We all know how hectic the holiday season can feel, but it doesn’t have to be pure chaos!

At Elevate, we help our clients execute strategic end-of-year planning that not only sets them up for an effective start to the new calendar year but also helps them enjoy the holiday season and all it brings with it!

Today, we’re sharing all our best tips for choosing client gifts, planning for the influx of holiday-related events, managing holiday travel plans like a pro, and setting your business up for success in 2025.

End-of-Year Gifts

Giving end-of-year gifts is a great way to show your clients, vendors, and partners that you appreciate them.

It can be hard to choose the right gift or figure out how much to spend, so our experienced Executive Assistants shared their professional advice:

• Always send a personalized gift when possible. People are more likely to use something that fits their needs and feels like it was meant for them! Easy ways to personalize are with monograms, brand colors, and engravings.
• Create tiered options for gifts. You can assign clients to a tier based on the impact they have on your business, the level of communication you maintain with them, how long they've been a client or any other criteria that are important to you. Having different tiers allows you to adjust your budget and give more personalized gifts where appropriate.
• Think outside the box. You don’t have to send holiday-themed gifts. To make things more interesting, choose a gift inspired by the location of your business or personal interest. We worked with a client whose business was headquartered in Japan, so we sent Japanese whiskey and monogrammed decanters, and everyone loved them!
• Think about taxes. You can deduct up to $25 for a gift per person per year. If you have the gift personalized and/or shipped, you can also deduct those costs. For example, if you bought a planner that was $25 and paid $15 to have it monogrammed for your client and $10 to ship it – you can actually deduct $50. ($25 for the gift and $25 for “incidentals.”) We're not CPAs, so always work with your accountant to double-check what's true for your business, state, and gifts.

Include travel in your end-of-year planning

We know almost everyone ends up doing a little extra travel during the holidays, whether you’re visiting out-of-town family or making extra shopping or holiday event stops.

Traffic can be worse, airports can be crowded, and kids can get tired of the car, so here’s how you can take the stress out of your holiday plan:

• Give yourself plenty of time. If you're flying any time between now and the new year, go ahead and assume lines will be longer, and moving through security will take you longer than usual. We suggest adding between 30 and 60 minutes to your normal airport arrival time to make sure you're not doing the Home Alone dash through the terminal to make your flight!
• Plan for travel time on your calendar. Don't just block out the time an event starts or ends – make sure you include enough time to travel to and from your event in your calendar block as well.
• Keep the kids entertained. If you have kids who will be in the car more than usual or for longer than they're used to, make sure they have plenty of activities and games to keep them interested. We love downloading a kid-friendly audiobook or even a kid-focused podcast for them to listen to during the drive.
• Say no when necessary. Set boundaries now to avoid a stressful holiday experience. You don't have to say yes to every invitation you receive. Make time before everything gets hectic to sit down with your partner and/or family to discuss what you want this holiday season to look and feel like.

Do’s and don’ts for end-of-year planning for your business

A new calendar year is often a time for businesses to reflect, reset, and recharge.

Taking some time to plan now before the last weeks of the calendar year will help you enjoy your time off more and avoid unnecessary stress. Things tend to fall through the cracks when we rush, so a planned, measured approach to the end of the year also ensures you don't miss anything important.

These are some things you don’t want to do when planning for the end of the year:

DO NOT:

• Try to do too much at once
• Overhaul your entire business in the last two weeks of the year
• Leave your books untouched to deal with “next year”
• Start the new year without a clear plan and direction

Since you’re not going to do those things, what should you do?

ELEVATE SAYS TO:

• Space out tasks and delegate as many responsibilities as possible
• Focus on a few key systems or processes that need to be improved, added, or changed
• Make sure your books are cleaned up and ready to make this your easiest tax season ever
• Invest in a Strategic Mapping Session with us to put together a direction and strategy for reaching your biggest goals in 2025

Don’t get overwhelmed by holiday events

Find yourself getting overwhelmed by holiday events and parties? You’re not alone.

Between now and the new year, there are likely to be a number of personal and work invitations and expected attendance at different events.

The holiday festivities don’t have to be chaotic and hectic! With a bit of planning and foresight, you can make time to enjoy everything… and maybe even find some time to relax.

• Start by doing a sweep of your work calendar to make sure any personal events are blocked off.
• Make sure to plan for travel time! If your 3rd grader has a dance recital at 5 pm, make sure you block your work calendar before 5 pm to give you enough time to wrap up your day and leave with plenty of time to get there. Remember that holiday traffic can often be worse than usual!
• Ask your team to share their holiday schedules and any PTO requests ahead of time so you can plan to balance the workload and make sure everything important is covered.
• Schedule extra blank space into your calendar around the end of November and throughout December to accommodate holiday gatherings.
• Convert any in-person meetings to phone calls, emails, or asynchronous video catch-ups. Giving people time back in their day is truly a gift at this time of year!

Need support with your end-of-year planning?

At Elevate, we’re always here to step in and help with your operations.

We have a variety of services designed to help you take control of your business, streamline your systems, and run a well-oiled, efficient operation!

Check out our website to find the service that fits your needs.

And if you know you’d like to work with us, go ahead and schedule a call with us to chat about the details today!

The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) has once again recognized the City of Santa Clarita as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 "Most Business-Friendly City" award in the category of large cities (population over 60,000). The winner will be announced TONIGHT (November 6) at the 29th Annual Eddy Awards ceremony, which will take place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This marks another proud moment for Santa Clarita, which continues to be a hub for innovation, growth and economic prosperity.

As one of only five finalists in the large city category for the 27th Annual Eddy Awards, Santa Clarita is being acknowledged for its strategic initiatives, strong partnerships, efficient processes and steadfast commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes. These efforts have contributed to make Santa Clarita a prime destination for businesses seeking growth and opportunity.

