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In business, marketing is the key to survival. Marketing takes a lot of planning, organizational skills, budget measures and timing. Proper planning and accountability measures will enable you to position your business for success.  To ensure maximum ROI (Return on Investment) of your marketing plan, these are 6 tips for a successful business:

 

1.   Update Your Marketing Plan

If you are planning to expand your business or wish to give it a directional turn, then it is important to update your existing marketing plan. With a well thought out marketing plan, it becomes easier for a business owner to systematically promote the company.

In addition, it is imperative that marketing collateral such as business cards, logo, signage and promotional material are in alignment with your overall message.

Updates to your plan should be based on careful assessment of the market, understanding the needs of the consumer and consideration to the objectives and outcomes of the plan.

 

2.   Create a Marketing Budget

Marketing is crucial for business success. For every marketing plan to reach its full potential, it is vital that a budget is in place.  Allocating too little capital can be a detriment to your future goals. For example, a new business that calculates start-up costs for business cards, logo, flyers, a website and custom shirts is a smart move.

In addition, a business owner should follow a goal-based budgeting plan; one that includes customer service initiatives, communication, and all prospecting activities.

 

3.   Implement a Marketing Campaign

A marketing campaign includes several activities carried out to accomplish a pre-planned goal; generally the promotion of a product or service.  To see how well a marketing campaign works, consider planning it as a 30-day or 90-day trial to avoid unforeseen losses. By running it for a short period allows you monitor the feasibility of the plan with your target market; set clear campaign objectives; and plan the outcomes accordingly.

Successful campaigns are carefully researched and centers on details and implementation, rather than on a single, big idea.

 

3 Memorable Marketing Campaigns:

  1. “Just Do It” – Nike
  2. “Where’s the Beef?” – Wendy’s
  3. “Absolutely, Positively Overnight” – FedEx

 

4.   For Heaven’s Sake… Find FREE Marketing Opportunities

When you want to reduce your marketing budget, it is essential to take advantage of free marketing opportunities. With so much impetus being laid on web-based marketing services, you can find a multitude of free PR on the internet. There are numerous press release and article submission services, Google and Yahoo local listings, online directories and similar services to create company profiles and promotional opportunities.

 

5 FREE Offline & Online Services

  • Social Media Networks - Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Foursquare, Google+
  • Guest Blogging
  • Customer referral program
  • Public speaking
  • Business Network Group – online and offline

 

5.   Ask For Referrals

Referrals… a powerful selling tool!  To be introduced to a potential client through a personal recommendation is GOLD! Asking your clients, associates, partners or consumers for referrals is a cost-effective way of expanding your network. People do business with those they know, like and trust. So, the best compliment you can earn is from those who like your product or services.

There are also fee based referral programs that provide extensive leads to specific consumer markets.

 

6.   Always… Always Follow Up!

Last but never the least, always follow up!  A follow up process is extremely important in securing business from new clients and in maintaining rapport with existing ones.

4 Easy Ways to Follow Up: 

  • Send a thank you note
  • Make a phone call
  • Email a greeting card
  • Mail a special gift


 In business, there are no guaranties for success; however, incorporating these 6 tips will significantly improve your chances of having a profitable company.

 

About Sylvia:  Sylvia Browder is a small business consultant, trainer and author. She is founder of National Association Women on the Rise, a virtual community for aspiring and established women entrepreneurs. She has served as an online volunteer SCORE counselor since 2004. For FREE weekly articles go to Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs, www.sylviabrowder.com.  Want to work with Sylvia? Go to, www.browderconsultinggroupllc.com. She can be contacted at info@browderconsultinggroupllc.com.

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What You Don't Know Could Hurt YouThis post is about the stuff most people don't talk about because it hits too close to home. But I don't want you to be caught like a deer in the headlights as you grow your business, so I'm telling you the real deal on some of the most personal issues you will encounter if you are successful in your business.These things apply to just about any business, but they are especially important to prepare for if you are Indie, meaning you are not only running a business but also managing a home and trying to have a fulfilling personal life at the same time. Like any girlfriend worth her salt, I'm going to tell you like it is. If you don't know already, it's not all sweetness and light, as some would have you believe.1. You Will Have to Say "No" to Your Kids For the Sake of Your BusinessYesterday, I posted about how great it is to be available to my kids as I also run my business. That is true, and everyone says that. But the part I saved for this post is also true: I tell my kids "no" a lot. If I was at a full-time job, someone else would be telling them "no" a lot. I'm glad it's me, but the fact is that, because I'm here all the time, they ask me for a lot of things they can't have. All the time.For example: As I wrote this post at 1:30pm EST, my 6-year old daughter came into my office and asked if she could take a bubble bath. Right now. If I was not here, she'd be with with a baby sitter and she wouldn't even ask the question. Following the advice I always give her to ask for what she wants out of life, she asks to take a bath, even though she knows the answer is going to be no.So, as great as it sounds to always be around, get ready to be the bad guy a lot.2. Your Spouse or Significant Other May Not Support YouOK, I know your spouse or significant other is wonderful and I'm not hating on them. But I have seen this more than once so I have to tell you the real deal. Once your business starts making money, you may find yourself making more money than your spouse. Many spouses can handle this with no problem, seeing as it means they will benefit from your success too.But many will also become a little on the jealous side. They may become a bit defensive as they see you raking in more cash than you did last year, while they are still making the same amount of money, and having to stretch each dollar further in this weakening economy.How do you respond? Don't get bogged down in their perception of your success. It's their problem, not yours. If you feel as though you are fulfilling your God-given calling in life with your business, then don't compromise that for anyone. It may mean having to change the dynamic of your relationship. So be prepared. Always walk blameless before the people you love, but be careful not to compromise your principles in order to accommodate their warped perceptions of your success.3. You May Gain WeightThese days, the success of your business hinges significantly on your ability to use technology. In order to use technology, you have to be still, at least for a period of time. You can't be doing an aerobics class at the same time you are programming your new shopping cart, updating your website, figuring out how to use Twitter, tweaking your business plan or writing your next book.Try to get some exercise. Don't be like me and wait until so many years into your business before deciding to shape up.See? I told you I would tell you the real deal, from experience. I'm a no holds barred kind of Indie.4. Haters Will AboundIf you are financially successful, the haters will come. Sometimes, they don't mean to hate, they are just unable to handle your success in the face of their lack of it. There's nothing you can do in advance to handle this. Just be prepared for it and understand that it may mean that your interaction with some people may have to change. Always surround yourself with cheerleaders. Non-cheerleaders should be fired from your inner circle.If you find that some haters are family members (and you most likely will), well, I guess you can't fire them. But you can minimize their adverse impact on you and your business. How you do that depends on the hater and whether they are willing to change with you. If they are not, be prepared for a tough road.5. You Will Not Have Enough MoneyIt would be great if, as you make more money each year, you also had enough money each year to expand your business exactly as you desire. Alas, this will hardly ever be the case. If you have not experienced this yet, you just haven't been in business long enough.For this reason, it is critical that you adopt a frugal mentality. Watch every penny and don't let go of a cent unless you have to in order to provide quality products and services to your customers. This is the only way to keep more of the money you make.So what do you think?Am I touching any nerves? Have you found these things to be true? Or am I way off base? Would love to know your experiences too.For more of my "real deal" Indie Business tips, subscribe to my blog today.Related PostsBoots and Hard Hat RequiredFamily Second, Yet Still First
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Smart entrepreneurs are savvy shoppers too! Use the comment area below to browse and share small business deals and discounts. The BBWO team will periodically check the promos added and feature new ones via the list below:

 

Pretty Professional Websites - Is it time to clean up your online brand and give your old site a new look? Click here and get a $100 Off Coupon Code that use can use to get a custom landing page or website.

eBates - Wouldn't you like to get cash back for your online purchases? After a great workshop with the Coupon Queen, Rhonda Nails (details here), I found out how to get cash back via eBates.com. And when I signed up I got a FREE Target Gift card. Get yours today, click here.

