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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Tonight I had my first meeting with new clients. They are also the first clients of my new venture of marriage education/preparations/enhancement. The Marriage Academy has students! I had so much fun working with them and giving them my plan for making their future marriage a proactive marriage. They were excited about it, listened to my every word, felt comfortable sharing and THANKED ME as they were leaving. That 'thank you' meant a lot. It exhibited trust in my skills and that they like me. Then I came home and conducted a phone consultation with another potential couple-client. I'll be following up with them tomorrow as they needed to discuss it.This is was what I needed at this time, as I was beginning to doubt the viability of my business. Trust that I never doubted my ability to do the work (and do it well). But I did doubt my ability to sell myself effectively enough to get clients - consistently. I still have some tweaking to do on the structure of my consultation, but I've learned and that's what's important.So today was a good day. My batteries have been recharged and I'm ready to make a positive impact in the lives of more and more NYC couples, as soon as they find me. I love my "job".www.NatashaCrawford.comRead more…
I'm so excited!!! I wanted to share...QIIQ Theatre Productions (Bklyn, NY) used the products in its benefit gift bags. It was a smashing success!!! All the patrons and attendees were most pleased with them. Everyone raved about the packaging and the scents. Thank you so much Majestique!!! I'll be using the spa products as favors for my wedding this fall!!!Catherine, NYAREA FOR IMPROVEMENT- I will be working a new formula to make the candle scents a wee bit stronger. Thank you I.M., NC
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Hello Sisters in Texas and surrounding areas,Hope you all had an enjoyable "Memorial Day". I did get some well needed R&R hope you did to.Let's talk, If you have had the opportunity to visit my BBOW site you know that I am into Health and Wellness and much more however, let just focus on health for a moment.You know Prevention ! Is the Key To Better HealthI'm not saying this lightly I'm speaking from experience.There are a lot of products on the market right now and trust me I'm not here to bash anyones product however, what I will stress is this, if your body is braking down in any way you can bet your body is Lacking in Mineral Deficiency.You might be wondering how does she know? Well, I am living proof of what happens to a body that does not have the RIGHT combination of Liquid Nutrition in the body. Just know that I am not trying to SALE you anything but, I think you are doing yourself an in justice if you do not look at the educational information at my site as well as call the telephone number listed.The questions for discussion: Are you As Healthy As You Can Be? and Fit! But Are You Healthy?Before asking yourself these two question please take time out and read my information on " The System that Impoverished You Can Never Empower You"Look forward to hearing from you soon.BeverlyFisherLife Help Consultantspecann62@gmail.comBodyWellness Hotline 24/7 (618) 355-8303Option 2 thru Option 7
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Please let me preface this post with the fact that my business is only two years old. I've made a lot of mistakes, but in doing so have learned a lot about what to do, and most importantly, what NOT to do.What I'm about to tell you will take a lot of work time at the computer, but will pay off with a slow stead climb up the ranks of the Google search engine. Right now, my site www.neosoulessentials.com is number 12 on google for the search "natural shea butter products", number three for the search "shea products", and number 19 for "shea butter products", which means to me I've got to work more on my content to kick it up a bit. However, that is SEO rather that creating a buzz. :)Here are some tips that I used to generate traffic to my site with the use of free online tools:1. Create a blog about your business. You can create one for free at many of the online services. Be sure to create a RSS feed to your blog and post it at blogging sites such as blogher.com.2. Write an article about your business and/or services and submit it online article services, such as Article City, isnare.com, Go Articles and Search Warp.3. Talk about your business on the entrepreneur section of other board and/or put the link to your business in your signature of these bulletin boards. (Please check the terms of use for the particular board to ensure you can advertise in your siggy.)4. Submit press releases to sites such as prwire.com and prweb.com. Run a search for "free press release sites" to find more.I hope this helps you begin to get some free publicity for your biz!
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OK, this wont be too long.Well I am here to host you.....your ideas and the things that matter to you. So stop by and Blog with me lets see if we can make it better, stronger, more YOU!Live your Legend for today..Ruby
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Indie On a Mission Makes it His Business to Tell YouHave you ever met someone that you knew you'd like, but you just don't have the time during your first meeting to get to know each other? Every time you see that person, you feel a "click," and you have this gut feeling that says, "You know, I really feel a synergy here. I'd like to get to know that person." But then, you know how life gets in the way.
