & Telecommunications Consulting Firm | (404) 348-8319 | www.biemediagroup.com

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A Car Commercial With A Young Lady Talking About Her Parent's 19 Facebook Friends Says A Lot

by C. Henry Adams President and CEO of Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc.


(A Previous Microblog on Sunday July 24th 2011)
((Updated Friday, Dec. 2, 2011))

Greetings Everyone, I often catch that car commercial about the young lady talking about her parents having 19 Facebook Friends and in my professional opinion it says a lot.

Before somebody ask, yes we will publish this commentary on the blog.

Alright, where was I?

Nine quick points and I'm out of here- in relations to that brilliant commercial regarding Marketing, Social Media and People. You Ready!?

Point 1 - It sells Facebook.

Point 2 - It sells a Car for the Car Company Advertising.

Point 3 - It sells the idea to older Adults that you don't have to have a lot of friends on social media to have fun in real life together.

For instance, if I'm only targeting scholars who seek knowledge about new innovative things and have the means to obtain them, why not pursue them?

Point 4 - It sells the fact that Social Media is just a tool of sorts to reach Individuals. But, you must learn to use it effectively.

Those who are just tuning into my microblog, we are talking about a car commercial whereas a fictitious young lady discuss her parent's 19 Facebook Friends.

Point 5 - It points out the fact that people are intrigue by both fact /or fiction found on social media or the Internet. Discernment is a key.

Point 6 - Business(es) & Non-profit Organizations should utilize social media to sale a concept alone with other tools of marketing.

Point 7 - Business(es) & Nonprofit organizations should repetitively only expect to reach persons who would take interest in their concept online.

Basically- that means, you would need to redefine your demographics and appeal to people more frequently, but not in an invasive way.

* Point 8 - Find credible people, liked-minded people to friend on social media. Actions speak louder than words. Due Diligence is a key.

* Point 9 - Realize that social media is simply a tool to communicate. Therefore, always be mindful of the words you write on it.

The Asterisk (*) preceding points 8 & 9 were an accident, but those two points are critical none the less. Have a great day, peace I'm out.

We want your business. BIE is a Business Development & Telecommunications Consulting Firm. Call (404) 348-8319 or http://biemediagroup.com


2011 Toyota Venza Commercial - Social Network



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The Point That I Make Is Simple

by C. Henry Adams President / CEO of Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc.

The Public School Cheating Scandal could effect business in Atlanta. So could the closing of 67 banks throughout Georgia.
So could the immigration law recently passed on the State of Georgia level. So could the 'Default' situation in the US Government.

The point that I make is simple. If we don't face our problems with actions and not rhetoric, perhaps we will truly be lost.

But, not I. Fore, I will start with myself, an individual- by stop talking about the problem, while yet acting to bring about a solution.

I use to think that I could save the World, but just didn't know how. Now I realize that I can save it with others in my community.

Does that sound crazy? Absolutely, it is not. But, it is crazy, if you stand in shock and do nothing while everything crumble around you.

Somebody said, "C. Henry, save the World by fixing your grammar first."

My reply: Like this World we live in, its an ongoing process. LOL

Thanks for reading my blog. Please feel free to comment and while you at it, I would like to encourage you to come support the 5th Annual Morris Brown College Scholarship Walk-A-Thon to be held Saturday, September 10th 2011.

For more information about this event, please visit http://mbcscholarwalk.org


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Progress of Social Media Helping SMB (Small Business)

by C. Henry Adams President and CEO of Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc.

If you are a Facebook Friend of mine, you know that most of the time, we post lots of business and or advanced technology articles there. Also, you might have notice that I personally don't play any Online Games associated with this Social Media site.

You see, it was always the intent that my name become a brand name for Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc. ("BIE") Yes, BIE is a business development and telecommunications consulting firm, but we thought utilizing social media; it would reveal to potential clients and or consumers, that we offer so much more via the Internet.

Which brings me to one of the most important questions I must ask my company today, "Where are we when it comes to the progress of social media marketing?"

Likely, I would get a lot of excuses or " Ah, excuse me." Then, the person walks out the room like the recent commercial seen on TV the other day and shouts back once the door closes, "Nowhere I guess!". LOL (Actually, I'm laughing to avoid getting mad.)

