Ah, Spring…the flowers are blooming, the children are laughing, the sweet breeze is blowing and you’re, well…. You’re stuck in a pile of clutter, old mail, and 20 sticky notes playfully decorating your monitor, screaming at you with chicken scratch you can’t even read.
Oh, but where was I? Yes, Spring Cleaning time people!
There are a lot of exciting things in this newsletter from amazing new resources for entrepreneurs powered by our amazing new partner MOLI.com as well as loads of tips on organization and much more.
I just finished my own office reorganization with the help of good friends. We moved things around, got rid of things I was holding onto that I really didn’t need, and even repainted and redecorated. I’m pretty happy about the new executive look and it’s easier to work in my office now, because I have more clarity.
So, word to the wise…if you can’t seem to decipher what’s junk and what should stay, GET HELP. Hire a professional or if you’re lucky like me, save money and have some friends with OCD come help you out. No offense Nikki and Johane, you know I love y’all. And I thought I was a neat freak! LOL!
Happy Spring Cleaning!
Simone Kelly-Brown
Speaking of professionals…here are some tips from two Give ‘N Take members whose jobs are to help US CLEAN up our acts in various ways.
1) If you do nothing else, do at least the following: Separate your incoming mail (i.e. all the mail you have received but not yet opened; the memos that have been set on your chair while you were out; etc.) from your active papers (all those things you are working on now, or will be working on shortly) from your reference papers (all those papers you keep because you have to, or because you might need them later.) If you physically separate the three, and place them in containers so that they don’t mix with each other, you’ll already be in good shape. In a second step, you can start to create categories for your active papers.
2) Use containers that work for you: if “out of sight, out of mind” describes you to a T, don’t use filing cabinets, except for your reference papers. Use containers that you can see and label any way you want, such as magazine holders, binders, vertical organizing pockets (so that you can easily see the folder labels, etc.) Trying to create a perfectly clean desk and tuck everything out of sight will only create chaos for you.
3) Purge on a regular basis: you know you need to clear up some space when there is less than 2” of free space left in your drawers, or your piles are starting to overflow from your containers. Many of the things we file thinking we’ll need them later lose their relevance over time, and can be safely tossed, and no matter how organized you are, if you never purge, the clutter will come back, because you will run out of storage space, or storage will take over your space.
Don’t manage your time, master it with Daily Mastery
Karin Vibe-Rheymer-Stewart, PhD
Daily Master
Phone: 201-484-0263
Email: info@DailyMastery.com
Web: http://www.DailyMastery.com
Karin Vibe-Rheymer-Stewart, Ph.D., Founder and President of Daily Mastery and SuperWoman Relief, the premier time management and organization authority, is a personal and small business productivity expert specializing in helping people be peacefully productive.
Spring is usually one of the favorite seasons and it is also a time of new beginnings. No matter what your schedule, there is always time to create the clean home that you desire. Begin today to achieve a cleaner, more comfortable home. You will find that a clean environment sets the tone for your mood…and it also allows you to FOCUS on important tasks. It’s time to open your windows and let the sun shine in. You will find that Spring Cleaning is not such a dreaded chore if you follow a few easy tips:
* Making separate piles is the best way to get started. Get boxes and mark them with items to keep, donate, and store. When you are done sorting be sure to move the boxes to the appropriate location.
* Don’t be in a rush to finish, because you may become overwhelmed and halt your good intentions. Spread out the work. You can divide your house into zones and dedicate one week to each zone.
* Stay on task by turning off the phone ringer, refusing to check emails and letting your cell phone take a rest. Distractions are inevitable, but if you take these measures to prevent them you can stay focused.
* You MUST be ruthless and throw out everything, which is nothing more than clutter. This may be broken, chipped mugs, old magazines, worn t-shirts, old files and anything else you may be hoarding, but never use and will likely never use.
* Complete chores that will make your home safe and healthier for you and your family. Consider replacing any chemical-filled household cleaners with natural, multipurpose cleaners. Also, keep exits and hallways clear of objects.
