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The ONline Wireless Store is growing, Interest is Spreading across the USA

Posted by Rickey on July 6, 2008 at 2:02am

Hello CommunitySimple statement, The wireless industry is huge in scope and revenue generationThe obvious that might get overlooked - Having access to that scope and revenue generation could represent significant income.Reality - WE can have our own ONLINE Wireless Store, we can until 17 Jul 08, get a FREE Website to do our investigation of this opportunity.You will know if this is for you by 18 Jul 08 or before. I encourage you to check this out.Networkingly yours,Rickey
click this banner and start your exciting wireless store venture

LEADERSHIP, It's Everything.....Strength and Honor...

Posted by Nadira Haniff on July 5, 2008 at 11:30pm

It is indeed the perfect day to talk about LEADERSHIP and LEADING WITH STRENGTH. Leadership is one of my favorite topics of discussion because it encompasses so much and also can be interpreted in several different ways & styles.A leader is someone who assumes that role. Sometimes we have leadership thrust upon us, but nevertheless, that role has to be accepted. How many times have you heard "be the leader people are looking for"? I am sure many times. But how does one become the leader people are looking for? What steps do we take to get to that point?We have discussed several of those steps this week, but in a nutshell let's recap. Leadership is not a role that is favored by many in the corporate world or otherwise, because it comes with responsibility and expectations. It comes with being there when it is expected for you to be there. But in as much the role of a leader maybe somewhat big to fill, it has the sweetness of all the rewards that we seek. Financial & spiritual as well as many other aspects of our life.So having said that. And knowing that as networkers and business folks we want to be the leader people are looking for...let's simplify and implement step by step...it doesn't have to be overwhelming or intimidating... just embrace each step one at a time...TOP 10 DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF A LEADER(1) A leader is mentally prepared to move forward steadily(2) A leader has a game plan laid out to follow(3) A leader understands that the plan is not set in stone, but will need fine tuning(4) A leader believes with all his/her heart and soul in the himself(5) A leader believes with all his heart in the mission(6) A leader believes with all his heart in his/ her team(7) A leader knows that failure is not an option even though he/she may fail forward(8) A leader is prepared to be in the front line of battle, doing it first(9) A leader knows that there are many challenges ahead(10) A leader knows that there is no prize without the price & so begins with the end in mind...Teamsters, go forward boldly and become the leader that's in you...it's there, just believe and follow with action...Nadira Haniff/ Coachwww.NadiraHaniff.com www.180DaysToGreatness.comFollow My Twitter www.twitter.com/nadirahaniffEmail: coach@nadirahaniff.com

Starting A Business That You Are Passionate About

Posted by Audrey Bell-Kearney on July 5, 2008 at 7:50pm

I've been a full-time business owner now for almost ten years. One things that I found over the past nine and half years is that if you are not doing a business that you love, you will not be successful at it. Let me repeat that. If you are not doing a business that you love you will not be successful at it. When people come to me about starting their own business I always ask them what kind of business will they be starting and why did that choose that business. 95% of the time they tell me that they need to make some money and that they feel that this business would help them make that money that they need. Money should not be your main reason for starting a business. The reason I decided to start my business is because I wanted to be free to move around. Does that statement sound familiar? Well it should because it is from a commercial that I've heard or seen, but I don't remember which one. Anyway I started my business because I needed that freedom and I am glad that the money came with it. But let me just say this it didn't happen all at once. It took a long time for me to stop chasing the money and figure out what I really wanted to do. The funny thing here is that I was doing what I loved to do all along and did not even know it or I did not recognize it as a business.I love being an entrepreneur and I love talking about business and marketing and all that stuff. Once I realized that I could turn this into a business, I had to then figure out how to do it. So I decided to host a radio show which I loved, but the producer would not let me expand the way that I know I could have, so I resigned. Then I went on to host a television show spotlighting women in business and this was good, but I wasn't making any money. I also published a magazine spotlighting women in business, but this is a very expensive venture. I loved all of these things, but I had to figure out a way to do them all with a clear goal in mind which became to get noticed and perfect my craft instead of making money being my main goal and that's when things started to turn around.The Internet has made all of these things possible and really inexpensive to produce. Now I can be an Internet TV show host a radio show host and a publisher and still reach my goals of perfecting my craft and getting noticed.So if you are thinking about starting business make sure that you have a crystal clear goal in mind pick a business that you are passionate about, create an action plan and take action.Until Next TimeMuch SuccessAudreyAudrey Bell-Kearney is the author of The Sister Inc Blueprint For Starting And Running A Successful Business. She can be reached at Audrey@sisterinc.com