The LAEDC Eddy Awards have celebrated individuals, organizations and educational institutions that contribute to inclusive economic development across the region. The awards recognize cities that create environments that foster enterprise growth and job creation, ultimately building wealth and improving the quality of life for communities. Santa Clarita has long been recognized as a leader in economic development and was previously honored with this recognition in 2008, 2016 and 2022.

For more information about the City of Santa Clarita’s business-friendly initiatives, please visit ThinkSantaClarita.com.

Median Modifications to Begin on October 30

Beginning Wednesday, October 30, crews will begin the construction of median modifications, paving, grinding and overlay operations along portions of McBean Parkway at Newhall Ranch Road that will add a left turn lane on northbound McBean Parkway, enhancing traffic circulation.  

The following closures will be in place from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. on weeknights during construction, and from 8:30 p.m. on Friday, November 1 through 4:30 a.m. on Monday, November 4. The closures will then restart during the weeknights until the anticipated end date on November 8.

Closures include:

• One southbound through lane on McBean Parkway at Newhall Ranch Road.
• One left turn lane on northbound McBean Parkway at Newhall Ranch Road.
• One left turn lane on westbound Newhall Ranch Road at McBean Parkway.

Drivers are asked to be aware of scheduled lane closures and plan their routes accordingly. Traffic signs will be posted to inform motorists of upcoming lane closures. Residents are asked to reduce their speed through the construction zones.

The City of Santa Clarita thanks community members in advance for their understanding and support of this project. All measures will be taken to complete the project safely and promptly. For questions or concerns, please contact City of Santa Clarita Engineer Leslie Frazier by email at lfrazier@santaclarita.gov.

Elevate’s Best Practices for Inbox Management

If you’ve ever opened your email inbox and been overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

But a messy inbox may be costing you more than just stress – it can lead to a huge loss of time, resulting in decreased productivity and overall business growth.

We manage our clients’ inboxes like well-oiled machines every day, and today, our Executive Assistants are sharing our best practices for inbox management with you directly!

Inbox management struggles

Most inbox problems occur in one of these common situations or scenarios:

• Too much junk mail or marketing/promotional emails
• Too many emails, in general
• Important emails lost in the chaos
• No communication guidelines
• Lack of labels and/or folders
• Rewriting similar email responses over and over
• Not using filtering correctly (or at all)

Understanding where you’re struggling to maintain your inbox will help you pinpoint your specific problem.

Once you know where you’re getting stuck (it may be in more than one place!), you can implement the best practices we’re sharing to solve your inbox headaches.

Best practices for an organized inbox

Overall, our best tip is to partner with an EA to manage your inbox for you. If you do have someone helping you, it’s crucial that you establish set times for each of you to be actively working in your inbox so you aren’t both in there moving things around at the same time.

The rest of our best practices include:

• Establish what you want your inbox to look like: There’s no “right” way to manage an inbox. It should be based on how you want to manage things.
• Delete any unnecessary emails and unsubscribe from all superfluous emails
• Establish folders based on your needs and preferences: These can include options like waiting, to do, EA, end of day, end of week OR review today, attention later, leisure read
• Filter out Google Calendar notifications, notifications within Google Docs, emails from Zoom, and similar type notifications
• Use a color-coding system to make important emails stand out
• Establish who will respond to certain emails and follow a consistent system
• Create templated responses you can copy and paste for repeated responses
• Create a multi-inbox view with labeled folders on the right and the active inbox on the left

Need help with your inbox management?

Implementing these best practices will help you organize even the messiest inbox!

If you need a professional EA to step in, create a tailored inbox management system, and maintain organization and systems across your entire business, check out our Executive Assistant services! We’d love to partner with you.

Elevate’s Best Practices for Business Systems + Processes

Every business is built on systems and processes. The question is – are they intentional and strategic or chaotic and disorganized?

We consider a system to be the tools you use to do things in your business and a process to be the way your business does things.

And today we’re pulling back the curtain on how you can improve the systems and processes in your own business based on our talented Executive Assistants’ decades of experience.

Where business systems + processes get stuck

If you feel like your business could run more efficiently or effectively, you’re probably experiencing one of these common issues with your systems and/or processes:

• Your scheduling platform and calendar are not syncing well
• Your data intake is all over the place and inconsistent
• There’s no clear ownership of processes
• Undefined client/team member onboarding and offboarding
• Tasks from emails aren’t accurately captured or turned into to-do list items
• Invoicing errors, missed deadlines, or inaccuracies
• Scheduling conflicts and issues

Best practices for streamlined, effective business systems + processes

When you have effective systems and processes in place across the board, everything in your business will run more smoothly.

Your systems and processes are the key to building a strong foundation for long-term success and sustainability. They’re one of the most crucial elements of your entire operations!

Here’s what our experienced EAs suggest you implement:

• Use Zapier to seamlessly integrate your calendar and scheduling app
• Use Google Forms to streamline recurring data intake or automate the entire process through a CRM like Dubsado
• Create a clear organizational chart with roles and responsibilities clearly outlined
• Identify information holders (who aren’t the CEO) to fill in gaps and answer questions when needed
• Use a tool like Visio, Lucid, Clickup, or Miro to create flowcharts for onboarding and offboarding (and other processes, too!)
• Connect a project management tool like Asana to your email to easily pull and create tasks from your inbox
• Set up a process for invoice payments and use software like QuickBooks or Bill.com to automate and keep you accountable

Need help with your systems and processes?

These best practices will help you create intentional, effective systems and processes within your organization.

If you know you need someone to step in and manage the process for you (and maintain the systems and processes that are put in place), we would love to share more about our Executive Assistant services!

At the October 22, 2024 City Council meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution to support the City of Santa Clarita’s (City) efforts to be designated as a Clean California Community. This recent action highlights the City’s continued dedication to environmental responsibility and community pride.

The Clean California Community Designation program, launched in August 2024 by the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), was created to establish, maintain and recognize communities that demonstrate a commitment to sustaining a clean and beautiful environment. Community cleanups, greening and beautification projects, and education and outreach are all integral components of the program.

