Finding a job in today’s market can be challenging, competitive, and often frustrating.  If you’re just starting out in your career, looking for a change, or preparing for a more promising future, you will want to contact our merchant of the month!

In August of 2004, Beth Colley founded Chesapeake Résumé Writing Service, a full-scale career management and résumé writing firm.Shewrites strategic marketing documents related to job search such as résumés, LinkedIn profiles, professional bios, cover letters, and federal job search documents and assists clients in career exploration, job search, and interview preparation..

Prior to starting Chesapeake Résumé Writing Service, Beth worked in Christian Education and music ministry in the church. In January 2000, after a brief time attending seminary in Washington, D.C., Beth sought a career change and accepted a job as a Resource Specialist at Anne Arundel Workforce Development Center.  There, she performed a variety of tasks with a primary focus on customer interaction and assisting job seekers with various job search needs.  Most of the time, all  it involved was listening and having empathy In 2001, she was promoted to the position of Career Consultant where she managed a case load of individual job seekers, assessing clients’ needs and determining what kinds of services or training they needed in order to get employed. “This was a natural transition from full-time ministry,” Beth said, “it’s still about meeting people where they are and helping them get to a better place personally, professionally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” As a Career Consultant, Beth discovered a knack for career management and quickly honed her career coaching, résumé writing, and case management skills while working one-on-one with a diverse client base.  In October of 2003, Beth acquired her first professional certification, Certified Professional Résumé Writer, and within a year she started Chesapeake Résumé Writing Service from her home with a newborn infant daughter and two-year-old son in tow.

Since opening her business, Beth has earned additional credentials as a Certified Expert Résumé Writer, Certified Federal Job Search Coach, and Certified Career Management Coach.   For Beth, the best part about the job is working with a diverse group of professionals from all over the United States.  “I love knowing that what I do truly empowers people and changes lives,” Beth says.  “Careers and work are a huge part of the American lifestyle and culture. I love knowing that I can truly affect change in people’s lives and get them enthusiastic about their careers again.

Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Beth lives in Crownsville with her husband and two children.  She was a music major and played varsity soccer in college and enjoys  performing with a  group called Singers Madrigale  and singing in her church choir at Annapolis Evangelical Presbyterian Church. You may see her singing at the Maryland Renaissance Festival or coaching youth soccer somewhere in the county on weekends throughout the fall.

Visit Beth’s web site at www.chesres.com.

It’s officially summer in Maryland!  Even though schools are still in session for a few more weeks, many Marylanders are preparing for a season of fun in the sun and on the water.  If you’re a boater, our merchant of the month can help make your summer a great one!

Abell Custom Marine is a full-service marina in Edgewater, Maryland.  Located at the Gingerville Yachting Center on Gingerville Creek (right behind Chesapeake Spas and near Yellowfin Restaurant on Solomons Island Road), Abell Custom Marine provides facilities for mooring, storing, and maintaining your boat.

Born in Washington, DC, owner Jeff Abell moved to Edgewater at the age of 7 and has been on the water ever since, working on boats since he was old enough to hold a paint brush!  He was a waterman throughout his high school years, crabbing and oystering and maintaining his own work boats.  He worked for Hatteras Yachts and became skilled at fiberglass, gelcoat, and paint repairs, then landed a position as a service manager for another boat dealer before moving up to co-manage Liberty Marina in Edgewater.  After several years at Liberty, Jeff decided to try his hand at operating his own marine repair business on a part-time basis in 1983. That business became a full-time venture in 1995, and Jeff moved it to Oak Grove Marina, where he provided services for 19 years before relocating to Gingerville Yachting Center in January of 2011.  Married with three grown sons, Jeff enjoys boating, and hot-rod and classic cars in his spare time.

Abell Custom Marine sports 50 in-water slips and 60 boatel slips.  They have a travel lift, boat lift, and boatel and forklift system to get your boat where it needs to be for you to do what you want to do with it!  Their inside shop facility can house up to 50 boats for year-round repairs and maintenance, and the largest boat they can store indoors is 50 feet.  Their outside travel lift can haul out boats up to 80 feet in length, and the boatel can hold boats up to 32 feet in size.  Maintenance includes engine systems, outdrive repairs, electrical and plumbing system repairs, fiberglass, gelcoat, and paint repairs, and insurance work.  Jeff and his crew also perform winterizing tasks, shrink-wrapping, and exterior detailing to get your boat ready for the season.

