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Hey there!

Posted by Myrna Hicks on June 21, 2009 at 3:59am
Hi AllI'm just checking in for a quick hello. I just returned from vacation in Grand Cayman & Ocho Rios & it was a great get away. Now I'm back to work on my website. I'm trying to give myself an early July release of the site & add other items that I plan on selling down the road.Hopefully, when I'm up and running my business will keep me as busy as building this website lol. It's lots of hard work with long, long nights but I'm a trooper & you won’t hear a complaint out of me! I'll work like a dog on the race track just so I can work for self and not have to report into a 9-5.Anyway, I do twitter from time to time & you can also follow me there under the user name UNDERMYCOVERS. I'm gong to call it a night I've been on this computer since 3pm. Best of luck to everyone just starting out & you'll be hearing from me soon.Layta!Oh, one more thing...does anyone know of a website that does online Gift certificates where a person can purchase them from a site & print it out right at there computer?
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The Unexpected Gift

Posted by Jeane' Elliott Bennett on June 20, 2009 at 5:39pm
Good Morning and Great Day...How many times have you given up on something, written it off as unattainable, closed the door on a dream because you just knew there was no way that you could accomplish it only to find at the last minute that magically and mysteriously exactly what you were seeking just dropped into your lap and you were amazed at how this happened? When you stop for a moment and think about this very thing having occurred in your life I'm sure that all of a sudden you will begin to remember that it happened more than once. Right? Well let me tell you that it is by no accident that this happens. It is because you unconsciously left open a sliver of hope that kept the flame of desire burning within you so that the universe could provide for you The Unexpected Gift of receiving that which was always present for you to claim it.We live in an abundant and prosperous Universe whose only wish is to co-create with us the life we want. There are unlimited resources available to us all the time. It is our job to find those resources through the choices we make which will lead us to the actions we take. There are unlimited possibilities which are available to us. It is us to align with these possibilities in every area of our life. The first place for us to start is in our thinking. We must come from a consciousness of abundance and prosperity and not from lack and limitation. We also must be open to the belief that what are seeking is seeking us and it is in this vibration that is always present that the The Unexpected Gift will always flow to us."In every thought there is a belief...YOU get to create what that belief is...The choice is yours...Believe big and bold."I AM ready to receive The Unexpected Gift of LIFEI know that my awareness is always present to my greatnessI see infinite possibilities every where I lookI walk in a field of abundance and prosperityEvery day is a great and beautiful expression of my creative expressionIt's your day...MAKE IT A GREAT ONE!
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Networking Site Addiction

Posted by Michelle B -The Afro Party House on June 20, 2009 at 5:35pm
About one year ago a good friend invited me to a popular networking site and told me it would be a great way to promote The Afro Party House. I was very excited and signed up right away. I set up my page and added photos of myself and of my products. The mistake I made was adding personal photos that were in fact sending out the wrong message. Immediately I started getting lots of friend invites from various men (none of which were interested in my products but wanted to tell me how beautiful I am and how sexy I am). I got sucked in to this new found popularity and spent hours upon hours “networking” with my new friends. Soon my page was full of comments and gifts from various men and I was hooked!!! I was popular and it felt good!!! Every once in a while men would approach me about my business and offered to help me. I got involved with a couple men only to find out that what they really wanted was to take advantage of what I have to offer. Thank God I was smart enough to guard my heart and my dreams and soon cut those men off.Still, I was hooked on this site and couldn’t go one day without feeding my addiction. I had so many invites that I did not have to send out any friend requests. Soon I had over 800 friends (most of which were men) and when I closed my account I had over 20,000 hits. I spent so much time on this site that I lost focus of my initial purpose for being on the site. I was no longer focusing on my business plan. I was getting behind on important aspects of building The Afro Party House and delaying responses to customers and other companies of interest. I will say that one good thing about the site I was on is that I did use it to “test my product ideas”. Everyone knew me on this site as the “Party Supply Queen” but still, my orders were not coming from this site. In fact, most of my orders were coming from my press releases which continue to drive people to The Afro Party House’s website. In addition, my press releases helped me build a nice sized email list.Fast forward one year. I finally saw the light and cancelled my account with this popular site. I weighed the benefits of being on that particular site and realized it was allowing people to have access to me that are not likeminded or genuine in their interest and support of what I do.Presently, cancelling my membership on that networking site led me to search for other networking sites that are specific to my interest. I searched “Black Networking Sites” on Google and found Black Moms Club, Black Business Women Online and knew my blessings were beginning to change direction. I found LaShanda Henry and remember my eyes filling with tears as I read through her site. Just thinking about it now makes tears fill my eyes. Everything LaShanda mentioned in her videos and online courses was exactly what I needed to hear.Namely:• Are you on the right networking site?• Find your target market (just because you sell a black product does not mean all black people will buy from you)• Bundle your packages (I was doing this but didn’t know it was a strategy)• Up sell (I was already up selling since I sell my products in bundles and always offer the deluxe packages because it includes the favor boxes which are very popular)• If it doesn’t make dollars it doesn’t make sense (a Richelle Shaw quote replays in my head daily)• Invest in yourself (skip McDonalds and invest in solid online courses that offer what you need)In closing, The Afro Party House is thriving. We have been able to grow and add new products in spite of changes in the economy. I no longer waste my time on networking sites that drain my time and emotions. I learned to set up my sites specifically for what my interests are, to network with likeminded people, to support my sistas to the best of my ability, and to focus on my business plan.God placed a vision of The Afro Party House in my heart back in 1998. I knew the road would not be easy but cannot give up because my heart won’t allow me to let go. I keep the faith and when there is doubt someone comes along that inspires me to keep going. Customers tell me they love our products so that keeps me going. It’s about building relationships and loving what you do.Michelle B of The Afro Party Housewww.theafropartyhouse.com/party_themes.htmlwww.theafropartyhouse.com
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HER SENSUOUS TOUCH--THE DUCHESS POET

