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The Power of Testimonials and References

Posted by The Black Business Cafe on June 10, 2008 at 1:48pm

Every entrepreneur should have an understanding of the power of business testimonials and references. They are nothing more or less than personal endorsements, but they can make a huge difference to your company's bottom line.People are extremely skeptical about doing business with companies they are unfamiliar with - especially if you're strictly online. Something as simple as a good testimony can give them the confirmation they need to buy whatever you're selling.Here's how to maximize on this:Take your best 5-10 clients and put their contact info on a list that you can easily email to interested ones. Be sure to let your clients know that from time to time, you may have someone contact them. Usually, most clients don't mind this - as long as people aren't calling them every single week.In addition, post some testimonials on your web site. Use pictures if you can.It sounds simple, but doing this will drastically increase your chances of converting a potential client into an actual client. This well demonstrates the power of word-of-mouth advertising; What satisfied customers have to say can be very influential to others.On the flip-side, be careful yourself when you are contemplating doing business with an unfamiliar company. Search their web site for testimonials. If there are none, call the company and ask for a list of references. This way you can talk to their actual clients, who can tell you whether or not they are legit.If a company tells you that they have no testimonials or references, this may be a sign that they are running a scam. Don't jump to conclusions too fast though - It could just be a new company, with no existing clients. This, however, is rarely the case.Dante LeeGet More Business Building Strategies atThe Black Business Cafe~www.theblackbusinesscafe.ning.com

More networking

Posted by Natasha Crawford on June 10, 2008 at 3:56am

I just came home from yet another networking event. With the oppressive heat here in New York City, the LAST thing I wanted to do was leave my air-conditioned apartment/home-office. But after arguing with myself for about 20 minutes (always an interesting thing to watch), I decided to go. And I'm glad I did. There were only 4 of us there. I got to really know the people who were there. It turned into a brainstorming session. It was a productive brainstorming session. I got to share my knowledge and get some useful advice. It proved to me a few things.1. I do know a thing or two about business (based on what I shared)2. I do know what is best for my business (based on the advice I received, which agreed with my previous thoughts)3. I can always learn more - surround myself with smart people4. Sometimes smaller events are better - quality vs. quantity5. Becoming a regular at a few networking groups is better than showing up to a bunch of different ones only once.So there it is. Keep networking. It works.Natashawww.NatashaCrawford.com

Never Forget who you are...

Posted by Valerie Pompey Weathers Jones on June 10, 2008 at 1:00am

As a woman I share responsibilities as most women do. I am a wife, a mother, business woman, friend, daughter, mentor etc. It can be easy to forget who I was before I had all of these responsibilities. First and foremost...A QUEEN, AND DIVA!!!On a day like to day I had to remember who I am and I dressed and acted the part. As a Dudley Beauty Advisor, I have been experimenting with colors and shades. I am a brown person really. I love brown so I put on a Michelle Obama brown dress, A scarf with animal print and shoes to match and made my face up with my Dudley Skin Care and glamour products. I can not believe how many compliments I got on my make up and outfit.I had to go to the TV station to produce a program on relationships. It was interesting but I really enjoyed just being creative. I then met with a young lady and then I went shopping and bought a fabulous hat and pair of yellow shoes to go with my next outfit. :)I loved bringing my old self back. I love working for myself also because I can be creative and have time to be myself.

Oh Happy Day

Posted by Bella Roushall on June 10, 2008 at 12:39am

I am so happy and overjoyed to find a group of professional women trying to help themselves, and help others. I look forward to many happy hours chatting and getting to know a new group of friends.

Do you do what you say you're going to do?

