Alina Frank uses “emotional acupuncture” to solve problems. All kinds of problems.

“I have a client in France, an artist, who doesn’t feel she can charge what’s she’s worth,” Frank said. “Over several long-distance phone calls, we discovered she had some deep-rooted issues with her father’s criticism of her art.”

The realization that she’s now free of the emotional baggage caused by years of being psychologically put down by her dad has freed the woman to view herself, and her work, in a new light.

“Now, she’s marketing her paintings for what they’re worth and they are selling,” Frank said.

Frank, Carolyn Tamler and Dr. Craig Weinston have pooled their talents to create a workshop designed to get business people on the South End to look at themselves, too, in a new light.

They are holding a workshop on Saturday, Feb. 28 for those who want to improve their businesses, change them or expand, but are unsure how to proceed.

Tamler is a professional marketing researcher in Langley, Frank a practitioner in emotional freedom techniques in Langley and Weinston runs the Chiropractic Zone in Freeland.

“The idea is to identify what you want to accomplish, define what you have going for you now, what you need to add or change and how to market the idea,” Tamler said.

For Weinston, it’s all about networking.

“Everybody sees me as a master networker in the community, mostly related to healthcare matters,” he said. “What I’m good at, what I’ve been doing, is connecting people and that’s what marketing is all about. In a small community, how can you market yourself in a creative and authentic manner?”

The three believe that in the current stale business climate, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the steady stream of bad news and uncertain-future financial forecasts.

“The economic meltdown has infected every corner of this nation and South Whidbey is no exception,” Tamler noted.

She said the workshop will focus on both broad strategies and specific tactics to get a business on a sure footing, utilizing innovative ways to re-think how business is done.

“First, they need a clear image of what they want to do,” Tamler said.

Do they have a business and want to grow it? Do they want to start a new business? Within their existing operation, do they have a project in mind but are unsure how to go about making it a reality?

Tamler noted that they structured the session as a workshop to foster a collaborative element of people working together to find solutions and broaden opportunities.

For Weinston, the day will allow folks to address the challenges of the business world head on. “Expanding in different ways and directions is important, but knowing how to get the word out is vital as well for any successful venture,” he said.

Frank sees the workshop as an opportunity for people to question where they are, personally and professionally.

“In my practice, those who do well demonstrate a passion for life and are unafraid of change in their lives or businesses,” she said. “The workshop may encourage some people to consider the benefits of change.”

All three are convinced they can help people currently in business, just starting out, or thinking about the possibilities.

“The three of us hope that those who come will find themselves empowered to do good things, to thrive,” Tamler added.

The workshop will run from 9 a.m to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Langley home of Maggie Korvin, owner of Ovations Catering. The $149 fee includes lunch, handouts and worksheets.

For details, call Tamler at 222-6820 or e-mail carolyntamler@whidbey.net.

Jeff VanDerford can be reached at 221-5300 or jvanderford@southwhidbeyrecord.com.