Sincerely Chores
Non-toxic cleaning for you & yours
www.sincerelychores.com
877-654-0959
Clear Your Clutter
View this quick video from Coach Mo (Monikah Ogando) as she gives you something to think about…
Are you self-proclaimed geek or a technophobe? This month’s blog post is going to offer some key tips on technology and your business, no matter where you fall on the list. I wanted to touch on how many of us take advantage of the latest technology out there to advance our careers or businesses and also talk about how many of us HATE or are TERRIFIED of new gadgets, new programs, and even social networking.
I used to think it was related to age, but I find there are many folks that are under 30 who still haven’t seen a myspace.com page or still scared of purchasing anything online.Then you have 80 yr. olds running things on Match.com! You never know these days.This issue is going to dive into technology and how to make the most of it to improve your visibility and increase your productivity. We have loads of experts featured in this one offering some very cool time saving sites and tools, so take notes!
Lastly, in honor of Women’s Month I’m highlighting one of my favorite women-owned businesses and technology guru, Lena West of Xynomedia. Check out her interview below!
Social Networking, Not Just for Kids Anymore!
By Simone Kelly-Brown
“It’s the latest fad.”
“I’ve earned thousands in sponsorship dollars.”
“It’s where whackos, child predators, and stalkers hang out.”
“I reunited with many high school and grammar school friends.”
“It’s apart of my marketing strategy.”
“I’ve sold my books there.”
“I’ve received very nice testimonials and met some amazing people I would have NEVER met at a party.”
“Only teenagers have spare time to do that nonsense.”
“I’ve showcased my events on video.”
“I’ve gained new contacts and listeners for my radio show.”
If you haven’t figured out the irony in all of those comments, one person said them all: ME!
I’ve had so many experiences with the internet and social networking over the years. The funny part is that my background started in entertainment marketing and running online communities for companies such as BMG/Sony and HBO. So, I’m not the typical person who had a fear of technology or talking to ‘strangers’ online. During those years, I had a blast meeting new people online from all over the world, but yes, I have seen my share of lets just say “unique characters” that grace the many profile pages of social networks. Thankfully, technology has stepped it up a bit since the early 90′s and the advanced privacy blocks, pre-approval features, and abuse buttons are much easier to find to create a force field from those individuals ~shivers from flash backs~.
Well, I digress; I’ve been very happy to see that the circles I’m hanging out in online are like-minded people who are about business. Don’t worry, if you’re new to online networking, please just give it a shot. You have the choice of how much information you want to share. Hopefully, you’ll receive some tips from this newsletter to give you a jump start on what’s out there and how to take advantage of them. Of course, if you’re a woman in business, tapping into the Give ‘n Take Network is the best place to start since we’re all members with like-minds. If you see me out there in cyberspace, feel free to add me as a friend 
I’m on Facebook, Myspace, and Linkedin.
Love or Hate Technology?
Here’s what some members of The Give ‘n Take Network said…
“I love technology it makes things so much easier. I do every thing online.
- I buy books (amazon.com)
- Pay my bills, I rarely write checks
- Schedule oil changes and repairs for my car
- Look at the weekly supermarket circular and make my list before I
get to the store (Pathmark.com or Stopandshop.com)
- I do a lot of searches on products and learn all I can then go to
the store to physically view it. If I like what I see then I order
it online because, they can usually beat store prices. (I also look
for free shipping deals)
- I order movie tickets online so, I don’t have to wait on line and
have the movie sell out before I get to the counter (Fandango.com
or moviefone.com)
- I’ve started using text messages a lot more also.
So, technology has helped me over all. The one thing that I refuse to do is pay for the internet on my Treo. If I were to do that I would never get off.
What are your favorite social networks and how have they helped you
personally or professionally? I like myspace.com, it can be very time consuming in the beginning because you have so many creative things you can do. I recentlyjoined meetup.com there’s so many ways to meet people in your areas of interest. Anything from movie night to finance groups. Oh and of course The Give ‘n Take Network is a valuable social/business network also.
Favorite time saving web tool? mapquest.com, hopstop.com, m-w.com(dictionary)
You must never leave home without it gadget? My Treo (has my whole world in it!)”
