Want a ready-to-bake project? The American Institute of Architects has done a great job executing on their vision of assembling a listing of what it calls “stalled” projects. They currently have over 30 projects nationwide, and the AIA serves as matchmaker if you want to inquire about a project. Accessing the database requires that you create an AIA.org login, which only takes a couple of minutes. Thanks to the AIA for taking measures to help us all get back to work!  See more information below from their website about the database.

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Several months ago, I wrote a blog on how women were no different than men. It was sort of tongue-in-cheek, and it caused quite a stir which is always fun. I’m always on the alert for gender related commercials. There’s a fine line between funny and insulting, and it’s not always obvious. I recently read there are three parts to an advertisement.

• The Surface Meaning - what you see immediately and your first impression
• The Advertising Intention - what are they selling
• The Cultural Meaning - how we really get connected

By the way, this information is taken from and included in an interesting blog, which shows you how to analyze advertisements and their meanings.

And then I noticed the Progresso Soup commercials. The one I like the best is the one where the woman is excitingly telling the chef about her weight loss. Since he doesn’t quite get it, she asks if there’s a woman she can talk to. In the photo above, this woman is talking about her weight loss and her engagement. The commercials are charming and very clever and give us insight into this particular woman. She believes a woman would be more interested in talking with her about her weight loss. 

I went to YouTube and checked out the Progresso Soup commercials and found several more involving women, as well as some home grown ”copy cat commercials” that are really funny. The commercials show grown ups having fun talking about their grandmothers and one of our favorite childhood foods–soup. My own grandmother, Christine, used to make a mean lentil soup. The key to all these commercials is the personalization and the connection to the family.

The commercials are just funny and nostalgic and involve happy customers. How does this fit for your business? Do your commercials involve nostalgia and personalization? After watching one of your commercial, do customers feel delighted and connected? Many business owners don’t realize that anything that can connect them to their customers is a form of great customer service.

Here are 6 ways to stay involved with your customers whether they’re men or women.

1. Vow to have fun with your business and your customers. The world is far too serious, so lighten up. Go ahead and make fun of yourself and your business. As a salesperson, you need to to ask your customers what they think about your commercials. This will provide a way to connect, and you will know what works. Your customers know better than anyone if your advertising connects. Fun and humor are a great way to connect with your customers.
2. Involve your customers in your commercials. Progresso has a cute contest where you can make your own commercial and write a 300 word essay about your “soup” experience.
3. Post your commercials and ideas to your YouTube channel, and invite your customers to do the same.
4. Invite your customers to share their ideas about the use of your product, and give a prize, or several,  for the most original ideas.
5. Don’t forget to feature everything on Facebook and invite comments. Who knows what you’ll discover about your products.
6. Whenever possible, build personal connections with your customers. Get to know them, their likes and dislikes, and become friends. 

I read through the comments on one of the Progresso videos, and someone wanted to know who made the tile backsplash. They wanted it! It just shows, business can come from anywhere.

Here are some highlights of key areas that the LEED program promotes.

1. Sustainable Sites
   • Minimizes impact on ecosystems and waterways
   • Encourages regionally appropriate landscaping
   • Rewards smart transportation choices
   • Controls stormwater runoff and reduction of erosion, light pollution, heat island effect and construction-related pollution
2. Water Efficiency
   • Smarter use of water (inside and out)
   • Water reduction through more efficient appliances, fixtures and fittings inside
   • Water-conscious landscaping
3. Energy & Atmosphere
   • Energy-wise strategies, commissioning
   • Energy use monitoring
   • Efficient design and construction
   • Efficient appliances, systems and lighting
   • Use of renewable and clean sources of energy, generated on-site or off-site
   • Other innovative measures
4. Materials & Resources
   • Selection of sustainably grown, harvested, produced and transported products and materials
   • Waste reduction, reuse and recycling, and reduction of waste at the source
5. Indoor Environmental Quality
   • Improve indoor air
   • Access to natural daylight views
   • Improving acoustics
6. Locations & Linkages
   • Building on previously developed or infill sites and away from environmentally sensitive areas
   • Credit for homes that are built near already-existing infrastructure, community resources and transit
   • Promoting access to open space for walking, physical activity and time outdoors
7. Awareness & Education
   • Using green features to maximum effect
   • Provide homeowners, tenants and building managers with education and tools needed to understand what makes a home green and how to make the most of those features
   • Innovation in design through innovative technologies and strategies to improve a building’s performance

For more information visit www.usgbc.org

GoalZero’s Sherpa 50 Recharger

Despite a substantial presence at CES, the simple ingenuity and effectiveness of the devices from GoalZero seem to have been generally passed over.  The efficient portable batteries (or “rechargers”) from GoalZero are designed for more situations than simply when extra battery-life is needed.  There are several different models available, but the defining innovation is that all can be charged “normally” from a standard outlet as well as through an efficient solar panel – making it an ideal tool for both the connected warrior and anyone who cares to go “off-grid.” 

