NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems’ guide to waterproofing

Understanding the term Waterproofing is essential to choosing the right company to waterproof your basement or crawlspace.

You might understand that waterproof means not affected by water.  I could fill your basement with products that were made of glass, ceramic, and plastic all of which are waterproof but that wouldn’t mean your basement was waterproof.  It would mean that when your basement floods nothing in the basement would be damaged, but that isn’t the same as having a waterproof basement is it?

So if you were going to waterproof a basement how would that be done.  This was the answer I found by Googling it:

wa·ter·proof·ing

 noun \-ˌprü-fiŋ\

Definition of WATERPROOFING

1 a : the act or process of making something waterproof; b : the condition of being made waterproof

2: something (as a coating) capable of imparting waterproofness

That is a pretty common accepted meaning, so if you were going to waterproof a basement you would coat it with a material that would make it waterproof.

If it was raining outside and I had a rain jacket, which we know is waterproof, where would I put it? I could put it on next to my skin then put on a sweatshirt over that and a jacket over that and go out in the rain.  Mind you my coat and my sweatshirt would get soaked but I would remain dry inside my rain coat, right?  We see the obvious problem here. To truly be effective as waterproofing, it needs to be on the outside.

If a company sells you waterproofing the #1 thing to remember is it must be done on the outside. If there is any work to be done on the inside — dehumidifiers, pipes, digging, drilling and piping on the inside, then it is not waterproofing, it is water management or flood control.

Waterproofing involves a barrier that is impervious to water. New gutters, downspouts, grading, and drain pipes are water management. If water is coming into the house through a basement window, then these are effective ways to treat the problem, but if the walls are damp and water is seeping up from around the floor by the walls, it will not solve that problem. For that you need waterproofing.

Besides waterproofing your basement, you want to protect it from damage that comes from other sources that cannot be addressed from inside. If you saw a root growing through the basement wall and into a hole in the floor how would you fix it?  If the outside wall was cracking and beginning to bow inward how would you stop that? These are things that cause basements to leak. I have found roots 2” in diameter growing into concrete block walls.  I have seen walls that crumbled on the outside that had to be rebuilt. Why did it happen? Water and water pressure. I can make the wall waterproof and roots and water pressure can still destroy your basement.

Simple rule of thumb, no water = no water pressure and no roots.  If I stop all the water from going through the walls and roots or water pressure crushes the walls, then what was the point of doing the waterproofing? None. So a system is needed to remove the water away from the house too.  Water management becomes a part of a system of waterproofing or it can still ruin your home.

There are lots of companies that claim they are water proofers, but if they do not meet these things they are not truly water proofers.

#1        Waterproofing is done on the outside and involves a waterproof barrier.

#2        Waterproofing involves a system that identifies and repairs damage occurring to the outside wall and repairs that before waterproofing barrier is applied.

#3        Waterproofing involves a system that eliminates water build up and water pressure against the walls of your basement, which minimizes root growth and prevents further damage to the basement walls.

Any company that comes to your home claiming to be water proofers should be able to show you how their system does all three things.  NVBWS does all 3 and uses their own state-of-the-art proprietary products that not only work, but are energy efficient and not harmful to the environment; even using recycled materials for some of our products helping, to eliminate some of the trash in our landfills.  

Please take the time to research our company and products online at http://www.nvbws.com/ or contact Jon, our waterproofing expert at 540-974-2755.

10 Networking Tips by Carl E. Reid

Whether you are looking for a job or running a business, giving out business cards is crucial to marketing your skills or services. Even as a job seeker, develop the mindset of running the business of YOU, Inc. Business cards speak volumes about who you are, what you offer and how serious you are marketing YOU, Inc. as a business. Oh! So, you have a resume and don’t need business cards. Can you carry 10 resumes in your wallet’ Do you or can you carry your resume everywhere you go’ A church bell ringing lets people know they are open for business. Your business card is your bell. Here are some proven tips using business cards to increase your chances of landing a job or creating a business opportunity.

