Italian Food

Manganos Ristorante
(360) 456-2212 Another new business I have had the recent pleasure of enjoying is Mangano's. Mangano's is the first Italian Restaurant in this area that reminds me of my family's cuisine when I was growing up. In a word -- it's GREAT!!! I have eaten there a couple of times now and have never been disappointed. This last time, I simply indulged in Spaghetti and Meatballs; so good, they almost made me cry. It was as delicious or better than my Momma's... Please don't tell her I said so. Anyway, everyone should give it a go, you won't regret it.
Mangano's is at 9323 Martin Way in Lacey.

WHITTLE

Two weeks or so ago a new business opened in downtown Olympia. It is aptly called Whittle. Whittle is one of the coolest places I've come across in a long time. You get to go in, pick your wood, pick your design, then proprietor, Kyle Flynn, goes to work to help you create your masterpiece, toy or household item. My first two items will be a clock and a cutting board. My daughter's will probably be a puzzle of her new little sister's name (her father's wife just had a new baby). I am excited and energized by something new and creative in downtown Olympia.
Find Whittle on the Web at www.whittleoly.com or in downtown Olympia at 116 Capitol Way North.

Opportunities

New investment opportunities are beginning to pop up. Slowly but surely, sellers are putting their feelers out for buyers. Landlords are making their properties more appealing to tenants. If you've been waiting to buy or lease new space, it's time to start looking. If the housing market was any indication, this softness will not last for long and will not be the end of the world. So buyers and lessees... rev your engines, it's time to start looking.

Busier

The phones have started ringing again. This is great news. The better news is the calls are coming from tenants with real businesses. Whenever this happens, it is a good sign. It is still taking longer to settle the tenants into spaces, but that's because there are so many spaces available. The days of there's one or two for every tenant are gone. Now there are 10-12 or more. So if you're a landlord, take this to heart and make your space the best one out there. The tenants are coming, be prepared!!!

Valuing your property

I heard a rumor today that appraisals are coming in lower than sale prices. This can be a real problem when trying to sell your building. It is imperative that the sale price you assign to your property reflects a price that banks will loan on the property.

There are a number of different ways to evaluate how much your property is worth. But the safest bet is to not marry yourself to just one methodology and to find an agent who can evaluate the property on a number of playing fields. With this in mind, I have recently enlisted the aid of an experienced appraiser to add value to valuations. For a very reasonable price, she will give you a "mini-appraisal."

Once you have her input, I will help you look at the market in which your building is located and together we can figure out how to price your property to sell, lease or hold.

What can I give my clients?

I am always looking to add value to my services. Right now, I help evaluate worth, help prepare contracts, market properties, find tenants, find buyers, negotiate leases and purchases, help new businesses with marketing plans, advise on locations, and write about businesses. I am looking for ideas of what folks need in this market to make their businesses tick better. Please let me know if you have ideas or suggestions.

Plaxo and Facebook, finally giving in

So we're all in this together. This being the economic crunch; it's a crisis, it's crazy, corrupt, cranky, creative, and crusty... I'm sure there are more adjectives, but you don't want to push a point too far. My business is based largely on referral work, past clients who send me to their colleagues and friends. This is a wonderful way to get business, and it's been very good to me, and I hope it continues forever. However, in this economic time, it is necessary for business (including mine) to reach out and touch new business, new pipelines in order to stay afloat. So I have picked up my pace. I'm attending more events, more Rotary meetings, and I have joined Plaxo and Facebook. Connection, connection, connection. Keeping in front of your potential clients, letting them know you are available to work for them. This is where the creative comes in when describing the times we are in. We need to be creative in our marketing, our connections and our strategies. So get out there. NOW!