All Posts - Blogs - Black Business Women Online

Build your brand- now

Posted by Jamie Fleming-Dixon on February 25, 2010 at 9:30pm

Hi ladies!

This is a post I recently wrote on my blog. Hope this helps someone:

I'm sure you know by now that branding any business is very important. (If you're not sure what branding is, check out this post).

Here are some tips you can use right now to build your brand:

Get a fabulous and effective website. By having a design that's professionally created (or at least looks like it), you'll gain credibility- and it's not as expensive as you might imagine. Two options to consider: 1) Use a theme that everyone and their grandma isn't using, or 2) Use a little money to hire a designer to modify an available, free theme.
Be serious about SEO (search engine optimization). Whatever business you're in, you don't want to spend a lot of time looking for clients/customers- you want to use your time to make money. If you take the time to work on your SEO, your name (or business's) will come up higher in search results; so, when someone is searching for the service/product you offer, they'll be more likely to choose you first.
Create compelling copy. You want the words on your website to convince others to purchase your product or service. However, it can be hard for you to write about how awesome you are, so you may want to think about hiring a copywriter. He or she can objectively convey why individuals should choose you.
Convey your brand to others. It's easier to form a brand following when you can "piggy-back on top of an exisiting brand." And with blogging being so popular, gaining recognition is pretty simple- one way to do this is by writing guest posts on other blogs.
Make a product to establish your authority. Having a product or download shows prospective clients that you know what you're doing. A couple of options: Write an ebook, or provide a free download that's related to your business's experience.

Check out more business and writing tips on Mocha Writer's Blog.

Happy Branding!

During A Recession

Posted by Denise Bethune on February 25, 2010 at 5:36pm

As Harvard Business School professor John A. Quelch noted recently,"It is well documented that brands that increase advertising during a recession, when competitors are cutting back, can improve market share, and return on investment at lower cost than during good economic times."

Taking time for You!

Posted by V. Ophelia Rigault on February 25, 2010 at 5:18pm

I've been having a very frustrating week so far! I feel, I need to attend a support group and stand up and say "My name is Vanessa Ophelia Rigault - and I need a to ESCAPE MY LIFE! I wanted something/someone to help me to escape - to escape the frustration of not being able to do what I want - when I want to do it - to run away - but guess what? - I can't run - I have a broken ankle!

So here, I'm sitting - refusing to have another pity party, when a client emails me to tell me - that the guided meditation I recorded for her - that she is still using it and it helps her to relaxes her mind and escape from her daily stresses at the end of her day.

Out of the blue, the Universe sent me this reminder. I'm reminded, I can escape for a few moments everyday by getting back to my meditation. I've always believed, that when you take time to center and balance yourself - you can be balanced and centered when dealing with any issues in your life.

You see, in the last year or so, I've had lots of changes, and I have not been consistent with my daily meditation - so when my client told me this wonderful testimonial - it made me feel good - but more importantly, it also reminded me to 'take time for myself' - to take time to still my mind - to escape for a few moments.

I immediately put on some meditative music, turned off my lights and sat for a while as I relaxed and release the daily stresses. It felt so good! My soul was happy!

Here is a FREE gift for you to get relax and release your mind (just scroll down to the bottom of the page).

I hope you enjoy it!

Namaste,
Ophelia
www.realizeyourvisons.com

A New Relationship With Time:

Posted by Patricia Hartfield on February 25, 2010 at 2:28pm

Make a date with yourself, every day if possible. Even if for ONLY a half hour, carving out time for YOU is a great act of generosity. Your work can usually wait a half hour, but your soul can't.

Whether we like it or not, the clock keeps tiking so live fully, every single second of every single day. Learn the true joy of doing less and having more as you experience each day as priceless. Fill your life with as many precious moments and experiences of joy and passion as you humanly can.

When you "catch yourself in the act" of doing something that doesn't serve you, you can choose

to change it and when it's a repeating pattern, you can literally CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

Hope you enjoyed and will share with others, something different for you to meditate about today.

