All posts in "Operations"

Featured BGNInsider: Randolph Sablich the Business Development Manager

Operations
By Jena Apgar / 7 months ago

Randolph Sablich has been helping businesses grow for over 40 years. He was a natural choice to feature in this weeks membership spotlight. He understands what separates a good proposal from a great proposal is how well it reflects the customer’s perspective.

At meetings each week, he will meticulously guide members and teams through the entire lead nurturing process, identifying potential growth areas and revenue streams.

Armed with a deep understanding of what matters most to you and your customers, RSablich & Associates has what it takes to help you grow.

As a consulting firm that specializes in business turn-arounds and business growth implementation, Randy maintains a career–long track record of identifying and developing new revenue streams and profits.

But all seriousness aside….we had a chance to sit down with Randy and ask some hard hitting questions!

If I were a Super Hero, what would my super power be?

I already am a super hero. I can fix things and solve problems that so often mere mortals have difficulty with. Not so much that it is a “super power”, but when people are working in their business, that old adage of “can’t see the forest from the trees” applies.

I can see the whole picture as well as what is wrong, and ‘where’s Waldo’ in their business. Having this “power” enables me to solve problems that have troubled them for some time.

What song do I crank up when I need a boost, or celebrating a business (or personal victory)?

I am a classical music person, so when I truly need to be motivated or want to celebrate , I turn on Carmina Burana, by Carl Orff. Classical lover or not, that will get anyone’s juices flowing.

Best book I have read this year?

I always seem to have several books “being read” at the same time, and often never finish. The most relevant book I have almost finished is Content First Marketing, by a local authority, John Arnott. He espouses much of what Warfare Marketing teaches, but focuses more on the Content side. I was taught that “Content is King”, in proposals, in Sales, in Business Development, and in Marketing, so I identify with the book closely.

What areas of my business could I use help with?

As a Business Consultant, either independently or as part of the Texas Consilium, the hardest part is finding people (companies) who recognize they need help and are willing to actually do something about it. Business owners or Executives often can be procrastinators, and also fear admitting failure is bad, so they try to fix things themselves. I believe that I know what I know, and I know what I don’t know; so for example, if I find a client and they really need accounting help, I will find a great financial consultant or member of the Consilium that is just right for them. How to make that happen is often more by referral or introduction, and that takes either time or chance.

Apple or PC and why?

That’s easy, PC. Actually , I started with an Apple IIe many years ago. Then a Radio Shack TRS 80, a DEC Rainbow, and finally an IBM PC. I like the PC because of its power to do the things I want it to do. I do not play games on my PC, never have. I see it as a powerful tool to help business. The powerful software options and increasing speed and ease of use, makes it an essential tool. Being able to easily move documents and files from one person or company to another is critical to good communications. Need I say more?

Favorite Social Media Network for Business?

If you are talking electronic social media, I would clearly vote for LinkedIn. But it is not really a good communication tool, but a way to start a communication, verify the type of individual or company you are connecting to and hopefully strike up a real conversation via phone or face to face.

Ultimately, the best communication tool is speaking with someone face to face. At an event, a meeting, or over coffee or a meal.

What hidden talent do I have?

If it is hidden, how would I know about it? Besides being able to play the piano (not very well any more), I am good at helping people think through life’s problems, explore their options, challenge them to think harder and not give up, and keep them motivated. I only do this with close friends with whom we have a mutual trust.

What is Your Elevator Pitch?

Elevator Pitch. God do I hate that term. Most simply said, I fix things. I see solutions where others can see only problems. I use the diagnostic skills I was taught in engineering school to decompose problems, develop and test solutions, and fix and implement them. Whether it is a business turn around, seeking and entering a new market, or repositioning a company with new technology, I have been successful in achieving what I or others have asked me to do.

You can find out more about Randy Sablich at: http://www.rsablich.com or on Linkedin where the professionals hang out at https://www.linkedin.com/in/randolphsablich/.

