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Fa la la la la! I've got the holiday spirit, so you know what time it is... every year I do a special holiday closeout with my latest money and marketing ebooks, audio and video series. It's been YEARS since I did a $27 close out, so I thought I would bring that back PLUS this year I have decided to include a few freebie gifts and also host a Holiday gift exchange on Black Business Women Online.

The success of your business depends on the company you keep. I hope that I have been good company this year. All the best.

Happy Holidays! -LaShanda Henry

As a small business owner and entrepreneur, now is the best time to solidify your 2012 business plans, goals and strategies. It’s also a great time for you to look back over the marketing techniques you used in 2011 and determine where you can make improvements.

With the ever increasing changes of internet marketing, there are always new strategies to test out and try but at the same time; there are also some sound, tried and true methods that continue to hold ground.

From the very beginning of my business, there has been one strategy I have used and will continue to use to grow my business and establish my brand online and that is…Content Marketing.

What is content marketing?

Wikipedia defines content marketing as an umbrella term encompassing all marketing formats that involve the creation or sharing of content for the purpose of engaging current and potential consumer bases. Content marketing subscribes to the notion that delivering high-quality, relevant and valuable information to prospects and customers drives profitable consumer action. Content marketing has benefits in terms of retaining reader attention and improving brand loyalty.

What’s really great about using content marketing as the primary method to establish your brand and build your business online is that you can be authentic and utilize your creative skills.

There are many options available when it comes to choosing the best format to distribute your content such as: articles, blogging, newsletters, email, digital content, video, webinar, teleseminars, live events, and graphic images to name a few.

Using content to market your business on a consistent basis can help you create more awareness for your brand as well as position yourself as a thought leader and expert in your industry. The more quality resource filled content you put out, the easier it becomes to attract your ideal clients and develop a loyal and engaged community around your brand.

Since content marketing can make a huge impact on the way people embrace your brand, it’s important to take the time to plan the foundational content pieces that will represent your brand to the core.

What to do before creating your content marketing strategy

• Clearly identify and determine who your target audience is. When you know who it is you will market your content to, it makes planning the actual content, that much easier.
• Have a strong understanding of the benefits, or results, your products and services offer your ideal clients. When you know exactly how you can provide a solution, you can create content that reflects that.
• Plan to produce 7-10 high quality, information packed content pieces that will educate, inform and encourage readers to take further action.
• Determine the best content delivery methods and then, design and outline the steps of your process.

Blogging for business has proven to be a highly effective way of content marketing and is the method I chose to build my business in 2009 and has shown very favorable for me. Not only that, it is easy to get started and requires very little money to begin.

Interested in learning more about content marketing?

Very soon, I’m launching my NEW website and will be sharing some of my best blogging and content marketing tips and strategies. You can sign up here to be the first to know when the site launches.

I’m also going to release my latest ebook: How to Build Your Business with Blogging, to those who subscribe…(did I mention it is FREE?!?)

So, if you are someone who wants to establish your brand and business by blogging and content marketing, click here to sign up and let’s ROCK the New Year together!

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Tamyka Washington
Social Media Marketing
www.theceomamma.com

She walked into the investment seminar looking like a model right out of the latest Nordstrom catalog: Coach designer bag, Anne Klein suit and Ferragamo shoes.

For the next hour, she took copious notes during my presentation on Investing in Volatile Times. She waited around afterward, and asked if she could speak to me one-on-one.

Her name was Tina, and as we talked, it became clear that this seemingly together woman with a great income had a major problem: She had an “unwealthy” lifestyle.

“I have worked for the same employer for more than 20 years and have little or nothing saved for retirement. I've dated the same man for 13 years,” Tina said, adding that she based her financial hopes on her romantic relationship.

Tina had gone in the wrong direction for many years, and now she was serious about putting her financial house in order. She had made an emotional pivot – accurately assessing her finances and her life and deciding to change.

Ten years later, Tina now is the picture of financial health. She is approaching retirement with a portfolio well into the six figures. She had changed.

There are many people like Tina out there. They need an emotional pivot to establish good habits and begin living a wealthy lifestyle.

Here are the beliefs that held Tina hostage and could be holding you in bondage as well.

Belief #1: Finding the right mate equals financial security

Marrying for money or what a potential mate can do for you is a strategy based on the false assumption that someone will take care of you for the rest of your life. That’s very unwealthy. More likely, you will be waiting on that golden wallet until the next fair maiden comes along. Tina had invested far too much time on a relationship and on trying to look a certain way, and neither had bore fruit.

Belief #2: I'll wait until…

Are you singing the “I'll wait” song? I'll wait until I pay all my bills. I'll wait until the stock market goes down.  Time is the one thing you can never have enough of in order to build wealth.