Giving Pause and Thanks for Freedom

Posted by Rickey on July 5, 2008 at 6:27pm

Hello Community,On this holiday weekend, I extend a hearty hello and I am in agreement with you to have a fun, safe, and memorable weekend.The event for this day is especially important with the USA involved in a war and other countries warring with themselve.Freedom, a word that is taken too lightly by some.Freedom equals choice. Choice equal options.Without Options there is no Choice.WE are so blessed to have options that we can choose.I encourage everyone to treasure this freedom, make maximum use of it.Give pause for a moment and give thought to those who do not have choice.Give pause for a moment for those you know are in situations, even if temporary, that do not have choice.In that pause, please give thanks to the Creator, for FREEDOM.May your day be most productive. May you share your freeedom with others.I am at your service,Networkingly yours,Rickey

Small Business Tip: Education-Based Marketing, How to Make Business Come To You

Posted by Ktasha on July 5, 2008 at 3:00pm

There is a misconception in small businesses that your marketing's most important function is to promote your products and services. In fact, the most important function of your marketing should be to establish that you are knowledgeable and can be trusted.Most of us don't do business with people we don't trust. Even if you have the lowest prices, if your prospect doesn't trust you, it will be difficult to close the sale. This is the basis for Education-Based Marketing.Education-Based Marketing is a powerful marketing strategy that establishes trust and credibility using educational messages. It is the direct opposite of traditional marketing, which uses selling-based messages.People are tired of hearing worn-out, old sales pitches. Barriers shoot up the moment you begin delivering a sales pitch. In contrast, people sit up and listen when you share important facts and expert information that helps them make a good buying decision.Determining Your Educational MessageImagine stepping into the mind of your prospect and listening to their mental conversation at the very moment they decide to begin shopping for a spa or pool. What questions are they asking themselves? The secret to attracting qualified prospects early in the sales cycle is to find out the answers to those questions and use them as the basis for y our educational marketing message.For instance, if you were to offer your prospect the choice between two free special reports, one titled "Why brand A is the best widget on the market" and the other titled "Six Little-Known Secrets to Purchasing the Right Widget for Your Family", which do you think would be chosen?To continue reading this article, click here and look under Small Business Resources.Be blessed and feel free to send your questions to khardge@gmail.com.--Ktasha N. Hardge is a Tax Professional and Home Based Business Expert who is establishing herself as a Lifestyle Enhancement Specialist. She is on a journey of financial freedom and time freedom and wants to help others do the same. Visit Hardge Connections, LLC for interactive financial tools and resources that can help you grow personally and professionally. Visit Global Connections Travel to learn about an amazing opportunity that can transform your life as well as finding some of the best travel deals online. Request a free eBrochure or video to your dream destination.