Blessings,

Patricia

http://www.helpingothersinc.info

Call for Wedding Photos

Posted by Stephanie on February 25, 2010 at 1:30pm

Hi,

We are currently accepting submissions for real weddings and engagement sessions to be featured on our blog, Soulful Engagements. We are looking for pictures showcasing happy couples, the crazy guests and all the fabulous details.

To have your wedding or engagement pictures featured on Soulful Engagements email us at soulfulengagements@gmail.com up to 10 pictures and include the following information in your email:

o Couples’ names & wedding date
o Photo credit (name of photographer who took the pictures)
o Brief description about the wedding or engagement session
o Vendor information (if applicable)

Thanks,
Stephanie LaRae
Soulful Engagements

Did The Concept of race come from Africa or europe?

Posted by Eric Gibson A.K.A Joaquin love on February 25, 2010 at 2:00am

My answer is Europe yet it has been a curse for everyone under its dark spell,Einstein said a problem cannot be solved by the same mind set that created it,In order to solve the problems related to racism we must approach the solution from a pre-slavery mind set,the concept of race was designed as a tool to control other people,

When we return to ancient Afrikan concepts, we accept that we just are!!!!,they were not a color conscious society,they just were,Its diifficult for many in America to wrap their mind around this concept because,they cant see themselves beyond their perceived color.

Fredrick Dougkas spoke about the duality,After he escaped from slavery and self educated himself in the art of rhetoric(the most persuasive speech) he became a renown orator and wrote a best selling book,when a warrant was issued for his capture, people of all colors raised money and had him sent to Belfast Ireland where he recieved a plaque commenorating his visit that is still there to this day.,Fredrick Douglas said"It was the first time in his life that he felt like a whole man( not being made to feel conscious of who he was,but just being himself) this was because Irish people had felt the same sting of slavery too,Irish people were stripped of their native tougue galic.by England {the mother of this country},

When we free our minds our bodies will follow,Look at the double standard attached to the connutation of race,If one dies for their country in America the news reports them as a American casualty!When a person of color wins a medal in the olympics,The Americans won the medal.But when opportunities of jobs and loans or education,Then they want to know what color you are,why not ask my shoe size because that seems equally odd to me..Why do you need to know!!

For the Educators in your Life

Posted by Angela Cooper on February 25, 2010 at 12:45am

Note: I'd love your help in promoting more campaigns like this. Please sign the "C List" so that I can contact you for the next campaign.

My friends over at the Blogrollers are running a very interesting campaign and have asked me to help spread the word.

Promethean, the global leader in interactive education technology solutions, is conducting The ActivClassroom Film Festival Video Contest for teachers that effectively and creatively use Promethean ActivBoards, Learner Response Systems or ActivInspire software in their classrooms to bring learning to life!

Just in case you don't know what Promethean Boards are, you can read all about them right here. In our school system we call them "White Boards". They are used in a lot of classrooms in our elementary, middle and high schools. I myself am fascinated by them. The kids love them. I believe that the interaction with the kids using the white board in their classrooms is awesome and gets the kids moving around as opposed to just sitting at their desk listening.

My son who has autism benefits from using this board as it's hands on and that makes things easier for him to understand. He's always eager to go onto the board and show me something that he has learned. You can also use it the old fashioned by by writing on the board with a marker and then cleaning it off with a paper towel. (How green is that). It can also be used as a projector screen. I could go on and on but,

There is a contest for teachers to enter to win a fully installed personal ActivBoard. See below:

About the Contest:

To enter, teachers submit a video showing how using ActivClassroom brings “life” to their classroom or their subjects for a chance to win a fully installed personal ActivBoard+2 OR a set of ActivExpressions! The first 10 submissions get an ActiView Visual Presenter just for entering! This is a global contest and there will be two winners selected from each of the participating countries: United States, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The deadline for entries is Monday, March 15, 2010. Voting takes place March 22-31, and the winners are announced April 2. See all of the details right here

