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Small businesses and start-ups put forth great effort to appear stable and established.  But often times they have a 'tell'.  Business cards printed at home, an AOL email address or ...a tri-fold brochure.  No matter how great your company/ service may be, you simply sell yourself short with these marketing flubs.

Marketing Faux Pas

While the tri-fold format in printed collateral has long been a a staple in marketing, in recent years the layout style has become a faux pas.  We live in the age of 'instant' success, consumers want to get information at a glance. That means they are looking for a Visual Snapshot. Its a big risk to assume that someone will take the time to comb through the folds of a page just to find out what you do, and how it will benefit them.

The Visual Snapshot

If you are wondering what a Visual Snapshot is, then imagine yourself in line at the supermarket.  When you glance at the magazines on the shelf you make a decision on whether or not to buy, just by looking at the cover.  The same thing happens when  a person looks at your marketing collateral.  I mean we don't want to have to read the

entire magazine to determine if we should buy it.

The first page of your brochure should state the following (very obviously):

  • Who are you?
  • What do you offer?
  • What is unique about your product or service?

I'm not saying that the triple dipper doesn't have its effective uses.  It can be quite helpful as a pamphlet and its a wonderful tool in the health care industry.  But for small businesses, it just makes you LOOK small time.

 

I have included an example of a Sell Sheet.  Whether single or double sided, its a sure fire way to impress prospects.

Happy Branding Everyone! (http://thebrandcoach.com/ or @brandcoachllc)

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15seconds-300x132.jpgElevator Pitch Competition

For the past few weeks, I've been squawking about how amazing the 2011 Black Enterprise Entrepreneur's Conference turned out to be. One of the most exciting events was the Elevator Pitch Competition.  The winner took home a whopping prize of $10k (congrats to our home town hero Brandon Butler of The Website Shop).   Contestants were first given 60 seconds to pitch their product or service, and finalists were allowed 30 seconds to re-pitch.  This competition was geared towards investors, and I couldn't help but think that a pitch to an ACTUAL prospect should be much shorter and sweeter.

15 is the New 30

For the last 4 years, I have been training clients to perfect a 15-second pitch.  The premise is to make the pitch feel more like a conversation than a used car salesman's chatter.  One trait of a successful brand is the ability to remain acutely aware of trends. Ever notice how quickly people get distracted or bored these days?  As we embrace the trend of the 'microwave' age (age of  instant access), its pretty clear that Attention Spans have become shorter and shorter. ThatCompany.com recently posted an article siting that the 15-second commercial is becoming increasingly more popular (READ FULL ARTICLE).   So if major brands are limiting their message to 15 seconds, why shouldn't you?

Potential clients only give you their undivided focus for about 3-7 seconds before they decide to stay plugged in or check out.  If they remain plugged in, then you have a good chance of connecting within the 15 second window.  I know what you are thinking.  How can you possibly say everything relevant in 15 seconds?  The short answer is that you can't, nor do you need to.  If the client is interested after the first 15 seconds, they will engage you and ask for more information. Often times you can squeeze in another 15-30 seconds of your spiel. And if your pitch resonates, you can get in up to 1 or 2 minutes of your sales pitch without making the client feel bored or anxious.

Part 1: Key Content for the First 15 Seconds

  • Clearly state the company name
  • Identify the primary service
  • State the clear results that you deliver
  • You may also include a secondary service or unique selling proposition of time permits.
See this example below.  It is delivered in about 14.5 seconds (un-rushed)
"My company is The Brand Coach, based in Atlanta. We offer business, personal and celebrity brand development services.   We help our clients build  solid brands that they leverage LONG term, to increase their brand equity. "
If the prospect is interested they will ask for more details, like "So who have you worked with?" or "I could use some help, explain the services you offer?".    That is your queue to launch the second half of your pitch.

Part 2:  Beyond the First 15

The second half of your pitch should focus on your Unique Selling Proposition, and success stories.  It is important for prospects to understand the difference between you and your competitors.  People also relate more to stories than sales strategy, it creates a comfort zone when one feels like they are speaking to an old friend.  However, be sure your stories are something your listener might relate to.

Lastly, it is important to practice the pitch to perfection while maintaining flexibility with it.  Prospects might interrupt you to find out more about a service or to interject a specific need that they have.  You should be prepared to take any direction with the conversation.  It is also a good idea to have multiple versions of your pitch, just in case you need an alternative.

Note: If there are multiple members of your sales team.  They should have have the same content in their elevator pitch, but personalized to fit each person's speaking pattern.  The parroting effect will allow consumers to formulate a clear snapshot of your brand no matter where it is encountered.

Bowing Out

Sometimes the listener will give you a flat "Ohhhh I see."  That is a clear sign that their interest has not been peeked.  At that point I would encourage you to ask about them. Listen intently for a need that you might be able to fill.  But stay focused on the quality of the conversation.  When prospects like you, they will exercise more patience in getting to know you and what you have to offer.  But everyone you engage won't have an interest, sometimes you should simply bow out and find a better connection.

