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YAY! I'M A PUBLISHED AUTHOR!!

Posted by Paris E. Tompkins on November 11, 2009 at 4:00am

At long last, I am proud to announce that my first children's book, "The First Trip" is online and available. The story is one of Bubba Oodle, the news reporter for the Oodleville News, and his arrival in "The Land Beyond" (our Earth) from his imaginary world of "Oodleville." There is also an introduction of the other "Oodles" and some of their adventures.In coming stories, Bubba will be exploring and making friends to share our lives with those in "Oodleville," and sharing the "Oodles'" lives with us. The other "Oodles" will also come to visit us and have their own storyline books and character dolls.The links below will give more information. A portion of the revenue from the sale of books and dolls will be dedicated to support my Restore Childhood Project to promote the maintenance and/or restoration of play for boys and girls. Play is very important for the learning, experience, and joy of children.To view the press release: http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=n...To purchase the book: https://www.createspace.com/3396371To introduce yourself to Bubba and the other Oodles: http://www.thefirsttrip.comArticle from my publisher: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_DunnFor a limited time, if you purchase the book, I will send you a complimentary, limited-edition collectible Bubba doll valued at $50.00. Just e-mail me your purchase order number under the subject: Bubba Doll. E-mail is inkyoodle@msn.comGod bless, Paris

As seen on Oprah, NBC, Jennifer Hudson who wants to Drop 2-3 sizes in 10 minutes with no pills,diets, exercise or surgery?

Posted by Marion D White-Luster on November 11, 2009 at 2:04am

Go to http://www.drop3sizes.com/platinumardyssmarionThis will change your life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Social Networking Tips

Posted by Jamie Fleming-Dixon on November 11, 2009 at 1:22am

Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, I’m sure your have profiles on one, two, three or more of these sites, especially if you’re a business owner. And if you don't, what the heck is wrong with you? Go set some up- now!Social networking sites were created to form online communities for individuals with similar interests and for those who want to find out other people’s interests and activities.So, why is social networking important?-- It gives your business a face and a presence other than your physical location.-- Social networking helps you develop your business through connections with other entrepreneurs, business owners and customers. It helps you build relationships as well.-- It's pretty much free recognition for your business.Tips:-- Show off your personality. Don’t be afraid to share anecdotes, testimonies and tips- these will help people notice you. Also, people like networking with those they find enganging, helpful and entertaining.-- Present yourself as sincere, reliable and as an expert in your field.-- Know that you have to participate in social networking constantly. You have to continue adding friends/followers and interact with them on a regular basis.-- Set goals for your social networking. For example, decide how many new friends or followers you want to have per week, or you choose how many times you’ll post a blog, note, etc.-- Don’t constantly put comments on people’s walls and profiles pushing them to buy your product or service. That’s called spam, and it’s very annoying, especially if you haven't tried to get to know the individual. A better approach is leaving someone a comment saying, ‘hi’ and leaving a signature with a name a link.For example:Hi Chris,Just stopping by to say, ‘hello.’ Have a great day!~Jamiemochawriter.comWhen you continue to build a relationship with your friends/followers, then you can put some info about your business on their walls. Just make sure it’s not too often or too much info.Happy Networking!

Two Lessons I learned About Network Marketing Online

Posted by LaShanda Henry on November 10, 2009 at 8:32pm

The world would be a wonderful place if the average network marketer was actually making the money they want from their business, but unfortunately it doesn't always work out that work. Most Network Marketers online are making the same mistake. They are trying to sell their product to anyone with a pulse and no one is buying. It happens every day; the overselling, the random business plugs in inappropriate places, the clear desperation and desire for sales. The problem isn’t the product or even the pitch; it’s the people they are trying to reach. Here are a few things that I’ve discovered about network marketing and the internet: 1. People buy products from trusted brands they know. Moreover, when they are online its very unlikely they’ll buy a product just because you send them a link. When people buy online it’s usually because they are searching for something they can’t find offline, something they need quickly, something that was recommended, or something they have purchased before. The big problem with most network marketing products is they don’t easily fall into any of these categories. 2. When it comes to spending money online, people generally buy out of desperation or desire. They are either buying things they really want or buying into products/opportunities that might make them money. If you are a newbie network marketer trying to sell your products online, you already know how difficult it is to drive traffic to your website and get people to buy. I won’t say that it’s impossible (because people are making money as we speak), but I will say that it’s difficult because you have so many obstacles in your way. Chances are online consumers aren’t heavily searching for what your selling. And with the high competition, the people currently using your product probably already have a local representative that they buy from. Again, getting new people to buy your product online is challenging, which is why you to change two things; where you sell and who you sell to. How do you make the switch? Download and read my latest ebook: "How to Really Make Money Networking Marketing and Selling MLM Products Online" | Here is a $10 Off Discount Code just for reading my blog: EB10OFF Related posts:

From A Writer's POV Magazine of the year!