Posted by Christine on June 9, 2008 at 7:23pm

Good morning!As I write this post, it is about 80 degrees here in NJ and it's only 10:30 am. Now I do love the Garden State, but when it decides to get hot here, it's not kidding!I like to take a look around the Internet and use information from different sources. As such, I've had quite a bit of exposure to business folks who are off the beaten path. One of my favorites of this bunch is Larry Winget. First of all, he's....let's say, interesting. He's bald, wears .....flamboyant shirts and interesting cowboy boots. Not exactly my style of dress for me, but hey, it works for him - makes him distinctive to say the least.I like what he has to say. He's to the point, simple, no-holds barred type of person who simply tells it like it is. What I want to share with you today is some of his rules of business. Here are a few of them for you to ponder on:1. Do the right thing every time. Not the cheap thing or the easy thing, but the right thing.2. Work hard on your job and harder on yourself.3. Be the person others can count on to get things done.4. A deal is a deal.And my personal favorite:Do what you say you would do, when you said you would do it, the way you said you would do it.Believe me, although these words are simple and straightforward, with so much going on in our lives, it is easy (yes it is) easy to let things slide. Take a break, reconnoiter, then start again.If you're interested, check him out at Larry Winget

CeeCee
neosoulessentials.com
naturally you!

Are you Official?

Posted by Christine on June 9, 2008 at 7:21pm

First of all, I would like to thank all of you for reading and for those who gave feedback on my posts. It is truly encouraging for a writer of any genre to receive feedback and to know that someone out there is actually reading about what we have on our minds!That being said, careful about this blog post, ladies, some of you might be a bit taken aback! However, understand that these are some of the hard questions that I went through myself.Are you official? Are you running a business "under the table"? Are you asking clients to pay in cash or to address the checks to you personally because you don't have a business bank account? If any of these questions apply to you, then ask yourself - are you really a small business owner?I made my little lotions and potions for family and friends, but before I went 'big time' with a little 25 dollar table at a preschool Christmas bazaar I had insurance. God forbid someone took my little lotion bar, rubbed their hands, then rubbed their eyes, then tried to sue me because they happened to be allergic to the beeswax, the cocoa butter, the fragrance oil, the shea butter, or the metal from the tin. Whatever. We all know that people will sue for just about anything.Right after that bazaar, I sat myself down and asked myself what I wanted to do with this little venture. I made the decision to go ahead and make it official. I registered with the state of New Jersey as a limited liability company, got a tax id number and got a business checking account with that tax id number. Fortunately for me, New Jersey has a great online services that walks you through the process. I paid with my credit card online and the papers arrived in the mail a few days later. I also got a tax-exempt certificate which exempts me from paying taxes when I purchase in bulk.So are you official? Are you ready to BE official? Ladies, don't half-step when it comes to this. If you want your business to be successful and to flourish, don't go into it half-baked: "Oh, if I make some money, then I'll open a business checking account....if I make at least X amount of dollars, then I'll register as a corporation or as an llc." BELIEVE in yourself, know that you make your own destiny by the amount of effort and work you put into yourself and your endeavors.Take the time NOW to make it official!

CeeCee
neosoulessentials.com
naturally you!

Neosoul Essentials!

Posted by candacem907-Ms.MilanMinerals on June 9, 2008 at 7:00pm

Today with much anticipation I picked up my order from Neosoul Essentials! Ladies let me tell you, if you haven't tried these products you NEED to! Your skin will love you for it. My ordering experience with Christines company was wonderful,my much loved Zen-Tea scent was out of stock and I was promptly contacted by Christine and given options (customer service makes ALL the difference to me!)I've also fallen in love with 3 more wonderful scents! Purple Orchid,Mango Sunrise and Island Potion. Not to mention the free samples. So to anyone on the fence about ordering, her products are great!,Have a great day,CandaceEdited to add Pictures of my Neosoul Essentials haul!

SeXy FuLL Lace Stock Wig** 100% Indian Remy

Posted by Paula Moffett on June 9, 2008 at 5:27pm

Beautiful Brand New Full Lace Wig! In Stock and Ready to Ship:)http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=300232083914&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=020andhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=300232088212&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=020Dana Is Dangerous! When you put her on, lookers will be jealous! This hair will have people doing double takes. This hair is soft to the touch your satisfaction is guaranteed!Here are the Details:Specifications:Hair Type: Indian RemyTexture: WavyHair Color: 4 with 27 highlightsHair Length: 20"Hair Density: Light around perimeter, gradual fade to mediumLace Type: Stretch LaceLace Color: Light brownCap: Full lace with stretch from ear to ear, can part anywhereBaby Hairs: Around the perimeterKnots: Single knots front, double rest of wigBleached Knots: Front hairline, top of wig and perimeterDensity: Medium (natural)Measurements:Small CapCircumference: 22Front to Nape: 13.5Ear to Ear Front: 12.5Ear to Ear Top: 12Temple to Temple:15Nape: 4.5No Need to wait, Purchase today and we will ship within 24 hours. Dana is ready to wear and waiting for you!I wear the Lace Wigs Myself and will more than happy to answer any questions:)

