Thursday Biz Tip: Nov 7 Join us for the Chocolate Blue & Networking Festival

EMPRESS OF BIZ! Reinvent in Rugged Times, JoAnn Forrester

EMPRESS OF BIZ! Nov 7 Join Chocolate Blues Business Networking Festival

What is a Chocolate Blues and Business Networking Festival? Besides Fun and Delicious.! "Chocolate Blues" is a giant business to business networking event that brings together hundreds of business owners and professionals. This event features a business expo, open networking, and best of all chocolate!
 Join  us anytime  on November 7 at the Kinglsey Center from 10 am to 4pm  for a grand time.  For free tickets shoot me an e-mail at the empressofbiz@verizon.net  and I will send it over.  Stop by and see me at the festival...Have a great day folks and as we use to say in the day..be there or be square!

Additional information for those who want to be a vendor contact James@bizfestival.com 
or 469-387-6169.

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EMPRESS OF BIZ! What's NEW & Useful, 7th Annual PA Business Technology Conference Nov 15:

EMPRESS OF BIZ! Reinvent in Rugged Times - Live & Recorded Episodes:
Hosted by: EmpressofBiz
Title: EMPRESS OF BIZ! What NEW & USEFUL in the Tech World? And Save Money Too
Time: 10/25/2012 09:00 AM EDT
Episode Notes: Want to know what NEW & USEFUL  in the exciting in the world of Technology ..then listen to our preview of Duquense University SBDC and their 7th Annual PA Business Technology Conference to be held on Thursday November 15, 2012. Christine Huges Training Manager will lead us in a review of the conference. Special Bonus from the Empress of biz--SAVE money use the Promo Code PBTC and get in for $99. 

Two of the workshop leaders, April Weitzel and Alicia Marie Phillips will be our special guests sharing details of their upcoming presentations.

 April Weitzel is speaking in our Building a Better Publicity Machine SEO Consulting by April offers internet marketing and SEO services for Pittsburgh companies. Offerings include: SEO services, social media marketing, PPC management, video optimization, online PR and More!

Alicia Marie Phillips is speaking in on Building A Better Publicity Marchine workshop Alicia Marie is focused on relationship marketing in a digital world. Do you believe technology is making the world a large, cold place? Are you struggling with gaining customers through digital mediums? Let Alicia show you how to use technology to build and foster long relationships with customers, which is where true success lies. The best motto is, if your business never gained another customer, how would you drive sales? With nearly a decade of in-the-trench business experience in both an entrepreneurial setting as well as with global leaders, her view is inherently unique.
 Join us tomorrow, invite a friend..SAVE MONEY..PROMO CODE PBTC on

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Monday Biz Tip" Survival thinking dollars vs prosperity dollars.

Good morning

Monday Biz Tip: It came to me this morning..most of us are so busy chasing 'survival dollars' that we "limp along to prosperity". Let's get moving folks. It is time to change our thinking to beyond today.

To change our thinking we must challenge ourselves to move beyond our "comfort zone".    We may not be happy with where we are..but we know where we are and we know the rules.   When we start to change..fear raises it ugly head..and often pulls us back.  Only when the situation is so desperate or we are so miserable -- do we move into action

Today's Challenge is: What can you and I do in our thinking and actions to make sure we are prosperous. One thing I know is to start looking at money as a tool... a VALUABLE RESOURCE...it is something you use to get the job done..to take care of your business, your family and yourself.

Action Step:  How many of you have a personal budget and stick to it. Does your family work together to control costs and save. Or does it take a "crisis" before you talk money.

Make it a great and prosperous day..Use that tool money wisely!

Start your budget today and change that limp to a run to prosperity.

Pricing Strategy..based on Feelings or Facts?

Pricing Strategy..what is it based on?  Feelings or Facts?

Empress of Biz, 

 JoAnn R. Forrester

Your sales have tripled...but your profit has not.  You have made adjustments, invested in equipment, hired staff and improved efficiency, and yet the bottom line remains flat.  What do you do next?   