Posted by Dominique on November 10, 2009 at 6:18pm

Hello Family & Friends!Please vote for From A Writer's POV as Magazine of the Year. The more votes I receive the greater chance I have of being in the top four. Here are the details:Vote for From A Writer's POV as Magazine of the Year on AAMBC Literary Award. Simply email your nomination to aambcvoting@gmail.com and put From A Writer's POV magazine-of the year in the body of the email. So friends and family, please vote for my company as magazine of the year!Thanks so much for the support!Dominique

Looking for Black Women Who Love to Blog...

Posted by LaShanda Henry on November 10, 2009 at 5:33pm

I recently created Social Media Sistas, a space for black women / women of color in social media to collectively blog what’s going on in the black community online and around the world. SMS is very new, and free to join. I am currently working on reaching out to my fellow Black Women who are into social media to join the network and be a part of something new and exciting. To review the website and/or join visit: http://socialmediasistas.com LaShanda Henry

Biz Enlightenment: Start a Service Business

Posted by S. Marigny on November 10, 2009 at 3:42pm

Who can sell a service? The answer is simple--anyone and everyone. Everyone is qualified because each of us has skills, knowledge or experience that other people are willing to pay for in the form of a service; or they're willing to pay you to teach them your specific skill or knowledge. Selling services knows no boundaries--anyone with a need or desire to earn extra money, work from home, or start and operate a full-time business can sell a service, regardless of age, business experience, education or current financial resources.What Are the Advantages of Selling Services?There are many advantages associated with starting your own business selling services. Perhaps the biggest advantage is you become your own boss, take control of your future, and in effect become the master of your destiny. I've been self-employed for a number of years, and for me the lure of self-employment is the freedom and independence that calling the shots affords, which can be difficult to achieve when you work for others.Operating your own business also gives you the potential to earn more money, in some instances two, five or even ten times more than you're currently earning. Why? Simple duplication. When you work for someone else, there is only you and only so many hours in the day to work for an hourly wage or a salary. When you operate a business, you can duplicate yourself by hiring employees and salespeople to increase revenues; you can duplicate your customers and find more just like them to purchase your services; and you can duplicate your business model and open in new geographical areas to service more customers and earn more profit. These are all things you can't do when you work for others, and if you do, chances are it will financially benefit the boss a lot more than you.Capitalize on Your SkillsDon' t worry if you lack business skills and experience in areas such as time management, personal-contact selling, negotiating, bookkeeping and the ability to create effective advertisements. There's no question these are all important skills to have, but at the same time they're also skills that with practice can be learned and mastered. More important is the question, "What skill(s) do you have that can be sold as a service?" Any skill(s) you possess can be your best, and by far your most marketable, asset. If you know how to safely walk a dog, that's a skill people are willing to pay you for. If you know how to plan and throw one heck of a party, that's also a skill people are willing to pay you for as their event and party planner. If you know how to play the piano, this is a skill other people will pay you to teach them. If you know how to sell products and services online, once again that's a skill that people are willing to pay you for as an online marketing consultant. All are examples of skills that people pay other people to perform, or teach them how to learn.Every person has one or more skills other people are prepared to pay for in the form of a service provided to them, or to learn. However, with that said, most people have a tendency to underestimate the true value of their skill sets and experiences. You have to remember, what may come naturally to you may not come so naturally to others. Likewise, you might think your particular knowledge or expertise may be of little value, but if someone else needs or wants to learn about that knowledge, it's very valuable to them.Selling Services Part TimeThe first option is to start off selling your services on a part-time basis, which is a good idea because it enables you to eliminate risk by limiting your financial investment. It allows you to test the waters to make sure that being self-employed is something you enjoy and want to pursue. If all goes well, you may decide to transition from your current job, devoting more time to your new enterprise each week, all the while decreasing the time at your current job until you're working at your new business on a full-time basis. There are many advantages to starting off part-time, including keeping income rolling in, taking advantage of any current health and employee benefits, and building your business over a longer period of time, which generally gives it a more stable foundation. If it turns out you're not the type of person who's comfortable being the boss, you've risked little and still have the security of your job.Of course, if your ambitions are only to generate extra money to pay down the mortgage, save for retirement, put yourself through school, or pay off credit cards, selling services part-time is the perfect choice. It's important to do what you want to do and what best suits your individual needs. If selling services part-time works for you, then go for it.Selling Services Full TimeYou can also jump in with both feet and start your new business selling services full-time. This option would appeal to people without a current job or people who are confident about being the boss and operating a business. There's nothing wrong