**Deadline to Enter the Lifetime Moms Contest 5/28/12**

Register today to take advantage of the EARLY BIRD rate – $77.00 for the one-day event (regularly $97.00).

PURCHASE EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW

Or try our PERFECT PAIR. Save money and purchase two tickets to bring a friend, family member, partner, client, collaborator—or someone you’d like to thank or honor. Just $134.00 for two tickets (regularly $174.00).

PURCHASE A PERFECT PAIR OF TICKETS NOW

Here’s what you can expect:

• Ideas are a dime a dozen, so we’ll assess your action steps and execution plans so you know when to pause and when to pounce to make big things happen.
• There’s no time to get tripped up, so we’ll reveal powerful time management techniques and we’ll bust the real fears that may be preventing you from tackling all you want.
• Standing out among the cluttered masses is key, so we’ll plot branding, social media, marketing and traditional PR strategies that actually work to get you noticed by the right people.
• This isn’t a hobby, so we’ll talk openly about money—from readily available funding sources to pricing for profit to sales techniques that are anything but sleazy.
• Going it alone sucks, so we’ll introduce you to the best group of BBFs—business best friends—the people who’ll hold you accountable and fuel your success.

Date: Thursday, June 7, 2012

Time: Doors open at 8:15 AM for registration and the program will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis so make sure to be on time! The day will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM.

Event Schedule

• 8:15 AM – Registration Begins
• 9:00 AM – Welcome
• 10:00 AM – Morning Programs Begin
• 12:00 PM – Lunch and Activities
• 1:00 PM – Afternoon Programs Begin
• 5:00 PM – Event Ends

Want to Volunteer? At each event, we have a limited number of spots for volunteers to assist our staff. If you’re interested, you must be willing to arrive by 7am and stay until as late as 7pm. You will enjoy bits and pieces of the event, but you’ll also be assigned a designated role with various tasks that will prevent you from experiencing the program like a registered attendee. It’s a fast-paced day with lots to juggle. If you’ve worked in client-facing roles and aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves to help execute an amazing event, send us an email to info@sparkandhustle.com telling us about yourself in 200 words or less. Explain why you’d be the perfect volunteer. Include your contact details too. Thanks!

Tory Johnson will moderate the full day, share her expertise and introduce attendees to our all-star line-up of experts who are running successful businesses and will explain how you can do it too.

BUSINESS BASICS KEYNOTE
Rhoda Olsen, CEO of Great Clips
Rhoda Olsen has been a part of the Great Clipsfamily since 1984. During Rhoda’s tenure as President/COO, Great Clips grew from just over 1,000 salons in 1998 to nearly 3,000 salons in 2011. During that time, Great Clips also grew system revenues four-fold increasing from $200 million to just over $800 million. Today, Great Clips is the world’s largest salon brand with locations in more than 140 markets across North America.

• Almost threw the towel in when…: “I was incredibly sick and battling uterine cancer.”
• When the going gets tough….: “I work out hard…..do 200 guy pushups…or more!”
• Little known fact: “5 I used to sew a lot of the clothing for my four sisters and myself, as we were very poor and it provided more options.”

@GreatClips

BRANDING
Jill Salzman, creator of Founding Moms
A graduate of Brown University and law school after that, Jill Salzman started Paperwork Media, a music management firm and her first entrepreneurial venture. (Her parents still wonder why she opted for the music business over the seductive and alluring career of a bankruptcy attorney.)  She went on to create The Bumble Brand to sell Bumble Bells, audible anklewear for the newest of human beings (she sold it in 2011.)  Jill is currently growing her third entrepreneurial venture, The Founding Moms, a kid-friendly collective of monthly meetups for mom entrepreneurs.