Addition Credits: See video spotlight of Brandon Butler at The Website Shop (Atlanta)

Happy Branding Everyone…

You can continue this conversation on Twitter @brandcoachllc or on Facebook.com/TheBrandCoach
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Simply put, THE MONEY AND SUCCESS IS IN YOUR NETWORK and ALL the giants are going to be there: Mike Dillard, Katie Frieling, Daegan Smith, Jonathan Budd... you name it, they're going to be there. This is your opportunity to shake hands and trade business cards with them all. Your time to recruit up and if you're not in the network marketing industry, your time to put your products in front of an entirely new audience. The events takes place in San Diego, CA May 6th-8th and here's what you'll get:

 

#1. You're going to be surrounded
by the BEST of the BEST in the
online networking industry. 
 
The affiliates & networkers in the
field who are making it happen
on a daily basis, and know how to
make the kind of money you want too.
 
#2. You'll Expand your network methodically
through the group exercises & partnership
opportunities you'll have throughout the
entire weekend.
 
You will never have felt as close to this
community, & formed as many connections
as you will at "Unstoppable Entrepreneur".
 
#3. You're going to put in touch with your
inner power to create in life on an ENTIRELY
new level.
 
You'll be given several extremely powerful
techniques to remove any obstacles currently
stopping you...
 
... and you'll replace them with an inner
strength you DEVELOPED & exercised
during your weekend of "Unstoppable"
entrepreneur. Get ready to BECOME
the type of person who can create the
kind of money you really want in life!
 
#4. Be shown the next wave of marketing
& advertising BEFORE the rest of our
industry.  You'll discover the traffic source
3x the size of the Internet...
 
... and how to get there before everyone
else is.  Jonathan's special presenter "Mr. X",
one of the most prolific & little known
traffic experts in the industry, will show
you exactly how he generated 700+ leads
his first week with this traffic source!
 
#5. I'm not kidding when I tell you, you'll
have the time of your LIFE this weekend,
in one of the funnest & "rock star" style
environments you've ever been in.
 
If you love concerts, parties, &
celebrating life to it's MAX then you'll
absolutely love this weekend.
 
#6. Escape to paradise in beautiful scenic
San Diego.  Located in the heart of the
"Gas Lamp District" in downtown San Diego,
the Unstoppable Entrepreneur event will
take place in one of the most amazing &
gorgeous venues in all of this city.

And these are just a tiny fraction of the
reasons why you should be in attendance
for this first ever event...
The bottom line is you can not afford to miss out on what is in store. People are already strategizing their business plans for the next 6-1 months. This is where leaders will be made. You want a "guru" to endorse your brand? You NEED to be here. Tickets are selling fast and the doors official close tomorrow February 28th, 2011 so ACT FAST! Go to HTTP://THEUNSTOPPABLEENTREPRENEUR.INFO and reserve your seat NOW!
As an extra bonus, everyone who orders through this link will be entered for a chance to win roundtrip airfare to the event and a Samsung Tablet.

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For some time, the “Facebook PhoneBook” feature has caused quite a bit of confusion (and, in some cases, panic!). A viral message has been going around alerting friends that there is a security threat, when in fact, the Facebook Phonebook is a feature that every user on Facebook gets as part of our personal profile.

Your Facebook Phonebook consists of:

  1. ALL your friends who have their Privacy Setting set to reveal their contact info [at least their phone number(s)] to their friends, PLUS
  2. ANY contacts from your cell phone IF you have synced your mobile phone address book on the Facebook mobile app.

 

If for some reason you don’t want all of your friends viewing your phone number........

                                                                                   Continue Reading

 

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Facebook @ Tagging Etiquette

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Tagging your Facebook friends in photos is one of the most ingenious and popular features on the site. Tagging friends in Notes is another use of tags, though used less often than photos.

 

What you can @ tag:

  • Friends
  • Fan Pages (that you’ve liked)
  • Community Pages (that you’ve liked)
  • Place Pages (that you’ve liked)
  • App Pages (that you’ve liked)
  • Events for which you’ve RSVP’d
  • Old style Groups you’ve created/joined – open, closed, secret*
  • New style Groups you’ve created/joined – open, closed, secret*

 

Can you prevent being @ tagged?

Continue Reading.....

 

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Hi BBWO! I hope you are all having a wonder and prosperous New year! Most importantly a Financially Fit New Year! As I am restructuring and growing "Your Business Your Taxes" below are a few blog post, videos and teleseminars to help you prepare for this tax season and 2011.

Stay Tuned!

-Katrina

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In today’s business world, social media can’t be ignored. By utilizing social media as a part of your marketing strategy is an obvious step towards growth of your business. Social media is a great way to leverage your products or services. It is an easy and inexpensive way to connect to people around the world and an opportunity to make friends with people who have similar interests, find solutions to problems by collaborating with others, as well as attract clients that might need your products or services.

