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While you could always go to an expensive salon and have potentially harmful chemicals spread all over your head, there are natural ways to get the straight hair you want. I will show you how to achieve straight hair with some simple, inexpensive techniques. These techniques will only be temporary, but it can give you the luxurious straight hair you want for a special event.
The first step is to invest in a quality flat iron. You should buy a little better, and more expensive, model from your hairstylist or a beauty supply store because the quality of the iron is higher which means better heating surfaces as well as temperature controls.
The next step is to buy a thermal protective spray for your hair, this can help protect your hair from heat damage. This is especially important if you will be using your flat iron on a regular basis.
Wash your hair and use a quality conditioner. Since using a flat iron can really dry your hair out, you may want to leave your conditioner on for a little longer than normal.
Towel dry your hair thoroughly, apply a leave in conditioner,then gently comb your hair with a wide toothed comb.
Blow dry your hair the rest of the way. Using attachments that will allow you to get the blow dryer closer to your hair will make a big difference. After the hair is dry, brush it out completely to get out any tangles and snarles.
Separate your hair into sections and pin the areas you aren't working on, up on top of your head. Taking your hair in sections about 2" wide and about 1/2" thick, than clamp it into the flat iron close to your scalp.
Than smoothly, and slowly, pull the flat iron through your hair. Make sure you keep the move one fluid motion because if you don't you could end up with horizontal lines in your hair and getting them out will require more passes of the flat iron and more damage to your hair.
If you see a little steam rising from your hair, that is normal since your hair still has some moisture in it. If, on the other hand, you hear your hair sizzling that is not normal and you should readjust the temperature settings.
Continue doing this with small sections of hair all over your head. Make sure to carefully examine your hair so you don't miss a section since that would look a little weird! Once you've gotten all your hair straightened make sure to avoid adding any moisture since that will cause it to curl up and get frizzy.
If you want to make sure your style stays put, apply some hairspray once you have the look you want.
That's it! You've gone from curly and wavy to straight and exciting. Just follow these simple tips on how to achieve straight hair and you can save yourself a lot of money by being able to do it yourself and also less damage to your hair by not adding a lot of harsh chemicals.
How can we take business wherever we go? Not many of us can actually work at home or in the office. Sometimes we need to be working while in a taxi, while driving, while on a plane, while having lunch, while sleeping..? Yeah some people do work in their sleep. It’s possible.
A good way to work on the go is for one to have a small companion to help you access the internet, email etc. Ahhhh yes, the cellphone or the laptop, ipad as well. All of these items can help you work on the go.
Most phones allow you to get on the internet to work. You can carry your laptop and work at lunch, on the train in a taxi, anywhere that has access to the internet. You can answer and respond to emails from your phone while walking. Who would have thought the world would be this way 50 years ago? But it’s easy to work on the go.
Another way, cheap way to work on the go is to write on the go. Bring notebooks, pens etc with wherever you go to write down thoughts for a presentation, project, assignment. So when you get back to theoffice you can easily refer to your notes and get started.
It’s so easy to work on the go. Don’t get discouraged when you have errands to run and can’t be in the office all day to
work. Make things easy for you and find ways to work on the go!
One of word of advice: Be sure to slow down just a bit to sleep and eat!
From the blog of The POV Lounge by: Dominique Watson
http://thepovlounge.wordpress.com
Six Week Workshop for authors & writers. Starts June 1st: www.literarycareermovesonline.com
I know I maybe a little late on this but I wanted to say that I enjoyed meeting you all
I have visited some wonderful sites you guys are amazing
Unfortunately I am still having issues following with twitter but as soon as this has been rectified I will be following you al.
Looking forward to the next event
*** People will try to stomp on your dreams, will doubt your abilities don't allow it continue to strive and success will be yours
Mz Shel
COLOR POP...
Baby bet you can't stop...
I know you like this
COLOR POP....
That was my little rendition of N Sync's 'Dirty Pop', but for make-up...like it? Please don't answer...LOL! :)
It seems as though bright eye liners and shadows were front and center at all the fashion shows this spring. It seems as though smoky went out the window and splashes of color took over the runways.
As a freelance make-up artist, I absolutely LOVE color and I am not afraid to put it on my eyes, lips or face. However, when it comes to hair; I'm TERRIFIED. I like to stick with black and that's it...I'm digressing...
