International Business Academies

Apple has a branding problem

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:20:15 GMT

What’s that you say? Is this heresy? Apple, your favorite example, the paragon of branding, the lords of iEverything - that Apple? A branding problem?! Surely you jest! Well I hate to say it, but it is true. Apple has a branding problem, and its name is Steve Jobs. Now don’t get me wrong, I love me [...]...(read more)

Our New Alliance with the French American Chamber

Art Butcher — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:09:00 GMT

Our new alliance with the French American Chamber of Commerce in Cleveland. http://www.faccohio.org/

Cleveland - Rouen (France) Sister City Agreement official ceremonies - July 2008!

A delegation from Cleveland led by Mayor Frank Jackson visited Rouen early July to formally seal the Sister City relationship between the two cities. Several meetings took place to position the relationships in the area of business, education, art, medical and port activities. In parralel, The Cleveland+ region was showcased during 10 days to thousand of visitors during the tall ship gathering called the Armada which drew about 9 millions visitors to Rouen.

IBAL member / affiliate contact is: Yannick Le Couedic

Get Rich Slowly Blogging

Get Slightly Famous - Get Slightly Famous — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:08:27 GMT

Blogs have passed their fad stage and are now accepted as serious business tools, but far too many people have entirely the wrong idea about making money blogging. Making money because you blog is a much more common than making money from blogging.much more common than making money from blogging. read more...(read more)

Stars in our eyes - Ideablob award to Atlanta entrepreneur

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:24:27 GMT

Thanks to my friend, Mike Schinkel, I spent last Friday evening at a cool little awards ceremony hosted at the Fernbank Science Center. The event was a special gathering to recognize a local entrepreneur and PhD candidate, Jessica Hammock, and to present her with a photo-op-ready oversized check for $10,000 to help her lauch her [...]...(read more)

Interview on Atlanta Business Radio

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:28:06 GMT

Just a quick note to mention that I was interviewed recently on Atlanta Business Radio. Hosts Amy Otto and Lee Kantor made me feel right at home as we discussed how the Internet has impacted the way we brand and some tips that small businesses can learn from the big ones. Click here: David Cohen [...]...(read more)

Dancing + Chewing Gum = Joy, Courage and Leadership

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:16:38 GMT

I’d like to thank Jennifer A. Jones and Dan Greenfield for calling to my attention a wonderful video and a great story that I feel demonstrates the best of what branding should be. A fellow named Matt Harding has been traveling the world and marking each location visited with a short video of himself [...]...(read more)

Another announcement - PWA Fundraiser

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:31:29 GMT

I’m on the advisory board for a non-profit called Professional Women’s Anonymous. They are having a fundraiser at Chateau Elan on Sat. July 26. If you happen to be a golfer or a tennis player or someone who would just be interested in supporting a great cause while enjoying a lovely setting please visit [...]...(read more)

Announcements: Begin blogging article and a seminar

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:59:53 GMT

Just a couple of quick announcements: 1. I’ve put together an article for those of you readers who haven’t gotten started blogging yet: Getting Started Blogging (and Branding) 2. I’ll be teaching 1/4 of a new two day course called Slingshot Seminars targeted to the needs of small businesses. Think of it as a two day boot [...]...(read more)

Area / Associate Director Position

Kathleen Smart — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:29:00 GMT

We are looking for an associate who is a networking mavin and has a passion for personal development and business development in the small to medium size sectors. Are you a person who understands how to bring significant value to business owners? Is comfortable with value added selling and training. The ideal candidate would be able to deliver programs, have experience in presenting to groups, train and coach people, in addition to marketing.

This position would require continual networking, phone calls on business owners, presidents, general managers and VPs of Sales for small to medium sized companies, promoting our business membership and business support organization and leadership development programs.

The position is compensated entirely by commission and company revenue sharing plus bonuses. Our ideal candidate is already marketing or promoting training, coaching or consulting practice and understands the advantage of positioning themselves with the team marketing approach and building strong business connections through relationships and respect.

Continue to generate more personal clients while building a terrific organization in your city.