And Randy is a regular at our Monday meetings from 10-11am!

Not a member? Interested? Check us out! http://businessgrowthnetwork.org/bgninsiders/

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Template: Board Resolution Approving Compensation for Board of Directors Template

Operations
By Jena Apgar / 11 months ago

What is a Board Resolution Approving Compensation for Board of Directors Template? Growing companies have growing needs. New trends are developing as smaller companies looking for rapid expansion bring on experienced mentors to fill the Board of Director positions. And to attract top mentors….you need compensation. As to how various size companies are paying their boards and how they are breaking down the compensation…that is another story.

But today, I was in need of a document to set forth the basic pay and guidelines for Warfare Marketing, Inc.

Why do I need a Board Resolution Approving Compensation for Board of Directors Template?

If your board is getting paid…that needs to be documented! Weird, I know. You will need to consider several variables that affect board of director compensation and the nature of the contract, including:

  • Structure of the business
  • Number of yearly meetings
  • Nature of the industry
  • Size of the business
  • Role in strategic planning
  • Decision-making participation
  • Real or potential litigation concerns and will a Director and Officer (D&O) insurance policy needed

What are the Board of Directors Paid?

Pay for the Board of Directors varies wildly across the spectrum and includes a balance of cash and equity positions. As the directors are the decision makers of the corporation, it is important to hire top talent with skills like:

  • Good communication skills
  • Financial expertise
  • Strategic planning aptitude
  • Proven track record of excellence
  • Professionalism under pressure

To do this…you’ll have to pay well. Companies are now paying an average of $2,000 per meeting and $1,000 per telephone conference call, with a total minimum retainer included per year.

COPY/PASTE OUR Board Resolution Approving Compensation for Board of Directors Template:

 

BOARD RESOLUTION

OF

{ INSERT CORPORATE NAME }

APPROVING COMPENSATION FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS DULY PASSED ON { DATE }

APPROVAL OF COMPENSATION FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors (“Board”) of { INSERT CORPORATE NAME } has determined a need to delineate the specific categories of activities for which attendance fees are paid to members of the Board for the discharge of its board-related duties; and

WHEREAS, members of the Board of { INSERT CORPORATE NAME } determined that attendance fees should be paid to members only for the specified categories of activities enumerated below; and

WHEREAS, members of the Board of { INSERT CORPORATE NAME } determined that the maximum daily honorable payable to members shal be set at 1/{ NUMBER }th of the salary of { INSERT CORPORATE NAME } President and shall adjust automatically upon adjustment of the President’s salary; and

WHEREAS, members of the Board of { INSERT CORPORATE NAME } determined that the current daily honorable of { DOLLAR AMOUNT } shall remain unaltered.

RESOLVED, that effective { DATE } Board members may be paid for:

Attending Board and committee meetings, whether or not the member is a committee member;

Attending Board and committee meetings by telephone if this method of attendance is required due to the member’s infirmity or for similar extenuating circumastances;

Attending meetings with { INSERT CORPORATE NAME } management or staff;

Attending { INSERT CORPORATE NAME } Board annual conferences, forums or such other special activities sponsored by the Board to engage grantee management and staff; and

Representing { INSERT CORPORATE NAME } officiallly at other types of externally-sponsored events after obtaining prior written approval from the Chair or his designee to attend the event.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the officers of { INSERT CORPORATE NAME } are, and each acting alone is, hereby authorized and directed to take such further action as may be necessary, appropriate or advisable to implement this resolution and amendment and any such prior actions are hereby ratified; and

We, the undersigned, hereby certify that { INSERT CORPORATE NAME } is comprised of { NUMBER } members, of whom { NUMBER }, constituting a quorum, were present at a meeting duly and regularly called, noticed, convened and held this { DAY } day of { MONTH , YEAR }, and that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted at said meeting by the affirmative vote of { NUMBER } members, and opposed by { NUMBER } members, and that said Resolution has been duly recorded in the Minute Book and is in full force and effect.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand effective this _________ day of _____________________, 20__________.

