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Check out my new site please..............

Hey GuysI started a site called www.shitthatmakeyougohmm.com .Shit That Makes You Go Hmm is a member driven; communication platform thatencourages our members to share and address issues going on in their communities, racism, injustices , religion, politics, and other life effecting things going on in your world. It is our goal to give the spotlight to peopleand issues the Media does not cover or does not cover enough.If it makes you go hmm... We want to know about it!Register, and become a member, post your issues etc......If you guys have any questions, comments or feedback I am glad to hear it!
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Complete YES

I woke up this Saturday Morning that past and I said enough is enough. I have had up before the Lord the businesses He has entrusted to me. Doing the things He requires and a full time job was not lining up for me.Now this is my story I am not telling anyone to go and do this. It really has to be GOD. He is using the foolish things known to man to show that He Is GOD and there is no one like Him.So, with having the things God has given me before Him and at His feet. I woke up Saturday got dressed and went to the job. I decided that I was living. I felt so heavy. There is more to the story but not enough time. But when I got in the parking lot I said you know what it will either be them or me. I choose me! I wrote a letter stating in so many words "Due to unforeseen issues I am releasing myself from this job".I learned in this experience when you give GOD a complete YES no one or anything can stop you from your destiny. Each person here will have there own testimony.God has entrusted each person here with a business, gift, idea, or talent it is up to you to hear HIS VOICE! not your own but HIS VOICE and move quickly.With God there is unlimited supply so just trust that HE will take care of you. I have learned how to say YES to Him through the way I live my life. God has no limits so why should I.The blessings are in the PRESS. If you don't know how to PRESS you will always be someone’s victim.If you have people around you that don't want to see you fulfilled your destiny LET THEM GO! They are dead weights.Continue To Press and thank you so much for your support!www.industrybuzzz.ning.com
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Faith

When you are ready to step out in GOD and trust HIM with the vision HE has for you .Complete Faith comes to me. The woman with the issue of blood in the bible had that issue for twelve years. WHY? Because she focus of the issue instead of the solution. In order for her to receive the healing she needed to be made whole the word went forth. What is the word? Who is the word? The Lord is the word.Then after that she had to PRESS. We stay in issues longer than we have to when all we have to do is PRESS and allow the word of GOD to come forth.Then and only then can change take place in your life and in the people who are surrounding you.The test comes to make us stronger not weak.How can we care for our families and the necessary needs of the day if we don't have a PRESS.We go to work everyday and expect a pay for the time you have given. But with GOD there is unlimited supply.I pray GOD allows you to walk into your unlimited supply on today. That you will get a PRESS where you are weak. I pray you don't maximize the issues you see in front of you like the woman with the issue of blood. But that you will find strength in the PRESS to be made whole.www.industrybuzzz.ning.com
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Tahiti and Moorea - 7 nigts from $1969* per personTahiti and Bora Bora - 6 nigts from $2729* per personTahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora - 9 nights from $3759* per personTahiti and Moorea - 7 nights from $1969* per personIncludes:* Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles* 1 nights Sofitel Tahiti Resort (superior mountain view room)* 6 nights Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa (garden view room)* Complimentary breakfast daily in Moorea* Airport welcome* Inter-island ferry* All relevant transfers(*) Price is per person based on double occupancy. Valid for travel 16Nov-10Dec'08.Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates apply. Prices do not include US, Foreign Government taxes and fees up to $320 or the September 11 Security Fee of up to $10 per person.Tahiti and Bora Bora - 6 nights from $2729* per personIncludes:* Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles* 1 nights Sofitel Tahiti Resort (superior mountain view room)* 5 nights Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa (motu bungalow)* Airport welcome* Inter-island flights* All relevant transfers(*) Price is per person based on double occupancy. Valid for travel 16Nov-10Dec'08. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates apply. Prices do not include US, Foreign Government taxes and fees up to $320 or the September 11 Security Fee of up to $10 per person.Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora - 9 nights from $3759* per personComplimentary breakfast and dinner daily (a savings of $970pp)Includes:* Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles* 1 nights Sofitel Tahiti Resort (superior mountain view room)* 4 nights Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort (deluxe garden bungalow)* 4 nights Sofitel Bora Bora Beach Resort (deluxe garden bungalow)* Complimentary breakfast and dinner daily* Airport welcome* Inter-island flights* All relevant transfers(*) Price is per person based on double occupancy. Valid for travel 16Nov-10Dec'08. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates apply. Prices do not include US, Foreign Government taxes and fees up to $320 or the September 11 Security Fee of up to $10 per person.Interested in any of these option, drop me a line at margaret@letsgetawaytravel.net
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LAS VEGAS BUDGET BUFFETS