Some of the HAUTE colors seen on the runway at this season's shows were sparkly green (Alberta Feretti), purple (Victoria Beckham), fuschia (Nina Ricci), turquoise (Oscar de la Renta), red (Carolina Herrera), orange liner (Derek Lam), sea foam green (Aquilana Rimondi), yellow liner (Peter Som) and tropical colors (Dior).
ALL of these colors look FAB on the runway and they can look FAB on the sidewalk too. Below are tricks to wearing some of the aforementioned shades.
Tropical:
If this look is done overboard, you run the risk of looking like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show. If this look is done properly you will look FIERCE, dahling! To get started on this look, take a colored liner and draw a thin line along the upper lashes. If you're not sure about using a liner, sweep powder eye shadow along the lash line. Using a powder eyeshadow gives a much softer look than a pencil, liquid or gel liner could offer. To complete your look, make sure your lip color is complimentary to your eye color. For example, if you choose to do a turquoise liner, finish your lips off with a fuschia.
Yellow:
It doesn't take much to make a BOLD statement with this look. If you're using a yellow liner, all you need to do is highlight the outer and inner corners of the eye. To get started on this look, take the eye liner and trace the upper lashes starting at the inner eye and going all the way to the end of the lash line. Do the exact same thing for the lower lash area. Once you've completed the upper and lower lash area you are done with the eyes and it's time to move to the lips. Since the yellow is already bold, there is no need to have a bold lip. Instead of having a bold lip to match your bold eyes, you will want to play the lip area down by using neutral lip colors such as pinks, light reds, and maybe just a lip liner and clear gloss.
Sea Foam Green:
Pair a sea foam green shadow with bronzer and you have a winning look. When applying the sea foam green color to the eyes, try not to apply it too heavy. A light dust of the color over the lids and slightly into the temple area should do the trick. Finish the look with a touch of mascara, pale lips and you are ready to go.
Orange:
The same approach that's used to apply yellow eye liner can also be used when applying orange liner. When applying the liner, just be careful to not over do it.
Red:
Using red around the eyes is a little risky, but if you do it right, then there should be no problems. When applying a red shadow to the eye area, it's probably best to use an opaque red vs. a sheer red. Using the sheer red can make the eyes appear to have pink eye or some sort of uncomfortable illness or eye ailment. When using the red shadow, you want to make sure you stay away from the inner corners of the eyes. Placing red shadow near the inner corners of your eyes can give the appearance of blood shot eyes, which is a definite 'NO and NO!' Dab the red shadow at the outer corners of the eyes to give a sultry effect. Be sure to blend the red color so it's no so harsh and make sure you add several coats of black mascara to finish the look.
Turquoise:
Cover entire lid with a turquoise color of your choice and blend all the way out to the end of your eye line. If you're feeling daring, you can add the turquoise color to your lower lash line. To compliment the look, add a rosy colored blush and Voila! You're done.
Purple:
I love, love, LOVE purple eye shadow, especially on brown eyes. To complete the purple eye shadow look, brush the whole eyelid with a deep purple or if you're not so daring a more lilac color. Add some mascara, a little eye liner and call it good. Finish the look off with neutral colored blush and a neutral colored lip.
Hopefully, these tips have helped you out when it comes to trying fierce and bold runway make-up looks on the sidewalk. I plan on trying some of these looks out myself over the weekend, so I will post pictures in next week's blogs.
Ciao!
Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Tatted Up
Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Tatted Up
Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Tatted Up
Tat-Tat-Tatted Up, ATL Tatted Up,
Tat-Tat-Tatted Up, Miami Tatted Up
Tat-Tat-Tatted Up, Miami Tatted Up
Tat-Tat-Tatted Up, Houston Tatted Up
Tat-Tat-Tatted Up, Wichita Tatted Up
Tat-Tat-She Tatted Up...Her LIPS(?) Tatted Up
Tat-Tat-WE Tatted Up (WE ARE?!), Tat-Tat Errbody Tatted Up!!!
Gotta love D4L (you know the guys that sang Laffy Taffy...come on...remember? 'Miss Bubblegum and Mr. ChicoStic...Shake that Laffy Taffy...That Laffy Taffy, Girl Shake that Laffy Taffy?!' You've got to remember...if you don't oh well, I tried...).
