<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=unicode"> <meta name=ProgId content=Word.Document> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12"> <meta name=Originator content="Microsoft Word 12"> <link rel=File-List href="May's%20Tool%20Kit%20For%20Sales%20Managers_files/filelist.xml"> <link rel=Edit-Time-Data href="May's%20Tool%20Kit%20For%20Sales%20Managers_files/editdata.mso"> <!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--> <title>You have options with Alpha.</title> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Author>DistanceLearning</o:Author> <o:Template>NormalEmail</o:Template> <o:Revision>1</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Created>2010-05-17T17:56:00Z</o:Created> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>1670</o:Words> <o:Characters>9524</o:Characters> <o:Lines>79</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>22</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>11172</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.00</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> </xml><![endif]--> <link rel=themeData href="May's%20Tool%20Kit%20For%20Sales%20Managers_files/themedata.thmx"> <link rel=colorSchemeMapping href="May's%20Tool%20Kit%20For%20Sales%20Managers_files/colorschememapping.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotExpandShiftReturn/> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="&#45;-"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true" DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- outline { border: 1px solid #CCCCCC; } /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Tahoma; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1627400839 -2147483648 8 0 66047 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;} h1 {mso-style-priority:9; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char"; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; mso-outline-level:1; font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#BD4F19; font-weight:bold;} h2 {mso-style-priority:9; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 2 Char"; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; mso-outline-level:2; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#BD4F19; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:#BD4F19; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:#BD4F19; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} p {mso-style-priority:99; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;} span.Heading1Char {mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char"; mso-style-priority:9; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 1"; mso-ansi-font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi; color:#365F91; mso-themecolor:accent1; mso-themeshade:191; font-weight:bold;} span.Heading2Char {mso-style-name:"Heading 2 Char"; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:9; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 2"; mso-ansi-font-size:13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi; color:#4F81BD; mso-themecolor:accent1; font-weight:bold;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} </style> <![endif]--> </head> <body lang=EN-US link="#BD4F19" vlink="#BD4F19" style='tab-interval:.5in'> <div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:120.0pt;text-indent:-120.0pt;tab-stops: 120.0pt;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'>&nbsp;</p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p> <div align=center> <table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=3 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;mso-cellspacing:2.2pt;border:solid crimson 1.0pt; mso-border-alt:solid crimson .75pt;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;mso-padding-alt:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'> <tr style='mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes'> <td colspan=2 style='background:darkgray;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'> <table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 align=left style='mso-cellspacing:1.5pt;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;mso-table-lspace:2.25pt; mso-table-rspace:2.25pt;mso-table-anchor-vertical:paragraph;mso-table-anchor-horizontal: column;mso-table-left:left'> <tr style='mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes'> <td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#666666'><img width=106 height=66 id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/image_viewer.php?p=TWVkaWFJRD03Mnx8fHxVc2VySUQ9OQ%3D%3D"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </table> <p align=center style='text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size: 21.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:white'>The Tool Kit for Sales Managers</span></strong><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";color:white'>©</span></strong><span style='font-size: 9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:white'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Book Antiqua","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:white'>Monthly Information for Sales Managers and Other Professionals</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:white'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='mso-yfti-irow:1'> <td width=200 style='width:150.0pt;border:solid gainsboro 1.0pt;mso-border-alt: solid gainsboro .75pt;background:gainsboro;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'> <p><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; color:#BD4F19'>Video Clip: Cut Costs</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Business been tough of late? This video clip from <a href="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/track_link.php?p=Q2FtcGFpZ25JRD04MjV8fHx8QXV0b1Jlc3BvbmRlcklEPXx8fHxTdWJzY3JpYmVySUQ9NHx8fHxMaXN0SUQ9Mjg2fHx8fExpbmtVUkw9YUhSMGNEb3ZMM2QzZHk1aGJHeGlkWE5wYm1WemN5NWpiMjAlM0R8fHx8TGlua1RpdGxlPXx8fHxQcmV2aWV3PTE%3D">AllBusiness.com</a> provides insights from human resources personnel on cutting labor costs and improving productivity.