I love this website because there are so many beautiful black women Handlin their bizness in their own way. The many tones and colors we come in. Its fascinating to me. God truly did a good thing when he made the black woman. Do we truly realize how important we really are to ourselves and to others. Our strong essence of being is just one of the great qualities He gifted us with. That's why its so important that we feel good about ourselves no matter what. We need to know that we make a difference in other lives besides our own. In our businesses and our jobs. Beliveve it or not, we do impact lives on a daily basis. Because I'm a talker a teacher and a student of life it makes my life more fascinating to me, I'm always challenging myself to see how far I can take myself. Having the problem of starting and then stopping is one of my biggest set backs. So I set minitature goals. I started with something I always wanted to do. That is to self publish my own books. So I started a series called Handlin Yo Bizness. Which so far I've written two books. I am in the process of putting together another book as soon as I finish taking my real estate test. Which is taking a lot out of me. That is another goal I set for myself. I have considered that since my son is grown it is my turn to live my life so I do just that. I have time to do more so I spend time doing just that. Coming from a family where low self-esteem was something that became part of me, I never thought I would get this far. But I kept persevering and I can truly say that I am on my way to my place not just in life but my life.Now tell me how you feel about yourself?
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I love this website because there are so many beautiful black women Handlin their bizness in their own way. The many tones and colors we come in. Its fascinating to me. God truly did a good thing when he made the black woman. Do we truly realize how important we really are to ourselves and to others. Our strong essence of being is just one of the great qualities He gifted us with. That's why its so important that we feel good about ourselves no matter what. We need to know that we make a difference in other lives besides our own. In our businesses and our jobs. Beliveve it or not, we do impact lives on a daily basis. Because I'm a talker a teacher and a student of life it makes my life more fascinating to me, I'm always challenging myself to see how far I can take myself. Having the problem of starting and then stopping is one of my biggest set backs. So I set minitature goals. I started with something I always wanted to do. That is to self publish my own books. So I started a series called Handlin Yo Bizness. Which so far I've written two books. I am in the process of putting together another book as soon as I finish taking my real estate test. Which is taking a lot out of me. That is another goal I set for myself. I have considered that since my son is grown it is my turn to live my life so I do just that. I have time to do more so I spend time doing just that. Coming from a family where low self-esteem was something that became part of me, I never thought I would get this far. But I kept persevering and I can truly say that I am on my way to my place not just in life but my life.Now tell me how you feel about yourself?
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If you haven't had a chance to check out my radio show "Cocktails and Conversations with the Event Diva" then I invite you to check us out. We are on Blog Talk Radio each and every Thursday at 8:00 PM EST talking about every aspect of social entertaining...from the small intimate dinner party for 2 to the large gala for 2000 and everything in between, you can best believe that we'll talk about it!Tonight Jonetta (my co-host and BFF) and I talked about Wedding Stationery. We also found the time to squeeze in some talk about the "Sex and the City" debut this Friday! Check out the show....Hope you like it!
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A few days ago, I sent a "let's keep in touch" email to Sandy Maine, the keynote speaker at last month's Conference of Handcrafted Soapmakers and the founder and CEO of SunFeather Natural Soap Company in Potsdam, New York. I thought I'd get a reply of a similar nature, and Sandy did not disappoint. But true to form, she also did more than that.
In her reply, Sandy described herself as a "free spirit in a soap business 'yoke.'" As a craftsy entrepreneur whose business started with a weekend soap making adventure (with a Lemon Soapmaking Kit from SunFeather no less -- how's that for serendipity!!?), Sandy's statement intrigued me, so I asked her to tell me more.dM: What exactly do you mean when you say you are in a business "yoke?"Sandy: I mean that I am a creative person who attempts to earn a good living off of my creative talents within the context of my own business. And as any kindred spirit would know, that is a slippery slope because you have to heavily engage the left brain to run a business. And if you engage it too much, you will compromise your right brain's ability to generate all those wonderful creative juices.On the other hand, if you focus "only" on the creative thing, your business will likely fall in on itself.dM: What are the top 3 things you have done as a free spirit to "tame" yourself enough to be successful in business?Sandy: It's about getting into sync and keeping a balance.I have noticed that good aerobic exercise in fresh air each morning before breakfast really helps me integrate my creative side with my pragmatic side. Also viewing your work from above and getting a snap shot of the big picture, as if you were a bird flying over your work day and then seeing yourself as if in a dance or a movie or a perfect moment in time.As a creative person, you have the ability to alter your perception of reality, which can help keep the work day amusing when it might otherwise be burdensome.One of my employees a few years back said she felt like I am a character in Sandy Maine's dream. And you know what? She (Sonja) was!We used to laugh about that and make fun of how our dream was unfolding. She was a creative spirit too and a joy to work with.Another thing I do to stay happily yoked is to PLAN for creative, fun time away from home and work. A working vacation or just a vacation. Just me. Maybe a week here and there a few times a year to retreat and nourish my creative roots.Or sometimes, just a party -- like this party where everyone (including me and my 80-year old mom) dressed up like fairies to celebrate my daughter's birthday.