• Almost gave up when…: “The 437th ‘professional’ businessperson told me that my business idea would not work.  That I would never make any money.  That it was a cute hobby and not a business.  But all it takes is strapping those boots back on, understanding which ‘professionals’ are the grains of salt, and going out to meet supportive people.  Talking to fellow entrepreneurs.  Brainstorming face-to-face and not via the computer.  Each and every time (I’m onto my third business now) it brings me back to focus and I hold onto that towel.”
• Daring decision: “Kloof.  It’s an adventure activity in southern Africa that involves hiking for hours and then making your way back down the mountain by jumping into deep ravine after deep ravine until you get back to your starting point.  Why did I do it?  No earthly idea.  Will I ever do it again?  Not in a million years.”

@foundingmom

ENGAGEMENT MARKETING
Jeff Ferrazzo, Regional Dev. Dir., Constant Contact
Jeff Ferrazzo is a business expert with experience helping businesses initiate and build meaningful professional relationships with both organizations and individuals. Jeff has successfully launched two small businesses, including a consulting firm that trained and consulted business owners on sales, email marketing, branding, and brand development strategies. As the Regional Development Director for Constant Contact, Jeff uses his rich consulting and training experience to help small businesses in the Minnesota area maximize the power of relationship marketing through the use of online communications tools.

• Five fitting words:  “Gregarious, industrious, loyal, vivacious, intuitive”
• Daring decision:  “Walked on fire.”
• Little known fact: “I’ve spent at least 1 night in 48 out of the 50 states.”

@ConstantContact

MIND FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS
Jill Blashack Strahan, Tastefully Simple
In 1995, Jill Blashack Strahan began Tastefully Simple in a 1,200 square-foot shed with no running water and using a pool table as a packing station. Today it’s easy to see how Jill Blashack Strahan’s vision has paid off. Tastefully Simple has become an award-winning company with more than 300 team members and tens of thousands of independent consultants nationwide.

• Five fitting words: “Passionate, intense, music-cranker, “mental-vomiter”, TGIF (Thank God I’m Funny)”
• Ever want to throw in the towel?: “Two specific times come to mind when I was overcome by fear and thought about giving up on Tastefully Simple: 1) Two years after starting Tastefully Simple we were three months late on our house payment. Our mortgage company was sending nasty letters about foreclosure. For two minutes that little green man on my shoulder was whispering, “Jill! Just go get a real job.” Then I heard another voice say, “No! This is going to work. Do not give up.” I walked back into the shed, our headquarters at the time, and made the choice to recommit myself to making the business work.”
  When the going gets tough: “We can get better or bitter.”
• Little known fact: “I felt inadequate most of my life; it took me a long time to accept that I am worthy of my dreams. One of my greatest rewards has been helping others believe in themselves so they can shine and have a life they love!”

MUSCLE MARKETING
Carrie Rocha, founder of PocketYourDollars.com
*This speaker was selected by LifetimeMoms.com.
In 2006 Carrie Rocha and her husband made a commitment: They decided to get out of debt and to stay out debt for the rest of their life. In November 2009 Carrie wrote a check that paid off the last of their $50,000 in debts. While working a full-time job she decided to start teaching others how to save money and eventually started PocketYourDollars.com. Today they steward a community of more 1.3 million unique visitors annually. Carrie continues to do public speaking, make media appearances and is authoring her first book Pocket Your Dollars: 6 Attitude Changes That Will Help You Pay Down Debt, Avoid Financial Stress, and Keep More of What You Make (Bethany House, 2013).

• Almost threw in the towel when…: “I was offered a book contract. I doubted my ability to write an entire book and was not confident in the message I had to share. I’m glad I didn’t quit and stuck with it. The book will be released in January 2013.”
• Daring decision:  “In my late 20’s I sold and gave away everything I owned except my car and bedroom furniture and moved to the Peruvian Amazon to live and work amongst Peruvians. “

@carrierocha

DEFINING YOUR VISION
Erin Newkirk, co-founder and CEO of Red Stamp
Erin Newkirk is the co-founder and CEO of Red Stamp, a company on a mission to make relationships stronger. Always a fan of making people feel good, she believes modern etiquette isn’t about fancy stationery and using the right fork, but kindness and authenticity. {Much to her husband and son’s dismay, this doesn’t mean they are off the hook for penning prompt thank you notes.} You can download the free, award-winning Red Stamp app from the Apple iTunes App Store.

