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Personal brand marketing is a solid career management technique. When you are doing the work to clearly identify your personal brand - or theoverall collection of perceptions that you want others to have aboutyou - it may not be as simple as jotting down a few notes on a memo pad.

Developing a personal brand strategy that describes the irresistible, brilliantyou can take some work, but once you have it, you can apply the piecesto everything you communicate - e.g. resume, interview remarks, onlinemedia, etc.

Below, I will share with you some of the components I used in developing my own brand marketing statement.

Here are the first five concepts to focus on with a brief definition ofeach, and an example taken from my own personal brand library:

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• Objective - what outcome are you trying to achieve for yourself or for your targetaudience (e.g. To develop highly successful, professional women of colorto be competitors for advanced leadership positions.)
• Core message - the primary mindset that you want anyone who comes in contact withyou to adopt (e.g. You can successfully advance your career when youincrease your brand visibility in a smart, authentic, and consistentway.)
• Target audience - who do you want to share the message with (e.g. Professional women of color, age 30-55,seeking career advancement, career change, or business start-up.)**Later, we can talk about who the ideal client is for you within thistarget - yes, there is a distinction.
• Brand Statement - what do you do and who do you work with (e.g., I work with professionalwomen of color seeking career advancement or transitioning into solobusiness. I show them how to develop a brand strategy for their careerthat connects them with their target audience & key influencers.)
• Unique position - what makes you different than anyone else who does this work (e.g.,My strategy is based on a 60/40 combination of proven career managementtechniques and online brand expertise. I also have a powerhouse networkof branding resources to help my clients implement the plan once the itis put on paper.)
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About the Author: Tanya Smith of Be Promotable shows ambitious working professionals howto get the promotion of their dreams. To get instant access to her freespecial report on surefire steps to getting the ideal job promotion stopby and visit http://www.bepromotable.com.

I don't know about where you live, but in VA, we are in the midst of a serious heat wave - I'm talking triple digits plus humidity. So, in honor of summer and daydreaming, I'd like to share a story poem with you. Enjoy and feel free to pass it along.

Honey Iced-Tea

By Rebekah L. Pierce

Warm southern nights

Honey iced-tea

Swinging on the porch in a white

Summer dress flowing in the breeze, bare-foot naked, Free

Honeysuckle leaves dress the greens

And dew embraces my lips like caramel chocolate

brown lip gloss

Just swinging in the breeze

With my lover on his knees

Pleading for one chance…just one chance

To love me like honey bees

I am melting, melting from the plushness

of his words that vibe against my soul

With my honey iced-tea soothing the fire in

my throat, the flame on my tongue

Caresses the eager ice, have Its will

I am melting…and my lover still kneels

on his knees lost in my translation, my transformation

I am the honey and he is the bee

Love me, baby, love me

Sweet like molasses, sweat like honey

Love me, baby…love me

Warm southern nights

Got me romancin’ honey iced-tea

Copyright © 2004 Rebekah L. Pierce

I was recently asked to speak to a networking group of women accountants about keeping a positive attitude during these rough economic times. I thought long and hard about the topic before I realized that these are not just rough economic times, but that it’s life. Our world is no more challenging than the world of 3 or 4 generations ago. The roughness fits the times, so to speak. Still, we all could use some reinforcement in our journey through this life and times, so here are five tools to help you.

Happiness

You must define what happiness means to you. It is a state of mind, no doubt about it. For example, I recently had a conversation with my husband in which he was lamenting not being able to work in the industry he felt he was destined for. I proceeded to ask him what his roadblocks were, and for every one he listed, I countered with creative solutions. He rebutted with more excuses. My response?

You are the only one preventing yourself from being happy. If you can’t find your way to your dreams using creative and traditional routes, then you’ll be forever miserable, and you know what? You’ll take it out on your family and that’s not fair.

So, define your happiness. What does it taste like? Smell like? Feel like? Sound like? What is it? Write it down and then commit it to memory for those days when you get “caught up” and need a boost.