Need help with your Business? - Use the code POWER13 and get 50% off the SistaSense Power Circle Conference Replays. Find out how to really use social media to boost your business, get started with mobile marketing, learn how teaching pays online, tap into million dollar business tips and more! Click here and get instant access to watch videos today.

Dollar Downloads and Daily Dealsclick here to join this featured BBWO group where you can share your digital download promotions and daily product deals.

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You've got one more month to give 2012 all you've got. Below you will find a series of Small Business Recommendations from some of the key influencers on the BBWO Network and within my Power Circle.

FYI quite a few of these ladies will be at the 2013 Power Conference. If you plan on attending early registration ends tomorrow, Friday 11/30/12.

She saw $95,000 in Business Growth Using Social Media
Best Way to Create A Steady Flow of Customers
Passive Income & Prosperity: Where are you?
Why and How Women Entrepreneurs Fail
The “Real” Reason for Getting Excited About Mobile
Best Ways to Promote Your Books and eBooks
3 Ways to Boost Holiday Sales
Turning tens into thousands: 6 Questions to Ask Yourself

If you have a small business / marketing article you would like to share, post the link via the comment box below. More to come. -LaShanda Henry

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9 Sites to help you set up your online shop

Setting up and managing your own online store is becoming easier. I personally know quite few people who are making money online by sharing their passions with the world and have found success. You can be one of them and there’s nothing stopping you (well sometimes we hold ourselves back). It doesn’t matter if you are selling a tangible good, digital product or service; there is a site for pretty much everything.

In some cases you won’t even have to spend a penny to get started, where as others you may have to make a small investment. When it comes to your business, you shouldn’t be afraid to make an investment in your future. Just do you homework (make Google your best friend) and figure out which avenue is the right fit for you.

Click here to read on and get examples of actual successful online stores of other entrepreneurs.

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Women Entrepreneurs returning back to work?
by ShaChena Gibbs

Many women entrepreneurs work full time from home building their enterprise. We become solely dependent on the income we have been generating from our entrepreneurial endeavors to pay our bills, to maintain personal and professional expenses. Most of the time your business success can actually achieve this task. But what happens when you hit a slow season? How are you going to maintain? or maybe business is going well, you just need more money a lil sooner?

Have you thought about returning back to the work force? back to Corporate America? Many women entrepreneurs have taken that step. A few of my friends have and they set goals to resign after accomplishing their financial reward within 90 to 120 days or even 12 months.

What's stopping you from going back to the work force? Are you telling yourself, it would be embarrassing to tell your friends and family? You may believe they will laugh and say to you that your business must have failed? Because they tried to talk you out of it in the first place. Don't let this be the reason you struggle to get your business and personal finances off the ground or to the next level.

There are many reasons we can talk ourselves out of going back to work. However, if this is a step you need to make then go right ahead and handle your business. You know what is right for you and your family. Sometime we are the bread winners in the household and must make difficult decisions such as going back to work. Or we need to add to the current income coming in. Either way do not let your perception of what others may say discourage your decision.

Going back to work does not mean your business is failing all the time. You must be a leader and make a choice that you feel is the right one. If you decide to go back to work, set a time goal. It could be 90 days, 120, or 12 months as said above. Just set a goal and stick to it. Getting a financial adviser is strongly recommended. They can be beneficial with assisting you in accomplishing your financial goals.

As entrepreneurs we have to get out our own way. We must make do things we don't want to do and at times we don't want to do them in order to achieve SUCCESS!

 

Entrepreneur, mentor, and Small Business Educator, ShaChena Gibbs is helping women across the US with starting a successful business from home. ShaChena Gibbs is the Founder of Real Sisters Rising, LLC an award winning National Organization for Women Entrepreneurs. http://www.realsistersrising.com


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July 28, 2013 marks the 6 year anniversary of the BBWO Network.
To celebrate I have gifts and goodies to share:

(1) Download your complimentary copy of SistaSense Magazine featuring this years BBWO 50 Fabulous Entrepreneurs and great smart business advice from BBWO experts Cheryl Pullins, Tanya Smith and Katrina M Harrell. Click here to order a print copy of this issue.

 

(2) Need help promoting your business? Trying to figure out what your website really needs? Click here to watch the webinar replay "How to Effectively Sell Your Products and Services in Today's Market."

 

(3) BBWO Banner Promotion Contest - get 30 days promotion on BBWO. To enter simply leave a comment below and share a memorable experience you've had as a member of the BBWO Network.

Thanks so much to all of you who make BBWO all that it is and more. I couldn't have gotten our network this far without you.

 

LaShanda Henry,

BBWO Founder

p.s. For those of you who are non-members of this network, today you can use the code BBWO30 to sign up for $30 (one time membership fee).

 

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Every adult in America understands, how important a good credit score could be to your financial life.  We know that good credit means you're getting the best rates on loans when it comes to mortgages, cars, credit cards and personal loans.

Now, your dating life could be impacted by your credit.  Could you even imagine going on a date and someone ask you, how's your credit?  Most of us think this may be a little to personal for a first date, but for some of us, this is a fair question.

Let's think about how the lenders take a look at you financially.  When lenders see you have strong credit, they see you as a responsible person, someone that won't run out on your obligations.  That's the way your date would like to see you as well.  You're date feels that if you have strong credit, your a responsible person that takes care of their obligation and is willing to do what's necessary to make sure things stay on the right track.

Besides, there are way to  many resources to help you repair damaged credit so you can have good credit.  Also, we know how hard things are when you don't have great credit.

So the next time you're out on a date that's going well and your date ask, how's your credit?  You can say excellent,  just like this date.

Check out our site if your looking for Excellent Credit. http://www.goodcreditunion.com/ 1-800-652-7157

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5 Steps to Create Your Vision Board for 2011

Every year, my kids and I create a vision board to capture goal highlights for the year using posters, magazine clippings, crayons, glitter, glue sticks -- you name it, it's on the floor on 12/31. We have the music going, candles lit, and complete focus on what we're doing. Here is our process laid out in 5 steps for you. I hope you then enjoy the short video version of my board that was designed using Animoto.com. Head over to Life Vision Boards and get another take on the "how to". They use Animoto as well and you certainly can too - it's a free tool for creating video using images and music. Use theirs or add your own.

