Everybody Needs a Coach

Think of all the people who've coached you during your lifetime. Even as little kids, our parents held out their arms saying, "Come on...you can do it! Take a little step, that's a good girl, YEAH! You did it!" Confidence is such a great feeling!

From the first steps we take to the first ball we hit in Little League, coaches make us believe we can do better. As life progresses, we seem to resist the need for coaching. Almost everything we would like to improve in our business and personal lives would benefit from some coaching. A skilled coach can help us get there faster and easier. Stretching us, making us reach for skills we thought out of reach. A good coach will recognize our weaknesses and give us work to do to improve. The pat we get on the back in acknowledgment of our strengths and improvement can make us stand tall all day long. This is why we feel so strongly about the personal support we offer here at Minutes Matter. Our clients who take advantage of the one-on-one support we offer come away with a feeling of accomplishment and proficiency that is not seen in any other training tools we offer.

If this is the year to master your accounting or take your design renderings to the next level, why don't you try a little coaching? We offer group coaching sessions (which even include a little homework) and private sessions too.

Don't be one who barely skims the surface of what Studio and QuickBooks & Quoting can do for your business. Today's the day to start fully utilizing all aspects of these multi-faceted programs.


QuickBooks "Right Start" | Novice |
(begins January 18th)

"What would it be worth if you had your own CFO working side by side with you for six weeks?"

Well, with the Right Start Coaching Program you can! Our online coaching program is specifically tailored to suit your business needs and offered exclusively through Minutes Matter and WFCP (Window Fashions Certification Program). Vickie Ayres, a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, will guide you through this amazing six-week program.

Learning accounting through trial and error produces unnecessary and costly mistakes. Instead of a haphazardly learning QuickBooks, immerse yourself in this program to learn the most efficient and precise financial practices. Since its a government mandate to keep accurate records, now is the time to create a systematic approach to accomplish your bookkeeping responsibilities.

It's simple and easy. During our Novice program you'll actually create a company, perform tasks, generate reports, and determine your profitability - all from the comfort of your own office. Every week you will receive a lesson handout for that week's Group lesson by email. The handout will include instructions to complete that week's assignment for the project that will be due at the end of the program.

In the advanced level, we'll talk about financial analysis and how to trouble shoot when bad things happen.

Cost: $397
[click to register]

QuickBooks "Right Start" |Advanced|
(begins February 15th)

"Are you ready when the unexpected happens?"

Well, with the Right Start Coaching Program you can be one step ahead of the game! We've expanded our online coaching program to include an advanced learning opportunity. Just like the Novice program, this program is offered exclusively through Minutes Matter and WFCP (Window Fashions Certification Program). Vickie Ayres, a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, will guide you through this insightful two-week program.

We know you've seen the amazing benefits of applying all that you've learned in the Novice Course. Well, now it's time to step it up a notch. In the advanced program, we'll talk about financial analysis and how to trouble shoot when bad things happen. We'll explain the top ten most necessary topics to keep your company running smoothly. We'll cover how to backup QuickBooks so you're not effected by computer crises. Learn how to handle bad debt, bounced checks, and accounting discrepancies. We'll take a look at projecting your cash flow, reviewing your financial analysis, and so much more!!

Once again, we'll work with an actually company, perform tasks, generate reports, and determine your profitability - all from the comfort of your own office. We'll provided you with the lesson handout for that week's Group lesson by email. The handout will include instructions to complete that week's assignment for the project that will be due at the end of the program.

Cost: $197
[click to register]

Studio Coaching |Novice|
(begins January 18th)

"Would you like to move your presentations from standard to stunning?"

In only six-weeks time, we will show you how to move your company's services out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary! In fact, your clients will love their renderings so much they'll be compelled to share their excitement with their friends. This is the secret to getting great referrals!

We offer two levels of coaching based on your expertise, Novice and Advanced sessions which are offered exclusively through the WFCP (Window Fashions Certification Program) and Minutes Matter. You'll receive live, via the Internet, hands-on time with our renowned expert instructor and design specialist, Merlyn Corcoran. Each session is specifically tailored to suit your needs in a natural progression so illustrating becomes second nature.

We all know clients interview several design firms before deciding who's the best match. Don't risk losing potentially great clients simply because you've not perfected the techniques of leaving a lasting impression. If you've found that you're barely skimming the surface of Studio, this Novice Coaching Program is for you! Learn how you can harness the power of this multi-faceted software program and move your business forward this competitive marketplace.