with starting off full-time, especially if you take the time required to research the business, industry and marketplace. You must also develop a business and marketing plan, and have the necessary financial resources to start the business and pay yourself until it becomes profitable.The main downside to starting full time is risk. If you jump ship and leave your job, you risk loss of current employee benefits and have no guarantee of steady income, contributing spouses or partners excluded. The upside to starting off full-time is potential rewards, including the opportunity to make more money than you can at your current job, and to gain control of your future. Your decision to operate your new business on a full-time basis will largely be determined by your current financial situation, your own risk-reward assessment, and your goals and objectives for the future. Jumping in full-time will appeal to the true entrepreneurial mindset--people who prefer to blaze the trail rather than follow behind in the wagon train.Selling Services SeasonallyAnother option is to start a seasonal business selling services, which can be operated with a full- or part-time effort. But most are run full time to maximize revenues and profits over a normally short time span. Examples of seasonal businesses selling services would include snow removal in winter, yard maintenance in summer in northern climates, income tax preparation service in spring, and serving as a vacation property rental agent. Just about any business can be run seasonally or occasionally, but some are obviously better suited than others.A seasonal venture will appeal to people who want the ability to earn enough money during part of the year in order to do as they please with the remainder of the year--travel, pursue education, or work a job in another season. The potential to earn a very good living operating a business only part of the year is a genuine opportunity, as proven by the thousands of people who are currently doing it. The main downside to a seasonal business, especially one that can be operated year-round, is that you don't want to spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours promoting your business only to shut it down for half the year, sending current and potential customers running to your competitors while your business is closed. It may prove very difficult to lure them back when you reopen for business.Selling Services to Supplement Your RetirementThe fourth option is to sell services to supplement your retirement income or just to have fun and stay active in your golden years. Retirement businesses have become extremely popular in the past decade, mainly because the cost of living has dramatically increased, often outpacing wages and retirement savings. The result is that many people head into retirement needing a little extra income to cover expenses and provide an adequate lifestyle or to maintain their pre-retirement lifestyle.People are living longer and much healthier now than in decades past, and because of this many are seeking new challenges; starting and operating a business is a way to stay active physically and mentally. Older people also have a proverbial ace up their sleeves when it comes to starting a business and selling services: a lifetime of knowledge and experience that can only be acquired by spending lots of time on this planet. Because of the value of these skills, many people are willing to pay big bucks for them. This is why many people who are reaching or have reached retirement age have chosen to start a consulting business selling their experiences, knowledge and skills for the benefit of their clients.Before you decide to get into business for yourself selling services, there are two issues to consider regarding financial compatibility--income and investment money. First, when deciding what type of service to sell, you have to consider how much money you want to earn and how much money you need to earn. If you need to earn $75,000 per year to pay your personal expenses, there is little sense in starting a dog-walking service. Perhaps there are a few dog walkers earning this much, but it's not a realistic expectation. How much money do you want to earn--that is, how ambitious are you? Again, you must be realistic and relatively sure the service you choose to sell has the potential to generate enough income to live on in the short-term, and the potential to match your income goals in the longer term. Income doesn't have to factor into the business startup equation for everyone. If you want and need to earn only a little money from a part-time or retirement business, the income equation will not factor as heavily as other issues.The second big financial compatibility issue affecting your decision about which business to start or purchase is the amount of money needed to start or purchase the business. Not only will you need to have or have access to the investment needed to get rolling, but you'll also need extra money for working capital to cover day-to-day operating expenses until the business achieves positive cash flow. This can take a week, a month or even a year.Ultimately, financial compatibility is important when starting a business and deciding what services to sell. If you cannot afford to start the business and don't have the financial resources to pay operating expenses and your wages until the business can break even, you'll probably have to look at alternative options, such as starting part time, choosing a different business to start, or waiting until you have acquired the money needed to get started.By James Stephenson

EYe Spy a Sparkle Trend: Kim Schuessler and Fendi

Posted by Alease on November 9, 2009 at 9:47pm

EYe Spy a Sparkle Trend:Fendi Fall 2009 & Kim SchuesslerArtwork that manages to evoke the 80's and artwork of Jackson Pollock. Fendi designs a fall collection with boxy shapes, yet with a sparkle of star lite night. Kim Schuessler creates sparkle with spatter paint with bright vibrate colors.Fendi slick and refined - Schuessler pop and voluptuous.To get more information on these two artist go to: Fendi -Fall 2009 collection & Kim Schuessler Exhibit

What is Good Customer Service?