Abell Custom Marine is always looking for new customers!  At 2802 Solomons Island Road, it’s in a great location by land and water.  Hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday and 8 AM to 12 Noon on Saturday.  Extended hours are available by appointment.  For more information, visit their web site at www.abellcustommarine.com or give them a call at 410-266-6849.

Take care of your body – it’s the only one you’ve got!  Our two merchants of the month have that thought in mind every day…they provide services that keep your body working at its peak and show you how to keep it that way!

Most people are familiar with chiropractic care and how it helps you recover from neck pain, back pain, accidents, and headaches – but did you know that chiropractic care is actually a tune-up for your body?  At Metro Area Chiropractic and Rehab in Bowie, MD, Dr. Nathan Kennedy specializes in keeping your body working at its peak.  In practice since 2004 and on his own with Metro since 2007, Dr. Kennedy can treat your whole family with regular chiropractic care that will help restore your body to optimum health by restoring your nervous system to its peak performance.

Dr. Kennedy is a native of  Chesapeake, Virginia,  and a graduate of both Norfolk State University and the Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO.  He and his wife, who hails from Baltimore, chose Upper Marlboro as their home due to its proximity to both families.  Originally interested in studying sports medicine, Dr. Kennedy’s interest in biomechanics and how the body works led him into the chiropractic field, where he learned about the “whole-body” health benefits of chiropractic care. Dr. Kennedy says that the the goal of chiropractic is not so much about relieving pain as it is about restoring the body to the proper positions that allow the nervous system to function at its peak, thus supporting the immune system. During an examination, he checks the joints in the body; if they are out of position, he adjusts them to restore proper function and optimum nervous system performance.  Dr. Kennedy also specializes in chiropractic care for expectant mothers.  During pregnancy, a woman’s body changes constantly, and complications can arise when women don’t adapt well to those changes.  Through chiropractic, Dr. Kennedy can ease the effects of these changes and help make pregnancy and delivery as smooth as possible – even to the point of relieving tension in pelvic ligaments that can allow a baby to turn into the proper birthing position.

Dr. Kennedy is a licensed Chiropractor with physical therapy privileges, and he is the only advanced proficiency activator practitioner in Prince George’s County (an activator is an instrument that adjusts without the audible “pops”).  He also provides patients with instruction for rehabilitation exercises that they can do at home to help maximize the benefits of in-office care.  If you’re in need of a tune-up, contact Dr. Kennedy at 301-575-6549.  Metro is located at 2905 Mitchellville Road, Suite 110, Bowie, MD.

If you’re on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and are in need of physical therapy, look no further than Chesapeake Physical Therapy, where Greg and Katy Weddell offer fast pain relief through treatments that unlock the body’s healing power.  A husband-and-wife team, Greg administers the business while Katy, a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, delivers relief to patients through physical therapy.  Their practice is located at 210 South Cross Street in Chestertown.

The Weddells are natives of the Eastern Shore.  Prior to starting their practice, they traveled the United States for two years while Katy worked in a variety of hospitals and outpatient, sports medicine, and geriatric facilities, gaining experience with a wide variety of therapies.  They returned to Maryland, started their family, and Katy spent several years working as a therapist in a local retirement home before striking out on her own in September of 2007.  Greg joined her as the practice administrator, and they have been providing pain relief and wellness therapy to patients ever since, with most of their clients coming to them through word-of-mouth referrals.

Chesapeake PT offers treatment for neck and muscle pain, shoulder pain, pain from fractures, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.  Katy also provides therapy for joint replacement patients, other post-surgical therapies, orthotics for the feet, and strength and body conditioning for the geriatric population.  She also instructs patients on specific exercises to continue therapy at home, so that when their sessions with her are complete, they can continue to strengthen and heal.  Chesapeake PT is sensitive to the rising cost of medical care, and with that in mind, they offer programs for people with high-deductible insurance, high co-pays, or no insurance at all.  Therapy packages are priced at $499 for eight 30-minute sessions over a period of 60 days, and $799 for 16 sessions over a period of 60-90 days.  They also offer payment plans to make treatment as affordable as possible.  They accept most insurance plans and receive referrals from primary care physicians and orthopedic surgeons.  Appointments can be made by calling 410-778-3900.