Tina's high maintenance lifestyle was sapping her time and income. Tired of the waiting game, Tina made the decision to purchase only the things that she really desired. It wasn't long before she had more than three months of her income in a money market mutual fund.

Belief #3:  Managing Money Is Difficult

Tina let several enrollment periods for her retirement plan pass by over the years. Although she was an accountant, she associated investing with high risk.

Tina had to learn that real risk is not having the money you will need when you retire. She continued to attend seminars. She traded her fashion magazine subscriptions for The Wall Street Journal. Instead of buying Coach bags, she shopped for Coach stock. She learned the language of investing and is quite confident discussing her financial strategies with her advisors.

Tina’s experience shows that people can escape fiscal bondage that comes from living an unwealthy lifestyle. But you cannot head toward financial freedom until you make an emotional pivot and start moving in the right direction.

Deborah Owens is a financial expert sought after speaker on the topics of financial empowerment, leadership and entrepreneurship. She is on a mission to financial empower one million women through the http://apurseofyourown.com campaign.

www.njnaturalhaircareexpo.com

Did you know that you can look up your new "boofriend" on a national database to see if they have been convicted of past DOMESTIC VIOLENCE charges?

Go to this link: http://www.domesticviolencedatabase.org/ 

Spokesperson Russel Blake, joined Tuesday's show to talk about Domestic Violence and this databasel! Hear the interview online at www.Sharvette.com (2nd segment)

Show sponsor: www.Mitchell-Productions.com | web design services

• SistaSense proudly presents the soon to be released eGuide 'Black Women Online'.
  Click here to download your pdf sneak peak of this guide and click here to submit your website for inclusion.
• Remember to post your latest blog entries on BBWO, as all your posts and discussions also get featured on our Facebook page which now has over 16,000 fans.
• And if you missed the deadline to download your SistaSense Starter Kit here is your last chance, click here and use the code B2B97.

More to Come,

LaShanda Henry

Well if so, I’m looking for you!!!  GlamifiedBoutique.com, an online cosmetics, jewelry, and accessories boutique, is looking for talented women to showcase on our website.  I’m looking for ladies that make jewelry, cosmetics, bath and body products, or hair accessories and are looking for a new way to get the word out about their products. If this interests you please send me a message on MyBBWO or email glamifiedboutique [at] gmail [dot] com. 

Certified Dating and Relationship Coach Yvonne Chase aka "The Single Woman's Cheerleader" is your coach for all things from Living Single, Dating & Marriage THEN a Baby Carriage!

She is the author of the Ask Coach Yvonne E-zine and her articles have been published in Ebony magazine, Heart & Soul magazine, ESSENCE magazine and other publications.

No stranger to the media, Yvonne has been a featured expert on Good Day New York (FOX), Live with Mary Amorosa (COMCAST NETWORK) and on various New York City radio programs.  Tune in to hear about Dating 101 - How to Date w/out Heartache!

Website|  www.YvonneChase.com

------>Click here to listen ON DEMAND!

Fab FashionZ

http://www.facebook.com/​Fab.FashionZ

Check out our Fab Cyber Monday Special Purchase our Think Pink necklace for $22 (our profile pic) and recieve the matching bracelet and earrings free with free shipping and gift wrapping.

orPurchase any two other necklaces and get two bracelets and two pairs of earrings free with free shipping.Orders ship insured within 3 days to you or as a gift to someone else when you pay by paypal. Free shipping applies to the continential united states

For years I have been following and listing three things: African American Comics, Black Super Heroes, and multicultural books for African American Children. New to me and recently added to our featured Blacks Books rotation is the Fearless Five, a child super hero concept based on a team of young, black children spending their free time using their imaginations in creative play. The first product to come out of this concept is a five-book series, targeted for pre-K to 3rd grade children. The book series offers up world-class artwork and exciting storylines coupled with positive themes around teamwork, determination, self-esteem, caring for others and caring for the environment.

Each book has a dedicated topic such as: using imagination and self-esteem (episode 1), dealing with ‘strangers’ (episode 2), conserving natural resources such as water (episode 3), being energy conscious (episode 4) and handling bullying situations (episode 5). In each episode, the team must overcome the initial self-defeating views they have of their potential while battling an imagined team of villains, the Swarm, constantly challenging them. In the end, they come to discover their true potential, which sets them on a path to success. The ultimate goal of the Fearless Five concept is to support parents, teachers and loved-ones of pre-K to 3rd graders in raising up the next generation of confident, caring, and conscious global citizens.

My son just started preK this year, so purchased the Fearless Five for him and I am looking forward to getting the issues so we can read them together! The official website: www.fearlessfive.com.

For more featured black books click here and to submit your book, click here.