Anyway, I was taking a 'break' perusing the StylePantry.com FB Fan page and just when I thought I'd seen it all...funky, fancy designs on nails, sunglasses with chains and jewels, I noticed our friends at Violent Lips (http://www.violentlips.com/) have come out with temporary lip tattoos. These temporary lip tattoos come in all colors and designs. There are tats with polka dots, glitter, rainbows, you name, they've got it. The tattoos generally last for about 4 to 6 hours and only cost $14.95 for a set of three.
You can rock them on the street if you're BRAVE or if you're a model or make-up artist they look GREAT in editorial shoots. Either way you rock em, I think they're pretty cool and I will be getting a few tattoos myself to wear in the streets and to use with clients in photo shoots as soon as I'm done with my shopping fast.
Are you BRAVE enough to rock out this new trend?
Ciao!
Yesterday afternoon a good fashionista friend of mine had a Facebook status that read, "A woman’s best accessory is her smile". I was really feeling that status, because so many ladies feel like they have to pile on the accessories, the make-up, the shoes, etc. in order to be accessorized to the max and clearly that's not the case. The summer is here and no one really has time to primp and prep in the smoldering heat, so ladies, when it comes to summer time make up, ten minutes will usually do the trick if you follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare you skin. Your skin is the canvas for your make-up, so you want to make sure you take a moment to clean, tone, and hydrate. Since the sun is out in full effect, it’s important to use a moisturizer that has some sort of sun protection.
Step 2: If you’re going to be out of the house all day, make sure you use a pre-foundation or primer to make your look last all day long.
Step 3: Apply a concealer. Do not apply too much concealer or else it will appear caked on. Also, make sure your concealer is the correct color for your skin tone.
Step 4: Continue with the foundation. Remember, it’s the summer time and you don’t need as much coverage. You can use a light coverage foundation or you can simply wet your make-up sponge with water and apply your normal foundation. Remember to only put foundation in the areas that need it most.
Step 5: Apply loose powder to seal your foundation. Do not apply too much loose powder, remember we’re going for an effortless, light summer look.
Step 6: This is perhaps the most important step to achieving the ten minute summer time make-up look, applying the bronzer. When applying the bronzer you want to put just enough in the areas that tan naturally. The areas of the face that tan naturally are the forehead, nose, and cheekbones. I personally like to use matte bronzers, but any bronzer will do. My favorite bronzers are Nicka, which can be found at your local beauty supply for less than 5 dollars or if you’re feeling splurging, try any MAC bronzer.
Step 7: After you’ve applied the bronzer you want to focus on the eyes by simply sweeping a golden colored eyeshadow across the upper lid. A cream shadow may be used, but if you have oily skin a matte color may be best for you. When applying the gold eyeshadow to the upper lid, be sure to focus on the tear duct area. Focusing on the tear duct area will give your eyes a more intense look.
Step 8: After you’ve applied the gold eyeshadow use a brown eyeliner on the upper and lower lash line. Once the liner has been applied, blend it with an eyeliner brush for a smudged, smoky look.
Step 9: Apply a double layer of mascara. Don’t forget to let the mascara dry in between coats, because clumping is a no-no.
Step 10: On the cheeks use two rouge color blushes. The first color you’ll want to use is an earth colored rouge and the second color you’ll want to use is more pink colored rouge. The earth colored rouge should be used to highlight your cheek bones and the pink colored rouge should be used in the middle area of your cheek.
Step 11: The last step is the lips. To finish off the lips you can go for a clear colored gloss or a gloss with a hint of color, it’s your choice. I personally like to use a nude colored gloss to finish this look.
While it seems like there are a lot of steps to complete this ten minute look. Once you do it again and again and again you’ll see it’s a cinch!
Ciao!
So many writers and authors have questions about writing a book, publishing a book, getting the exposure they need. Being a published author of six books, I know what it's like to be in that type of situation. Take a moment to check out Literary Career Moves. I can help you with the hundred questions you might have about publishing your first book!
www.literarycareermovesonline.com
Thanks, Dominique
Six Week Workshop for authors and writers. Click the link above to find out!