City Council expressed pride in the steps the City is taking to maintain its high level of commitment to environmental initiatives that serve to benefit the daily lives of all residents. “Our City has always made it a priority to protect our natural environment and plan for a sustainable future,” said City of Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth. “Earning a Clean California Community recognition would demonstrate the high level of commitment Santa Clarita has to keeping our City clean and green, benefitting the lives of current and future residents.”

Obtaining the designation requires the City to commit to implementing or maintaining recycling and cleanup programs, some of which include:

• Local Cleanup Events, such as River Rally, Neighborhood Cleanup Day, Make a Difference Day and others.
• Collection Drives for items that are hard-to-recycle, hazardous or bulky.
• Community and Youth Educational programs such as environmental awareness outreach, social media campaigns, as well as school and Library activities.
• Greening and Beautification Projects, such as planting trees or increasing park space.

Community members are encouraged to participate in City-led activities which further enhance sustainability initiatives. To see a list of upcoming environmental events, please visit GreenSantaClarita.com/Events.

Together, we will continue to enhance the City of Santa Clarita’s reputation as a community that is clean, green and beautiful!

Results Will Guide the Use of Community Development Block Grant Funding

What are the most pressing issues affecting the City of Santa Clarita as it relates to human supportive services, housing and infrastructure? Each year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides the City of Santa Clarita with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to help meet the needs of low- and moderate-income residents in the community.

To help understand the needs of the community and determine the best use of CBDG funds, the City invites residents to participate in the annual Community Needs Assessment survey. This survey allows residents to weigh in on the City’s housing and service priorities and provide feedback on how funding should be distributed across the priority areas identified in the City’s 2024-2028 Consolidated Action Plan. These priority areas include Affordable Housing, Supportive Human Services and Community Facilities and Infrastructure.

The survey is available online at SantaClarita.gov/Housing through December 20, 2024. For more information on the City’s CDBG programs or the Community Needs Assessment survey, please contact Julia Rodriguez, Administrative Analyst, at (661) 286-4174 or via email jrodriguez@santaclarita.gov.

Elevate’s Best Practices for Document Management

Every business has hundreds, if not thousands, of documents floating around at any given time, so it’s crucial that you understand how to manage them well.

Without proper document organization and systems, you’ll waste valuable time searching for what you need internally and what you need to share or send to your clients.

We are experts at creating customized document management solutions for our clients, so we asked our EAs to spill the tea on what they do behind the scenes!

Document management struggles

Using a drive does not count as a document management system.

These are some of the main struggles our clients report when it comes to managing documents within their businesses:

• Lack of file or folder structure
• Too many folders or sub-folders
• Not using naming conventions
• Duplicating documents
• Losing signed or confidential documents

Read through that list and then take a hard look at your document management system to identify gaps in your process or missing systems.

Best practices for managing your documents

Instead of throwing everything into a random drive, forgetting what you called the doc, and then spending 25 minutes trying to track down what you need, our EAs suggest doing the following:

• Audit your Drive to see what exists, what needs to be created, and what can be deleted
• Establish a basic folder structure outline: Operations, HR, Legal, Marketing, Sales, Clients/Customers/Vendors, Accounting.
• Identify the ideal file and folder layout and create an outline to follow
• Create consistent naming conventions to make it easy to find documents in the future
• Create user groups so you don’t have to individually give access to files/folders
• Separate business and personal files
• Only use one Drive whenever possible
• Create one set of template documents to duplicate and work from when needed.

Need help with your document management?

Don’t waste valuable time searching for documents—those minutes add up to lost days or even weeks of work over the course of a year! Use these best practices to organize your documents and make it easy to always access what you need.

If the thought of taming your document disaster is too much to put on your plate right now, you should consider turning it over to the Elevate team. We can either step in and provide ongoing EA support or create a custom partnership for a short-term document organization project. Either way, we have the skills and expertise to get your business streamlined, organized, and optimized!

Are you constantly double—or triple-booked with days that involve so many back-to-back meetings that you don’t have time to breathe?

That’s no way to run a business. And it will negatively impact your productivity and sustainability over time.

At Elevate, we step in and partner with CEOs and business owners to help give them control of their calendars back so they can use their time more efficiently and effectively.

Today, our experienced EAs are sharing their top tips that you can take and use to improve your own calendar management in your business!

Executive calendar management mistakes

We have truly seen it all when it comes to calendar and time management disasters.

Most of our clients tend to struggle with:

• Double booking
• Not enough breathing room or breaks between meetings
• Not paying attention or following what’s on their calendar
• Using more than one email account
• Confusing personal and business calendars and appointments
• Losing control over meetings just put on their calendars
• Not being prepared for meetings
• Not respecting time blocks

Can you relate to any of those struggles? You’re not alone! Keep reading to see what we suggest doing instead.

How to manage your calendar like a pro

A well-managed calendar helps you feel more productive, increases your efficiency, and sets a solid standard for the rest of your team to follow.

When you are in control of your time, you feel more peaceful, less chaotic, and less rushed. Calendar management is truly a game-changer!

Here are the inside secrets our EAs shared about how to manage your calendar:

• Merge all calendars so double-bookings don’t happen
• Share access and visibility to all calendars across your team
• Set meeting buffers and limits within your scheduling apps
• Use color coding to indicate different calendar entries: green for networking, your company’s main color for meetings, blue or pink for personal appointments, etc.
• Separate business and personal calendars and email accounts
• Add focus time/free space into your day
• Set meetings for 25 mins and 50 mins to automatically give yourself a break
• Practice annual and quarterly calendar planning
• Give your EA control of your calendar and allow them to be the gatekeeper of your time (we’ll protect your time better than you will!)
• Create a templated agenda and ensure every meeting has a stated purpose, touchpoints, and loose or structured agenda as needed
• Manually confirm calendar invites when using scheduling links
• Use naming conventions for calendar invites
• Mark personal appointments as private on your work calendar

Need help with your executive calendar management?