dM: What's the top thing or two that a "free spirit" should avoid if they want to make a good profit from what they do?Sandy: Avoid the temptation to embark on wild chases.Your focus is needed at home and at work. If you are in a "good enough" relationship with your business and/or a life partner, focus on making it even better instead of looking for the next field of green grass!Green grass usually turns brown eventually and can even catch on fire.So even though creative spirits get bored easily and want to create new forms of excitement, these things need to be approached in a non-haphazard way.I also think that discipline is needed in how you treat yourself. By that, I mean that you must avoid extremes.Eat well, rest enough and stay away from addictive and destructive things that weaken your life force.dM: How has your position as a wife and mother of 3 impacted your business life?Sandy: I have had to compromise on my business and on my family life, but more so on my business. That's been my choice.My family is successful in large part due to what I have invested of myself at home. My business is not always as financially successful as I would like it to be, though I know it could have been a huge major success story if I had devoted myself entirely to its existence and growth.I think it is much easier to run a family than a business, but I would not want to live without either!dM: What was it like to work with your husband in SunFeather?Sandy: My husband worked in my business for 5 years, from 1996 to 2000. I enjoyed that time and so did he. We were closer when we worked together, and I felt a sense of relief in having him to lean on.Eventually, we decided to diversify our income, and he went back to his original occupation as a land surveyor. So for many years, I have toughed it out on my own at work each day making all those business decisions on my own and in my own way.This has made me grateful that as a woman I am able to enjoy so many economic, social, political, sensual and creative freedoms. It has not always been like this for women and some women, even in this day and age, live with unimaginable terrors and oppressions.So I am very very grateful that I can be who I was born to be, and whomever I wish to become.I can surround myself with my own self-created livelihood, freedom of thought, freedom of motion and everlasting invention!What do you think?The dictionary defines "yoke" as a device for joining together a pair of draft animals, usually oxen. We all know how hard oxen work, and when they are yoked together, they must work in tandem. The yoke helps them do that. But if one ox moves in one direction and the other ox moves in the other direction, the yoke will strangle both of them.Sandy's analogy of the free spirit in her being yoked to the business woman in her is a brilliant and memorable illustration. It clearly describes the need to reign in both sides of her personality in order to accomplish all of her goals -- personal and professional.Do you find yourself doing this? Successfully? Or not so much? It's tough, isn't it? I'd love to hear your thoughts!And if you are looking to enjoy some soapmaking mentorship, Sandy offers on-site handcrafted soapmaking consultations at SunFeather to help you launch your soap business, or improve the one you have. She's been at it for nearly three decades, so if you want to learn from a master, you don't need to look any further than this blog post to find one. Contact Sandy at sandy@sunfeather.com.To enjoy inspiring Indie Business Stories all the time, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.More Indie StoriesSoapin' SisterpreneurWhat Real Men Talk AboutSmall Business, Global MissionI Won Best In Show!Flowers and FusionRead more…
Greetings Family,(Contact Information At Bottom Of Page)It's your friendly neighborhood "Digital Drummer" again (smile)The message below comes from BlackPR.com. It is extremely relevant to our modeling and entertainment community. Please forward to all your friends in the fashion industry.As many of my regular readers know, we're promoting a new concept in online modeling...Fresh Faces2u.com With the thousands of modeling sites on the Internet, you may ask, why do we need another one. I think the multiple news articles below, illustrates the need for us to begin to change the modeling game and uplift the image of women in the media. At Fresh Faces2u it is not so much about how you look...But Who You Are!Please take notice that even the mainstream American media is now beginning to speak out about discrimination in the fashion world.Follow-up links:The New York TimesIgnoring Diversity, Runways Fade to Whitehttp://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/fashion/shows/14race.