Posted by VERNON DAVIS JR. on June 19, 2009 at 7:30pm
YOUR FINGERSbyVernon J. Davis Jr.There'sThat Subtle Yearning,That Tingling, Your Fingers CreateWith WordsFrom Your MuseI Know You AreWriting About MeThinking About MeMaking Me Want Me...Guide Your Fingers Into My MouthAnd SpellL-O-V-E...WithMyTongueYour Fingers Always Caressing ThatStiff,Erect,"Stand-At-Attention!"Pen,Easily ArousedBy Your TouchBy Your InsightI Wish I Was That PenBecause,Your Fingers Would AlwaysMake Me Feel GoodAs You Begin To WriteRolling Those Fingers Of Yours...Around Me©6/16/2009 Vernon J. Davis Jr. All Rights Reserved.Read more poetry at www.vernonjdavisjr.com
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Generating Twitter Traffic

Posted by Affiliate-Marketing Diva Vicky on June 19, 2009 at 6:22pm
One of the newest ways in social marketing is Twitter. It is the newest craze that a lot of people are using now. Not only is it a way to get to know more people, it can also be used to get traffic. Getting Twitter traffic can maximize your exposure in ways you may have never imagined.If you don’t have a Twitter account, then you will need to sign up for one. It’s easy and it only takes a few minutes. The best part about having one is that it is free. In order to get Twitter traffic, you must follow proper etiquette. There are things that you should and should not do in order to make your Twitter site effective.First you want to build a list of followers to your Twitter site. Twitter traffic depends on getting followers. Followers can help you get exposure and vice versa. Take time to build your list of followers and cultivate a relationship with them. Get to know them and allow them to get to know you. You want their trust just as much as they want your trust.When you are posting tweets to your Twitter site, provide the posts with substance and meaning. Your followers will be interested in what you have to say and will continue to come back for more. You can get more Twitter traffic as long as you are sincere and honest with your posts.Continue to participate and observe your followers. If you don’t post tweets, then your followers will think that you are not interested anymore and will stop tweeting at your Twitter website. Getting the most out of Twitter traffic hinges on whether or not you participate in engaging with your followers.To keep the relationship going, you can tweet on comments that were sent to you from previous tweets. This way, you can post your tweet again and include your link. This is a subtle way that you can use to promote your business. It would not be considered spam because your purpose was to comment on the tweets. If you have a lot of followers, then your chances are greater for people to visit your website.One thing that you should not do is to overtweet. If you send too many tweets, followers will be turned off and go elsewhere. Also, if your tweets are not interesting, followers will not stick around. It’s important to keep the momentum going if you want to continue getting Twitter traffic.
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Ten Steps To A Heart Healthy, Happy Father’s Day