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As business owners and ministry leaders, we have to do what is best for staying connected. We have email, snail mail and text messages. We need to connect to our clients, customers and ministry followers. How can we do that w/o overwhelming them or ourselves? We send a text message!
Yes, keep with the changing times of technology and send a daily or weekly message via text!
Sign up with me for free: https://www.dialmycalls.com/signup/97046990/
If you don't want to send a text but receive one from Fam 4 U Breakthrough Ministries for daily messages, please send an email with your cell number to info@fam4ubreakthroughministries.org
Everything we do reflect on our company and our products. By acting professionally, we send the message that our business is credible and trustworthy. Personalized care may very well be your edge against the competition. This is why Business Etiquette critical to your success.
You’ve only got one chance to make a good first impression! Anonymous
Do you fear fitting in new social circles, do you feel uncomfortable, out of place?
Learn the Skills of Proper Etiquette and Stop Sabotaging your Success.
You have made it, you are a success. The time has come for the meeting that could change your life forever. You’ve been invited to the social event of the year, doubt and fear sets in. You ask yourself how do I make introductions, how to start and maintain a conversation.
Avoid embarrassing moments-don’t allow negative impressions to sabotage your success.
Attention
- Successful business owners
- Actors, Actresses and Entertainers
- High Profile Sports Figures
- Sales People
- Coaches
- Speakers
12 Good Reasons to Act Now
How etiquette can help ensure your success:
- Develop and maintain business
- Project a positive image
- Project confidence and authority
- Earn more money
- Establish relationships with decision makers
- Establish trust and credibility
- Establish authority
- Attract more business opportunities
- Get publicity opportunities
- Establish your brand
- Enhanced confidence and self respect
- Feel at ease in social situation
Doors open, as those you meet respond positively and want to build lasting personal and professional relationships.
I’m proud to announce I’m now an instructor with The Global Institute of Enterprise Development now you can enjoy the convenience of learning business etiquette online. This represents an exciting and affordable opportunity for you to enhance your business and social etiquette skills in the privacy of your home or office.
When it comes to understanding proper business/social etiquette and protocol, you can’t afford to assume that you know how these rules apply; you must make sure.
With our course, Business Etiquette for Todays’ Savvy Entrepreneur. you’ll feel confident and ready to handle any social situation.
Click here for more information.
You will be taken to The Global Institute of Enterprise Development page description of the program.
I’m available by email to assist you in any way.
Contact information:
Walethia Aquil (Grace and Charm)
E-mail: info@graceandcharm.com
System #2: Customer Relationship Management
The customer relationship management system refers to the way you take care of your current customers. It may be the way that you process their intake into doing new business with you. It's about how you provide here and service once your clients have already paid or invested in your services. Ultimately the goal is for prospects to become clients and eventually to become raving fans for your business. This happens when you treat current clients or fans very well.How do you deliver on the promises that you make in your brand. Does it require a lot of manual labor? Can you automate delivery of your services? Can you set up systems with the click of a button that will accept payment and deliver on the promise? If you're conducting a coaching group is there self-service function word new clients can go and access their profiles, pay an invoice, create a support case? This is all part of delivering on your brand promises.
When you have easy tools and systems in place it's much easier for your clients to rave about your services and to refer others to them as well. A great service experience can immediately expand your level of influence and authority.
I am a huge fan of Customer Relationship Management systems (CRM). CRMs were like a dream come true because I was tired of manually tracking loose pieces of paper, sticky notes, e-mails that flooded my inbox from people I worked with. A solid CRM can manage projects, automate your billing, and make it easy for you to find essential correspondence between you and the customer. Examples of great CRMs to research for your business include BaseCamp, Salesforce, Capsule CRM, and WorkEtc.
Another part of the relationship management, however, involves your approach to follow-up. Send Out Cards is a simple but highly distinctive way to show your clients you care. I purchased an account with the company years ago but did not realize the power of the program until I used it to mail personalized postcards to members of a course I was teaching online. It really made an impact with my clients to receive a special thank you from the right at their doorstep.
Trust me, in this age of Internet marketing a postcard or greeting card will help you stand out from the crowd. It will also help to solidify the emotional connection with your customer, which has the potential to generate more sales. Besides, sales are really about creating a personal experience for the buyer.
WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?