The Sherpa 50 portable recharger can grant an extra 10 hours of life to a smartphone, 25 hours of music to an iPod or a full hour of power to a laptop without an outlet in sight.  It also features a unique “power port” that allows you to attach devices without an AC inverter or the normal power cable – simply connecting directly with an included connector.  Of course, the Sherpa 50 has a standard 3-prong outlet and a powered USB port.  An update to the Sherpa 50 was announced at CES, keeping all the power and functionality while reducing the size and weight to 5 inches on each side, an inch thick and weighing less than a pound – the updated model will be available in Spring 2012.  It is a tiny package with tremendous power; all charged in 2-3 hours when plugged in or 5-10 hours via the solar panel.

1. Multiples - Do you have multiple items of the same color, shape or style around your house? This is one big “tell” I look for as I look through a client’s home. A kilim rug in the front hall, a kilim rug in the bedroom, another one in the living room? That means that you like kilim rugs. It sounds way too simple to be that easy, but most people stop seeing their style even when it’s right in front of them.
2. Form over function - Do you work on a desk that is too small, but can’t bear to replace it? Do you have a couch that is crazy uncomfortable, but it’s still in your living room after all these years? Why is that broken clock still up on the wall? Take a good, long look, because this is a dead giveaway to your personal style. There is something you love so much about this piece that you have chosen its form over your need for function.
3. Where you shop - Do you browse the same store all the time, even when you’re not looking to buy? Does a good flea market make your heart pound with excitement? Where you look for your furnishings speaks volumes about your style. New, used, found, handed down from family; where your furniture comes from represents your style.
4. Art - What you have chosen to hang on your walls says something about you. Art is purely personal, not tied to function or need and therefore is usually the best indication of your style. A vintage movie poster means you probably like classic lines in furniture, while an abstract lithograph likely means that modern design is your bag. Do you have flea market oil painting of someone else’s relative? Eclectic is your style.
5. Most recent purchase - A French country dish towel that caught your eye in the store, or an impulse buy of a Tiffany-style lamp that you thought you’d never like, but do can say something about your style. The last thing you bought for your home is a fantastic indicator of what your style is, especially if it is a design departure for you.
6. What unites your stuff - Do you have terra-cottas, rusts and warm yellows all around your house? These are the sun-kissed colors of Mediterranean design, so you should look for rough-hewn wood tables, terra-cotta lamps and vases to polish up your style. Does all your furniture have lean, sharp lines, and you don’t have a single thing on your mantel? Your style is thoroughly modern. Whether it’s color, scale, shape or era, the uniting element in your home is the best place to start when looking for your style.
7. Your favorite hotel - This is my secret weapon in finding a client’s design style. Do you always stay in cozy, country B&Bs? Do you like the modern city high-rise hotel? Or do you go more for the traditionally furnished places? Hotels have clear design styles, so use them to help you find YOUR style.
8. Odd man out - When there is one piece different from everything else in your room, take note. Chances are, this is one style you like, but are afraid to fully venture into.
9. Travel - Where you chose to spend your vacations, and what you bring back with you are great style indicators. Always go to Mexico on your holidays and have a full set of cobalt-blue wine glasses? You like the hacienda look. Do you love your family vacations at the beach and have jars of seashells in your bathroom? Coastal cottage is your style.
10. Best room in the house - What’s your most fave room in your home? Look to your best design work and repeat it. There is nothing wrong with having all your rooms designed similarly. In fact, it can bring a calm and serene feel to your house.

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For more information email marie@marieburgosdesign.com, and visit our site www.marieburgosdesign.com.

NOTE: We now have new low prices for all of the Real Deals products!

• Annual Report on 2011 Structures – only $95.00
• 12 Months of Premium Database Access – only $195.00 (Check out our 2-minute Video Tour!)
• Bundle – only $250.00 (Best Value – Save 15%!)

At less than the cost of one hour at a top transaction attorney (even for the Bundle), you can’t afford to not get in the know on four dozen JV structures comprising over $400MM in equity investment. (And don’t forget that the Database is constantly having new records added to it.)

As we announced on the webinar, if you have a valid JV structure to contribute to the Database, you can take 50% off the prices you see above! Click here to learn more.