Label Design Primer: 13 Tips to Help Your Product Get Noticed on Store Shelves

Posted by Afiya on July 5, 2008 at 2:24pm

Label Design Primer: 13 Tips to Help Your Product Get Noticed on Store ShelvesSUMMARY: Competition among products on the store shelves is fierce. An attractive, attention-getting label can make the difference between enticing customers and losing them to a nearby competitor.Here’s a primer on making your product beat industry leaders. Includes tips on using a graphic designer and launching a redesign.Please Note:This article is available only until July 8thClick here to activate your MarketingSherpa Membership FREE Trial.Your product’s label is one of your last marketing opportunities. If it’s ineffective, that opportunity is wasted.“Your homepage is your marketing piece online, and your label is your marketing piece out in the world,” says Peter Renton, Founder, Lightning Labels, one of the oldest and largest digital label printers. “You’ve got about a half a second if people are just walking through the shelves. They need to be able to glance at it and see what the product is in a half second. What is it? And what flavor is it? What kind of product is it?”Renton sees scores of labels –not all of them effective. Here is his take on what makes a good label, a bad label and how to come up with an effective design. He includes tips on how to get your product noticed and change your label.Creating a Label: 6 Steps-> Step #1. Communicate with colorColors can communicate faster than words. They are important in grabbing consumers during that half-second window of opportunity.- Be consistentYour brand should have its own colors. They should be used in every customer communication. Your website, catalog, flyers, coupons and your product label should use the same colors. This way, customers will know exactly who made the product without having to read a word.- Match colors and flavorsYou can use color to convey a flavor or a scent. For example, yellow makes people think of bananas and red – of strawberries. This helps a regular customer find the flavor they want quickly and a new customer check out your varieties at a glance.-> Step #2. Complement text with imagesRenton suggests using images. Like colors, they can communicate faster than words. Also, images can be more interesting and eye-catching than text. But be sure to balance images with text. Too much of either will create confusion.-> Step #3. Be choosy with fontsColors and images cannot communicate everything; words are essential. Make sure you select a typeface that contributes aesthetically to your brand.- Don’t use too many fontsLabels should have no more than two fonts; preferably, you stick to one. “Two is OK if you have your company logo in a particular font. If you use four fonts on a label, that’s bad,” Renton says.- Match font to brandRun through a list of fonts and select a handful that is right for your brand. Then gradually narrow them down to the final selection.- Pick font size that doesn’t make readers squintChoose a legible font size. If you’re using a smaller font to squeeze many words onto a label, you’re probably using too much text. Make some cuts.-> Step #4. Go with a label that’s true to your product’s sizeLabel size is one of the easier variables to account for. A label that is too small will go unnoticed. A label that is too large might wrinkle or fold over the sides of the package – think lousy. Size your label so it fits your product.-> Step #5. Provide contact information- Address and phone numberPutting the mailing address and phone number of your business on the label welcomes customer feedback. The information uses very little space. The feedback can guide product and marketing decisions.- WebsiteYour Web URL should be on the label. Again, it takes up very little room and it can drive customers to your online marketing.Failing to provide this information could be a frustrating experience for consumers. Renton cites an example of a yogurt company that is guilty of this negligence: “I have [this yogurt] every single day of my life. They don’t know I exist. I’d give them my home address because I’m such a big fan, but there’s no outlet for me to do that because it’s not on their packaging.”-> Step #6. Don’t forget about mandatory informationBy law, nutrition information and Surgeon General’s warnings must be printed on some product labels. Stick the required information on the back label. Your front label should sell and describe your product. The obligatory information should face the back of a shelf.4 Strategies to Stand OutYour label has to stand out or the consumer will never pick up your product. Here are some ideas on how to create a unique label:-> Strategy #1. Tell a storyPeople love stories. Tell a one- or two-sentence story about how your company was founded or how a product came to fruition; make it interesting. It will connect your buyer to the people and the history of your product.“Clif Bar happens to be an example. There’s a paragraph on every Clif Bar that tells you a little about the company and how it is named after this guy. He was a mountain biker and he wanted to create a nutritious snack. And it doesn’t take much space on a label,” Renton says.-> Strategy #2. Use different imagesDigital printing opens up novel labeling opportunities. You can print dozens of different labels much cheaper than before the advent of digital labels because of lower fixed costs. But you may want to print a large quantity of a few labels. Traditional label printing may be a cheaper way to go.You can use multiple labels with different images for the same product. The trick is to keep other elements – like colors, borders and fonts – the same. Customers must be able to identify your product even if it comes with four different images.Example: Jones Soda uses photographs submitted by its customers for labels. “There’s 100 different photographs on these labels. It becomes part of the brand,” Renton says.- Stock photographyStock photography is another inexpensive way to add images to your labels. Places like iStockphoto and Photos.com sell royalty-free images for a low as $1.-> Strategy #3. Add quotations and factsAdd witticisms or interesting facts to your labels. You can find this type of content under juice caps, on tea bags and inside candy-bar wrappers.-> Strategy #4. Get inspiredIf you’re having trouble designing your labels, check out:- Your direct competitorsLook at the competition when you design your first label. But strive to be different. Note what types of fonts and colors they are using. They may translate to customer preferences, Renton says.- Your indirect competitors“Look at your competitors, but then go look at a different product category completely. So, if you’re selling lotion, go look at wine or go look at hot sauce. … Get some ideas by looking at totally different industries, then you can adapt ideas to your own products,” Renton says.Partial Rebranding: 3 StepsDeciding to change a label is never easy. It could dilute your brand or make your product harder to indentify, especially among loyal customers. Make sure you have a legitimate reason to change your label and are not doing it just because you’re tired of it.-> Step #1. Hire a designerUse a professional designer to launch a new label. Graphic design is an art with many professional elements that take years to master. A novice will probably not be able to achieve an effective design concept.For a product with a completely new idea, expect to spend $1,000 for 10 to 15 hours of a designer’s time, Renton says. You could spend much more – $100,000 for someone to do 100 different versions for you to choose from.“Now, the more money you spend, up to a certain point, the better your results are going to be. But I know people who have spent $5000 to get a business card design. That’s sort of ridiculous.”-> Step #2. Retain some elementsTo avoid confusing customers, preserve some elements of your label. These can include your logo, primary colors, layout, package shape or any identifying feature.-> Step #3. Test the marketTest the performance of a label before adopting it. Renton suggests testing in a small local market and expanding based on the results. Changing your labels across all stores could be a disaster.