Our objective it to successfully launch 200 IBAL chapters throughout the US and Abroad.

I want a jingle

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:45:40 GMT

Confession time, I miss the age of jingles. Sure they still linger around on radio and turn up on the odd low-budget commercial, but there was a time when jingles ruled the Earth. You younger readers might not remember “Chock Full O’ Nuts is the heavenly coffee…” but certainly you know “Plop, plop, fizz, [...]...(read more)

Tell me a story

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:33:44 GMT

We are born with a craving for stories. Ask any parent if their kids ever ask them to read them a report or a product sheet or a market study - of course not, but “tell me a story”, that’s a common refrain. As adults we may not climb into a lap to ask for [...]...(read more)

HERO Makes Headlines

Kathleen Smart — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:10:00 GMT

HERO Makes Headlines

Learn more about the organization you have come to love and support. Georgia Trend magazine did a feature article on the creation, growth, and large scale impact of H.E.R.O. for Children and the future. You can find the article on newsstands or online by clicking on HERO's Quest Thank you to Krista Reese and the staff at Georgia Trend magazine fo bringing attention and awareness to our cause and our kids.

Volunteer: After reading the article, are you wondering how to get involved and make a difference? Here are 3 easy ways

One Day Buddy Program: Opportunity 1 time a month to participate in Life Skills Program. Particular volunteers are needed in Jonesboro, Decatur, and McDonough.

HERO for a Day: Saturday July 19th, please visit HERO for Children's website to find a list of all volunteer opportunities for this special day.

SuperHEROs Mentoring Program: Don't settle for simply being a HERO, become a SuperHERO. This is a two year commitment and the largest way to impact a child in our program through a one on one mentoring relationship. All opportunities are available at www.heroforchildren.org

Ron Clark - Energizer® and the Keep Going® Hall of Fame

Kathleen Smart — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:24:00 GMT

Ron Clark, 36, Atlanta, GA

Ron Clark has been called "America's Educator." As co-founder of The Ron Clark Academy, an innovative nonprofit middle school in southeast Atlanta, Ron uses unique, unparalleled teaching methods to empower and motivate each of his students. The Ron Clark Academy has become a case study for educators worldwide. Ron's colleagues say his energy and enthusiasm are woven into his inner fabric, and his vision impacts not only his students, but the entire community as well.

Back to Finalists

VOTE NOW! VOTE NOW! We need your help with a voting campaign; it's easy and will only take two seconds each day. We're proud to announce that our very own Ron Clark has been nominated for a spot in the Energizer_®Keep Going^® Hall of Fame. In order for him to win, you have to vote every day. Every vote counts! Starting today – June 12^thclick the VOTE NOW link on the top right corner of our website at www.ronclarkacademy.com or visit www.energizer.com/halloffame. You can vote up to one time per day from June 12th until July 25^th.

If Ron receives the most votes, he'll receive a $10,000 cash prize plus a $5,000 donation to his favorite charity (The Ron Clark Academy of course!). And he’ll also be formally honored at an induction ceremony in August joining Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and inaugural member of the Keep Going Hall of Fame, Cal Ripken, Jr. WHY IS RON IDEAL FOR THIS HONOR? His energy and enthusiasm are woven into his inner fabric. His tireless pursuit to change the way America educates its children makes him a perfect candidate for the Keep Going Hall of Fame. Ron's vision impacts not only his students, but the entire community as well. PLEASE support Ron and the Academy by CASTING YOUR VOTE today! Pass this along to friends, family, neighbors - everyone you know so that we can guarantee Ron a win!

Thank you for your support and please VOTE for us everyday!