Implementing these best practices will help you take back control of your calendar and your time!

But if you know maintaining these best practices is hard – or you know yourself well enough to know things will start to slip at some point – one of the best things you can do for yourself and your business is to bring on an EA.

We are ruthlessly efficient and passionate about helping you manage your time and protect your priorities. Check out our Executive Assistant services to see how one of our talented EAs can level up your business and give you the gift of time!

Even the mightiest ships face storms, and B2B lead nurturing isn’t without its own set of squalls. The ever-shifting terrain of customer needs and expectations can feel like navigating through uncharted waters. One moment, you think you’ve got your bearings, and the next, the wind changes, and you’re off course. It’s a challenge, but with the right strategies, you can stay on track and keep your leads engaged.

Common Challenges and Solutions in Lead Nurturing

One of the biggest hurdles in lead nurturing is ensuring your messages don’t just get lost in the void. You’ve got great content, a solid product, but how do you make sure the right people are hearing you at the right time? It’s like shouting into the wind if your timing is off.

1. Timely Communication: Keeping the Conversation Alive

Timing is everything. Send a message too soon, and your lead might not be ready. Wait too long, and they’ve already moved on. The solution? Automated triggers. These are like your trusty first mates, always on the lookout, ready to send the right message at just the right moment. By setting up automated triggers based on user behavior—like when they visit a certain page or download a resource—you ensure that no lead is left unattended. This keeps the conversation warm and consistent, making it much more likely that your leads will stay engaged.

2. Staying Agile: Adapting to Changing Customer Needs

The market’s always changing. What worked yesterday might not work today. This is where agility comes into play. Regularly updating and refining your strategy with fresh intelligence gathered from customer feedback and market research is essential. Think of it as recalibrating your compass to ensure you’re always heading in the right direction. If you’re not staying ahead of trends and shifting customer desires, you’re falling behind. 

3. Customer-Centric Culture: Aligning with Evolving Expectations

Your leads aren’t just looking for a product; they’re looking for a solution that fits into their world. To keep up with their evolving expectations, your entire approach needs to be customer-centric. This means fostering a culture within your business that’s flexible, responsive, and focused on what your customers need—now and in the future. When your team is aligned with the mindset of your customers, your lead nurturing efforts become much more effective.

Incorporating Marketing Automation in Lead Nurturing

Now, let’s talk about marketing automation. Imagine your lead nurturing efforts as a symphony—each part moving in perfect harmony. Marketing automation is like the conductor, ensuring everything plays out smoothly and on time. It’s not just about making life easier; it’s about amplifying your strategy to reach its full potential.

1. Streamlined Efficiency: Ensuring No Lead Falls Through the Cracks

Marketing automation tools can handle the heavy lifting of repetitive tasks, like sending follow-up emails or scheduling social media posts. This way, you’re not just hoping that no lead slips through the cracks—you’re ensuring it. With automation, you can maintain a consistent presence without manually managing every little detail, freeing you up to focus on the big picture.

2. Personalized Journeys: Tailoring the Experience

One of the biggest benefits of marketing automation is the ability to create personalized journeys for each lead. It’s like having a custom-built map for each prospect, guiding them through the sales funnel based on their preferences, behavior, and needs. No two leads are the same, so why should their journeys be? Automation allows you to tailor your interactions, making each lead feel like you’re speaking directly to them.

3. Human Touch: Enhancing, Not Replacing, Personal Interaction

Even with all this automation, the human touch is still crucial. Technology should enhance your lead nurturing efforts, not replace the personal interactions that build trust and rapport. Use automation to handle the routine, but when it comes to closing deals or addressing specific concerns, nothing beats a real conversation. It’s the balance between automation and personal interaction that makes for a winning strategy.

The Importance of Continuous Lead Nurturing

Lead nurturing doesn’t stop once you’ve made a sale. It’s like tending a garden—you don’t just plant the seeds and walk away. You water them, pull the weeds, and watch as your garden flourishes over time. Continuous lead nurturing is about cultivating those customer relationships long after the first sale is made.

1. Building Customer Loyalty: From Vendor to Trusted Advisor

Regular engagement transforms your brand from just another vendor into a trusted advisor. When you’re consistently providing value and staying in touch, you become the first person they think of when they need a solution. This is how you build loyalty that lasts.

2. Fostering Long-Term Relationships: Maturing Into Partnerships

Like a well-aged wine, relationships take time to mature. The connections you maintain after the purchase can grow into partnerships of increased value. It’s not just about one-off transactions; it’s about building something that lasts and grows.

3. Repeat Business and Referrals: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Satisfied customers don’t just come back—they bring friends. By nurturing these relationships consistently, you tap into the power of referrals. This is growth without the grind of constant hunting for new leads. When you’ve got happy customers singing your praises, the new business tends to find you.

Conclusion

B2B lead nurturing is full of challenges, but with the right strategies, you can navigate these tricky waters. By focusing on timely communication, staying agile, and leveraging marketing automation, you can turn these challenges into opportunities. And remember, the nurturing doesn’t stop with the first sale—it’s a continuous process that builds loyalty, fosters long-term relationships, and drives repeat business. In the end, it’s all about cultivating relationships that grow and flourish over time, setting your business up for sustained success.

Who is 95Visual & Joshua Maddux?

95Visual is a leading web design and digital marketing agency based in Santa Clarita, CA, dedicated to helping businesses grow their online presence with custom solutions. We believe that every business is unique, and so are its challenges. That’s why we focus on creating tailored strategies that drive real results, whether it’s through innovative website design, targeted marketing campaigns, or comprehensive lead nurturing tactics.