Cathy Philbert
PROFILE: Lena West of Xynomedia.com
1. Tell me a little about yourself?
I am a serial entrepreneur, a journalist, an author, a technologist and a strategist.
2. How did you discover your passion?
I discovered that I had a knack for technology while working at a law firm.
I was the only one who could remember the DOS prompts and code strings. It was just second nature to me. After months of finding lost files for people and setting up directory file structures for people, it dawned on me that I might be able to make money with this skill.
3. What are some of the newest technologies that are helping advance the small business owner?
Of course, I would have to say social computing – blogs, online communities, social networking, etc. Business owners are starting to understand that no one cares what Company A has to say about their own products and services. What people do care about is what others have to say about Company A. That’s the basic premise of social computing…like-minded groups of people shar ing information that is relevant to them about brands they care about.
4. There are many folks out there who are still terrified of technology. They do things that might take them triple the time, because they aren’t willing to learn. What advice can you offer to these technophobes?
If they’re in business, I would say that they’re probably not very successful at it. Right now, all they’ve got is an expensive hobby. Successful business people don’t allow fear of the unknown to stop them – at least not for long. So, if they’ve been stuck for awhile, I’d tell them to get over it – that’s why there are qualified technology consultants.
5. Can you share the benefits of social networking? Can you recommend a few good sites?
Social networking allows businesses the opportunity to increase mind share about their products and services. And, who doesn’t want to do that? It’s a way for companies to be part of the collective conversation about their brand – without trying to control that conversation.
I rarely recommend social sites for businesses without knowing what their needs are. There are social networking sites for everything from real estate investing to eco-friendly business practices. The best thing they can do is go to an online community network – like Ning or Gather – and do a search to see if there’s a community dedicated to that topic – usually there is a thriving community just waiting to be discovered.
6. To work at a fast pace and juggle so many things, an entrepreneur really needs to have things in order. Do you have any time saving tools that we can use online?
I’m a big fan of structure. I’m highly structured…sometimes I’m better than others, but for the most part, I use time chunking and my schedule to make sure things get done and don’t fall through the cracks. I’m a big fan of David Allen’s Getting Things Done and I try to clear my email inbox daily and not let things pile up. Again, I’m not always excellent at that, so some weekends, I schedule work days with my friends and we just get things done together.
I am also very stingy with my time. There are some people who can call me and I’ll return their call right away any time, night or day because I value my relationships with those people – others are put on the ‘later’ list.
And, the first time I feel like someone wastes my time, they get dumped. Maya Angelou says, “When people show you who they are, believe them, the first time.” I live my life by that statement. How you do anything is how you do everything.
Stop trying to be all things to all people and you’ll have time to work on growing your business, losing those last 10 pounds, making steps toward meeting your annual goals, etc.
7. What do your find most rewarding about your career?
That I have built a business that can be run from anywhere. Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time in Miami – and thanks to technology, no one knows when I’m there versus in New York.
I am absolutely enamored with the fact that I can do what I want, when I want, and I don’t have to ask anyone about sick, personal or vacation days. I’ve paid the cost to be the boss and I love it.
8. What have been your major obstacles and how did you overcome them and OWN YOUR POWER?
I would have to say that managing finances was the one major obstacle in my business and my life. It just kept cropping up. I would band-aid it and it would rear it s head again. I finally gave in and realized that I needed to work on changing my relationship with money. I changed how much I thought I was supposed to earn and how much I thought I could earn. I had a lot of “stuff” to process when it came to money and that was no easy feat.
I read books and financial blogs, attended teleclasses and seminars, meditated, practiced yoga, worked on my spirituality and rela tionship to the Universe. I also worked with coaches. You name it. I did whatever it took to make sure that I shifted away from the scarcity mindset, permanently. No more band-aids.
To contact Lena, visit her website at xynomedia.com.
Techie Gurus Give Us Their Two Cents…
What trends do you see taking place with technology and the online marketing arena?