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print&oref=sloginOctober 14, 2007By Guy TrebayWomen's Wear DailyLittle Diversity in Fashion: African-Americans Bemoan Their Absence in Industryhttp://www.wwd.com/notavailable/archive?target=/issue/article/118885&articleId=118885&articleType=A&industryKw=issue&industryKw2=issuearticleSeptember 17, 2007By Rosemary FeitelbergReuters News ServiceNY fashion runways lack black and Asian modelshttp://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSN1036539720070911September 11, 2007By Christine KearneyStyle.comPlease give me more black models (slide show)http://www.style.com/mystyle/lookbooks/browse/user/Mskitty_57November 18, 2007By Ms. KittyRemember, We Must Share The Knowledge (Network)...To Share The Dollars!!!Peace and Gods Blessings,Jim Neusom***************(Advertisement)*********************Need some great ideas for corporate or personal gift-giving?Then go to City Lights Software(http://www.citylightssoftware.com )and see some of the most unique afrocentric gifts available online!We Deliver ONLINE - Direct To Your Desktop for just $14.95Please take the time to purchase one our afrocentric screen savers TODAY!Don't Just Talk the Talk...Let Your Dollars Walk the WalkIf you have any problems with purchasing online contact me direct at sales@citylightssoftware.com or call (213) 944-4176******************************************************HAS BLACK BECOME UNFASHIONABLE?Courtesy of BlackPR.comBET NEWS EXPLORES THE DECLINE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MODELS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY IN FASHION BLACKOUT PREMIERING THURSDAY MAY 29 at 8:30 PM*Top Black Industry Insiders, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Naomi Campbell, Bethann Hardison, Tyson Beckford, Tracy Reese, André Leon Talley And Many Others Sound Off About The Sharp Decline In African American Images In The Fashion IndustryNew York, NY (BlackNews.com) - According to targetmarketnews.com, Black women in the United States spend more than $20 billion on apparel each year. Unfortunately the runways, magazine spreads and the image/beauty industry at large are increasingly ignoring their buying power and their existence by choosing instead to market an Eastern-European form of beauty as the standard. This global decrease in the use of African Americans models in top campaigns and in major fashion shows has sparked the question: has Black become unfashionable? On Thursday May 29 at 8:30 PM*, BET News goes behind the scenes of New York's Fashion Week to find the answer in a half hour special, FASHION BLACKOUT. Top Black industry insiders, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Naomi Campbell, Bethann Hardison, Tyson Beckford, Tracy Reese, André Leon Talley and many others sound off about the sharp decline in African American images in the fashion industry, the blatant racism and their plans on how to keep the Black model from becoming extinct.At New York's September 2007 Fashion Week the runways were dominated by white faces. In fact, Black faces were more absent from the runways than some fashion insiders have seen since the '60s. Of the 101 runway shows, more than 1/3 employed no Black models; most of the others used just one or two. Blacks fared no better overseas: When the fashion caravan moved to London, Paris and Milan, the most influential shows -- from Prada to Jil Sander to Balenciaga to Chloé and Chanel -- made it appear as if someone had hung a sign reading: No Blacks Need Apply. So is the fashion industry racist or are Blacks simply not in season? FASHION BLACKOUT will explore the issues and how the exclusion of an entire race has a negative effect on Black women and their sense of self-worth.For more on FASHION BLACKOUT viewers can go online to www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/fnbo.htmThis information has been distributed through BlackPR.com - an extensive press release distribution service to all the African-American newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations; and BlackNews.com - an online portal for African-American news issues***************(Advertisement)*********************Looking For More Exposure, Want To Help A Good Cause, Need Money???Come on over to www.freshfaces2u.com and register to win $10,000 dollars CASH!At Fresh Faces2u it's NOT about how you look...But Who You Are!Join us in our mission to change the image of women in the mediaSign Up Today At Fresh