The topic I am focusing on is Health Insurance for under 65.

6 key points to keep in mind when recognizing a referral

1. Someone leaving a job. Being let go, fired or quitting. They may be losing their health insurance. They will have a special enrollment period. 

2. Someone already insured and moving here or to a new location in or out of state. They may have new options or their plan may not be available.  This will provide a special enrollment period to apply for coverage.

3. Someone losing Medicaid coverage. This will provide a special enrollment period to enroll in a Health Plan. .

4. Divorce – someone may be losing their health insurance through the other spouses coverage. Anotehr special enrollment period.

5. Birth of a child or adoption. This will provide a special enrollment period to enroll in a plan or change coverage

6. An adult child on their parents coverage. It may be time to take them off and let them get their own coverage and turning 26 will automatically remove them from coverage.Special Enrollment Period.

Time frames are also very important. The key is 60 days from loss of coverage to secure new coverage. 

1.What is Liability coverage, the importance of understanding your own level of assets, and your insurance options for covering those assets.

2. Referral cue is those with added items, i.e. boat, rental property, multiple cars, 2nd home, etc.

3. continuing to "preach" options, should drive more meaningful discussions.

In June there is a new Extra EXTRA workshop:

• Speak For Money: How to Turn a 7-Minute into a Marketing Tool

Participants will learn

1. What collateral pieces they need - a menu, content sheets, bio, intro, outro, headshot - the person who books needs tangible information to share.
2. How to use a list + a story to make a content sheet whole brain.
3. Who to market to, and how to get an intro to that person.
4. How to make their topic desirable.
5. How to participate at the meeting, and who to bring.
6. What to track, how to keep score, how to keep getting better.
7. The three reasons why a presentation bombs. (It's not always because of the speaker.)

The referral cue for the person who will benefit from this is a strong, specific, 7-Minute presentation - with valuable, new information. 
The Member who is ready for this

• Prepares in advance. They are thinking now about the 7-Minute they're going to present in a couple of months, and have chosen the topic for the 7-Minute after that.
• Understands their audience. They have a handout or handoff that is focused on the prospect's purpose. Their presentation to the Team is not a regurgitation of what they were taught to say in their corporate sales meeting, or instruction for the listener to DIY.
• Uses strong presentation skills. [a] They do not stand behind any person listening; [b] they do not divert attention from their own credibility by using slides; [c] they are not afraid to pause; [d] they don't rush, they are prepared for the time boundary, and they adjust to meet it; [e] they make no excuses - for not having enough handouts, or the quality of the lighting, or the time of day, or the smell of their feet. 

 

Consistency is important because people don't talk to everyone they know every day! Without consistency opportunitites will zip right by them - like a kangaroo.

 

 

My recent topic has been Affordable Housing, and the points to remember are:

*Do not listen to the National news as it refers to affordable housing.

*Real estate is local, so what might be expensive in other parts of Atlanta may be affordable where you want to live.

*Don't assume that certain areas of town are not affordable.  

*Consider NOT buying your dream home first. Your affordable first home can help you buy your next home, which might be your dream home.

*Stick to your budget and buy what you can afford today.

*Work with an experienced Realtor who understands your real estate goals and who will show you what is affordable where you want to live.

Real estate prices in Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs have been going up in value, so waiting to buy won't help you reach your goal of owning vs renting.  If the goal is building equity, find out where the affordable real estate is, and you can be a homeowner in no time!

My current topic in the residential closing cabinet is First Time Homebuyers.  I will provide the following cues to Members:

1. Tenants who want to buy from their landlords.

2. Buyers who receive tax refunds and can apply it for a downpayment.

3. Buyers relocating from outside of Georgia.

4. Buyers who speak Spanish.

5. Buyers in the process of divorce.

6. Buyers inheiriting their parents' property.

These cues are common with first time homebuyers.

Commercial Real Estate signs are generically known in the sign industry as "Post & Panel" signs.

Appropriately named as they are constructed by either two or three pressure treated wood 4x4 posts buried 2' in the ground with a sign panel attached to the posts.

The sign panel will often list:

• Name of the property:                                  NORTH POINT PARK
• Name of the Management Company:          DOMAIN REALTY, INC.
• An individual Property Manager's name:     TOM POSEY
• Phone number:                                            404.406.4026
• Website:                                                       DOMAINREALTY.COM
• Space available:                                          Lease Space Available

Commercial Property Manager are excellent gate keeper referrals for Signs Of Significance

A great referral for us can be as simple as sending jim@signsofsignificance a picture of the sign. If the property name is not shown, simply reference the location in the email.