 

______________________________________________________
President

______________________________________________________
Vice President

______________________________________________________
Secretary

______________________________________________________
Treasurer

 

If you have any questions about our Board Resolution Approving Compensation for Board of Directors Template, please let us know in the comments. This one worked well enough for us for Warfare Marketing, Inc. to get what we needed documented

For more information on setting up your business and completing a Business Plan, look no further than becoming a member of the Business Growth Network. You can meet one of our members, Melanie Murphy here 🙂

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Template: Annual Shareholder Meeting Minutes Template

Operations
By Jena Apgar / 11 months ago

What is a Annual Shareholder Meeting Minutes Template? As mandated by law, the shareholders of a corporation must hold an annual meeting each year to discuss the corporation, the previous, elect the directors and pass resolutions needed for the company.

Why do I need a Annual Shareholder Meeting Minutes Template?

Great question! Here ate Warfare Marketing we incorporated in March of 2018. Well….turns out we need this document once a year to stay compliant! Weird. No, in all seriousness, incorporation is an important aspect of business and staying compliant with all the paper work is vital to maintaining the protection of the corporate vail.

Each year, you can keep all the same directors on the board, but this is your time to make changes if you would like and the Annual Shareholder Meeting Minutes Template in the document to handle the information and change notes.

The board of directors typically are elected to serve on the board for 1 year, or until another meeting of shareholders is held to vote for new directors because something has changed.

What are the Board of Directors?

The directors are the decision makers of the corporation. The directors elect the officers which run the day to day operations of the corporation, so this is a big deal. Any big decisions of the corporation are run through the directors, so as a shareholder, this is your chance to choose who will make these decisions.

COPY/PASTE OUR Annual Shareholder Meeting Minutes Template:

 

ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING MINUTES
OF

{ INSERT CORPORATE NAME }

The annual meeting of the shareholders of the above named corporation was held on:
{ DATE } at { DATE } at { LOCATION }

Present was:

  • Name:________________________  Address:___________________________
  • Name:________________________  Address:___________________________
  • Name:________________________  Address:___________________________
  • Name:________________________  Address:___________________________
  • Name:________________________  Address:___________________________
  • Name:________________________  Address:___________________________
  • Name:________________________  Address:___________________________
  • Name:________________________  Address:___________________________

_____________________________ was requested to be the temporary Chairman of the meeting. _____________________________ was requested to be the temporary Secretary of the meeting.

The following directors were present:
Names of directors:

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

The following directors by proxy:

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

The following officers were present

Names of officers:

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

The following officers by proxy:

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

  1. The meeting was called to order. It was determined that a quorum was present either in person or by proxy, and the meeting could conduct business.
  2. The Secretary determined and reported that notice of the meeting had been properly given or waived by shareholders in accordance with the bylaws.
  3. A motion was made and carried, that the Secretary was ordered to attach the documentation (If any) or the appropriate affidavit of mailing of notice or waiver of notice to the meeting minutes. If no notice is attached, all shareholders agreed that proper notice of the meeting had been given.
  4. There was presented to the meeting, a copy of the minutes of the previous meeting of the shareholders.
  5. In accordance with the corporate bylaws, there was an election of directors, which each shareholder stating their choices for director and the number of shares they held. Each number of shares counting as one vote. The vote was tallied and the results were:
    • Name: _________________________________  Number of Votes: _____________
    • Name: _________________________________  Number of Votes: _____________
    • Name: _________________________________  Number of Votes: _____________
    • Name: _________________________________  Number of Votes: _____________
    • Name: _________________________________  Number of Votes: _____________
    • Name: _________________________________  Number of Votes: _____________
    • Name: _________________________________  Number of Votes: _____________
    • Name: _________________________________  Number of Votes: _____________
  6. Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, it was resolved that the following persons were elected to serve as directors for one year and/or until the next shareholders meeting:
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
  7. Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, it was resolved that the compensation of the following directors was fixed at the following rates:
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
  8. The president presented the annual presidents report of the corporation.
  9. The treasurer of the corporation presented the treasurers report, which stated that the previous taxable year had:
    • a gross receipts total of:   _________________________________
    • a gross profit total of:   _________________________________
    • a net profit total of:   _________________________________
    • Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, it was resolved that the secretary would attach a copy of the presidents report and treasurers report to the corporate minutes book.
  10. The following other business was transacted:
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________
    • _________________________________

