Northern VA Advice Givers®

Local Experts. Incredible Interviews

Calling All Adults! Adventuring isn’t Just for Kids Anymore…

As a full-grown adult child, I’m always looking for the next fun thing to do. TopGolf, pop-up parties, adult game zones & laser-tagging…I’ve done a lot. But the latest experience? Like nothing I have ever seen before in my life. Forget my niece’s birthday! I wanna have my birthday party here. There’s Ninja Warrior course, black-light climbing wall, and a high ropes course. That’s not it, though. Turn around and you see endless trampolines, a parkour course, and a battle beam with a foam pit. I’ve been told the battle beam is great for couples therapy (ha!). ZavaZone in Sterling is changing the entertainment game. Let’s call it Funner-Tainment. Co-Owners Josh Oboler and Joe Henry are the minds behind this indoor mega-adventure center. They’re two dads who’d been to one too many “family fun” birthday parties at other venues. They were bored. Tired. Over the nickel and diming for such a lackluster experience. After some whining from Josh while he was at one of these events, they made a choice. Since no one else had created a place to cover all interests and age-ranges, they would. And the fun hasn’t stopped since. Don’t be surprised if you see the kids in one section and their grandparents playing in another. Insider Exclusive: There may or may not be laser-tag involved soon (sign me up!). Visit www.zavazone.com to find out more and plan your next shindig.

 

We Flipped the Script on the Loudoun 100 Creator. And It Was Awesome.

Aliyah Dastour is used to doing the interviewing, not being interviewed. And I’m the one that got to put her in the hot-seat. She’s well-known in the community for her incredible project, the Loudoun 100. The goal of that project: highlight unsung heroes in the area. After all the nominations were in, she interviewed each and every one of these people to get their story. Yes, 100 people. With pictures, video, the works. That’s a huge project to take on. Turns out, the idea was one of Aliyah’s brain children she hadn’t brought to life yet. On the back-burner for too long, she challenged herself to complete it. Why? Because photography isn’t her real passion, people are. And she was on a mission to meet amazing people doing great things in the community. Aliyah knew the community needed to meet these people too. Check out who’s on the list at www.alimondphotography.com/loudoun100/. Be sure to check out Aliyah’s latest program to help businesses grow their brand: www.facebook.com/brandandconvert/

Taking Careers to the Next Level

Think back to the worst public speaker you’ve ever seen. The one you felt bad for. That poor guy that made you cringe as you watched them crash. And burn. Yep, the one you pity clapped for. What might have helped? Maybe some training or coaching public speaking? Now, let’s think back to you (or a friend, if you’ve never experienced this). Ever think about why you didn’t get the promotion? Why the other colleague did? It could be a lack of readiness or planning to the career path. Whatever the case, there’s help for these situations. A Career Coach could have changed the course in all these situations. One coach helping clients move forward in their careers is Julie Mendez. She started JSM Career Coaching to help clients in find fulfilling work that matches their unique talents. Once called “a career coach with street smarts”, Julie’s approach is honest and tailored to each person. She knows there’s no one-size-fits all approach in helping people navigate their career. Learn more about Career Coaching, Julie, and her upcoming workshops at: www.jsmcareercoaching.com/ or www.linkedin.com/in/juliemendez/

Having a Profound Impact Through PR & Marketing: With Sharon Wright

When Sharon Wright was in high school, she found it unacceptable that Americans had forgotten about the hostages in the Iran hostage crisis. There was a yellow ribbon campaign going on for the hostages, but she didn’t see any yellow ribbons around her suburb. “I knew that I had to do something to fix that,” she says. “So I did.” She spoke to her church congregation and handed out 100 yellow ribbons. When she saw that it was working and yellow ribbons were starting to pop up around town, she did it again. And again. Nine or ten churches later, the area was blanketed in yellow ribbons.

When she went to college and noticed the little problem of her college not offering her desired major of Public Relations, she founded the major herself. Now several hundred students have graduated with a degree in public relations from her alma mater.

Sharon has since founded Loudon Clear Marketing, a public relations and marketing communications firm that solves problems for the Northern VA region.

What Do You Mean I Have to Know My Target Audience?

Clients often come to Sharon and say that they want to sell their widgets to consumers, but don’t realize that they aren’t aiming for the entire population of consumers. “[It’s] staggering to me how often clients will come to me and not really know who their target is,” Sharon says. She’s passionate about solving that problem for clients so that their widgets can start flying off the shelves.