My Trip to my hometown Columbus, Ohio

Posted by Teresa on June 9, 2008 at 4:58pm

Hello Everyone,MY VISIT TO COLUMBUS, OHIOMY FAMILY

I visited my hometown, Columbus, Ohio last week. It's been two years since I lasted visited. My immediate family still lives in Columbus. My mom, brother and his family, one of my sisters and her family and all of my aunts. A lot of my friends have left Columbus, but I still have a couple that are still there. I enjoyed seeing them all during my visit. My mom talked about our move to Las Vegas or somewhere in Arizona next summer. My mom and I have decided to move out West together. My mom can hardly wait to get out of Columbus so that she can experience new and different things. She is in her sixties and definitely ready for a change. My sister talked about finding a new job. She hates where she works currently. Especially the management. I mentioned to her that it is up to her to make a change for herself, especially if she is unhappy. I mentioned to her that life is to short to be unhappy at a job you spend 8 to 10 hours a day. She agreed and made a commitment to herself to find a new job. My niece just had a baby boy that is not quite a month old. He is so cute. I attached his picture to this blog below. My niece is trying to get use to his sleeping pattern. He thinks night time is daytime(lol). This is my nieces first child, so it is definitely an adjustment for her. I visited with my brother, his wife and my niece. They are doing well. My niece is 4 years old but seems like she is much wiser in years. To be 4 years old, my niece is very smart. She let me hear her count to 20 in spanish. She also loves the piano. She will play her own songs and give you titles of each song she plays. My brother mentioned that they will provide her with piano lessons soon.

THE CITY OF COLUMBUSThe City of Columbus did go through some changes since my last visit. For one, they closed down a major shopping mall. There was a mall built downtown Columbus, but it has since closed. It was only open for a few years. I guess they were not getting the shoppers they expected. I grew up on the northeast side of town and everything still looks the same since I left. Same housing and stores. No new development.THE PEOPLE OF COLUMBUSThe one thing that I like and have always liked about Columbus is the people. They are very friendly and will speak to you even though they may not know you personally. When I left Columbus and moved to Philadelphia, it was an adjustment that people did not make eye contact and speak. When I would speak to people in Philadelphia, they looked at me like I was from another planet(lol). So I had to adjust. My family are down south people. My mom is originally from Atlanta, Georgia. To this day, my mom has a down south air about her. Very friendly and hospitable. I'm not putting down the people of Philadelphia, just wanted to point out the one main differece I noticed when I moved here. If I had to choose between living in Philadelphia or Columbus, my pick would be Philadelphia. I'll just say Philadelphia is a GREAT city filled with lots of culture.DRIVING IN COLUMBUSYes, the people in Columbus still drive SLOW(lol). I drove a few times while I was there and had to be reminded that I was not in Philadelphia. It's like the drivers in Columbus have all day to get to their destination. I did adjust though and drove the speed limit of 55mph on the expressway.Things I did in ColumbusI will admit, I did spend a lot of time on-line. Had to keep things going from a business perspective. Me, my sister and niece went swimming. We had lots of fun just playing in the pool and talking. Me and my mom went shopping a couple times. I picked up a couple pair of Diva shoes(lol). We then went to eat at the spaghetti warehouse. The food was VERY tasty. I was so stuffed, I relaxed for the rest of the day. My aunt Shirley had a dinner at her house where she invited all the family. I had a good time visiting with the rest of my family. We talked about our kids, jobs and businesses. My cousin started a carpet cleaning business in Columbus about 3 years ago and is doing really well. Other family members assist him in the business, which is a GREAT thing.Well, I must be going now. Just wanted to share my Travel experiences with you. Enjoy!