Signs Of Significance will contact the property manager and introduce ourselves as a valuable resource they can provide all new tenants to help them take care of the signs and graphics they will require as they move their business into the new location.

Remember, A BUSINESS WITH NO SIGN IS A SIGN OF NO BUSINESS

The topic I am focused on right now is Investment Property Refinance.

 

1. Collateral is the property

2. DSCR - Debt Service Coverage Ratio is calculating using the revenue from the property

3. 30 year fixed term is available.

4. No income verification 

5. No Debt to Income calculation

6. Very little out of pocket cost

 

If the property cashflows we can finance it. Credit is important but not the only deciding factor. 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a series of InfoMinutes on losing focus when it comes to working through the process of getting out of debt and making progress on financial goals.

I've been sharing remedies to reenergize momentum and regain focus on the process.

This is a good cue when folks share that they are having trouble staying motivated in their goal to “do better with their money.”

Staying on this for the six weeks will give the needed repetition for team members to remember and recall the reenergizing tips.

 

My Topic has been renovation loans.

• Homes not meeting ideal dream home 
• Older homes on the market in need of repairs
• Inherited homes that need repairs to sell on the market
• Client wants updated kitchen and bathroom
• Offer both FHA and conventional loan types
• City of Atlanta properties could be eligble for $30,000 in DPA on renovation loans

Time frame for these loans can be 45-60 days for closing.  You want to make sure you have a well qualified contractor doing the repairs.

Next topic will be ROTH IRA account

• Retirement strategy
• Tax Deferred 
• Tax free qualified distributions
• Tax benefit for later in retirement years
• Maximum contribution based on age and income

A powerful tool for retirement savings especially for younger investors. May be a good option for any investor depending on income

One of many tax strategies for investing. 

Refer me to your neighbor who is complaining about having to write a check to the IRS this year. 

My current focus is my Eldercare Essentials – Planning series, where I break planning into six simple, recognizable parts.

Here’s what I want you to listen for:

1. Plan before crisis – someone says, ‘We’re fine for now.’
2. Plan the roles – siblings unsure who’s in charge.
3. Plan the money – confusion about how to pay for care.
4. Plan the legal – no Power of Attorney or documents in place.
5. Plan the place – uncertainty about staying home vs. moving.
6. Plan the care – not knowing what level of help is actually needed.

The topic is planning—but the cue is when families are guessing instead of deciding.

When I stay consistent with these six points, it trains you to hear those gaps in everyday conversations—so you can connect me earlier, before a crisis forces the decision.

 

Topic I’m focusing on:
Helping business owners reduce their tax burden through year round tax planning

The referral cue I want Members to notice:
A business owner who says something like “I got crushed in taxes this year” or “I just send everything to my tax guy and he sorts it out”

Six key points Members will learn to recognize:

1. Someone who only thinks about taxes in March or April
2. A business owner who is surprised by their tax bill every year
3. Someone who is unsure about quarterly estimated payments
4. A business owner not using strategies like retirement plans or entity structure to lower taxes
5. Someone whose income has grown but their tax strategy has not changed
6. A business owner who treats taxes as a once a year task instead of something to plan for

How consistency will make referrals clearer for us:

 

The more I consistently talk about tax planning as a year round process, the easier it becomes to spot the right referral. When you hear someone treating taxes like something that only happens at filing time, that is the signal. Over time, it becomes clear that I help people stay ahead of their taxes instead of reacting to them after the fact.

The 5 obvious referral triggers for real estate are:

Diplomas

Diamonds

Diapers

Divorce

Death

But here is more to it than that.  My team mates need to know why I am the one they choose to refer.  For example, it is Listing season in real estate.  So my current 6 info minutes are focused on this.  I am highlighting my superpowers in this area.  Each of these are referral cues.  As a whole, they offer insight into my expertise and holistic approach to the business.  This consistency locks these attributes into the subconscious of my team members mind. When they hear someone talking about their less than perfect real estate experience in one of these areas, I naturally pop into their mind.

1.  A fierce negotiator.  Having worked in goverment in a previous life, I have master the art of the win/win.  Secretly knowing that my client always wins the most...lol.

2.  A pricing guru.  Having started my real estate career on the investment side of the business, I have the intuitive ability to price homes right, everytime.