Joshua Maddux, the founder and CEO of 95Visual, has spent over a decade guiding businesses through the complexities of the digital world. With a knack for simplifying the most intricate marketing strategies, Joshua is passionate about helping companies not only survive but thrive in today’s competitive landscape. He’s all about building strong relationships—whether it’s between a brand and its customers or within the teams that drive those brands forward. Through 95Visual, Joshua has empowered countless businesses to achieve their goals by combining creativity, technology, and a deep understanding of what makes each client unique.

At 95Visual, we don’t just design websites—we craft digital experiences that engage, convert, and keep customers coming back. And under Joshua’s leadership, we’ve become known for our commitment to delivering value and forging lasting partnerships that extend far beyond a single project. Whether you’re looking to revamp your online presence, develop a robust lead nurturing strategy, or simply need guidance on your next digital marketing move, 95Visual is here to help you navigate your journey to success.

This Halloween please donate to the SCV Food Pantry! Your monetary donation helps us help others. Every dollar goes directly to feeding kids and students in our area! We are feeding over 7000 people per month from the Santa Clarita Valley and we need your help. We just started helping out the students at Calarts! https://app.joindeed.org/deeds/66f5a5da2397cb3618ba633c

SCV Water was recognized by the USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research for being a Charter Member in a ceremony on September 11, 2024, as the Foundation celebrates its 80^th anniversary. SCV Water, through its legacy agencies, has been a member since the Foundation’s Membership Program was established in 1967.

Over the years, the Foundation has partnered with SCV Water to test new backflow equipment and technologies in development within the SCV Water service area. This partnership has resulted in greater knowledge sharing between the Foundation and the Agency and keeps SCV Water on the forefront of innovation in water quality.

The Foundation was established in 1944 following a 1943 incident during World War II when a supply ship was found to have harbor water in its potable water tanks. As a result, a group of individuals approached USC asking for research to be done on cross-connections and contamination to accomplish the goal of protecting potable water supplies.

The Mentorship Program was created in 1967 to raise funds and ensure the continued development of cross-connection control information to best serve those working to protect potable water supplies through backflow prevention and cross-connection control.

Since its inception, the Foundation has developed a set of high standards for backflow prevention assemblies, as well as a number of products and services that are designed to help water utilities like SCV Water, health agencies, plumbing inspectors, private contractors, engineers and the general public in their cross-connection control efforts. The Foundation also provides education and training for cross-connection control and backflow prevention and is regarded as the world’s utmost authority on the subject.

To learn more about SCV Water’s Cross-Connection Control program and measures for backflow testing, please visit yourSCVwater.com/cross-connection-backflow. To learn more about the USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, please visit fccchr.usc.edu.

###

About SCV Water: 

The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency (SCV Water) is a full-service regional water agency located in the Santa Clarita Valley. SCV Water provides water service to approximately 75,000 business and residential customers. It was formed on January 1, 2018, when local water suppliers combined into one integrated, regional water provider. More information can be found at yourSCVwater.com. 

For more information, please contact: 

Kevin Strauss 

Communications Manager 

SCV Water 

kstrauss@scvwa.org  

Every CEO and leader we work with wishes they had more hours in their day. Can you relate?

While we can’t create more time, we are experts at helping you do more in less time, which can feel like the same thing!

Our Elevate EAs understand the nuances and intricacies of time management, and we help our clients improve their processes and streamline their practices to make efficiency an effortless, built-in aspect of their business.

This post will walk you through the entire efficiency process, from misconceptions to how-to strategies and the real (sometimes overlooked) benefits of increasing your efficiency as a business owner or leader.

Time is of the essence, so let’s get right to it!

Misconceptions about efficiency

When we onboard new clients, one of the first things we talk about are goals and expectations. Our clients often tell us they want to improve their efficiency, but they sometimes have a different idea about what that means in practice.

We’re setting the record straight about what efficiency really is… and what it isn’t.

Meetings do not increase efficiency.

This may be hard to hear, but packing your day with back-to-back meetings does not make you more productive. It will exhaust you and keep you from doing the meaningful work you need to do.

Meetings may feel productive… but when are you getting your work done?

The most efficient leaders protect their time and create space each day to focus on meaningful work.

Completing a lengthy to-do list does not increase efficiency.

It may feel great to check off a huge to-do list, but that doesn’t make you effective or efficient – it makes you busy.

Focusing on the number of tasks instead of the quality or purpose of the task will increase your busyness, but it won’t help your efficiency.

Efficiency comes from making consistent, meaningful progress.

At Elevate, we measure efficiency by how quickly you can accomplish meaningful goals, not by how many tasks you check off or how many meetings you can cram into a day.

Our clients are often the most efficient when they have blank space in their calendars and only schedule a few key priorities to complete each day.

It may seem counterintuitive, but that’s because most leaders confuse being busy or stretched thin with being efficient.

Want to increase efficiency? Watch out for these roadblocks.

Here’s what is getting in your way of using your time well:

• Legitimately not having enough time: Sometimes, there really aren’t enough hours in the day to finish what you want to get done. Being more reasonable about what you can actually accomplish will help with this.
• Small distractions: You're making progress until *ding* an email shows up, and you leave your task to go and deal with the in-the-moment need. Turning on Do Not Disturb and putting your phone out of reach will help you overcome this challenge.
• Disorganization: Nothing sucks up more of your time than trying to manage an overflowing inbox or figure out where random meeting notes are from two weeks ago. Check out our post, which is all about how to organize your electronic files to solve this issue once and for all. 
• Not knowing when to ask for help: Sometimes, no matter how great your intentions are, you just don't have the time for something. Not knowing when to delegate or request support will derail your efficiency every time. Be willing to request support when you need it. Understanding the 4 levels of delegation makes it easier to delegate like a pro!
• Holding onto too much: There are often responsibilities that you must ultimately be responsible for, but you can often pull in an EA to help with specific parts of it (like creating a form or communication with stakeholders) without completely delegating it. Learn more about how SOPs can make it easier to know what you're responsible for and what others can own or take off your plate. 
• Too many meetings: Back-to-back meetings will hold you back from actually getting work done. To overcome this roadblock, time block your calendar and honor those boundaries. Give yourself meeting-free days and protect your work time. 