There was no further business, and upon motion made, seconded, and unanimously carried, it was
RESOLVED, that all the items and documents have been examined, are approved and adopted, and that all actions taken thus far have been ratified and approved by the shareholders.

There being no further business, upon motion made and carried, the meeting was adjourned.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand effective this _________ day of _____________________, 20__________.

 

______________________________________________________
President

______________________________________________________
Vice President

______________________________________________________
Secretary

______________________________________________________
Treasurer

 

If you have any questions about our Annual Shareholder Meeting Minutes Template, please let us know in the comments. This one worked well enough for us to stay compliant for Warfare Marketing, Inc.

For more information on setting up your business and completing a Business Plan, look no further than becoming a member of the Business Growth Network. You can meet one of our members, Melanie Murphy here 🙂

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Template: Corporate Resolution for Opening Bank Accounts Template

Operations
By Jena Apgar / last year

What is a corporate banking resolution document? At the first meeting of the members, for an LLC, or the Board of Directors, for a corporation, establishing a company, a resolution about banking details is often included. You’ll need a Corporate Resolution for Opening Bank Account Template to get started.

The banking resolution can be agreed upon at any meeting after the first meeting, or altered, as directed, by the members or the Board of Directors.

There will be several resolutions during the first meeting, but the banking resolution is often the most necessary resolution from the general minutes of the meeting. Banks will require this document to open up a bank account.

The Corporate Resolution for Opening Bank Account Template document will often specify who may sign checks, borrow money or make banking decisions. The members, or the Board, and the corporate secretary sign off on any changes made to this document going forward.

Although most people have their banking resolutions prepared before going to the bank, some banks require you to fill out their standard form. Each bank will be different in this respect. If you apply for a loan, the bank will keep the banking resolutions on file along with the Certificate of Incorporation/Formation, and the bylaws/Operating Agreement.

COPY/PASTE OUR Corporate Resolution for Opening Bank Account Template:

 

CORPORATE RESOLUTION
OF

{ INSERT CORPORATE NAME }

Banking Accounts – Use Bank Resolution to Open Account

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has determined it to be in the best interest of the Corporation to establish a banking resolution with { INSERT BANK NAME }, be it:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:

RESOLVED: That the Company execute and deliver to said bank a duly signed original of the completed banking resolution as is hereto attached, and the authority to transact business, including but not limited to the maintenance of savings, checking and other accounts as well as borrowing by the Company, shall be a contained in said resolution with the named officers therein authorized to so act on behalf of the Company as specified hereto.

FURTHER RESOLVED: That the following officers and/or representatives shall be signatories to said accounts:

{ List Name of Officer(s)/Representative(s)}

THE UNDERSIGNED hereby certifies that he is the duly elected, qualified and acting secretary of { INSERT COMPANY NAME } (“The Company”) and that the foregoing resolution was submitted to and approved and adopted by the Board of Directors at a meeting held on { INSERT MEETING DATE }, and that said resolution is now in full force and effect without modification or recession as permitted under the bylaws of the Company and in accordance with the provisions of state law under which the Company was incorporated.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand effective this _________ day of _____________________, 20__________.

 

______________________________________________________
President

______________________________________________________
Vice President

______________________________________________________
Secretary

______________________________________________________
Treasurer

 

If you have any questions about our Corporate Resolution for Opening Bank Account Template, please let us know in the comments. This one worked well enough when opening up our bank account for Warfare Marketing, Inc.