The next logical step is one that often creates great resistance from owners…raise prices.  “What!  Are you crazy?  If I raise my prices I will lose my business. My customers will never stand for this.”   My answer to this strong reaction is, “If you feel your customers only buy because of your low price …then you are in trouble.  There is ALWAYS going to be someone who charges less.  So let’s find out why people buy from you.  It is time to remove the feelings from the pricing equation and look at the facts”.

 First we need to review your position in the overall market place.   Where do you fit? What is happening in your industry?  What are the pricing strategies?  Profit range? Where are the opportunities and possibilities? To find this information and more you can use one of our excellent  Small Business Development Centers to do the research and provide an unbiased data.

Meanwhile, while you are “patiently waiting” for results, you can start your own research” by a simple method.  ASK your customers, from the best--- to the one whom only buys from you as last resort.  Pick up the phone, and ask for input. “What is it about your business they like? Why do they buy? Convenience?  Comfort? Quality?  Unique product/service?   Superior performance?  Reliability?  Value? The only store in town?  Friendly Service?  Price?  Easy access to the Web?  Etc.

Make sure you ask your employees. Listen to them. They are your front line and have information you do not have.   Check the competition.    Are they higher or lower in price? What’s their reputation?    What are their strengths?  What are their weaknesses?

Think this method is time consuming and bothersome?  Yes it can be.  Just think Sam Walton of Wal-Mart. He built his empire based upon daily conversations with customers and employees. 

The answers are in, and most likely, PRICE is NOT the reason customers buy.  Now you can make decisions on changing your price based on facts not feelings. 

Watch for my next column  in the Pittsburgh Business Times in which we will discuss how to raise prices in a manner that is acceptable to all..

Thursday biz tip: When do they buy?

Thursday BIZ tip: When do your customers buy from you? Your customers buy at certain times..it could be daily, monthly, quarterly, or yearly.  It is important to know when they buy from you so you can "target" your marketing and leverage your ad dollars.  
 Like our hot dog stand..they may buy everyday or once a year. Of course you want the customer who buys frequently and you have to figure out what to do to keep your hot dog buyer coming to you. How about giving them a free drink or hot dog once in a while? Make sure you do something that lets your customer know you appreciate them.

Empress of Biz on PPLMAG

Hi folks

If you've missed some of the audios, videos or articles on Positively Pittsburgh Live Magazine or the Empress of Biz over the past week, you don't have to worry. 

Every week, we are creating a PDF version (a magazine that can be opened like an ebook on your computer or even your smartphone), and

• an online version that lets you actually turn the pages (and hear the page turning sound!). 

In both versions, when you click the link for the multimedia, you can download and listen to the audio shows, or watch the videos.

To view (and save) the PDF/Ebook version of Positively Pittsburgh's anthology of content from last week, just clickhttp://positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com/PPLM-2012-10-08_14/PPLM-2012-10-08_14.pdf.

To view the online, turning page version of Positively Pittsburgh's content for last week, just clickhttp://www.PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com/PPLM-2012-10-08_14/.

If you'd like to have an article, audio show or video shared with the rest of Pittsburgh, click here to contact me.

Have a positive and successful week!

Joanne Quinn-Smith, Publisher

JoAnn R. Forrester

Empress of  biz  Talkcast Host

412-440-6969

http://www.positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com/

Wednesday Biz tip: Customers..what do they buy?

Wednesday Biz tip: What do your customers buy from you? Your first response..my product/service. Surprise that is NOT the answer. When people buy from you..they not only buy your product..let's say a hot dog..they are buying to fulfill a need and the expectation that the need brings and that it will be meet.
For example: Take the hot dog.. your hungry, and this delicious  hot dog is going to satisfy that need. But why a hot dog? Why not a grilled cheese sandwich? Or a steak or caviar. Both of them satisfy hunger..but it is not what the customer wanted and he bought.  So what was the motivating experience?

Maybe it is  a money decision ..or maybe it is not! Most likely the customer has a hot dog  memory and with it, a set of expectations.  And when they purchase from you and for some reason it is  NOT a satisfying experience  --bye bye customer.
So when your are selling your product make sure you find out what they are buying besides the obvious. When you do....you will have a lot more repeat satisfied customers.
For more answers and guidance  on the hidden side of marketing look for my upcoming marketing workbook, "The David vs Goliath Approach to Marketing".
 Tomorrow we will discuss they WHY? 