Joy

Keep your joy! That is, no one can steal your joy. Instead, you give it to people. And that’s what were we humans mess up. We let people step on us and take advantage, and then blame others for our misery and pain. Stop that! Joy is the essence that is you. It’s the thing that keeps you going day after day; it keeps you smiling and is the thing that keeps you connected to the higher power. Once you give it away to someone, you’ve given them your power – your joy - and then what are you left with?

A Spirit of Gratefulness

Now, gratefulness is hard because it requires that you relinquish control and allow the higher power to do his/her job. There is no ego or “me me me” in gratefulness because it mandates that you take a real good look at your life, and place value and worth on the things that one cannot necessarily see or touch: the intangibles. This is hard to do in a society that is governed by consumerism and the “must haves.” But, if we do not try and learn how to be grateful about the things that we do have, then you will forever be tethered to a bitter spirit. Think about it this way: we all have that one person at our job who when they come into the room, we make excuses to leave because they have the most negative energy. No one wants to be around negative people. But wait! Are you that negative person that everyone runs from?

The Crying Angel Network

All of the above is impossible to do alone. Case in point: I am not Superwoman and neither are you. “Superwoman/man” implies that you are fearless and do not need anyone because you can do it all: you cannot be destroyed. That is the ultimate lie! You are human and humans need other humans (scientists have proven this), hence, the Crying Angel Network.

This is the group of 3-5 men or women whom you trust and who have proven themselves loyal to the essence of you and the higher power. They lift you in prayer when you have not the words to speak for yourself. It’s called “intercessory prayer” and we all need it. This is what the Crying Angel Network does for you. They do not judge nor condemn you or tell your business to the world. That is not their function. They believe in you and your purpose, and, more importantly, they believe the same of themselves and are working on it everyday. In fact, scripture says, “Faith without works is dead” and this network operates in this mode.

A Sense of Humor

Finally, when all is said and done, and the world is spinning wildly on its axis in spite of you and your “issues,” you must always, always, always have a sense of humor. If you can’t laugh at yourself sometimes, then you might as well go to a corner somewhere and die because you are done.

I had the pleasure of teaching a class on American Literature one year and I thought I had done a wonderful job and that the students had enjoyed the course. Well, I received the teacher evaluations for the class at the end of that semester and some of those same students ripped me to shreds. They told lies and said things about me that are too harsh to even repeat here. I remember crying to my mother over the phone about it all and exclaiming about how I was going to quit teaching because they lied on and about me. My mother’s response?

They lied on Jesus, so what makes you so special?

I shut up instantly and just started laughing hysterically. I had been firmly put in my place.

These five tools take lots of work and patience, but you are worth it, and what you are essentially doing is creating a legacy for yourself. We are being watched by the generation behind us to see how we respond to life and its trials and tribulations. You are teaching them whether you want to be a teacher or not. So, what do you want your legacy to be? How do you want to spend the energies of your life? In pain? In a state of depression? Or filled with and living a life of happiness, joy, gratefulness, connectedness and laughter? Happiness is, after all, a state of mind, but so in unhappiness.

~Copyright © 2009 Rebekah L. Pierce is the former Editor in Chief of Average Girl Magazine, a motivational and inspirational magazine for women in search of change, purpose and prosperity. AVG Mag has been redeveloped as The Girlfriend Connection, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower local to middle income women in Central Virginia. Mrs. Pierce is also a playwright, former radio talk show host, motivational speaker, teacher, wife and mother. Visit www.thegirlfriendconnection.yolasite.com for more information.

Your ad strategy should begin before you even put the "Open" sign in your window. Getting ready for customers starts with the decision that you're going to open up your own business. Gear up now to reap the rewards of success for the life of your business.

Develop Your Message
Know what you want to tell customers about your business. Let's say you want to open up a furniture store.

Do you want to be known as the discount furniture store or the upscale furniture store? Do you have a large inventory or select pieces?

Develop your message to help customers identify your business. A vital tool in developing your message will also come from your marketing plan¹.