A few months later, your paths cross again and you have a minute to chat. Your gut feeling is confirmed.That's what happened when I met Marlon Smith, motivational speaker and co-Executive Producer of the multi-media stage play, "Real Men Talking." Marlon and I had been in the same room numerous times before we had a chance to sit down and chat.Why is this Indie, husband, father, motivational speaker and all around nice guy so engaging? Well, you'll find out in this interview.dM: Marlon, there are so many angles to come at you with so I'll just pick the one. What is so special about Real Men Talking?Marlon: It's more than just a stage production. There is a need for it in our communities today. The play engages the audience to think about the choices they are making. Many of our young people (both boys and girls) are bombarded with different images, not all of them appropriate, as to what a REAL man is.Is it the bling? Is it having beautiful women hanging on your arms? Is it having a baby? Being a responsible father?We traveled the country interviewing men from all walks of life. Dr. Cornel West. Musiq Soul Child. Common. We tapped athletes, businessmen, politicians and more to find out what real men are talking about.This production brings it all together in a family friendly, fun, multi-media event.dM: How did the production come about?Marlon: In 2004, I delivered the keynote presentation at the National Alliance of Black School Educators conference in Dallas, Texas. The theme was: "The plight of the African American male student." Part of my presentation focused on the need to do something different to engage today's young people and empower them to better themselves. This production, 4 years in the making, is the result.dM: From a personal perspective as a father, husband and business person, how do you better yourself, and how do you encourage others to do the same?Marlon: As a motivational speaker, I encourage people to look at their lives as a wheel with 6 sections: Spiritual, Health, Finances, Relationship, Career/School and Emotions. I ask them to think about where they are in each of these crucial life areas. This quick exercise gives a person a snapshot of where they are strong and where they are weak in their lives.Anyone can quickly see what needs improvement. This knowledge empowers you to take action to improve that particular area. Another thing that helps me is journaling. Recording my life's thoughts and experiences gets me out of the "busy-ness" of life so I can reflect on where I am and what I need to do.Because I have benefited so much from these lifestyle choices, I developed a 40-day online course to help people maximize their potential and maintain balance. My "Living With Purpose" online course leads people to some incredible breakthroughs I have personally experienced in just 40 days.dM: How did all this work to help others start for you?I had a great job at Hewlett-Packard, but in 1992, I felt a need to realize my own personal mission, so I resigned the position to launch Success By Choice. Since then, I have capitalized on many opportunities to inspire positive change in as many people as possible.dM: What's your philosophy of life and business?Marlon: I am very grateful that God has allowed me to do what I do because I feel that it's what I was born to do. In my own life, I have discovered that true change is a process and not a one-time shot. Consequently, whether I'm delivering a formal presentation or talking with you on the street, I know it's not enough to simply motivate you. I have to also follow through with the reinforcement needed to actually see the change come to fruition.Since I can't be everywhere, I developed a curriculum that can. Everyone can create everlasting change through "Living With Purpose: 40 Days to Being Your Best," which anyone can download online.Real Men Talking is the result of a series of events and collaborations, each of which incorporates my personal decision to live by the Living With Purpose course work that I share with others.dM: Where can we see Real Men Talking?Marlon: Across the nation in major cities. On May 30, we'll be at the McGlohon Theater in Spirit Square in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets are available at the Blumenthal Center's website or call the box office at (704) 372-1000.Other cities where we have appeared or will soon appear include: Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston, Nashville, New York, Detroit and Washington, DC. Visit our website for more information.What do you think?I don't know about you, but I'm ready! The babysitter is lined up and my husband and I have purchased tickets to Real Men Talking in Charlotte next Friday. Even if you're not in a city they are playing in, you can enjoy lots of trailers and high energy presentations at the Real Men Talking website.More Indie StoriesSmall Business, Global MissionI Won Best In Show!Flowers and FusionLittle Hat, Big CattleJacci Thompson-Dodd, authorRead more…