Posted by PB31 Woman on November 9, 2009 at 8:14pm

Entrepreneur Resources Network invites you to join us as we discuss topics concerning Women in Business. Whether you are just starting your business or you are an established owner, we encourage you to share your struggles and success with others.What is Good Customer Service?One of the most important customer service skills you can develop is the ability to understand and effectively respond to the customer’s needs and concerns. Excellent customer service starts by first taking the time to get to know the customer, his situation, his vision, his worries and his goals.Customers today are often treated like a nuisance, instead of the reason that a company is in business at all. Products and services continue to increase in cost. Customer service, on the other hand, continues to decline. We deal with surly cashiers who seem to have more important things to do than ring up your sale are the rule rather than the exception. Having a product delivered to your home means giving up hours out of your day to wait. It seems that businesses today have forgotten how valuable customers actually are. Without customers, no one earns a paycheck.So, here are some thoughts on ensuring that your business provides top quality customer service.Rule #1:When customers complain there is a reason. This is an opportunity to learn something, so hear them out without interrupting or arguing.Rule #2:Remember not to the complaint personally. A customer complaints are about products or service that did not live up to their expectations or the marketing hype. When you or your employee takes it personally, get defensive or angry it will only makes the situation worse.Rule #3:Provide your customer with a sincere apology for the inconvenience. Put yourself in your customer's shoes. Remember what it feels like when something you have purchased did not do the job it was supposed too.Rule #4:This is one of the worse thing that you could say to your customer “It’s not my job, my department or my responsibility.” If you work at the company that made the product or sold the service - it is your job! Make a personal commitment to do whatever it takes to fix the problem even if it is not in your job description.

Come Experience a Quality of Life and Lifestyle You Have Only Dreamed Of! In The Heart of The Beautiful Canadian Rockies!

Posted by Irene Brautigam on November 9, 2009 at 6:01pm

Banff, Alberta, Canada, has been an international tourist destination for over one hundred years and each year millions of people from all over the world visit here including many of the world's dignitaries, kings and queens. What many do not know is that no one, not even Canadians can own land contained within a National Park and all land is leased for generally a period of 42 years. Anyone can purchase property located within a National Park, however, in order to reside there, the law stipulates that you must be employed within the National Park.Canmore, Alberta, is located just 2 kilometers outside of the Banff National Park Gates and is considered Canada's hidden "jewel". Here the purchase of real estate provides one with free title to both home and land, making this a truly unique opportunity of full ownership in a piece of the Canadian Rockies. Since Canmore hosted the Nordic events of the 1988 Winter Olympics, real estate values have increased by approximately 600% and yet our real estate prices are far below any of our global mountain resort competitors such as Whistler, British Columbia, Aspen and Vale, Colorodo and most certainly Zermatt and other European destinations.Canmore, an investment without equal in a lifestyle beyond compare.For further information regarding Canmore/Banff area real estate, please view http://tinyurl.com/ye7g644Irene BrautigamColdwell Banker Banff-Canmore RealtyCell: 403-678-8104Email: Irene@CanmoreBanffHomes.comwww.rockiesluxuryrealestate.com

[Webinar Replay] How to Boost Your Holiday Sales

Posted by LaShanda Henry on November 9, 2009 at 4:05pm

I honestly think business owners and entrepreneurs love the holiday season more than kids! This is the time when pocket books are open and people are spending whether they can afford to or not, so make sure that you and your business are getting a piece of the 'Holiday Sales Frenzy'. Last year, my partner Richelle Shaw and I did a great free webinar for our Women of Color Small Business Coaching Program that was all about boosting your sales for the Holidays. I thought you could benefit from watching this webinar replay this year too! Click the link to watch the webinar replay: Why are your Holiday Sales Slow? How to Boost Your Holiday Sales this Year!

Want to Get Loads More Free Traffic to Your Website?