METROPOLE HOTEL: South Africa, Luxe Vacations

Posted by TiffanyLorde on July 5, 2008 at 1:16pm

METROPOLE HOTEL38 Long StreetP.O. Box 173Cape Town 8000South AfricaLocated in the heart of downtown Cape Town, the Metropole Hotel is a stunning amalgam of old and new, stateliness and dynamism. Housed in a refurbished Georgian structure, the Metropole retains the maturity and grace of the original building, while simulatenously evoking a youthful energy through its modern interior design. Its 25 luxurious bedrooms are studies in comfotable elegance, featuring travertine marble bathrooms, wide corridors and European-style beds bedecked with soft French linens.http://luxevacay.blogspot.com/2008/07/metropole-hotel-south-africa.html

URBN Hotel Shanghai: Luxe Vacations

Posted by TiffanyLorde on July 5, 2008 at 1:11pm

URBN Hotels Shanghai183 Jiao Zhou Road (close to Beijing Road)Shanghai, 200040ChinaURBN Hotels Shanghai’s 26 distinctive rooms and suites were inspired by the nature of Asian spaces. Contemporary design complimented by natural materials – wood floors, linen curtains and rustic silks in shades of cream, coffee and beige, create a relaxing ambiance to please the most discerning tastes. Each room carefully includes all the modern essentials, and some special creature comforts, for savvy international travelers.http://luxevacay.blogspot.com/2008/07/urbn-hotel-shanghai.html

More Info on Tracy Reese

Posted by Kelly Laws on July 5, 2008 at 12:42pm

Elana Pruitt just gave me another website to visit with info on Tracy Resse's fall 2008 collection. Visit www.agendamag.com. Also visit www.tracyreese.com. Be blessed and continue to know who you are.

Girl's Night Out chat

Posted by trina on July 5, 2008 at 6:00am

Girl’s Night OutHi girls another time to party online. You are invited to a Girls Night Out online with Diva friends.Bring your drinks and snack and sit and have fun chatting with all the ladies. Enjoy some cool music and just be yourself.Please spread the word to your others friends so that we can have a room full of fun.Let’s party girls !!!!!When July 5,2008Where: Online Chatroom A Divas’ WorldTime:6:30 pm Central

What's New with Solutions Now! Radio?

Posted by Solutions Now! Radio on July 5, 2008 at 5:23am

Well, to answer that question I'll have to take you back a few weeks. In the middle of June, I was to take a working vacation to Orlando, Florida. My plans were solid - work 4 hours and spend the rest of the day in the sun! Well, the best laid plans, huh?My computer died just two days before the plane was to take off. Running around to get it fixed and packing took a toll on me and I decided that I needed a real vacation after all so I left the broken computer at home.I'm glad I did!It gave me some time to recharge my batteries. Well, I never thought one iota about the business or its direction, but I did get some well needed R&R. I even got to reconnect with a high school friend.So, where is the business? We are strong and planning to get back to broadcasting July12th with all new programming. We got a bevvy of topics and looking forward to audience participation so join us on Saturday morning or listen to our archives whenever it is convenient for you.Sincerely,Candice L. MasonProducer and HostessSolutions Now! Radio

You ARE RIght!...It Really IS ALL About YOU!

Posted by THE CONFIDENCE ARCHITECT on July 5, 2008 at 3:58am

Beautiful Community,Whenever I meet new faces, re-acquaint myself with old smiles or walk on the platform, or stage in front of participants to embrace “The Moment, The Movement, and The Motivation” during a presentation … I always mentally review the following:“I’ve come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in my life. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make another’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt, or heal. In all situations, it is MY response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a person humanized or de-humanized.”By Dr. Haim GinottThe Divine is Absolutely Crazy About YOU!Success!~Ivana “The Moment, The Movement, The Motivation”Aspirations Development Consultingwww.myaspirationsdcs.comv_Ivana@myaspirationsdcs.com

A Few Things

Posted by Kim on July 4, 2008 at 10:48pm

I'm kind of nervous since this is my first post here, but here goes.I love this site so much. The information, services and potential contacts provided here by Ms. Henry are things that would've taken literally weeks for me to find. But now, I just click over to this site/group and everything is right there and easy to find!I also want to talk about a company that I've done some freelance graphic design work for. The company, Infinite Xpression Publishing, is owned by a good friend. So I've decided to spotlight it and one of its books here.Infinite Xpression Publishing is an independent, relatively new publishing company with one title published and several titles in the works. Infinite Xpression Publishing mainly focuses on Contemporary Fiction, Spiritual Fiction/Non-fiction and Young Adult Fiction. They are currently looking for more submissions, if anyone reading this is interested either go to the site and download the submission guidelines, fill out the contact form on the site or email directly: tonyashirelle@ixpublishing.comIts first book "Circumstances" is about a young college undergrad caught up in the game. Its book where you can feel sympathetic towards the protagonist, Khiala Williams, but still want smack some sense into her. Here's the complete synopsis:

Khiala Williams grew up as a middle class suburban Detroiter, not knowing any difficulties until she goes off to Michigan State University. She meets and soon falls in love with Brandon Davis. Just when she thinks life couldn’t be better, things take a dramatic turn. Khiala and Brandon are both faced with extenuating familial circumstances, which causes them to get caught up in illegal activities. Their decisions turn them from over achieving college students to convicted felons. Things go from bad to worse as they fight the suggested life sentences. Khiala continues to make decisions based on her circumstances and goes from one game to another trying to regain the life she knew before her downfall. Her determination and vigor help her battle the cards which continue to stack against her. She merely escapes death, but is determined to win the game.