According to a recent survey on online social networking by the Institute for Corporate Productivity:

  • 65% of business professionals use some form of personal or professional social network
  • 47% use social networks to connect with potential clients and market their skills
  • 55% use social networks to share best practices with colleagues

So, ready to jump on the Social Media Bandwagon? Here are 4 reasons why small businesses can benefit from social media.

Increase Your Opportunities

By incorporating social media into your business strategy, can increase your chances of opportunities beyond your local area. It is an excellent way to increase the visibility of your small business. As the founder of a virtual community, ‘National Association Women on the Rise’ (NAWR), I’ve had some amazing opportunities to connect with other business professionals and organizations. For example, a few opportunities this year include:

  • Co-Author: I developed a relationship with Cheryl Pullins, Founder and Chief Visionary of Victorious Living International and Triumphant Living Coaching & Training. I am now co-author of “Victorious Living for Moms,” an amazing journey of 40 writers from across the United States who came together for the common goal of sharing their stories of trial and triumph for the purpose of impacting lives and changing people with a message of hope, love and victory.
  • National Advisor: I was invited by Omar Muhammad, Director at Morgan State University; Entrepreneurial Development & Assistance Center; 2010 National Board of Advisors. We planned and executed the W.O.M.E.N’s conference. I also served as a seminar presenter.
  • Key Note Speaker: I was contracted by the Women in Business group of Pensacola, FL., to provide a business related seminar for their annual holiday conference.

As you can see, by taking time and establishing relationships with others can open doors of opportunities for you.

Position Yourself as an Expert

Business owners are always looking for ways to position themselves as an expert in their industry. One way is to start a blog and create relevant content for your target market. For example, as a business consultant specializing in helping women grow their companies, I write business related articles and regularly post to my blog, ‘Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs.’ I also accept articles from others. By creating this platform for women to find resources, I have a few hundred visitors each week to my blog. When people choose to follow you, they have accepted you as an expert in your industry and look to you as a reliable source.

Here are a few ways to get the word out:

  • Share links from your articles by using Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook
  • Respond to people’s questions in forums and networking communities
  • Partner with other bloggers to post your articles on their sites. For instance, I am a featured blogger for several blogs and publications including Natalie MacNeil’s, “She Takes on the World,” a blog that recently won the prestigious Stevie Award for Blog of the Year. In addition, she is listed as Forbes, “10 Best Career Sites for Women.”

Make the Connections

Business owners can use social media to communicate and engage network connections with potential clients, partners, vendors or advertisers, etc. Social media networks such Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook and MySpace are great tools to create viral buzz about your business.
It is easy to make an initial connection, but you must take the time to develop that connection into a relationship. Remember, people do business with people they know and trust.

Natasha Rubin, owner of Gifted Assistant Management Services, says, “As a Virtual Assistant, I am a part of several wonderful Virtual Assistant communities. But last year, I wanted to branch out into other forums and arenas where I had the opportunity to meet and network with other successful women business owners. I was honored when I received an invitation from Sylvia Browder to join "National Association Women on the Rise," through LinkedIn. A short time after I posted in the "Introduce Yourself" forum, I was contacted by another member of NAWR for a possible business connection.

That was in November 2009 and I am still partnering with Walethia Aquil, Etiquette & Image Coach of
Grace and Charm, as her Virtual Assistant. So yes, NAWR has been a great resource both professionally and personally! Thank you for making that possible.”

Build Lasting Relationships

If you put up your profile to never update or visit the social media site again, what are potential clients and business partners to think? In order to blossom and make an impact in the communities that you join, you must network. Networking is a reciprocal process based on the exchange of ideas, contacts, advice and referrals. By networking, you are building professional relationships and generating new business.

In conclusion, don't be afraid of social media but rather embrace it. Many small businesses are climbing aboard the social media bandwagon to market themselves for free or low cost marketing. It just makes good business sense to learn how to leverage social media to build communities around brands and then leverage them into revenue.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Sylvia Browder is CEO of Browder Consulting Group, a virtual small business consulting firm. In her role, she helps Women in Business grow and succeed. She is employed as Project Director and business consultant for the Women's Business Center Inc, a non-profit economic development organization with a mission of empowering women to start and grow successful businesses. She has served as an online volunteer SCORE counselor since 2004. She also serves as a Technical Assistant Provider for SBA’s Community Express Loan Program. For FREE weekly articles go to Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs, www.sylviabrowder.com. She can be contacted at info@browderconsultinggroup.com.

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Developing a Relationship with the Media

Nancy Michaels and I share something in common. She used to be the Publicist for Matt Lauer and Matt and I went to college together. I believe that makes her qualified to offer tips on how one can go about getting media coverage.

In a recent blog post titled How to Reinvent Your Relationship with the Press, Nancy offers 10 Tips on how to get reporters, producers and editors to take notice of you.

Her list is a good one—especially #1 where she suggests you take inventory of what’s going on in the world around you. Your hometown reporters are always looking for local angles to national stories so if you have one, that can certainly give you :15 to :30 of time in the media spotlight.