3. A preacher for staging. Every home that I have staged has sold in 17 days or less.  It works.

4. A communicator of next steps.  The process is long and nerveracking for my clients.  Keeping them in the know is something I pride myself in.

5. World class client care.  Every one of my clients feels like they are my only client.  This is a big moment in their life, they need to know someone is always in their corner, 24/7.

6. A ruthlessly honest approach to conversations, always shared with respect and kindness.  I don't make the market, I intrepret it.  My clients are counting on me to provide them with real answers, and data that is truthful.  I will do nothing less.

 

The topic I’m focusing on right now is Romabio mineral-based paints—specifically Masonry Flat, Limewash, and Lime Slurry.

There are six key things I would like you to listen for when you’re talking to people:

First, someone says they hate the look of their brick but don’t want to damage it.
Second, they mention peeling paint or moisture issues on brick or stucco.
Third, they want that modern farmhouse or European, old-world look.
Fourth, they’re updating a fireplace or full exterior and want something unique.
Fifth, they care about using more natural, breathable products.
And sixth, they say, “I’ve seen that whitewashed brick look—how do you do that?”

The referral cue I would like everyone to catch is simple: anytime someone mentions updating brick, stone, or a fireplace—especially if they’re unsure about painting it.

 

Romabio is one of my favorite products to work with because it's organic and safe for the brick. It will truly transform any brick structure. Over time, you’ll start hearing those keywords—brick, limewash, fireplace—and immediately think of That 1 Painter North Atlanta.

Thank you! I am here to be the community's Painter for Life!

Next topic will be Disc herniaitons/back surgery

1- still in pain after a back surgery, still a great candidate for appropriate chiropractic care. Making sure the rest of the spine is functining properly and is healthy is important to limit compensation patters in the healthy parts of the spine 

2-someone complaining of tingling or numbness down the leg/legs

3- someone walking with a lean to one side

4-difficulty getting up from a chair or sitting down

5- someone mentioning a disc herniation and considering surgery

6-someone mentioning they want a second opinion

These are all common comments/actions of someone who would be a great referral. 

1. Topic I Am Focusing On

The topic I am currently focusing on—and will reinforce during my next 7‑minute Info Minutes presentation—is:

Better Banking: The Credit Union Way
Specifically: Six Reasons a Company Should Partner with iTHINK Financial

 

2. Six Key Points Members Will Learn to Recognize

These six points are the consistent cues Members will hear and learn to associate with a strong referral opportunity:

1. No Cost to the Employer
   Membership is completely free for the company—providing a valuable financial wellness benefit with no impact to their bottom line.
2. Recruitment & Retention Advantage
   A credit union partnership enhances the employer’s compensation package and helps attract and retain quality employees.
3. Not-for-Profit Financial Partner
   iTHINK Financial operates as a not‑for‑profit cooperative, meaning decisions are made in the best interest of Members and their employers—not shareholders.
4. The Service Difference
   Service excellence is our mission. Companies receive support from experienced account managers, free marketing materials, onsite enrollments, and financial education seminars.
5. Complete Financial Solutions
   We offer a full array of personal and business deposit and lending products for both the company and its employees.
6. New Member Bundle Incentives
   New members can earn up to $500 in bonuses, creating an immediate and tangible benefit for employees who join.

3. The Specific Referral Cue Members Should Notice

Team members should listen for anyone who employs people and:

• Is looking to enhance employee benefits
• Is struggling with recruitment or retention
• Values financial wellness and education for their team

When Members hear conversations about employee benefits, hiring challenges, or companies wanting to “do more” for their people, that is the referral moment.

 

4. How Consistency Makes Referrals Clearer

By consistently delivering these same six talking points across InfoMinutes, conversations, and presentations, Members learn to recognize patterns. The repetition keeps the “floodlight on,” making it easier for Members to:

• Identify the right referral opportunities
• Feel confident explaining the value of iTHINK Financial
• Know exactly when and why to make an introduction

Consistency removes uncertainty and turns everyday conversations into clear referral opportunities.

 

 

Helping employers ensure their employee benefits actually work when employees need them.

Six Key Points Members Will Learn to Recognize:

1.           A company frustrated after a claim issue

(Example: an employee thought something was covered… and found out too late it wasn’t.)

2.           Employers who haven’t reviewed their benefits strategically in 2+ years

(They’ve stayed with the same plan out of habit, not intention.)

3.           Growing companies (10–50 employees) starting to feel benefits pressure

(Recruiting, retention, or cost increases becoming real concerns.)

