By Naz DaudSo how do you go about getting the next order from a business who has just bought for the first time? You could start by thanking them for their first order! What do you think of the following ideas?You must watch the competition and price your products correctly. You do not necessarily have to be the cheapest but you certainly cannot be the most expensive! None of the steps below will work unless you have products that are competitively price. Many people are willing to buy at a price that is slightly higher than the lowest if they feel that they are getting better service.Follow up with a phone call a week after satisfying their order and ask if everything was okay. Did their order arrive on time? Were they happy with our service? Were any goods damaged? Send them a feedback form after every delivery. Some customers will fill this form every time and alert you to any problems before you lose them.Ask your business clients if they would like to subscribe to your monthly newsletter. Remember to always make it clear that they can opt out at anytime. This way you can inform them the latest developments in your business, new product launches, new staff arrivals, changes to policy and much more.By sending them regular information, your customers will share your joy when you inform them of any good news. They will feel your pain when you share any negative developments. By keeping your customers abreast of the latest developments you can in some cases turn the customer into your friend.It is far easier and cheaper to get more business from an existing customer than it is to find a new one. Do you remember how long it took you in man hours and phone calls before you eventually got their first order? Why throw this away so quickly just because your business does not have a system in place that monitors existing customers.How could you improve your service to them? Such a simple question to ask but the answers can be so powerful. If a customer does respond to this question learn from the answer and implement changes so that next time they get better service. If you are lucky they will teach you how to do more and save money!When would they like you to call again? Stick the date in your diary and make sure you call them!Do you always remember to ask for more business? Asking for more business might seem simple but it is amazing how many people forget to pick up the phone when the customer is ready to place his next order.If they are happy can they give you a testimonial or a referral? Some of the best testimonials should be in your brochure and in your regular newsletter. Remember to follow up on referrals as they can be the easiest to get new customers to pick up.How do you go about getting the second order?
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Beauty Deal of The Week:We have an exciting Blog Talk Radio show coming up this week on Thursday, May 14th with Essence Atkins. Our show on April 30th with The Makeup Girl (Lianne Farbes) was pretty exciting as well. Check it out at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/illusions-cosmetics. While you are there, take the time to rate the show, mark it as a favorite, and/or leave a comment. If you do, you will receive some great discounts. When you make your next Illusions purchase, take advantage of the following discounts:1) rate the April 30th show and receive 50% off2) mark the April 30th show as a favorite and receive 30% off3) comment on the April 30th show and receive 10% offEnjoy the show on Beauty Blogging with The Makeup Girl and join us again on May 14th at 9pm EST when we 'talk beauty' with Essence Atkins.www.illusionsbeauty.com
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Making MagicLillieBoyd-Jarrott, 58Owner, Color Me BeautifulNorth Charleston, South CarolinaLillie Boyd-Jarrott a married mother of two grown children was ready for her second act after retiring from a successful career in corporate American in 2004. She had previously engaged in some part-time entrepreneurial ventures and was ready to be her own boss. “I wanted the freedom to choose my own hours, take vacation when I wanted to, and work at my won pace,” She learned of Color Me Beautiful from her nephew, who saw a kiosk in the mall. “My interest was immediate,” she says. “Although I knew nothing about makeup, I wanted to make women feel good about themselves.The MoneyBoyd-Jarrott used her savings to pay the $5,000 entry fee. In return, she received her own cosmetics kiosk and roughly six weeks’ worth inventory. The initial fee also paid for the lease, which Boyd-Jarrot says Color Me Beautiful helped her to negotiate with the mall. It also covered the business license fee and the cost of the cash register, fax and phone line. She spent an additional $100 to personalize her kiosk, but careful not to infringe on company guild lines.The Risks and RewardsIn 2008, Boyd-Jarrott earned $120,000, but revenues can fluctuate between $150,000 and $250,000 based on everything from foot traffic to new clients. Expenses are also a moving target, ranging from $1,800 for rent up to $7,000 on inventory. Sometimes Boyd-Jarrot will visit the kiosk to monitor staff (she fired two for theft) or she’ll send mystery shoppers. “People never want to work for you as hard as you will work for yourself,” she says. “That’s the number one concern.”Essence May 2009Read more…