You are on a budget and you want the cheapest meal in town? The budget buffets are rock bottom, you walk in at the end of breakfast and the beginning of lunch and you get two meals for the price of one. The food is average but it is cheap and you can eat as much as you want.Circus Buffet : Circus CircusBreakfast, 7 AM to 11 AM: $8.99,Lunch, 11:30 AM to 2 PM : $9.99,Dinner, 4:30 PM to 10 PM: $10.99Phone: (702) 734-0410Fantasy Market Buffet : PalmsBreakfast, 8 AM to 10:30 AM: $5.99,Lunch, 11 AM to 3 PM : $7.99,Dinner, 4 PM to 10 PM: $11.99Phone: (702) 942-7777Ports O' Call Buffet : Gold CoastBreakfast, 7 AM to 10 AM: $5.95,Lunch, 11 AM to 3 PM : $6.95,Dinner, 4:30 PM to 10 PM: $10.95Phone: (702) 367-7111Roundtable Buffet : ExcaliburBreakfast, 6:30 AM to 11 AM: $10.49,Lunch, 11 AM to 4 PM : $11.49,Dinner, 4 PM to 10 PM: $14.49Phone: (702) 597-7777Sahara Buffet : SaharaBreakfast, 7 AM to 10:30 AM: $7.99,Lunch, 10:30 AM to 4 PM : $8.99,Dinner, 4 PM to 10 PM: $10.99Phone: (702) 737-2111The Orchard Cafe : New FrontierBreakfast, 7 AM to 12 PM: $9.95,Lunch, 1 PM to 4 PM : $9.95,Dinner, 4 PM to 10 PM: $12.95Phone: (702) 794-8200World's Fare Buffet : RivieraBreakfast, 6 AM to 11 AM: $9.99,Lunch, 11 AM to 2 PM : $9.99,Dinner, 4 PM to 10 PM: $15.99Phone: (702) 734-5110Downtown Las Vegas;Plaza Buffet: Plaza Downtown Breakfast6 AM to 11AM, $6.99Lunch, 11 AM to 4 PM, $7.99Dinner 4 PM to 10 PM $8.99The Buffet : Golden NuggetMonday through ThursdayBreakfast, 7 a.m.-10:30 a.m., $ 8.99Lunch, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $ 9.99Dinner, 3:30 p.m.-10 p.m., $16.99Phone: (702) 385-7111
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Experts say it takes 30 days to change a negative behavior to a positive behavior. With that in mind I will be posting a positive quote of the day for the next 30 days. I hope all of you will find a quote that pushes you forward in your goal towards business success. Stay tuned.......Zanira Says SMILEDay 4 - MEMO TO MYSELFI may not have the answer, but I'll find it. I may not have the time, but I'll make it. I may not be the biggest, but I'll be the most committed to My Own Success..... Zanira Says SMILE
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I love Go Gettas!!!!!!!

