Posts Tagged ‘presentations’
Internet Marketing & Social Media for Irrigation Contractors Presentation
by Tom Barrett
Internet Marketing is Just Plain Confusing!
On June 12, 2013, I had fun presenting “Internet Marketing & Social Media for Irrigation Contractors” at webinar hosted by the Ohio Irrigation Association. Here are my thoughts and comments.
Why a Website?
Why Not a Camel?
I’d Walk a Mile for a Camel”– Groucho Marx
Most irrigation contractors are as confused about website, internet marketing, and social media as Groucho was about Camels. There is an overload of information available about the which social media channel to use and how to use it.
And a lot of doesn’t work for irrigation contractors.
In this presentation Tom Barrett cleared up a lot of the myths about internet marketing, websites, social media, and email.
Comments
This is excellent information. Just what I am looking for to help my customers.”
– John McKay, Rain Bird
This really cleared up a lot of my confusion. I like seeing the great results we received from our (Ohio Irrigation Association) test of Facebook Advertising.”
– J.C. Wheaton, Centerville Landscaping and Irrigation
Key Points on Internet Marketing
- Why you, as an irrigation contractor, need a website.
- You can not judge the effectiveness of a website by its appearance.
- What you pay for a website varies dramatically and is not always a reflection of its effectiveness in bringing in new business.
- The audience for your website is both the consumer and the search engines. Here a small change in wording can have a huge impact on being found by an internet search.
- How social media, and Facebook in particular, can amplify your marketing.
- Internet marketing is less expensive but more time consuming than conventional marketing.
- Email converts consumers from looking to buying your product and services.
Here is a copy of the presentation. Feel free to share it with others…
Rainwater Harvesting & Condensate Recovery Presentation at the Chicago Center for Green Technology
Chicago Center for Green Technology Presentation
Chicago, Illinois
March 1, 2012
Rainwater Harvesting and Condensate Recovery are two tools used in implementing sustainable water practices. Although not widely used in the United States, rainwater harvesting is used extensively in less developed parts of the world. Mistakenly, the primary benefit of rainwater harvesting is not the extensive water savings that can be achieved. The primary benefit from rainwater harvesting is to reduce the untreated sewer discharge into our local waterways that occurs with almost every rainfall.
In the presentation, Barrett will discuss how rainwater harvesting and condensate recovery not only reduces potable water usage but protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle.
Additionally, Tom will explain how rainwater harvest can help develop a natural solution for water efficiency, and relieve storm water management issues. By developing a rainwater harvesting systom or other environmentally responsible landscape solution, we can reduce the contaminants that collect in the sewer systems, and make a significant improvement for a cleaner and healthier environment.
“The American Society for Civil Engineers gave the United States’ water systems a grade of ‘D-,’ the lowest of any America infrastructure,” said Barrett. “Through increased use of rain gardens and bioswales, we can improve our water systems and create a better environment for plants, animals and people. “In his presentation, Barrett will explain just how essential some of these tools are to efficiently utilizing and managing water sources.
Here is the presentation from March 1, 2012. Below are the two movies.
Rainwater Harvesting & Condensate Recovery (Chicago 3.1.12)
How to Build a Rainwater Collection System from VideoJug
Video – A 30,000 Gallon Cistern Installation in Four Minutes
It seems everyone enjoyed the presentation and comments from the participants were great! With thirty-seven participants, it is rewarding to see interest in rainwater harvesting gaining momentum.
Here are some comments:
I really enjoyed the videos, especially making the rain barrel.
– Sheri Yarbrough
I get more than enough rain to water my garden and I flush my toilet. Cisterns are awesome! Condensation should be used.
– Monica Skyora
Austrailia is producing some good water saving solutions. I likes the video on installing barrels; drip irrigation is 90% efficient
– Donna McGuire
I am looking forward to my next presentation at the Chicago Center for Green Technology during the summer.
Sustainable Site Development – Rain Water Harvesting Presentation In Chicago March 1, 2012
New Tools for Sustainable Site Development
Rain Water Harvesting and Condensate Recovery
Presentation by Tom Barrett
WHEN:
Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE:
The Chicago Center for Green Technology
445 N. Sacramento Blvd
(between Chicago Ave. and Lake St.)
Chicago, Illinois
COST: FREE
AIS Continuing Eduction Units: 2
“Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.” wrote Samuel Taylor Coleridge in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. In its Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers rated our nation’s wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water systems a “D” minus. This is the lowest grade in any infrastructure category. The most alarming conclusion is the next lowest grade is “F” – FAILURE. Over the last fifty years America has not invested in new practices and technologies which can enhance our infrastructure and our environment. Rainwater harvesting and condensate recovery are transformative approaches to sustainable site development.