1. Never leave home without them. Before leaving home, your checklist should be expanded to include business cards, as part of “do I have my wallet/money, house keys, driver’s license’” Any ‘per chance’ meeting is an opportunity to give out a business card. A morning run or a quick trip to the local store could be an opportunity to network. My wife and I always ask each other ‘do you have business cards’, before leaving the house. Make it a habit to carry business cards.
2. Insert a business card when mailing bill payments. Bills contain advertisements. Why can’t you advertise your skills or services the same way’ Insert a business card with your payment. You may not think a person in South Dakota who opens your credit card bill payment can help you. Never underestimate the power of networking. A movie, entitled ’6 Degrees of Separation’ points out we are 6 people away from knowing someone of influence. You could be 6 people away from knowing the President of the United Sates, your favorite movie star or someone who is in a position to hire your skills or services. Each of us knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone etc. Developing this powerful networking attitude will be a fundamental source of continued success.
3. Use proper business card etiquette. Whenever you give a business card, ask for a business card. When given a business card, don’t just take it and place it in your pocket. Make the person feel important by looking at their card for a few seconds. You might see something that could be a topic of discussion. Write comments on the card such as date, location and common points of interest. These comments will prove valuable when following up with that person. This also demonstrates a sincere interest in the other person. Then place it in your wallet. This lets them know they reside in a special place with you. “Skill with People” by Les Giblin is a book that expands on this approach. Make people feel important, in order to make yourself important to them.
4. Be generous. Give business cards out to everyone, including family and friends. Don’t let vanity stop you from giving out your last business card or giving 2 at a time to each person. I have met many people who have totally missed the purpose of a business card. I once asked a person for a second business card, so I could refer his services. His response was “I only have a few cards left and I need them”, as he looked again at his name on the card. Hoarding your business cards only makes your wallet feel full, not your bank account.
5. Ask for referrals. When giving a business card, people feel more comfortable when you ask; ‘I would appreciate a referral, if you know anyone that could use my services’. Don’t make people feel like they are on the spot. This approach disarms people much better than asking them, ‘is your company hiring” People naturally like to do favors for people. Saying ‘could you do me a favor by referring my services to someone’. This always places you in a better position with them. They will feel better about helping you. Give them 2 cards.
6. Maximize every “per chance” meeting. You never know when you might meet someone who can help you. Family or friends social events could produce unexpected encounters with people. Don’t discount those events. So you’re going to a birthday party for your friend’s kid. You never know who you might meet. At a family holiday gathering last year, I met someone that has been instrumental in developing our business this year. Who would have thought this could happen by giving him a simple business card.
7. Place yourself at the right place at the right time. Have you been to a job fair or business conference and been disappointed with the networking results’ Turn the tables around. Consider volunteering to help out at the job fair or other types of events. This puts you in a better strategic position for presenting your resume or business card. Company representatives might view you differently, if they know you are willing to go the extra mile in helping them make their presence easier to manage. Get involved by visiting Eventme.com, TheLunchClub.net, Craigslist.com or view the calendar of events for JacobJavitsCenter.com to place yourself in opportunities for giving out your business card. Volunteering for events has been a very successful resource for my business partner and I to expanding our business. Zig Ziglar, one of the most successful sales trainers in the world says “if you help enough people get what they want in life, you will get what you want in life”.
8. Use “In Your Face” follow up. Did you ever have a job interview or meeting with a recruiter, potential client or employer and wonder why they never called you back’ ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ is the operative phrase to remember. Today’s economic climate dictates you might be competing with 20, 50, 100 or more other people for the same position or contract. It’s quite a task for people to keep track of each individual meeting. So it’s up to you to give a person a reason to call you back. Immediately after a meeting snail mail a hand written note thanking the person for their time. Insert your business card. Now you’re in the driver’s seat in standing out from other people. If you get no response, do it again. Patience and persistence pays off.
9. Use promotions to promote YOU, Inc. Newspapers often have stories of people being promoted to high levels in different organizations’ This is an opportunity for you. Consider getting some invitation size blank greeting cards. Use the Internet’s search capabilities to find out the address of the company’s executive offices. Send the blank invitation type card with a hand written note sincerely congratulating a person on their promotion. Insert your business card. For the cost of a 37-cent stamp, you have just made someone’s day and may create an impression that makes a person feel compelled to respond back to you. Make it a habit to do this once a week. Remember ’6 Degrees of Separation’. You just never know . . . People open invitation type envelops faster than any others.
10. Brand yourself with a slogan. Print a slogan on your business card that answers the question ‘Why should I hire you’ Or “What makes you different from everyone else’” A catchy phrase or slogan insures people ALWAYS associate a company name with their product or services. People remember even after the commercial is over. That’s called branding. Companies pay big bucks to advertising agencies to come up with these lasting slogans. Consider doing the exact same thing on your business card. This is your insurance people remember you, after you meet. Don’t just put Hortence Smiley, Accountant on your business card. Add something like “Financial Services With Integrity”. A slogan makes all the difference between getting hired or not, because people will remember you long after a meeting.
About the Author
Carl E. Reid, Business-to-Business Consultant & Career Coach 
Carl advises small businesses on maximizing the Internet’s potential for creating new profit centers, while developing strategic alliances for win-win business partnerships. As a Career Coach for 15 years, Mr. Reid has helped hundreds of people jump start their careers or start businesses. 
mailto: MyCompass@Success4U2.net
Web: http://careercoachingcompass.7h.com