Solving Problems, Saving Lives

Sharon’s problem-solving is even life-saving. When a college professor was shot and desperately needed blood, the local blood bank just wasn’t bringing in enough donations. The public relations club that Sharon founded at her school got involved, and in no time, everyone was giving blood.

Her problem-solving, life-saving genes have passed on to her teenage daughter. Now Sharon and her daughter are working on solving the problem of a shortage of car seat inspections. Now they have several technicians in the county saving babies.

You’re Just Not That Interesting

Not every problem is solvable, for example, the problem of not having media-worthy news every single month. Clients sometimes come to Loudoun Clear and want them to write press releases every month. None of us have media-worthy news every month. “There’s a difference between writing press releases and writing press releases that are going to get picked up,” says Sharon. Her firm is founded on great morals and professional standards, and she’s not going to write a press release just so a client can tick some boxes. “If I don’t see the news potential in it, then I can’t sell that to a reporter because it’s my reputation and our firm’s reputation to make sure that when we’re writing a press release, that it is legitimate, with legitimate news value,” she says.

Throw Some Noodles

The clients Sharon enjoys working with the most are the ones who don’t come in with their heart set on one thing, like monthly press releases, and instead are open to new ideas. “There’s no magic formula right out of the gate for every new client,” she says. “So we have fun. We really get into the weeds and we try a lot of things.” She throws a lot of noodles at a lot of walls to see what sticks.

Messages and strategies also have to evolve with the times. On social media, for example, Facebook feeds were becoming cluttered with so much outside noise that their clients had to know how to cut through the clutter. “We have to become our own news generators,” says Sharon. “We have to tell stories that are more authentic.” Turn that phone camera around and do a Facebook Live video. Social media gives businesses access to a much larger audience, and it’s very inexpensive. “It’s an amazing vehicle that we have as marketers to use different social media platforms,” she says.

That being said, don’t go wild on social media, either. Your message has to be consistent across all platforms. Make sure that the social media is married to the print advertising and the messages that the CEO uses when they speak.

It’s Not Just for Big Businesses

Every business, regardless of size, should be doing some form of marketing. “Whether they’re at a place where they can hire a firm like ours doesn’t matter,” says Sharon. “There’s some very basic things that they can be doing, telling their story.” Take advantage of little opportunities to get your name out there. Join networking groups. Do something.

Episode #21 – Turning A Lifelong Passion for PR Into a Business

The Rundown:

  • Want your widgets to fly off the shelves? Then know your market.
  • It’s all about telling a story.
  • From Iran hostage crisis to PR.
  • Finding her passion with yellow ribbons.
  • Jumping on opportunities.

Summary:

Everyone has a story. Sharon Wright’s began when she was in high school learning about the Iran hostage crisis. The crisis led to Sharon finding her passion from a young age, and now, over 30 years later, she’s helping solve marketing challenges for clients in the Northern Virginia region as the founder and owner of Loudoun Clear Marketing.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

  • [00:10] Welcome and introduction to Sharon Wright, founder and owner of Loudoun Clear Marketing.
  • [00:42] The problem she’s passionate about solving.
  • [01:45] It all started with the Iran hostage crisis.
  • [05:38] What has contributed to her success.
  • [07:21] Starting her own business.
  • [08:53] Business strategy.
  • [11:11] Common mistakes that clients make.
  • [12:49] What sets Loudoun Clear apart.
  • [14:37] The future of the marketing and public relations industry.
  • [18:35] Social media.
  • [19:29] Sharon’s superpower.
  • [21:25] Her favorite campaign so far.
  • [23:40] What every small business should know about marketing and PR.
  • [25:19] Jump on opportunities.
  • [28:59] The next big thing.
  • [31:06] Camera-shy clients.
  • [33:06] On the horizon.
  • [35:02] Contact information.

RxR3 Recovery: Re-Defining Wellness. “It’s not a state, but an action.”