For more information on setting up your business and completing a Business Plan, look no further than becoming a member of the Business Growth Network. You can meet one of our members, Melanie Murphy here 🙂

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U.S. Patent and Trademark Classifications

Operations
By Jena Apgar / a couple of years ago

What in the world are Trademark Classifications? If you have any interest in registering and protecting a trademark, you will figure out fast that classification is important! Products (“goods”) and services are organized by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, based on specific categories, classifications, or “classes.”

If you wish to use a trademark to cover more than a single product or service, and those products or services fall into more than a single class (for example, motorcycles and clothing with Harley Davidson) additional fees are required for each additional class.

The USPTO numbers its classes, and each number corresponds to a named category, as below.

Please note that the terms in the class headings or short titles of the classes are generally too broad to be used alone as your actual description of products or services. Also, an international class number alone is never an acceptable listing.

Trademark Product (“Goods”) Classes

Class 1: Chemical Products
Chemicals used in industry, science and photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; unprocessed artificial resins; unprocessed plastics; manures; fire extinguishing compositions; tempering and soldering preparations; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; tanning substances; adhesives used in industry.

Class 2: Paint Products
Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against rust and against deterioration of wood; colorants; mordants; raw natural resins; metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers and artists.

Class 3: Cosmetics and Cleaning Products
Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions; dentifrices.

Class 4: Lubricant and Fuel Products
Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions; fuels (including motor spirit) and illuminants; candles and wicks for lighting.

Class 5: Pharmaceutical Products
Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations; sanitary preparations for medical purposes; dietetic substances adapted for medical use, food for babies; plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying vermin; fungicides, herbicides.

Class 6: Metal Products
Common metals and their alloys; metal building materials; transportable buildings of metal; materials of metal for railway tracks; nonelectric cables and wires of common metal; ironmongery, small items of metal hardware; pipes and tubes of metal; safes; goods of common metal not included in other classes; ores.

Class 7: Machinery Products
Machines and machine tools; motors and engines (except for land vehicles); machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles); agricultural implements other than hand-operated; incubators for eggs.

Class 8: Hand Tool Products
Hand tools and implements (hand-operated); cutlery; side arms; razors.

Class 9: Computer and Software Products and Electrical and Scientific Products
Scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signalling, checking (supervision), life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; automatic vending machines and mechanisms for coin operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment and computers; fire extinguishing apparatus.

Class 10: Medical Instrument Products
Surgical, medical, dental, and veterinary apparatus and instruments, artificial limbs, eyes, and teeth; orthopedic articles; suture materials.

Class 11: Environmental Control Instrument Products (lighting, heating, cooling, cooking)
Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply, and sanitary purposes.

Class 12: Vehicles and Products for locomotion by land, air or water
Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water.

Class 13: Firearm Products
Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks.

Class 14: Jewelry Products
Precious metals and their alloys and goods in precious metals or coated therewith, not included in other classes; jewelry, precious stones; horological and chronometric instruments.

Class 15: Musical Instrument Products
Musical instruments

Class 16: Paper and Printed Material Products
Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials, not included in other classes; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists’ materials; paint brushes; typewriters and office requisites (except furniture); instructional and teaching material (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging (not included in other classes); printers’ type; printing blocks.

Class 17: Rubber Products
Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and goods made from these materials and not included in other classes; plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture; packing, stopping and insulating materials; flexible pipes, not of metal.

Class 18: Leather Products (not including clothing)
Leather and imitations of leather, and goods made of these materials and not included in other classes; animal skins, hides; trunks and traveling bags; umbrellas, parasols and walking sticks; whips, harness and saddlery.

Class 19: Non-Metallic Building Material Products
Building materials (non-metallic); nonmetallic rigid pipes for building; asphalt, pitch and bitumen; nonmetallic transportable buildings; monuments, not of metal.