Buying or Selling a Home in Northern Virginia

If you’re considering buying or selling a home, selecting a real estate agent is the first important decision you will have to make. While there are many qualified real estate agents out there, it’s important to decide on a professional who will understand your needs and individual preferences, someone who you can respect and trust. Nearly four out of five homebuyers and sellers enlist in the help of a real estate professional or broker. Whether you’re looking to buy a new home or sell the one you’re in, choosing a professional who best fits your needs is vital. Here are some questions to consider when choosing an agent:

• How long have they been a real estate professional?
• Do they work full or part time?
• How long have they been working in this particular area?
• What type of homes do they usually handle?
• How much of their business comes from repeat customers or referrals?
• How many homes did they sell last year?
• How often can you expect to be updated, regardless of any progress?

Above all you should choose an agent that you feel comfortable with. Your real estate professional will be your guide through the entire process of buying or selling a home, and can be a valuable resource. Make sure that whomever you select is well suited to your demands.

We would love to hear from you and have the opportunity to discuss why the McArtor Team may be right for you in the Northern Virginia area. You may also find it worthwhile to explore our website, it has plenty of information to cover your real estate needs. The site allows you to perform very detailed searches using search fields typically reserved only for real estate agents, so it’s a great place to start.

Don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us with any of your real estate questions, Natalie or Curt will be delighted to help you make the process of buying or selling a home a really smooth one.

SellingNova.com

The Importance of A Good Website

Your website is the hub of your online business; it is the virtual representation of your company, whether your company exists physically or not. There are several things to keep in mind when developing or redesigning your website:

1. Appearance: First impressions do matter! Do you allow your employees or sales representatives to be dressed in shabby clothes when dealing with customers or clients? Although a lot of businesses have gone with a more casual environment, most still follow dress code guidelines for staff to maintain a professional appearance. Similarly, the same is true with your online presence. If your website is put together shabbily and looks like a quick fix, you are practically shouting to your visitors that you are not professional and do not take pride in quality. On the flip side, if you have a professional looking website layout, you are portraying to your visitors that you give meticulous attention to detail and care about professionalism. You are organized, focused and really mean business!
    
2. Well-Written Content: Most consumers turn to the Internet for all of their resources these days. It is important to provide your visitors with informative, well-written content, free from typos and grammatical errors. You want to keep them interested, but don’t want to provide information overload, so stick with the topic at hand when compiling your facts. Be sure to include several variations of keywords throughout the content on each page of your site to help with search engine optimization (SEO).
    
3. Easy Navigation: If your site has easy to follow navigation, including category pages, product pages and resource links, not only will your visitors be more likely to stay (and most likely return), but search engine spiders are able to index your site quicker and easier – giving you higher search rankings.

For more information on web design/re-design and ways to improve your search engine rankings, please contact Virtually Articulated.

Click here for discounted domain names and web hosting

Landscaping

Your Landscape in Winter……………

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday and is off to a rip-roaring start to 2012.

I know its 22 degrees out right now, but what better time to think about your landscape. Right now is the best time to see it! A lot of plants are “naked” so take advantage of this time and look at the structure of your plantings. Here are a few things you can put on your to do list or hire a professional to do for you to improve your landscape.

Do you have plants that have crossing branches that might be rubbing and causing a wound or jeopardizing the health of the plant? Are there evergreens that are “out of shape” and need to be reduced in size, opened or “pluck pruned” to encourage growth in the middle of the plant so in 4-5 years you aren’t looking at a large shrub with 2” of green on the ends and all brown in the middle?