5 Steps To Creating Your Vision Board

  1. Get yourself to a quiet place
  2. Imagine that it is now the end of 2011 and you are reflecting back on your accomplishments for the year
  3. Write down a list -- brainstorm freely at first
  4. Now highlight the top 3-5 things you really want to focus on for the year
  5. Cut, draw, and paste images that represent your goals onto a poster board (you can even make a miniature version on an index card to carry with you)

That's it! Now set a date to get the board finished. ;)

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It is my pleasure to introduce you to Danielle Johns. She is the owner of Snow Daddy's Shaved Ice in Arkansas and is sharing her tremendous story of victory and success. She has gone from working in a hospital, being in an abusive relationship, dealing with illness, to being a proud, successful owner. She shares her testimony and advice for those of us looking for some motivation in our businesses. Enjoy!

1. Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

Before I launched Snow Daddy's Shaved Ice, I worked 12 hour nights as a Unit Secretary at a local hospital for nearly 4 years. During my first year of employment I was badly bruised by the person I lived with. After removing myself from that environment, I realized that I had lost myself in a world that was not my own. I changed my mentality and set my focus on finding myself and my place in life. Things seemed to be getting better but I still worked nights and slept days. I began to feel that I was missing out on spending needed time with my children. In 2009, I was diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic with a blood sugar level of 1102. There aren't a lot of jobs in the Delta so I felt I had to maintain my employment, not just to support my children but to also be able to afford the lifelong treatment for this disease. I began losing weight and became deeply depressed. I began to think my life was coming to an end. I have had difficulty controlling this disease which has caused me major health problems. God has seen me through my darkest days. I regained enough strength to realize I wanted to live again. Not only did I want to live but I wanted to live happily.

2. What made you want to start a business and what is your mission?

A friend and I would travel from Arkansas to Mississippi to purchase Shaved Ice. One day while at the stand I decided I was going to open my own Shaved Ice Stand. I started researching companies, products, equipment, supplies, etc. In April of 2011 I purchased a building and had it delivered to my hometown. Just as I was about to complete the construction of my building, I was interrupted by the State Electrical Inspector for not using a licensed electrician. I was also halted by some bad information given to me by the County Health Inspector. I thought my plan was falling apart right before my eyes. I prayed and I prayed hard. I contacted the State Health Department regarding some regulations I had been told I had to follow. I was informed that it did not apply to me and that I could proceed as planned. Now my issue was to complete construction of my building and hire a Licensed Electrician which I had not budgeted for. I was contacted and told that there was a Snow Cone Stand in the neighboring town for sale. I reached out to an old friend and was able to acquire the building and open immediately. Snow Daddy's offers over 50 flavors and our 2nd specialty Taco-2-Go. We express appreciation to our customers by offering a Reward Card for free. When you purchase 9 snow cones you receive the 10th one free. My Shaved Ice stand is currently a seasonal business. In April, Snow Daddy's hosts  a Snowball Fest to launch snow cone season where we provide free food, fun, games and prizes and horse rides. Snow Daddy's also supports the Lil Jacob Learning Center's Back2School Drive as well as Global Youth Service Day. We are currently mapping out a 2nd location. Lol, who knows, one day there may be a Snow Daddy's near you.

My absolute passion is anything dealing with crafting, designing and creating. My mission is to one day own a custom furniture design showroom.

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business?

My 16 year old daughter and 4 year old son are my greatest inspiration.

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it's important to have one?

No, I do not have a mentor; however I would love to have one. I have a support group that I turn to when I'm in need of advice or direction. I am a very spiritual person. I believe in God! I believe in the Word. I've learned to ultimately turn to the Lord for all my needs.

5. What would you tell someone who wants to get involved in your line of business but doesn't know how to get started? 

The Shaved Ice business can be a rewarding venture. I personally spent nearly a year researching because I didn't have a lot of money, but I was going all in and needed to make the least mistakes as possible. A high traffic location is key as well as a good product. There are many options for distributors however, I would recommend a company that's been in business a while and knows the industry.

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit?

One of my favorite books is called Dreams Really Do Come True by Dennis Burke. Dreams are the God-given desires of your heart in seed from. Believe in your dream, embrace your dream, run toward your dream, refuse to let go of your dream, and ultimately you will live your dream. Make It Happen!!

Snow Daddy's Shaved Ice is located in Eudora, AR. You can visit their site and learn more at www.facebook.com/GoSnowDaddys.

I just want to thank Danielle for being bold enough to share her story. I hope it has been motivational to someone to go and pursue their dreams!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.

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Flex Your Media Muscle

Save Time, Money and Take Control

The longer I coach Indie Business owners, the more I am persuaded that our success requires that we become our own best media outlets. We must become the news we want to be. While traditional media outlets and publicists can complement our efforts, ultimately, the responsibility rests with us to literally become the media on our behalf. After all, we have access to all of the tools needed to create interesting and informative content that can be delivered directly to our target audience.

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Over the years, I have hired PR firms, done my own media outreach and created outlets of my own, including Indie Business Radio, my Twitter home and this blog. My experiences and the work I have done with thousands of Indies confirm my belief that, as great as it is to be quoted in mainstream media, at the end of the day, each Indie is his or her own best mouthpiece.

This truth is pointedly illustrated by the recent experience of my friend, colleague and Indie Beauty Network member, Jo Ann Hines, the Packaging Diva. (Throughout this article, "writer," "reporter" and "blogger" are used interchangeably, a testament to the ever changing and ever expanding media landscape.)

Who Is Jo Ann?

Jo Ann is a seasoned packaging expert with a knack for helping Indies find the packaging they need to make their products stand out in the crowd. Through my Media Leads Program, Jo Ann has been interviewed by several bloggers and journalists who have quoted and/or featured her in various media outlets.

The Media Outlet

Recently, through the Media Leads Program, Jo Ann was interviewed by a writer for BrandWeek, which touts itself as a publication that delivers "the latest breaking marketing industry news and analysis, along with commentary that puts that news into perspective."

The Query

The writer for BrandWeek issued a query seeking experts to comment for an article on businesses that fail even though they have green business models. Jo Ann emailed the writer in response to his query. He quickly contacted Jo Ann, and then interviewed her by phone for about 20 minutes so she could expand upon and explain some of the information contained in her email reply.

During the interview, Jo Ann shared several of her expert insights in order to provide content for the article. After the phone call, Jo Ann invested more of her time to answer the writer's emails containing requests for clarification and follow up.

The Story

Jo Ann receives Google Alerts when her area of expertise is covered online, so when the BrandWeek story was published, she received a Google Alert. Imagine her surprise and disappointment when she discovered that, even though some of the information in the article came directly from her, her name was not mentioned at all.

Jo Ann landed the interview, but not the recognition. And that's not fair.