Class 20: Furniture Products
Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; goods (not included in other classes) of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for all these materials, or of plastics.

Class 21: Houseware and Glass Products
Household or kitchen utensils and containers; combs and sponges; brushes (except paint brushes); brush-making materials; articles for cleaning purposes; steel-wool; unworked or semi-worked glass (except glass used in building); glassware, porcelain and earthenware not included in other classes.

Class 22: Ropes, Cordage and Fiber Products
opes, string, nets, tents, awnings, tarpaulins, sails, sacks and bags (not included in other classes); padding and stuffing materials (except of rubber or plastics); raw fibrous textile materials.

Class 23: Yarns and Threads
Yarns and threads, for textile use.

Class 24: Fabrics and Textile Products
Textiles and textile goods, not included in other classes; beds and table covers.

Class 25: Clothing and Apparel Products
Clothing, footwear, headgear.

Class 26: Lace, Ribbons, Embroidery and Fancy Goods
Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers.

Class 27: Floor Covering Products
Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors; wall hangings (non-textile).

Class 28: Toys and Sporting Goods Products
Games and playthings; gymnastic and sporting articles not included in other classes; decorations for Christmas trees.

Class 29: Meat and Processed Food Products
Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, compotes; eggs, milk and milk products; edible oils and fats.

Class 30: Staple Food Products
Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee; flour and preparations made from cereals, bread, pastry and confectionery, ices; honey, treacle; yeast, baking powder; salt, mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice.

Class 31: Natural Agricultural Products
Agricultural, horticultural and forestry products and grains not included in other classes; live animals; fresh fruits and vegetables; seeds, natural plants and flowers; foodstuffs for animals; malt.

Class 32: Light Beverage Products
Beers; mineral and aerated waters and other nonalcoholic drinks; fruit drinks and fruit juices; syrups and other preparations for making beverages.

Class 33: Wines and Spirits (not including beers)
Alcoholic beverages (except beers).

Class 34: Smoker’s Products
Tobacco; smokers’ articles; matches.

Trademark Service Classes

Class 35: Advertising, Business and Retail Services
Advertising; business management; business administration; office functions.

Class 36: Insurance and Financial Services
Insurance; financial affairs; monetary affairs; real estate affairs.

Class 37: Construction and Repair Services
Building construction; repair; installation services.

Class 38: Communication Services
Services allowing people to communicate with another by a sensory means.

Class 39: Transportation and Storage Services
Transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel arrangement

Class 40: Treatment and Processing of Materials Services
Treatment of materials.

Class 41: Education and Entertainment Services
Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities.

Class 42: Computer and Software Services and Scientific Services
Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computer hardware and software.

Class 43: Restaurant and Hotel Services
Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodations.

Class 44: Medical and Beauty Services and Agricultural Services
Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services.

Class 45: Personal, Legal and Social Services
Legal services; security services for the protection of property and individuals; personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals.

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Featured BGNInsider: Melanie Murphy the Voice Over Artist

Operations
By Jena Apgar / a couple of years ago

We had the pleasure of catching up with Voice Over Artist and BGNInsider, Melanie Murphy. My first question was, what in the world is a voice over artist? Just kidding, as a Digital Marketing Warfare Strategist, we utilize animated videos with Voice Over all the time. But seriously, you can hear Melanie’s sweet voice on popular radio advertisements, corporate phone systems and even a DART train in the video!

Melanie Murphy is a versatile voice over actor in Dallas Texas who’s voice is heard around the world on TV, radio and training material. This film showcases Melanie’s voice and the different places through out the day you might hear her. Voting started today and we know she’d love your vote! https://theaudienceawards.com/films/the-voice-of-melanie-murphy-125642

Melanie Murphy Voice Over

The video was filmed and edited by Winn Fuqua who has 25 years in advertising photography that has allowed him to work with the top creatives across the country, collaborating and helping find solutions to the most challenging problems. You can boil it down to, “I work on creative assignments that involve pe/filmmakers

We took the opportunity to ask Melanie Murphy a few fun questions:

If you were a super hero, what would your super power be?