You know, technology is more often about automation than almost anything else. So, I see technology already starting to automate the social aspects of marketing. Websites are now “talking” to users in a PERSONAL way, such as actually speaking visitors names to begin building that relationship. Videos are becoming much more common, and are an excellent way to let your customers get to know you and your personality. They find some comfort in knowing that you are a real person, and not just a product seller, or fancy website owner.
What are some of your favorite time-saving websites to help a small business owner?
Google now offers a great set of tools called Google Apps. They say they are still in BETA testing, but the tools are pretty well polished. If you register a domain name, you can pretty easily set it up so that Google (Gmail) will handle the email for your domain name, host web pages, set up users and shared calendars, and now even shared documents. That’s a huge benefit for a small company, and they save a good chunk of change on hosting fees.
What’s your recommended tech gadget to help you through your days?
Smartphones and Blackberries are essential for the business owner on the go. With immediate and direct access to emails, calendar, to-do lists, and the Internet for web browsing, you have everything you need to stay in touch with vendors, customers, and employees and co-workers while you are out winning and keeping business. Oh yeah, and you can actually CALL people on
it, too!
Jim Dickerson, Tech Expert and CEO of i-SupportDesk.com we can help coach you on using your technology in your business marketing. We can help set up your website, provide hosting services, configuration, and ongoing support.
What is a Virtual Assistant?
Virtual Assistants (VA) are the non-traditional personal/administrative assistance that is taking business communities by storm. Virtual Assistants are independent contractors who provide administrative assistance, office management and a variety of other services that feed the need of hungry clients all through e-technology capabilities. As far as personal assistants go, it’s out with the stationary and in with the virtual. The Virtual Assistance world is being recognized across the United States and beyond thanks to Janet Jordan (Virtual Assistance U), who pioneered the industry.
Virtual Assistants are especially helpful to entrepreneurs who, at times, find it difficult to generate work for a secretary due to meetings and other interruptions. Businesses can find themselves paying for idle time spent by secretaries who have no work.
What are the benefits of having a virtual assistant?
1. Virtual Assistants can increase your business’ bottom line by more than 25% by reducing operating costs
2. No need to share space in home-office, or find additional office space for an employee
3. No need to deal with the administrative details associated with payroll
4. No need to pay associated payroll taxes, insurance, bonuses, and benefits
5. Delegating tasks gives you the time and focus to grow your business, spend more time with family and friend
Trenell A. McCauley, Give ‘N Take Member
President/CEO
Handy Business Solutions
http://handybusinesssolutions.com/
What are the biggest fears your clients have about technology?
I would say that I have several clients who are afraid of using 1shoppingcart.com. They’ve been told by others that it’s difficult to use and as a result they are missing out on a shopping cart that can serve multiple purposes. All it takes is a little practice and patience and you can master the cart in no time.
Key Tip for Website Owners:
The key to boosting your online sales is leads. You must have leads in order to have sales so it’s important that you build your list of subscribers. One of the things you can do to build your list is to have an opt-in box preferably in your masthead on your website. You may also want to do some article marketing by posting your articles on several free article sites. To benefit from the free article sites you will want to be sure you include a link back to you site within your article. You may also want to try using Google AdWords too. These are just a few things that you can do to build your list and boost your sales.
Chantal Lashon, Info marketing web design expert
www.webtoolsdiva.com
Social Networking, The New Frontier?
by Pittershawn Palmer
Social networking isn’t a new concept. In fact, it is a very ancient idea. For thousands of years, cultures have lived productively by recognizing that it is only in utilizing the village that the village can survive. That’s right, social networking is nothing more than the belief that it takes a village.
When we look to others to help support our needs, we are exercising a very old tradition that served to build some of the greatest cultures on earth. America is only recently, within the last 20-30 years or so, realizing the power of the village as practiced by cultures in Asia, Africa and India.
This wave of realization has given rise to organizations that focus strictly on teaching others how to use each other to build better lives for all involved. My personal blast from the past came when I joined Give ‘N Take, founded by Simone Kelly-Brown. This organization, centered around the idea of bartering, brings together women from all walks of life. It is through Give ‘N Take that the most powerful form of social networking, or using the village, is born. Networking is fostered in an atmosphere that allows for efficient and effective reciprocation—an idea that was all but lost until recent times. It is in reciprocal giving that we are most productive as people. And Give ‘N Take provides a comfortable atmosphere for this old idea to re-bloom.