Expert tips to increase efficiency

If you’re not currently working with an Elevate EA, we’re sharing some of our favorite insider tips you can take and implement today to start getting more done in less time!

Block out time on your calendar (and respect it!) 

You put time blocks on your calendar for a reason. 

Make sure to communicate with your team about when you're blocking off time, and make sure everyone respects those boundaries. If someone requests to meet during a block or throws a meeting on your calendar, ask if the need can be accommodated with an email, Teams message, or voice memo instead of a face-to-face meeting. (Spoiler alert: almost anything can be solved over email!)

Make time to plan your next day or week.

At the end of the day (or week, if you prefer), sit down and look at what you accomplished and what still needs to be done. Evaluate what can be delegated, postponed, or removed from your tasks. 

Make a list of your #1, #2, and #3 must-do tasks for the next day or week. Draw a line under those tasks and add any "would be nice" to accomplish tasks underneath. Anything that doesn't get done can be moved to tomorrow's or next week's list. 

Use a tasks management platform.  

Stop trying to keep everything in your head. A task management platform is efficiency's best friend!

Not only do you get reminders of what you need to do, but you can add others to the platform to hold you accountable and make sure they're getting their supporting tasks done. 

If you have a project manager or EA, they can be in charge of managing and updating the platform so you can easily see your top priorities from a daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly perspective. 

What can you do with more time?

When you increase your efficiency, you'll have more time available to you in your day. 

But what do you do with that time? 

If you're thinking, "Great! Now I just have to work more"... that is not the goal. Instead, we encourage our clients to use their time to create space for their priorities - at work, at home, and in their personal lives. 

As a CEO, business owner, or department lead, you often take work home with you. But no one wants to be on their computer at the soccer field or at the dinner table. 

Increased efficiency allows you to open up your calendar - not for more work - but for life events that happen. This helps you have more work-life harmony, with all of the pieces staying in place and allowing you time to focus on work when you're 'on the clock' and allowing you to focus on the rest of your life when you're not working. 

When your team sees you, the CEO or leader, prioritizing your efficiency, creating achievable (prioritized!) to-do lists, reducing the number of meetings you take, and honoring the time blocks you set on your calendar - they are going to follow suit. 

Your commitment to increased efficiency gives them permission and an example of how to increase their own efficiency. 

You'll also respect their boundaries more when you're respecting your own! 

Increased efficiency starts at the top and trickles down, with everyone following the same process on a day-to-day basis. 

And when your entire team has more time and space, it opens up your availability to do creative work. Creativity leads to innovation, solutions, improvements, and new ideas! 

The more efficient you are, the more calm, productive, and creative you and your team can be. 

What’s next?

Efficiency won’t increase itself! Take what you've learned here and apply it to your business. 

How have you misunderstood efficiency or tried to increase efficiency in unhelpful ways? 

What roadblocks can you identify that are getting in the way of your efficiency? 

Which efficiency strategies can you start using today? 

Reflect on where you are right now as a CEO or business owner, and use what we've shared here to put a plan in place for reaching your efficiency goals. 

And if you're ready to bring an efficiency expert who can guide you through the process and take some of the work off your plate, we would love to talk to you about what partnering with an Elevate EA can do for your business. 

The Remo Music Center is dedicated to providing an atmosphere where people from all walks of life, of all ages, with or without a musical background, can experience making music with others in a welcoming, friendly, non-challenging environment and experience the benefits and joys of making music.  Community Drum Circles, Kids Drum Circles, Special Events, and more… Visit. www.linkin.bio/remormc for schedule and information. 

When you’re diving into the world of B2B lead nurturing, think of your strategies like a well-stocked toolbox. You wouldn’t try to build a house with just a hammer, right? You need the right tools for each job. In the same way, mastering lead nurturing means knowing which tools—email marketing, social media, and webinars—will help you get the job done.

Email Marketing: Your Workhorse for Personal Connection

Email Marketing is the bread and butter of B2B lead nurturing. It’s like having a direct line into your prospect’s world. But here’s the thing—sending a generic email is like throwing a dart blindfolded. It might hit the mark, but chances are, it’ll miss. That’s why personalization is key. 

When you’re crafting an email, you’re not just blasting out a message to the masses. You’re starting a conversation. Address them by name, acknowledge their specific pain points, and offer solutions tailored just for them. Imagine you’re sitting across the table from a lead, having a coffee and discussing how you can help. That’s the vibe you want your emails to give off. The more personal and relevant your message, the more likely your lead is to engage with it.

And don’t forget segmentation. This is where you take that big list of contacts and break it down into smaller, more focused groups. Maybe some leads are interested in one aspect of your service, while others need something completely different. By tailoring your content to each segment, you ensure that every email feels like it was written just for them. It’s the difference between shouting into a crowded room and having a meaningful one-on-one chat.

Social Media: Where Conversations and Connections Happen

Now, let’s talk about social media. It’s easy to see it as just a place for funny cat videos and endless scrolling, but for B2B, it’s a goldmine. This is where professionals are hanging out, sharing ideas, and building networks. Your job is to join those conversations and position yourself as a go-to resource in your industry.

Consistency is your best friend here. You can’t just post once and disappear for a month. It’s like trying to build a friendship—you have to show up regularly and be part of the conversation. Share content that adds value, comment on relevant discussions, and don’t be afraid to let your brand’s personality shine through. The more you engage, the more you build trust, and trust is the bedrock of any good business relationship.

But remember, it’s not about talking at people; it’s about talking with them. Listen to what your audience is saying. Are they struggling with a particular challenge? Share a case study that addresses it. Did a big industry change just happen? Offer your take on it. When you consistently provide value, you’re not just another company trying to sell something—you’re a trusted advisor they’ll turn to when they’re ready to make a move.