“The over-borrowing, over-consuming, and under-innovation (is) now in the US. . .,” Antonio van Aqtmael said in an October 2007 issue of Newsweek. As engineering solutions to water management that protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle. Rainwater harvesting and condensate recovery incorporates both the natural environment and engineered systems to provide clean water, conserve ecosystems, and provide a wide variety of benefits for people and wildlife. Additionally, all this can be accomplished at a significantly lower cost than conventional concrete and mortar infrastructure.
Join Tom Barrett as he explains how the use of locally produced water helps develop a “natural approach” to efficient use of water and relieves stormwater management issues.
WHAT OTHER SAID ABOUT THIS PRESENTATION
“. . . best class at CCGT so far, rainwater data, new ideas, charts and stats, all the different ways I can use the rainwater for my home.”
” . . . great speaker, the positive outlook, no blame game, examples (drip system), knowledgeable, class got to participate.
Speaker’s Biography – Tom Barrett
Tom Barrett is an accomplished corporate growth and change agent with over thirty years of industry experience. Tom’s leadership experience, holding executive level positions, drives corporate revenue growth through change and innovation for business start-ups, corporate expansions, and divisional turnarounds.
Tom Barrett has been delivering energetic, dynamic presentations and training for over twenty years. These presentations empower people to become masters of change rather than victims of circumstance by developing tools for transformational thinking.
“Tom’s been a leader with smart water technologies, green roofs, rainwater harvesting and other emerging technologies well before they became buzzwords at water conferences. It’s impressive to work with Tom because he knows his stuff from the ground up.”
– Jeff Carowitz, Strategic Force Marketing
Event Registration
Please fill out your information below to register for this event.
Brave New World: Trends & Opportunities in the Emerging Green Environment
Recently, I spoke to the Independent Turf and Ornamental Distributors Association in Nashville, Tennessee
I created two presentations for this group of landscape industry professionals.
Brave New World: Trends & Opportunities in the Emerging Green Environment(ITODA)
- Excess Capacity: Competition is increasing and margins are shrinking
- The Impact of Local Businesses on the Economy
- The EPA: Friend or Foe
- The Impact of Downsizing on Employee Engagement
- The Dramatically Increasing Presence of Women in Work
- Transforming Your Business by Creating Value
- Business is rapidly changing
- Opportunities exist in areas unavailable five years ago
- Customers have different needs and require a new approach
- Companies investing in marketing are growing
I feel the presentations were incredibly helpful to the folks in the audience. Based on conversations I had with audience members, some of the points they found most interesting were:
- The dramatically changing social environment, especially women in the workforce.
- Getting sales people to make more sales calls.
- Emerging opportunities in green infrastructure and the role landscaping will play in remediating our environment.
I truly enjoyed speaking for an energetic and enthusiastic crowd at Independent Turf and Ornamental Distributors Association. I hope I can return soon, and I look forward to my next speaking engagement on January 12, 2012 at the Green Industry Expo in Indianapolis. I will be leading a panel of experts on landscape industry trends.
Rain Garden Construction at Frazee Gardens Presentation
April 23, 2011 (Brownburg, Indiana)
Frazee Gardens hosted a special presentation on the need for rain gardens in our community. Kathy Dillon, Wastewater Superintendent for the Town of Brownsburg gave an update on the the City’s stormwater plans.
Below are the three presentations.
Cleaning up the Dirty Truth about Water
Tom Barrett of Green Water Infrastructure began by sharing with you the dirty facts about what happens to surrounding Indianapolis waterways almost every time it rains. After you understand the limitations we are faced with relying on our current storm drain system, you will begin to see why rain gardens are such a vital necessity in our urban landscape.
Here is a copy of Tom’s Presentation on Stormwater and Rain Gardens:
Native Plants for Rain Gardens
Ronda Fischer of Fischer Design, LLC will followed with a discussion about the benefits of using native plants in rain gardens. Native plants are already adapted to Indiana’s extremes in temperature and precipitation requiring less maintenance. They also improve infiltration, drainage and water retention while providing important wildlife habitat.
Here is a copy of Ronda’s Presentation on Native Plants for use in Rain Gardens:
Constructing Rain Gardens
Frazee Gardens installed a rain garden on site for homeowners to view as well as native plants that work best in rain gardens for our area.
Here is a copy of the Frazee Gardens’ Presentation on Constructing their Rain Garden:
I have a better understanding about native plants and how to build a rain garden.”– Loren and Sandy Hunt
I would like to learn more about the relationship between the environment and human health.”– Sarah Wood
My favorite part was having an actual rain garden and multiple speakers. Thank you for having the presentation.”