You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
About the Author: Tanya Smith is a creative business strategist specializing in showing coaches, consultants and freelancers how to spend more time making money with simple, yet profitable marketing systems. Her company Be Promotable provides clients with fresh actionable strategies and virtual resources to promote their small businesses as power players in their market. Claim your instant access to a free 10 part ecourse, 10 Ways To Grow Your List at: www.bepromotable.com.
Good morning,
I just sent out latest What's Happening Now Info. Did you get it? Do you know today is the last day for our Twitter Party? Hundreds of women are networking and making new connections during our ALL Weekend Party.
Share your stuff and come and ask questions. URL - http://tweetchat.com/room/bbwo.
Remember to go here: http://mim.io/4df911 and if you are not getting the What's Happening Now messages sign up here.
LaShanda Henry, Network Founder
I have been SOOOOO busy these past few weeks working on clients websites like (one, two, three) and my own secret project that I will be releasing next week. I haven't had a chance to blog and be as social online, so I decided to get REALLY SOCIAL this weekend.
Yesterday I hosted my 1st twitter party for members of Black Business Women Online and it was so awesome. So many amazing women entrepreneurs tweeted in, shared tips, made connections and got a few giveaways from me too! I want this good vibe to last ALL weekend so we are keeping this thing going starting noon today (EST) you can still join the party by going to http://tweetchat.com/room/bbwo using the hashtag #bbwo.
I hope I see you in Twitterspace with us today AND tomorrow. If you attended please leave a comment and let me know what you thought about our ROCKING Twitter Party for Women Entrepreneurs and Tech Savvy Women.
Oh and before I forget, for those of you who have been asking me about how to Sell eBooks, use the promo code BUY27 to download my audio series Setup and Sell eBooks Online. I think there are about 20 of these promo codes left.
May is my birthday month, and I want you to celebrate with me! How? By getting 25% off any Mocha Writer service!
Services offered include bios, editing, press kits, press releases, website content and more! For additional information, writing samples, testimonials and more, please visit my website, mochawriter.com, or contact me: jamiefleming@mochawriter.com.
Thanks for your support : )
Job Title: Project Graduation Coaches – Part-Time/Temporary (NO BENEFITS)
Reports To: Manager, Leadership & Education
Project Description:Detroit Parent Network has developed a comprehensive new program called “Project Graduation,” which is aimed at significantly increasing high school graduation and college enrollment among at-risk students by creating a supportive and knowledgeable family environment. The project will target youth in all six areas of the Good Neighborhoods Initiative, assisting parents and their children ages 13-17 to develop specific goals and an action plan to graduate high school and go to college. During this project period, DPN will work in collaboration with parents (or other caring adults), students, schools, community organizations, and others in the community to develop partnerships that capitalize on the assets of area resources and institutions.
Summary of job: Coaches will work to maintain 1 to 1 parent/student contacts for 150 parents through home visits. Administer surveys to parents and students twice a year. Accurately and timely collect data report cards from Project Graduation enrollees. Track parent and student contacts. Work to timely and accurately relay concerns and parent barriers to Project manager and relay resources to that parent.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Support the Project Graduation Initiative to meet goals and objectives in the area assigned.
Must have reliable transportation.
Meet monthly with families to provide individual coaching by establishing parent. and student’s goals as it relates to high school graduation and going to college.
Help develop an educational plan for child and parent.
Connect parents to needed resources working with parent support department.
Manage data base on participants & maintain files on each child & parent.
Research and inform parents on admission and financial aid to college.
Be familiar with Skillman’s Good Neighborhood Initiative, Highland Park and Hamtramck and state efforts to reduce drop out rate and increase college enrollment.
Be able to work evenings and weekends to meet with parents and students.
Monitor evaluation of program and assess successes and areas that need improvement.
Organize staff development opportunities to ensure high level quality service delivery.
Be available to attend Project Graduation forums and events.
Submit all reports timely.
Other duties maybe assigned.