Hiring a Ghostwriter

Posted by Barbara Howard on June 9, 2008 at 9:30am

Even if you can write, it might make more sense to hire one or more ghostwriters to provide your articles. Needing hundreds of articles in a short amount of time will make it necessary to hire several.There are many reasons to have someone else do your writing. The hard part is, finding a good, affordable ghost writer. You can post a bid request for the work at one of the freelance sites, such as www.elance.com or www.rentacoder.com , but you may not get a writer who can do a decent job.One of the major problems you may find at these sites is the fact that in order to get a low price, they often hire writers who don’t speak, or write, English very well. This doesn’t mean that the writer is a poor one, it simply means that they don’t know English well enough to provide the content you need.Plagiarism is often another problem you will find at these sites. If you purchase articles from a writer at a freelance site, go to copyscape at www.copyscape.com and run each article through to make sure that the work is original.Your best bet is to hire someone who you can use exclusively for all of your writing needs. Most of these writers are quite expensive, but you can find some that will write good articles at a reasonable price. One company that hires good writers and charges affordable rates can be found at www.writingandtranscriptionservices.com . This place offers you 300 – 500 word articles written for under ten dollars.The best way to get what you want from another writer is to relay exactly what you are looking for. Providing the writer with a list of topics or titles for the articles is a very good idea. This allows the writer to see exactly what you are looking for. A good writer will get your articles done quickly. The time will depend on how many articles you need, and how much research the writer must do.Most ghost writers will want part of their money before they start working for a new customer. This deposit is usually equal to one third or one half of whatever the total cost will be. Once you and your writer have established a good working relationship, however, they may allow you to pay only upon completion.

Article Marketing and How It Works

Posted by Barbara Howard on June 9, 2008 at 9:01am

It is an estabilished fact that Article Marketing works by a large number of Internet Marketers in wide variety of niches. This has been repeatedly proven. However, those who have not ever attempted article marketing tend to think that it is harder or more time consuming than it actually is.Starts by writing an article. This can be done by yourself or you can hire a ghost writer. The cost of ghost written articles is usually less than $10.00 for a 300 to 500 word article. It is important that the article be informative and related to your niche. The article should not sound like a sales letter.At the end of the article, you include your ‘resource box.’ A resource box is simply information about the author, and it usually includes a link to the authors related website, a link to subscribe to a newsletter, and possibly even an email address to contact the author. If your article is ghost written, you are still the author.Underneath the resource box, you type a statement giving others the right to reprint the article for free, as long as they don’t change it and keep your resource box attached. This allows others to help make your article viral.Once the article is written, you should distribute it to as many article directories as you can find. It helps to also send the article to ezine publishers within your niche for consideration. You can find lists of ezines in the various ezine directories that are available on the Internet.There is article-submission software that can be used to speed up submitting your article in. One example of this type of software is Instant Article Submitter at www.instantarticlesubmitter.com . There are also services that will manually submit your article to directories. This is highly recommended because many article directories do not allow and will not accept articles submitted with software. One such recommended article submission service is We Submit Articles at:www.wesubmitarticles.com .Submitting the articles yourself is a time consuming task. If you can hire someone else to do that work, you will have more time overall to concentrate your efforts on other marketing tasks, including producing more articles.

Author Day

Posted by Victoria Wells on June 9, 2008 at 3:28am

Pump Up Your Book Promotion"We take books to the virtual level!"Dorothy Thompson Dorothy Thompson has invited you to the event 'Author Day: Victoria Wells' on Pump Up Your Book Promotion!Join Victoria Wells tomorrow at Author Day where she will be answering your questions about her life, her book and the publishing industry in general!Time: June 9, 2008 from 6am to 10pmLocation: Author DayOrganized By: Dorothy ThompsonEvent Description:Join us on Monday, June 9, 2008 when multicultural romance author Victoria Wells visits us at the Author Day section of our social network! Leave a question and Victoria will answer them all, plus give away a free book to one lucky person who participates!See more details and RSVP on Pump Up Your Book Promotion:http://pumpupyourbookpromotion.ning.com/events/event/show?id=2101272%3AEvent%3A1105&xgi=Dsr4Z1

Juniques Marketing Radio show presents special guest - James Neusom- Wed 11 Jun 08 - 9AM (mst)