Posted by Black doctor. org on June 19, 2009 at 5:02pm

(BlackDoctor.org) -- Celebrated on the third Sunday in June in 52 countries and other days elsewhere, Father’s Day grew from one woman’s tribute to her father to the grand observance that it is today. But no matter the day or the location, the premise is the same – to honor and commemorate the men who have had our backs and given of themselves tirelessly. What better way to repay dads unwavering love and protection than to offer them the gift of good health. These 10 important tips will ensure that Dad remains healthy and fit for life. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.To read the full article, follow this link: http://www.blackdoctor.org/articles.aspx?counter=35261Read more on healthy ways to stay fit at: www.blackdoctor.org
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This weeks healthy meals

Posted by Crystal Blanchette on June 19, 2009 at 5:00pm
Beef Tenderloin with Chimichurri sauceINGREDIENTSSpice Rub2 tablespoons dark brown sugar1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika*1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder or ancho chile powder1 teaspoon ground black pepperChimichurri sauce3/4 cup olive oil3 tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar or red wine vinegar3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice3 garlic cloves, peeled2 medium shallots, peeled, quartered1 teaspoon fine sea salt1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper3 cups (packed) stemmed fresh parsley2 cups (packed) stemmed fresh cilantro1 cup (packed) stemmed fresh mintBeef tenderloin1 3 1/2-pound beef tenderloin2 tablespoons olive oilFor spice rub:Combine all ingredients in small bowl.Do ahead: Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.For chimichurri sauce:Combine first 8 ingredients in blender; blend until almost smooth. Add 1/4 of parsley, 1/4 of cilantro, and 1/4 of mint; blend until incorporated. Add remaining herbs in 3 more additions, pureeing until almost smooth after each addition.Do ahead: Can be made 3 hours ahead. Cover; chill.For beef tenderloin:Let beef stand at room temperature 1 hour.Prepare barbecue (high heat). Pat beef dry with paper towels; brush with oil. Sprinkle all over with spice rub, using all of mixture (coating will be thick). Place beef on grill; sear 2 minutes on each side. Reduce heat to medium-high. Grill uncovered until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of beef registers 130°F for medium-rare, moving beef to cooler part of grill as needed to prevent burning, and turning occasionally, about 40 minutes. Transfer to platter; cover loosely with foil and let rest 15 minutes. Thinly slice beef crosswise. Serve with chimichurri sauce.
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4 Ways to Generate Buzz for Your Brand

Posted by Paradise on June 19, 2009 at 9:00am
4 Ways to Generate Buzz for Your BrandBy Joanna L. KrotzLaunching a brand new business takes imagination, cleverness and determination. You need to create a connection with your customers that will make them loyal to you. In order to do that, you need to differentiate yourself from others out there like you. Make sure your marketing material is distinctive from other brands to seize mind and marketplace share. Check out these four cost-effective branding strategies.1. Get inside the customer's mind.Most new business owners research their target buyers. So you likely know something about your customer demographics, such as income and age. That's good, but it's hardly enough. You need a serious fix on what will propel people to buy, so you can gear your messages accordingly. Figure out what meets your customers’ needs, and you’re on the right track.2. Get endorsements that ring the right bells.Expert or third-party endorsements can mean a movie star, banker or a tech wizard. If you have invested in characterizing target customers, coming up with personalities who will fuel buzz should be a snap. The hard part may be getting access. You might need special marketing to reach them. Having a celebrity wear or try your products can boost your company’s image and sales revenue.3. Get the attention of hot prospects.Find industry seminars or annual shows that attract your top-of-the-line customers. Then spend what it takes to design a snazzy booth. If you want to take things one step further, sign up for media coaching and pay a speechwriter and design team to develop newsworthy presentations. Another idea is to hire a marketing firm to create a memorable way to demonstrate your product. No matter which option you choose, the goal is to make a standout impression at the high-profile show.4. Get public relations pros to open markets.There's a great range of small, local or industry press and media coverage that can boost business. But you could benefit from the expertise of a public relations agency to do the legwork and the pitching for media placement. Buzz and word-of-mouth marketing is a cheap and effective way to get out your message. Figure out what it will take to start customers talking about your brand. That way, every customer turns into a brand ambassador.To get customers to notice your infant brand quickly and affordably, you must stay focused. Don't chase after huge or unlikely prospects right away. Don't squander time and resources by broadcasting mixed messages. Keep it simple. Make sure your marketing material has a recognizable identity, with a consistent logo, palette and tag lines.---Source: Joanna L. Krotz (www.microsoft.com)
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Homeownership in a Down Economy