So much pressure to make this mythical answer count. Flying? Teleporting? I think if I’m going to make it count it would be – Healing… for others. The ability to physically heal at just a touch.

What song do you crank up when you need a boost, or are celebrating a business victory?

Something Motown, Michael Jackson, or Can’t Stop the Feelin’ – Justin Timberlake

What’s the best book you’ve read this year? (business or fiction)

The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson

We love to play business match maker. What area of your business could you use help with, in case the Business Growth Network audience or I can hook you up with someone?

I’m always looking for easy systems and templates that will organize and simplify day to day business. I aint got no time for a 37 step program that promises to deliver me from my perfectionism and procrastination.

Apple or PC and why?

I bought a mac book 15 years ago because that’s what “creative” people use. Ha! It turned out to be quite intuitive, never had virus issues and fits my needs.

What’s your favorite social media network for business?

LinkedIn – I can find who I need and build relationships.

What hidden talent do you have that people would be surprised to learn of?

“Talent” can be interpreted so loosely. I’m excellent at brainstorming, I can catch goldfish crackers in my mouth like a boss but my surprise talent is probably in my bad@ss roller skating skills.

Give us the elevator pitch – what do you do and where can people find you online to connect?

I help companies boost sales by delivering the right sound that triggers your prospects to buy or inquire, helps educate and inspire, or allows your brand to stand out from the competition. I’m a voice actor. I polish your message and make it memorable. Whether you need a TV or radio commercial, a video for your website, corporate training for your employees, phone messaging for your business line, or any other voice over services – I’m happy to provide the right sound for your project to shine. You can find out more about Melanie Murphy at: http://www.melaniemurphyvo.com

What did you think of the “Melanie Murphy the Voice Over Artist” video? Let’s give here some constructive feedback in the comments below!

And if you loved and adored the video, take the time to vote and share with others to vote. Helping fellow members out in the BGNInsiders is what we do!

Not a member? Interested? Check us out! http://businessgrowthnetwork.org/bgninsiders/

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Privacy Policy

Operations
By Jena Apgar / a couple of years ago

Disclosure Regarding Collection and Use of Personal Information

Last Updated November 20, 2017

Thank you for visiting The Business Growth Network. This notice explains our online information collection and use practices and the choices you can make about the way we use and share such information. Please take the time to read and understand this policy so that you can understand how we use your personal information.

The Information We Collect.

Business Growth Network collects the following information:

Name, and E-mail Address

We also may collect certain non-personally identifiable information (i.e. generic information that does not identify you personally) when you visit any of our web pages such as the type of browser you are using (e.g., Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox), the type of operating system you are using, (e.g., Windows or Mac) and the domain name of your Internet service provider.

How We Use and Disclose the Information.

We will use the personal information you provide online for the purpose(s) you have submitted. Your Name and Email Address will be used to send you the business-related content that you request. In addition, we may send to you e-mails offering products or services which we think you may be interested in. If you want us to stop using the personal information you provided in these ways, please click the unsubscribe link on the bottom of any communication from Business Growth Network.

We may disclose your personally identifiable information in response to subpoenas, court orders, or other legal process, or to establish or exercise our legal rights or to defend against legal claims. We may also disclose your personally identifiable information when we believe it is necessary or desirable in order to investigate, prevent, or take action regarding illegal activities, suspected fraud, situations involving potential threats to the physical safety of any person, violations of our Terms of Service, and/or to protect our rights and property.

How We Share Your Personal Information.

We will not share the personal information you provide except with your explicit permission.

Our business needs may change from time to time and we reserve the right to make changes to our Privacy Policy. Unless stated otherwise, our current Privacy Policy applies to all information that we have about you and your account. We will not materially change our policies and practices to make them less protective of customer information collected in the past without the consent of affected customers.