I don't know why I like helping people but I do. But I like helping people though who like helping themselves and others. So Go Gettas, my new social networking site, is the perfect way to help those who just need some information, accountability, support, visualization, etc. to help them achieve their goals. That's why I chose it as my favorite site out of all the sites I'm on and I'm on a lot of them.I not only like the site but I like people who consider themselves Go Gettas. Go Gettas to me are women who are focused, dedicated, ambituous, committed, goal-oriented, accomplished, searching, finding, and yet humble. Then when Go Gettas come together with like-minded people: it's synergistic, magical, powerful!I'm looking forward to see that power in the lives of the women who join goalachievers.ning.com!I'll let you know what happens when it happens!Thedy B
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Looking for young writers!!!

ONE YEAR CELEBRATION IS HERE!!!!Don't forget............From A Writers POV is having a Back to School Short Story/Essay/Article Event!From A Writers POV is allowing young writers to display their writings on our hompage about going back to school for reviews and comments. We are looking for 4 young writers from the ages of 12-20 to submit a writing about going back to school. 2 writers from high school. 1. writer from college and 1 writer from either elementary school or middle school. Each writer gets two weeks to dispaly their work. Check out our hompage for more details and to sign up!Also, Be sure to read and vote for Fabiola Sully's Poem. This is the last week for our contest!!!!July 2008 Articles:http://www.creativewritings-designs.com/tmp/Thanks,From A Writers POVhttp://fromawriterspov.webs.com
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Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:10:49 -0800 (PST)Subject: Daily Meditation/Words from FaithMarch 9If we stand tall it is because we stand on the backs of those who came before us.-Yoruba proverbAs painful as it may be to accept, our ancestors were required to die as part of the evolution of the race.They died in order that our genius could be spread throughout the world.They died so that their energy would be shifted into the invisible, untouchable force that sustains life today.They died in order that we could stand in a new place, do new things and create new order.We must stand tall knowing the power, strength and wisdom of the ancestors is as close as a breath.All that we ever need to be, to do, to know, to have is available.All we need to do is take a stand.-IyanlaI Am standing on a solid foundation.-IyanlaMe-Faith. That is the word of the day. My favorite thing to say is "I walk by faith and not by sight." (II Corinthians 5:7) I say that because I have been through so much until everything that's happening now in my life would have never been possible if I did not stop and check myself. It's down right unbelievable to me. I can't believe the blessings that are coming my way.People say once you are able to slay that giant within, you are on your way to success. It is true. There was a time when I was in school and I didn't see myself graduating. I sat out of school for a year. During that year I had to do some self-evaluating. In 2003, I couldn't see 2005. But that didn't matter because I knew that my life didn't consist of pain, suffering, and struggling. If I didn't see past 2003, I would still be in that same state of mind and in that same place I was two years prior.Change starts with YOU. A lot people couldn't understand how happy I was when I kept going on and on and on about graduating, but I knew. I knew that I had been through somethings people will never go through if they don't get caught up in everything else, but what's important. After graduating, I knew if I could graduate, anything I wanted I could get. So I was tested. I was supposed to have a job right out of school, but anything that comes easy isn't really worth having. A lot of people kept telling me you may as well just stay in Charleston, work for about three months, save some money, and then move to Atlanta. In my head, I'm like I am NOT living in Charleston, and something is going to come through. No matter what people said I tried anyway. They even said no one knows you in Atlanta, you know this world is about who you know, you know the college kids in Atlanta that attend Morehouse, Spelmen, Clark, and all the other schools in Atlanta have first pick on jobs because they are in the city and most of them have done interns with the Fortune 500 companies. I didn't care because my school prepared me for the business world too. And I knew if I worried about what I saw, then I wouldn't have a job in Atlanta today.I knocked on everybody's door! I applied everywhere! But only stuck within my concentration. It didn't matter that I wasn't qualified enough, or a candidate got the job I wanted, or I had the job and at the last minute I find out that, someone with more experience got the job. All of those things didn't matter because I walk by faith and not sight. If anyone grasp this saying you can have anything you want. This is why I understand my Purpose, and I will fuilfill it. I don't care what people say or think. I know what I have to do and how to get where I want to go. It took me 2 months to get a job. Some collegues who graduated in May 2004 that live in Atlanta, are still crying about it is so hard to get a job. I am like how could you say that, it's about applying yourself and not settling or giving up on what you want. Some jobs wanted to offer me $10 an hour. If I accepted that it wouldn't have made any sense for me to go to school. I never lowered my standards! Because I was prepared, persistent, and focused on what I wanted, I got it. I start my new job with benefits on 03/21/05......Living in the place where I can definitely grow and connect in the industry. And emotionally connect, through words, to women all over the world. That's my Purpose and talent. I will fulfill my dreams, no I mean my Purpose.Ya'll better jump on the boat and know that through Faith, ALL things are possible. I am a living witness. As long as I stay focesed on what is important, I am going to have the neccessssities. And I am writing to tell you all that if it happened for me it can happen for you. Faith is an act. Faith is believing even though don't see it. Faith is how strong you are mentally. And the stronger your faith, the more prosperous and friutful you will be...If you don't grasp this then you'll continue in the same cycle until you do.......TawanaP.S. Know that "Your future is as bright as the promises of God."
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Redeeming The Time...