Other social networking organizations that provide a corridor to connections, reconnections and information can be found all over the web. At the top of the list in recent times is MySpace.com, a website that allows for the free exchange of ideas as well as a haven for meeting someone to love, someone to work with, or someone to help you find a job. If nothing else, it is a place to just kick back and socialize, no strings attached.
Next in line is the ever popular Facebook.com. This networking site is like MySpace.com, with a slightly different focus. Although it provides some of the features of MySpace.com, it was founded on the idea of connecting with old classmates from High School and College. Through Facebook.com, one can find long lost friends and potential clients. Again, simple fun and chit chat are a huge draw for this site that has taken sites such as Classmates.com and Reunions.com to another level.
There are also networking sites for writers, such as Gather.com, which gives writers a forum to not only post their writings, but interact with other writers casually. For those who want to stay away from socializing and stick strictly to networking for business purposes, LinkedIn.com is a great spot that gives the professional a place to comfortably seek out potential connections, without the hassle of personal social invitations. You’ll get no “baby what’s your number?” on this networking site. And it is ultra private. No one can get into your networking without an explicit invitation.
All written, social networking is having a huge impact on modern society. As it continues to develop, I believe people will begin to realize that it really does take a village, especially in these trying times.
Network toward a better life for yourself and your community.
Are You 20-something?
Twentity.com is a free biweekly ezine addressing the questions and concerns of twentysomethings, as you transition from teenager to adult. College prepared you to be proficient in your major. Twentity.com gives you the tools needed to be successful in the real world. Visit www.twentity.com for information your parents and professors never told you.
Check out Twentity.com for:
Weekly Job Postings
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Career profiles
Best of the Best: free and super cheap concerts, events and things to do
Log on now to check it out! www.twentity.com
My Own Personal Battle To “Stay Comfortable.”
By Simone Kelly-Brown
I know from experience that getting out of your comfort zone and forcing yourself to JUST DO IT can take your career into an entirely new dimension! Out of those three areas I mentioned earlier, writing is my first love. It comes easily for me and is even a hobby. I write fiction books and poetry.
Networking—believe it or not—was something I absolutely dreaded! Just the simple fact that I had to make small talk with “strangers” was something I avoided at all costs. I’m sure I missed out on several new clients or business alliances, because of my fear of ‘getting out there’ and mingling in sometimes uncomfortable environments. Slowly but surely, I started forcing myself to attend a function at least once a month. I stopped asking people to introduce me to others and started to become brave enough to go up to people on my own. I beefed up my networking skills by going with a purpose and plenty of practice! A few years later, I started my own networking organization (The Give ‘N Take Network for Women) that has members across the United States!
And public speaking, oh boy…don’t even get me started! As a manager and then eventually a director in Corporate America, I couldn’t avoid it, but I absolutely wished I could lock myself in my office and hide. Meeting after meeting, conference call after conference call, I had to present ideas to upper management, discuss employee issues, and present results from various projects. With 5 or less people in the room, I was cool; but once the crowd was any bigger, my hands would sort of tremble, my voice would crack, and the beads of perspiration would form on my forehead. I know…very attractive, right? As talkative as I am one on one, public speaking and me didn’t mix.
I hate to admit it, but I even remember turning down speaking engagements when Gots To Have It started to take off. I just wanted to stay in my comfort zone, behind my computer monitor where I was safe from making a fool of myself. But after finally saying “yes” to my first panel discussion, I found out that I was actually making an impact by encouraging others with my story and advice. I enjoyed seeing the warm faces and reassuring smiles in the audience looking back at me and nodding their heads. I especially loved that they had no idea my knees were wobbling under my skirt and how my hands were shaking every time I took a sip of my water. The line of people waiting to speak to me after my presentations confirmed that I was doing the right thing! Five years later, I actually get paid to speak at universities and business groups. Who knew? I’ve learned many tips from picking the brains of successful professionals who were amazing at public speaking.