1. Have an open mind. Start thinking, what are others doing that are bringing in customers? Are these good ideas for my business? Should I be joining with other retailers, sharing coupons and inviting them to share in events?
2. Think community. Who do I know that I could “pair up with” and have an event? Is it a restaurant, caterer, jewelry store or the local candy maker? What type of event could we hold? Can we swap coupons or give out gift cards advertising each other’s stores? How will “being green” help your community and are you doing your part?
3. Think about what’s cutting into my customer’s spending. If food purchasing is taking a bite out of their budget, how about giving grocery coupons or partnering with a grocery store? I remember when we were in business; food was always a good gift during the holiday season. We used to give out coupons of different values based on how much the customer spent. Giving away turkeys was always a big hit.
4. Know your customer as well as you know yourself. Many retailers are afraid to ask for email addresses or if the customer is on Facebook. They feel like they’re being intrusive. How will you get to know them better if you don’t find a way to keep in touch?
5. Get involved with local activities, and don’t forget Small Business Saturday. It’s not too early to start thinking about next year. How can you market to your customers and what can you do better? Talk with other business on your block or in your neighborhood. How can you all join forces?
6. Get moving with social media. If you’re already involved in social media, explore how you can do it better and take advantage of new programs. Don’t forget Four Square and other programs which offer free gifts to customers. I have a friend who used Groupon and had so much success, they were overwhelmed. They couldn’t believe the response.
7. Develop your “small business hat.” Continue to talk about how shopping in small, locally owned businesses can help your community.
8. Review your customer list from past years. Who are your good customers? Who is giving you business, and how can you keep in touch?
9. If social media isn’t “your thing,” review the pros and cons. What are your objections? Is it helping other businesses? How can you get your salespeople involved in getting your customers to “brag” about you on line? Talk with successful businesses and ask about their on line customers. What are customers talking about?
10. Look at new ways to communicate with your customers. Are you using video regularly? Are you reusing your television and radio commercials by linking them to your social media sites? Don’t forget that YouTube surpassed Yahoo for the first time in total U.S. search queries, making it the 2nd largest search engine in the U.S.

Have a great New Year! Maybe retail really is looking up!

Here are some reasons to consider Tilt-Up (also known as architectural site cast precast concrete) for your next building.

1. Fast track design-build - Construction of the wall panels can proceed while the rest of the building is being designed. You can get earlier occupancy. Compression of the schedule makes it possible for many phases to proceed simultaneously.
2. Cost Containment - In-place material costs are more competitive than precast, masonry and steel structures. Fewer variables and ready mixed concrete (made from readily available local materials) means savings and price stability.
3. Positive cash flow - Materials are used as soon as they are purchased. This allows for early payment, unlike off-site fabricated building components that require long lead times.
4. Innovation - Beautiful buildings are possible at costs that rival the most utilitarian industrial building. Tilt-up contractors are innovative and continually work to improve techniques.
5. Lower Operating Costs - Less heat and air-conditioning will be required. Smaller, less costly mechanical systems can often be used. The thermal mass inherent in concrete reduces the heating and cooling peaks and loads. Insulation systems are available that easily meet the latest continuous insulation requirements with the construction of integral sandwich walls or lightweight interior insulation.
6. Maintenance - The exterior can be designed with a natural, unpainted finished surface that withstands the elements. Concrete interiors are superior in damage prevention, and more easily maintained.
7. Expansion - You can design and build a facility that allows easy expansion simply by detaching and relocating the concrete panels or cutting new openings. Renovation of the flexible, clear space with column-free perimeters can also be accomplished with relative ease.
8. Sound Control - The mass absorbs the sound rather than letting it through as in metal and wood-frame buildings. If your building is to be located in a noisy area or sensitive to outside sounds like a movie theater, you get the benefit of the sound reduction properties of concrete.
9. Safety - Most work is on the ground. There is no vertical formwork or scaffolding, since walls are constructed horizontally. Since the floor slab is poured first, workers have a safer working surface. The short project cycle presents less opportunity for accidents.

There are many other advantages to Tilt-Up that are quite popular right now including performance for blast protection and progressive collapse, LEED appropriateness and Security. To get more information on Tilt-Up, visit Tilt-Up Concrete Association.

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Special thanks to Greg Frigerio, Tilt-Up expert, at Midwest Concrete Contractors in St. Louis and James R. Baty II, Technical Director at the Tilt-Up Concrete Association, for reviewing and making suggestions for this UPworld blog.

QUOTE OF THE DAY - ”To a clear eye, the smallest fact is a window through which the infinite may be seen.”  Thomas Huxley
 
TRICKS OF THE TRADE - Tile Floors - To give the illusion of a tile floor or floor mass being larger than it is, lay the tile on the diagonal, opening up the space to some indefinite point in the distance.
 
COMPANY HIGHLIGHT - MADAME “MAGIC” PAULETTE, NYC - Custom Dry Cleaning and Maintenance par Excellent!  This high-end cleaner preserves their client’s valuable investments by cleaning and maintaining a home’s interior furnishings and textiles.  The proof is in the picture!