Faces2u.com**********************************This Online Journal was brought to you by InterServe Networks. Feel Free To Forward To Your Network Of Online FriendsWe Practice Responsible E-Commerce Marketing and Privacy Policies. We do not indulge in or encourage Spamming. We never send unsolicited emails. You are receiving this message as part of our opt-in subscriber mailing list or you are a member of an affiliated newsgroup.For comments or suggestions please contact us at the following;Jim Neusom (jneusom@yahoo.com)Executive Director/PublisherInterServe Networks/City Lights Software, Inc.www.citylightssoftware.comwww.freshfaces2u.comwww.myspace.com/jimneusomwww.myspace.com/freshfaces2uTo subscribe to our opt-in mailing list simply send an email to; The_City_Lights_Reporter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ( on Myspace go to http://blog.myspace.com/jimneusom )
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Do you give tips when you travel? Do you give generously, or not at all?While it is not truly necessary, giving tips to the people who have served you during your travel, people like the valet who parked your rented car, the bellhop who carried your bags to your room, and the housekeeper who tidies your room every morning, is becoming customary. Giving tips can be seen as two things: as “grease money” to make the service rendered you a lot faster and better in quality and as a way of saying “thank you” for a job well done. Giving tips is not a requirement when you travel, but it helps a lot.However, there is a time when you should be generous when tipping, and there is a time when you should keep your tips to yourself and just convey a verbal “thank you” instead. In some countries, tipping is welcome and even encouraged, while in other countries, the act of giving a tip is offensive and seen as bribery. When you prepare for your trip, be sure to include tipping in your research.If tipping is acceptable in the place or country you are traveling to, here are a few general rules and etiquette that you may bear in mind when you make your tips.1. Make sure your timing is right when you give a tip. If the timing is correct, a tip is welcome and is definitely seen as a “thank you.” If the timing is bad, a tip can become offensive.2. If you have asked a particular member of the hotel staff to do errands for you more than once, a tip is in order. However, refrain from giving tips if the hotel has a no-tipping policy.3. Tips at restaurants are generally pegged at 15% of the total bill, but you can safely forego this if the bill includes service charge.4. Giving a large tip to a particular person up front in order to get special treatment during your stay at a hotel is fine, unless the hotel’s regulations specify against tipping.5. Always check if the hotel you are staying in has a no-tipping policy. For smaller, family-run inns and bed-and-breakfasts, it is safe to give staff tips if they are not part of the family that runs the establishment.6. Keep your bills in handy bundles and in small denominations so you do not have to dig for one when you have to give tips to the bellhop or the housekeeper.7. If you do not have smaller bills on you, you can skip the tipping. This is so much better than asking for change from the person who served you, not to mention downright embarrassing.Again, giving tips should not be seen as an obligation that you are required to do when traveling. Also, the acceptability of tips varies from place to place and from country to country. Again, make this a part of your homework before you travel.
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Doin’ Business As…• An African American• Woman• Wife• Mother• Daughter• Friend• Employee• Colleague• Partner• Boss• ExpertIs rough…but, it’s a real blessing to have found a networking site for women just like me. I’m really impressed with the wealth of knowledge on this site and I find it liberating to be among a group of like-minded individuals. The journey’s been hard getting to this point in my entrepreneur career and I don’t expect it to get any easier – I’m just thankful I’ve made it this far. I hope you all will join me, help me and guide me as I reach for success.If you have any suggestions for me on how to better my site, or topic ideas for www.alluringlooks.com, or would like to find out how you can be apart, or work on a project with me for Alluring Looks: Beauty Expertise for Women of Color please contact me at sherrij@alluringlooks.com or leave a comment here.Thank you and I look forward to an enlightening and blessed relationship with each and every one of you.
