Here is a new video I did for a client in Calgary. Ranked first page on Google in one day. Had fun making it with Keynote and some video programs.

Astro Transmission Calgary Video on YouTube

To your video future…

Larry

I was invited by one of the owners of Laratta Homes, Tony, to join him for a round of golf at Redwood Meadows Golf Course in Calgary.

This was my first round of golf I have played in over a year and the very first since I moved back to Calgary. I got there early so I decided to hit some balls at the range. At first it was not pretty and very inconsistent and I am sure the regular members of the Redwoods were probably thinking “who is this guy?”. I started to get back in the swing of things and felt more confident.

Then came the putting green..ugly and then the first drive. Straight left into the trees about 50 yards out! YIKES! Now I am sure Tony and the others in the foresome were probably thinking…”who invited him?” I managed to get a few good drives in during the round and even one birdie on a par 4. Broke a hundred but just barely. The good news is I really love to golf so I was not dissuaded, the course was in excellent condition, the leg held up right up to the last 2 holes and there was a buck deer feeding on one of the picturesque par 3’s. (picture above)

I hope to get more rounds in this year and adapt to my new surroundings here in Calgary.

Regards,

Larry J Clark

I have new agreement with Laratta Homes, a Custom New Home Builder in Calgary.

Laratta has been building custom designed homes in Calgary since 1978 and has an excellent reputation for building infill homes, acreage homes as well as high end renovations.

My position will over see sales and marketing of our current Development commitments: Willow Creek in Bearspaw, Coppers Crossing in Airdrie for our new semi-custom line…Artigiano Developments, as well as other acreage area’s and custom infill clients.

I look forward to the challenge and hope to make a big impact on their growth into the future.

Kind Regards,

Larry J Clark

Here is the video I did for a Custom Home Builder friend in Langley BC. Here is the website as well.

www.langleycustombuilder.com

I really enjoy helping people with Marketing and Sales advice. It is truly rewarding when you can take a poor performing website or marketing plan and transform it into a productive one quickly. This being said, introducing my services to someone new can be a bit daunting.

I feel I do a good job of explaining what I do and what I charge. I preface it with some real advice based on my experience, actual cases and reviewing the potential clients website or service. Here’s my dilemma…some people want me to give them everything they need over the phone in 15 minutes. I usually pass the point where I am giving out too much free advice for no remuneration. I equate it with trying to sell someone a cake by giving away the whole bakery. Not any more.

If someone contacts me , they know they need help and believe I can help them. I have proven testimonials and examples and if that is not enough to get them to spend $125.00 for an hour of advice that can increase their online/business presence instantly, then I am of the opinion I am not the person for them.

Hey, I like free advice and have gotten allot myself. I have also had no problem paying good money for great wisdom and I have benefited greatly from it many times over. I want to attract the ‘BIG’ thinkers who want to take their business past the ‘next level’ and who want to dominate their Industry.

“Sometimes you have to kiss allot of frogs to find a prince” ...So be it.

Take this advice and learn from it…

Larry J Clark

I was reflecting on this time of my life closing in on 50 years on this planet. I will hit the big 50 this week, which really is not a big deal for me. Hitting 40 really didn’t make an impact either. I think it has to do with perspective.

When I became a born again Christian at 21, I knew then as I know now, that my life here was temporary and better things await in Heaven. My faith has never wavered and is even stronger now. My biggest concern is to whether I have accomplished what I need to accomplish up to now and are there better things ahead in the next stage of my life? I believe there is.

After selling my Company last year, it has been a bit of a struggle trying to ” fit in”. What I mean by that is that is I know my strengths lie in Marketing and Sales, but is that where I should be? I am working now on some contract and consulting here in Calgary and I really enjoy being creative and helping clients with Web Marketing. I am good at it and have been very successful doing it. There still seems to be something missing if you know what I mean.

Being 50 reduces the already small time left here on the planet to accomplish all that God had intended for me. I want to make sure that I am where I need to be and doing what I need to be doing to conform to what the Lord has planned for me. I know it is natural for us to second guess whether we have accomplished or will accomplish all that is set out for us and I want to make sure I am open to whatever is set before me. I am ready!

I want to encourage you as well that we cannot change what we did or didn’t do last year or the years prior to that…we can only now be responsible for what we do with the years still ahead of us. Here’s to moving forward and completing the ‘good race’ set before us.

Kind Regards,

Larry J Clark

After over 20 years of being in Sales and Business, you learn allot. You also gain allot of wisdom and discernment as to what things to pursue and what things to let go of. After 7 months in my current contract position, I knew it was time to “let go’”.

The Company I was working with had gone through some changes in the last few months. Mostly personnel and Management. I would have to say that I was actually optimistic that the changes would be a move forward for the Company. My optimism soon waned when I saw some policies and changes being implemented, that effected the Sales Team and how we are being compensated for sales. A ‘NEW’ contract was presented to me that was explained as the best remuneration agreement in the Industry. I knew when I first viewed it, this was far from that.