Another tip offered by Nancy is to make sure you keep an up-to-date database of contacts. When trying to establish media resources, it’s always good to have a contact name versus a “Dear Sir/Ma’am.” That’s one of the reasons I created the brand new BAMedia Contacts Directory. It is one of the MOST COMPREHENSIVE media directories you’ll find with REAL NAMES & REAL PHONE NUMBERS.

In my 25 plus years as a journalist in radio and television news, I have established many contacts and am now sharing them with you. You can order your very own copy right from this website for the special introductory price of $49.95 You will find yourself paying double–perhaps triple the amount for LESS information. Pick up your copy of the BAMedia Contacts Directory today and start doing as Nancy suggests: reinvent your relationship with the media.

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In What Direction Are You Focusing Your Life?

How is your personal compass set?

In what direction are you focusing your life?



Has your business been on auto pilot only to find out that you have found your business plan to be off by one degree?

Have you coast along toward your goals only to realize that somewhere along the line you missed something and were off by one degree?

Let's take today to get back on course!

Let my team and myself give you new coordinates and set you back on course.

Once you have launched any plan, you have to see yourself as a pilot of a jumbo jet. You are the pilot of your own personal and financial destiny and maybe even be the pilot of others' destiny. Don't allow your plane to crash. You do have enough fuel to make it. We all have disappointments and setbacks in life. But the good news is that you still have time to adjust your course to reach your original dream and and vision of the life that you see for yourself.

YOU WILL MAKE IT!

If you’re a network marketer, you’ve certainly heard of My Lead System Pro, formerly MLM Lead System Pro. The system is everywhere and dominating the internet. Perhaps, you’re thinking about signing up and you’re on the fence about it. If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent money on other systems that didn’t deliver what they promised; however, everywhere you look, there it goes, My Lead System Pro, telling you to live your dream. You know what you’re currently doing isn’t working, but will MLSP really explode your mlm business? Does it stand up to the hype? The answer may shock you.

Click Here to learn more!
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Vendors and participants needed! Your $10 admission takes care of theparticipation in the challenge and donation to a worthy cause. Vendor spacesavailable at the EARLY BIRD RATE of $75 thru September 30. ( Only a fewslots left; cost will be $100 starting on October 1)


Who can rock the highest heels in the A-T-L? Will it be the "real housewives?" Is she a fierce first lady,fabulous corporate exec, a fashion-forward media personality, stylish AUCstudent or one of the A's many hot superstars? Will she come from Buckhead orMid-town or the West End?

Jireh Communications Group invites celebs and non-celebs alike to step up tothe city-wide Stiletto Challenge to raise fundsfor Fibromyalgia education. Unlike a high-heel-a-thon, participants won't haveto brave the elements outdoors, but will strut their stuff in the comfort ofthe luxe Mansion on Peachtree Hotel at the opening reception of the 2nd Annual"Extreme Makeover" for the Woman's Soul Summit Professional Edition(EMFWS) on October 22, 2010, 6-9 p.m.

Organizers are seeking at least 100 women ages 18 and above to "rise tothe occasion" in stilettos that are 4 inches or higher to support animportant cause by donating $10 to participate. Companies may partner by dollarmatching or sponsor employees to participate. Professional models will beon-hand to demonstrate how to high-step on the runway.

Prizes, shopping, music, pampering treatments and various activities willcomplete a night of fun, relaxation and awareness.

Founded by national multimedia entertainment journalist and owner of JirehCommunications Group, Mona Austin, the EMFWS is a personal and professional development summit that offers activitiesand tactics to enrich women -- Mind, Body & Soul.

Themed "Born to Soar," on the following day the educational portionof the summit takes place during the luncheon on October23 at Maggiano's Little Italy in Buckheadfrom 12-3 p.m.

Winners of the "Born to Soar" Essay contest (open to girls ages13-18) and the female subjects of their stories will be honored at theluncheon. Additionally, attendees will learn from subjectmatter experts how to master social networking, personal branding,financial empowerment and health.

Most importantly...

"The veil must be lifted on Fibromyalgia," says Austin. "AfricanAmericans must be educated about the disease. It was thought of as amiddle-aged, White woman's disease, yet numerous African Americans haveFibromyalgia and we want to urge prevention and provide resources to those whohave it."

Join The Stiletto Challenge
With a minimum $10 donation participants must walk along a straight line on therunway in heels 4 inches or higher. For every woman who conquers the catwalkwithout wobbling or falling, an event sponsor will match her donation dollarfor dollar. Participants will be categorized based on the height of the heeland winners in each category will receive a swag bag.

Donate
Donations in support of the cause are being accepted online at theirregistration portal (http://soulmakeoveratl2010.eventbrite.com/)
or call 703-986-3464.

Volunteer
Volunteers are needed to make phone calls and distribute fliers.

