NBFAA Member Update for Friday, February 4, 2005

Before you know it, the 2005 NBFAA Spring Conference and CSA Symposium will be upon us. Don't miss out on a day of golf without guilt, the new Chartered State Association Symposium, awards presentations, committee meetings, and much more! With all that we've got scheduled for April 3-7, what happens in Las Vegas definitely won't stay in Las Vegas!

Don't delay - register today and join your industry colleagues us for the following events:

For more information or to register for the NBFAA Conference & CSA Symposium, the AIREF/NBFAA Golf Tournament, and/or the ISC West Expo (for free), members should contact Michelle Hariston, Membership and Meetings Manager, at (301) 585-1855 x117 or visit www.alarm.org.

If you haven't received your membership renewal notice yet, contact NBFAA so you won't lose access to your member benefits, including the more than $3,600 in coupons that will be coming with your 2005 membership kit.

Membership kits are in production and will be mailed shortly, so call us at 301-585-1855 as soon as possible if you haven't received your renewal notice in the mail.

Based on recent growth in the Orlando market, NBFAA Member Company Brink's Home Security, Inc., will open a new Orlando South office, its second branch in the Orlando metro area.

Once the new office opens, the company's current office in Apopka, Fla., will serve as the Orlando North branch.

The Brink's Security management team for the two offices includes Alan Sylvester, Brad Inklebarger and Charlie Warren.

We want to hear from you!
If you have a story you'd like to share with other NBFAA members, contact us at 301-585-1855 or by e-mail at communications@alarm.org.

Industry News

President Pushes for Association Health Plans in State of the Union Address

Among the solutions President Bush offered for rising health insurance costs during his annual State of the Union Address was legislation that would create association health plans (AHPs)

NBFAA is part of a coalition that is working to ensure passage of AHP legislation. These plans allow small businesses to join together to provide quality, affordable health insurance to their employees and their families.

AHP legislation passed the House of Representatives last June and was introduced in the Senate as Senate Bill 545. If passed, this bill would allow small businesses to band together across state lines through a membership in a local, state or national trade association to leverage their size - just as large businesses and unions do - to negotiate lower health insurance costs and increase coverage options.

Business News

Ready? Set? Present!
Courtesy of SCORE

At some point, nearly every entrepreneur will have to stand up and make a group presentation about their business. It could be part of a pitch to get venture financing for the enterprise, or to earn a new project commission. You may also find yourself addressing a group of colleagues or potential customers who are looking for a product or service just like yours.

If you're not accustomed to public speaking, even in small groups of people you know well, presentations can be nerve-wracking experiences. However, you have more control over the situation than you may realize. All it takes is research and preparation - the same steps needed for every other business decision you make as an entrepreneur.

Here are a few pointers on presentations:

Understand the ground rules. What is the purpose of your presentation? What kind of information does your audience want? Is the format a stand-up address or a conference table discussion? How much time will you have for the presentation and follow-up questions? Answering these basic questions gives you a head start on organizing your thoughts.

Get to the point. The first 30 seconds usually determines whether you capture your listeners' attention. The remaining time can last an eternity for unorganized speakers, and pass quickly for those trying to say too much. Begin and end with your strongest points. Never start off with an obscure joke or anecdote that has no relevance to your topic.

Avoid "over preparing." A presentation that's too tightly scripted can be derailed in an instant by an unexpected question or distraction. Notes are fine, but a thorough understanding of your subject is better. You will be better able to handle questions and keep your presentation on track.

Practice makes perfect. Perform some "dry runs" with people who can provide honest and fair feedback, and understand your intended audience's perspective. This will enable them to make a more informed evaluation and pose relevant questions.

Stay focused. Although you've rehearsed, you may still get the feeling that time is running out and quicken your pace. Or, you may want to ad-lib because you sense there's too much time remaining. Relax. If you are organized and provide good information, your listeners will be looking at you instead of their watches. An occasional built-in pause will help you reset your pace, and add impact to what you just said.

If you don't know, say so. Never try to bluff you way through a difficult or unexpected question. Admit that you don't have the information in hand, but offer to follow-up afterward. That's usually all it takes to get things back on track.

Need assistance with other business-related issues? Contact the SCORE Association "Counselors to America's Small Business." SCORE is a non-profit organization of more than 10,500 volunteer, business counselors provide free and confidential to veteran entrepreneurs and those just starting out. For the SCORE chapter nearest you, call 800-634-0245, or sign up for e-mail counseling at www.score.org.

For Member Update Sponsorship information contact
NBFAA Director of Business Development Tonja Jenkins.

Join us in Las Vegas for the 2005 NBFAA Spring Conference and CSA Symposium

Act Now to Maintain NBFAA Member Benefits

Member Benefit Spotlight: Mass Market Insurance Consultants

Brink's Home Security to Open Second Orlando Office

President Pushes for Association Health Plans in State of the Union Address