Richard Steckel on Putting Authenticity First

Get Slightly Famous - Get Slightly Famous — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:08:27 GMT

Richard Steckel, author of Making Money While Making a Difference , believes that strategic philanthropy strengthens a company’s brand image by connecting with consumers’ personal value systems. Steckel calls this “the halo effect.” read more...(read more)

where personal branding and technology meet

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:18:05 GMT

Just wanted to point you to a nice interview on Dan Schawbel’s blog with Sarah Lacy, journalist and author of Once You’re Lucky, Twice You’re Good: The Rebirth of Silicon Valley and the Rise of Web 2.0. Sarah comes across as very down to earth and drops some great branding thoughts as she discusses her [...]...(read more)

Engage or Perish: The Choice Is Yours

Get Slightly Famous - Get Slightly Famous — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:08:27 GMT

Like the Industrial Age, the Conversation Age (often referred to as Web 2.0) requires businesses to change and recognize that the status quo is unproductive and unacceptable. If your company is to remain competitive, increase market share and grow its business, the time to reinvent yourself is now. That means it's time to invest in social media, specifically blogging, and add it to your marketing and branding toolbox. read more...(read more)

If you vote with soda do you call that a straw poll?

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 02:54:09 GMT

Who says branding can’t be fun… and political? Take a lesson from Jones Soda, the oft-feted purveyors of oddball limited edition flavors and arty labels, the folks that make news every Thanksgiving with the arresting annual appearance of turkey and gravy soda. Yup, them. Well the Joneses may have outdone themselves now, [...]...(read more)

where branding and technology meet… and lay an egg

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:15:59 GMT

Google has done more for the practice of branding today than any other company in the world (sorry Coke). The findability of virtually everything has magnified the end consumer’s strength in the power relationship of a brand. More than any other company we can thank Google for that. Google also has [...]...(read more)

H.E.R.O. Co-Founders to pass torch!

Kathleen Smart — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:27:00 GMT

Big News from the Co-Founders of H.E.R O. for Children

As a valued supporter of Georgia's children affected by HIV/AIDS, we would like to share this exciting strategic news with you.

As co-founders of H.E.R.O. for Children, we have devoted the past five years of our lives to creating and building the only organization solely focused on improving the quality of life for children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS in the state of Georgia. Although we began with no money, no programs and no contacts in Atlanta, today H.E.R.O. for Children serves 350 different children, has a $600,000 budget, four full-time employees, a committed Board of Directors,tremendous celebrity support including Paula Deen and Chris Tucker, two of the largest college philanthropies in the Southeast at UGA and Georgia Tech, and more than 2,000 volunteers. The organization is stronger at this moment than it has ever been, and most importantly it is ready to expand its services for these children on a larger scale. We can proudly say that with the support of brilliant advisers and friends like you, we have achieved our goal of creating a sustainable non-profit organization that will continue to help children affected by HIV/AIDS for decades to come.

While our skill sets are ideal for creating entrepreneurial ventures, galvanizing large-scale support, and running an organization in a start-up environment, H.E.R.O. is now at a point where it needs unique expertise in the areas of business operations and growing our programs to serve large numbers of children. Therefore, with the full support of our Board of Directors including Coaches Mark Richt, Vince Dooley and Paul Hewitt, we have decided to hire a new Executive Director who can bring years of program growth experience to continue to expand what we have created. We will next transition to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and will dedicate our time where our strengths lie: fundraising, strategy and galvanizing support for H.E.R.O. We are very excited about this strategic decision as with tremendous community support, we know H.E.R.O. will eventually change the lives of thousands of children affected by HIV/AIDS.

So what will we do next? Co-Founder Ryan Gembala will build upon his entrepreneurial experiences by obtaining his MBA from the University of Chicago, ranked the #1 business school by Business Week and The Economist. Co-Founder Garrett Gravesen will return to visit the orphanage in Africa where he found his inspiration to co-found H.E.R.O. and will launch a global initiative to rally a generation around service. We are currently using an executive search firm, LG & Associates, to identify the next Executive Director and will remain full-time with the organization until mid-August so that we can provide a proper transition to the next Executive Director.

We want to thank you for always supporting H.E.R.O. and we know that with your continued involvement, one day thousands of children affected by HIV/AIDS in our state and beyond will receive the Quality of Life that they deserve.

Best regards,

Ryan Gembala and Garrett Gravesen
Co-Founders and Co-Executive Directors
H.E.R.O. for Children
www.heroforchildren.org

Should You Write a Book?