Posted by Annetta Powell on June 18, 2009 at 8:56pm
Tips for becoming a homeowner in a down economy!Have you been turned upside down by this harsh economy. Do you have steady employment and would like to purchase a home? If so, Don’t worry, there is still hope. For buyers this is a fantastic market where anything goes in negotiations. This is the perfect time to seize the perfect home for less than its market value.With home inventories rising, there are lots of good deals to be found. We suggest starting the process by clearly defining the attributes you are looking for in a home – price, location, number of bedrooms, basement, etc. Planning ahead will go a long way in helping you communicate with your real estate agent so you spend more time looking at homes that matter. Foreclosed homes are seemingly the hottest deals on the market but some of them will require a little TLC. The first step to becoming a homeowner in a down economy is finding a good deal.The down economy is both devastating economically and emotionally for the individuals and families being forced from their homes, this crisis is also creating opportunities for buyers looking for a deal. With an eye toward the future, many who may have the means are wondering what would be involved in buying foreclosed properties now.Find a Professional!If you are an amateur in the home buying business, it will be wise to find a professional realtor. A professional will be able to help you locate the best deals and foreclosures in your area. Remember, this is a down economy and there is plenty of homes out there to be sold. Don’t rush and take your time. Working with a trusted professional who can get you the best deal will set your mind at ease.Get honest opinions!Don’t be afraid to speak with friends and family that you trust. If they own their homes and are knowledgeable about the Real Estate business, get their input on homeownership. Be sure to ask the tough and honest questions. It’s better to ask questions now then to be sorry you didn’t later.Do your research!If you have access to the computer, go online and see what the current market trends are. Find out what people are doing in spite of the down economy. There are tons of websites with various ideas, strategies and opinions that you can learn from. If you have the resources, do your research! It will give you insight as to whether or not buying in a down economy would be in your best interest.Make a sound final decision!After you have done all of the research and spoken with professionals, then you are prepared to make a decision regarding purchasing a home in a down economy. If you feel you are financially secure and are ready to make the commitment, then home ownership is just around the corner. Also, take your time and weight your options carefully. There are tons of good deals on there so you don’t have to jump the gun!To get professional advice and more information on purchasing a home call Vision Investment Corporation at 877-799-0820! Feel Free to visit the website at www.visioninvestmentcorp.com.Annetta PowellQueen of Real Estate

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3 Ways to Build Powerful Business Relationships Online!

Posted by Trina Newby on June 18, 2009 at 1:46pm
Just as the Power of the Internet took the world by storm, so will the Power of Social Networking for Women!Social Networks allow women to build alliances, connect with women they normally would not have the opportunity to meet and share information about their services and products.Here are 3 ways to start building solid relationships with businesswomen online:1. Brand yourself as an expert. Stick with a particular niche or subject as you build your online reputation. This not only helps you with SEO, but it also helps people to trust in what you say, because they see you posting about the same subject or industry.2. Think Value. Always think about the value in the content you post to boards and blogs. How can the information you post be used right away? Whatever you post, let be of value to the reader.3. Develop Online Trust. Make sure that whatever you say you will provide or whatever resources you give are valid. There's nothing like clicking on a link or connecting with someone only to not have them respond. It breaks trust and believe me they'll comment about it on your wall, message board or blog.Let's Build a Trusting Online Relationship!Trina NewbyWomen About BizClick here for a FREE Basic Membership to Women About Biz!
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Promoting Your Real Estate Business!