Ladies!!Check out my Jewelry Gallery at Eminent Empress. All of my latest pieces have been added to the site. Contact me if you see anything you like!God Bless and Happy Mother's Day!www.eminentempress.webs.comRead more…
Hello Community, Happy Mother's Day to each of you great ladies. This is the day the nation recognizes your contribution to society. I , too, thank you!!!!!RickeyJuniques Multi Cultural Connectionswww.jusmcc.com
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Happy Mother's Day to all you lovely ladies. Give Yourselves and Your Mothers the VIP Treatment. Show them you care to send the very Best!! Details at http://bit.ly/tAPwdAnd, for you Busy Ladies that are always on the Go..Our team of highly trained Personal Concierges will give you the answer to any question and help you accomplish virtually any task.Financial Destination, Inc. is unlike anything you have ever experienced before. Imagine having Anything, Anytime, Anywhere 24/7/365 at the touch of a button on your cell phone. FDI has a wide range of products and services all designed to help you Mangage your Time better, supply you with information on demand, perform tasks on your behalf, arrange and coordinate meetings and functions, and anything else you can think of.Here's a message about FDI from Jordan Goodman "America's Money Answer Man" states, " By using FDI's concierge services, trained experts will take care of everything personal and financial in your life. It saves you time, money and you are treated like a VIP."FDI is the first and only VIP Concierge Marketing Company of its kind--bringing everyone prestigious services generally available only to the rich and famous. Don't miss your opportunity to be a VIP!!Financial Destination, Inc. VIP Personal & Financial Concierge ServicesMaximize, Protect & Build Your IncomeZucchinni HubbardBlanche & Associatesjaipure2@yahoo.com
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Follow the #2 in the DC area reporter on Examiner.com as I comb the streets of the Washington DC area in search of styles, trends on the streets and in local boutiques. Looking for city secrets, local favorites, fashion events and new shop till you drop spots. As the Newest contributor to Examiner.com I am your DC Neighborhood Style Examiner.http://www.examiner.com/x-9860-DC-Neighborhood-Style-ExaminerIf you have a Fashion event in the D.C. area, please contact me through my Examiner page.MarkeyshaDC Neighborhood Style Examiner
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God is not the author of destruction, but He is the God of restoration. As long as there is breath in your body, He is able to do marvelous works in your life, even if you have lost every thing. I remind myself during challenges that God loves me, He never leaves or forsakes me and nothing can take me out of His Hand.Do you remember the story of Joseph? His own brothers sold him into slavery, he was imprisoned based on a false accusation, and he was betrayed while in prison…this brother had some challenges! Nevertheless, throughout his life we were reminded that the hand of God was upon him and Joseph prospered in all that he did.Remember this:1.God loves His children2.He is always with us, even when it looks darkNow rest and tell the enemy, “You thought you won, but I’m just like Jesus, I just came to step on your neck and remind you who has the authority in this earth!”Peace.
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The National Commission for Reparations (NCR) is a non-profit, membership organization established for the purpose of helping Afro-descendants (so-called African-Americans) obtain justice from the United States Government through international laws that protect human rights.The NCR was established by Mr. Silis Muhammad in the early 1990s. The original Commissioners were Afro-descendant attorneys whose task was to research human rights law, and write a petition to the United Nations regarding violation of the human rights of Afro-descendants by the United States of America. Their task was completed in 1994 when Mr. Muhammad delivered to the United Nations the Reparations Petition for United Nations Assistance on Behalf of Afro-descendants. In 1996 new commissioners were appointed to the NCR. Their objectives are to promote public awareness of Mr. Muhammad's continuing effort to obtain United Nations assistance, and to raise funds to finance this effort.Since 1998 Mr. Muhammad has made regular visits to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland to speak before human rights experts and representatives of Member States on behalf of Afro-descendants (so-called African-Americans). Mr. Muhammad's numerous written and oral statements have pointed out the fact that Afro-descendants are not recognized collectively as either a Minority or as Peoples due to the destruction of their identity during slavery. With no recognition, Afro-descendants enjoy no human rights. To support his prayer for human rights, Mr. Muhammad requests that the UN assist in the establishment of a forum of Afro-descendant leaders in order that the gravity of the situation might be discussed by the victims, and the amount and means of reparation might be determined. Assisting Mr. Muhammad in his visits to Geneva, is Attorney Harriett AbuBakr, one of the founding members of the National Commission for Reparations.