• I almost threw in the towel when: “The economy crashed in 2008. My stomach still hurts when I remember the weekend the news broke. Our investors stopped investing, our credit resources dried up overnight, our customers suddenly didn’t “need” us like they did before. Looking back, the downturn was an invaluable lesson and we would not be where we are today without the course correction. It taught me to rethink our value proposition, tighten our business offering and innovate our business model.”
• Little known fact: “I started Red Stamp because of the personal struggle I was experiencing in my own life to remain social/stay current with the people I cared about during a really busy and stressful time in my life. It always seemed like the people I needed and wanted the most had to be the first to go when I stared at my calendar and passionately wished for more hours in the day.”

@redstamp @redstamp_erin

OVERCOMING FEARS AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE
Lorri Weisen, founder  of Greenbody Greenplanet Organic Hair Care
Lorri Weisen is the Founder and CEO of Greenbody GreenplanetOrganic Hair Care, former salon owner and wife of a two-time cancer survivor. Always in search of solutions, Lori’s desire is to help others learn about toxin free living and to start making better, healthier choices for themselves and their families.

• When the going gets tough, I: “Take a deep breath and remember that in every difficult situation there lies an opportunity.”

@gbgplanet

TABLE HOSTS FOR INFORMAL LUNCH DISCUSSIONS ON SPECIFIC TOPICS:

Social Media – What Are You Waiting For?
Lanae Paaverud owner the Social Networking Nanny
Lanae Paaverud helps businesses get Social, on Facebook & Twitter. Her passion for Social Networking comes through in her work with clients, as well as her online blog & dialogue. She loves to see the “ahha” moment businesses have when they realize that Social Networking can benefit their business, broaden their network, engage their customers, and create new opportunities.

@SocialNetNanny

You hold the “K.E.Y.” to Keep Empowering Yourself!
Janelle Butler, Executive Director with Thirty-One Gifts
As a former teacher, busy mom of three, and active member of my community, I am also happily pursuing a career as an Executive Director with Thirty-One Gifts. I began this journey quite unexpectedly in the spring of 2010 after seeing my first Thirty-One purse online and signing up as a consultant before even receiving my bag! Now with a team of over 320 fantastic women, I am loving the adventure (and the income!) this chapter of my life has opened to me. I also train and speak to groups of women on a regular basis about pursuing their dream in sales, business, or wherever life leads them!
@ThirtyOne

TABLE HOSTS FOR INFORMAL LUNCH DISCUSSIONS ON SPECIFIC TOPICS:
 
Tech Tools to Simplify and Streamline
Cindy Morrison, Social Media Strategist
Emmy-winning journalist Cindy Morrison teaches everyone from network TV journalists to corporate CEOs how to strategically use social media to build brand loyalty, raving fans and their bottom line. Her social media savvy has been highlighted on national media like CBS’s “The Talk” & The Washington Post and she’s even helped create social media buzz at star-studded Hollywood fundraisers.
@CindyWMorrison
 

BONUS EXPERTS: Benefit from the expertise of lunchtime table hosts who will share deep knowledge on specific topics with attendees. You’ll have the option to choose the table of your choice.

Meet directly with our sponsors and vendors at this event!

National Sponsors:

Local Sponsors:

Vendors:

 

If you’d like to become a sponsor or vendor, contact us today.

Partners:

Location: The Metropolitan Ballroom is conveniently located just a few minutes west of downtown Minneapolis-with easy freeway access and ample free parking.

Metropolitan Ballroom
5418 Wayzata Boulevard
Golden Valley, MN 55416
(612) 238-4444

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View Larger Map

Parking: Ample complimentary parking is available on site.

Partner Hotel: SpringHill Suites St. Louis Park

5901 Wayzata Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(952) 738-7300

Click here to visit the SpringHill Suites St. Louis Park.

We’ve negotiated super low rates just for you!

Standard Single/Double rooms are available for $99.00 per night.

These rates are available until May 16, 2012 or until all rooms are filled.