Tell all of the educators you know about this contest. You can also follow them on twitter @PrometheanUSA and @Planet_Tweets on Twitter and use the hashtag #learning2life

6 Ways to Make Sales Online

Posted by LaShanda Henry on February 24, 2010 at 11:44pm

I believe that effective internet marketing is not just about generating traffic, but also making the most of the traffic that you get. Too many web entrepreneurs spend time and money focusing only on marketing, which is important BUT not the only thing. Driving more traffic to your website is great, but what do you do when more people does not translate into more sales? For many online entrepreneurs, more traffic isn't really the solution to their profit problem. If you ask me, they don't spend enough time strategically wooing customers, which is why most of them aren’t making any money. For those internet entrepreneurs looking to increase their online sales, I decided to come up with a listing of things that I believe contribute to making more sales online: 1. Trust: When you present yourself as a professional who understands business and only sells quality, you develop a trust factor among your customers and readers. People refer friends to me because they trust I will do a good job. People open my emails because they trust my judgment and respect what I have to say. When you focus on building your reputation and earning people’s trust, rather than simply marketing yourself to anyone who comes along, you find that more people pay attention. Every time I send out a marketing email I know that I am guaranteed a certain percentage of sales based primarily on the size of my market and the trust factor between myself and my readers. Businesses don’t just add the word ‘trust’ to their brand because it sounds good. Trust truly adds to your ability to make sales. 2. Connect: When you connect with your customers on a relatable level you increase your chances of making the sale. Much of the attention I have gained online is from connecting to people on a level of mutual understanding. I am a black woman so I know how to relate to my target audience, which is Black Women. Whether you are a part of your target audience or not, you have to learn how to connect with them. Beyond trying to sell them something, my goal is to say something that speaks to my target audience, which is how I tend to grab their attention. With that connection and acquired trust comes an increased chance of a sale. 3. Quality: Product Quality and presentation go hand in hand. People buy quality products. If you are selling online, a space on which people can’t actually touch your product or service, then you need to show them that quality in any way you can. Satisfied customer testimonies, awards or press exposure, amazing product images, and/or video can help to show others the type of quality that you stand for. 4. Professionalism: If you present your business in a professional manner you have an increased chance of making more sales. From your design to your customer service, presentation to web navigation, the easier it is for people to understand what you are selling and how to buy, the more effective your business. 5. Navigation: As I previously mentioned a professional design is so important. I have visited several sites on which I couldn’t figure out where the products were or how to buy them. And I have seen sites where my purchase process failed because there was a technical issue. These are all things that decrease your sites profit potential. If you need to work on your design, make it a priority because sites with hassle-free payment pages tend to generate more revenue. Remember that when dealing with the general public, the easier the better. 6. Great Pictures: When I enter a site with great pictures I am instantly hooked for at least a few more minutes. If you have a cosmetics line, I should see a huge display on your main page featuring women and your products. A great example is Carol’s Daughters; she always has amazing shots of both models and her products on the first page. If your site is about financial planning, I want to see images of families looking through their finances or getting a loan, something to give me an instantaneous – clear message of what you are about. I have little time or interest in sites with small product images or no images at all. If you want to sell me something I want to see what I am buying. I am the general public and you need to remember this when promoting your web business. If you were curious, I get my photos from istockphoto.com. To review all 12 of my online sales tips, download my eBook: How to Sell Your Products and Services Online. You can get this ebook + 3 more in my 'How to Sell Online' eCourse for Beginners'.