4.           HR or owners overwhelmed with questions during open enrollment

(Employees confused, low engagement, lots of last-minute issues.)

5.           Companies focused only on price—not coverage or network fit

(They don’t realize gaps until it impacts an employee directly.)

6.           Business owners who say, “We have benefits… but I’m not sure if they’re good.”

 

I am consistently hearing from many of my team members that they would like to understand the process of home buying.  My next series will break this down for them and why I am the expert they need to help them navigate this process. 

The referral ques are typically emotions expressed by friends, family, neighbors, co-workers or gym partners regarding  life events such as: 

Diamonds - Engagement

Death - Someone has passed and has left an inheritance or an estate. 

Diapers - New baby, time to own their own home, or upsize. 

Divorce - Need to sell the home to split the equity and clear the debt. 

 

Number one we have been talking about seasonal based moving request like spring, cleaning or storage clean out

The specific queue to notice that can cause a referral would be someone who has something they want done but have been putting it off for months. Our industry is more than just moving from house to house. There are several jobs that I do weekly that involves staying in the same space or something outside of the box that someone needs help with.  Staying consistent will allow you to see those possibilities in your everyday life.

 

The topic I’m focusing on is upholstery cleaning, and the referral cue I want Members to notice is when furniture starts to look worn in one spot, smells off when someone sits down, or they’re thinking it may need to be replaced. Upholstered furniture really acts like a sponge, holding onto everyday life like body oils, self-tanner, food smells, pets, and traffic from daily use. What I want Members to recognize is that this is often the best window to act before replacement becomes the only option, because I’m their best shot at stain removal and restoration at that stage. My steam cleaning method also sanitizes at the same time, which adds another layer of value. Staying consistent with this topic helps keep it top of mind so when someone mentions furniture looking tired, smelling off, or considering replacing it, it becomes a clear and easy referral opportunity.

   

I am currently focusing on how businesses can use National Days, fun promotions, and simple branded products to create attention and stay memorable.

Six Referral Cues Members Can Watch For When Talking With Others:

1. “I'm too tired to think creative!”
   They need creative content ideas tied to fun calendar moments.
2. “Business feels slow right now.”
   They may need a themed promotion or event to drive traffic.
3. “We need something fun for customers or staff.”
   Great cue for giveaways, appreciation gifts, or branded items.
4. “We’re doing an event, sale, or grand opening.”
   Perfect time for swag that keeps the momentum going.
5. “Our marketing feels stale.”
   They need fresh seasonal or National Day ideas.
6. “We need shirts, giveaways, gifts, or logo items.”
   That’s an easy handoff straight to me.

How Staying Consistent Helps Referrals: The more often members hear me tie fun ideas with practical branding, the faster they’ll think of me when someone needs fresh energy. I’m not just looking for someone who needs pens… I’m looking for someone who needs a reason for people to notice them.

1) a professional tax preparer does NOT have to be certified to prepare a federal tax return, they just have to have a preparer ID number from the IRS which anyone can get

2) A professional tax preparer MUST provide a full hard and or soft copy of the tax return to each client at the conclusion of the engagement. 

3) While each tax payer whose income is over a certain threshold are supposed to file, there are NO penalties assessed if they do not have an amout due and they do not file by the deadline, they just dont get any overpayment aka refund if a return is not filed in time

4) A tax payer has 3 years from the April 15th due date if filed by April 15th, or 3 years from the date filed if filed after (and by October 1th) to file a claim for refund. The original return MUST be filed by October 15th no later than 3 years after, or the amendment must be filed three years after the original return is filed

5) The IRS or state taxing agency can require tax payment up to 10 years after they determined that taxes are due, or  forever if fraud is suspected

6) Only Enrolled Agents can represent tax payers in tax matters before the IRS in all 50 states without additional credentials. A power of attorney form (2848)  signed by the tax payer and the representative (eg, EA or CPA) is required to be on file with the IRS before representation can commence. 

The topic I am focusing on is Right-Sized Payment Infrastructure and Strategic Fit.

6 key points to keep in mind when recognizing a referral

1. Business model mismatch. Seeing a professional office, like an attorney or consultant, using a clunky retail cash register or countertop terminal instead of a professional virtual terminal for secure invoicing.

2. The flat-rate trap. A high-volume merchant, especially a busy restaurant or retail shop, using a basic mobile aggregator. They are likely losing thousands of dollars in flat-rate fees that should be converted to transparent interchange plus pricing.