Register/Buy Advance Tickets (Early Bird Ends9/22/2010)
http://soulmakeoveratl2010.eventbrite.com/
Cost: $10-$75

Sponsorship
To become a sponsor contact Jireh Communications Group between the hours of 9a.m. - 5 p.m. at (703) 986-3464.

Media Contact
Mona Austin, (703)367-7576

For general information visit us online at http://www.wix.com/MLKAustin/soulmakeover.

Event partners include Posh Glam, Ultimate Management Modeling Agency, theD.O.V.E. Foundation (Daughters of Virtue and Excellence), and The FrazierSchool.

###

About Mona Austin

As the principal at Jireh Communications Group, Mona Austin has spearheadedhigh profile events and executed a plethora of creative services in traditionaland new media. As a multi-media journalist, Austin's interviews with notableentertainers such as Niecy Nash, Mary Mary, and Queen Latifah,have appeared in various local and national publicationsincluding EUR, Black Nobility and NPR. Her personal passion is to empower women tomaximize their potential. She has also overcome health challenges and uses theExtreme Makeover for the Woman's Soul in part to promote wellness as alifestyle.

About Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome marked by widespread aches and pains -- includingdiscomfort at specific "tender points" in the body -- along withsymptoms such as fatigue and sleep problems. It is estimated to affect up to 5million U.S. adults, most commonly middle-aged women.The cause of Fibromyalgiais unknown, and the condition can prove difficult to treat. Between 80 and 90%of those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia are women; women who have a family memberwith Fibromyalgia are more likely to develop Fibromyalgia themselves (American College of Rheumatology, 2004)

About Jireh Communications Group

Jireh Communications Group (JCG) is a boutique creativeservices firm. Founded in 2002, Colorado Springs,CO Jireh is comprised of advertising, marketing and pr professionals whoconcentrate on building brand awareness through events and the creation ofprint, radio, Internet and digital communications.

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Welcome to my new blog column "Oh No They Didn't". I'll be using this post to discuss some of the most scandelous topics that I come across. I actually got the idea from the topic I actually am going to cover in this post.
I was at my job "kicking the shits" with a few of my co-workers. We were doing our usual, comparing interesting stories on the internet. We would always try to find a story that would get the biggest response, or should I say that they would present me with stories that hopefully I would find interesting enough to write and rant about. Often I would find something interesting but I felt as if I didn't have the outlet to do so.
One day though I saw something that made me say "Oh no they didn't!!!" and voila! One of my co-workers decided that I should have a segment of my blog dedicated to the "Oh no they didn't"s in the world. SO here it is.
My topic..."Martin Loofah King"

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No my spell check didn't fail you.
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For less than $20.00 you can purchase the Martin Loofah King exfoliating glove. I thoought that this was a joke, but some IDIOT named Shed Simove who goes by the alias Idea Man decided to disrespect one of the founders of the civil rights movement by putting his face on a gag gift. After researching the Ideas Man website I discovered the other tastless items he had online which range from The Butt Plug and the Cock A Doodle Pad.
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SMH!!!!!

Contest Extended!!!!!
I have decided to extend my contest until October 15th!!!

That means you have even more time to win!!!!

Contest Rules and Qualifications!!!!

It's that time of year again!!!


Contest start date 09/25/10

Contest end date 09/31/10

What you can win

1st prize

ICSY Beautiful shirt and bag

Mary Kay sample pack

$25 visa gift card

2nd prize

ICSY Beautiful shirt

50 % off coupon for www.icsybeautiful.com

$10 visa gift card

3rd prize

Mary Kay sample pack

Gift Certificate for www.phonefrills.webs.com

Everyone wins though...all followers will receive a suprise gift from me Mz. Know It All

How to win

Subscribe to my blog between the contest dates...thats all.

I will randomly choose one winner and winners will be announced via email!

Don't miss out on your chance to win!!!

*****************************************************************
Have you seen Mary Kay's new fall line?

Check out the Metro Chic collection today!!!!!

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Visit the link below to see the new catalog.


Get linked in with the latest urban news!!!
Visit http://www.truelinkmagazine.com/ to get the latest scoop delivered directly to your inbox!!!!!
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5 Tips for Improving Your Online Writing Skills


Writing for the web is not the same as writing for print. If you are going to be writing content that will be consumed online there are a few concepts that you need to get clear on. By now most people understand
the fact that we don’t read text online in the same way that we read text in hard copy such as a book or a newspaper that we hold in our hands.


People tend to skim online copy very quickly with their eyes.
The Internet is by nature fast moving and bright and shiny. Our brains and eyes move hyper-fast when we are online and if what we are looking at does not appeal to us, we can quickly get rid of it within a nano-second by clicking the next link.


As writers, we need to get in touch with the way our readers engage with our work online so that we can create a product that will be both useful and enjoyable by those who consume it. You want to craft content that makes your readers stop long enough for you to convey the message that you are trying to send. Your words must draw them in so that they can consume your content and in exchange for their attention you must
fulfill the promise of supplying the information they were searching for.