Cost: $597
[click to register]

Studio Coaching |Advanced|
(begins January 20th)

"Would you like to create a jaw-dropping portfolio?"

In only six-weeks time, we will show you how to move your design skills out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary! The techniques we cover in this class will help you enhance your presentations and showcase your virtual design abilities.

In the Advanced Program, we'll expose experienced users to techniques and tools, which add polish, depth, and dimension to a rendering. We'll discuss working with difficult photographs, adding shadows and dimension to an illustration, applying advanced fills, drawing your own custom furniture and window treatments, working in perspective, and so much more. You'll receive live, via the Internet, hands-on time with our renowned expert instructor and design specialist, Merlyn Corcoran.

In the Advanced Level program, we'll move at a bit faster pace than the Novice Program since everyone has a basic working knowledge of the computer and Studio. The six-week program will expand your skills and show you innovative ways to use Studio to market your company.

Cost: $597
[click to register]

First Class -- All the Way!

(click on image to enlarge)

Yesterday marked the last day of our inaugural Studio Coaching Program. These jam-packed six week courses have been structured to give Novice and Advanced users an intense program of supervised, interactive study, including homework, critiques and focused topics.

It was so gratifying to me to work with our twenty designers and observe how they progressed. Many had no experience at all with the Studio Graphic Design software. Over the weeks, they became familiar with the tools and functions of the software and created beautiful elevation renderings and designs on photos. The advanced group learned innovative techniques to produce faster, more refined drawings, including perspective views. Both groups developed polished looking logo templates to brand their businesses and add a professional finish to their projects.

Above and below are two examples of the drawings that were submitted as part of the weekly assignments.

(click on image to enlarge)

We were thrilled with the feedback we received from an anonymous survey; here are some of the comments:

“I like the entire concept of the on line webinar. I like the homework critiques, very helpful. I like the pace; allows me enough time to “get it” and jot down a few reminder notes. Also, love the ability to listen to the recordings in order to refresh my overloaded brain!”

“This advanced coaching class is worth every penny!”

“Reviewing information, such as when other students experience similar difficulties.”

“I am very pleased with the novice coaching program. So far it has met all my expectations.”

“Being able to play it back to supplement my notes. I do hope we’ll have access to those for a bit.”

We have scheduled two new sessions beginning in August for both Novice and Advanced Studio Designers, and will also offer a 90 minute computer class for those who need to learn more about operating their computer in preparation for working in Studio. The Coaching Program class size is limited to 10 to provide individual attention with coaching via email, private forum on The Lounge, and phone calls in addition to the on line presentations.

Call the office or visit the website for more information or to register.
Click here for the Novice class
Click here for the Advanced class

Our “First Class” was just that – first class all the way. They will be a hard act to follow. We look forward to helping you take your Studio skills to the next level!

High Point Spring Market Video Highlights

Jerry and I are finally getting a chance to catch our breath from High Point Furniture Market last week. Everyone loved our slick design and new colors for our booth. Check out our earlier blog to see more photos and descriptions of our new booth. We have seen a big shift in designers being more receptive to using a graphic design software to do their renderings. Of course, we are the perfect company to help them get started!

Joy is a huge fan of Jackie Von Tobel's books. She said it is one of her best resources for design inspiration. Click on the arrow in the picture below to listen to our interview with Joy. Visit Jackie's Blog to read more about what Jackie is doing.

High Point Furniture Market - Suites of Market Square

With the massive renovation that the Suites of Market Square underwent, I decided to tour around our building to highlight a couple new vendors with my Flip Video.

I met Austin Bunch from Kalalou at breakfast one morning in our hotel lobby. He was so personable that Jerry and I decided that we just had to visit his space. They have a lot of great accessories at great prices. Check them out! Click on the picture below to see our interview with Austin.

On the top of my "To Do" list was a visit to the new Salon area to see Kristin Drohan's new furniture collection. Kristin used Studio to create her entire furniture line! She has also just completed our Advanced Coaching class. To find out why she decided to create her own furniture collection and to hear her incredible story, click on the arrow on the picture below.

Below is Kristin's Studio image as well as the actual photo of her Anthony Ottoman.

The chaise below is Kristin's Studio rendering for her newest piece to add to her collection. The Andrew Day Chaise is currently in production.

It's that time of year again! In two weeks, Jerry and I will be back on the road and headed to the IWCE Vision 10 Expo in Atlanta. Grace and her staff at Window Fashions have some exciting things in store for all attendees. Of course, we will take our Flip Video again to give you highlights from the exhibit floor.