The State of Black Leadership

Posted by Denise Bethune on February 24, 2010 at 8:41pm

“As we look ahead…leaders will be those who empower others.” ~ Bill GatesLet’s face it everyone: there is a lack of leadership in the black community.Currently, many believe there is no vision, fresh idea, or strategy that would equip our communities (across the country) for success. And, I want to make special mention of the word vision, because when that’s lacking, people, especially young people, will cast off all restraint and do what’s right in their own eyes. Presently, lack of vision is placing many of our young people in great danger.So, how long are we going to go without an agenda that would deal with the issues that are devastating our communities? When are we going to realize that African Americans are truly in a crisis and things for us could either go up, with this road of recovery filled with great benefits to our communities; or down, with this road of decline filled with more duress that would take precious time away from a workable solution? Is there an answer to the pressing issues of: high unemployment rates, lack of business ownership, low graduation rates for inner-city students, high incarceration rates for males, and the high number of children being born out of wedlock? Yes, there is. But let’s first talk about the current state of black leadership.We must acknowledge that leadership in the black community is not something you do as a career. True black leadership is birthed out of one’s burden to serve and is characterized by service to ALL African Americans. I think for too long, many so-called leaders looked at the leadership-game and sensed there was a payoff for them; and due to the low standard of leadership we have had in recent years, there has been a big payoff for many. However, this form of leadership is not going to last due to the arrival of the internet—which will allow new voices to be heard—and individuals who are ready to step-up and lead. Additionally, nothing of significance ever gets done with career-minded leaders. Now, you might ask, “How can we spot this type of leader?” And the answer is: by the books one has authored, and the lucrative speaking career (or other money-making ventures) he or she may have. We must move beyond this ineffective leadership in order to solve our never-before-seen crisis.Secondly, let’s talk about the cornerstones of leadership which are: knowledge, drafting of a proactive plan, execution of the plan, and the assembling of a competent team around the plan or vision. This is the essence of leadership. Our communities must get beyond reactionary leadership (i.e., marches) and fruitless leadership (i.e., time-wasting panel discussions), as we have found these tactics to be inadequate. The African-American community is in need of plans that have goals, and ways of measuring the effectiveness of the leader’s plan against those goals. Plus, many of these new plans will have to be apart from what the government offers (or in other words, these innovative plans must be founded upon a do-for-self strategy).So if you want to identify a leader in the 21st century, just simply ask: “Where’s your proactive plan?” If there’s a plan, then that’s a good start to effective leadership. If a so-called leader is not capable of producing a plan, then we have to wonder what their motive really is.Thirdly, leaders must have a sense of purpose while leading. They must know that the leadership they’re offering is what they’ve been born to do. Financial gain cannot be the primary focus, and service must exceed everything!When we look back at video-footage of our past leaders, you can truly sense purpose with every move that was made and every interview that was given. Our leaders executed plans, faced dangers, stood on principles, and had an assurance that service to people was their vocation. Furthermore, they were aware of the importance of legacy as their efforts provided a foundation for future generations to build on. Purpose-filled leaders will be the ones that will provide the revolutionary change for our communities, as well as the hard-to-solve problems of the world. Today’s world could never have enough of this type of leadership.In closing, I truly believe new leaders are being raised up to meet the needs of the African-American community. And the only reason I could even be considered a leader is due to a proactive plan that the Creator has blessed me with, along with my genuine burden to see our communities empowered.You may view our company’s plan at: www.famdo.com as well as leave a comment on the plan and this article. Thanks for reading.Don Franco is the author of the book, “The FAMDO Way: A Commentary and Solution to the African-American Crisis.”You may view Don at a Harlem book signing by viewing the following link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiVME_I67K8

Free Wedding Vendor Directory Listing

Posted by Stephanie on February 24, 2010 at 8:30pm

All of the major search engines use link popularity to determine how well a site will rank. The more high quality, relevant links that lead to your site, the higher your site will rank. Being listed in our Wedding Vendor Directory is a great opportunity to increase your search engine ranking. The basic listing in our Wedding Vendor Directory is for 1 year (365 calendar days). All listings are by category and are listed in alphabetical order. The listing includes business name, contact information and a link to your website. If you would like a basic listing in our directory please complete this questionnaire.