Posted by Rickey on June 9, 2008 at 2:47am

Juniques Marketing Opportunity Store (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/JMOS) presentsSpecial Guest - Jim Neusom, Entrepreneur, Author, Artist, Promoter, Motivator, Social ChampionMark your calendar for Wednesday, 9am (MST), 11 Jun 08Aug 5 2004, Jim Neusom, Owner of City Light Software, wrote a letter to his subscribers/customers, here is part of that letter."Please pray for me as I restructure my life. I'm starting all over again from scratch; no job, no home, no money. I'm currently in Los Angeles and looking to recruit a team of people with good tech skills (sweat-equity partners).As a technologist, I must "Walk the Talk" that I promote so enthusiastically within the pages of my online journal. So I'm developing a new start-up, based on cellular multimedia technology. I'm also looking for a regular job (smile)"Sounds bad, huh?Well join Jim on Wednesday 11 Jun 08 at 9am on Juniques Marketing Opportunity Store radio show (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/JMOS) and hear the rest of the story.Be assured, speaking with Jim will help you deal with life adversities. You will learn how to move forward when everything look backwards. You will discover the power of KEEP LIVING.Success is measured by more than money acquisition. Come and share in this life celebration.Call in number 347-215-9512PS I have made special financial arrangement with Jim to provide you with some super product/service discounts.Check Jim’s website: http://www.citylightssoftware.com/productsAALeadersIndex.htmlNet Working Increases Net WorthNetworkingly yours,Rickeywww.juniques.ushttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/JMOS

Juniques Multi Cultural Connections provides additional outreach for your Radio Show

Posted by Rickey on June 9, 2008 at 1:47am

Hello and Great Day,If you have a radio show , you are welcome to have it listed on my multi cultural site.take a look at our current listings.www.jusmcc.comto be addedjust provide your show link or code and I will add.Blog Talk Radio host , just provide your show and I will get the code.May this be a benefit to your business growth.Networkingly yours,Rickeywww.juniques.us

WBO Talk Radio: Do I Need A Real Estate Agent or Virtual Assistant? Join us on June 11th!

Posted by Altha Sood on June 9, 2008 at 12:07am

The answers to this question can be found when you join us on Wednesday, June 11th at 11 a.m. (EST) on www.blogtalkradio.com/wbo-radio. You join us by phone, "dial - in" number is (347) 205-9229 or in the chatroom on the host page.Believe me...people are still buying and selling homes! It may be at a slower rate but it is being done! Or, it's summertime and want to spend more time with family but, you have got a business to run....hire a virtual assistant! Find out more on what a virtual assistant can do for you!Here is a little information on our radio guests --Melissa L. Newton is one of our newest WBO members and owner of the website, www.melissanewton.remarkableagents.com. She currently is employed with Exit American Eagle Realty. Ms. Newton has been with 2 other companies and has found each to have very different approaches in helping their agents succeed. She attributes her success in this business to Exit American Eagle Realty because she feels treated as an asset to the company. This company has also implemented a new program that supports nonprofits in the community. Each agent will donate 10% of their commission, in the name of the customer, to a charity of their (buyer's) choosing. What an awesome idea! Would you like to hear more about this offer? Tune in to the show on Wednesday.Mary "Kate" LaFrance is a WBO member and owns www.helpvirtual.com. Ms. LaFrance is a veteran of the newspaper business within the trenches experience in graphic design, copywriting, ad sales, management and editorial marketing instincts. All of these skills/talents led to the launch of her own successful virtual assistant business in 2006. Her company has underwent a name change to HELP Virtual Mktg+Admin to reflect her internet marketing focus. On this broadcast, she is announcing the launch of her new website, www.marketingmindset.biz, where she shares her marketing ideas and advice with other entrepreneurs. Come find out more about her new upcoming teleseminar, "Enough to be Dangerous" and how to get a special discount!They are offering special discounts if you utilize their services. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

Thanks Michael!