Who knew…Floatation Therapy = Less Anxiety? Cryotherapy = More Energy + Less Pain? WHY didn’t I know about these options?! Answer: There’s only one place around Northern VA that provides them. Talk about not knowing what to expect. Walking into RxR3 recovery lounge felt like being in a space station. With lots of cool toys I shouldn’t touch by myself. There’s even that oxygen-mask that Olympian, Sean White (Yes, the flying tomato) used to train. But, RxR3 isn’t just for super-athletic people trying to be more athletic. Or sports junkies recovering from a tough workout. It serves people with all sorts of goals. Like those with chronic pain or low energy levels. The biggest surprise for me? Some of these therapies can help with mental illness, like anxiety and depression. The key to the growing success of this place? The owner, Tip Hipp, is dedicated to helping people. Seriously, he admitted he has an innate “Superhero” characteristic. He really loves to help people become the best version of themselves. Why is he so passionate about the benefits of these therapies? Tim has Lyme Disease himself. He’s seen the positive results of these treatments for disease management first-hand. And knew others could improve their health too. Some of the services offered: Kaatsu (google it!), Live02 Adaptive Contrast™, Compression Therapy, Cryotherapy, Infrared Sauna, and Whole Body Vibration. Find out more about these therapies and the benefits at: www.rxr3pro.com

Workouts on the Web: The New Way to Get Fit

Walking in to Occoquan Bay Performance, I thought it was just another gym. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Yes, there are unique workouts, individualized training, awesome group classes, etc. The difference? One room, one guy, and an idea. This room at OBP is the future of fitness. Why? It’s dedicated to live, online group sessions. Nick Mann is changing the way we work out. And throwing our excuses out the window. Traffic? Time? You don’t have to drive now, so yes, you have time. No equipment? Not necessary. Sorry, the excuses have run out. These online sessions aren’t where you simply watch and replicate. The interactive approach online keeps people accountable. The excuse of not having enough time to get to the gym, traffic, etc is now officially out the window. (Dammit. I’ll be online soon…Thanks, Nick.) What’s the coolest part? I could get my best friend in FLORIDA to sign up, and we could work out together online. Or my co-workers on the west coast. Connecting us with our peoples through fitness? Damn. Social interaction & human connectivity wins again (ex: Facebook, anyone?)! Fun Fact: Nick also has a video series for Dining Out Healthy in NOVA. He hits popular restaurants and gives advice on what options are good. No more skipping out on social eating (or screwing up your hard work so far…). Keep up with Nick on his Facebook page and obpgym.com.

Tech + Paint? Bringing the Painting Business Into This Century

Have you tried and failed to leave the family business? Have you tried, failed, and then succeeded on your own terms? You’ve got a kindred spirit in Mike Katounas. Although Mike’s family has been involved in the painting industry since he was two years old, he didn’t have a liking for it.

Mike left home to go to Virginia Tech for engineering, but it was a poor fit. He was then accepted into a physical therapy school, but before attending, he changed his mind and got a Master’s degree in health education instead. If only he had known before getting that degree that it was not his passion! He moved to Chantilly and had a couple more jobs. When he was getting ready to be married, his father approached him about giving the family painting business one more try, with the goal of eventually taking over.

 

When Old and New Collide 

“My dad had been successful,” Mike admits. “Everything had worked for him.” And if it ain’t broke, why fix it? Mike, however, wanted to try new things. He saw that the internet was booming and business opportunities were spreading west of the city. His dad didn’t want to invest time and money into learning how to utilize the internet for painting and was moving more towards the city. “We butted heads, and he actually fired me right around Christmas of ‘04,” says Mike. Although the two reconciled and Mike went back to work, the firing was a wake-up call that made him realize that the situation was not going to work well in the long-term.

 

When Mike’s father-in-law mentioned that he could start his own business, the light bulb went off. “The wheels started turning, and I scared the life out of my wife with the idea, and within a couple of months I got my license and insurance and was off and running.”

 

His Own Business on His Own Terms

Mike was nervous that his dad would be upset to learn that he didn’t want to continue in the family business. “But the funny thing was that when I finally approached him about starting my own business, instead of being upset, he was actually very excited,” Mike says. They’d been fighting a lot, and it removed that drama. It also relieved the pressure of having the burden of providing an income for Mike and his family. His father was instrumental in helping to get Mike off the ground, both in terms of knowledge and experience and by helping him get his first two employees. “If I didn’t work for him, there’s no way I would have started my business,” says Mike.

 

Home Works Painting

One thing that sets Home Works Painting apart from its peers is communication. “We’re asking a lot of questions over the phone to get an idea if we’re the right fit,” says Mike. “If we’re not, we’ll tell them right away. We don’t want to waste their time or ours.”