Competencies
Candidates will have strong analytical skills with the ability efficiently track and maintain contact with program participants. Candidates should be sensitive to various types of community issues and social issues,non judgmental, streetwise, mature, and paying attention to detail and social issues. Candidate should be aware of college preparatory financial aid, Michigan high school graduation standards, knowledge of NCLB, education policy and the best practice models used to increase graduation rates. Candidates should be socially astute and, will have experience in working with various communities successfully. Candidates should have knowledge of case management, how to set educational goals for youth and working with parents. Candidates should be passionate about work and enjoy working in a fast-paced, dynamic community organization in which expectations are high on the quality and speed of work.
Education and/or Experience:
Graduate student at a four-year college or university with a major in Social Work, Psychology, or Education.
Experience working in diverse and challenged communities dealing with parents and students.
Must have access to working vehicle and cell phone.
Familiarity and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Application Process:
Applicants should submit cover letter and resume to 7375 Woodward, Suite 1100, Detroit MI 48202 or fax it to (313) 309-1451; or e-mail it to rallen@detroitparentnetwork.org
The Detroit Parent Network does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, religion or disability.
http://ning.it/mo3W6H
You are receiving this email because you are a member and/or friend of DPN and the Listen Up Mayor! campaign.
Unsubscribe alenoreharris@gmail.com from this list.
Our mailing address is:
Detroit Parent Network
7375 Woodward Ave.
Suite #1100
Getting endorsements for your book from published authors or experts in your field is key to establishing your credibility, and we advise that authors start soliciting endorsements as soon as possible.
Benefits of endorsements:
- They lend credibility to your work
- They pump up your publicity
- Bookstore buyers consider them when deciding whether to place orders
- Consumers look at them when deciding whether to buy a book
Step 1: Evaluate your contact network.
Consider experts in your field. Do you know any potential endorsers? If not, do you know anybody who can put you in touch with a potential endorser? Look at the bestselling authors in your genre. Do you have some way of contacting them directly? If all else fails, you can try contacting them through their publishers or agents.
Step 2: Determine which celebrities or experts are appropriate for the book’s subject.
The most effective endorsements are from other authors, particularly bestselling authors. Celebrity endorsements may also be helpful, but only if the celebrity is known to have an interest in the subject matter of the book. For business books, well-known business leaders are also good endorsers. Consider the different audiences for your book and work toward a variety of endorsements that, together, speak to all of your readers.
Step 3: Request endorsements by preparing a clean copy of your manuscript or an ARC along with a cover letter.
It’s a common practice to write a sample endorsement or two and include them in the cover letter. Indicate that it is a sample endorsement, and the endorser is welcome to use it, modify it, or write an original endorsement. Pre-written endorsements not only improve your chances of receiving an endorsement but also help emphasize the selling points that you’re interested in publicizing. Keep endorsements short and sweet. A couple of sentences is an ideal length to capture readers’ and buyers’ attention.
Rochelle Carter is the President/CEO of Ellechor Publishing House. Ellechor is a publisher of Inspirational Christian books, including Adventure and Romantic fiction, and non-fiction/devotionals dealing with Relationships, Suicide Prevention and General Self-Help.
Hello BBWO, I decided to repost this blog to get your opinion.
Wow! I've been a member of BBWO for two years may be three and I have to admit this is my first blog so bare with me. Here's the thing, I recently joined the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce. I decided to join to get more exposure for my company Trace Identity Services, Inc. with the hopes of picking up more accounts and to have a voice in the community.
There are a lot of meetings, networking and swapping business cards, I have to say ladies at this point I like it. Ok here we go, I was networking with someone at a meet and greet event and his question to me was "What's the difference in me paying $19.95 online for a background check for my company than me paying your company for the same information?" My answer to him, "First of all when you go online and have a background check done on a potential employee this is a "Name Check" not "Fingerprint".
Name Based are not positive identification and It may produce multiple hits also Alias names, common names, or maiden names can result in false "hit" or no "hit" responses. Fingerprint based allow a biometric search on the AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) database, will provide positive identification (No multiple hits) and Fingerprint patterns don't change and are not easily altered.
Listen my BBWO if you have a non-for-profit organization and your company is hiring mentors, volunteers and they are working with children or elders make sure they are fingerprinted it's easy, quick and inexpensive. For further information go to www.traceidentitysi.com
Roz
Are Good Manners Taboo in Today's Business World?
Have you noticed a theme about manners and etiquette lately? There seems to be a question about the importance of polite behavior. More and more people are asking:
- Are good manners a thing of the past?