Nevertheless, the fact of the matter is... if you only count on social media connections to get Clients or Customers in this day and time, perhaps that would be a mistake.

OK, cutting the bull, it would be a BIG mistake if you put all your eggs in the social media basket. (Figure of speech)

So, what should you do?

Well, the answer is based on lots of simple things to make a complexity. Combine all marketing resources to reach your target market and give Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc. a call to assist you. (404) 348-8319 Our prices due to the current economy are very reasonable.

What are examples of combined marketing resources?

Unfortunately, to answer this question, we would need to research your business for a nominal consulting fee. (404) 348-8319 Call or Text*

But, here's a short list of services we could offer the emerging business, small business, non-profit organization, medium-sized business or enterprise below:

1) Web Development
2) Outdoor & Billboard Research / Marketing / Design
3) Business Development & Research
4) In association with GBC, LLC - becoming a Government Contractor
5) In association with 1st Quality Courier of Georgia - Legal Process Server & Genuine Courier Service
6) In association with Good Works Communications Inc. - CAT 5/6 wiring installation, fiber optic cabling installation and more.
7) Internet Marketing
8) Video / Audio Commercial Production in association with Voice-over Artist Esther Caspino
9) Low-voltage ( Ethernet, Fiber Optics, Telephone, Cable, Home Theaters) Re-wiring of buildings and older homes to bring them up to specification and compliance.
10 ) Security Network of Systems (Access Control, Video Surveillance and Intrusion Detection) Design, Development and Installation.

I'm going to stop here, because I would like you to grasp some of the services we offer and give us a call or text at (404) 348 - 8319.

I can hear someone say now, "C. Henry, how does any of those services mentioned above help my small business on social media!?"

My response, to find out how the 10 items mentioned above associate with Social Media or Marketing as a whole, please feel free to call or text me at (404) 348-8319.

That's all, I'm done for now, so tell me what you think?

http://biemediagroup.com


Other Services Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc. offer: >>
* US Copyright Assistance
* Web site Monitoring & Maintenance
* Social Networking / Media - Research / Setup / Monitoring / Maintenance
* Video / Audio Commercial Placement on Internet / Radio / Local Digital TV / Cable
* Sponsorship Letter Writing
* Specialized Market Research / Investigation

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Taken From The Book Of A Lot Of Mentors I Know

By C. Henry Adams President / CEO of Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc.


Quick, let me speak on things before they escape my mind.

I can hear somebody saying now, "What things C. Henry?"

My answer may be simple or long-winded, you make the choice, but here goes something.

As a business owner leaving off the word "small" for a moment; I have lately found myself doing the following things below and its all because of the Mentors I have in my life:

1) Thinking then knowing before creating an action in life.

2) Maintaining a positive mental attitude.

3) Reaching way down within one's self mentally to conjure up strength and fight the unknown, as well as, known fears.

4) Walking really by faith and definitely not by my own sight or other people's sight.

5) Being fed up with the 'BS' (And it does not mean 'Beautiful Summer' neither.) and immediately acting by first being proactive in your mind, then seeking wisdom and advice.

6) Before taking a bold action, pray over it and over again.

7) Consider carefully before you act on the plan you created that may be simple or complex.

8) Act on whatever it is you so dare to do with Faith, but know that it must be right and not wrong in any sense of the word.

Did you sense redundancy in the above points or bullet statements? If the answer is "Yes", you got it and you will get it.

If the answer is "No", because you have no idea what the heck I'm talking about, guess what? You don't got it. Before you get frustrated, walk away from this blog and take a mental break, then come back and read it again.

BTW or by the way, that was number 9.

{Repeating it here:} 9) Don't get frustrated with things you don't understand. Furthermore, don't give in, give out or give up on comprehending them neither. Instead, walk away from the problem or things that you don't understand and clear your mind, likely by setting in a quiet place for an example, then try it again until you get it right. Utilizing this process as a cycle to comprehend does work for me. However, note your own method may be slightly different.

Alright, the list of things can go on and on. However, I have chosen to stop here.

So, what do you think?




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