Empress of biz reviews Center Plate. Penny Folino..the comeback Kid.

Hometown Tourists in Pittsburgh! Everyday Pittsburghers reviewing events as they see them. Reviews on Pittsburgh Cultural Events, Dining, Night Life, Arts and Business Events.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Center Plate Restaurant Takes Center Stage

Below is a review of new restaurant managed by Penny Folino that I wrote for the Roving Pittsburgher Report.  Penny is an excellent example of a busienss owner who had difficulties..but has survived them and is making a great come back.  Way to go Penny..you are back where you belong..in business.

Center Plate Restaurant Takes Center Stage

by JoAnn Forrester

94 Center Church Road, McMurray, PA 15317

724-260-5300

Penny Folino

Penny’s back and are we glad!

Below is a review

This past Saturday, TechnoGranny, Joanne Quinn- Smith and Nano Granny,  JoAnn Forrester, took a ride over the hill and through the woods to Penny Folino’s new restaurant, Center Plate, in McMurray Pa. It is easy to get to, right off Rt. 19 South at 94 Center Church Road.  It was a beautiful fall day and just right for a drive.  And if you had to get lost (and we did, no matter what TechnoGranny says), it was the day for it with a brilliant blue sky, comfortable temperatures and a full tank of gas.

It was a great day to eat at a new restaurant.  I am so glad that Penny opened up shop again.  This lady knows how to make you feel special and serve you scrumptious food.  Hooray for Penny!

 We had a great time talking to Penny Folino and her partner, Lenny, as they told us about opening the new place.  They emphasized how everything is cooked from scratch and everything is fresh and made there under the supervision of Executive Chef Matthew Hellen.  As we talked, we sampled the food.  Oh my!  It was good!  So good that both Joannes stopped talking just to eat for at least 10 minutes.    Now that is some kind of record.   Two Greeks and an Italian not only stopped talking but stopped gesticulating with their hands.

Penny and Lenny, Co-owners

Center Plate is open 7 days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.  We sampled a wide variety of food, from appetizers to soups to dinner to desserts.  Every dish was very satisfying.   Penny and Executive Chef Matthew Heller have put together a menu meant to please - and it certainly does.

For starters you have to try the crab cakes - no breading,  no fillers, just crab cakes deliciously seasoned.  Then the Bougatza Meat Pie, another fantastic item.   The Avolegmo (Lemon soup) has just the right touch of lemon, you gotta try it.

 Sausage Rustica:  Pasta with fresh tomatoes with a vodka sauce, roasted red peppers and onions. A dish you must taste.

Now the main courses.  I went for one of the great dishes on the Mac & Cheese Board, Mac & “Balls:”  Penny’s homemade  meatballs, chopped up and baked macaroni and cheese  with Parmesan cheese and  butter bread crumbs. Better than Mom used to make. I also sampled the Chicken Marsalla.  For those who love Chicken Marsalla it’s a must try. 

After all this food, we tasted a dessert:  Chocolate Pie and Almond Torte.  What can I say?  They were the final touch of a great evening.

The menu is reasonably priced and for those who live in McMurray, I am jealous. For the rest of us its about 6 miles South on Rt. 19 from South Hills Village.  Catering is also available for your special holiday needs..or anytime you  want to serve a special meal.

Oh!  By the way, Penny will be having a wine dinner on November 8 from 6 to 8:30.  A good way to taste wines and the foods that go with them.   Nice treat for special clients and those for whom you wish to do something nice.

In short, folks, make your way out to Center Plate in  McMurray Pa.  It is good to say, “Well, Hello, Penny.”  

She is back where she belongs.

Roving Pittsburgher Good News Reporter, JoAnn Forrester is the Host of "Empress of Biz, Reinvent in Rugged Times," a business Talkcast syndicated on PPLMag, Pittsburgh's First Internet Radio and TV Network.  You can hear JoAnn and Business friends every Thursday at 9 AM on the TalkShoe network or archived later at:  http://pplmag.com  Jo Ann is also a regular business tip columinist at the Pittsburgh Business Times.