Write for human readers but with SEO in mind.
Another unseen audience that is consuming our content online is the search engines. Since our human readers’ eyeballs are our most important audience we write for them, but it’s also important to keep the principles of SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, in mind as we create web content.


Since many of us learned to write prior to the Internet age, there are a few specific strategies that we can employ in order to be effective at online writing.

  • Do Keyword research and write content that focuses on one or two keywords while delivering concise information that the end user is
    searching for.
  • Link to other related pieces of content within the site that add to topic.
  • Link out to related authority sites that have high search engine rankings and provide additional information for your reader.
  • Use images that illustrate your point and break up the text on the page.
  • Write in shorter paragraphs allowing for sufficient white space on the page to give the reader’s eyes a place to rest.
  • Use bullets and call-out boxes for the skimmers to grab information quickly.
  • Use meaningful sub-headers to introduce ideas.


Tips for sharpening the saw:

This is a list of five tips that can help you to improve your online writing skills, but this does not pretend to be an exhaustive list. You’ll want to keep learning and constantly strive to improve your craft over time–’sharpening the saw’ as Steven Covey calls it.


1. Read excellent writing
While it might sound far too simple and obvious, but reading good writing is really the best way to improve your own writing skills. Read widely on diverse topics. Pick authors whose writing style you admire and read several of their books. Get suggestions for good reads from fellow book-lovers, or make friends with your local librarian.

Here are a few blogs that feature both excellent writing and compelling content for writers:

2. Join a writing group
This can be tricky because a really good, established writing group can be quite challenging to find. You may end up starting one of your own, but find a group of fellow writers of varying levels of skill and accomplishment where you can share your work and get honest feedback on how you can improve it.


There are tons of writing groups online, but I prefer live groups because it gives you the chance to interact with other writers and create real relationships with real people who share your interests. Check out meetup.com to find a local writer’s critique group, or search online writing forums to find local writing groups.


3. Take a class
Visit your local University or Community College’s website to see if they offer an online writing class. It may, oddly enough, only be offered online, but you can find some live online writing classes as well. Other resources for online writing classes include:

4. Hire a writing coach
Working with a writing coach is an excellent investment. If you want to write a book, but you would like to polish up your writing style, a coach can help you to get motivated, get unstuck, create a writing routine that works for your lifestyle, and most of all hold you accountable to the goals that you have set for yourself.


5. Practice, practice and more practice.

“A writer writes,” as they say. Write something everyday. Set a daily word count goal that you feel that you can stick to, but that will also force you to stretch yourself a bit. Commit to meeting this goal, but don’t beat yourself up when you don’t. Just pick up where you left off. Keeping a daily longhand journal can be therapeutic and help you clear out what’s on your mind so that you can focus on creating good writing.


Keep a blog where you write about whatever inspires you. Write a new post every day and before long you will begin to notice that you are developing a unique style that your readers will come to enjoy.


Additional Writing Resources:

Want more writing, blogging and online marketing tips and resources? Visit, http://www.productivepen.com, and sign up for our email newsletter.


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The Past Between Them


TITLE: The Past Between Them

AUTHOR: Stephanie Morris

AUTHOR URL: http://www.stephaniemorris.webs.com

GENRE/THEME: Contemporary African American Romance

PUBLISHER: Sugar and Spice Press

URL TO THE BUYING PAGE:

http://www.sugarnspicepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=77

EXCERPT RATING: PG-13

BLURB:

Tovah Warren is devastated when she loses her father. Things get worse when she loses her job. Just when it seemsthat the world is already crashing down around her, the attorney of herfather’s nemesis’ son shows up on her doorstep insisting that her father stillowes money to Jefferson Incorporated. With the all the bad blood between theWarrens and the Jefferson’s, Tovah can’t be sure if this is just anotherunderhanded ploy or not. What she does know is that she isn’t going to payCordell Jefferson one penny. The debt is her father’s, not hers.

Cordell Jefferson is infuriated when his attorney returnswith the torn pieces of a notification to Tovah Warren informing her of thedebt that her father still owes to his company. Their families have beenfeuding for decades, but that wasn’t his concern. He wants to collect the moneyowed to his company and move on to the next debt. Tovah makes it clear that shedoesn’t plan to cooperate. Cordell decides to take matters into his own hands,only the instant he meets her, the reason he wants her to cooperate changes…

Excerpt:

“Tovah Warren?”

His voice sent little shivers through her. It sounded every bit as refined andsexy as he looked. The time that had passed since that day when she had watchedhim playing basketball had only enhanced his appeal. What had once beenyouthful good looks had matured into breathtakingly handsome features combinedwith a captivating appeal that reached her on the most primal level. And hiseyes…she couldn’t remember those milk chocolates being so intense. They werethe type of eyes that could delve into the very core of a person’s existenceand uncover the innermost secrets hidden there. A sudden shortness of breathtook her by surprise. It was easy to see why so many women fell all over themselvesin an attempt to get close to him. She shook away the unwanted thoughts andtried her best to rein in her rush of sexual excitement.