Green Infrastructure: Creating Sustainable Sites & Livable Communities
Tom’s next presentation, entitled “Green Infrastructure: Creating Sustainable Sites & Livable Communities” is May 12th at the Chicago Center for Green Technology. There is no charge for this presention. You can Click Here to Register.
Rain Gardens & Bioswales, March 31st at the Chicago Center for Green Technology
Tom Barrett, owner of Westfield, Indiana-based Green Water Infrastructure, will present “Constructing Rain Gardens and Bioswales: New Tools for Sustainable Site Development” at the Chicago Center for Green Technology on March 31 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
In the presentation, Barrett will discuss how rain gardens and bioswales protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle, and how they can help develop a natural approach to water efficiency, and relieve storm water management issues.
“The American Society for Civil Engineers gave the United States’ water systems a grade of
‘D-,’ the lowest of any America infrastructure,” said Barrett. “Through increased use of rain gardens and bioswales, we can improve our water systems and create a better environment for plants, animals and people.”
This program is presented free of charge as part of the Chicago Center for Green Technology’s Green Tech U program. Registration is required by calling 312-746-9642 or by emailing your requested class and contact information to greentech@cityofchicago.org with “Green Tech U” in the subject line.
About Tom Barrett:
Tom Barrett is an accomplished corporate growth and change agent with over thirty years of landscape industry experience. Tom’s leadership experience, holding executive level positions, drives corporate revenue growth through change and innovation for business start-ups, corporate expansions, and divisional turnarounds.
Tom Barrett has been delivering energetic, dynamic presentations and training for over twenty years. These presentations empower people to become masters of change rather than victims of circumstance by developing tools for transformational thinking. For more information, please visit www.thinkgwi.com
About Green Water Infrastructure:
Green Water Infrastructure is a consulting company that integrates water resources for sustainable site development. Their goal is to utilize one hundred percent of the on-site water resources at a site. Green Water saves communities money by combining green infrastructure with gray infrastructure and new technology with existing technology to create sustainable growth — environmentally and socially. For more information, please visit www.thinkgwi.com.
About the Chicago Center for Green Technology: The Chicago Center for Green Technology is the first rehabilitated municipal building in the nation to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ™ (LEED) Platinum rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. Mayor Richard M. Daley dedicated the building in 2002 and it has since become a national model for sustainable design and technology. The Center serves as the most comprehensive green design and educational resource in the Midwest.
Permeable Paving: A Transformative Approach to Sustainable Development Presentation
February 23, 2011
Chicago, Illinois
I presented my talk, “Permeable Paving: A Transformative Approach to Sustainable Development” at the Chicago Center for Green Technology as part of their Green Tech U educational series.
We had a great turnout and a lot of great questions from the audience. The most enjoyable part for me was the diversity of the audience. We had seasoned stormwater professionals to homeowners.
I am look forward to my next speaking engagement at The Chicago Center for Green Technology on March 31, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. when I will speak about “Rain Gardens and Bioswales.”
Here is a copy of the presentation:
From the homeowner to a experienced professional, you do great job of working with a wide range within the audience.
– Bryan Glosik
It is what is underneath that count!
– Lisa Thomas
I never realized the huge imapact rain has on our sewer system.
– Diego Nunez
Brave New World: Trends in Landscape Irrigation Presentation
Plainfield, Indiana
February 16, 2011
I presented my talk, “Brave New World: Trends in the Landscape Industry” at the Indiana Irrigation Contractor Council’s 2011 Winter Education Session.
We had a great turnout and great presentations for the 2011 Winter Educational Session. From the state of the industry to new ways to grow your business.
The program had it all.
I am look forward to my next speaking engagement on February 24th on Permeable Paving at the Chicago Center for Green Technology.
In case you missed it, below is a copy of the presentation:
Key Learnings
- The business is rapidly changing
- Opportunities exist in areas unavailable five years ago
- Customers have different needs and require a new approach
- Companies investing in marketing are growing
Reflections on Brave New World: Trends in the Landscape Irrigation Industry
Recently, I spoke to the Indiana Irrigation Contractor Council’s Winter Education Session. I presented my seminar, “Brave New World: Trends in the Landscape Industry.”
I feel the seminar was incredibly helpful to the folks in the audience. Based on conversations I had with audience members, some of the points they found most interesting were the changing roles of women in work and current trends in the landscape industry.
I also feel I learned a few things through interaction with some of my class attendees. Some of the lessons I will take away from the class are contractors are ready to invest in marketing to grow their business.
I am look forward to my next speaking engagement on February 24th on Permeable Paving at the Chicago Center for Green Technology.