 

They also have free color consultations. People want to change up the look of their home, but get scared by the Swatch Ness Monster because color indexes have thousands of colors and it’s hard to know where to even start.

 

Home Works Painting also offers a six-year warranty. They believe in what they do, and if they don’t meet those expectations, they’ll make it right.

 

Mike encourages customers to look at reviews online on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. He could give a list of references, but who puts a displeased customer on a reference sheet? “I can tell you all day how great we are,” he says. But don’t take it from him. Check them out online.

 

Paint It Forward

The second annual Paint It Forward nomination went to Still Brave, which deals with cancer-stricken children and their families. Having gone through cancer himself, Still Brave is close to Mike’s heart. Still Brave connected Home Works Painting with a child with cancer and his brother, and the two boys got their rooms repainted. “We let the boys have their creative freedom,” says Mike. The boys planned out exactly what they wanted, and Mike had one week to make it happen. Mike got to get creative himself, buying supplies from Ikea and Home Depot and using materials he’d never used before. The best part, though, was the boys’ reactions. Mike loved seeing their faces when they first saw their upgraded rooms, and hearing their excitement and joy.

An unexpected benefit was the effect it had on his team. His employees gained pride in knowing that they work for a company that isn’t just about making the profit, but also cares about the community. “It was a great team-building that I hadn’t even considered,” he says.

 

On the Horizon 

Home Works Painting is gearing up for a busy 2018. “I’m about to bring on a new salesperson,” says Mike. “It’s endless possibilities right now. I see a lot of growth happening.”

Episode #20 – Cancer, Silver Linings, & Painting it Forward

The Rundown:

  • Around the painting industry since the ripe old age of two.
  • The art and science of finding the right employees.
  • Family feuds.
  • No such thing as work-life balance.
  • Cancer diagnoses.
  • Paint It Forward.

Summary

Mike Katounas has over 20 years of painting experience. After working in the family painting business with his father, he started his own business in Chantilly, Virginia called Home Works Painting. There have been ups and downs along the way, from family fights to being diagnosed with cancer to the economic downturn, but Mike isn’t going anywhere. The sky is his limit.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

  • [00:11] Welcome and introduction to Mike Katounas of Home Works Painting.
  • [01:15] Being around the industry since he was a toddler.
  • [01:51] Employees are the number one contributing factor to his success.
  • [02:16] The art of finding the right employees.
  • [03:03] Getting into the painting industry.
  • [04:20] Starting his business.
  • [06:14] When old and new collide.
  • [09:24] Building up his business.
  • [10:57] Work-life balance.
  • [14:10] Ups and downs.
  • [14:37] Setting and maintaining realistic expectations.
  • [16:14] What sets Home Works Painting apart.
  • [18:44] Paint it Forward.
  • [23:07] The worst moment.
  • [25:06] Technology in the painting industry.
  • [26:17] Trends in the industry.
  • [27:19] On the horizon.
  • [27:59] Contact information.

Estate Sales: Don’t Assume Somebody Died.

More often than not, when we read “Estate Sale”, what do we usually think? Somebody died. An elder relative has passed away and there’s a lot of stuff left behind. Old stuff. Which can give some us (me) the heebie-jeebies about checking one out. Turns out, it’s quite the opposite. Apparently Northern VA is a hot-spot for Snow-Birds. What’s that now? People who retire to Florida. Whose stuff from NOVA doesn’t match the beachy, retired-vibe. Plus, paying for all that stuff to move? Ugh. No wonder people pay someone else to sell their stuff. We’re not talking yard-sale, goodwill rejects. The stuff people amass? Oh my gawd. And in Virginia too – land of history. Where your sh*t must say “Yes, I worked soo hard for this beautiful mahogany dresser. And that dining room table that seats 16. Now…I’ma sell it ALL to drink a Mai Thai. On the beach. Bye, y’all!” The point is, there’s some really cool stuff out there that sells for a deal. So who’s the local expert on this? Doneen Hoffman of Estate Professional Services. Doneen’s recommendation for who should be watching sales like this? Well, everyone. But who might really benefit? 1) Couples furnishing their first apartment or home. 2) Parents sending their kids off the college. 3) Young professionals settling in to the area. Keep tabs on upcoming sales at www.facebook.com/EstateProfessionalServices/