Deal: Get the SistaSense Starter Kit Today ONLY for $79 using code BFD18 + the Bonus discount code on the website - to download EVERYTHING - 50+ ebooks, audios, and watch my BEST money and marketing videos for web entrepreneurs. Click here for downloads and more details.

AND did I mention that the countdown continues? In 4 days, 19 hours, 26 minutes the Starter Kit "get EVERYTHING" bundle will no longer be available.

Steal: Grab the SistaSense Power Circle 9 - part audio series all about giving you access to successful web and women entrepreneurs who want to show you how to brand your business, reach the million dollar level, blog better, get paid for what you know and live your best life! This 9 hour series is available today for $20 (regular $60).

Steal: Branding, Web Tools, Blogging, Marketing ... did you know you could read a lot of my tips and specials tools right now inside the SistaSense Magazine for only $4.95 digital download? Get the last 6 issues right now, click here.

Click here for more SistaSense Deals. To discover and/or share MORE Black Friday Better Business offers visit BBWO NOW.

Today is a day that we should give thanks.  I want to thank the founder of this community for so graciously allowing me to show case my work and share resources with the members.  I also want to thank all the ladies within this community for your contribution as well.

Raise your hand if you have time to go door-to-door selling your services? Raise your hand if you have the mental capacity to sign up for and remember every social network possible to sign in everyday and advertise your services? Lastly, raise your hand if you have the time to sit in front of your Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn pages all day to publish numerous posts, marketing your business services? I don't see many hands. And if I see one or two, great for you! But let's be real! A lot of us don't have time to do all the things we want for our business daily. We are just too busy! Some us have full-time jobs, families to tend to, the kid's activities to attend, community obligations, etc. So, it takes a lot of effort to grow a successful business.

Luckily for us 'busy' people there are online services that will help us with our business needs for little to know money. Like: hootsuite, aweber, contact me, campaign monitor, prweb, ejunkie, and now busy925!

Even though it goes unnoticed, cold calling is probably the most effective way to grow your business. Believe it or not, cold calling is a part of business development. Steve Richard shares in his blog, 'Outbound Prospecting The Cold Calling Tactic That Works' that 71% of sales reps stated that most of their best deals came from self- generated outbound efforts. "Successful businesses do not sit back and wait for the phone to ring or marketing leads to fall in their laps. They proactively make business happen. The fact is outbound prospecting (a.k.a. cold calling or warm calling) is one well kept secret to 21st century business growth, especially for B2B service and technology companies"( Steve Richard).

If you are still skeptical, check out Diane's story. She's a mother of 3, divorcee that was fired from her 3 corporate jobs. She used cold calling as a method to not only find a job but to build a successful consulting business. You could also check out my friend, Melissa Taft  who fell ill when starting her network marketing business. She used cold calling as a method  to build her business because she couldn't go out and prospect. She is now in one of the top levels of the company and a motivating leader.  So, how can cold calling help your business grow? Like in these stories cold calling can help strengthen your 'sales skills', get you new customers, thus getting more business, and gets the word out about your company. 

Now, you just have to find the time to do it! Well, not really. That's what Busy925 is for. Busy925 is an outbound calling service that assists small businesses in their growing. They not only handle the outbound cold calling but every other call too! They will make your prospecting, follow-up, reordering, pre/post attendance generation, and marketing survey calls!

With all the services available to help with your social networking, email marketing, list building, and now cold calling, being 'busy' will never be an issue again!

Tamara

Hi sistas! First, I'd like to say that I love networking with you all. Everyone here is so talented. Right now, I'm working on a number of projects and I need some fabulous logos. If you make great logos or know someone who does, please contact me at mitchelljessicaann@gmail.com. Let me know your price and send a few samples.

P.S. if you include a discount we will feature your business/site on NationalBlackPages.com & BlackBloggersConnect.com. Thanks Ladies! Much appreciation to MyBBWO for creating this great opportunity for Black business women to network and learn from each other.

Best Wishes,

Jessica Ann Mitchell

mitchelljessicaann@gmail.com

This year we are pleased to include the artwork of Theresa Cates to our line of products.  Theresa Cates, who is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, has been painting since the early age of five.  Her beautiful designs created with long brush strokes will simply make you smile as you reminisce on very familiar scenes in the black church. These colorful illustrations capture what spirit-filled really looks like. --  May it never be forgotten.

Theresa Cates is the newest artist to join the elite league of adorned artist that the company African American Expressions has helped introduce us to. 

Enjoy 12 beautiful church scene paintings every month by Theresa Cates via the 2012 Wall Calendar "Lifted Up!" Some of these same scenes will also be available in time for Christmas on journals, magnets and even  a couple of desk clocks.

Thank you Heavenly Father for Theresa Cates, and thank you Ms. Cates for sharing your beautiful talent with the world.

