Blogs

When it comes to the internet and social media activity, nothing can beat the flaming blaze of social buzz  that social media sites have created. In fact, social media networking and interaction have become an integral part of our lifestyles, especially in business.

Many social media sites are among the "What's Happening Now" and the "Who's Who" of which anyone can make themselves seen and heard, without much effort.

As business owners, we have the ability to mold, create and build Fame and credible reputations rather quickly. In face, there are many businesses today that are dependent upon the activity of social media sites to drive traffic, user interests, and new connections. Therefore, if not careful, the pinnacle of the social media claim to fame can also be dangerous if not handled correctly.

Read more: http://wattspublishinggroup.com/social-media-activity-and-you/

It's here, it’s done and I’m so excited. I’m sharing my excitement and sense of accomplishment to inspire, motivate and encourage each and everyone of you.

I’m excited because I’m sharing knowledge that has opened doors for me, knowledge that has put me before great leaders. Knowledge that has changed my life and now I’m given the opportunity to share this knowledge with young women around the world!
Other authors in the book include Sharon H. Hill, Phyllis Clark and Tracey M. Booker to name a few.

Excerpt from "A Guide for African American Girls:
Why Grace and Charm?
Getting along with family, friends, enjoying dates, doing well in school, preparing for the future – these are the things that matter most to young girls. Social skills are the foundation of today’s girls personal and career development. It is therefore important for girls to acquire and learn how to apply social living skills on their road to success.
Sugar and spice and everything nice, is that what little girls are made of? What an awesome time to be a girl! The possibilities are endless. A girl today can become the President of the United States, an astronaut or anything in between.
Today’s girls have so many pressures...they want to fit in, achieve, compete with boys and live up to societies expectations of what and who she should be. Pressures from the media can also hinder a girls self-perception, especially when she doesn’t feel she is pretty, popular, talented or socially accepted.


This chapter is designed to lay the foundations and ABC’s toward:


• A healthy, positive self-image that fills one’s life with confidence and develops one’s leadership skills


• Etiquette and social graces that ensures one’s continued success


• Self-esteem, academics, and positive behavior
You can learn how to make more friends, get along with family member AND be more attractive to others – all with The Power of Grace and Charm.

With proper etiquette and a polished image you can achieve anything you want in life – increased income, freedom, the lifestyle of your dreams, influence and the ability to persuade others.
Whatever it is you are inspiring to do, you can do it with ‘Grace and Charm.’
Pre-order your copy now @ www.pwnbooks.com and give a young girl the gift of ‘Grace and Charm.’ Encourage and empower her to know she is worth and deserving of the best. Available June 28, 2011.

Are Good Manners Taboo in Today's Business World?

Have you noticed a theme about manners and etiquette lately?  There seems to be a question about the importance of polite behavior.  More and more people are asking:

• Are good manners a thing of the past?
• Is it important to be nice?
• How do you spell "respect"?
• What difference does it make if you know which fork to use?
• What is all the fuss about a firm handshake?
• If I am good at my job, what does it matter how I dress for work?

What do you say?  Please be diplomatic.

• Successful business owners
• Actors, Actresses and Entertainers
• High Profile Sports Figures
• Sales People
• Coaches
• Speakers

1. Develop and maintain business
2. Project a positive image
3. Project confidence and authority
4. Earn more money
5. Establish relationships with decision makers
6. Establish trust and credibility
7. Establish authority
8. Attract more business opportunities
9. Get publicity opportunities
10. Establish your brand
11. Enhanced confidence and self respect
12. Feel at ease in social situation

It's here, it’s done and I’m so excited. I’m sharing my excitement and sense of accomplishment to inspire, motivate and encourage each and everyone of you.

I’m excited because I’m sharing knowledge that has opened doors for me, knowledge that has put me before great leaders. Knowledge that has changed my life and now I’m given the opportunity to share this knowledge with young women around the world!
Other authors in the book include Sharon H. Hill, Phyllis Clark and Tracey M. Booker to name a few.

Excerpt from "A Guide for African American Girls:
Why Grace and Charm?
Getting along with family, friends, enjoying dates, doing well in school, preparing for the future – these are the things that matter most to young girls. Social skills are the foundation of today’s girls personal and career development. It is therefore important for girls to acquire and learn how to apply social living skills on their road to success.
Sugar and spice and everything nice, is that what little girls are made of? What an awesome time to be a girl! The possibilities are endless. A girl today can become the President of the United States, an astronaut or anything in between.
Today’s girls have so many pressures...they want to fit in, achieve, compete with boys and live up to societies expectations of what and who she should be. Pressures from the media can also hinder a girls self-perception, especially when she doesn’t feel she is pretty, popular, talented or socially accepted.


This chapter is designed to lay the foundations and ABC’s toward:


• A healthy, positive self-image that fills one’s life with confidence and develops one’s leadership skills


• Etiquette and social graces that ensures one’s continued success


• Self-esteem, academics, and positive behavior
You can learn how to make more friends, get along with family member AND be more attractive to others – all with The Power of Grace and Charm.

