Build a business

Wouldn’t it be great if the little guy, the small business owner, had the legal, financial and creative resources a quick dial away like the big companies? Of course it would. According to the world leaders in new networking think, getting your own expert panel doesn’t take a corporate payroll. All it takes is a little directed networking.

You may have already discovered” Dr. Misner, CEO of the world’s largest networking company, writes, that it’s next to impossible to keep up with all this information on your own. There is simply too much of it, and your own inclinations and time limitations steer you toward some kinds of knowledge but cause you to neglect others. You may be strong in marketing and business planning, but weak in personnel and legal matters.”

Misner’s company, BNI (Business Network International), has over 3,600 chapters, and reported making over two million business referrals last year. But Misner says building your own expert network isn’t about the numbers, but knowing where to go for the right information.

In lieu of specific knowledge (or actually knowing someone in a specific profession),” Misner writes, you must know in advance whom to contact and where to go to get the information you need.”

Misner explains that by categorizing your network, you’ll have a better bet at finding the knowledge you need when you need it. People in your profession, authors, trainers and consultants all ‘typically’ know certain packages of people and knowledge.

For more information, visit bni.com.

Recently, leading contact lens manufacturer CooperVision announced the launch of its “CooperVision ECP” Facebook page and blog, “ON EYE”, allowing the company to engage directly with eye care practitioners (ECPs).

Designed to meet the needs of ECPs, ON EYE offers insights and informative discussions around contact lens fitting, technology and the overall business.
Bloggers include CooperVision executives and external industry experts. Primary blog categories include:

• Building Your Practice – Information and education on driving a profitable practice. Topics in this section include marketing, advertising, technology, the economy, and running a business as it relates to the eye care industry.

• Executive Corner – Insights and perspectives of CooperVision executives.

• In the News – Follow trends and current events in the healthcare industry.

• InSIGHTs & Trends – Discussion on the latest innovations in technology, clinical, technical, and R&D.

• Patient Spotlight – General contact lens information and educational materials to share with patients.

For more information, visit coopervision.com.

Recently, the Ameren Illinois Act On Energy© initiative awarded energy efficiency incentives totaling $25,591 to the Mahomet IGA store for a $153,400 geothermal heat pump project. At the same time, Act On Energy announced that a $10.5 million incentive budget will be available for business energy efficiency projects completed between June 1, 2010, through May 31, 2011. Applications are now being accepted. The program will help fund projects that are expected to produce annual electric energy savings of 115 million kilowatt-hours, an amount equal to the electricity used by about 10,600 homes.

The Mahomet IGA’s geothermal heat pump system is allowing the store to achieve annual energy savings of 877,500 kilowatt-hours. This amount is equivalent to the electricity used by about 80 homes over an entire year.

Since Act On Energy was launched in 2008, the amount of annual incentive dollars has grown from $3 million to $10.5 million. The energy efficiency program is funded through a small charge (Rider EDR) on customer bills. This charge is mandated by state law.

Beginning on June 1, Act On Energy is being expanded to include three new business programs. The first covers commercial kitchen equipment, including heating cabinets, freezers, griddles and steamers.

Another new program is aimed at grain and livestock farmers. Incentives are now available for lighting upgrades, livestock waterers and such high-efficiency equipment as circulation fans, water heaters and exhaust fans.

The third new program is designed for motels and hotels. This new lodging initiative provides incentives for guest room energy management systems, water heaters, lighting upgrades, high-efficiency ice makers, air conditioning and heating tune-ups and other measures.

In addition to these new business programs, Act On Energy continues to offer incentives for lighting, refrigeration, motor systems, HVAC systems, retro commissioning, multi-family buildings and E-Smart thermostats.

There also is the Small Business Online Store, small business commercial kitchens program, grocery/convenience store incentives and custom incentives.

For more information, visit actonenergy.com.