Posted by Annetta Powell on June 17, 2009 at 9:55pm
Networking and Promoting your Real Estate BusinessFor those of you that have decided to join the Real Estate investment world, List below are some tips and tricks on networking and promoting your Real Estate business.1. Use a Website!With the advent of the Internet, selling real estate has changed dramatically. It is now very important for a Realtor to have a web presence - a website. It is also important that they follow a few simple steps to set up and promote that site properly. Doing so can make the difference between a website that languishes and a website that stands out above the rest and helps to generate prospects and business.2. Online Advertising!Banners!Banners are those little flashy things that run across the bottom of your screen when you enter a website. There is enough evidence to prove that almost two thirds of all people interested in buying or selling real estate are searching online for possible deals. Because the Internet is the result of modern communication technology, it is thus an ideal way of promoting your real estate business.Social Networking Sites!YouTube & TwitterPlacing your knowledge of a particular area on a high visibility social networking site can lead prospects to your door. But first, in order to do so, you need to be willing to set yourself apart from the pack-as an expert in a particular area or niche.Combining this concept with YouTube, a destination for savvy Web surfers looking for entertaining video clips, you can provide a video that highlights the lifestyle and quality of living in a given community. YouTube’s format, which is easily accessible from most any computer, allows users to transfer a video performance from a computer to the site. Once uploaded, the video is searchable by the YouTube community. Why not create a series of videos that capture what’s great about living in your community? If you do this and post it, people will find it, and when they do, they find you. It’s in this searching that Realtors can find a marketing benefit to YouTube and other Web 2.0 sites.3. Newspaper Ads!Both buyers and sellers are always searching the local newspaper classified real estate space and thus you are assured of achieving your goals provided you advertise in the proper manner. Thus, you need to put the name of the property at the top of your advertisement, followed by the name of your company. Also, when placing real estate advertisements you should also ensure that you do not divulge too much information in your ad because that would cause prospects to not make contact with you to get the complete details. You want your advertisement to raise curiosity in the minds of clients and also make sure that you use the proper terminology by avoiding calling a hut a home, and to also specify the exact style of your property. These details will help build trust in you in the minds of clients and will thus help promote your real estate business.4. Attend Social EventsUse your resources to find out about any social events going on in your area. It would be wise to join a Real Estate Club. This would be an excellent resource to find about different events going on around your city and to also talk about your business. Mix and mingle with other novice Real Estate investors is the best way to get information.The first step in gaining financial freedom is attending my free seminar. Also, join my free networking group at www.cashinonforeclosuresnetwork.com. To register, visit my website www.cashinonforeclosures.com or call 866-758-3555 to attend the next FREE Training Seminar to uncover the truth about becoming successful in real estate investing and get on the path to your financial freedom!Free Training Seminars:June 24, 2009 12:30 pm, 7:00 pmDearborn HyattJune 25, 2009 2009 12:30 pm, 7:00 pmWestin Hotel - SouthfieldAnnetta PowellQueen of Real Estate

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Excited

Posted by Kischa T. Singleton on June 17, 2009 at 5:20pm
I am so grateful to be able to just step out on faith with some of my dreams,,, God has given me talents and gifts to make a better life for me and little one. I started a small online business and I have been having good success with it so far. I just give god the praise.www.kreativeessenceanddesigns.1freecart.com
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(read this) Get it Girls Only

Posted by LaShanda Henry on June 17, 2009 at 3:23pm
Do you want to get it? Promotion on BBWO, a BETTER understanding of marketing online, the PROFIT that should come with having an online business and yet, for many it NEVER comes. I've put together something special for serious sistas in business. If you are serious about building a successful online business, go watch my video: Get it Girls Only. URL: http://www.sistasense.com/get-it-girls-only/ LaShanda p.s. Are you on Facebook? If you are, then let's stay connected. http://www.facebook.com/lashanda.henry
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Is your boss a bully?

Posted by Marilyn Veincentotzs on June 17, 2009 at 1:11pm
I have encountered one two many bully bosses and like most I tried to do all that I could to avoid, or make the situation better, to no avail. Finally, I wrote a book about what employees can do and what organizations should do to give the bully boss the boot! If you have a bully boss experience or know someone who has, let's blog. See me at :http://DoRightAtWork.com and my book is How Organizations Empower Bully Bosses found on Amazon or Barns and Noble online.
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Life rewards action

Posted by Lynn Lewis on June 17, 2009 at 2:02am
As I continue to focus on creating a business and learn as much as I can, not only do I get ideas and information, but inspiration shows up out of the blue.I need more than 24 hours. It's late and I still need to prepare lunch, iron a shirt, clean the kitchen and meditate. I need to get up early to get my workout in before work - 10 lbs need to go by July 25th.Oh, but the joy of being on purpose!
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