With proper etiquette and a polished image you can achieve anything you want in life – increased income, freedom, the lifestyle of your dreams, influence and the ability to persuade others.
Whatever it is you are inspiring to do, you can do it with ‘Grace and Charm.’
Pre-order your copy now @ www.pwnbooks.com and give a young girl the gift of ‘Grace and Charm.’ Encourage and empower her to know she is worth and deserving of the best. Available June 28, 2011.

Let start with what networking is not.  Networking is not handing out a bunch of business cards, and hoping someone calls.

Business networking as described by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Business networking is a marketing method by which business opportunities are created through networks of like-minded business people. There are several prominent business networking organizations that create models of networking activity that, when followed, allow the business person to build new business relationship and generate business opportunities at the same time.

Technology makes it easy for us to expand our circle of influence.  However, the most powerful connections are made face to face.

Master these powerful networking skills and you will gain respect and credibility from your colleagues and clients. 

1.  Take a positive and deliberate approach to networking, you will find this extra level of attention makes it easier to establish relationships.

2.  Your business image should reflect your abilities, values, goals, and business mission.

3.  Build brand loyalty one fan group at a time.

4.  Exude energy and passion to command respect and grab attention.

5.  Be honest about what you can do and cannot do.  If something has gone wrong be honest and upfront immediately.

6.  Focus on following up and following through while you’re still at the meeting.

7.  Asking this one questions will increase your bottom line.  “Who is your ideal client/customer, and how can I help you.

8. Remember the name.  We all like to hear our name, but don’t use first names unless you are asked to.

9.  Always defer to the other person.  Don’t monopolize the conversation or talk about yourself too much. Allow the others to have the spotlight.

10.  Using the terms “ma’am and sir”, shows the utmost respect.

11.  Be well informed.

12.  Perfect your “30 second commercial.”

13.  Remain standing as much as possible-you will appear more approachable.

14.  Remain in control even under pressure.

These techniques and tactics will allow you to seize opportunities that otherwise would not be possible.

“Take the time to be exceptional, it will show in how you make others feel, and in your bottom line.” Walethia Aquil

I know how vital it is that you leverage your unique knowledge, experience and brilliance. I definitely want to help you expand your business development and growth experiences, enhance your professional profile, promote your business and create visibility to attract those who want more from you. 

Schedule your complimentary discovery session today.  Send request to:
walethia@graceandcharm.com.  Put Discovery Session in subject box.


Make sure you get your copy of the free report “How to Network Effectively: The Key to Power, Influence and Wealth.”

I’ve noticed more and more that people forget why they become successful in life and in business. If you don’t build relationships and present some type of VALUE to your peers, business prospects and customers, why should you be in business to begin with?

Recently I’ve been getting a lot of emails and comments on my networking sites about joining different companies. Often I’m not even their “friend” and could not tell you the first thing about how they found me. Why is it so hard for people to introduce themselves to one another and at least find out what the other person is interested in before you jump into a pitch?

Over the past three months, my mentors have expressed the need of reaching out to people via phone and in person, not just online, and give people some type of VALUE. How do you manage to do this? By speaking with the people and finding out what it is that interests THEM and not you! So thank you Lorina Noble and Jeremiah Carstarphen for instilling in our team great business etiquette. Again Thank You!

Yes you will cross paths with people who know everything and are not open to learning anything new, but you will find that a lot of people like to talk about themselves. How do I know this? Check a couple of your Facebook friend’s pages. See how much information about their life they put on their page? See how many pictures they have uploaded? People like to brag about themselves. Why present them with products and business opportunities they clearly are not interested in?

As I look back on all the times I’ve been told to brand myself and bring people VALUE I feel like the more VALUE I give the more people ignore my purpose. It is sad that there are people out there who would rather build their business on dishonesty and branding a company (instead of themselves) than being truthful and helping others.

This is my insight for you and I will leave you with a quote that is referencing the true meaning of business networking.

“It’s about forming authentic relationships based on a mutual desire to help each other and a genuine willingness to contribute and bring value to the table” ~Earl G. Graves, Sr

 Miss Insight 4 U

1. Politics-Talking about politics is always a touch subject.  Some people are very passionate about their political views.  If you don’t agree with something that has been said, just acknowledge what has been shared by nodding .
2. Health-People really do not what to hear about your latest surgery.  Sharing too much bad news can bring the conversation down.
3. The cost of things-Ever been around someone and all the talked about was how much they paid for their car, house.  Don’t ask and don’t tell.
4. Personal question-Don’t ask questions such as “How much money do you make?” Or “When do you plan to have children.”
5. Don’t gossip-When you gossip you destroy your creditability and trust with the group.
6. Your boss/or job-You never know who knows whom. 
7. Off-color jokes-I tried to justify this by saying, “If you are with close friends and you all share the same views; however, I cannot.  It is never acceptable to joke about another’s weight, religion, racial heritage, physical limitations, or make any remark that will hurt another person.
8. Doom and gloom-People hear enough bad news, all one has to do is turn on the TV.  If you want to draw people to you, be happy and optimistic.

So, what can you do to avoid putting your foot in your mouth?

Learn the art of small talk.

   Definition of small talk:  n. polite conversation about matter of little Importance, especially between people who do not know each other well. Encarta World Dictionary.