My favorites on being prepared are:
-Know who your audience is and speak their language
-Be yourself, it truly shows
-Write out your presentation
-Practice in the mirror
-Tape record yourself to hear what needs improvement
Photo: Jackie Robinson Scholars and Simone
I’m proud to say, my knees no longer wobble and now, you have to drag me off the mic!
GETTING OVER PUBLIC SPEAKING JITTERS
Getting out of your comfort zone means you must be willing to grow; and most of the time that is a very uncomfortable feeling.
One of the universal fears most people face is the fear of Public Speaking. Sweaty palms, jittering teeth, upset stomach and nervous twitches are some of the ways this fear manifests itself. The good news is: anyone can overcome this fear if they are willing to step out of their comfort zone!
Below are a few practical ways to conquer fears of Public Speaking:
1. Think of Public Speaking as a conversation with a group of people. When you have conversations, your words flow naturally. You aren’t nervous, and people can feel your natural passion in regards to what you are saying. If you think of the audience as a group of your friends you can release some of your anxieties.
2. Before making a presentation it is imperative that you properly research your subject so your thoughts can flow with ease. No one likes to feel like they are being lectured to in a presentation. It is much more pleasant to feel like the person in front of the room is sharing useful information/advice that would make for good conversation later.
3. It is important to prepare an outline of your presentation to give your listeners a proper introduction, body and conclusion of your thoughts. An outline shouldn’t be used to read from, but as a summary of the main thoughts you will share. With enough practice you will become very familiar with your presentation so that you won’t need to read your outline. You will be able to just occasionally look at it in order to keep on track.
4. You must know your audience. For instance, you probably wouldn’t want to present a medical lecture to group of photographers. Researching your audience helps you to prepare a presentation that will be of interest to them. This will also help you to feel as if you have a connection with your audience.
5. It is only through consistent practice that you are able to overcome your fears. Start off with practicing your Public Speaking today! Practice presenting as much as possible by introducing yourself at networking functions, testifying in church, presenting at staff meetings, etc. Remember practice will make you more confident. Confidence is what makes you not as concerned about other people’s acceptance of your presentation because you have done your homework.
Remember, no one knows what you are going to say before you open your mouth. If you make a mistake no one will know except you. The mere fact that you had the courage to come out of your comfort zone and stand in front of a group of people makes you successful. It’s all in how you choose to approach things in life…either to seek to conquer or to be defeated.
I wish you continued success on your life’s journey.
Stacie N.C. Grant
Stacie is the NYC Event Manager of Give ‘N Take Network and founder of C&G Enterprises in 1994 as a motivational speaker. Since then C&G has developed into three main entities: The C&G Youth Scholars Program, C&G Professional Event Coordinators, & C&G Technology Support. She has also published various motivational articles and is a prominent motivational speaker/lecturer/trainer. View her site online:http://www.cgenterprisesonline.com/.
RESOURCES TO GET YOU MOVIN’:
Fear of Public Speaking
Links to Speaker Clubs/Coaches
WRITING TO GET AHEAD
Yes, writing can be hard. Writing to promote your business can be even harder. Some of the worst writing I’ve ever seen has included the tight, joyless, airless copy that a businessperson has put up on their website, in a press release, or in a brochure describing their work or services. Usually this kind of writing is gripped in fear! The good news, though, is that improving your writing can be fun! You let loose, let go, and don’t be afraid to show your true colors. Here are a few tips on how to do that:
1. Find examples of marketing materials from other businesses that you like and study it. You may find it in the most unlikely places, like your junk mail pile! When an ad makes you want to buy, figure out why. What kind of verbs does the copy use? What kind of descriptors?
2. When you sit down to write, don’t agonize over your work for hours and hours. Give yourself a time limit. Work for only an hour and pour out your heart with NO EDITING. Don’t worry about being flip, silly, or un-businesslike.
3. Pretend that you’re writing for someone else who you think is the absolute best at what they do and you want to totally RAVE about them. Sometimes we hold back because we don’t want to toot our own horns, but it’s the best thing you can do for your writing.