As an Area Sales Manager, it is my responsibility to know what my competitors were up to and also how they were paid. My new presented contract was far below the others. Don’t get me wrong…I am not a greedy guy. I know my value and effort in my position and should be remunerated accordingly. At first this was an emotional response ..”How could they not see my experience and dedication and they are offering me this? After that, wisdom and experience kicks in and it becomes a logical response based on facts.

I know I am at the peak earning years of my life based on my experience and knowledge. I had to evaluate what would be the best use of my experience for this new decade and whether staying where I now, was the best use of that experience. It was not and the decision was easy.

My point in all this is to not to sell yourself short and actually be proud of what you have accomplished and your Industry value. I am confident that I can take my 20+ years of wisdom, experience, success and discernment to where it is needed and valued.

Onward and Upward!

Larry J Clark

After over 24 years of raising 3 children, this is our first day as ‘Empty Nester’s’. Our eldest, Courtney, has moved up to Northern Alberta with her boyfriend to pursue job prospects there. Both or our son’s live in British Columbia and have made lives for themselves there. Our eldest son, Adam, was with us Christmas week and yesterday we drove him to the airport for his return home.

Well, there you have it. What do we do now? Personally, I have been looking forward to this “freedom” for a few years now and I am excited about spending more time with my wife and not having to include children in decisions. My wife on the other hand, is having a hard time letting go of the fact she has no kids at home. I am trying to understand her side and to be supportive. It will be  change in our life that I know in time we will both embrace. the kids need to make their own lives and futures with their parents cheering them on from the sidelines. I guess we can look forward to Grand Children now.

A week from today we are off to Mexico for our Vacation! I am really looking forward to getting away from winter and to work on a new business development plan. (more on that in a later blog). You want a hint? O.k, it has to do with marketing online using video. Here is a link to a web cam at the Akumal Mexico beach which is just north of our Resort, The Gran Bahia Principe Akumal. 

http://www.locogringo.com/Upload/akumal-beach-cam.html

I will be developing a daily blog from Mexico and will post the link on this blog starting next week as well.

Happy rest of your Holidays,

Larry J Clark

I kept getting calls on my cell phone from an Ontario area code, and when I went to answer it, they hang up. I thought this was some solicitation thing so I called the number to get them to stop.

Turns out it was American Express Canada and they had a problem with my account. Problem…?, I always pay my bill. Their so called “problem” was they were uncomfortable with my spending limits and froze my account (I had no idea) and wanted to let me know that my ‘unlimited’ Amex card was in fact now limited. What? ...when did this happen? Well according to their phone rep, now. I had purchased our Trip to Mexico on the card , which they approved, and now they are uncomfortable with me carrying the balance on my card.

Let me tell you what challenges I have been having with Amex for the past 6 months. First, I have had 2 American Express cards for over 6 years. Never had a problem. About 6 months ago or so, I started to see the card get declined for simple purchases like gas at Costco. I called them and they tell me I have a payment due. Wrong, payment was not due… their mistake. Payment was made they had not entered it. OOPS! Sorry. We book our trip..Travel Agency says the card needs verification and cannot go through? WHAT? I call Amex…they tell me I am carrying a $1200.00 balance and they would PREFER I pay that out so I can add the Vacation package. OK, I did that. They raised the limit and all is well. NOPE. Today they are uncomfortable with me carrying the balance which they gave me and yes, my card is frozen again.

Solution, I paid out my balance and canceled both the cards. Sorry to be a ‘uncomfortable’ client American Express. I hope you find better clients than me to deal with.

Good thing MasterCard and Visa are comfortable with me…

Larry J Clark

Officially Grey Cup Sunday here in Calgary and we are experiencing a “Chinook” from the West bringing some nice warm air to town. Currently 8 degrees Celsius so should be a pleasant day for Football. Now personally, I really don’t care who wins as I am a BC Lions fan. Most of Calgary seems to be siding with the Riders to keep the cup in the West. Should be a great game.

On the home front, I heard from my youngest Son the other day, Joshua, who informed us that we are going to be grandparents! Can you believe it?! Yes, our Josh and his wife Rebecca have confirmed she is pregnant and this will be our first Grandchild. Excited for both of them and of course Robin is beside herself with excitement. I will keep you posted on a due date.

Just finished booking our Winter Holiday on Friday. Going to Mexico for the first time and have chosen the Mayan Riviera and the Resort “Gran Bahia Principe Akumal”. Reviews seem good and we leave the first week of January for 7 days. Looking forward to some sun/beach time and just relaxing. Told Robin we would book a holiday once the business sold so the pressure was one. I bought a waterproof housing for my ‘FLIP’ camera so I can take some video and pictures while snorkeling…should be fun.  Plan on seeing some Mayan ruins down there but not much touristy stuff. Just sunning, eating and reading. Keep an eye oon this blog in January for videos and pictures while we are down there.

Above is the picture of the  Resort and beach from the website. Looks nice to me!

To your weekend and next holiday,

Larry