Thanks,

Stephanie LaRae

Soulful Engagements

I'm Listed: American Express| Open Forum| 48 Guerilla MArketig Tips from Top PR Pros

Posted by Dee on February 24, 2010 at 6:45pm

I'm quoted in this week's American Express Small Business Site, Open Forum's 48 Guerilla Marketing Tips from Top PR Pros.

We’ve asked some of the most experienced public relations professionals to share their secrets on how to market a company on a small budget. Here are some of the best ways to use social media and word-of-mouth marketing to gain a competitive advantage in this tough economy. stated Senior Writer, Linsey Knerl

Read the list, copy it for your notes, and let me know what you thought of my tip.

Are you tired yet???

Posted by Taifa Yakini on February 24, 2010 at 3:13pm

The funny thing about change, is that change can not happen without CHANGE! I know it seems simple enough, but for many of us it's a difficult concept to grasp. See Change is one of those small words that until we take it seriously we will not truly experience.

I often hear people complain about what they don't like about their lives. How they want change in their lives, but few are willing to do the work. Change requires CHANGE! You can not expect to continue to do what you have been doing and recieve new results. If you love your life the way it is then keep doing what you are doing, but if you are like many others and could use some new direction then it is time for YOU to change.

We can find fault in everyone around us, but it is very hard to take a long hard look in the mirror. The truth is the only person in this world that we can change is ourself. Things will happen in our lives that are completely out of our control, but how we choose to handle them determine the quality of life we will lead.

When we have gotten tired of our life the way it is we have the option to change it. There are a few things that must be done if we want real change.

1. Change your mind - life is not that bad, and how we percieve things has a lot to do with how we deal. We must learn to have a positive attitude towards life and our life will become positive.

2. Learn from life - instead of throwing a pitty party when things don't go our way, lets try learning from them. If we take lessons from life we become wiser, and life becomes easier.

3. Do something - change in life takes action. We can not expect things to miraculously just happen, we must make a concious decision to do something differently. God is real, but God helps those who help themselves.

4. Have faith - once we have made the decision to change our life, we must believe it is possible or our efforts will be in vain. If we don't believe in ourselves, we will become our own worst enemy.

5. Pay it forward - The funny thing about the universe is that every thing we put out there will come back to us ten fold. Good or bad, it's up to us but rest assured it will come back, karma is REAL.

When you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, STOP, get off your butt and do something about it!

Respect,

Taifa Yakini

CALLING FOR EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, CONCERTS, RALLIES, AUDITIONS, ETC.

Posted by Day-Day on February 24, 2010 at 1:12pm

Yes, yes! I am looking for inspirational and positive events to post on IndustryBuzzz.com and to promote on my Arts & Ent. segment on TCM Radio's "Youthful Praise" with host, BX!I get a lot of events, but I want more!Let me know what events you are doing by emailing me at daheprod@yahoo.com with the subject, 'Add My Event!'Thanks!MzDay

Want Your Own Candle Business with No Start-Up Cost?

Posted by Maureen Daniels on February 24, 2010 at 12:54pm

Start Your Own Candle Business At No Cost!
Want to Get Your candle Business for:
No Cost
No Monthly Fees
No Monthly Quotas
No Cost Kit
No Cost Website
For All that You will Have:
Hand Made Toxin-Free Eco-Friendly High Quality Candles
Freedom To Promote Your Business With No Restrictions
50% Profit Margin
Private Label program
Fundraising Program

For More Information & To Join Our Team, Visit http://myscentessence.com/maureend

Get The Exposure Your Business Deserves

Posted by Maureen Daniels on February 24, 2010 at 12:00pm

How Would You Like A Business Tool that...
Saves You Money On Web Design & Webmaster Costs
Gives You Maximum Exposure on The Internet
Saves you time on Marketing Your Business
Increases your Sales
And Pays You Too!