Melvina

www.inspirational-expressions.com

Yesterday, I gave you 3 very deep, dark, and emotional secrets to influence, manipulate, and create “Fans” out of your customers to get them to follow your lead and give you money regardless of economy, price, circumstance, or even your win/loss record…

Certainly, since we are talking about You, we know you provide good quality and value and all of that good stuff.  But, at the end of the day, losing teams still have fans.  Shitty restaurants still have customers.  You want to be better than that, and you are.

You just need to know and embrace the real secrets that will take you to the next level.

Thursday I’m going to be telling you about something very special, extraordinary really.    When you show up Thursday, you get priority information, first.  (Register here https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/414275290 )

Anyhow, I want to review the 3 secrets, because, quite frankly, I’m sure you haven’t taken time to really study them and apply them to your business, yet, so I will.

1)      Hope

2)      Belonging

3)      Anticipation

Hope, in essence is “the big promise” – the Great Solution as I talk about in the Million Dollar Equation, in this case, of a better life, because of You, your business, whatever it is you offer.  Whatever you sell, you have to articulate, allow the customer to experience it and have vision of it as providing much greater impact on their life than just “features and benefits”.

You are selling what they wish they could have.

Belonging, is about being a part of something bigger than oneself.  I have two clients who do this, actually three, marvelously.

But Customers and Clients of theirs sell “movement” “cult” “private group” they sell status.  Customers don’t want to just be another customer.  They want to be a part of something, if you make this possible, they’ll do whatever you say.

This can be by membership, secret handshake, loyalty programs, etc  But, the greater the extreme you can take this, the better.

I do it with the Million Dollar Equation Members.  Only serious entrepreneurs allowed.  The ones that are, stay, others we run off.

Anticipation, is all about “What’s Next” and giving them something to look forward to.  As many Entrepreneurs also fall victim to BSOS, or Bright Shiny Object Syndrome – so do Customers.  They want the next, the new, the better, the improved, the different, etc –

As example, cell phones, iphones, and on and on.

Events work great.  Sales promotions.New special things.

You can never do enough of this.  And you can never make it too hyped, you can never promote it too much. One of my friends and mentors in the martial arts industry says “promote the event until you think it is ridiculous, then DOUBLE IT”

If you grasp the importance of these 3 secrets, they will make you rich, and your customers will love you more because of them.

So, this brings me to Thursday, which I don’t have time to elaborate on.  I’ll just say that one of the most powerful ways to exploit these 3 secrets is through what I call – The Million Dollar Equation.

At the fr*e training I’m going to take you through exactly how to make your business come to life, and I’m guaranteeing that you’ll end up with more leverage, insight, and fun opportunities to put in place in your business than you’ve imagined before.

These 3 secrets applied, gives you the ultimate Fan Creating, Business everyone wants to be a part of.

Hope.

Belonging.

Anticipation.

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/414275290

Can't wait to answer all of your questions

Image Courtesy of Fotolia

A client recently asked me ‘how would she know when she was finally successful.’ I explained that success means different things to each of us. To achieve success, you must define what it signifies. Success is a journey! As we sail through life, we encounter many obstacles along the way. Imagine yourself sailing the high seas; navigating your ship as it sails through calm waters. At times, it will buck in storms. If you are determined to stay the course, you must periodically adjust your navigational instruments and adjust when problems arise.

As you continue your journey, envision the serene, tranquil and calm blue water with sea gulls flying above, a light house in the far distance and several boats sailing calmly with the waves; here are 4 ways to navigate to your port of dreams!  Read more...

Aside from being used as a jack-o-lantern, pumpkin is a rich source of Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant, vitamin A and Zinc. Collectively, they cleanse,  sooth, exfoliate and moisturize allowing ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin. What's even more wonderful is that it's beneficial for all skin types. Here's a pumpkin face mask recipe.

P.E.A.S. Magazine  (25) Edition

Everyday The Brand

Academic Resources Unlimited, Incorporated,

Dream Girls Mentoring Program Inc.

The Fabulous Magical Kingdom

H.O.W.S (Helping Other Women Stand)

Not FAT Because I Wanna Be

Parenting Corner

Sisters4Sisters, Inc.

National Chair of the National Congress of Black Women

Born For Greatness Youth Empowerment Resources

"Teach Me How To Love"

Hospitality Corner "Home Cooking For A New Generation"

The Pow Wow A Gathering Place

Monthly Treats

Victorious Living for Moms Letters to a Mother's Heart

My Girlfriends House

StandUp For Kids

BMORE Natural Newz Crew

Joshuas Heart Foundation

Satori's Circle.

Most important our MISSING CHILDREN.

http://issuu.com/p.e.a.s.intheirpods/docs/p.e.a.s_magazine_october_2011_25th_edition