To reserve your room, call (952) 738-7300. Don’t forget to mention our group name – SPARK & HUSTLE – to receive the exclusive rate.

Register today to reserve your room. Space is limited.

Spark & Hustle draws on community and builds camaraderie unlike any other conference series. The attendees Tory Johnson attracts to her events are a rare breed. Yes, they’re serious about small business and they’re eager to expand their influence and boost their bottom line. But there’s a whole lot more. These are kind, curious, nice, fun, quirky, candid, determined, loyal, big-hearted, really good women—plus a handful of great men. They’re the people you want to hang out with and do business with. You don’t find that everywhere.

If this describes people you know, then we’d love for you to join the Spark & Hustle Host Committee and become one of Tory’s Top 20 at the event in your area.

It’s pretty simple: register yourself for at least one event and then refer registrants by reaching out to the people you know and believe would benefit from attending. (We’ll gladly send you tips on how to easily accomplish this.)

As a token of our appreciation, we’ve created a sensational benefits package to honor your support.

If you’re interested and ready to rock, please send an email to host@sparkandhustle.com letting us know which event(s) you’ve registered for and include your name, email, phone, location, a bit about you personally and professionally. Also tell us why you’re an ideal Spark & Hustle host to join Tory’s Top 20. You’ll hear back within 24 hours tops.

Customer Service
Call: 212-290-2600
Email: info@sparkandhustle.com

How long will tickets be available?
Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited in each location. We cannot guarantee that tickets will be available until a certain date.

Will food be provided?
Lunch, light snacks and beverages will be provided. Be sure to have breakfast prior to arriving to the conference as it will not be served.

What should I wear?
Our event is business casual. No sweats, sneakers or sloppy attire! Check Accuweather.com the night before you pack.

What should I bring?
We suggest you bring business cards and/or any other marketing materials that might be helpful when networking with the other attendees. You never know who you’ll meet, but we know incredible connections are always made. If you have a laptop, you’re welcome to bring it, but it’s by no means necessary.

Is early check-in available?
No, registration will open at 8:15 AM. Entry is not permitted prior to that time.

What if I’m late?
The conference will begin promptly at 9:00 AM and we strongly recommend that you arrive on time so as not to miss any of the sessions! However, if you do arrive late, (these things happen!) don’t worry, registration will remain open from 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM.

Will the conference be available on DVD?
No, the conference will not be available on DVD. Designed to be highly interactive, Spark & Hustle conferences are in-person events only. We’ve selected 20 cities around the country to make it easy for everyone to experience the Spark & Hustle energy!

Will I be able to re-enter the event if I need to step out for a moment?
Yes, just make sure your name badge is visible. This will allow conference staff to confirm that you are a registered attendee of the event.

Are cameras allowed?
Yes, but we have one rule around here about cameras – and we’re pretty strict about it. You may only post photos of us that look good! No half-closed eyes, no double-chins, you get the idea. And we’ll do the same for you. Our staff will share photos of you looking your absolute best. Deal? Deal.

Are cell phones allowed?
Yes, but we ask that you kindly turn your phone to silent before entering the event out of respect for our speakers and for your fellow attendees.

Are laptops allowed?
Yes, but we cannot guarantee that the venue will have wireless internet. Please contact a Spark & Hustle team member at (212) 290-2600 for questions on internet availability in a specific location.

Can men attend?
Men are welcome and encouraged to attend Spark & Hustle!

Will the event have wheelchair access?
Yes, all event spaces have wheelchair access. For questions about accommodations for the impaired, contact the Spark & Hustle team at (212) 290-2600.

Can I cancel my ticket if I’ve already paid?
Since space is limited at each of our events, we do not offer refunds if you opt not to attend. You may transfer your fully paid ticket to another person as long as it’s prior to five days before the event start.To make any kind of transfer, you must notify the Spark & Hustle event management team by phone at 212.290.2600 or email at info@sparkandhustle.com. Your request is not confirmed until you receive an acknowledgment of receipt from our staff. By registering for an event, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to these terms.

Can I purchase tickets on site?
No, tickets must be purchased online.