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Hello all my beautiful sisters out there.Life is all about empowering women of all ages to become Entrepenuers.Life throws us many curveballs but we keep on getting up.I work as a Independent Consultant with a company called Jewels by Park Lane.They are a company who live up to its name.Check out my website myparklane/Sparklethompson.com and browse at some of the jewelryWrite me back and give me your opinion , i am waiting to respond..HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY (to whomever it applies)Stay blessed and keep the faithRemember " Application is the evidence of Learning"
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Many of us are unable to recognize when help is needed or reluctant to ask for the help that others can provide. There will come a time in everyone’s life when we are asked to identify our primary weakness. Our culture says it’s a weakness to ask for help...but don't fall for that so called logic for it is...NOT TRUE.Everyone of us has both strengths and weaknesses – it’s simply a part of our being who we are...human for no one is no one is perfect. As very independent people, we want to do most things ourselves, but hiding problems, ignoring them, avoiding them or pretending we don’t have them is by far the worst thing we can do, for it doesn’t make the problem go away.We all need help every now and then, and asking for help is a response of strength, not weakness for it takes courage to ask for the help we need. Honesty and vulnerability about our need for help is what can bind us to family, friends or even a stranger together to give and receive the help we need.Ask and you shall receive.....None of us can face the world or life alone. If you fear that you are too self-sufficient, ask yourself what the extreme behavior is costing you. Your relationships? Your mental or physical health? Something or someone whom you value? What are you giving up by not asking for help? When you could ask for help, what stops you? Fear? The need to control the situation? Distrust of the person who is offering you the help? Again most of us believe that we must be self-sufficient and that asking for help is somehow a sign of weakness, or forces us to be vulnerable or dependent on others, This belief causes us to not reach out when we need to or when it is in our best interest. And by not asking for help when you need it, you are actually making your life a lot more difficult. You don’t need to make excuses or apologize. Simply explain the situation and the help you need.Doesn't it amaze you at times when people do things to help you? There are an overwhelming number of people in this world who are amazingly kind and thoughtful. Doing things to help other people makes us feel better. Oftentimes we feel honored that another person asked us for help. It is better to serve than to be served, as we strive to find a balance between being independent and dependent, and the point of balance is different for each of us, as there is a peace of mind in knowing that others will be there to help us when we are in need. If we want others to see us as the real person we are, naturally creative, resourceful and whole, then we must learn to see others in this way as well.Someone, somewhere has to break the cycle! So, if you do not usually ask for help – find your strength today by asking for help, and give someone the opportunity to give. People never forget that helping hand especially when times are tough. Help someone who can't return the favor, for there is more happiness in giving than in receiving.I’m Asking For Your Help LordHe is knocking on my door Lord, that old devil in disguise.He’s trying mighty hard to tempt me with his disguises & lies.He’s whispering in my ear and I know You gave me a choice,But he’s whispering soft and gentle with such a charming voice.So, I’m asking for Your help Lord, through each and every day,For only with Your help Lord can I chase temptation away.You know it’s really hard, for You were tempted too.But You rebuked that tempter Lord and I want to be like You.So help me lock the door, then throw away the key.Cease his tempting voice Lord and let my thoughts dwell on You.Let me feel Your loving presence, bestow Your sweet blessings of peace on me, my family, friends and strangers.Keep me ever in Your presence, now and throughout eternity.There's lots of things with which I'm blessed.My problems have been few, but of all this one's the best:To have a friend like you and others in my times of trouble.True Friends will say, "Just ask, I'll help you through it."But you don't wait for me to ask, you just get up and do it!And I can think of nothing more that I could wisely do than know a friend, and be a friend, and have a friend like you!For that I give you all the blessings of "THANK YOU" from deep inside my heart......MZGLORIA