4. Take a break and leave the copy alone for a few hours. Use the time to think about whether you’ve held anything back for fear. If you have, ask yourself, “Is this fear valid?” and “Is having this fear worth sacrificing being the best I can be for my business?” Ideally, of course, the answer is no!
5. Go back and write down what you’ve held back and put it in. Remember, nothing is written in stone. You can always test what you’ve done. If it doesn’t work, change it. But don’t let the doubt keep you from moving forward.
If you’re having trouble jumping into being fearless, think about this: the more fearless you are, the more you can experiment, play and have fun with your business, and the more successful you will be. Isn’t that why you created your own business in the first place?
Author and Writing Coach Sophfronia Scott is “The Book Sistah” TM. Get her FREE REPORT, “The 5 Big Mistakes Most Writers Make When Trying to Get Published” and her FREE online writing and publishing tips at http://www.TheBookSistah.com
RESOURCES TO GET YOU MOVIN’:
How to use writing for your business
NETWORKING WITH A PLAN:
I moved to New Jersey a few years ago, and I have made so many new friends and new customers by using the following five techniques. Networking can be rewarding in many ways. The social rewards of making new friends and associates are long lasting. The business rewards of making new customers and helping others with your own business contacts is vital to all of our businesses.
1. 3-Foot Rule: anyone you are within 3 feet of, you start a conversation with them
2. Saying Hello: this one word has made me so much money. You may find it uncomfortable to start conversations with strangers, but try it anyway.
3. Listen to the person you are networking with. You may find that you can fulfill a need or solve a problem with your business, product or your contacts.
4. Be prepared to talk about yourself, your business or your product. Give a brief explanation of who you are and what you do.
5. Follow-up: exchange business cards and always follow-up with contacts that you make while networking. Follow-up is key.
Fadila Gathers, FG Marketing, LLC
Is this the year of YOUR reinvention?
Dictionary.com
re·in·vent [ree-in-vent]
–verb (used with object)
1. to invent again or anew, esp. without knowing that the invention already exists.
2. to remake or make over, as in a different form
Will your reinvention evolve around a new business, new look, new habits, new relationships, new health, or all of the above?
Well, let’s face it, by mid-March most of the gung-ho dreams we said we’d accomplished have started to fad away. And yes, the commitment we made to ourselves on January 1st is patiently sitting in the corner, shifting back and forth, twiddling his thumbs, waiting for you to remember him again!
Well, here’s my theory; most of the goals we set out to accomplish are sometimes unrealistic in the short timeframe we allow ourselves. Such pressure we put on ourselves!
“I want to make a million by December!”(When you are only making $45k now and have no plan in place.)
“I’m going to loose 50lbs in 3 months!” (When you wake up to a liter of Coke, still eat Whoppers for lunch and haven’t even joined a gym yet.)
Well, maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but you get the idea. LOL
I’ve seen many people achieve their goals by breaking them up into baby steps, but my favorite secret ingredient is also getting a reinvention buddy or a reinvention ‘posse’ to assist you.
That buddy could be a business coach to help you finally launch your clothing line you’ve been talking about since 1997. Hiring a coach inspires and individual or a team, to produce a desired result. With personalized teaching, you’ll expand your awareness and have someone hold you accountable.
Oh you can definitely call me, I don’t mind cracking the whip on you as your marketing coach, <shameless plug>mention this blog and I’ll give you 10% off 877-545-7352 or email me at simone@ownyourpower.biz.</shameless plug>
The reinvention buddy could also be your friend in the cubicle or office next to you who will go to that Weight Watchers meeting with you each week and go with you to a healthy lunch each day.
Write your goals, share them, and have others hold you accountable. When you hit a wall, you might not give up so fast, because you’ll have your “reinvention posse” in the background cheering you on.
Well, it’s pen and pad time again! Here’s a fun and simple way to break out your goals. Write your major categories of your life and make a main goal for each month break up those goals into baby steps. Here’s an example.