Before                             After

BON MARCHÉ - DEAL OF THE DAY - 1000Museums.com offers incredibly inexpensive, high quality archival reproduction prints perfect for the cost-effective home, great for the young professional or homeowner who wants a smart look for a fantastic price.

VISIONARY LANDSCAPES - Jason Henthorne, Fotography - Papau, New Guinea

OBJET D’ART - ONE OF A KIND -  J. Lohmann Gallery, NYC - Merete Rasmussen sculpture, stoneware, 2011

Keynote Speaker, Barry Broome from GPEC, kicked off the event.  As always, Barry has a very charming way of describing what is going on and what they are trying to do to get more businesses to move to Phoenix.  Here are some of the interesting takeaways from him.

• Phoenix is the 3rd youngest metro in the USA.
• GPEC is actively working to create a new brand that clusters around the ASU Supercomputer
• Phoenix is set to do very well in digital tech, personalized medicine (due to BioTech companies locating here), aerospace & defense
• Venture Capital investments are tough in Phoenix, because we don’t necessarily have the social platform needed, but they are working to build an Eco System that could support more VC investments.

The Operations Panel
This panel was made of receivers, lenders, owners and property managers.  Here are some of the key takeaways.

• Landlords under distress will do what they can to keep tenants.
• The first dollar lost is the best dollar lost for most banks.
• Lenders are still struggling to get their arms around market vs actual lease rates.
• 22% of all apartments are still offering rental concessions.  This is down from 70% in 2009.
• Regarding tenant delinquencies, lockouts are still a landlords best option, however, most landlords are more willing to work with tenants today.
• Landlords/Managers are more flexible with retail tenants.
• Perfecting the landlord liens for auctioning of tenant property is more frequent, however, the quality of the equipment leftover is not there.
• How do we handle HVAC units from tenants that don’t have cash to pay?
• Negative cash flow properties in receivership -Most banks/lenders are good for making advances to take care of issues.
• Loan restructuring-in bus to extend credit are dependent on the loans getting repaid.  When asset class is weakened, credit gets rerated (tdr-trouble debt restructure).
• For apartments,life is good again.  Rents are starting to increase.  Market rate rents need to be $1.50/sf to build. Right now it is at $1.14/sf in best areas. The rest of the market is $.80-1.05/sf.
• In retail, there’s more activity, and there are still a lot of concessions, strengthening of the market and more confidence in leasing vacant space.
• For offices, larger assets are coming and more maturity defaults again $150B of loans coming due in the next 3 years.

The Transaction Panel
The comments below are going to be more relevant to Office Properties, because the makeup of the panel was more structured towards this product segment.

• 2011 was a little better than 2010.
• Title companies are seeing growth of transactions by 25%.
• Healthcare is recovering.
• Senior Housing has moved to hyper supply.
• Bioscience is in expansion.
• The market is seeing a recovery in CRE.
• There will be a hiccup this year when it comes to loan maturity.
• 3/4 of a trillion dollars of unpaid loan balances are coming due.
• Companies have to prove that new construction is on spec.
• The big questions are who’s controlling the product? (note pool buyers)
• The cost of capital from FDIC is zero.
• Special Servicer is now controlling REO assets, so this is going to be a slow trickle.
• The strategy for Brokers is to split their business into thirds-1/3 to special services, 1/3 to banks & the last 1/3 to private clients.
• There is a trophy vs trash mentality.
• The great exchange still hasn’t happened.
• Market pricing can’t be generalized.
• Medical users are becoming more intense than ever before.
• Hospitals are going back to institutional services.
• It’s hard to mix medical & office together.
• Underlying zoning could cause issues for medical users in traditional offices.
• The biggest barrier to entry for buyers today is access to capital.
• The  buying trend is changing; there have been a lot of cash deals with a focus on intrinsic value.
• There are trophy deals where life company loans available.
• REITS were competitive on medical.
• What would you do differently? Be more selective on who they work with by interviewing owners before taking something on assignments.
• Receiverships will taper off in 2-3 years.
• Services are reorganizing to sell assets.  If small, they will move more quickly.
• Rents should stabilize in office, and it will be 2014 until vacancy is under 20%.
• Companies are going to start hiring today if they are running a skeleton crew.
• Phoenix is affordable.
• There will be an uptick in stress for Q1-Q3, but that will clear out quickly.

To summarize, in my opinion, Phoenix started a decline in late 2007.  There are good signs of a leveling off, and no one is expecting any huge change in value.  2012 is the year to look hard at good properties, and finally jump in and buy.

If you want to further discuss any of my notes and the market, please give me a call!