It's March already! Time sure flies! I thought things would slow down a bit, but this year they didn't...which is a good thing, especially since I'm trying to grow my business! 

Deadlines/Dates for March, 2008

BUSINESS TIP OF THE MONTH

Have you ever wanted to send a document to someone without worrying about whether they have software available to read it? There is a very small, very FREE piece of software out that will convert any document to a PDF (Portable Document Format, created by Adobe, Inc.) Did I mention it's free? 
Go to http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp.

Download the program and the converter (If you download the program, it will ask you to download the converter as well.)  If you can print a document, you can create a PDF. This becomes one of your "printers."  I've been using it for years and it's quick, simple, and easy. To read these PDFs, you do need Adobe Reader (which is also free... and most of us have it on our computers.)  You can convert any length of document to a PDF in seconds. 

ORGANIZATIONS-PERSONAL TIDBITS

As I've mentioned in the prior newsletters, I've started training with the Leukemia & Lymphoma's Team in Training cycle team and I'm having a blast. We did a forty mile ride last Saturday and other than trying to pedal downhill in a headwind it was an awesome ride and a beautiful day! Unfortunately, I haven't hit my personal $4,000 fundraising goal as of March 1^st, but I have a bit of a reprieve-it's not too late to donate! We are still accepting donations up through May, and I would sure love to hit my goal! If you or someone you know is interested in helping me reach my goal and support a fantastic organization, you can still do so by clicking on the link to my Team In Training website:  http://www.active.com/donate/tntgsf/tntgsfJDavis3.  Please check out my website periodically to check out my progress. The entertainment value alone is worth a look! And many thanks to those of you who have already donated to support me!

GROWING MY BUSINESS

Clients I'm looking for this month: I am looking for service businesses (not retail) who need bookkeeping data entered and prepared on a monthly basis. These are businesses like a small attorney's office, salons, architects, engineering offices, chiropractors, graphic designers, web designers...you get the idea.  I can provide very affordable services on an ongoing basis. Have them give me a call, or if it's more convenient, let me know and I would be happy to make the first contact.

VIRTUAL JEANNIE VIRTUAL SPOTLIGHT

This month's spotlight is on Shawn Jackson who is a business law attorney whose focus is on helping businesses succeed. I have taken classes from Shawn and gained some eye-opening information and perspective on how I run my own business. He is very dynamic and makes you think!

Shawn R. Jackson, ESQ
CALIFORNIA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Jackson is a highly accomplished and results-oriented attorney and instructor with over thirty years of broad-based sales/business development and marketing experience. He consistently receives excellent responses and results. His exceptional analytic, planning and organizational abilities coupled with excellent leadership, presentation and interpersonal skills and a dedicated work ethic create an opportunity for businesses to grow and prosper.

BUSINESS LAW ATTORNEY

His experience includes consulting and transactional business development both in private practice and with various Community Chambers. His private practice includes business development and compliance issues for general corporations, close corporations and Limited Liability Companies. He has assisted multiple clients on legal formation, compliance and business structure, systemic development, strategic business growth and both National & International negotiations.

• Incorporation Startups including "C" Corps, "S" Corps & LLC's
• Transactional Business Law, Intellectual Property, Contracts
• Contract Disputes, Real Estate Disputes
• Law and Business Development Center
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Empire Law School (cum laude)

BUSINESS OWNER

He has developed successful businesses for over thirty years with in-depth experience in manufacturing, retail and employee development skills. He is an astute, results-oriented leader with proven success in managing retail teams and achieving profitability within ninety days of the commencement of the venture.

• Owned & Operated Wholesale/Retail/Manufacturing Businesses since 1975.
• Developed Successful Business Teams
• Sales Training & Business Development for National Manufacturer
• Board of Directors: Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

Mr. Jackson formulates and executes sales strategies, business plans, and marketing programs that are responsive to a rapidly changing market. His efforts have focused on market expansion campaigns, product launches and account penetration. He has extensive expertise in consultative sales development and presentation of complex programs, products and solutions.

• Written, Designed and Implemented Multiple Business Plans
• Instructor (Contracts, Business Organizations & Negotiation)
• Designed & Implemented Multiple Systemic & Strategic Marketing Plans
• Worked with the Target Corporation and Vendors For Nationwide Expansion
• National and International Business Contract Development & Negotiation
• Worked with National Animal Rights Non-Profit Organization

NEGOTIATOR  

Mr. Jackson has a demonstrated history of sound judgment and effective decision-making abilities with a distinction for managing high-level negotiations among senior management and achieving mutual and workable solutions to complex problems and profitable projects.

• Negotiated multiple Licensor/Licensee Contracts in the United States.
• Negotiated Contracts with Principals in South Africa, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Beijing, Belgium, Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
• Negotiated Intellectual Property Agreements with national companies

EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTOR

He consistently receives the highest marks from students and fellow instructors. He provides a dynamic and interactive class with substantial class participation. Mr. Jackson understands that students will absorb and apply more education when they can see it, hear it, feel it and speak it. He also understands that education is, in part, entertainment, so humor is an important part of teaching.

• Business Development Training (7 week course and 12 week course)
• Workshop Instructor "Today's Business Law," "Negotiation Strategies for Success," "Choosing your Legal Entity"
• Business Development Trainer (teaching entrepreneurs to be more successful)

My unique background as a 30-year business owner, a former family therapist, a sales development trainer for a national manufacturer, a Business Instructor & Consultant and a Business Development Attorney offers a practical, systemic, strategic and unique approach to Business Development for your company.

By Grace...
Shawn Jackson ESQ.

Phone: 707-0588-9375 * 707-584-4529
Email: businesslawcenter@earthlink.net