Gery Deer presents Referral Marketing Master Class at The Hub on February 7th

In conjunction with International Networking Week, GLD Communications has scheduled a Referral Marketing Master Class at The Hub in the Dayton Arcade, 31 South Main Street, Dayton, OH 45402, on Wednesday, February 7th,11:30 AM until 1:00 PM. The class typically costs more than $250, but this session has been specially priced at just $40 per person.

Presented by GLD Communications’s founder and creative director, Gery Deer, the 90-minute lunch-and-learn session includes techniques for identifying and developing referral partnerships. Pre-registration is required. Seats sell out quickly. Register at gldcommunications.com. 

GLD Communications Creative Director, Gery Deer, will present the class.

Deer started GLD Communications in 1997 as a part-time job. Today, it is an old-school public relations firm with media production and content distribution all under one roof. The company provides newswire stories, documentary-styled film productions, podcasting, reputation and crisis management, and copywriting services. This master class is part of the agency’s business success coaching services.

Deer said people rarely learn to turn passive networking into proactive referral partnerships. It requires strategy, time, and commitment. He also noted that most people confuse networking with referral marketing when they are symbiotic.

“People mistakenly interchange the words networking’ and referral marketing, but the two have a causal relationship,” said Deer. “This master class explains how strategic networking is just the beginning and provides the opportunity for Referral Marketing partnerships that can generate revenue for years.”

An award-winning writer and creative director, Deer has navigated many changes in his business over the years. “We have withstood recession, lagging sales, and staffing issues,” he said. “I built and maintained our public relations media agency on referrals, but it was a massive learning curve. I wish someone had a class like this back when I started.”

Deer said the course also offers insight into leveraging your current networking opportunities to identify potential referral partners. He will also cover the various networking organizations ranging from service clubs like Rotary to professional referral organizations, specifically Business Networking International (BNI). Nikki Gates, Managing Director of the Miami Valley Ohio Region of BNI, will also be in attendance to offer information on her organization’s growth in the Dayton market. 

Event parking is not included but is available at Reibold Parking, 25W W. 5th St., Dayton, 45422. For more information and a direct link to register, visit www.gldcommunications.com. 

New Year’s Convolutions

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

Well, it’s New Year’s Day, and you’ve partied like it was 1999, which, as it turned out, wasn’t all that much to party about. You’ve shaken your booty, danced the night away, and watched a sickeningly expensive party favor lowered in ritual celebration.

Then, after the plop, plop, fizz, fizz, you’re ready to face the world. You’ll step up to new challenges, take on the gym and the boardroom, boldly go where … okay, you know the rest of it. Wait a minute, though. Why now? Where’s all this motivation coming from? Why didn’t you have it last year, which was like, you know, yesterday?

Well, unfortunately, many people misguidedly see the new year as the promise of a clean slate, a fresh start, or a time to take on new challenges. In the first couple of months, gym memberships go up, cigarette sales drop, healthier food will fill grocery carts, and a great many engagement rings will need to be resized. Sadly, much of this activity is the result of a convoluted, all-powerful, and yet pointless New Year’s resolution.

According to one study I read, more than 35 percent of adults set New Year’s resolutions, with a surprising majority on the young side, between 18 and 34. As you might imagine, of the list of most common resolutions, health-related choices hold the top 3 spots, with increased exercise as number one.

In most of the research I found, saving more money was one of the lead resolutions. That struck me as contradictory because to achieve many of the others, you generally spend more than you would have in the first place. For instance, gym memberships, travel, starting a new business, healthier eating (the high cost of which makes no sense to me), and even quitting your job require more money.

If you’re interested in demographics, women mostly want to engage in health-related change for themselves. At the same time, men focus more on achieving career ambitions and laying off the booze. Good goals, for sure. Unfortunately, things tend to… dry out, if you’ll excuse the pun.

