On Wednesday, July 27th professionals concerned with achieving business excellence met in the elegant atmosphere of the Oak Hill Mansion dinning facility for the first Business Strategy and Technology Seminar. Executives, professionals and business owners from numerous vertical industries gathered together from 8-a.m. to 1 p.m. to gain information and new ideas aimed at helping them build more financially secure, economically sound and efficient businesses. The day was created and organized by Blaze Communications and financially supported by Riley Bennet & Egloff, LLP and Melsernet. Since the day was aimed to be economical for everyone involved, it was a true team effort with material, time or tools necessary for a successful event donated by WorkSmart Systems, Family Business Partners, Visual Communication Design Studio, Frontline Marketing, Nerds on Call, Recognize U and DQP Printers.

Upon arrival, participants received a 20-page spiral bound booklet of business resource information, a 5x7 notepad as well as a beautiful, gold engraved navy pen donated by Recognize U. To the background of live jazz piano by the award and grant-winning Cynthia Baney, the day began with nearly one hour of networking time for participants over gourmet coffee and muffins. The time gave participants a real opportunity to meet their hosts and speakers as well as connect with other participants, helping to create the warm, team-learning environment for the morning. Composed of seven speakers, the forum began with an outstanding address labeled an “Educational Preface” delivered by the brilliant, eloquent and humble, Joe Newman who owns the Indiana Legends. With over 20 years executive seasoning in business development, he set the intellectual stage for the morning by applauding those in participation for their willingness to take time out of their busy schedules to seek additional information that could be helpful towards making a “better tomorrow, than today.” He told the group that it takes considerable character to be able to recognize not being happy with today, but then be willing to let go enough of ego to seek out information from others to make a change for the better.

T.Ray Phillips started the Business Finance session, speaking on building personal or business fiscal security through understanding cash flow quadrant positioning, multiple income streams necessities and proper business planning as well as retirement exit planning. While the tech team changed PowerPoint presentations, award winning Sandi Ballard-Groth kept the audience in proper mindset by providing golden nuggets of information on successful business marketing strategies between speakers. She spoke on how to select a business promotional partner. Then Holly Halsell shared details on how small firms can work far smarter by not being afraid to delegate time consuming tasks such as accounting and HR to outside expert resources, so business owners can focus on the art of building business and not maintaining them.

Even the event creator, Blake Ensign, stepped out of his role as host to share insight about coming telephony industry and technology that can save all organizations whether forces of one or teams of thousands nearly 25% in their business development communication tools. When it came time for Business Development class, Dr. Nancy-Lorenzano-Obergfell got everyone standing, moving and connecting, when discussing the importance of goal setting, noting accomplishments, personal confidence building and the art of listening for quality sales success. For those wanting more, all participants received coupons to attend her next three (3) hour training session for free.

By this time in the curriculum, the aroma of fresh breads and salads had taken over most of the participants, so everyone was ready to partake in the Oak Hill chef’s gourmet summer buffet lunch. With specialty breads, cold cuts, potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, brownies and cookies, no one went hungry. During lunch, participants were absolutely mesmerized by the detail and intelligence of Reggie Henderson from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce who spoke on Business Mobilization and how small business can take advantage of state funds and resources. Apparently, most folks don’t realize what the State Chamber can do for them. The event came to a close with every participant selecting an item from the gift table. Unlike typical business events, most all the items were educationally focused, obviously chosen with meaning. Most folks selected expensive $25 hard cover books by some of the world’s leading business trainers and authors like Drs. Blanchard, Maxwell and Waitley. Yet, there were a few great t-shirts, mugs and dinner certificates in the lot as well.

Probably what impressed this writer the most about the event is how different an atmosphere was created compared to most networking or seminars one attends. People truly seemed to connect, not the typical unfeeling pass of business cards. Additionally, while all presenters obviously run businesses, none of them really pushed their wares on the audience. They truly were focused on the audience needs for developing better business practices to survive in today’s economy. Many even talked about other products or services representing their industries. When you add to this some of the subtle touches of detail to make the day a memorable experience like the music, pens, gifts, white table clothes, etc., the event was really quite impressive considering it only cost participants $20 to attend. Rumor has it that surveys from participants are proving that they felt they well invested their time and got their money’s worth, so another event is under preparation.
 

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