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Click <a href="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/track_link.php?p=Q2FtcGFpZ25JRD04MjV8fHx8QXV0b1Jlc3BvbmRlcklEPXx8fHxTdWJzY3JpYmVySUQ9NHx8fHxMaXN0SUQ9Mjg2fHx8fExpbmtVUkw9YUhSMGNEb3ZMMnhwYm1zdVluSnBaMmgwWTI5MlpTNWpiMjB2YzJWeWRtbGpaWE12Y0d4aGVXVnlMMkpqY0dsa01UWTRNalEwTlRVd01ERSUyRlltTjBhV1E5TVRNek5UVTRNekV3TURFJTNEfHx8fExpbmtUaXRsZT18fHx8UHJldmlldz0x">here</a> to view<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; color:#BD4F19'>Home Sales Show Growth</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#666666'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; color:#666666'>Led by low interest rate and first-time buyers, Virginia's housing markets continue to show steady growth, according to the first quarter 2010 home sales report released April 30 by the Virginia Association of Realtors.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>&quot;It's evident that the tax credit did its job in encouraging on-the-fence buyers to get into the market before the cutoff,&quot; commented VAR President Cindy Stackhouse of Woodbridge, VA.&nbsp; April 30 marked the last day to enter into a contract for the tax credit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>&quot;This is a buyers' market, and there couldn't be better incentives for prospective home buyers to make the move,&quot; she added.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>&quot;With the low rates we're experiencing, plus a great selection at excellent prices, buying a home now offers huge advantages.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>&quot;Sellers need to be patient, price their homes correctly, work with a professional who can market and showcase your home at its best, and be flexible,&quot; Stackhouse added.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align=right style='text-align:right'><em><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#666666'>- VAR Press Release</span></em><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; color:#BD4F19'>How About North Carolina?</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Have you ever thought about expanding your market into North Carolina? It may be a good time to make the move.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>According to the North Carolina Association of Realtors®, the number of units sold just in the Outer Banks rose 8 percent in February and the average unit fetched $410,000, 10 percent more than a year earlier. The market appears to be making its rebound.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Alpha will be holding its North Carolina Exam Prep Course to help prepare agents in Virginia with the knowledge they need to do business in North Carolina.The fast-paced course includes the difference between the laws in the two states and a practice review of a mock examination.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>The course is:<br> <strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>June 4 &amp; 7</span></strong><b><br> <strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>9 am-1 pm</span></strong><br> <strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Chesapeake campus</span></strong></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Click <a href="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/track_link.php?p=Q2FtcGFpZ25JRD04MjV8fHx8QXV0b1Jlc3BvbmRlcklEPXx8fHxTdWJzY3JpYmVySUQ9NHx8fHxMaXN0SUQ9Mjg2fHx8fExpbmtVUkw9YUhSMGNEb3ZMM2QzZHk1aGJIQm9ZV052Ykd4bFoyVnZabkpsWVd4bGMzUmhkR1V1WTI5dEwxOWtiMk12YjNSb1pYSmpiM1Z5YzJWekwwNURSWGhoYlY5S2RXNWxMbkJrWmclM0QlM0R8fHx8TGlua1RpdGxlPXx8fHxQcmV2aWV3PTE%3D">here</a><a href="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/track_link.php?p=Q2FtcGFpZ25JRD04MjV8fHx8QXV0b1Jlc3BvbmRlcklEPXx8fHxTdWJzY3JpYmVySUQ9NHx8fHxMaXN0SUQ9Mjg2fHx8fExpbmtVUkw9YUhSMGNEb3ZMM2QzZHk1aGJIQm9ZV052Ykd4bFoyVnZabkpsWVd4bGMzUmhkR1V1WTI5dEwxOWtiMk56TDI5MGFHVnlZMjkxY25ObGN5OU9RMFY0WVcxZlNuVnVaUzV3WkdZJTNEfHx8fExpbmtUaXRsZT18fHx8UHJldmlldz0x"> </a>for additional information and to register<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>The $175 course cost includes text in materials. The cost will be $200 after May 26<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:150%'><strong><span style='font-size:8.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black'><a href="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/forward_email.php?p=Q2FtcGFpZ25JRD04MjV8fHx8QXV0b1Jlc3BvbmRlcklEPXx8fHxTdWJzY3JpYmVySUQ9NHx8fHxMaXN0SUQ9Mjg2fHx8fFByZXZpZXc9MQ%3D%3D">Forward to a friend</a></span></strong><span style='font-size:8.5pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:150%'><strong><span style='font-size:8.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black'><a href="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/track_link.php?p=Q2FtcGFpZ25JRD04MjV8fHx8QXV0b1Jlc3BvbmRlcklEPXx8fHxTdWJzY3JpYmVySUQ9NHx8fHxMaXN0SUQ9Mjg2fHx8fExpbmtVUkw9YUhSMGNEb3ZMM2QzZHk1aGJIQm9ZV052Ykd4bFoyVnZabkpsWVd4bGMzUmhkR1V1WTI5dEwzTjFZbk5qY21saVpTNXdhSEElMkZibVYzYzJ4bGRIUmxjajFVYjI5c0lFdHBkQ0JtYjNJZ1UyRnNaWE1nVFdGdVlXZGxjbk0lM0R8fHx8TGlua1RpdGxlPXx8fHxQcmV2aWV3PTE%3D">SUBSCRIBE</a></span></strong><span style='font-size:8.