Katy and Greg are active in their community, too.  Katy spreads the word about wellness at health fairs and at nearby Washington College.  Their son and daughter keep them busy in their spare time with their pursuit of sports, and Greg coaches his son’s baseball team as well as soccer.

Business professionals are in business to make a profit.  Profits come from selling the products and services we offer.  But, there’s another sale that takes place every time we sell our products and services.  That sale, perhaps the most important of the two, is the sale of ourselves to the customer. Customers have many choices when it comes to where they shop.  So, selling them on the value of a relationship with you is an important component to earning their business.

One of the ways to sell customers on the value of a relationship with them is to find ways to be of service to them that don’t involve buying anything from you.  If you can adopt a “servant’s heart” mentality in your dealings with people you will find them drawn to you, because they will see the value of having you be an important part of their people network.

Ways you can fulfill the role of servant include remembering to acknowledge people in the things that are important to them.  If you don’t know what’s important to them ask!  People love to talk about what’s going on in their lives, their triumphs, even their pains.  Take a little time to give them an audience on those issues.  Ever wonder why bartenders are so popular with their customers?  They are a captive audience for anyone who wishes to bear their souls to them.

If you have a customer who has children, be sure to ask about them, and what they are involved in.  If you have customers who own businesses, consciously look for opportunities to use their services or refer others to them.  Find out the favorite charities of your referral sources and customers and find something you can do to help that cause, even if it doesn’t involve a donation from you.

In essence, acting with a “servant’s heart” is simply an extension of the principle of feeding the craving other people have to be appreciated.  It works best when it’s done with the sincere desire to benefit others, so do it for the right reasons.

Warm weather brings people outdoors for things like yard work, sports, and outdoor hobbies.  If you like to fish or hunt, you’ll want to stop in on one (or both) of our merchants of the month!

If you’re in Southern Maryland, the place to get your fishing and hunting supplies is Ron’s Bay Pro Shop, which has been serving outdoor sports enthusiasts in the area for over 25 years.  Owner Ron Manuel welcomes his regular customers and makes his new customers feel right at home as they find what they need to complete their outdoor experience.  Bay Pro Shop is located at the intersection of Routes 4 and 260 and carries a full line of fresh water and salt water fishing equipment, bait and tackle, rod and reels, archery equipment, black powder equipment, hunting clothing and footwear, paintball equipment, waterfowl calls, firearms, ammunition, and hunting and fishing accessories.  You can also obtain your Maryland hunting and fishing license at Bay Pro Shop.

Bay Pro Shop also provides a wide range of services to get you started and keep your equipment in tip-top shape for your outdoor hobbies.  If you’re a fisherman, they can install line on the reel of your choice, assemble a rod and reel combination that’s right for you needs, and also perform repairs.  They can install scopes on firearms, and they’re able to refill paintball air tanks and perform marker repair.  If you prefer archery, Bay Pro Shop can set up and adjust your bow so that it’s right for you.  The shop is open every day of the week at 7:00 AM (except Saturdays when they open at 6:30 AM), and closing times vary depending on the day (complete hours can be found on their website at www.bayproshop.com). Give them a call at 301-855-0351 or stop by the shop at 2819 Chesapeake Beach Road in Dunkirk.

Blue Fins Bait & Tackle is located at 700 Wise Avenue in the Dundalk area of Baltimore and carries everything you need for fishing and hunting.  David Mroz, a seasoned business owner, has been at the helm of Blue Fins since July 2009 and takes pride in providing sportsmen and women with the right tools, equipment, and supplies for the task at hand.  Blue Fins carries live bait, fresh chum, cut bait, lures, tackle, hunting supplies, deer corn, buck lure, ammunition, crossbows, and more.  Recently, they became a Registered Firearms Dealer and can now buy and sell guns. If they don’t have what you need in stock, they will do their best to get it for you so that you can enjoy your hobby to the fullest!