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As entrepreneurs, it is important that we find ways to get people talking about what we do. It could be the best product or service in the world, but if no one knows about it, the business won't grow.As I continue to network throughout NYC, I am reminded of that. I attended a networking event last night, and made a lot of good connections. Now I have to make sure I stay in the minds of these people. So I will spend tomorrow following up with them. After all, it's about who knows me. And it's my job to make sure as many people as possible know me and connect my name with the idea of "proactive marriage".I have learned that there are MANY ways to get my name out there and have been a bit overwhelmed by the plethora of choices. It's been a struggle not to jump on the next good idea. Blogging, podcasting, articles, newsletters, brochures, postcards, pens, press kits, pitching to the media, Facebook, MySpace, BBWO, Twitter, networking events, etc., etc., etc. I have had to slow down and think about what are the best options for ME and the business. They are all great ideas, but I can't do them all - at least not well.I am still deciding which options are the right ones, right now. In a year or two, I may make some changes or additions to my marketing plan, but for now I have to KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetie)www.NatashaCrawford.comRead more…
Here is an extract from the lastest post on my BDK blog, do read, I hope you enjoy:
BabyDolls we are now approaching our 6th month of the year, so you may as well call it mid year, what changes have we made so far that are different from those of before? What were the resolutions that you set on the 1st of January have you accomplished what you had hoped to accomplish?BabyDolls you have to be at the top of your game, there is only one person in control of your well-being and that is you so make sure your doing what your suppose to, do not keep putting things off because like the saying says: “you will put it all til tomorrow…too late“. There must have been a reason why you joined that gym, you paid all that money and have only been once!! You better pack your gym bag for tomorrow and get stepping! Or did you plan to be more healthy this year, remember a healthy heart is a healthy start, put the phone down no takeout for you tonight!The point I am trying to make is stay on track! I know there are many twist and turns in life that steer you from where you want to go but it is up to you to shout timeout, re-evaluate and get it together. What ever you resolutions were whether large or small its not too late you still have another 6 whole months. Just do not forget about them completely.I am sorry for ranting if you have stuck to your goals whether stopped smoking, saved for your holiday, gone back to education whatever I applaud you well done go and have a glass of rosé and be fabulous lolFor those who have slipped alittle it is OK at least you have been reminded. Get back on track and be the best you can be. Life is about regenerating yourself constantly. However if you didn’t bother to set any resolutions this year why not set a few goals now. Don’t feel strained you haven’t got to write an essay just a few lines and see if you can strive to achieve them all.BabyDolls believe me there is nothing better than ticking off a goal you have achieved and feeling you are closer to where you should be, I hope my words have helpedQueenB.D xoxoxo
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Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour a day to drain the fluids from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed next to the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.The man in the other bed would live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the outside world. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake, the man had said. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Unexpectedly, an alien thought entered his head: Why should hehave all the pleasure of seeing everything while I never get to see anything? It didn't seem fair. As the thought fermented, the man felt ashamed at first. But as the days passed and he missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon turned him sour. He began to brood and found himself unable to sleep. He should be by that window - and that thought now controlled his life.Late one night, as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window began to cough. He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other man watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window groped for the button to call for help. Listening from across the room, he never moved, never pushed his own button which would have brought the nurse running. In less than five minutes, the coughing and choking stopped, along with the sound of breathing. Now, there was only silence--deathly silence.The following morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths. When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she was saddened and called the hospital attendant to take it away--no words, no fuss. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.Moral of the story:The pursuit of happiness is a matter of choice...it is a positive attitude we consciously choose to express. It is not a gift that gets delivered to our doorstep each morning, nor does it come through the window. And I am certain that our circumstances are just a small part of what makes us joyful. If we wait for them to get just right, we will never find lasting joy.The pursuit of happiness is an inward journey. Our minds are like programs, awaiting the code that will determine behaviors; like bank vaults awaiting our deposits. If we regularly deposit positive, encouraging, and uplifting thoughts, if we continue to bite our lips just before we begin to grumble and complain, if we shoot down that seemingly harmless negative thought as it germinates, we will find that there is much to rejoice about.Author Unknown
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NO HYPE! THE TRUTH! $12,000 IN 5 Weeks!Bishop CD Miller interviews Susan Gregory, Christian Author of the "Daniel's Fast Cookbook."Bishop and Susan discuss successful blogging of Christian contentand monetizing tips for online Christian Bloggers!Link: http://blogtalkradio.com/bishopcdmiller
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During a consultation this morning, my client who sells bath and body products told me that she did not want to include her photo at her website. She said she had spoken with numerous African American woman business owners who said she should omit her photo from her website because it would hurt sales.Based on my experience working with thousand of businesses, and my own for a decade, I feel strongly that anyone with an online business must include their photo at their website. Not only that, they should include audio, video and anything else that informs and entertains their customers and potential customers. The only exception is when such photos would be too personal or would compromise the safety of the entrepreneur and her family.My opinion is based on the simple fact that people want to know who they are doing business with. Otherwise, why not just go to Wal-Mart?If I can buy sugar scrub from 50 million companies online, then what do I have to base my purchasing decision on? Price? Maybe, but most sugar scrubs of equal amount and quality are priced similarly.What about quality? Sure, but how can I judge quality from a website? A clear, attractive product photo and inviting product description and marketing copy are helpful, but at the end of the day, I still don't know what I'm getting until it arrives in my mailbox.Now, consider that I can buy sugar scrub from someone who has a little bit of a higher price point and good quality ingredients with nice product photos -- plus a photo of her bright smile with beautiful dimples and lovely natural locs. She is a naturalist who plants herbs and vegetables in her back yard. Her blog teaches me about natural living and she includes recipes for freshly made organic salads in her monthly newsletter. She also includes pictures of her and her 5-year old home schooled daughter picking lavender in the back yard and harvesting it for the organic lavender sugar scrub they sell in the family business.Every now and then, her husband holds the video camera while she makes a healthful vegetarian pasta salad. She puts these videos at her blog with the recipe.She's not just selling me sugar scrub. She's enhancing my life. I will buy sugar scrub from her.I know this is an oversimplification, but it's true. You can't just sell sugar scrub. You have to sell yourself, a way of life and everything informative and brilliant about who you are. You interest me far more than sugar, almond oil, shea butter and fragrance -- which I can buy everywhere and even make myself.I challenge you to put a nice photo of you at your website and start marketing your products using the single most valuable asset you have -- Y-O-U.