Unfortunately, fair is not always the name of the game. Reporters are busy. They may interview dozens of people for one story, which sometimes means they mix up sources or just forget that something they heard came directly from a specific person. That's not an excuse, but it is reality. On the other hand, some reporters intentionally or carelessly fail to credit someone who has helped them tremendously.

Who knows what happened here? Maybe it doesn't matter because the result is the same. Jo Ann invested her valuable time and got nothing out of it, except for the satisfaction of helping someone and the experience of being interviewed on a topic she is passionate about.

These are both valuable experiences but at the end of the day, when your business is on the line, it's nice to be quoted and credited when you've invested your time, energy and experience to help a member of the media create a good article.

Jo Ann's experience caused me to wonder how she handled the situation. I asked her to give me the scoop, and here's what she said.

dM: How often does this happen?

Jo Ann:
Out 5 interviews, 4 reporters will generally quote me directly with a credit. The 5th does not, and I have found that it's usually high profile reporters trying to make a name for themselves as experts in a particular field. They want to be seen as the experts, so they don't give credit where credit is due.

dM: 4 out of 5 is not a bad ratio, but still, how do you handle situations like this?

Jo Ann:
I try to be nice about it. I usually write a thank you note after the article is published, which nicely alludes to the fact that they quoted me but didn't mention my name.

If the same reporter contacts me in the future, I ask them directly to quote me as a source if they use my input.

You always have to protect your interests. In this particular case with BrandWeek, however, I felt comfortable because the reporter actually called me on the phone. Usually, email communication is all you can expect. When a reporter calls, it typically means they are more serious about using you as a source.

I have found that there's a fine line between being helpful and being pushy when dealing with the media. But if I get burned by a reporter once, I'm very cautious how I work with them the next time.

dM: Is it worth it to even receive and respond to media leads, when your business might not receive credit if you are interviewed?

Jo Ann:
Absolutely. Yes, it's worth it. When you get mentioned in even a single major publication, it lends enormous credibility to your products and services. This always leads to new business.

I consider myself very media savvy. I spend time daily getting my name out there, using whatever reasonably priced vehicles I can find. My efforts have yielded good results. I have been quoted in all major newspapers, and in magazines like Entrepreneur, Fortune Small Business and on NBC.

Like you always say, dM, it's great to get media leads from elsewhere, even your Media Leads Program, but the real key is doing some of the legwork yourself. It's a component of what I do every day. Whether it's writing articles for other publications, publishing my own email newsletters, issuing press releases, blogging or social networking, if you want to connect with your customers and potential customers, you have to work at it all the time.

The Tips

As an Indie, the most valuable commodities you have are your time and your innate creativity. If you manage both well, it rarely matters that you are also cash poor. There are plenty of exceedingly boring and ineffective cash rich businesses. But Indies have advantages in that we are nimble, creative and can often see payoffs quickly following wise investments of our time.

When a member of the media interviews you, you have no guarantee that you'll be rewarded by being included in the finished product. But that's not the end of the world. There are always new media opportunities, including those you can create yourself using your blog, email newsletter, podcast, radio show, website and other social media outlets that you own and control.

When dealing with the mainstream media, here are some tips to help save you time and money, and maximize your chances of having a positive experience.

1. Only Respond to Queries For Which You Are Qualified

One of the most common mistakes Indies make is trying to fit a square peg into a circle-shaped hole. Don't do this. If a blogger asks for examples of candles made from natural soy wax, don't send a reply pitching your natural beeswax candles. Likewise, if a reporter requests input from experts on a particular topic, don't reply unless you are in fact an expert on that topic. To do otherwise wastes your and the reporter's time, and risks your credibility.

The best media opportunities are the ones you are uniquely qualified for, and there is probably no shortage of them. You just have to be diligent in responding to the ones you find out about. You also have to be constantly on the lookout for creative ways to share what you have to offer using media outlets that you control such as your own blogs, email newsletters, Facebook page, etc.

2. If Interviewed, Ask to Know Exactly What It's For

If you land an interview, there's nothing wrong with asking exactly what the interview is for. What's the purpose of the story? What publication is it for? When is it scheduled for publication? Are you being interviewed for "background" only, which means you are just providing basic information to help the reporter build the story? Or is the writer looking to you as a major source of information?

You can also ask for confirmation that, if your expertise or words are quoted, you will receive a credit of some kind. For an online publication, the ultimate credit is your name and the name of your business with a hyperlink to the website of your choice.

Because some online reporters are hamstrung by editorial rules that don't allow them to include links, this is not always possible. But either way, you should make it your business to find out in advance by either asking or reading other articles in the publication to see whether or not they show Link Love.

Either way, if you arm yourself with this information up front, you can more quickly assess how much time you should invest in the interview process.

3. Tell The Reporter How You Wish To Be Identified or Credited in the Article

A thank you note following a phone or email interview is a great way to kindly let a reporter know that, if you are quoted, you expect to receive credit. You can do this by including a note at the end of your thank you email letting the reporter know that you'd like to be identified in the story in a specific way, which includes your site link. This does not guarantee that you'll get what you want, but it does serve as confirmation that you expect to be treated fairly under the circumstances.

Developing relationships with the media is a critical part of ensuring the future success of your business. But bear in mind that, as valuable as traditional media relationships are, you also have the power, the opportunity and the responsibility to become your own media outlet. In this way, you complement your products and services with content that engages your audience.

To drive this point home further, my business partner husband and I are working to create a day-long media training program especially for Indies. Between us, we have over 20 years of experience working in the media and now, we will be bringing our expertise to you.

Our first Indie Business Media Training is planned for October 4 in Portland, Oregon. We'll be doing it in conjunction with Dennis and Kayla Fioravanti of Essential Wholesale. Stay tuned for the new website and registration page.

Oh, and Jo Ann is a lot of fun to Twitter with if you are interested in packaging trends.

What do you think?

Have you ever experienced anything similar to Jo Ann? What did you do about it? How are you handling your media outreach? Are you being your own media outlet? What works? What doesn't work?

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10744096275?profile=originalSee Where You Are Going

One of the most relied upon of the five senses is sight. Sight on a basic level is the ability to see with your physical eyes. But if you dig deeper the ability to see includes creating a mental picture; a visualization. Familiar with the term “mind’s eye”? This term refers to the human ability for visualization, which is experiencing visual mental imagery. Basically, the ability to “see” with your mind. Helen Keller said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but, no vision.”

From this place of seeing you can begin to jump start your life. Use your “mind’s eye” to see yourself in the future. Where are you? Are you living the life you dreamed of living? Are you experiencing success in all areas of your life? Do you have balance? Say to yourself, “I see you in the future and you look much better than you look right now!”

Visualize the life you want and deserve to live. Harness what you see to help create the path to get from where you are to where you want to be. Use vision to see where you are going.

Pursue Your Passion

Dare to create a vision for your life? Tap into the creativity embedded within you to reach your destined place of purpose. Have you taken the steps necessary to find your purpose? That very thing you are passionate about could be the spark you need. 