In addition to selling what you need, Blue Fins also offers seminars and monthly specials to get you in the mood for the fishing, crabbing, and hunting seasons. Blue Fins also sponsors an annual rockfish fishing tournament – this year it will be held on Saturday, June 11, from 6 AM to 4 PM.  Check-in will be at The Seasoned Mariner on Wise Avenue, and a pre-tournament Captain’s meeting will be held on Thursday, June 9, at 7:00 PM (for more information, visit their website at  www.bluefinsbait.com). If you’re a frequent shopper, you can take advantage of the Blue Fins Advantage Card, which will save you money throughout the year and qualify you for additional savings on unadvertised specials (the Advantage Card is currently on sale for $20).   They offer reel cleaning and reel and rod repair services, too!  Blue Fins is open 7 days a week (most days at 6 or 6:30 AM).  Check out their website  for specific hours or give them a call at 410-477-9244.

Are you one of those business owners who joins business organizations and attends networking events regularly, but fails to follow up with the people you meet?  We all do it, so the key to turning this trend in your favor is to admit that you do it and start doing something different.

There is no question that in business the “fortune is in the follow up”.  It is rare that you get new business simply by attending networking events and handing out business cards.  Successful networkers know that events are just a way to identify people who are a good fit for them to follow up with and explore where their may be opportunities to work together.  Don’t fool yourself by thinking that because you left with the largest stack of other people’s business cards that you are positioned for success.  What you do next with those business cards will determine whether the exercise was worthwhile in the first place.

I recommend that you make a commitment even before you go to the next event to make it your mission to come out of the event with appointments to follow up and not just passive promises to “get in touch” after the event.  When you book an appointment with someone it carries a greater impact.  It tells people that you are serious about your business and theirs, and it immediately distinguishes you from others who are simply going through the motions and delaying their success.

Remember, as a networker you are not a collector of business cards, but a builder of relationships that lead to business.  Follow up and follow through is what makes that happen.

Have you ever thought about the good feeling you get when people take a sincere interest in you?  We all have a craving to be appreciated and when it’s fed we feel a kindred bond with the people who are doing it.

As we become pre-occupied with the daily goings on in our businesses we often neglect something as simple as feeding our customers’ cravings to be appreciated.  That is truly a shame since it really doesn’t take much effort.  In fact, so few people do it that virtually anything you do is likely to get positive attention.

Something as simple as asking a long time customer for feedback on your service or even a recommendation on something you’re thinking about doing is enough for them to have a sense of importance to you that they will honor by finding ways to send you business.

Try pulling one of your customers aside each day and sincerely ask them how they enjoyed their last buying experience with you.  Ask them what they like about doing business with you and then sincerely thank them for being your customer.

If you took the time to do this just once a day the impact would be multiplied as those customers tell their friends about you, because they feel part of your inner circle.  Try this relationship building process and let me know how it works for you. I’m very interested in your feedback.

I spend a lot of time talking with my clients about their businesses and I have seen a common theme develop in these conversations.  Each day I am finding that the single most important concern that clients have is finding affordable ways to market and grow their businesses.  Based on the feedback I’m getting I’ve decided to create a weekly news column where I will be sharing the best marketing ideas I come across in my travels.  I will be sending links to those articles in the Cash Flow Plus monthly newsletter to make it easy for you to get the information.

Please feel free to give feedback or ask questions about any of the things I share in the articles, and of course, please let me know if there are other ways I can be of service to you.

Where do you go when it’s time to buy a new car? These days, there are a lot of options – dealerships, used car lots, even the Internet. In Maryland, particularly in the Baltimore area, one name has been synonymous with the best deal and the best service for over 50 years – Jerry’s!  Featuring cars, trucks, SUVs and vans, along with service, parts, and a collision center, Jerry’s Auto Group focuses on providing a stellar experience, whether you are buying, selling, or servicing your car. Jerry’s Toyota is our merchant of the month!

Jerry Stautberg, the man behind it all, was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio.  He played football in high school and college and was drafted by the Chicago Bears, where he played for one year and sold cars in the off-season.  Football salaries then were not like they are today, so Jerry chose to leave the NFL and concentrate on a full-time career in the automobile industry. He came to Baltimore in 1957 and opened Jerry’s Chevrolet in the Govans area of Baltimore city. His slogan “5600 York Road at Bellona, the best place to become a Chevrolet ownah” made the dealership a household name.  As the dealership grew, it moved to its current location on Joppa Road in Parkville in 1971.  Jerry’s Toyota opened in the White Marsh area of Baltimore in 1981, and Scion was added in 2005.  Also part of the group is Jerry’s Mitsubishi in Parkville.