Designers Handbags for Sale and Paintings

Posted by Sharen Rooks Agency on July 4, 2008 at 5:34pm

For the DIVAS around the world who like to SHOP and accessorize please visit my website @ >http://sharenrooksagency.vpweb.comI am seeking your support in purchasing my book and other items on my site. I look forward to purchasing many of your books and hopefully visiting your state to show my support.Let's Make IT HAPPEN!"Excellence is the Way we do Business!"

Your Opinions about Plastic Surgery?

Posted by Elana Pruitt on July 4, 2008 at 5:10pm

Visit Diary of a Personal Shopper to read more! I agree, she should have stopped after that first nose job...Happy 4th!~ Elana
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Tags: celebrities, fashion, plastic, shopping, surgery

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Happy Indie Business Day!

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on July 4, 2008 at 4:03pm

I know it's Independence Day, and I'm not unpatriotic. However, in the spirit of people who sailed around the world in hopes of discovering new and unchartered territory, not that I agree with everything they did once they got here, I applaud their "indiependence," by naming this day "Indie Business Day."
I encourage everyone to do at least one thing today to declare their indiependence from relying solely on traditional means of employment to secure their well-being, by taking the "I Am Indie Business Pledge.""I Am Indie Business" PledgeFrom this day forward, I declare my vigilant and lifelong commitment to maximize my personal and financial potential through Indie Business ownership. To this end, I pledge the following:1. I will use my talents and gifts to provide valuable products and services, and sell them at a fair profit to a specifically defined customer base.2. I will spend conservatively and invest wisely so I can use my business as a wealth building tool.3. I will proactively manage my business by minimizing the use of credit and maintaining indiependence from control by any third parties.4. I will use technology to maximize the earning potential of my business.5. I will commit to investing a portion of my profits in retirement accounts and college savings plans for my children and/or young family members.6. I will positively impact my family legacy by empowering my children and other family members to use their talents and gifts to generate income so they need not be solely dependent on a traditional job to secure their future.7. I will actively support and encouarge other families to start and manage profitable businesses so they can enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with owning your own business.8. I will develop relationships with business colleagues and the media in order to spread the word about the benefits of my products and services.9. I will serve my customers with integrity, dignity, fairness and honesty.10. I will give of my time, talent and money to help strengthen my community and make the world a better place.It's not a perfect place, this country we live in. But here we are. May God bless America. Not that we deserve it all the time. But if we always got what we deserved, perhaps none of us would be here, huh?Now off to the Indie Business Day Parade in the booming metropolis of Waxhaw, North Carolina.Did you take the "I Am Indie Business" Pledge? If so, inspire us! Leave a comment with your thoughts on the significance of your pledge. And don't forget to include your blog or website link!To enjoy more Indie, all the time, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.
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Tags: 4th, business, day, donna, holiday, independence, indie, indiependence, july, maria, of, parade

