How to make the money! Let me show you the key to making the money through NACE. It is a powerful and proven formula that has worked for all that have tried it. It’s not that I am I a guru or a master I just observed. Prior to laying it all down for you I feel it is important to give you the back-story on how this formula of success materialized.

    Recently I decided to do the daunting task of reorganizing my files. I’m sure you have done it as well, moving older files to a draw on the far side of your office. Perhaps you may have thought reversing the file order would make you more productive. Whatever the case is, it just seems to be one of those tasks that I dread. However, I take this opportunity to evaluate my past work. I read each file in hopes to discover a way to save 10% on expenses or increase sales by 20%. Whatever it is I’m looking to improve I know I can find it in my sales history. Some place between my second cup of coffee and a glazed donut the pattern stood out like a silver spoon in a scoop of all natural vanilla bean gelato. (Nice plug)

            It was the origins of each lead. About 10% of all of my business last year I can associate with a relationship I’ve made or improved at NACE. It is business school 101- join a professional networking group, make a friend then sell a product. I’m not going to say it was easy. I’m not going to allude that I threw down my membership fee and Mr. NACE himself, President Ed DiAntonio was going to have my product all over his hotel. (Although Ed, if you are reading this it sure would improve my bottom line which would result in improved membership under your command. <wink, wink>) It took time meeting the members and working the room each month. That’s not a secret. Our success of sales is also a true testament that we believe in our product. I truly believe that my product is more flavorful and profitable then my competitors. I truly believe I am helping my clients improve their menu. I truly feel that we provide the best customer service and dependability when it came to the local frozen dessert market. Most important I feel I am helping my clients improve their menu resulting in improved revenues.

            I think you’re getting the point. I am helping someone else, not just selling them a product. I believe in the results. How does that relate to NACE? It’s simple I have attended every meeting since joining. At first it was a monetary motive. I wanted to ensure that I received full value of my membership fees. Month after month the secret of NACE was revealed in many aspects. First and foremost are the friends I’ve made. I’ve attended to movies with NACE members and helped others with cleaning their warehouses. I’ve also been able to borrow equipment from other members and lend equipment to some. At the end of each of these little moments always a handshake, hug or a simple thank you. In addition, NACE has been introducing me to all aspects of our industry through the educational programs and guest speakers. NACE members have recently been exposed to wonderful presentations about the legalities of alcohol and insurance guidelines, wine tastings and educations, hydroponic greenery and even a lesson on the finest rum on the planet. NACE by the sheer definition of what NACE does it’s assisting me in learning more about my industry. It’s a group of professionals on our board that volunteers their time selfishly to provide members with the greatest experience and education to improve sales in my own business.

            The secret to making money in NACE is recognizing that there is a handshake or a hug of helpful inspiration around the corner. Each member provides a small portion of the secret formula for another member by just participating in NACE.  Your first step to improving your chancing of making money from NACE, is to truly recognize what NACE is. After you understand, take a look around your office. Is there a sales person struggling? Invite them to attend a meeting and feel that you are really helping to improve a persons skills, professional network and knowledge.  Help NACE by spreading the word and increasing our number of members. Of which will not only result in more funds to produce great events and educational opportunities the results will be more hands to shake and more friends to make which consequently will be more opportunity for you. If you think just bringing a guest to the next NACE meeting is improving their professional network wait until you here this secret. You can really help them by saving a $100 off the membership if they register by May 25.

            The secret of making money in NACE is summarized like this. Believe in the small details of NACE and allow them to work over time. Attend each of the meetings and participate. Most important truly feel that you are helping others be successful by bringing more hands to shake to a NACE meeting. (By this I mean tell everyone you know that the membership discount of $100 expires May 25.) I am looking forward to seeing you again at this months meeting.

In March we learned about the history and production processes of Bacardi Rum at Cuba Libre in Pointe Orlando. It is amazing to think that all Bacardi Rum is made from the original strain of yeast discovered in the sugar cane fields of Cuba in 1862. I would kike to thank Janet Bryan and her staff at Cuba Libre for the fantastic Cuban food that was presented to us. 

In April we had the privilege of going to Whole Foods in Winter Park. I want to thank Laurie Davis the General Manager for speaking with us on how they purchase from local vendors and what Whole Foods considers Organic, why there standards are so much higher than anyone else’s. They also told us how they can be a good resource for those hard to obtain items that so many clients are looking for today, with some notice of course. Thank you so much to Leah Abel for arranging the complimentary beer from Orlando Brewery and the Organic wines that are sold in the store. 

We also handed out our local awards, congratulations go out to Renee McDonald, CMP, Caterer Member of the Year, Darlene Walker, Event Professional of the Year and Brandon Moss for The George Zell Spirit of NACE Award. Our Scholarship recipients for the Experience 2009 Conference in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina went out to Billy Singleton,CPCE; Jennifer Shepherd, Brandon Moss, Joe Mahoney, CPCE and Bonnie Elmendorf incoming President of the NACE Student Chapter at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Also I would be remiss not to mention that I forgot to mention that the reigning Caterer Member of the Year is our very own Ed Diantonio, CMP, CPCE; sorry Ed.

This month’s meeting will be held in conjunction with ISES at Hard Rock Live for an educational meeting and a State of the Hospitality Industry in Central Florida. Please remember to register early for the meeting on May 19^th 2009.