Jenny Gentry’s goals for January
RELATIONSHIPS:
BUSINESS:
Sign up with a coach to help me launch my business part-time
Take a course in consulting at NYU
HEALTH: Eat more fruits and waters. Cut out fast foods and bring my lunch to work.
ME TIME:
Take a bubble bath each Friday.
Massage and Pedicure once a month
Your categories might be different. Maybe they’ll have family, religion, job, fun things, and exercise. Tailor it to fit your life and the reinvention that you want to create. Have fun making your monthly goals list. Design it to make it colorful and fun to look at. Put it somewhere you can see it each day.
I was clearing out a closet the other day and found some of mine from 2002-3 and was happy to see that almost everything on my lists were completed. I have many new goals that I’m working on and you better believe I have my POSSE IN MY CORNER! LOL
Now get cracking and complete your list. ~I did tell you I like to crack the whip didn’t I?~
Last month, I reminded you to not beat yourself up what you didn’t do, but to celebrate your success for what you DID accomplish. I just heard a creative quote from my friend, Vannis Lopez I’d like to share:
EVERY SET BACK IS A SET UP FOR A COME BACK!
Make this year, THE YEAR of your reinvention, the year of YOUR come back. Lets do it!
Simone
Stacie N.C. Grant
Stacie N.C. Grant is definitely someone I would refer to as a super woman. And she does it all with a smile. You would never know just how much this woman can handle, but she’s an example of a person who loves what she does and enjoys helping others and I admire her a great deal.
As an expert in CELEBRATION, since she’s an event planner, who better to profile for this month’s topic? Not only does she run her business C and G Enterprises along with her husband Andrew Grant, she also is Give ‘n Take’s New York event manager, a wife and a mother of two. Talk about a busy woman, eh? Let’s hear from Superwoman on how she stays motivated to do it all!
Why did you start you business?
I realized that having a job solely in charge of my financial destiny was an
uncomfortable feeling. It became very frustrating giving 200% to an employer
and not feeling adequately compensated. While working hard has never been a
problem for me, I wanted to put that same energy into creating a financial
legacy for my family.
What are the biggest joys you get from owning your power and calling the
shots?
The biggest joy is to be able to have the flexibility I need in order to be
there for my children. Additionally it is a wonderful experience building my
company with my husband and visualizing how many lives we will touch through
our services. It’s also a plumb pleasing pleasure not to have to report to a
miserable boss/supervisor .
If you could escape from the daily grind for one week, where would you go
and what would you do?
If I could escape for a week, I would go with my husband (minus children
to an exclusive boutique resort in Jamaica, W.I. or Sedona, Arizona and have
a spa treatment each day and then alternate between curling up with a good
book/magazine and watching a great movie each night. I might even be
adventurous enough to try parasailing or water skiing.
Celebrations are sometimes forgotten in the business world, what would you
suggest a business can do to create a LOW COST launch party or anniversary
party for their business?
One of the most cost effective ways to create a LOW COST launch party or
anniversary party is to host such an event in a facility looking to gain
publicity and offer them free promotion through your event in exchange for
their free rental space. If you choose a day of the week when their normal
traffic is low, they might be more willing to entertain such a proposal.
You can also do the same with vendors you consistently work with and barter
services like Catering & DJ Entertainment which would enhance your event.
Lastly, you can save on favors and/or gift bags by having everyone in your
business network contribute samples to be included. Believe it or not,
hiring a professional event planner could save you both time and money with
organizing your event in the long run.
What advice could you give to up and coming event planners who want to get
in the business?
My advice to up and coming event planners who want to get in the business
would be the following:
1. Do your research as to what area you want to specialize in.
2. Join a Professional Association to begin networking and receive
educational resources. Suggested organizations: www.mpiweb.com /
www.ises.com/ www.ncbmp.com /www.bridalassn.com
3. Gain experience by volunteering work for family and friends.
4. Request an internship or apprenticeship with an experienced Planner.
5. Keep the faith, as the old adage goes…”Rome wasn’t built in a day!”
‘
To get in contact with Stacie, her website is:
http://www.cgenterprisesonline.com/
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