“Yes, I’m Tovah Warren.”

Calm down, girl, breathe slowly. He is only a man.

Her instructions to herself went by the wayside when his gaze traveled fromher face down her body to her feet, then slowly moved upward, caressing herfrom her bare legs to her face again. There was no mistaking the sensual lookthat covered his face. It was an expression that said he liked what he saw. Itwas the sort of look that made her feel naked and exposed while offering thepromise of unspeakable pleasures.

If only she had known he was going to show up at her place. She would havechanged out of the beige cotton slip dress and slipped her bare feet into apair of sandals. If she had changed clothes, maybe she wouldn’t feel as if hewas studying every curve of her body. A shocking jolt of excitement hit her—asensation as frightening as it was undeniably lustful.

"I’m Cordell Jefferson.”

It was a struggle, but she found her voice. Still she couldn’t keep thecontempt out of her voice when she spoke. “I know exactly who you are.”

Surprise flickered across his face, then rapidly disappeared. “You were quiterude to my attorney earlier. In fact, Jack stated it was the first time a womaninstilled fear within him. I’m afraid your actions have left me with no choicebut to take matters into my own hands.” He studied her for a long moment, andthen the corners of his mouth curled upward…a heart-stopping, sexy smile thatemphasized perfect white teeth in sharp contrast to the mahogany hue of hisface. “It seems we have some pressing business to wrap up.”

She couldn’t prevent the immediate sharp intake of breath as a response to hissmile, his closeness to her and the overwhelming strength of his masculinity.It took every ounce of her inner fortitude to maintain a minuscule amount ofself-control while responding to his statement. “No, I believe you aremistaken. We don’t have anything to discuss.”

“Oh, we most certainly do, Ms. Warren.” He completed another blatant scan ofher physical attributes, head-to-toe before recapturing eye contact with her.“We have quite a bit to talk about.”

The sensual shimmer in his gaze frightened her as much as it excited her. Herpoise slipped away quicker than she could keep hold of it. The last thing shewanted to do was come across as uncertain or wavering in front of CordellJefferson.

“May I come in?”

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We’ve all probably gone through this feeling at one time or another – amidst all the hustle and bustle of a seemingly great life, you still feel like something is missing. There’s that little part of you that feels restless, even while everything else seems to be in place. Your mate and the kids “seem happy” with the job you are doing, home affairs appear to be running smoothly, and your career may even be at its peak. Yet something still just doesn’t feel right, and you can’t quite figure out what that is.

You may be feeling this way because you have given blood, sweat and rivers of tears for the people you love but not for the person you should be loving the most – yourself! This does not mean that you should only be thinking about yourself from now on. However, you, as the beautiful soul that you are, personally need undivided attention – you need to feed your body, soul and spirit because together they comprise the only YOU there is!

Most women find it difficult to focus on themselves and their needs due to societal conditioning. They constantly worry too much about things falling apart if they let go of feeling responsible for everyone else. But think of how things will go completley haywire if you run your energy into the ground by attending to the needs of others and not your own. Pretty soon your body and spirit will have to step in and create “me time” for you. This could mean that you will fall ill, begin to forget the important things or just feel plain’ole worn out.

When deciding to make the most important decision and the extremely valuable move to commit to your own personal needs and wants; you must be ready to release the “small ideas” you have had about your life. This is not about measuring up with some parameters for comparison – your happiness is not about keeping up with the Jones’; it’s about attaining daily habits and routines that allow your spirit to sing…everyday. Life is not an uncharted race of trying to beat out somebody else; it’s about being happy with where you are in your life at any given moment.

You are a unique individual with needs that are different from everyone else. When you begin to focus on these, you will be amazed at how much better you will feel and how all of your relationships will improve. Attending to our own personal needs and wants helps us identify where we have been standing in our own way and allows us to grow into the spirits that we have always wanted to be. Once you set out on the course to “radical transformation,” you may not like what you find immediately, but the journey of identifying your truth then living your life from it will be the greatest reward.

Be aware that you will definitely feel “uncomfortable” in the beginning. Beginning to take time out for you when you are use to doing things for everyone else can make you feel so guilty. And if you grew up in the church…you will struggle with the falacy of “by doing things for yourself, you are not being a good Christian”…NONSENSE!!!

Once I started to peel back the layers of my personality, removing the shackles of society, and discovered that I was not perfect…it was damn near devastating. I had such a hard time shifting my focus to me when all my life I had seemed to focus on everything and everyone else. But it has to be done, the choices and decisions you will begin to make will determine the roadmap ahead. Like me, I feel that once you really begin tothink about it, you will want to take on a path that will lead you to a greater sense of self-awareness, connection/reconnection you’re your truth and the courage to live your life according to what “feels good” to you. Take a look below at these “radically transformative tips” that will help you focus on yourself so you can begin to enjoy your life:

1. Devote exclusive time for yourself each day. Set a definite hour for yourself alone and bask in an activity that you absolutely love. It can be time in the tub, a walk in the park, a manicure at the salon, sitting on your patio sipping coffee and doing nothing else – whatever it is that pleases you. Do something strictly for pleasure and not to move you further along in your career or in your relationships. This time is strictly for you. Learn to play…hell, by a set of jacks or a tonka truck and get busy. You could also use this time to reflect in your journal, dream the biggest dream you can imagine, and write down all of the things you will do and have once your dream is realized.