Posted by Margaret Salmond on June 8, 2008 at 9:27pm

I wanna thank Michael Corsentino of Corsentino Photography for being my guest today. It was so cool that you Mom called into the show. Check out our conversation herehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/le-radio/2008/06/08/choosing-a-photographer-1If you want to get into touch with Michael, here's his contact details:Michael CorsentinoCorsention Photographerhttp://www.cphotographer.comStudio: 415-346-8156Check out his blog....Its so beautiful!http://www.cphotographerblog.com/

Creation

Posted by Renée McRae on June 8, 2008 at 9:04pm

By the thoughts we thinkAnd the words we sayWe're creating our worldsEvery day.What are the thoughtsThat we don't seeThat hold us inThis miseryOnce we know we'reWriting the scriptMaybe we'll change theLanguage a bit.You see words like tryAnd words like fateThey keep us livingIn the same old state.Words like couldAnd words like shouldThey keep us livingIn the same old ‘hood.Then we want to search the cloudsAnd yell and scream and cry out loudAnd responsibility we denyBut we're the ones - speaking the lie.Copyright ©2005 Renee McRae

Is your baby the next..............KARMA KUTIE????

Posted by blittles on June 8, 2008 at 3:22pm

Personal Development Plan-We All Need To Have One

Posted by Monique Hawkins on June 8, 2008 at 3:03pm

As women entrepreneurs, we all know how crucial it is to work on ourselves in the area of personal development.We all see people who are very successful in the same business that we are in, yet we seem to be stuck and struggling. I myself know what this is like. The problem is not the business, but in ourselves.The truth is, all of us need a personal development plan; a plan that we work on day in and day out. While we may not seen results right away, consistent action will bring positive results.Have you ever considered doing a 30 Day Mental Cleanse?You might be asking what are we talking about? Too often we let things into our minds that should not be there and it hinders our progress. The best way to get your mind focused is to clean it up with what it should have. Think of it like rebooting your hard drive.We have found this process to be more effective when people can do this together and share the result. What are you going to get? By joining this 30-day cleanse, we will send you ebook(s) to read and have weekly calls associated with this specific 30-day mental cleanse to assist you along the way. All that is required by you is your commitment to doing the program. If you are ready to become the right kind of person, then complete the form below. You will be sent the full instructions and Michael & Linda will keep in touch with you by email as well as myself and on the weekly calls.If this is something that interests you, go to http://www.30daycleanse.com/All of this personal development training is free and will be a tremendous asset to your personal development plan.Let me know if you join up.I wish you success,Monique540-858-2885Skype: Monique371mentormonique@gmail.com

Moving Forward

Posted by Iris Bolling on June 8, 2008 at 1:48pm

Sweet,simple and to the point. I enjoy reading, writing and politics. Strange combination you say, yeah. But it works for me. Doing the self-publishing thing at the moment and learning so much from those who have been in the industry for a while. Thanks to all of you that is sharing your knowlege and expreinces with others. It is so appreciated. Seems like I'm spending more time trying to market the novels than wirting and I truly miss that. But as someone once told me, no one can sell you like you --so get your a-- moving. And I did and the sells took off. We are about to do the second printing of Once You've Touched The Heart (just think six months ago I had no idea what a print run was & I still may be using the phrase incorrectly) any hooo, I'm very excited about that. The next novel The Heart of Him is being edited as we speak and will be released in Sept (we hope). Oh way, that's up to me, I'm running things. That's the upside to self-publishing. The downside is selecting a printer, an editor, page designer, cover designer, distributor - let's see what else - oh yeah - PUBLICITY - PUBLICITY -PUBLICITY. Does it sound like I'm losing my mind? Sometimes I feel like I am, but then I start writing and remember why I began this journey at this stage in my life -- it's my passion. Any one that writes romance knows passion cannot be ignored. Okay I'll stop rambaling now. But before I go I want to thank a few people - Victoria Wells - thanks for sharing - LaConnie Taylor-Jones - thanks for the advice - Loretta Wells - thanks for coming out and supporting another sister from Richmond - Cyndi Rex for the encouraging words a few years ago (check these authors out when you get a moment)-- my family for putting up with missed meals, a dirty house and reduction in household funds (I'll make it back, promise) and God, for waking me up each day to do something I enjoy.Much Luv to each of you until the next time.Iris

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.