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Happy Mother's Day 2 all the mothers, mother-wannabe, mothers 2 be, fathers who are like mothers or anyone else who acts like a Mother! 4 U r the perfect combination of caring, wisdom, thoughtfulness, faith, joy & strength as U r loving, sharing, struggling & sacrificing. Only a heart as big as yours could keep so many Promises...teach so many Lessons...give so much unconditional love!I have said prayer for each of you 2day, 2 thank the Lord above for your blessings & the gifts of your tender hearted love. A Mother's Day wish to say You are loved far more than words can tell, not just on Special days like this, but every day as well!MZGLORIA
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~Never Alone~You are never alone, for many are always near.When you're troubled, down or blue.All you have to do is call me,I'm always here for you.It doesn't matter where I'm at,It doesn't matter when.When you need someone to talk to,I'm here to be your friend.If you need someone to hold your hand, or a hug to say I care.If you need a shoulder to cry on, for you...dear friend I will always be there.So never think you are a burden, when the weight gets to be to much.You might find if you look hard enough, a good friend could be the right touch.You are never alone, for I am always here through the good times and the bad.I'm always here to be your friend, for I never like to see you sad.If I could catch a rainbow I would do it just for you.And share with you it's beauty on the days you're feeling blue.If I could build a mountain you could call your very own.A place to find peace and serenity, a place to be alone.If I could take away your troubles I would toss them in the sea.But all these things I'm finding are to impossible for meI cannot build a mountain or catch a rainbow fairBut let me be...what I know I am at best, a friend for you that's always there.Remember again what I said in the very beginning, my friend that you are Never Alone!MZGLORIA
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Once a week to remove soak your feet in warm water filled with peppermint oil (2 tsp.), Epsom salt (1/4 cup), and to sanitize use hydrogen peroxide in the water (equal part to the amount of water). After soaking for 15-20 minutes scrub your nails and toes with a nail brush designated for just your toe nails using soap and rinse. Now it is pumice stone time! Scrub away those calluses girls! Apply a nice emollient moisturizing foot cream or lotion to your feet and ankles, I love MK Extra Emollient Night Cream. Now it is time to polish those toes….Until next time…Feel free to leave a comment.Have a great weekend!
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To All Mothers: Mothers to Be, Single Moms, Spiritual Moms, Adopted Moms, etc - Wishing a blessed, happy, safe, and relaxing Mother's Day Weekend!!A Mother's Day PrayerRead more…
For the first time, I talked online about my unique family. I was very nervous but Jenn, the hostess, made me feel very relaxed. I couldn't believe the hour went by so fast! We had some sound issues, but I think you can hear everything.I got to talk about my hubby, the two boys and me, our lives with chronic illnesses, disabilities and disorders. I didn't even have time to fit my sister in there! If you would like to listen to the show, here it is. I hope that this will be a great introduction to some people about me. If you listen, leave a comment!Read more…
May you have all the joy your heart can hold...All the smiles a day can bring...All the blessings a life can unfold...May you have God's best in everything. (Author Anonymous)Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers in the group.-Diane Martin (http://dimartin01.books.officelive.com)Author of Never What it Seems, Autumn Leaves, & Fallen AngelComing soon, Never What it Seems II - A Mother's Love"There's always time for a good book."