• Be well informed-Read the news paper, Keep up with current events, locally, nationally, and internationally. Watch interesting documentaries on TV.
• Don’t interrupt-Interrupting a person’s conversation is very rude.  People could see you as being argumentative.
• Focus on the other person-Use the others persons name during the convection.  Pay attention to what they say, the other person will say something you can comment on.  They may share their love for a certain sport, or a movie or book they’ve read. 
• Maintain eye contact-Eye contact shows you are interested in what the other person is saying.
• Ask for their advice-Keep the topic light.  You may ask their advice or opinion on a new restaurant, or play.
• Don’t give advice-Give advice only if the other person asks.  It is best to hold off giving advice on personal matters, even if asked.
• Think before you speak-There have been more times than I care to admit, when I should have not said one word. 
• Always apologize if you say the wrong thing, or even is what you have said is misinterpreted.  People will respect you more.

Offline gatherings are great for online businesses. You get to meet people who you only know through the screen of your computer. If you’ve never attended a live event, the one thing that can be said is to make sure that you get that experience. It can change your life.
There are many reasons to attend a live event. For one, curiosity often gets most people. They want to see what it is all about and how it can help their business. At these events, you are the focus. At your computer, it is the customer that you think about but here, you are given carte blanche to explore your future plans, chart a new course for your business and have fun doing both.
To get the most benefit out of your conference investment  it is important to have a plan:  what are your goals, what type of event it is, who is it you want to meet.  These are the kinds of questions you want to ask yourself before attending any conference or networking event.
The answer to these questions will determine the type of conference you attend, your focus and goals.

Four Reasons Why You Should Attend Live Events.

1.  Get out of your comfort zone. Many wouldn’t call this a plus, but how can your business grow doing the same thing over and over again? For one, you’ll get bored. If you are used to seeing people through their words, now you can put a name to a face and so can they. Stretch your business self with interesting people and thought-provoking seminars.

2.  Meet people with similar goals. It is refreshing to hold a conversation with someone who understands where you are coming from. If you are new to business, even the experts can remember back and give you practical advice on how to go from where you are to where they are and beyond.

3.  Begin a few joint ventures. Businesses partner with other businesses all the time. If you each have something that can benefit the other, it can be a match made in heaven or at least in cyberspace. But, you may not get the chance unless you attend a live event. When you get to see and hear their plans, you can make a confident decision that this person will be great to work with.

4.  Build your business. Oh, yeah, there is this one. There will be people from all walks of life with the same goal – improve their business standing. You will get business cards, photo opportunities, business materials and possibly drinks by the pool with others who are more than willing to talk with you about how to take your business to the next level.

Never been to a live event? Now you have four (of many) dynamite reasons that it needs to be on your “To Do” list.
If you don’t feel comfortable networking, my Grace and Charm Success Systemcan help you develop greater skills in this area.  When weighting the cost of a coach, keep in mind the right relationship can be worth million of dollars to you.I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant access to Achieving Success With Grace and Charm Business Etiquette e-course, when you visit http://www.graceandcharm.com You will learn the ins and outs of using proper etiquette, so that you can boost your confidence, transform your life and accelerate your success.”

• You will feel more comfortable because you know how to behave in different situations.
• You will be surrounded by people who enjoy your company because you are confident and poised.
• You will get along with other people easier and it will help your to draw people to you.
• Be it business or personal, it will help you in the initial establishment of any sort of relationship.
• You can set yourself apart from the competition. It will open up plethora of good career prospects and job opportunities and increasing your clientele. Better, higher paying clients will be the result.
• You will be more professional and confident by keeping the company operating at peek capacity.
• Your might be able to get promoted faster and earn more money.
• It will teach you how you can avoid international, social or professional faux pas.
• You will lean essential human to human connection skills and behavior-attributes that will lead to success for associations as well as groups.
• It promotes respect, civility and teamwork to keep dedication and high morale,
• Last, but not least, it might allow you to find the right person to get married quicker.

• Learn the skills necessary to reinforce your brand
• Connect with your ideal client in 90 sec or less.
• Become more charming, memorable and persuasive.
• Learn the universal rules of effective networking and the types of people who can be helpful to you professionally.
• Learn the attributes of great networkers and how you can attain them.
• Instantly establish instant trust and credibility

It is a 'Grace and Charm' Monday. Would You Like to Polish Your Image to Get More Prospects, More Clients, and More Cash Flow?
I’ve spent the entire weekend planning and strategizing. Watch for my upcoming webinar Bridging the Gap: The 5 Essential Skills That Accelerate Your Success. I’m going to show you how to position yourself in the market place, create your presence in the market place, so you will have power and influence in the marketplace!

Whatever you left behind in 2010, the New Year holds the promise of better times ahead. Every year millions of people make New Years resolutions, hoping for a change. A fresh start requires a solid foundation and a plan if you intend to reach your destination. Have you ever heard the saying "It's in the details?" Your plan for change this year does not have to be complicated; it really is simply going back to the basics. It is going back to the principles that our parents, their parents and our forefathers built and lived their lives by.  Read more.