Webinars: The Double-Edged Sword of Education and Engagement

Webinars are like the Swiss Army knife of lead nurturing—they educate, engage, and build relationships all at once. Think of them as virtual seminars where you can dive deep into topics that matter to your audience. You’re not just scratching the surface; you’re offering real insights that help your prospects tackle their challenges.

But here’s the magic of webinars—they’re not just about you talking at your audience. They’re about creating a dialogue. You can answer questions in real-time, address concerns, and even steer the conversation based on the feedback you’re getting. This level of interaction builds a sense of community and trust that’s hard to achieve through other channels. 

Plus, webinars position you as an expert in your field. When prospects see you sharing knowledge and offering solutions, they start to view you as the go-to authority in your industry. And when they’re ready to buy, who do you think they’ll call? The company that’s been helping them all along, of course.

Tracking and Analyzing Data: The Detective Work of Lead Nurturing

Let’s shift gears and talk about data. If email marketing, social media, and webinars are the tools in your toolbox, data is the blueprint that shows you how to use them effectively. Think of yourself as a detective—each lead is a clue that helps you solve the mystery of the perfect sale.

Tracking metrics like conversion rates, email open rates, and customer engagement isn’t just about crunching numbers. It’s about understanding what’s working and what’s not. It’s about seeing the patterns that tell you when a lead is warming up and when they’re losing interest.

For example, if you notice that certain emails consistently have higher open rates, dig into what’s making those subject lines so irresistible. Or if a particular webinar had higher engagement than others, analyze what made it stand out. Was it the topic? The time of day? The way you interacted with attendees? These insights allow you to tweak your approach, ensuring that each campaign is more effective than the last.

This data-driven approach is like painting by numbers, but instead of just filling in the blanks, you’re creating a masterpiece that’s tailored to your audience’s needs. When you combine the right channels with smart data analysis, you’re not just nurturing leads—you’re guiding them down a path that leads straight to your door.

Conclusion

Mastering B2B lead nurturing is about more than just using the right tools. It’s about knowing how and when to use them. Whether it’s the personalized touch of an email, the conversational tone of social media, or the interactive power of webinars, each channel has its place in your strategy. By staying consistent, providing value, and continuously refining your approach with data, you can build strong, lasting relationships that turn leads into loyal customers. And that, my friend, is how you set your business up for long-term success.

Who is 95Visual & Joshua Maddux?

95Visual is a leading web design and digital marketing agency based in Santa Clarita, CA, dedicated to helping businesses grow their online presence with custom solutions. We believe that every business is unique, and so are its challenges. That’s why we focus on creating tailored strategies that drive real results, whether it’s through innovative website design, targeted marketing campaigns, or comprehensive lead nurturing tactics.

Joshua Maddux, the founder and CEO of 95Visual, has spent over a decade guiding businesses through the complexities of the digital world. With a knack for simplifying the most intricate marketing strategies, Joshua is passionate about helping companies not only survive but thrive in today’s competitive landscape. He’s all about building strong relationships—whether it’s between a brand and its customers or within the teams that drive those brands forward. Through 95Visual, Joshua has empowered countless businesses to achieve their goals by combining creativity, technology, and a deep understanding of what makes each client unique.

At 95Visual, we don’t just design websites—we craft digital experiences that engage, convert, and keep customers coming back. And under Joshua’s leadership, we’ve become known for our commitment to delivering value and forging lasting partnerships that extend far beyond a single project. Whether you’re looking to revamp your online presence, develop a robust lead nurturing strategy, or simply need guidance on your next digital marketing move, 95Visual is here to help you navigate your journey to success.

As a business owner, you know how important it is to have a strong online presence. That means more than just having a website—it means consistently creating and sharing content that represents your brand, engages your audience, and drives revenue. But for many businesses, creating that kind of content is easier said than done.

Do any of these challenges sound familiar?

• You know your business needs fresh content, but you’re unsure what to create or how often to post.
• You struggle to find time for content creation between running day-to-day operations.
• You’ve tried photography or video in the past but weren't happy with the final results represented your brand.
• You’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content needed to keep your website and social media up-to-date.

If you’re nodding your head, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to do it all yourself. SchlickArt’s Visual Marketing Content Subscription was designed specifically for business professionals like you. We take the guesswork out of content creation, offering a consistent, done-for-you solution that helps your brand shine online.

What Is SchlickArt’s Visual Marketing Content Subscription?

Our subscription service is a game-changer for businesses. We provide a steady flow of professional photography and video content designed to keep your marketing fresh, engaging, and on-brand—without adding a ton of additional time to your schedule.

How We Simplify Your Content Creation

1. Quarterly Strategy Meetings: Every quarter, we sit down with you to plan your upcoming content based on your business goals. We help you figure out what content to create and how to align it with your marketing and revenue goals.

2. Photo and Video Sessions: Based on the strategy meeting, we schedule and create content with you. From headshots to promotional videos, we produce everything you need for your website, social media, email newsletters, and more.

3. Monthly Content Delivery: Instead of scrambling to create content, you’ll receive a steady stream of professional visuals each month. This includes high-quality photos and videos that are ready to use in any of the marketing strategies we have outlined in your strategy meeting.

4. Video Transcripts: To make the most of your video content, we also provide transcripts, allowing you to easily repurpose it into written content like blogs or social media posts for you to futher captialize on the time you spend with us.

Why Consistency Is Key

Consistent content is more than just a buzzword—it’s a critical factor in building trust with your audience, boosting brand recognition, and driving growth. But consistency can be hard to achieve without a plan in place. That’s why our subscription service focuses on delivering regular, high-quality content that keeps your business top of mind for your customers.

Imagine the impact of always having fresh, professional visuals ready to share. No more scrambling to create content at the last minute or worrying that your online presence looks outdated. With SchlickArt’s Visual Marketing Content Subscription, you can maintain a polished, professional brand image year-round—without the stress.