As it turns out, only about 9 percent of resolutioners stay with it beyond the second year. Nearly 25 percent quit after the first week. That number increases to almost 65 percent by the end of the first month. Oddly, most people quit on the second Friday of that month, and it even has a name. The makers of Strava, a popular activity-tracking app among runners and cyclists, discovered that its use plummets on that day, so they named it, “Quitters Day.”

Seems pretty hopeless, doesn’t it? I mean, why bother trying to improve yourself if you know the statistics are totally against you, right? Well, it wouldn’t be Deer In Headlines without some sage, if not potentially useless, advice from me. So, here goes.

First, forget the New Year’s resolution nonsense. It’s a recipe for failure. Start by identifying small, attainable, and measurable goals that build to the big one. For example, if you want to lose weight, set a realistic goal and, in my opinion, don’t put a clock on it. Create a plan that includes smaller food portions and steps down sweets and high-fat food. But don’t go cold turkey and build in regular exercise – slowly.

The same goes for career moves, financial success, or anything else. Remember, you’re trying to make life changes that will stick, and that takes time and commitment. Yes, it’s really hard sometimes, and we are our own worst enemies. It’s okay to be scared. But be kind to yourself, especially if your progress feels slow. Don’t give up and adjust where needed.

Incidentally, I know you want support from family and friends. But, trust me, share what you’re doing only with the closest few. For all the pats on the back, there are just as many slaps in the face – especially on social media. Personal accountability may be difficult, but it results in the longest-lasting success.

Finally, ignore the resolution hype, give yourself a chance, and do the work. I promise that the challenge and results are worth it. Focus, plan, commit, get plenty of sleep, and have a safe and happy new year.

TCN Behavioral Health Announces Opening of Second See U Now (“SUN”) Clinic

TCN clients can now access SUN Clinics on Tuesdays from 1pm to 4pm and Fridays from 10am to 1pm.

Bellefontaine, Ohio – January 9, 2024 – TCN Behavioral Health Services, Inc. announces the opening of its second See U Now (or “SUN”) Clinic on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The clinic, located physically in the Bellefontaine office at 118 Maple Avenue, will be open weekly on Tuesdays from 1pm to 4pm and can see clients both in person and via telehealth.

TCN’s first SUN Clinic opened on January 6, 2023 in TCN’s Xenia office, and in 2023 provided 434 services to 262 clients both in person and via telehealth. The SUN Clinic is intended to serve clients without a prior appointment as their need arises. A Clinic Coordinator works with the client to choose the services they wish to receive from a multi-disciplinary team of providers including nursing, psych, MAT, primary care, substance use and mental health counseling, case management and peer support. The Clinic accepts all payment options including Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-pay. As with all TCN services, local board funding is available for clients who qualify.

“TCN is always proud of our innovative practice to meet clients where they are, and the SUN Clinic is another example of this,” says TCN CEO Lori Strobl. “SUN’s motto is “nothing about you, without you” and its mission is to empower the client to be in control of their healthcare and truly partner with their clinical team.”

“We are very excited to welcome this new model of behavioral health care to our communities,” says Dr. Adam Sorensen, Executive Director of the Mental Health Drug & Alcohol Services Board of Logan & Champaign Counties. “TCN’s SUN Clinic approach has a proven track record, and it is a perfect example of TCN’s commitment to offering high-quality, person-centered care. We appreciate TCN’s ongoing partnership and willingness to be innovative with our shared goals of improving access and quality of care in our neighborhoods.” 

Founded in 1990, TCN Behavioral Health Services, Inc. is a comprehensive behavioral health agency dedicated to improving lives by providing clinically excellent and accessible behavioral health services.  TCN provides mental health, substance use and psychiatric services for adults and youth in Logan and Champaign counties.  For more information or to donate to TCN call (937)376-8700 or visit http://www.tcn.org.

Food allergies are no yolk!

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

“Then the Whos, young and old, would sit down to a feast. And they’d feast! And they’d feast! And they’d FEAST! FEAST! FEAST! FEAST! They would feast on Who-pudding, and rare Who-roast beast.” – Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

Admit it. You just read that in Boris Karloff’s voice, didn’t you? But what if you’re the one Who, for whom a feast could be a culinary minefield? What if you’re the Who who’s allergic to the Who-pudding and rare Who-roast beast?