I was inspired to become a life coach because I encountered individuals who have shared with me that they don’t know their life’s mission. They didn’t know why they are on this earth at this appointed time and in space. Some stated they have no desire to invest their time, resources or energy to finding their purpose, maximizing their potential and igniting the passion within. I hope you are not at this place in your life; however, if you are then you are reading this at the right time.

Now is the time for you to invest in you. You may have spent years, an enormous amount of resources or endless hours working toward something that is not germane to your life’s call. But take the time to think about that thing in your life which makes you sing. That thing you begin to talk about to the point where people can see the twinkle in your eye and the glow in your countenance. Discover, unleash and pursue your passion.

Act on Your Goals

Take a close look at the word “goal”.  The first two letters make up the word “go”. Go, to move on a course, proceed or to take a certain course. It is just that simple. Goals are not as complicated as we make them out to be. For example, your goal is the bigger picture. For this example our goal or bigger picture is to go food shopping. There are a number of “tasks” we must complete in order to reach this goal. The basic tasks include preparation, going outside, getting into the car, putting the car in gear and “going”.

An effective way to help reach your goals is to break the bigger goal down into a series of tasks. With this in mind, you may only want to tackle two to three goals at one time. Why? Because when you list out the tasks associated with each goal the list can become pretty long. Begin small, be persistent and consistent.

Rev Up Your Engine

In thinking about revving an engine, car racing came to mind. In preparation for a high speed motor race revving the engine prepares the car for optimum performance. To get your car warmed up for the race ahead.

This is certainly a principle you can apply to your life. Revving your personal engine is a great way to prepare yourself for the race head. Life is often viewed as a race. It takes many components for you to not only get in the race, but to sustain it with speed, persistence, consistency and accuracy. You are the driver and the car you have been given is called life. One of the keys to life is learning to drive and navigate with wise efficiency.

One of the ways to “rev up your engine” is to create positive affirmations which are consistent with the way you see your life in the future. They should be positive and written in present tense. View your future with your “mind’s eye”.

Kick Start Your Life

To “kick start” your life is just another way to say “jump start”. It is time to restart fresh and re-energize your life. Little to no progress can be made if you are stuck in life with no “spark” to help provide the kick start you need.

In the movie Inception, “the kick” was necessary to awaken a dreaming individual to get them from one level to another. Sometimes in order to get to our next level in life with need a kick. It is time to make room for new experiences by removing thoughts, ideas and concepts that are not helping you to get to your new level in life. What may have worked in the past may not work for your future.

Kick start your life by connecting with the right people, changing the way you see your life, pursuing your passion and getting the tools and resources you need to jump start your life.

You can receive more inspiration of awesomeness from my weekly podcast show, Awesome Living with Cheryl Pullins.

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Tonight Nicole Beharie's movie American Violet is on TV. Please watch this made for television movie on BET 8pm EST. Also starring Alfie Woodard. (Shared by author Carleen Brice). Nicole Beharie played lead role in the TV movie "The Sins of the Mother, based on Carleen Brice's novel "Orange Mint and Honey)
Here is the story:

:

Tonight Nicole Beharie's movie American Violet is on TV. Please watch this made for television movie on BET 8pm EST. Also starring Alfie Woodard. (Shared by author Carleen Brice). Nicole Beharie played lead role in the TV movie "The Sins of the Mother, based on Carleen Brice's novel "Orange Mint and Honey)
Here is the story: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/localnews/columnists/jragland/stories/DN-ragland_14met.ART.State.Edition2.4abb61b.html
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10744106072?profile=original
Hello BBWO,

 

I love that Bruno Mars’ song lyric, “I want to be a billionaire so freakin’ bad…”

 

Do you know it?

 

Well, before you can be a billionaire, you have to be a millionaire.

 

Okay… so… how do you do THAT?

 

Especially if you are a Black Woman who KNOWS she can—someone who is doing ALL the right things, but doesn’t know how to move from good to great, or from great to millionaire?

 

What if being a Black Woman millionaire were something you could LEARN?

 

What if you could actually listen to and learn from Black Women in business, education, corporate contracts, technology, sales, speaking, writing, media, and other areas who have already cracked the millionaire code?

 

(Read enough? Grab your seat here: YOUR BlackWomenMillionaires.com)

 

I will go further.

 

What if you could learn from them at no cost to you in three days, as if you were chatting with your best girlfriend under the dryer at the beauty shop or sipping a glass of white wine in a drawing-room salon in the 1920s?

 

Sounds nice, right?

 

Well, look no further. My dear friend and peer, Dr. Venus Opal Reese, has created a revolutionary event that is intimate, quaint, and tailored just for YOU!

 

In case you haven’t heard, Dr. Venus is known as the “Defy Impossible” expert.

 

This sister went from being a 16-year-old street urchin to Stanford PhD, and turned her survival into a business-building system that’s made $3 million for her clients in two years!

 

Dr. Venus knows what it takes to break through inner glass ceilings that limit performance and, by extension, your profit. She is passionate about making sure other sisters know how to monetize their worth into a seven-figure business.

 

She has gathered 12 Black Women millionaires who pull the curtain back and let their hair down to give you their proven INNER secrets on what it REALLY takes to make millions.

Dr. Venus Opal Reese Presents…

Black Women Millionaires Virtual Salon

Inner Secrets from Seven-Figure Sisters so YOU Can Live Your Worth OUT LOUD!

March 5–7, 2014

 

This 3-day training will change the trajectory of your life! Register now. www.BlackWomenMillionaires.com

 

Dr. Venus has the uncanny ability to create a safe space for powerful Black Women to open up and tell the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a seven-figure sister.

 

Here is a sneak peek!

 

During this virtual salon, you will discover:

  • How “working hard” has NOTHING to do with becoming a Black Woman millionaire. (I know. I was surprised too! Wait until you hear the #1 thing you simply must do if you want to break the seven-figure mark! Priceless.)
  • Specific ways that our sister “millionaires in the making” have actually undermined their ability to break the seven-figure ceiling. (This is real talk! These brilliant and brave sisters tell it all!)
  • Authentic truths about how being a Black Woman millionaire is a very distinct experience—and accomplishment—that is rooted in the history of hurts we have inherited.

 

(Check out all 12 Black Women millionaires sharing their secrets during this transformational and proven training here: www.BlackWomenMillionaires.com)

 

As a super-successful Black Woman, you are special.

 

You and I have a specific history we have to navigate internally and externally on a daily basis. The history of hurts we have inherited is robbing us of our emotional and economic freedom.

 

If you are serious about breaking the seven-figure mark in your business, wouldn’t it be great to learn from sisters who WANT to pour into YOU the knowledge and wisdom they have learned in the real world?

 

To be frank, you will NEVER get this kind of candor and access from the “country club in-crowd” millionaires—so why spend good money on bad advice?

 

Invest the time to learn from sisters who are authentically committed to your success.

 

In fact, when you sign up for this revolutionary event, you will receive an exclusive interview from world-renowned speaker, six-time best-selling author, and featured teacher in the self-development movie and phenomenon, The Secret, Lisa Nichols.