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Media Matters

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on July 4, 2008 at 4:23am

How to Matter to the MediaOver the years, I have worked with some great publicists, among them the late media powerhouse Paige Ebersole McMahon, Katherine Hutt of Nautilus Communications, Michelle Tenant and Drew Gerber of Wasabi Publicity and Marla Russo of Bella PR. These professionals understand the media, do great work and are devoted to helping their clients' businesses succeed. I have learned so much from the over the years.
But they can be pricey, so they don't work for all Indies all the time. Since Indie Beauty Network members often struggle to meet the demands of growing business while also wearing their own publicist hat, I launched the Media Leads Program to train Indies on how to develop solid media leads and contacts in a cost effective and efficient manner.Here's what Michele Kepier, owner of Flower Peddler and a new Media Leads client, shared with me about her experience in the program, followed by some valuable tips to help you reach out the media with style and flair.dM: Is the Media Leads Program benefiting the Flower Peddler?Michele: Yes. I joined a few months ago and I'm so glad I did!I love that the leads are targeted specifically to the health, beauty, and lifestyle industries. I’ve subscribed to other services and found very few leads that were a match for what we do.Another thing I really like about the program is the help you get in refining your pitch to media inquiries. It can be daunting to figure out exactly the right approach and wording to use to make your pitch interesting enough to avoid the trashcan, and your editing services help keep that from happening.dM: What are you getting out of the media leads program?Michele: So far I’ve pitched five solid leads, received 3 positive responses and gotten one media placement! I am thrilled with that and definitely recommend the program to anyone considering it.dM: What do you think of the price of $25 a month?Michele: I think the price for the program is extremely reasonable, especially considering that it includes media training to help you with your pitches.dM: Tell me a little about Flower Peddler?Michele: We started out as a floral design business, and over the years, developed an interest in scented bath and bodycare products. After meeting a soapmaker with a contagious love for all things herbal and natural, we turned our attention to natural body care.dM: What are some of your most popular products?Michele: Our Caribbean Blue - Pacific Salt Glow, a creamy body scrub with Pacific Sea salt, shea butter, organic sunflower oil, and seaweed extract.Also, our Rabbit's Revenge Soap, which everyone loves in the summertime. It's ultra cool, sweet and refreshing with a delicious combination of crisp garden lettuce blended with just the right amount of cucumber and a touch of melon for the ultimate fresh summer fragrance. It even has real cucumber puree, along with olive, rice bran and sweet almond oils.The Media Leads Program is open to any Indie, but IBN members get a discount (of course!) You can learn more and register here. Meanwhile, here are some tips to help you conduct your own media outreach.* Pitch Ideas, Not Products Or ServicesYes, your products and services are great, but the media doesn't care. What they do care about is stories. If you tie your product or service to an identifiable holiday, current event, common problem or popular topic, then do that.For example, if you make natural insect repellent and there's news of a government agency crackdown on harmful ingredients in insect repellent, then tie that current event and common problem to your product with a pitch about how your product solves the dilemma.There's a problem. You have a solution.If you're Indie, you also have a story, so when you tie together the problem, the solution and your story and you end up with a great pitch.Remember that, on the whole, people don't care about your insect repellent. Why? Because there's no shortage of insect repellent and there's nothing inherently special about it to start with.What people (and the media outlets that serve them) care about is keeping their families safe. That's the connection the media is looking for.* Seek to Serve, Not to Be ServedDon't you hate it when someone tries to sell you something, and all they care about is what's in it for them? Yes, well, the media hates that too.I recently received an email from an author looking to appear on Indie Business Radio. Her book was a fictional story of single life in the big city. If you're familiar with my radio show, you know that that topic makes as much sense as polar bears in Bora Bora. It makes no sense.It was clear to me that the author was looking to hock her book (and for free!) without any regard for my listeners and what they care about. I'm all about providing useful content to a specific type of listener and it's pretty clear from my website that a "sex in the city" type theme would not go over well.I deleted her message.When pitching the media, connect your idea to how you can help the people who will read about it, see it or listen to it.If you don't seek to serve, you're being selfish and irrelevant, and that's a waste of everyone's time.* Share Your SuccessYes, toot your own horn. Beep! Beep!If after weeks or months of working with an editor or show producer to perfect a story about you (or one that includes you), when it hits the stands, tell the entire world. Use your website, newsletter, brochures, postcards, Youtube, Myspace, Blog, Twitter and everything else you can think of to share your success.When others see that an objective member of the media thinks you're worth space in their magazine or whatever, your credibility increases. This means better and more qualified sales leads come your way. This ultimately means more sales.To learn more about my media leads program, click here.To find out about the services of some top notch publicists, visit these service providers, each of whom I highly recommend.* Nautilus Communications: Katherine Hutt is award winning and top notch. Her focus is on serving non-profits.* Wasabi Publicity: Knowledgeable people who run a well-oiled media machine. Ask for Michelle or Drew and tell them dM sent you. You can enjoy my interview with Drew on Indie Business Radio here.* Bella PR: Best for beauty and lifestyle products, Marla Russo is the kind of pretty, energetic beauty you want to cozy up with the editors of major New York print magazines. You can enjoy my interview with Marla on Indie Business Radio here.Related PostsBecome the News You Want to Be Branding, Buzz and Business Using a Publicist to Get Media AttentionFor more Indie Business PR tips, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.
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What's Your Hustle?