3. The blind satisfaction shrug. A merchant who says they are happy with their current processor but cannot articulate why. If they are all set but haven't audited their fit in over a year, they are a prime referral.

4. Lack of redundancy. A high-traffic business that has no backup plan for when the internet fails. If they lose revenue during an ISP outage because they don't have automatic LTE failover, their infrastructure is the wrong fit for their volume.

5. Invoicing and cash flow friction. A service provider who is still waiting for paper checks in the mail or manually taking numbers over the phone. They need a system that supports secure, one-click email payments to speed up their cash flow.

6. Hidden fee leaks. A business owner who complains about random or confusing charges on their bank statement. This usually indicates their current setup is forcing them into expensive non-qualified tiers that don't align with their actual transaction types.

Time frames are also very important. The key is catching a business during a transition such as moving locations, upgrading hardware, or a year-end tax review to audit their infrastructure before they lock into another unfavorable contract.

The topic I’m focusing on is messy financials limiting true business value, and I want Members to consistently recognize six specific referral cues:

• First, when an owner says they’re unsure what their business is actually worth.
• Second, when their financials don’t match what they “feel” the business should be worth.
• Third, when there are inconsistent or incomplete financial statements (missing reports, unclear P&Ls, or cash vs. accrual confusion).
• Fourth, when they rely heavily on add-backs that aren’t well-documented.
• Fifth, when they complain about high taxes but don’t have a clear financial strategy.
• Sixth, when they express interest in selling but haven’t prepared their numbers for buyer scrutiny.

By staying consistent with this topic and repeating these cues, it conditions Members to quickly connect those common statements and frustrations with a clear referral opportunity, reducing ambiguity and making it easier for them to confidently introduce me at the right time.

I'm currently focusing on the Competition Blend Grilling Pellets we offer. Good referrals for me are people who are running low on their pellet supply and people who just seem to forget to get pellets in time for their cooking & fun.

Here's what I'm working on for key points:

1 - The Bureau is a reliable source for premium fuel for pellet smokers and grills

2 - We're looking for charcoal and gas grill cooks who wants to explore using pellets to bring smoky flavors to their dishes

3 - Looking for people who want to try smoky cocktails and live the "high-end lifestyle"

4 - The Buerau wants to support making perfect steaks by promoting reverse searing - use the smoker to get a steak to temperature and then finish it off in a cast iron pan

5 - Someone who needs some gift ideas - they should consider bringing pellets to the cookout or housewarming

6 - Anyone looking to find more ways to use their grills and smokers - quick cooking for weeknight dinner or preparing snacks

 

Conect Tech 360 — Six Key Points Members Will Learn to Recognize 

1. Topic: Structured Cabling & Network Upgrades 

Referral Cue: When a business mentions they are moving, adding, or changing  (AKA MACs). Why Consistency Matters: When Members consistently associate CT360 with “MACs” they’ll immediately think of me and CT360 

2. Topic: Access Control Systems 

Referral Cue: When someone says they need to secure doors, manage employee access, or replace old badge systems. Why Consistency Matters: The more often Members hear us talk about access control, the faster they’ll recognize that CT360 is the go‑to partner for modern security solutions. 

3. Topic: Video Surveillance & Camera Systems 

Referral Cue: When a business mentions theft, blind spots, or needing better visibility of their facility. Why Consistency Matters: Repetition helps Members instantly connect “security cameras” with CT360, making referrals quicker and more accurate. 

4. Topic: Audio/Visual Installations 

Referral Cue: When someone is upgrading conference rooms, adding displays, or struggling with meeting‑room technology. Why Consistency Matters: When Members repeatedly hear that CT360 handles professional AV setups, they’ll confidently refer us whenever they hear about presentation or meeting‑room issues. 

5. Topic: Service, Maintenance & Troubleshooting 

Referral Cue: When a business complains that “something isn’t working” and their current vendor is slow or unresponsive – Or do not have a vendor. Why Consistency Matters: Consistent messaging reinforces that CT360 is reliable, fast, and solutions‑driven—making us the first name members think of when someone needs help now. 

6. Topic: Multi‑Site Technology Support 

Referral Cue: When a company mentions opening new locations, expanding operations, or needing standardized systems across multiple sites. Why Consistency Matters: By consistently highlighting our multi‑site expertise, Members will recognize expansion conversations as a perfect CT360 referral opportunity.