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='line-height:150%'><em><b><span style='font-size:7.5pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Published by OMG Distance Learning.</span></b></em><span style='font-size:8.5pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='line-height:150%'><em><b><span style='font-size:7.5pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Copyright ©2010</span></b></em><em><b><span style='font-size:8.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black'> </span></b></em><span style='font-size:8.5pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=400 style='width:300.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'> <p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:9.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'><img border=0 width=346 height=285 id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/image_viewer.php?p=TWVkaWFJRD0xMTh8fHx8VXNlcklEPTk%3D"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:22.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#BD4F19'>Becoming Socially Acceptable</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#BD4F19'>What has social media done to your policy book?</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>It'll happen; your employees, co-workers, clients -- and of course you -- will talk about your business.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Escaping from the confines of the area around the water-cooler, those with whom you interact can now air your business to the world. The word{s) for it is social media, and it is on everyone's minds as they look at the growth of the various vehicles. Facebook has even taken verb-form; as in so-and-so &quot;Facebooked me.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Hopefully, you have served your clients well, and they will only have good things to say about you. It's the chatter that you create and coming from employees, co-workers, or colleagues that has added a new chapter to the policy pages of companies. Or at least it should.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>What do you need to do, and how much control can, or should, you exercise over what was inherently intended as a free-flowing medium?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>There are plenty of suggestions out there. As you look to craft your policies on social media - social networking sites, blogs, and even e-mails - glean some tips from those who have already gone about the process. One idea-starter may be the <strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Social Media Business Council</span></strong>, which has created a <a href="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/track_link.php?p=Q2FtcGFpZ25JRD04MjV8fHx8QXV0b1Jlc3BvbmRlcklEPXx8fHxTdWJzY3JpYmVySUQ9NHx8fHxMaXN0SUQ9Mjg2fHx8fExpbmtVUkw9YUhSMGNEb3ZMM2QzZHk1emIyTnBZV3h0WldScFlTNXZjbWN2WkdselkyeHZjM1Z5WlElM0QlM0R8fHx8TGlua1RpdGxlPXx8fHxQcmV2aWV3PTE%3D">disclosure toolkit</a>. Another source may be <strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Social Media Governance</span></strong>, which lists an <a href="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/track_link.php?p=Q2FtcGFpZ25JRD04MjV8fHx8QXV0b1Jlc3BvbmRlcklEPXx8fHxTdWJzY3JpYmVySUQ9NHx8fHxMaXN0SUQ9Mjg2fHx8fExpbmtVUkw9YUhSMGNEb3ZMM052WTJsaGJHMWxaR2xoWjI5MlpYSnVZVzVqWlM1amIyMHZjRzlzYVdOcFpYTXVjR2h3fHx8fExpbmtUaXRsZT18fHx8UHJldmlldz0x">array of sample policies</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Here are some things to consider as you go about creating or revising your official perspective on the topic:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 align=right width=298 style='width:223.5pt;mso-cellspacing:1.5pt;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;mso-table-lspace: 2.25pt;mso-table-rspace:2.25pt;mso-table-anchor-vertical:paragraph; mso-table-anchor-horizontal:column;mso-table-left:right;mso-table-top:middle'> <tr style='mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes'> <td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#666666'><a href="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/track_link.php?p=Q2FtcGFpZ25JRD04MjV8fHx8QXV0b1Jlc3BvbmRlcklEPXx8fHxTdWJzY3JpYmVySUQ9NHx8fHxMaXN0SUQ9Mjg2fHx8fExpbmtVUkw9YUhSMGNEb3ZMM2QzZHk1NWIzVjBkV0psTG1OdmJTOTNZWFJqYUQ5MlBYcEtaVVpuTTJGTGNtSlp8fHx8TGlua1RpdGxlPXx8fHxQcmV2aWV3PTE%3D"><span style='text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'><img border=0 width=193 height=176 id="_x0000_i1027" src="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/image_viewer.php?p=TWVkaWFJRD0xMTV8fHx8VXNlcklEPTk%3D"></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#666666'>Click the image to listen to Ben Martin, of the Virginia Association of REALTORS, discuss how businesses can use social media</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:#666666'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </table> <p><strong><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:#666666'>When creating content:</span></strong><span style='font-size: 9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>" Stick to the things you know. Comments or asides about items not in your arena can lead to warranted criticisms.<br> " Whether it is NAR's code of ethics for those in the real estate industry, other industry standards, or state laws, know the rules and expectations that you should or must follow.<br> " Don't try to be something you're not - you will eventually be found out and your professional credibility will be gone.<br> " Those to whom you market in social settings expect conversations, not pitches. Have the conversations, but keep in mind all of the etiquette that you would normally use in professional settings.