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on July 4, 2008 at 4:04am

Recession Notwithstanding, Not Everyone Is in a PanicYears ago, I dated a guy with an unstable job history. When I expressed my concern, he replied, "Don't worry, I'll always have a hustle." I was mortified. To me, "hustle" was a word used to describe pimping and illegal gaming activities. Today, that guy is an officer in the military, but he's not stopping there. He also owns a successful entertainment company. He has a career and a "hustle," and you need one too.
Today's New York Times contains an article quoting a Goldman Sachs economist: "The labor market is clearly deteriorating, and it's likely to keep deteriorating." Goldman Sachs forecasts that the unemployment rate will continue to rise, peaking at nearly 7% in 2009. That's 7% of Americans without a traditional job.Oh, yeah, you need a hustle.But even with the poor economic forecast, not everyone is in a panic. Those who are not all wound up are the ones who have taken a look within themselves to harness their God-given talents and gifts to create a way to generate income on their own.I'm not talking about getting stupid rich. It's not about money.It's about using what you have to provide for yourself and your family. Regardless of your economic status, personal challenges, educational or work history, credit score or job situation, there's something you can do to fill the gap if you have been relying on a traditional job to make ends meet.Everyone Can Make Money Doing SomethingDo you have computer expertise? There's a guy at my church (I'll call him Tony) who is married with a child and one on the way. He seems to have a secure job at a bank (to the extent such a thing exists at banks today), but I don't know because I've never asked him.Every Sunday, I watch Tony run the computer systems during church. He keeps up with the Power Point presentations, loads the sermons to iTunes and the church website and is generally responsible for helping the church make the best use of technology.So one day after service, I asked Tony if he could help me get my Indie Business Radio shows up on iTunes.Tony quoted me a rate, started a few weeks ago, and by the end of the week, you'll be able to download Indie Business Radio shows to your iPod.My listeners have been after me to do that for months, but I don't have the expertise myself and I didn't know anyone who did. But since I'm always on the alert to find people who can help me in my business, even at church, I found a way to get the job done, while at the same time helping another person get his hustle on. And I know I'm not the only one who can use someone with expertise like him.What I am paying Tony is not going to cover his mortgage. But if Tony is laid off tomorrow, he's got one good customer who will tell the world that he's a talented computer geek and programmer, and highly recommend his services. Imagine what Tony can do with 10 or 20 people like me telling 10 or 20 more people about him!If he wants to, Tony can set up a website with one testimonial tonight when he gets off work, and he'll spend only a small fraction of what I am paying him to get my shows on iTunes.Imagine that. Tony could launch a website today and already be operating in the black.You Can Do It TooWhat are your unique talents and gifts. Can you sew? Mow lawns? Teach people how to plant a garden in their back yard? (If you're in Charlotte, call me please!) Clean houses? Take pictures? Proofread and edit?Don't just sit around reading all the economic forecasts and becoming terrified and overwhelmed with the job prospects on the horizon. What good will that do?Do what Tony's doing and find your own hustle. You never know when you may need it, so why not be prepared?And to that old boyfriend of mine? He's been to Iraq twice. If things go the way I hope and pray they do in Iraq, he may be out of a job after January too. No sweat off his back right? Like he said, "Don't worry, I'll always have a hustle."What's your hustle?To enjoy more Indie, all the time, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.
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Indie-1; Recession: 0

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on July 4, 2008 at 3:53am

Indie Offers Tips and Insights For Going Strong Despite The Economy
Last week, I received in the mail a lovely surprise box of goodies from IBN member Susan Mann of Manor Hall Soap Company in Springfield, Massachusetts. Susan recently introduced a whole new slew of products. I tried some of them and they are great. More about that later.What intrigued me most was that, while so many people are whining about the economy, Susan is introducing new products. It prompted me to invite her to share her secrets for expanding in tough economic times. Here's what she said.dM: They say it's a tough economy right now, yet you are launching new products? How so?Susan: My company has continued to grow steadily over the last four years, and launching new products as the seasons turn has consistently been a part of that growth. I see no reason to change it now.Some products may be seasonal, where I like to bring new scents into popular lines, while other products may have been twelve months or more in the making. I have a yearly budget for new product development, and this has worked really well for me, whether the economy is good or bad.As for sales, whenever economic times are tough, people seem to turn to affordable luxuries, and that's what I offer.My sales have not been affected by the present economic climate. If anything, they've increased! I have a loyal customer base, and I set time aside each week for marketing and PR, so I attribute my growth to those factors also.There's a very interesting thing called the "Lipstick Index," which summarizes findings by the chairman of Estee Lauder that, during less than favorable economic times, sales of lipstick rose while sales of more expensive products declined. I think this is very encouraging for Indies everywhere who, like myself, are in the affordable luxury product market.dM: I know you launched a blog earlier this year. Is that figuring in too?Susan: The blog is going well. I really enjoy the connection to my customers. I'd had a What's Happening (behind the scenes) page on my web site for nearly a year when I realized last May that it could be done even better with a blog.I took inspiration as I watched the Indie Business Blog develop, and in July 2007, I made my very first blog post. Blogging is a convenient way to inform my customers of special sales, free shipping and new product information.I also use my blog to tell my readers a little bit more about different natural ingredients and why I use them. I try to keep it varied, giving home recipes and beauty tips, too. Of course, the blog is also a great way to show a little of what goes on behind the scenes. It feels good to make a batch of soap, and then upload photos to the blog.dM: Where do you get the ideas for your products? What's your inspiration?Susan: My ideas come from the ingredients themselves. I love natural ingredients. I love that they are so simple. I love that you can put plain yogurt on your face and feel so incredibly lifted afterwards. That simplicity, that feeling, is what I want in my products.That's what I set out to do with each and every product I make. That's my inspiration. That's Manor Hall.dM: What do you think of the draft legislation that could be enacted at the FDA Globalization Act of 2008?Susan: I did sign the Petition. I started Manor Hall four years ago with a liter bottle of olive oil and a few ten dollar bills. If this law had been in effect, my company would never have been a possibility.The same story of humble beginnings can be heard from many Indie business owners. If passed, this law would stop any aspiring Indie from starting a business, while bringing many existing others to their knees.In its current form, the law would force me to jump through bureaucratic hoops and cost a great deal, leaving me to o face up to a rearrangement of the business I've spent four years building. The proposed act has to be looked at again and the unfairness throughout needs to be addressed.After years of working hard, it reads more like a penalty for being in this business than regulation. I've signed the petition in the hopes of having our voices heard.dM: What do you love about being Indie?Susan: I love the freedom to be myself. But being Indie isn't necessarily about being alone. Indie business owners form part of a larger movement. I believe we are trend-setters.Ingredients I was using two years ago are now flashed across commercial products as the bigger companies get on board. Indie products aren't conceived in board rooms, or large meetings. They are born out of creativity and response to customer demand.As an Indie Beauty Network member, I can still be myself while gaining the benefit of sound business advice and opportunities. The Indie Experience weekly newsletter continues to be instrumental to my own growth as a business, and as a business woman. The Indie Media Leads Program has presented me with opportunities I wouldn't otherwise have had, and Indie Business Radio is a definite must for Indie ears.More Indie StoriesSoapin' Sisterpreneur What Real Men Talk About Small Business, Global Mission I Won Best In Show!Flowers and FusionTo enjoy inspiring Indie Business Stories all the time, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.
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Stop the FDA Globalization Act of 2008!!