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“That’s life…and as funny as it may seem/Some people get their kicks, stompin’ on a dream/But I don’t let it, let it get me down/Cuz this fine ol’ world, just keeps spinning round…”“You’ve got to accentuate the positive/Eliminate the negative/Latch on to the affirmative/And don’t mess with Mr. In-Between.You've got to spread joy up to the maximum/Bring gloom down to the minimum/Have faith or pandemonium/Liable to walk upon the scene”We all know them, the people who get their kicks stomping on our dreams. And it may not even be intentional. I’ve had many people who call themselves my friends who have said negative things or done negative things. I’ve come to realize that being negative is, unfortunately, a part of being human. We have to work actively to become and remain positive, not only about our businesses, but ourselves and our lives. We’ve all had negative comments made to us as we’ve strived to begin and continue working in our businesses. Here are few generic comments that I’m sure you’ve heard made to you or someone you know. “Why are you doing that? Nobody is going to buy something from you they can make themselves.”“Why do your products cost so much? I can get the same thing at the dollar store for cheaper.”“What makes you an expert in XYZ?”“Why should I pay you? You’re my “friend”?“Can I pay you later?” Ok, that last one was a joke, but I’m sure you get what I’m talking about. (smile) I’ve always wondered why it was so easy to cut others down that it was to build them up. And I have the answer, believe it or not…..(drum roll please) It’s because these people do not believe in themselves. And if they don’t believe in themselves, they simply cannot believe in you and your product/service.So when you hear these negative comments, don’t even create negative energy by rebutting or telling them off because that prolongs your dwelling on the negative comments. Shine them on…don’t let them harsh your mellow sista-girls! Remember what comes out of their mouth….is how they really feel about themselves.You know how I deal with these naysayers? I give them little to no ammunition to deal with. To them, business is always great (just cuz I love what I do even if I'm not selling a durn thing). To them, I've always got something in the works (even if it's just ordering a new fragrance). I NEVER complain to them, I NEVER give them any indication that things are going just peachy-super-deliciously fabulously excellently great. And you should do the same. By keeping it positive, I truly believe it will BE positive!Happy business building!
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Wanna share your inspirational writing? From A Writers POV is allowing writers to post their inspirational writing on our website. It will be read and reviewed by our readers and it could inspire someone!Email me here: fromawriterspov@gmail.com if you would like to post your inspirational writing to our website and to receive more details.Thanks, Dominique
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Stirring Up Beauty and Prayers For the LordThe word of "sister" has a variety of meanings. From the girl you were raised with to a very dear friend, it is almost always used to describe a most treasured relationship. Another type of sister takes sacred vows in a religious order, a lifestyle that for most of us is shrouded in mystery. Last month at the Conference of Handcrafted Soapmakers, I met up with one such sister -- Sister Cathleen Marie Timberlake** of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri. In addition to a life of prayer and devotion to God, Sister Cathleen Marie makes and sells handmade soap.How cool is that? You can purchase Sister Cathleen Marie's soaps and body care products at Monastery Creations.I am always fascinated to meet entrepreneurs from different walks of life. Until Sister Cathleen Marie, I had never encountered one who so eloquently combined her mission as a person of faith with her mission as a person of business. I am inspired and impressed.What do you think?Have you ever met someone who combined faith with business in a unique way? If so, or maybe it's you, please share in the comments section below.To enjoy inspiring Indie Business Stories all the time, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.More Indie StoriesWhat Real Men Talk AboutSmall Business, Global MissionI Won Best In Show!Flowers and Fusion**Due to "technical difficulties," Sister Cathleen Marie's name is misspelled in the video, and I managed to say it incorrectly a few times. Rather than leave Sister Cathleen's inspiring story on the editing room floor, I hope you will overlook my flaws and see into the heart of this incredible and inspiring woman.