Consistency in Look
The colors you choose, your logo and all of your materials should be consistent. Don't just choose red because it's your favorite color.

Take this major decision one step further. Companies spend a lot of time and money on developing their look.

No matter what the size of your company, you should too.

McDonald's is known for its golden arches. Home Depot is known for its bright orange. You've got to think about how you will brand your company right from the start.

Your logo's look, the font size and type you use, even your slogan should be consistent from the business cards you have printed to the front door your customers will be opening.

Identify Your Competitors
What other businesses in your area will you be competing with for the customer's dollar? Identify those competitors and your differentiators.

What makes your company better? What makes their company better? Take your company's strong points and use them to attract customers. Take your company's weaker points and see how you can improve them to fill those gaps.

Even when your company takes off, continue to analyze your differentiators. There's always room for improvement and more sales as business evolves.

Are you getting ready to get ready?

I’m sure that several of you have heard this expression before. Today was the first time that I used it myself. As soon as the words departed my lips I knew that I needed to take my own advice.

I was speaking to a prospective student over the phone. The woman on the phone, was one that I’d spoken with several times in the last year. Every few months she calls the school, asks when classes will be starting. Sometimes she even makes an appointment to come in and complete some part of the enrollment process. Most times though, she would call back a day or two later with some excuse. “Too busy. I need to look for a part time job. I need to wait until the kids are on vacation. I need to wait until the kids are back in school.” So, this time when I saw her name come up on the caller id on my desk I answered, “Hi, Jane Doe, are still getting ready to get ready?”

We all have something that we keep putting off. Something that could really change our lives if only we could get started. When I started to look at my list of “dreams deferred,” writing was on the top of that list. I have been researching blogs. Reading other people’s blogs downloading ebooks on how to write them, but kept putting it off. I even told myself that I needed to wait until I reviewed some grammar books and I bought a few of those too. But then, the lights came on. I was using the excuses to cover up my fear. I was getting ready to get ready and in the mean time not a single thing was getting done.

STOP GETTING READY TO GET READY!

While you were reading this, your list of excuses probably started to go through your mind. You probably thought of at least 5 things that you’ve been putting off because of fear. The vacation you’ve never taken. That dance class you thought about. The classes you were going to start. The novel you said you’d write. Write them all down. Find the one thing on that list that really scares you. The one with the most “legitimate,” excuses and do that one first.

I did. I finally stopped getting ready to get ready and I started writing this blog.

1. Get Your Blog Featured at BlackBloggerNetwork.com
2. WordPress vs Blogger-Which side of the blogging table are you on?
3. 10 Life Lessons I've Learned from Blogging
4. The Basics to Starting a Blog and Making Money Blogging
5. Black Women in Social Media at Blogher 2009
6. Is Blogging for Profit Still an Option?
7. Blogs by Black Women [Group on BBWO]

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Today's DailyClick is brought to you by the Black Girl Click Ad Network and the Search Urban Directory. Would you like to be featured in the Daily Click? Click Here to submit your website for review.

I have been in the shea body butter business since 2006. As a woman who wears her hair natural, I've been working with my butters and oils over the years to create a formulation that is both good for the hair and
will also give me the shine and curl definition that I need.

I've tried many products on the market, but always found them too sticky, too greasy or too many chemicals. I also don't care for the use of mineral oil on my hair because it doesn't seem to absorb. (Note
that I am not against mineral oil - I use good ol' Vaseline for those pesky edges as well as to remove makeup on occasion.)

After much experimentation and melting and whipping, I finally created a product that is great for my, and my daughter's natural hair. It gives us shine and curl definition and is never sticky or too greasy.

I call it Curlicreme, and it contains shea butter, mango butter, aloe vera gel and black castor oil.

Check it out here.

You can purchase a 2 oz jar for just 5.00 plus shipping.

If you have any questions please post comments!