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on July 4, 2008 at 3:37am

Sign the Petition by Leaving A Comment Below!Indies Oppose the FDA Globalization Act of 2008Watch this video and then read the Petition below. Sign the Petition opposing the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 by leaving your name and comment in the comments section below! The petition is for everyone: consumers and the small businesses who make the products they love!
This video summarizes the Indie Beauty Network's position against the Discussion Draft of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008, the legislation that would put thousands of Indies out of business by forcing them to pay outrageous registration fees and comply with burdensome paperwork.If passed, this law would drive consumers back to the days when they could only choose between a few huge, faceless, nameless big box stores and brands for their cosmetics and personal care products. And fewer consumer choices always leads to higher prices.Tell Congress you want none of it by reading this Petition and then leaving your comment below as your signature to the Petition opposing the draft law.PetitionWe are the owners of small cosmetics companies, and the customers who love their products.We understand that laws must be in place to protect everyone from unsafe products, but we are outraged by the Draft Legislation that would require small cosmetics companies to pay thousands of dollars a year in registration fees and comply with burdensome paperwork that would serve only to put them out of business.If passed the legislation would deny thousands of families the ability to earn an honest living, and also deprive consumers of the variety of cosmetics and personal care products available to choose from.We oppose this law and condemn any companies that support it as being interested only in creating an unlevel playing field where small and family owned businesses will be forced from the marketplace before they even get a chance to start out.We urge you, as our representatives in Congress, to stop this law which would serve only to make it even harder for families to support themselves. We call instead for a real and meaningful discussion about how Congressional goals can be accomplished without enacting unfair laws that make it impossible for small businesses to survive.In signing this Petition, we formally request that the Discussion Draft of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 be marked up so that the legitimate concerns of small businesses and the consumers they serve can be translated into reasonable laws that protect consumers without also killing small businesses by making them pay unfair fees and comply with burdensome paperwork.We sincerely thank you for your time.Spread the Word!Please feel free to post the video at your blog, myspace page, website and anywhere else it can help spread the word against this anti-small and anti-family business legislation.Click here for the YouTube link. Then copy the Embed link to the right of the video into your website, blog, etc.Please send your customers and colleagues to this blog post to sign this Petition so we can easily keep count of the number of signatories.After you sign the Petition by leaving your name and comments in the comments section below, you could even cut and paste the Petition text and send it to Virgil Miller at virgil.miller@mail.house.gov. Mr. Miller is a Professional Staff Member with the House Energy & Commerce Committee.Our goal is to collect 100,000 signatories to present to Congress. Support small businesses! Support a vibrant marketplace! Make Your voice count!To enjoy regular updates about the FDA Globalization Act of 2008, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.Related LinksDiscussion Draft of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 Share your thoughts and questions at Indie Business Forum Join the Indie Beauty Network
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