Take Control of Your Content

Your business deserves to stand out, and your content should work as hard as you do. If you’re ready to take the guesswork and stress out of visual content creation, we’re here to help. Visit our website to learn more about SchlickArt’s Visual Marketing Content Subscription and see how we can help your business thrive online.

www.SchlickArt.com

Welcome to the world of B2B lead nurturing where every connection counts. Think of it like planting a garden. You wouldn’t just toss seeds onto the ground and hope for the best. Instead, you water them, give them sunlight, and make sure the weeds don’t choke them out. That’s exactly what you’re doing when you nurture leads. They need consistent care and attention to grow into strong customer relationships. If you’re just throwing out sales pitches and expecting deals to close themselves, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.

Understanding B2B Lead Nurturing

Picture this: You’ve got a prospect who’s interested, but they’re not ready to buy yet. Maybe they’re like a kid in a candy store—looking around, overwhelmed by all the choices, and not quite sure what they want. This is where lead nurturing comes into play. It’s about guiding them, helping them figure out what’s right for them, and making sure they think of you when they’re finally ready to make a purchase.

In today’s market, buyers have more options than ever before. They’re bombarded with information, making it easy for them to lose sight of your business if you’re not actively engaging with them. Effective lead nurturing keeps you in the forefront of their minds, ensuring that when they’re ready to make a decision, they turn to you instead of your competitors.

But lead nurturing isn’t just about staying visible—it’s about building trust. Buyers are more likely to do business with companies they trust, and trust is earned over time through consistent, valuable interactions. By providing relevant information, answering their questions, and addressing their concerns, you position yourself as a trusted advisor, not just another salesperson. This relationship-building approach can significantly increase your chances of turning leads into loyal customers.

Key Elements of a Successful Lead Nurturing Campaign

1. Personalization: Imagine trying to win someone over by calling them “Hey you.” Not exactly charming, right? Personalization is the antidote. By addressing leads by name and speaking to their specific needs, you show them they’re not just another number in your CRM. Personalization can be as simple as tailoring your emails to address the recipient’s specific pain points or as advanced as creating dynamic content that changes based on their behavior. When a lead feels understood and valued, they’re more likely to engage with your brand and move further down the sales funnel.
    
2. Timely Follow-Ups: Timing is everything. Follow up too soon, and you’re annoying. Wait too long, and they’ve moved on. It’s like trying to catch a bus—you’ve got to be there at the right time, or it’s gone. The same goes for lead nurturing. Regular check-ins keep your leads engaged without overwhelming them. Use automation tools to schedule follow-ups at optimal times based on the lead’s behavior and engagement level. Whether it’s a quick “just checking in” email or a detailed follow-up after a webinar they attended, timely communication shows that you’re attentive to their needs and ready to assist when they’re ready to take the next step.
    
3. Providing Value: No one likes a one-way street. If all you’re doing is asking for a sale without offering anything in return, you’re not nurturing; you’re pestering. Offering value at every turn—whether it’s insights, tips, or resources that make their life easier—is crucial. For example, if you know a lead is struggling with a specific challenge, send them a case study that shows how your solution has helped others in similar situations. Or offer a free consultation to help them identify areas for improvement in their current process. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also positions you as a partner in their success. This is how you become more than just another vendor; you become a trusted advisor.
   
   Value-driven content is key here. It’s not just about pushing your product; it’s about educating your leads and helping them solve problems, even before they buy from you. This can include blog posts, whitepapers, webinars, or personalized recommendations. The goal is to provide actionable insights that help them in their decision-making process, making you an indispensable resource in their journey.

Why Lead Nurturing is a Game-Changer

Lead nurturing isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer. Businesses that excel at lead nurturing generate 50% more sales-ready leads at a 33% lower cost. These nurtured leads also make 47% larger purchases than non-nurtured leads. That’s the difference between having a pipeline full of warm leads and one that’s cold and stagnant.

But beyond the numbers, lead nurturing builds relationships that last. It’s the difference between a one-time sale and a long-term customer. In the B2B space, where the sales cycle can be lengthy and complex, having a robust lead nurturing strategy ensures that you’re consistently moving prospects through the funnel and closing more deals.
 

Conclusion

At its core, B2B lead nurturing is about being there for your prospects—guiding them, educating them, and helping them make the best decisions for their business. It’s not just about closing a sale; it’s about creating relationships that last. By focusing on personalization, timely follow-ups, and providing value, you’re not just nurturing leads—you’re building a foundation for sustained business success. In a market where competition is fierce and buyer attention is fleeting, mastering the art of lead nurturing can set your business apart and drive significant growth.

Who is 95Visual & Joshua Maddux?

95Visual is a leading web design and digital marketing agency based in Santa Clarita, CA, dedicated to helping businesses grow their online presence with custom solutions. We believe that every business is unique, and so are its challenges. That’s why we focus on creating tailored strategies that drive real results, whether it’s through innovative website design, targeted marketing campaigns, or comprehensive lead nurturing tactics.

Joshua Maddux, the founder and CEO of 95Visual, has spent over a decade guiding businesses through the complexities of the digital world. With a knack for simplifying the most intricate marketing strategies, Joshua is passionate about helping companies not only survive but thrive in today’s competitive landscape. He’s all about building strong relationships—whether it’s between a brand and its customers or within the teams that drive those brands forward. Through 95Visual, Joshua has empowered countless businesses to achieve their goals by combining creativity, technology, and a deep understanding of what makes each client unique.

At 95Visual, we don’t just design websites—we craft digital experiences that engage, convert, and keep customers coming back. And under Joshua’s leadership, we’ve become known for our commitment to delivering value and forging lasting partnerships that extend far beyond a single project. Whether you’re looking to revamp your online presence, develop a robust lead nurturing strategy, or simply need guidance on your next digital marketing move, 95Visual is here to help you navigate your journey to success.