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I was in Reno Friday evening when I heard the news of our country’s credit downgrade. Immediately, I began to wonder how the rating drop would impact the businesses that we work with and our economy overall. After some searching on the internet- I found this YouTube video (under 3 minutes) that explains the situation very well: WATCH THE VIDEO As business owners and those who service businesses, it is more important than ever to be confident and focus our attentions where we can make the biggest positive impact on our economy- please consider the following: VALUE/SERVICE- making sure we are adding more value than our customers are paying for will help them to view our products/services as something they MUST HAVE rather than something they can do

Sir Smiley here with a few tips on proper phone etiquette Before we get into it, answer the following question: The last time I called a business I- A- Got a Busy Signal B- Telecommuted to India or Mexico C- Was greeted by someone who HATED their job D- Got Lost in the Phone Tree E- Received Genuine, Caring Service It is surprising how many times the optimal answer (E) is not selected. The more technologically advanced we get – the more we seem to move away from those personal touches that really make us want to refer and revisit businesses. In a recent USA Today article, these tips were mentioned for achieving proper phone etiquette: • Train everyone in your office on basic phone etiquette. Have a

As a small business owner, I find it necessary to revisit the basics from time to time. Staffing changes, busy schedules and daily routines often get in the way of the details that can save us money on the bottom line. This article is designed to be an overview for merchants who have retail, face to face credit card transactions. While it is true that accepting credit cards can increase business, being careless or too hurried when processing the cards can actually cost us money. You are sure to find some great takeaways in the article BEST PRACTICES FOR RETAIL MERCHANTS. Our next weekly Blog will cover best practices for non face to face transactions. Enjoy this last week of July! Cheri PerrySaturday, July 23, 2011

The Five Habits of Success by Paul J. Meyer and Kevin Rhea Develop and reinforce these five habits of success. When you do, you will not have to make new decisions every morning. You instinctively know what you are going to do and how you are going to do it! 1. The habit of positive thinking!Successful people have simply formed the habit of doing what failures do not like to do and will not do: They think positively! They have the habit of expecting to win, the habit of planning to win, the habit of working to win… and they win! 2. The habit of prospecting!Develop this habit, and you will have prospects everywhere and you will have an endless supply of Class A leads. 3. The habit

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave” so they can begin their American Dream. The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. We would like to express our gratitude for living in America and for the many freedoms she affords us. Sometimes it is easy to let the every day worries & struggles overshadow our many blessings! Enjoy this long Holiday weekend & God Bless America. Happy Birthday, America! I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES

The federal reserve board met yesterday and put together their ‘interim’ final rulings on the Durbin Amendment. There was some movement on the proposed debit cap and a deadline extension was granted for the implementation of the Durbin Amendment itself. How frustrating for all parties involved to have this financial reform drag on and on- many questions still remain unanswered and the consensus is, that only time will tell what the real ramifications will be for consumers, merchants, processors & card issuing banks alike. Here are some highlights from the ruling: October 1, 2011 would be the effective date for the interchange fee standards (including, on an interim basis, the fraud-prevention adjustment), as well as the routing restrictions. A delayed effective date of April 1, 2013, for certain