 

(Your destiny is calling. You would be nuts to miss this training. Click now! www.BlackWomenMillionaires.com)

 

Join us. And think of it this way, on the road to being a billionaire—if Oprah can do it, so can you—cracking the code on your first million is a requisite. So do yourself a favor: learn from sisters who already have…

 

Sincerely,

 

LaShanda Henry

 

PS: Pay it forward! Think of two sister friends you know who would benefit from learning Black Women millionaires’ inner secrets to success and forward this email now. (www.BlackWomenMillionaires.com)

 

PPS: Even if you have heard Lisa Nichols speak before—or any of our seven-figure sisters—you haven’t heard THIS. Dr. Venus made it her business to ask the REAL questions! You will be SHOCKED by some of the answers. This is private stuff that you simply will not get ANYWHERE ELSE! Get access now. (www.BlackWomenMillionaires.com)

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Each and every day, millions of commuters hit the highways and city streets throughout America. By placing your company's name and logo in front of these consumers with vehicle advertising, you can rev up your marketing efforts.

Vehicular advertising options are plentiful and can generate a mighty return on investment whether you advertise on a single vehicle or on a company-wide fleet. Hitting the road with advertising on your business vehicles can:

  1. Generate about 8.4 million impressions a year (according to a study by Driving Revenues)
  2. Help you reach a wide variety of consumers
  3. Be very cost-effective
  4. Build brand awareness
  5. Influence purchasing decisions

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Match up with magnetic signs: Removable magnetic signs let you decide when you want to use your car, truck or van as a marketing tool and when you prefer it to be sign-free. These easy-to-apply signs also let you switch vehicles or share signs with others.

I recommend: Order magnetic signs for as little as $25 each at MagneticSignsOnTime.com.

Explore vinyl lettering: When you want a more permanent solution, try self-adhesive vinyl lettering. These ready-to-apply letters come in several design options and can be applied to vehicles or vehicle windows.

I recommend: View vinyl lettering options as they'll appear on your particular type of vehicle at SpeedySigns.com.

Get better night-time exposure with reflective signs:Don't limit your vehicle advertising to the daylight hours. Make your vehicles visible day or night with reflective lettering.

I recommend: StreetGlo offers reflective fleet graphics and a free design tool.

Shout it from the rooftop: You don't have to be a taxicab to take advantage of signs atop your vehicle. Most restaurant delivery services opt for car toppers because they're magnetic and can be attached to any delivery vehicle.

I recommend: Find a variety of sizes and shapes of roof-top signs at CarSigns.com or at Autosox.com, which also offers antitheft cords to protect your car toppers.

Wrap your entire vehicle: Wrapping vehicles from bumper to bumper in vinyl graphics is one of the most attention-grabbing forms of fleet advertising. It looks like you've painted the entire vehicle in graphics, but the wrap is removable for seasonal campaigns and costs less than painting the vehicle.

I recommend: Bumper2Bumper Media and Custom Auto Wrap provide full-service fleet graphics wrapping.

Tout your business with truck graphics: There's no better way to get regional or national exposure than to equip all of your delivery trucks with advertising to drive your message to consumers.

I recommend: Graphic Concepts is a good choice for small businesses with a single truck because they have no minimum vehicles required. RoadBoardz Truckside Ads has an in-house team that can design your graphics and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren't satisfied.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

· When designing your vehicle graphics, choose contrasting colors and large type that can be seen at a distance. White type on a colored background is very difficult to see on the road, so if your logo includes white type, consider reversing the image to a dark colored type with a white background.

· Keep copy simple. Don't list your entire services, rather try to use a company logo, motto and phone number.

· When purchasing vinyl graphics and wraps for your vehicle, ask about warranties. Some vinyl will stay on five years, whereas other vinyl is meant for short-term usage.

· Always ask about the proper care and usage of graphics. Any warranties may be voided if you care for the graphics improperly

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My Social Media System

How I Maintain My Social Network Without Losing My Shirt

Thank you for the great collection of comments, tips and insights you are sharing on yesterday's post about making connections on Twitter. One of the themes of the comments is that, if you're not careful, Twitter and other social media become colossal time suckers with little to no return. Indie Beauty Network member Anne-Marie wrote, "It can be a bit of a black hole if I follow all the cool links that show up on people's Tweets." And Indie Beauty Network member D'Anna Catterson said, "It can be quite addicting!"

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I have found these things to be true. If you don't discipline yourself in any fun social situation, you'll find yourself hopelessly unproductive. Who hasn't experienced staying at the party or talking on the phone so long that some other important detail of life or business is not tended to? We've all done that, so we all appreciate the power of using a system to ensure that our social connections are maintained while our businesses continue to thrive.

Here are my Social Media System recommendations and a little about how I incorporate social media into my business model.

1. Reserve Your Brand At Major Social Media Outlets

Using a popular social media outlet just because I or someone else says you should is a reason to at least make a note to check out the website so you can make a first impression decision about whether it might work for you. If it does not appeal to you, open a free (if available) account in your brand name anyway so that, if you decide to use it at a later date, it's available to you. This prevents others from reserving an account at that site using your name.

2. First, Observe Others

If you decide to start using the account, first watch how other seasoned users of the technology use it. There's no need to schedule this observation time. Just do it as you go throughout your week, hearing about it in blogs, the news, etc. As you learn more about it through your network of business friends and colleagues, you'll develop a framework to prioritize checking it out further.

Take your time. There's usually no need to rush. Look carefully at how the most proficient users of the technology operate. Make mental notes of what they do that is effective and efficient in terms of time. For example, if a successful Indie Tweets 5 times a day on average, and you have a business similar to his or hers, perhaps this framework is a good one for you to consider.

Similarly, if someone blogs 3 times a week, and each blog post is about 5 paragraphs long, use this as a framework for your blog. Do they use pictures? Video? There's no need to reinvent the wheel. Look at what successful people in your field are doing. Listen to what they say about the frequency and manner in which they use the technology and pattern yourself after them. You'll find that you make changes and adjustments as you go to suit your own personal style and business model

3. Use Cross-Posting Where Available

If you decide to take advantage of a new social media outlet, look for ways to syndicate or repeat your content across your different social connections. Most new social technologies are sensitive to the fact that, there are so many of them that users need to be able to do something one time and post it across multiple different networks.

For example, when I post a video to Blip, with the click of a mouse, I cross-post it to my Myspace page. When I post an Utterli audio clip, I choose the option to automatically cross-post it to my Twitter stream. When I post a Tweet, it automatically cross-posts to my Facebook page and to this website in the right column.

Cross-posting allows me to reach multiple people with one activity.

3. Set a Time Limit For Eact Activity

You're busy running a business and a home. You have to fit online social networking into your week, but you also have to set time limits. Otherwise, you'll be closing down the bar every night and waking up the next morning wondering why you have no customers, why you overslept, and why everyone else is bright-eyed a bushy tailed.

Look at your weekly schedule and schedule in time for social connections. Spend the most time at the social outlets that serve your business best. This may change over time.