Posted by Zhana on November 9, 2009 at 11:30am

I have loads of methods for you to attract more website visitors and prospective customers for free.I am talking about targeted traffic. Thousands of visitors to your site - what will this do for your business? Please contact me privately for details.Here's to your success!

erin shell anthony's WRITE, PUBLISH & MARKET YOUR BOOK 12-month Private eCourse

Posted by Erin Shell Anthony on November 9, 2009 at 4:00am

Greetings! I am happy to announce my new 12 month Private eCourse, created especially for those who are serious about wanting to write a book and create profit from it!I have a few questions for you:Do you have a book inside of you?Have you always wanted to write a book but never knew where to start?Do you have a book concept that you don't know how to market?Would you like to make money daily, weekly & monthly from your book?When I wrote my book Nappturosity: How To Create Fabulous Natural Hair and Locs (www.naturalhairbook.com), I had no idea how amazingly successful it would be. I wrote this book because I wanted to help & contribute to the natural hair community, and now, I'm offering this course for the same reason.You will learn the techniques that I've used to sell thousands of books & eBooks around the world, and these same techniques have enabled me to also earn money every day! It's a wonderful feeling waking up, checking your email and seeing orders that have come in overnight. I want you to experience this too, and you will, as a part of my private coaching program!I don't believe that we have to participate in the "recession" and I know that you have a phenomenal power within you to manifest the gifts that you've been given. This divine calling is special, and should be honored and treasured.This eCourse is not for you if you want to write a book and produce an info product to make a quick buck, or if you're interested in overnight success stories or get rich quick schemes.This eCourse IS for you if you want to:o Be: Possess a sincere desire to help people with your topico Do: Are willing to be coached and follow a simple -yet profound - plano Have: Would like to generate regular income from your workI am offering this program as a PRIVATE 12-MONTH eCOURSE, which is limited to only 40 participants, at a reasonable monthly investment.As a part of this special eCourse:By Month 3, You will have written your book!By Month 4, your website will be up, and you will be profiting!By Month 6, you will have implemented several marketing strategies and leverage your new-found expertise into other info-products!If you are interested in applying to be a part of this exclusive private coaching group, please email my Executive Assistant, Marie, at wpmbook@gmail.com.Love & Success,erinshellanthony

Watch video of Artist Ananda Leeke's author chat about her artwork in her new book, That Which Awakens Me

Posted by Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke on November 9, 2009 at 3:05am

Streaming Video by Ustream.TV

Greetings All,Here's a video of my author chat that aired on the November 7th episode of Ananda Leeke Live!, my new UStream.tv showm (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/anandaleeke). It discusses my artwork in my new book, That Which Awakens Me: A Creative Woman’s Poetic Memoir of Self-Discovery (available on Amamzon.com in December 2009). To learn more about my online book party for That Which Awakens Me, visit www.anandaleeke.comEnjoy!Peace and Creativity,Ananda

Check out Author Ananda Leeke's video about the making of her new book, That Which Awakens Me that aired on the november 1st episode of Ananda Leeke Live!

Posted by Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke on November 9, 2009 at 2:59am

Greetings All,Last week, I launched my first author chat on Ananda Leeke Live!, my new UStream.tv series (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/anandaleeke). During the chat, I discussed the making of my new book, That Which Awakens Me: A Creative Woman's Poetic Memoir of Self-Discovery (available on Amazon.com in December). To find out more about my online book party events, visit www.anandaleeke.com.Enjoy your week!Peace and Creativity,Ananda

Tune into the Nov. 9th episode of The Ananda Leeke Show @9pm EST for a conversation W/ Author/Professor Shayne Lee about Malcolm Gladwell’s The Outliers and Ananda’s books

Posted by Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke on November 9, 2009 at 2:56am

Greetings All,Join me for a conversation with my brothalove Shayne Lee, an author and professor of sociology at Tulane University, about the influence of The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (www.gladwell.com/outliers/index.html) on my new book, That Which Awakens Me on the November 9th episode of The Ananda Leeke Show at 9:00 p.m. We will also discuss my debut novel, Love’s Troubadours – Karma: Book One (www.lovestroubadours.com). Click here to listen to the show: www.talkshoe.com/tc/15820.Shayne penned T.D. Jakes: America’s New Preacher (2007) and Holy Mavericks: Evangelical Innovators and the Spiritual Marketplace (2009). I read T.D. Jakes: America’s New Preacher earlier this year and fell in love with it. Shayne’s book influenced my new book, That Which Awakens Me. I even quoted from his book in my memoir! Yeah it was that GOOD! I also wrote a review about T.D. Jakes: America’s New Preacher and interviewed Shayne on BAP Living Radio in February. We had big FUN! Click here to read my review: http://kiamshacom.blogspot.com/2009/02/book-review-td-jakes-americas-new.html. To learn more about Shayne, visit www.tulane.edu/sociol/slee.pdf.Enjoy your week!Peace and Creativity,Ananda

Guest Speakers

Posted by Dominique on November 8, 2009 at 8:50pm

The POV Lounge is looking for guest speakers. We have one spot open for this week. If you are interested in being a guest speaker, check out our details here: http://fromawriterspovmagazine.com/issue/november-2009/article/guest-speaker-on-the-pov-lounge1