Christine
http://neosoulessentials.com
http://sheabodybutter.net

I was having a conversation with Tee89 over at Fabby Girl, about women sticking together. Iwas never one to have many female friends growing up, but now as anadult, I see the value in having female friends. It's just two sexes onthis planet. And, the males have dominated it, but last I heard, theearth was called MOTHER EARTH. So, women, take heed in our power. Someof us are fragile, weak-minded, strong, strong-willed when we are byourselves. Imagine when all of us with our many talents and weaknessesand strengths bond together.

When you have time, read or just scan through this article. It is about a women gang for justice. Enjoy!!

(Info is taken from Orindaben.com)

What Is the Divine Self?
---------------------------------
Orin refers to your Divine Self as the Self that exists at an even higher level than your soul. It is the Divine essence of your being, the source of all light and life within you. Your soul is closer to your personality, and is an intermediary between you and your Divine Self until such time as you are able to directly experience and realize the Divine Self as who you are.

Why Contact Your Divine Self?
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As you open to your Divine Self, you can receive its guidance, peace, harmony, and illuminating light. You can more easily turn away from the distractions of the physical world, and restore yourself in the light, love, and power of this eternal Self.

Through this Self, you can play in the world of all potential and manifest your highest path. This Self will reveal the illusions, desires, and attachments that keep you trapped in a lower vibration and on a lesser path. You gain a greater ability to recognize limiting, disharmonious, and restricting energies and forms. Not only will It reveal these limitations; contact with this Self will enable you to have the power, wisdom, and vision to release these energies.

Your Divine Self is always trying to reach you, to send you the power, illumination, love, and wisdom to draw higher forms, thoughts, feelings, and situations into your life. Your Divine Self is wise; it knows all, and is always showing you an easier, better, more joyful way to live.

Contacting Your Divine Self
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Your Divine Self is always trying to reach you, to send you the illumination, love, and wisdom to live as your Divine Self. You can open to all the gifts that it has for you by consciously making contact with it, opening to it, and asking for Its guidance and assistance. You need to make contact, to open up to, and to have the intention for this to occur. Remember that this Self is who you are, so you are opening to that greater part of yourself.

You do not need to use will power, to struggle, to effort, or to try hard to contact your Divine Self. All you need do is set your intention and open to all the gifts of consciousness that await you as you connect with this innermost Self.

One way to contact your Divine Self is through silence. This connection happens beyond the mind. Because of this you may not feel you have made contact. Your intention to connect with your Divine Self and your receptivity to It are all that are needed to make this connection and to receive Its guidance, energy, and inspiration. It always responds to your call.

1. Start by sitting quietly. Set your intention to make contact with your Divine Self, to open to It and to receive Its energy, love, inspiration, and all the transformation, awareness, and gifts of consciousness It is always offering you.

2. Let go of any thoughts, and imagine that you are infinite intelligence, unconditional love, and all knowing wisdom, looking out through your eyes. Sense the "I" within you that is always present, that which is pure awareness.

3. Let your mind come completely to rest, to a state of inner stillness, with nothing to do or think about, even if just for a moment. Let go of any thoughts about the outer world and go within, asking for your Divine Self to draw you into Itself.

4. You can make the connection to your Divine Self even stronger by having the intention to release any thoughts or beliefs that may be an obstacle to contacting your Divine Self or to receiving Its gifts.

5. If you would like, ask for guidance, an insight, or an answer as you enter into the silence.

6. It is in moments of silence that the Divine Self can impart to you as much of Its wisdom, power, and love that you can receive. Notice what new thoughts you have after these moments of silence, calling upon your Divine Self. Doing this brings more power, love, wisdom, guidance, abundance, and spiritual vision.

7. Afterward, you may receive an inner message (it is fine if this feels like you giving yourself a message). Contact may come through a sense of energy, peace, an inner knowingness, an answer, a deeper breath, or in many other ways. It is fine if you do not have any response you can feel or identify; know that contact has been made simply through your intention to make contact. With this, some insight, extra energy, or inspiration has been imparted to you that will unfold at the perfect time.