Visit the following website and watch the videos that explains it all!
at http://onlineshoppingmall.ismyblogs.name

Special Event You WOn't Want to Miss
Then Join us on March 2nd for A Presentation about How this Blogging Network network can give your business the exposure you deserve.
Presentation Details: http://onlineshoppingmall.ning.com/events/get-the-business-exposure-you

"So He Cheated...Now What?" Meet Nicole Cleveland

Posted by Sharvette, Radio Host on February 24, 2010 at 12:45am

Health Is Wealth

Posted by Black doctor. org on February 23, 2010 at 5:32pm

(BlackDoctor.org) -- “The first wealth is health.” ---Ralph Waldo Emerson

If I asked you what the top priorities in your life were, I'm sure there'd be many different responses. Your family, your children, your grandchildren, your business, your finances---these are all valid and extremely important. However, no matter who you are or what you do, your health should indeed be your number one priority. Why? Because without your health, you have nothing at all.

Read the full article by following this link: http://blackdoctor.org/articles1.aspx?counter=37281

Find more information at: www.blackdoctor.org

The NAACP Youth & College Division Supports

Posted by Denise Bethune on February 23, 2010 at 4:34pm

The NAACP Youth & College Division Supports the 2010"What's Your Issue? - Film Your Issue" Competition!The NAACP Youth & College Division is pleased to announce our participation in a new film competition and we welcome the involvement of our members in the What’s Your Issue? - Film Your Issue initiative and competition! The NAACP is supporting this exciting and important competition, along with YouTube, Best Buy, Apple, Association of American Colleges and Universities, American Red Cross, Sony Pictures and others.Young adults ages 14 to 24 are invited to develop and present innovative solution-project ideas to front-burner issues, in one of nine categories: environment, education, health/ healthcare, poverty, public service, national security and defense, the economic recession, and human and equal rights. Winners will be selected by both a VIP Jury and public online via YouTube.Winning solution-projects will be presented to senior officials in the Obama administration, broadcast on screens in every Best Buy store on the planet, presented at a VIP reception in Washington, DC, and flown to Los Angeles for the Awards ceremony, co-hosted by Sony Pictures Studios. Prizes include an Apple MacBook, iPhones and a Student Filmmaker Pass to the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.The format for submission is a 3-minute video, presenting both the issue and proposed solution-project idea. At the time of submission, the video will be uploaded along with an accompanying one-sheet narrative outlining the project. The deadline for submissions is April 18, 2010.Details of the competition are on the What’s Your Issue- Film Your Issue Website.http://www.whatsyourissue.tvWhat’s Your Issue- Film Your Issue President, HeathCliff Rothman, personally invites your emailed questions or comments to: heathcliff@whatsyourissue.tvStefanie L. Brown,National Field Director-NAACP4805 Mt. Hope DriveBaltimore, MD 21215410-580-5658410-358-9786 faxsbrown@naacpnet.orghttp://www.naacp.org/youth/college/index.htm

Soften and Sweeten Your Skin with La Falaise

Posted by Dr. Christine Thorpe on February 22, 2010 at 7:37pm

La Falaise Organic Green Tea and Muscat Rose Body Lotion is made with antioxidants and oils that help to decrease the appearance of imperfections on the skin.

What’s beautiful about this product is that has 98.85% natural ingredients and 81.54% of organic ingredients, which is pretty neat.

You can win this and other great La Falaise bath products (including a jute bag and bath tray) in our winter giveaway package. Enter here

Abused Woman Ministries' Inc. School of Healing Lecture for Week of Feb 21st to 27th

Posted by DR. DOROTHY E. HOOKS on February 22, 2010 at 3:38am

Hello Everyone,

It is that time for the Abused Woman Ministries' Inc. School of Healing (AWMSOH) to open! I am excited about what God has done, is doing, and going to do. Here are the link for this week's lecture; also included an explanation about the School of Healing.

God bless you'll and welcome to the journey that is going to change your life.
Dr. Hooks

http://abusedwoman.ning.com/page/introduction-to-abused-woman
http://abusedwoman.ning.com/page/lecture-for-week-of-feb-21st

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.