- Is it important to be nice?
- How do you spell "respect"?
- What difference does it make if you know which fork to use?
- What is all the fuss about a firm handshake?
- If I am good at my job, what does it matter how I dress for work?
What do you say? Please be diplomatic.
A few months ago, I went to a business meeting and it was very interesting. The featured presenter was there answering questions from prospects and he was taking 7-8 minutes to answer each of them! He would even get off track and lose focus of the question he was answering. And as I sat there, a bit annoyed by his tangents, I realized that ANYBODY can build a business! This guy literally makes MILLIONS of DOLLARS a year and all he does is just talk to people. He goes off on random bits of information, and gets so excited it seems he can't even breath but yet HE'S SO SUCCESSFUL! So, the key is to be yourself. Yes, we should study our business and know the "ins and outs", etc. But just being yourself and allowing people to relate with you is a huge factor in building a successful business.
That's a big part of Internet Marketing as well. Although you're not meeting people face to face, they need to and want to like you before they decide to do business with you. That's why it is important that you understand the concept of "branding" yourself. In a nutshell, you want people to be attracted to you. You should include photos on your website and offer training videos taped in your house so they can see you in your regular habitat. Give them ways to gain easy access to you. This makes people feel more comfortable with you and want to do business with you. Let's face it, we only have the friends we have today because something about them attracted us to them. Whether it was their personality or something they had to offer, that's the bottom line. Therefore, you have to do the same on your website to make people like you and want to do business with you! Market yourself on social network sites and leave your business cards with people you meet. Those simple things (to start) will help you get exposure to people that need your services.
Tamara Garrison-Thomas
www.garrisonproperitysolutions.com
www.crazygood.com/refer/whywait
Once you have identified the contact, develop your pitch. Your pitch needs to provide a clear, single-sentence hook that will set up the premise or angle of the interview. The hook should answer the following questions for the reporter:
- Who are you?
- What value can you provide to my readership?
- What sets you apart from others in your field?
This hook is what you will use to open up your cover letter. Attached to your cover letter will be your press kit, which will give the media contact everything they need to determine whether you are a good candidate and will serve as a great starting point for them to develop their questions and angle.
Interview Tips/Basics
1. Develop Talking Points: Most interviews will focus on a few basic points and angles. This means you can walk into any interview prepared, but you will also have to be ready to shoot from the hip if necessary. Keep your answers short, to the point, and free of technical jargon so a broad audience can understand them.
Basic media questions include:
- What is the title of your book?
- What is your book about?
- Why did you decide to write this book?
- Who should read this book?
- Why should they read this book?
- What authority do you have to write on this topic?
- Where can people find out more about you / your book?
Once your book is ready for market, sit down with your publicist and/or your marketing team and hash out your talking points and sound bites. Learn them so well that you can easily integrate them into any conversation. Revisit them frequently to make sure they are still relevant and timely and remember: always mention the book and where to find it.
2. Presentation (Physical Appearance, Tone, Pace): Whether it’s for television, radio, print, or an event, if you are in person and in view of the public, you always want to look your best:
- Choose a professional outfit that is appropriate for the venue. Wear solids on television whenever possible.
- Practice good hygiene!
- Be kind to everyone. Whether you are speaking to the receptionist or the host, it is imperative that you be kind. Oftentimes the person in charge will ask for feedback from everyone who came in contact with you. Plus, today’s assistant is tomorrow’s boss, so don’t chance your future by assuming someone isn’t important.
- Arrive on time. Being early will get you everywhere. Even if you have to wait, it’s better to be on time and considerate of their schedule than missed completely because you weren’t where you needed to be.
- Keep it short and sweet. Whether on air or in print, media outlets only have a limited amount of space for your content. Respect their time allotments and keep your answers succinct to the point (which is why its so important to develop your talking points ahead of time). In broadcast, never—ever—speak past the end of your countdown.
- Send a thank-you note. Show gratitude after the fact with a handwritten note (if possible) or a quick email. Again, keep it brief, but be sincere.
Rochelle Carter is the President/CEO of Ellechor Publishing House. Ellechor is a publisher of Inspirational Christian books, including Adventure and Romantic fiction, and non-fiction/devotionals dealing with Relationships, Suicide Prevention and General Self-Help.