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><strong><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:#666666'>For employees:</span></strong><span style='font-size:9.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'><br> " Typically, users of social networking sites will share information on their employer. Because the employee is therefore connected to the company even away from work, they should be reminded that they are representatives of the business even on their social site.<br> " Do not discuss internal company policies, procedures, or decisions. Debate can be healthy, but it must be kept in the office.<br> " As long as the employees handle themselves in a professional manner, encourage them to take part in social networks, either as representatives of the company or experts in their fields. Employees should be your best ambassadors.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><strong><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:#666666'>And Don't Forget to Check Alpha Out On:</span></strong><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <div align=center> <table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 style='mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184'> <tr style='mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes'> <td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#666666'><a href="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/track_link.php?p=Q2FtcGFpZ25JRD04MjV8fHx8QXV0b1Jlc3BvbmRlcklEPXx8fHxTdWJzY3JpYmVySUQ9NHx8fHxMaXN0SUQ9Mjg2fHx8fExpbmtVUkw9YUhSMGNEb3ZMM2QzZHk1bVlXTmxZbTl2YXk1amIyMHZjR0ZuWlhNdlEyaGxjMkZ3WldGclpTMVdRUzlCYkhCb1lTMURiMnhzWldkbExXOW1MVkpsWVd3dFJYTjBZWFJsTHpVeU1qa3hNRFE0TVRrelAzTnBaRDAwTW1aaE5ERmhaV0V4TXpnNE4yVTJZakptT0RSbE56STNabVF5TUdJMllTWmhiWEE3Y21WbVBYTSUzRHx8fHxMaW5rVGl0bGU9fHx8fFByZXZpZXc9MQ%3D%3D"><span style='text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'><img border=0 width=200 height=75 id="_x0000_i1028" src="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/image_viewer.php?p=TWVkaWFJRD0xMTZ8fHx8VXNlcklEPTk%3D"></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#666666'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:#BD4F19'>In Information We Trust</span></strong><span style='font-size: 9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Social media is one virtually free way to get the word out about your services, but there is another more traditional vehicle: public relations.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Public relations and advertising are very different. Advertisements are just that and are viewed as such, while public relations - press releases and industry bits - must come with a basis in fact. As a result, the source is viewed more favorably by consumers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>You can find a PR firm, but here are some tips that could help you get the word out:<br> " Become an expert in your field. Whether becoming a source for media inquiries or serving as a speaker at events or conferences, becoming an expert in your industry or at least a portion of your industry will result in some respect and trust.<br> " When creating press releases, provide facts that those in the news industry can use to help you tell your story and images to help better frame the message.<br> " Don't forget the invites. When holding events that may have appeal to a larger audience or coming across bits that are newsworthy, don't keep it to yourself. Let the industry and local news representatives know about it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Without a public relations firm, there is some work involved. The effort, though, can come with rewards. The most recent Edelman Trust Survey found that industry analysts, business articles and news coverage were all deemed trustworthy by more than 30 percent of respondents, while advertisements were at 17 percent. Which do you think is the most cost-effective?<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='mso-yfti-irow:2;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes'> <td colspan=2 valign=top style='border:inset white 1.0pt;border-top:solid white 6.0pt; mso-border-alt:inset white .75pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid white 6.0pt; background:#FFFFCC;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'> <p><strong><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:#666666'>UNSUBSCRIBING FROM ANNOUNCEMENTS</span></strong><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'> This message may be an invitation to purchase or participate in programs and services of the Alpha College of Real Estate. It is our policy not to share or sell e-mail addresses. If you do not want to receive these e-mails, or any other e-mails associated with Alpha, please call (757) 427-1740 or send an e-mail to <a href="mailto:info@alphacollegeofrealestate.com">info@alphacollegeofrealestate.com</a>. The law requires removal of your name within 10 days of the request.</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <p><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><!--Session data--><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#666666'><!--Session data--><!--Session data--><!--Session data--><!--Session data--><!--Session data--><!--Session data--><!--Session data--><img border=0 width=5 height=2 id="_x0000_i1029" src="http://eb6.managegroup.com/oempro/track_open.php?p=Q2FtcGFpZ25JRD04MjV8fHx8QXV0b1Jlc3BvbmRlcklEPXx8fHxTdWJzY3JpYmVySUQ9NHx8fHxMaXN0SUQ9Mjg2fHx8fFByZXZpZXc9MQ%3D%3D" alt=.><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> </body> </html>