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Greetings Family,(Contact Information At The Bottom Of The Page)It's your friendly neighborhood "Digital Drummer" again...smileKen Smikle, Founder and Publisher of Target Market News, the number one online authority on the Black consumer market reports that Wal-Mart spent a record $8 Billion dollars with minority and women owned suppliers (see http://www.targetmarketnews.com/storyid04280901.htm)Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. expanded its business with minority- and women-owned companies by more than 25 percent in 2008, according to recently verified figures. In the midst of a struggling economy, where businesses across the country have been forced to close or drastically reduce capacity and workforce, Wal-Mart increased its combined direct and second tier spend to more than $8.1 billion with minority- and women-owned businesses.In 2008, Wal-Mart's direct spend with minority- and women-owned businesses was more than $6 billion, with second-tier spending totaling more than $2 billion. Second-tier spend is an accounting of suppliers that subcontract with prime suppliers on Wal-Mart business. Wal-Mart's spend numbers are verified by CVM Solutions, a third-party enterprise supplier management company. Wal-Mart's direct spend with diverse suppliers was more than $4.8 billion in 2007, totaling more than $6 billion when accounting for second-tier spend. The nearly $2 billion overall increase in the 2008 total is a reflection of the company's commitment to diversity, its customers and local communities."At Wal-Mart, we know we can make a difference in the communities we serve and our commitment extends to minority- and women-owned businesses at the local level," said Theresa Barrera, vice president of Supplier Diversity at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. "We are proud of the fact that, in these difficult financial times, we are able to deepen our commitment to these important partners -- giving them the potential to grow, while enabling Wal-Mart to deliver and sell the goods and services our customers want."Wal-Mart began its supplier diversity program in 1994. Through its mission, Wal-Mart's supplier diversity team partners with businesses of all sizes, industries and areas of the country. (For examples of suppliers in your area, please see Appendix A or visit http://www.walmartstores.com)As part of its efforts to stay connected to the best and brightest diverse suppliers, Wal-Mart partners with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and several other organizations across the country, to identify potential partners."Wal-Mart has been an important partner, supporting our programs and initiatives, as well as continuously creating new ways for outstanding women-owned businesses to sell their products and services through Wal-Mart -- sometimes starting in just one store and then growing to become a major vendor throughout the chain," said Linda J. Denny, president and CEO of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). "Wal-Mart's dedication to increased spending with women-led companies translates to growth, financial stability and increased employment in communities across the country."In addition to the relationships Wal-Mart maintains with partner organizations, the company is also dedicated to investing in opportunities that assist the establishment and growth of minority- and women-owned businesses. For example:-- Wal-Mart and Sam's Club have held supplier fairs, and other events, across the country, giving diverse suppliers the opportunity to meet with Walmart and Sam's Club buyers. -- Wal-Mart granted ten scholarships to the Tuck School of Business' Tuck Executive Program at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. The Tuck School has two minority business programs that focus on strategic planning, financial control systems and internal growth strategies. Ten more sponsorships are planned for 2009. -- Wal-Mart is a member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable, an organization dedicated to the success of minority- and women-owned businesses. The organization is comprised of public companies that spend more than $1 billion each with minority- and women-owned enterprises.-- Wal-Mart invested $25 million in the Pinnacle Minority Supplier Development Fund, a private equity co-investment fund designed to further enhance the growth of Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses Enterprises (MWBE) certified businesses. For more information on Wal-Mart and its supplier diversity efforts, or if you are interesting in becoming a supplier, please visit http://www.walmartstores.com/diversity.***************(Advertisement)*********************Need some great ideas for corporate or personal gift-giving?Then go to City Lights Software(http://www.citylightssoftware.com)and see some of the most unique afrocentric gifts available online!We Deliver ONLINE - Direct To Your Desktop for just $14.95Please take the time to purchase one our afrocentric screen savers TODAY!Don't Just Talk the Talk...Let Your Dollars Walk the WalkIf you have any problems with purchasing online contact me direct at sales@citylightssoftware.comor call (213) 944-4176***************************************************This Online Journal was brought to you by InterServe Networks. Feel Free To Forward To Your Network Of Online FriendsWe Practice Responsible E-Commerce Marketing and Privacy Policies. We do not indulge in or encourage Spamming. We never send unsolicited emails. You are receiving this message as part of our opt-in subscriber mailing list or you are a member of an affiliated newsgroup.For comments or suggestions please contact us at the following;Jim Neusom (jneusom@yahoo.com)Executive Director/PublisherInterServe Networks/City Lights Software, Inc.www.citylightssoftware.comwww.twitter.com/jimneusomwww.myspace.com/jimneusomwww.myspace.com/freshfaces2uTo subscribe to our opt-in mailing list simply send an email to; The_City_Lights_Reporter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com( on Myspace go to http://blog.myspace.com/jimneusom)
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