I receive note regularly from Indie Beauty Network members who say they are tracking new business directly from Twitter through a blog, and then to an e-commerce site. I would say these people need to keep blogging and Tweeting a certain amount each week, and devote smaller amounts of time to other avenues. But again, because business and technology are fluid, not to mention people are fickle, always be on the lookout to change the balance for a good reason.

4. Focus On 3 Social Media Outlets That Work Well For You

As I said earlier, it's important to defend your brand on line, including registering it as a trademark and using it in so many places that the incentive for someone else to do so is significantly diminished.

Having said that, once you're registered for 25 social networking accounts, you can't possibly use them at once unless you hire people to help you. This is a good option if you can afford it, and if you need it, but if not, carefully choose the spaces where you'll invest the most time, and make sure you're getting as much out of it as you're putting into it. Then use other times as available, for other social networks.

For example, you may have found that your blog, your e-commerce website and your Twitter stream form a triple header for you. This is the case for many startup Indies. You Tweet your new blog posts and people comment on them. You comment back to create community at your blog. While your readers are commenting and engaging with you, they also naturally discover links to your shopping cart, so they head on over there with a credit card. Focus on your website, blog and Twitter stream if that works for you.

This is the method I recommend for most Indie Beauty Businesses selling products. As your business expands, add other social outlets that seem feasible and which you can predict hold the most promise of a return. Again, take your cues from your successful industry colleagues.

What I Do

  1. Each weekday morning (well, mostly each), I post a short Utterli audio feed to my Utterli page, and cross-post it to Twitter. I sometimes cross-post it to this blog as well, and now and then, I add it to my newsletter (but I have to do that manually so it doesn't happen very often).
  2. Each Monday, I publish a newsletter. This is not exactly social networking, but since I have contests and other ways for my readers to respond to it, it's sort of interactive.
  3. When I load a new blog post, I Tweet it.
  4. Each Monday, I host the Indie Business Radio Show. People can call in their questions live. After the show, streaming and MP3 links are made available so people can enjoy the show, discuss it and share it with others.
  5. I Tweet 15 to 20 times a day. This is greatly reduced from when I first started using Twitter, when I Tweeted far more than that. It was not pretty. But I have found my footing at last I think. The only time I may Tweet more frequently in a day than 15 or 20 times is when I'm at a conference, in which case I Tweet more to share helpful business tips with those not in attendance. I also share pictures, audio and video, time permitting.) I use my Tweets for my Utterli post, maybe a blog post of mine, Retweets of other people's blot posts and responses to other people's Tweets. (You can't sit at the cocktail table and just talk. You also must respond to others, yes?) I also Tweet helpful news articles, YouTube videos, etc., that are of interest to people who keep up with me on Twitter.
  6. I usually cross-post my blog posts at a few Ning groups such as Twittermoms and Black Business Women Online. I also update and socialize at Facebook, LinkedIn and Myspace when I have time, when I have something helpful to contribute or when something new and interesting catches my attention there. Finally, I invest time commenting at other people's blogs, Indie Beauty Network member and blogs in particular. Because I am the founder and president of the Indie Beauty Network, many of my Tweets deal with starting a small cosmetics business. The rest generally deal with business issues that any Indie Business owner can benefit from.

I vary these activities depending on everything from the work load on any particular day, to the volume of interesting and helpful things I discover and want to share with others.

Just Be Helpful!

At the end of the day, connecting with others is all about being helpful. Sure, I do my fair share of Tweeting about a new service I am launching or my next radio show, but the vast majority of my social networking is designed to help others. And I like to connect with people who share my philosophy of using technology to enhance people's lives.

Ask yourself whether the next social media activity you plan to do will help someone else. If it will, chances are it's a good investment of your time. If not, just as you would at a cocktail party, keep your mouth shut and wait for the next opportunity to help another person.

What do you think?

Whatever you do, don't let being a social butterfly interfere with making a profit in your business. On the other hand, in order to be profitable, you have to interact socially. You can't just set up a store or website and wait for people to come to you. You've got to get out there and meet people, right?!

Do you have a system? Feel free to share it in the comments section below.

If you don't have a system and this post is inspiring you to create one, please let me know that too. I want to know whether my articles are helpful to you!

Related Posts

Would You Tweet With Me?
It Takes a Global Twitter Village
Ahhh, the Tweet Life
Who to Follow on Twitter
Tweet With Me

For more fun, Indie Business social media tips, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.

If you like Indie Business Blog, please share the home page with your friends using this link: http://tinyurl.com/6l5h79.

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LUSCIOUS LIPS - THEIR COLOR AND CARE

Just as the eyes are the window to the soul and a flawless complexion creates a perfect canvass upon which all other makeup is set to enhance or accentuate one's beauty, beautiful lips donning the correct lip color that complements the masterpiece which is the beautifully made face is easily done when one selects lip color according to their skintone. You simply need to know whether you are warm or cool. It matters not whether one is fair, redheaded, brunette, blonde,tan, brown etc… as women of any of these groups may be either cool or warm. This is easily done by looking at the underside of the wrists. Green veins are likely warm and blue veins are cool. When it cannot easily be determined whether veins are green or blue or if both are visible then one is considered beige or neutral and either lip color family is appropriate, both warm and cool for this fortunate group of individuals.Warm Colors Coral, Peach, Copper,Brick, Bronze, Brown, Brick Red, Melon, Salmon, Burnt Orange, , Red with golden tones, and tanned pinks all are examples of warm lip colors. These are often most flattering on women with warm eg. golden, yellow, olive, and peach undertones but are also worn well by women with beige or neutral complexions.Cool Colors Pink, Raspberry, Fushia, Cool Pink Lavender, Plum, Rose, Strawberry, Crimson, Amethyst, Lilac, Reds with blue undertone and Mauves all comprise examples of cool toned lip colors that wear beautifully on women with cool, pink, blue, and beige or neutral undertones.Often women with Olive complexions find that many of these colors work quite well with their complexions too. Warm and cool tones tend to fall into two groups. The warm tones tend to be earthy with metallic colors such bronze, copper or gold or fruit names like peach and melon.Cool tones tend to contain the names of berries, which are often shades of pink or purple or reds with blue undertones.Warm and cool women can both wear red lipstick but the true red is usually blue in tone while women with warm undertones will do best with warm reds. Blue or true toned lip colors have the advantage of making teeth appear whiter and it has been said that women tend to prefer cool or neutral reds while men are more drawn to women wearing warm red toned lip colors.The key to selecting the most flattering lip color for you is to select according to your undertone.Our lip glosses do more than give you shine and color, they contain essential oils and natural butters to provide you with nourishing botanical ingredients to optimize your lips health and beauty. We flavor our lip products naturally with oils such as vanilla and mint which have been shown to increase happy feelings; citrus oils which give a boost of energy; rose and lavender which are perfect for calming and soothing stressed nerves. Warm and cool shades apply to your lip gloss choices as they do your lipsticks. Choose colors one shade lighter or darker than your favorite lipsticks for an extra layer of light-loving color, or wear them alone for a natural, pretty look.While lip color is important so is the protective measure of both removing and smoothing your lips with both an exfoliater followed by a protective moisturizing balm. We carry 2 wonderful products that will help you achieve both of these goals. .. Our lip scrubber which is formulated with cane sugar, Mango Butter, Lavender, Mint and other nourishing ingredients will help you to easily remove roughened skin from your lips revealing smooth beautiful soft lips. This will not only help your lip color to apply more evenly and smoothly but you will find that it will last longer and if bleeding lip color is a problem or feathering, this step of exfoliating will greatly reduce or even eliminate this by reducing thickened or lined skin around and on the lips – areas which can cause lip color and glosses to gather and give an unflattering look. Also our 4 lip butter balm is a wonderful protective lip treatment that not only serves to heal and sooth your lips but makes a great moisturizing base for your lips prior to applying either lipstick, lip creams, or even lip glosses. Used nightly as a lip treatment you will find that your lips are better conditioned and experience less chapping. From Day to Evening Typically your daytime lip color should be softer than your nighttime or evening lip color look. With loose mineral lip powders you can easily deepen or add drama to your evening lip look by simply applying a touch of mineral blush or eye shadow (barring blues and greens) to your lips either prior or following adding your lip color. A touch of colored or sheer gloss on top of this and you've not only created an evening look but have added a new color to your cosmetic collection. If you've chosen to amp up your eye look you may opt to add a touch of gold or silver glow mineral powder to the center of your lips, both top and bottom, as this will complement, soften, and balance even a dark dramatic lip color. Or wear a gloss for day and add a lipstick for night. Another option is to wear gloss by day and lipcream or lipstick by night.At EGMINERALS we carry a very wide variety of lip colors, textures, and finishes. All are formulated with natural ingredients such as Mango Butter, Virgin Olive Oil, and essential oils to not only add color and beauty to your lips but to provide them with protective moisturizing oils and butters to keep them in prime condition. Our aim is to provide quality premium natural cosmetics at affordable prices to all women worldwide! Please visit our website at www.egminerals.com
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13 Ways to Build your Superstar Platform