Get Slightly Famous - Get Slightly Famous — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:08:27 GMT

One morning, you open your inbox and find several e-mails that will boost your business. There is an invitation to speak at a local group comprised of your best prospects. Several emails have arrived from people who've "heard of you" and inquire about your services. There is a message from a potential joint venture partner who has invited you to be a guest on a teleconference that will reach 500 people, all of them prospects. Later that day, a journalist calls. She wants to write a...(read more)

The Untold Magic of Networking with Chi Chi Okezie

Kathleen Smart — Fri, 30 May 2008 18:19:00 GMT

Entrepreneurs and professionals alike are embracing the concept of networking to build relationships and enhance their businesses. But networking goes far beyond a firm handshake and friendly smile. It is a means for development, growth, prosperity and success. How can professionals identify key networking opportunities? How can they connect with the right people and useful resources? How can they use networking to achieve their goals and endeavors?

Chi Chi Okezie shares her principles of networking success from a practical and fun perspective. We will discuss the unique dynamics of business networking and how it can greatly benefit your business or organization.

Tune into IBAL Connect Grow Profit Radio this Monday, June 2nd 12 Noon EST

Listen or Call The Show Here!

Be a beacon

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:31:00 GMT

When you are out on the water on a stormy night looking for the shore there is nothing quite so reassuring as seeing a bright, shiny beacon pointing the way to a safe harbor. Well I hate to say it, but we are in some stormy times in our economy and with the price [...]...(read more)

Ropes and Chains…

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:22:29 GMT

…and kinky boots. Okay, forget the kinky part - it’s not that kind of blog. I’ve been planning on posting something here about ropes and chains for quite some time now, but I keep letting the idea get too big in my head. Really it is simple: Chains are strong because the individual components, [...]...(read more)

Atlanta should skip Web 2.0

David S. Cohen - Left Brain, Right Brain — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:20:38 GMT

I love Atlanta. I’ve been here for almost 12 years and I think it is a great city. We’ve got millions of people, great neighborhoods, great restaurants, a major airport, lots of free wi-fi, plenty of diverse businesses, a healthy laptop per capita ratio in any coffee shop you should happen to wander into, but [...]...(read more)

Charles Fellingham a leader in Sales Management

Debbie Kessler — Mon, 12 May 2008 02:46:00 GMT

The Smallbiz Brain: Charles Fellingham

posted by David Wolf on Feb 11, 2008

Charles Fellingham has been in Sales, Sales Management and Leadership positions for all 26 years of his professional career. He has served as Field Sales Manager for Loral Corporation, Regional Sales Manager for Goodyear Aerospace, and Director Sales and Marketing for Air Treads, Inc. During his longstanding career in the aviation industry Charles has secured and negotiated multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts with leading Airline and Aircraft manufacturing companies.

Charles has delivered leadership programs to thousands of mid-level and senior managers across all functional areas over sixteen years. He has delivered programs such as Leading Sales Professionals, Successful Negotiation Strategies, Communicating Sales Solutions, Cold Calling and Networking, Team Sales Presentations, Effective Sales Presentations, World Class Customer Service, Successfully Leading People and many others. Charles delivers training programs that continue to exceed expectations of companies such as UPS, Merck, Home Depot, Kodak Dental Systems, Assurant Solutions, Connelly Consulting, Emory University, Sungard, EMO Trans, Al Data Solutions, Goodyear, Coca-Cola, Pfiser, ADP, Deloitte & Touche, and many others. Charles received top trainer awards from Dale Carnegie in the areas of Sales and High Impact Presentations for six consecutive years.

Charles received his bachelor of Sciences degree in Economics from the University of Nebraska and a Masters Degree in Global Management from University of Phoenix.

His passions also include singing. He performs as a Frank Sinatra Impersonator at Cabaret Night Club in Atlanta and has performed in many corporate events and professional venues throughout the US.

LINKS

www.qalais.com

check out his radio show: http://www.smallbizamerica.com/sbb/detail/the-smallbiz-brain-charles-fellingham/