Member News

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.

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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