Cheryl also shared some of her favorite Excel and Word tools:  Screenshots, conditional formatting, SmartArt, filters, and the awesome new artistic effects in Office 2010.  Lastly she provided a quick update on what to expect from Windows 8 later this  year.

As a group we discussed our next social and it looks like we’ll be taking in some baseball, supporting the Padres….we all know they need a lot of support.  Details as we get closer to the summer outing.

Robert works with Keller Williams Real Estate…but he provides a service that far exceeds what comes to mind when one thinks of a real estate agent.  He shared his work ethic and how he has built his business 100% from referrals.  Robert takes the time to contact  his A & B database every month with a phone call and letter.  He follows up with his C database once a quarter. (No the letters don’t refer to names beginning with…but categories of clients and references that he identifies as actively engaged in helping him be successful.)  He talked about the importance of a hand written note of thanks, and how to keep your business in front of prospective clients and those folks likely to provide you with leads.  Great job Robert.  All of our businesses will benefit by employing some of these techniques.

Minaz Kassam, with Chase Bank, discussed her role as a Small Business Banker and the lengths she goes to help clients.    She builds relationships.  If paperwork is involved she often comes to you.  How many bankers do that?

Oonagh Morley, of Take Shape For Life, had great suggestions for eating right and staying healthy.  She suggests 25% protein and whole wheat starches, and 50% vegetables.  She encourages us to eat every 3 hours throughout the day.  Some of our members are using her Medifast plan and having great success losing those extra pounds.

Eli Humphrey, of Resicon, has been in the construction business 13 years and disaster remediation for 3 year.  He is unique in that he does construction – fully licensed – and does mold removal/disaster restoration.  He discussed with us how he identifies and eliminates mold and the special equipment and clothing required.  He offers free mold inspections and shared a time he inspected a home and found no mold.  The owner was so sure they had a mold problem that he suggested they get a second opinion, for piece of mind…same conclusion – no mold.  Interesting part of this story – Eli’s inspection was free and it just goes to show how incredibly honest he is by not creating a problem when there was none.

Tom Biberacher, representing First California Funding, shared a bit about current rates and his newest venture; buying properties and renting them to international students.  It’s the perfect business for him because it allows him to travel the world and do what he loves the best….surfing.

Till next week.

This past week Doc Chin, our dentist, shared information about Lumineers – a brand of porcelain veneers, oral cancer, and recessed gums.   He is currently offering cancer screening at his office.  Check out his website at www.smilehq.com

Next week we look forward to hearing from our newest member, Francis Procopio.

Also, a reminder that OOnagh Morley is  offering the Medifast plan for only $200 in February.  That’s a big savings and covers breakfast, lunch, and snacks for one month.  It also includes personal coaching!

Back to Spice House this Wednesday morning.  See you there.

Our speaker was Michael Poltorak, of Poltorak Insurance Services.  He shared valuable information on Long Term Care insurance, and we shared in a lively discussion on living trusts and estate taxes.

Our meeting next week is a social on Thursday evening February 9th.  We will attend a dinner theater at Patrick Henry High School, in the Del Cerro area.

Doc Chin, website www.smilehq.com, suggested we text each other throughout the week with snippets about what’s happening in our business.  Great idea doc!  Just be sure you keep those phones on silent so you don’t interrupt a meeting.

We approved a social evening on February 9th for dinner and a show at Patrick Henry High School.  We are attending Movie Magic, a program presented by the Bel Canto choir.  They are off to Carnegie Hall in March and the funds will helps finance their trip.  Tickets will be  available at the meeting next week.  Let us know if you are bringing  a spouse, significant other, or friend so we have the correct number of tickets.

See you next week.

Oonagh Morley, of Lose Belly Fat,  provided some great information on setting goals and healthy eating habits.

Last but not least, hats off to Helen our amazing server at Spice House.  She welcomes us with a smile and lots of charm.  We are lucky indeed.

Wonderful way to start the year.