Our operations and maintenance contractors sometimes have limited access to your personally identifiable information in the course of providing products or services to Business Growth Network. These contractors include vendors and suppliers that provide us with credit card processing, e-mail distribution technology, services, and/or content for the operation and maintenance of our Web site. Access to your personally identifiable information by these contractors is limited to the information reasonably necessary for the contractor to perform its limited function. We also contractually require that our operations and maintenance contractors 1) protect the privacy of your personally identifiable information consistent with this Privacy Policy, and 2) use or disclose your personally identifiable information for any purpose other than providing us with products and services as required by law.

Business Growth Network is committed to handling your customer information with high standards of information security. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal regulations to guard your nonpublic personal information.

Use and Disclosure of Anonymous Information.

We sometimes use the non-personally identifiable information that we collect to improve the design and content of our site and to enable us to personalize your Internet experience. We also may use this information in the aggregate to analyze how our site is used, as well as to offer you products, programs or services. We may also share aggregate information with others, including affiliated companies and non-affiliated companies.

Collection of Information by Others.

Our site may contain links to other sites whose information practices may be different than ours. You should check the other sites’ privacy notices since we have no control over information that is submitted to or collected by them.

Cookies.

To enhance your online experience with us, many of our web pages use “cookies.” Cookies are text files placed on your hard disk by our web server to store your preferences. Cookies, by themselves, do not tell us your e-mail address or other personally identifiable information unless you choose to provide this information to us. However, once you choose to provide the personally identifiable information, this information may be linked to the data stored in the cookie. Cookies cannot be used to run programs or deliver viruses to your computer.

We use cookies as a convenience feature to save you time, to understand how our site is used, and to improve the content and offerings on our site. For example, we may use cookies to personalize your experience at our web pages or recall your specific information on subsequent visits (e.g. to recognize you by name when you return to our site). You can opt to have your browser reject cookies without any effect on your use of our site. If you do that, you may need to re-register with us every time you visit our site in order to participate in certain promotions. You should also know that companies that advertise on our web site (and their agents) might use their own cookies. This policy does not cover how these companies use their cookies.

Web Beacons.

Some of our Web pages may contain electronic images known as Web beacons, which are also called single-pixel gifs. These images allow us to count users who have visited those pages and to deliver co-branded services. Web beacons are not used to access your personally identifiable information but they are a technique we use to compile aggregated statistics about our website usage. Web beacons collect only a limited set of information including a cookie number, time and date of a page view, and a description of the page on which the Web beacon resides. Some of our Web pages may also contain Web beacons placed there to help us determine the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns.

Discussions and Community Tools; Testimonials.

You agree that any information you submit to us through Business Growth Network may be used for promotional purposes. Because of the public nature of some of our services, you should exercise caution when deciding to disclose any personal information. We may also use a limited amount of information, such as first name, last initial and your town and state in marketing materials on the website. Your registration constitutes consent to this use.

Third-party Advertising

Third party vendors, including Google, may show you ads on other sites on the Internet relating to our website. Third party vendors, including Google and Facebook, use cookies to serve ads based on a user’s prior visits to this website.Users may opt out of Google’s use of cookies by visiting the Google advertising opt-out page.

International Users.

If you are visiting Business Growth Network from a location outside of the United States, your connection will be through and to servers located in the United States, and all information you provide will be processed and securely maintained in our web servers and internal systems located within the United States. By using Business Growth Network you authorize and specifically consent to the transfer of your personal information to the USA and its storage and use as specified above when you provide such information to us.

How You Can Access or Correct Your Personal Information.

For instructions on how you can access the personally identifiable information that we have collected about you online, or how to correct any errors in such information, please contact us at info@businessgrowthnetwork.org

To protect your privacy and security, we may take reasonable steps to help verify your identity before granting access or making corrections.

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