You do not have to spend a lot of time doing this meditation; in fact it is very effective to have frequent ten or twenty second meditation periods during the day. Even pausing briefly during a busy day to get quiet and ask for energy or guidance is a wonderful way to deepen contact with your Divine Self.

Some Descriptions and Qualities of the Divine, Eternal Self
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Omnipresent (everywhere at once).
Omnipotent (all powerful).
Omniscient (all-knowing).
Eternal, infinite perfection of being.
Infinite Being, love, and wisdom.
Infinite, endless light.
Self that is free from all attachments and beyond all action.
Self that is constant, unchanging, indestructible, and immutable. Is always the same.
Self that is the observer, the witness of your experience.
Witness of the activities of mind, but not identified with them.
Source of all answers.
A center of consciousness within the One Life.
A center of consciousness in the great ocean of Life.
A center of consciousness upon the surface of the one great "I."
The consciousness of the whole, manifesting through your point or center of consciousness.
Consciousness at rest, no thought.

Note that all words or descriptions of the Divine Self are inadequate; the Self can only be known through a direct experience of It and cannot be known through the rational mind.

Your consciousness gradually expands until it realizes its identity with the Whole. Beneath all forms and names of the visible world, there is to be found One Life–One Power–One Existence–One Reality–ONE.

Clearing Blockages with Your Divine Self
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Your Divine Self is able to break through the limitations of your personality and concepts, and open you to new ways of living and being. Connecting with this Self brings a sense of flow, of moving with the current, and of being on an upward spiral.

Your Divine Self is always with you, guiding you and sending you exactly what energy you need in that moment. Your Divine Self is like a sun that shines eternally. It opens the way to a more spiritual existence. It has many gifts and blessings for you, more than you could even think to ask for.

Your Divine Self has the power to bring about the divine Plan of your life. It brings miracles, synchronicity, and all events and circumstances that are required for your unfoldment.

Your Divine Self can lead you to enlightenment, clear the way, and give you answers. It knows that lack and limitation is an illusion. It holds the blueprint of your perfection, and knows that you are perfect just as you are. Sense the power that you have at your command as the Divine Self–the spiritual power of love, wisdom, and the ability to make things happen.

Using the above process to contact your Divine Self, sit quietly, and open up to your Divine Self. Let your mind come to a state of rest, of stillness, of no thought. In a state of stillness, allow the power, wisdom, love, harmony, and freedom of your Divine Self to flow into you, restoring and revitalizing you.

Ask this Self within you to send you an idea, blessing, wisdom, or answer. Any sincere and earnest call made to the Self will always invoke Its response. Remain open to receive this response. It may come as energy, insights, a path or doorway may open up, a new opportunity may come to you, energy may be withdrawn from one path; you may receive a new vision, understanding, a feeling of peace and harmony; there are ways your Divine Self connects with you that are too numerous to list. Remain open for the response in whatever way it may come to you.

More Suggestions to ask your Divine Self to do for you as you connect with It:
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1.Open your heart, and release any thoughts or feelings that are less than loving to yourself and others
2. Free you from all thoughts and energies that keep you from hearing Its voice, from knowing Its wisdom
3.Release things that are keeping you stuck or unable to move forward in some area of your life
4.Remove doubts or distractions that keep you from your higher path
5.Dissipate thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that stop you from creating a life of beauty, joy, harmony, and peace
6.Dissolve desires and attachments that keep you recreating the past
7.Give you the strength, courage, and power to release any forms or situations that are taking the life out of you
8.Free you from fear–fear of change, of the new, of the unknown, of taking a risk, of being your Divine Self
9.Liberate you from all imprisoning forms that keep you bound to a lesser path and a less joyful life
10.Release all lesser energies within you that are holding you back
11.Take away negative self images, self-criticism, and thoughts that you have been a failure in anything in your life
12.Release illusions or mental concepts that are keeping you from seeing your next steps and higher path
13.Release the cause of any negative circumstance in your life, so that you cannot recreate it
14.Think of anything else and ask! There is nothing your Divine Self cannot do!