2. Give value to your overall needs, and be in-charge of them – the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional. Don’t make the mistake of thinking these needs are dependent on someone else or that you can only have satisfaction and happiness when somebody else does something to you or for you. You have the power within yourself to attain these needs and that is the only way you will become a whole person. Want to strengthen your relationship with self and show up to a dating situation whole…then (excuse my slang) but…get-chu some bidnez! Making the other person 100% responsible for your happiness is not attractive nor is it healthy.

3. Feed your mind, body and spirit with good and healthy things. Find positive energy to stimulate you, positive thoughts to motivate you and positive people to be around. Feed your body well – eat healthy, taking in lots of fruits and vegetables and get plenty of water. Do like I do, since I don’t like to eat them, I blend them and drink them all together. Feed your mind with informative material. Read lots of motivational books, listen to audiobooks and attend pleasurable events. I’m not one to read the newspaper or watch the news. How do I stay up on current events you ask? Trust me, there are tons of others who enjoy feeding their mind and spirit with the negativity of the world…if I want to know, I’m sure they will be willing to share. If you can’t detach from the news completely, at least limit the amount of time spent watching, listening or reading the news.

4. Limit your time on the TV – if you need to, watch the “feel good” programs that let you laugh about life and stimulate your spirit. Listen to soothing music. Music has that magical ability to relax or stimulate your mind, depending on what you need at that particular moment.

5. Spend time doing something you love. If you are able to do it daily, do so. It can be a hobby like people watching (oh wait…that’s one of mine…giggle) gardening or a creative pastime like painting, pottery or craftworks. Whenever your creative outbursts are at their peak, translate that into action; whatever that means to you. It’s always nice to be doing something beautiful.

6. Create your own gratitude journal. Did you know that a lot of bestselling motivational books started from the authors’ personal gratitude journal? You can begin to write down even just five things you’re grateful for each day. Pretty soon, you’ll see your list growing and you’ll begin to notice how good it is to focus on the positive things in this world. I bet you’ll be writing longer reflections and short stoties in no time because you’ll be writing about the good things rather than dwelling on the occasional obstacles of life.

There really is no better way to take good care of yourself than focusing on your needs and wants. Feeding yourself constantly allows you meet the challenge of each new day with a positive attitude and a happy heart – fully content with where you are at each present moment. And when you are ready to kick it up a notch and “Radically Transform” your life…you know where to find me. You can reach out to me directly or radically transform in the comfort of your own home. The choice of HOW you do it is yours…all I ask it that you step up to the plate and “MAKE IT HAPPEN!”

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The Marketing Network

Mike Filsame has just created his own social network called The Marketing Network. I encourage to go and join this network if you intend to learn all you can about internet marketing and get the latest cutting edge technology and inside tips.

Mike Filsame is well known in the internet marketing arena and needless to say he is one of the top guru's in the game. Joining his network will allow you the opportunity to connect to other network marketers who are at the top of their game.

Click here for more information and to add me to as your friend!

Be Blessed in all you do!

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Hi, everyone!

Can you believe how fast spring has sprung?! Time is moving and so am I. I am promoting my latest release, Love Found Me. An inspirational suspense! If you have not acquired your copy, please do so. My publishing house (GSH Publishing) is offering a spring special -this is limited time only so take advantage of this opportunity!

Thanks in advance for your support!

Order here:
www.gshpublishing.com


Poet and Author Acholam Birago

April National Poetry Month! This is a time to celebrate poets and their poetry. Through out the month of April, numerous events are held. It is wonderful way to involve youths in a poetic activities.
Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.

http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/41

Join me on my online Radio Blog Talk Show! Yes, The Certain Ones now has a home on the air waves! Our forthcoming segment is: Poetic Justice.

We will be celebrating National Poetry Month in the Month of April- with the fiercest inspirational and motivational poet and author Acholam Birago. Stage name: Poetic.Soul.Provider. You do not want to miss this enchanting evening of soul stirring and thought provoking conversation!

http://www.poeticsoulprovider.com/


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thecertainones/2010/04/21/celebrating

ational-poetry-month-poetic-justice

Listen to The Certain Ones on Blog Talk Radio

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Spring Cleaning and Upgrading

When you get a chance stop by my Website. www.allaboutyouexp.com .
I am looking for recommendations and testamonies for my site. If your are familiar with some of my products and woulld like to share an experience. I would love to post your words anonomously or with you picture.

Contact: janice@allaboutyouexp.com or call directly 267-251-3148
Janice

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