“He was a pioneer – one of the first dealers to advertise on television,” says his daughter, Susan Pless.  Jerry appeared in all of his television and radio ads for many years, and the slogan “For the best deal anywhere, you just gotta come to Jerry’s” brought in customers who looked forward to meeting the man who had become someone they could identify with.  Jerry would often visit with and talk to his customers, which built a loyalty to the dealership that remains in place today.

Jerry passed away in December 2008, but his legacy lives on through the customer service principles that he put in place years ago. Today his son Jim, who in his youth would visit the dealership on Saturdays with his dad as and started working full-time with him after college, handles the overall management of the auto group.  Susan handles the day-to-day administration of the dealerships, having worked in the office during high school summers, then part-time while raising her children. Now that they are grown  (her son works at Jerry’s Toyota), she’s back to full-time and enjoys the variety of challenges that come with the job every day.  What really makes it a great place to work, she says, is the people.  Many have been on staff for years, some as long as 30 years at the Chevrolet dealership. It’s a tribute to what Jerry hoped to accomplish – an organization of caring people striving to take care of their customers every step of the way.

Jerry’s continues its commitment to customer service with their “It’s About You!” program, which includes, among other things, tires for life, complimentary first scheduled service and car washes for life, tire rotations for life, shuttle service and rental cars, and more.  And if you’re shopping for a new car and Jerry’s doesn’t have exactly what you want, they can get it for you through a dealer exchange.

For more information about Jerry’s Auto Group, visit www.jerrystoyota.com. With Jerry’s, “It’s About You!”

Smart brides will tell you that you can never plan too early for a beautiful wedding.  There are many decisions to be made: the date, ceremony and reception location, flowers, invitations, guest list, cake… and the dress!  In Southern Maryland, there’s one boutique that brides can trust to help them find the gown that will make their day magical – EJ Bridals.

EJ Bridals is Calvert County’s only bridal shop!  Located at 10 Creston Lane, Suite 6, in Solomons, MD EJ Bridals features a wide selection of elegant, sleek, and stylish wedding gowns, bridesmaids and flower girl dresses, mothers gowns, and prom formals to compliment that special day!  Gowns are available off the rack or by special order, and designers include Alfred Angelo, Ashley Jordan, Casablanca, Eden, Emme, Impression, Jacqueline, Landa, Maggie Sottero, Venus, Watters Too, Forever Yours, and more.  EJ Bridals also offers a superb and affordable line of dresses for mothers of the bride and groom – stylish, not frumpy!

Owner Elin Jeschelnik has always had an interest in weddings and bridal gowns. Elin grew up in Maryland, and after many years of working for the government, Elin decided to capitalize on her interest by opening EJ Bridals in April 2010.  She takes pride in her ability to offer one-on-one personal service to the brides and she works mainly by appointment.  While offering this type of service can be tedious, it’s all worth it, Elin says, when she sees the look and the smile on the bride’s face when she finds that perfect dress!

In addition to wedding gowns, EJ Bridals carries jewelry made by a local designer that can be custom-made to match the wedding colors.  She also carries veils, tiaras, hair “bling,” shoes, and purses.  This year EJ Bridals will become “Prom Headquarters,” carrying eight different lines of designer prom dresses in all price ranges.  Prom-themed events, including try-on sessions and light refreshments, are also planned.  Elin recommends Carrington Formals in Prince Frederick for tuxedos who will offer prom incentives this year through EJ Bridals.  Young ladies in high school can try on prom gowns at EJ Bridals where the guys can pick up a VIP card and head to Carrington Formals for their tuxedo fitting.  The boutique has also established relationships with other wedding vendors and can recommend them for their services. Although she’s been in business for just under a year, Elin has already accomplished much!  She has participated in bridal events, including a runway show in La Plata, and was voted Best New Business of 2010 by the Best of the Bay in Bay Weekly.  EJ Bridals also won a Golden Pumpkin Award from Annmarie Gardens for lively and spirited participation in their 2010 Halloween event.

For more information on EJ Bridals and to view some of their beautiful dresses, visit their web site at www.ejbridals.com, or connect with Elin on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ejbridals.  For appointments, call 410-271-1806.