Every speaker and author is told they must have a    “PLATFORM.”

What exactly does that mean????

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A platform is just your key message. It is the position and influence you have on a subject that is informative, interesting, inspiring and thought-provoking.

Your platform is the message that you STAND ON that reaches your core audience. It is your calling, your charge.


Your platform is the message you STAND FOR that gets people to move, take action, rally behind and/or solve a problem. It’s BIGGER than YOU!

A platform is like a “movement.” It is like a mission – and you feel you’ve been assigned to promote it.

What does an established platform look like?
1. You generate excitement/energy to an audience

2. You have attracted national media attention, have star
power or the “celebrity factor”  – ready for the Red Carpet.

3.  You are often quoted and looked upon as an expert by peers

4. You are sought-out to deliver keynote presentations or workshops or consult with “A” list clients / corporations

5.  You have created a fan-base that promotes your message to others that gives you referrals

6.  You have a large database, social media following and strong brand presence in the marketplace
WHEW!

Now that we know what a “Platform” is and what a successful platform looks like, let’s look at how to build your platform for your book or your speaking career.
Here’s how to establish a platform:

  1. Brand. Look like where you want to go.  Have the look of “celebrity.” Have a professional photo shoot. Hire an image consultant. Let’s be real: lose weight if you have to – image is everything.
  2. Have a spectacular biography. List your awards, activities, media hits, add testimonials and your photo to the bio sheet. This is called a “one sheet.” (see Candace’s above) I have launched many speakers careers by writing bios that became their “ticket” to where they needed to go – even before their book was published.  I crafted their “speaking topics” and secured  “A -list” endorsements. This was the foundation of their careers and they still use it to this day.
  3. Speak, give workshops, seminars. Volunteer your times at churches, schools or hospitals. No one is calling to PAY you to speak YET, so speak for free! Just get shots of you in action and video.
  4. Write. Yes, you hear that you need a platform to publish a book – but in reality a book can establish your platform. It’s easy to self-publish these days. Go to www.essence-publishing.com and get a free publishing kit. And if you need help, hire a ghost writer or a book coach.
  5. Pitch yourself to the media as an expert. Contact radio, TV, newspapers or magazines and offer your expertise. A quick way to get exposure is to regularly call-in to talk shows and join the conversation.  You can get to know the producers of the shows that way.  If you are afraid to “sell” yourself  – get a PR coach to help bolster your confidence and tell you what to say.
  6. Write Op/Ed (opinion editorials) or columns for your local newspaper or regional magazine. Make sure your byline includes your “spectacular bio,” links and contact information.
  7. Host your own conference, community outreach event or mini-seminar series.  Invite other expert speakers that will help “validate” your platform.  Make the event FREE so you pack in as many people as possible to showcase your skill. Make sure you alert the media. Because the event is free, pitch a public service announcement (PSA) to broadcast stations. Get listings in the daily newspapers.
  8. Secure a leadership position in a non-profit. Offer your expertise to the organization pro-bono and ask for letters of reference, testimonials and referrals.
  9. Blog! Grow your social media following. Become a thought-leader by sharing your thoughts online. Dive into Facebook (set up a ‘fan’ page) and Twitter and connect them to your blog. Make sure you are delivering value and offering solutions to problems. Search out other blogs to guest blog too.
  10. People have to hear you and see you. Set up a Youtube channel and post up videos of yourself in action. Post up videos of those who have heard your presentations too. Promote your videos via your social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.
  11. Podcast. Become a radio show host on Blogtalkradio. Interview other experts in your field and promote the podcast on your blog and syndicate it for free iTunes. Get an account at Cincast deliver messages anytime, anywhere across the internet.
  12. Build a database. This is hub of your platform. Make sure you build an email database and regularly communicate with them via an email newsletter. Drive traffic to your website/blogsite from your social media sites and capture their email addresses by offering a “free” gift that is representative of your brand. This should be a free gift that is so convincing of your expertise that they will stay connected to you over time and eventually become a “raving fan.”
  13. Joint venture and partner with others. Do teleseminars or webinars with other speakers/authors that compliment your platform. This is a good way to get exposure to a new audience. You promote them to your audience and they promote you to theirs.  Win-win synergy

Bottom line: in order to have an established platform – you need numbers and influence. The more exposure you have, the greater opportunity for others to really know, like and trust you.  Once  you have their trust, they will spread the message of your platform to others.  And word of mouth is still the best form of advertising.

It’s all about people and how you are positioned to make difference to make an impact in people’s lives. It’s ministry really. See www.LaunchLikeaSuperstar.com

See www.PamPerryPRCoach.com too for free MP3 and www.ChocolatePagesNetwork.com! (FREE social network for  authors)

Pam Perry, is a PR coach, social media strategist, co-founder Perry + Williams and chief visionary at Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc. in Farmington, Mich.


Visit her at www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com and get her podcasts on Blogtalkradio too!

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