Connexion ~ It's new, it's amazing and it's for every design business!

On Friday August 6th, we were finally able to make our big announcement. Deb Barrett, with Window Fashions hosted the launch webinar for CONNEXION. CONNEXION is a collaboration software that allows designers, installers, fabricators and clients communicate by accessing one software.

Well, here it is ~ Studio is moving to the Clouds with CONNEXION and that is just the beginning. Studio will now be available online. What does that mean? You will be able to access Studio anywhere, anytime, any computer. Studio Online will be available as a monthly subscription. We will be announcing more details in the upcoming months. For those of you that already own Studio you will be able to subscribe at a discount.

You can enter/upload everything in regards to a client job to CONNEXION. Your sub-contractors can login and enter prices and notes on the services they are providing. You have total access control for all sub-contractors. Since you're entering information into ONE database you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that you are viewing the most up-to-date information regarding your client's job.

Your subscription to CONNEXION includes two free logins.
Now you can use Studio on an iPad or any platform for that matter. Look how great a rendering looks on an iPad! I'm so excited, I just ordered my iPad. I can't wait to be able to take it on client appointments. It's powerful, small and lightweight; the only other thing we need is CONNEXION.

Enter measurements right on the iPad and those measurements will populate the client file in CONNEXION. Are you visualizing a work order filled with actual measurements? Wow, I think I am in love.

I have just discussed a couple of the features available in CONNEXION. Want to see it for yourself? Katy and Mike with CONNEXION are hosting a FREE webinar so you can see the power and possibilities on Friday August 20th at 3:00 PM EST. Click on one of the links below to register for the day that works with your schedule.

Friday, August 20th, 3pm EST

Friday, Sept 10th, 3pm EST

Studio Coaching Programs!

I am so excited to be the instructor for the brand new Minutes Matter Studio Coaching programs. In early 2004 (six years ago!!) I downloaded the first trial version of Studio 1.0 and immediately fell in love. I didn't even wait the thirty days to purchase it, and just went to work learning all I could about how to use it. Since August of that year I have been hosting the Studio webinars to teach others about how to make this software work for their businesses, and each month I am delighted and gratified by how many new "converts" we have, especially those who are new to computers and had to learn the basics about using a mouse, file saving and copying and pasting before they could delve into designing. Studio truly is fun to use, and easy to learn, once you commit to spending some time practicing.

Now we have the opportunity to share in depth all the tools and features which make the renderings come alive. For new users, we have the Novice Level, so that we can go slowly and make sure that each designer "gets it" before going on to build on what they've learned. For more experienced users, who've mastered the basics, we can explore all the tips and techniques that will help them create renderings which their clients will love so much they'll show their friends. And nothing is better than word of mouth!

During and after every Getting Started with Studio webinar we get questions about how to add an outdoor scene, draw shadows and highlights, make the fabric look realistic, import accessories and furnishings, work in perspective, and add those special touches which amaze clients. With the Coaching Program we'll be able to share all these secrets to making your presentation the most professional it can be.

Those who know me from the Drapery & Design Professional Network forums know how much I enjoy sharing and teaching. I am really looking forward to working with Studio designers who are ready to take their businesses to the next level by offering a specialized service which will set them apart from their competitors.

Not sure which level you should take? If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at
MMStudioCoach@aol.com

Click here to register now for the Novice Level!
Click here to register now for the Advanced Level!

Get WFCP Cerfified with Minutes Matter Projects!

Minutes Matter & Window Fashions had a great turnout for our webinar on Tuesday!! Everyone was so excited about the new Window Fashions Project certification. If you would like to learn more about what it takes to become certified with Window Fashions, check out the FAQ forum on our Lounge. You can choose to take the Fabrication Specialist certification or the Design Consultation certification. Some people even take both!

During the webinar, Deb Barrett explained all the necessary steps required to move through their certification program and then I mentioned a new marketing technique. I won't spill the beans here, but you can view the recorded webinar to find out how this new marketing technique can help you close sales faster. I also I revealed an EXCLUSIVE NEW Studio Storyboard, which is given to each person who registers for either of the WFCP project certifications. (The storyboard above is an example of the completed storyboard included with the WFCP project certification.) During my Storyboard discussion, I mentioned a special font, "Damned Architect," that sparked multiple questions. Everyone loved it! To get this popular font, cllick on the font name above and download it to your computer today. Look for another blog post coming soon with more about downloading fonts and installing them on your computer. To ensure that you never miss out on valuable information, be sure to subscribe to our blog. Also, I would love to have you as a fan of the Minutes Matter page on Facebook!

If you missed the webinar, don't worry we recorded it. Click here to view the recording.

Get Certified with Window Fashions & Minutes Matter

Join Grace McNamara and Debbie Green from Minutes Matter as they host the launch of the NEW WFCP Certification projects online. We’ll give you a virtual tour of the WCFP Lounge, the projects, tutorials and show you how quick and easy it’ll be to complete your Designer or Fabrication Specialist and Master Projects. Plus, we’ll have some surprises especially for you. You’ll be a WFCP Specialist or Master before you know it! Sign up now for this FREE webinar and you’ll receive special Digital Certification Project release pricing.

Times are changing and changing fast! The Digital Age has arrived and we're ready for it. Who better to team up with than Minutes Matter, The WOW Winner for "The Most Innovative Firm of the Year." Grace McNamara, Inc. and Minutes Matter will provide WFCP members the opportunity to do their Design and Fabrication Specialist and Master Projects online. You asked for quicker and easier ways to move through certification and we're bringing it to you. Complete project files including fabric swatches, digital mood boards and project renderings will be housed in a private hosted WFCP Forum where members can work on their projects and submit them for grading. 24/7 support will be offered through tutorials, webinars and forums. Pictured below is a sample submission. Want to learn more? Sign up for our launch and FREE webinar/demo on August 12th.

Can't attend? Don't worry, we are recording this webinar and it will automatically be sent to anyone that has registered.