This is the time to get to bare knuckles, brass tacks, and take the bull by the horn…study the structure of the plant…look for flaws, imperfections and broken branches. This is a very good time to prune most plants. The plants are dormant and there is less mess with the leaves having been shed.

Also, perennials; this is a fantastic time of year to cut back old growth from perennials and discard it. Removing the old mushy growth will also remove and latent disease or even pest issues that are hanging around from 2011…let your perennials begin 2012 on a fresh note as well.

A lot of ornamental shrubs can be cut back now as well. Spirea, Barberry, Potentilla, Hypericum and some hydrangea varieties to name a few can be cleaned and readied for spring while dormant.

Winter is also a great time of year to incorporate organic matter into your landscape beds. A light layer of “leafgro” or compost worked into the soil with a leaf rake adds not only a layer of insulation but a layer of nutrients that will slowly be absorbed during rainfall and snow into the soil benefiting the growth of the plants.
Some Common Misconceptions……

Ornamental Grasses are often cut back at this time, but it is really better to leave them until late February or early March. The long leaves of the grasses provide shelter for the center of the plant from heavy snow loads. Also, a lot of the ornamental grasses provide a food source for birds. The seed heads are a vital and available source when there is significant snow cover, especially for Gold Finches. I encourage you to leave ornamental grasses until end of February.

Pruning Crape Myrtles in our area has always been “controversial” Many folks practice what is commonly referred to as “Crape Murder”, as illustrated in the photo. This is not necessary for your crape myrtles to produce an abundance of blooms in the spring or to maintain an artistic structure. Crape Myrtles should be pruned more sparingly and to the previous years ( properly executed) cuts only.

Even though it is cold, take time to enjoy your winter landscape. There are so many wonderful plants that provide interest this time of year. If you don’t have them in your yard, watch for winter landscape interest as your travel around town…many colors and textures are available for show during the winter season.

This blog entry is a reflection on this week as I sit here on the eve of Thanksgiving 2011.  I thought about this networking group and how it effectively puts into practice what we as new Americans learned how to do a few hundred years ago with the help of native Americans: work together in hard times to survive and prosper.

Now I can assure you that if times were not so tough today we would still be working together to ensure our businesses survive and prosper.  But think how much more important it is today in these economically tough times.  We are small business owners.  The business and economic climate is not as perfect as we might like it to be right now.  For many of us, our businesses are our lives and our survival mechanism.  We keep ourselves financially solvent by knowing what we can do and then doing it well.  We also know that small businesses survive by helping other businesses as well as helping the people who come to us for our products and services.  So ultimately we seek to help as many people as possible to get what they really need: our quality service, our quality products, our knowledge of how to solve big problems (all problems are big problems for the problem owner!), personal encouragement, a larger audience through the economy of networking, and finally, maybe most importantly some recognition and satisfaction of making something happen that would not have happened without our own personal effort.  Never mind the fact that we employ ourselves, our families and some good friends, and we even keep other small businesses solvent by using their products and services.  WE ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF AMERICA.

The bottom line is that at our meetings we hear time and time again what was heard time and time again a few hundred years ago.  We need to help each other to survive and be ultimately successful, and we need to extend our help to as many people as we possibly can by working together.  Finally, we should be thankful for a great network of business owners and friends who are committed to working together in hard times to help each of us survive and prosper.

Disabled veterans real property tax relief in Virginia

Disabled veterans – check this out!

http://sheriabrams.com/blog/veterans-information/disabled-veterans-real-property-tax-relief/

Effective January 1, 2011 a new law was imposed by the Commonwealth of Virginia allowing a 100% real estate tax exemption for qualifying disabled armed forces veterans and their spouses.

Pursuant to Article X, Section 6-A of the Constitution of Virginia, the General Assembly exempted from taxation the real property, including the joint real property of husband and wife, of any Veteran who has been approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability, and who occupies the real property as his/her primary place of residence.

The surviving spouse of a Veteran eligible for the exemption shall also qualify for the exemption, so long as the death of the Veteran occurred on or after January 1, 2011, the surviving spouse does not remarry and the surviving spouse continues to occupy the real property as his/her primary place of residence.