If you’re like me and the other 26 million Americans who suffer from food allergies, holiday buffets can be a dangerous foray into the unknown. Food allergies might be lampooned on your favorite sitcom, but there’s nothing funny about them. It’s true that most result in mild skin irritation or digestive discomfort, but many are life-threatening.

Within seconds, an exposed victim can experience severe swelling of the throat and larynx, constricting their airway, and even suffer anaphylactic shock. In these situations, quick medical attention is vital.

Whether you’re a member of the allergy club or not, it’s probably a good idea to learn about food allergy causes, symptoms, and first aid. Some of the most common foods people are allergic to include cow’s milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, strawberries, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. These are certainly not the only ones, and you might not even know you’re allergic to anything until it hits you.

Just because you weren’t allergic to something as a kid doesn’t mean you won’t be as a grownup. For about half of food allergy sufferers, the affliction didn’t develop until adulthood. I only recently discovered my own allergy to kiwi fruit and cantaloupe. For years, I thought cantaloupe was supposed to burn the inside of your mouth. You know, like a spice or something? Idiot.

Processed food contains a plethora of dangerous ingredients, and most allergens are printed on pre-packaged food labels. Unfortunately, depending on the amount, some ingredients might not be listed. For example, it’s still common for some labels to omit sesame among potential allergens. A Google search might show detailed ingredient lists or allergy warnings for specific products. Otherwise, steer clear altogether.

If you or someone in your family suffers from food allergies, I can offer a few tips to help navigate the holidays, and the first one is a no-brainer. Since many holiday gatherings are potlucks, you can bring your own safe food and avoid everything else. Or you could host the event yourself for peace of mind. If you do host, label the dishes, and maybe, if you want to be an allergy-safe superhero, provide a full list of ingredients.

For children, carry safe food, or see to their plate for them. Kids also seem especially sensitive to nuts, and holiday goodies are full of them, so keep an eye out. To avoid cross-contamination, use disposable utensils to serve yourself or carry your own flatware. Trust me, it’s worth the trouble.

Incidentally, some people are quite sensitive about publicly outing their allergies. For instance, I am allergic to eggs. But I’d rather not discuss it because I feel like a freak. If it comes up, I get bombarded with questions like, “Can you have cookies? Bread? Pancakes? What do you eat for breakfast?” And on and on. People just can’t leave it alone.

I understand they’re curious and trying to be helpful. But the nature of the allergy can be difficult to explain (although I really shouldn’t have to), and it doesn’t affect anyone but me. I never ask hosts to alter their menu or anything they’ve planned. I simply avoid those foods that might be dangerous or questionable.

For the food-allergic out there or their caregivers, you might want to ask your primary care physician if you should carry a preloaded epinephrine injector (otherwise known as an “EpiPen”). If your allergic reaction were to cause respiratory distress, it might be a good idea to be prepared. A food sensitivity test might also help.

Food allergies don’t have to wreck the halls – or any other occasion. All you need is a little preplanning so that no one turns as green as the Grinch after a helping of your famous Who hash.

GCCOA Hosts Memory Loss Presentation

The Greene Count Council on Aging is hosting a free memory loss information session titled, “Is It Dementia?” The event will be held at 2:30 PM, on Wednesday, January 10th, at the Xenia Community Center, 1265 W. Second St., in Xenia. Seating is limited, so please call 937-376-5486 or email YourFriends@gccoa.org to reserve yours.

From the GCCOA information:

We all experience memory loss at one time or another and many of us are fearful of what it might mean. Is it ‘normal’ memory loss or is it caused by dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease?

Experts will answer your questions, address your concerns, discuss the types of dementia and explore things to consider as a caregiver or someone wanting to learn more about memory loss and dementia.

From the editor: For more on dementia, here is a study from Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center – https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/one-10-older-americans-has-dementia