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Hey ladies! Just a quick blog to say that I'm so happy to have found all of you! I look forward to learning more about you and the wonderful products and services you all have to offer.Candace
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Hey BBWO family - I wanted to share a special project I just released today with you - it's a Best Of Book for Natural hair featuring highlights from my book Nappturosity: How to Create Fabulous Natural Hair and Locs! Read below:As the founder of adaru Natural Hair Salon in Indianapolis, IN, and the author of Nappturosity: How To Create Fabulous Natural Hair and Locs, I want to share with you FREE eBook project that I've been working on called The Best Of...Natural Hair Book! This project literally sprung from the natural passion we have in our community to share our resources and ideas with each other, and I hope that you help me get the word out!I've written a FREE book loaded with resources, that I am making available through my website, www.naturalhairbook.com, and it contains highlights of the:BEST commercial hair productsBEST audio interview sound bites with industry expertsBEST homemade product recipeBEST support for getting started with your natural hair & loc careI will also be selecting one person per month who has downloaded The Best Of...Natural Hair Book to receive a 15 minute phone consultation with me, to discuss anything you like from natural hair to the business of natural hair care!Download your FREE copy by clicking on the web link below: http://www.naturalhairbook.com/downloads/thebestofnaturalhairbook.exeMAC version: http://www.naturalhairbook.com/downloads/thebestofnaturalhairbook.zipSelect "run" if you just want to view the eBook, and not download it.Select "save" if you want to download the eBook to your desktop. The eBook download is 2.04 MB, and contains software that allows you to access the audio elements enjoyed by readers of Nappturosity! If you have any questions before downloading, feel free to email my tech support at management@naturalhairbook.com.Peace, Blessings & Beautiful Hair!erinshellanthonyThe Nappturous Diva
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TICKETS ON SALES TODAY!!!!!www.unlockyourdream sconference. comMORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT: WWW.UNLOCKYOURDREAM .INFOAUGUST 9TH 2008!!!!!!! 2PM TO 6PMDON'T MISS THE MOST GROUND BREAKING EVENT OF 2008!!!!!SPEAKERS INCLUDE!!THE LEGEND!!!!!!SALT FROM (SALT 'N' PEPA) CHERYL WRAYTHE POWERFUL - KATRINA FERGUSONTHE MIND BLOWING - SHENEESE STARRAND THEUNFORGETTABLE SIMONE KELLY - BROWNON AUGUST 9TH...THESE LADIES WILL BE TAKING OVER!!!!(YOU DONT WANT THINK ABOUT MISSING THIS.....EVENT! !!!)PURPOSE - Promises to be a landmark event for women and men of allages striving to make a difference in themselves and theircommunities. At Gorja RCC we believe in a holistic approach to lifeand UNLOCK YOUR DREAMS Conference will focus on the total aspect ofwomen and men; spiritual, mental, physical, emotional. Participantswill leave the conference knowing that NO two people dreams are thesame and, one person dream may be to be a multimillionaire whileanother person dream is to be a wonderful Mother or Father. You willbe sure to hear the powerful testimonials of women and men that hasbeen through the process of unlocking what's within them… This mindblowing Conference will provide real and accessible keys to assistmen and women of all ages, backgrounds in REALIZING their potentialand living in their PURPOSE.Unlock YOUR dreams conference participants will walk away equippedwith anI CAN DO IT TOO!!! MIND SET. I CAN MAKE IT...NO MATTER HOW MANYDOORS BEEN SHUT IN MY FACE.. I CAN MAKE IT… NO MATTER HOWCHALLENGING THE WAR MAY GET WITHIN I CAN-I WILL- I SHOULD– I MUST– IMADE IT...and…..I UNLOCKED MY DREAMS!!!!!!MORE INFORMATION: WWW.UNLOCKYOURDREAM .INFOTICKETS ON SALES TODAY!!!!!www.unlockyourdream sconference. comMore Information ContactLytoya Parker 646-406-9650www.unlockyourdream s.info
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