Redeeming The Time...Category: LifeHave you noticed how fast time is going?? I mean it was just June 1, a couple of weeks ago and now it's June 14, 2008. Boy, time is passing us by... So what are you doing with the time you have left? We must realize that we are granted a certain amount of time here on earth. My time is different from your time unless we are caught up (those who have accepted Jesus as Lord!) to meet our Savior! "That's going to be a GREAT DAY!!"God has given ALL of us an assignment here on earth! Now, you have to find out what your assignment is in order to be fulfilled. All of our assignments are different and the only way you'll find yours is by getting connected with the Father. Many are completing the wrong assignments... They are empty, stressed out, frustrated, just plain sick & tired of being sick and tired. You were created by God to make an impact in this world. Are you making a difference in the world? Are you leaving an inheritance for your children & those after them? Are you making History? You have been equipped by God to take dominion (Supreme authority or control) here on earth. You are chosen, pick out and appointed to take over! It is ashame to mention how many believers are throwing in the towels and calling it quits! You can't quit... God has given you the tools (His Word) and now's the time to get busy!! What do you dream about? What are your desires? How do you see your future? Habakkuk 2:2 Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald (or so that whoever reads it) may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. Are you writing your vision? Can you see yourself there already? Are you speaking your vision daily? or Are you cursing your vision? During a counseling group session I had the ladies to create a vision poster. They were given magazines, posters, scissors, pens and told to dream big... They were excited about their visions posters! Some dreamed of having their families restored, while others dreamed of going back to school; etc. I didn't let them have all the fun... because I joined in. That session was 3yrs ago and I still have my poster hanging in my closet. Everyday I walk in my closet and thank I God for His vision for my life. And by the grace of God.. He's allowed me to accomplish some of my dreams. Some of the dreams/vision we have were given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Give God the opportunity to make some changes as He see fits. Don't get sidetracked... remember He's in control not you! Allow Him to bring forth the vision for your life. We have things locked up on the inside of us and they're screaming to be let out! What are you going to do with the time you have left here on earth? Tomorrow's not promised to any of us!! Dream Big... Enlarge Your Vision for Your Life! Dare To Trust God at His Word!Timing is ticking away.... I ask you again... "What are you going to do with the time you have left here on earth??Until Next Time,Virginia TrailBlazers
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"Can He Carry You?"

"Can He Carry You?"Category: Romance and RelationshipsMany women are believing God for that special someone to be a part of their lives... For better for worse.. For richer or poorer.. through sickness & in health! Yes, I am talking about marriage here. But let's go a little deeper and answer this question.. "Can He Carry You?" Sadly, many settle for less when God has promised them the best! You want a quick anybody just to have someone next to you in bed. Yes... I'm going deep here so hold on!! You must realize your worth and value. For your price is far above rubies and you're not a cheap gold chain. I ask you the question again... "Can He Carry You?" Is he strong enough to hold you up when you fall? "Can he take instructions from the Lord without running for the boarder?" "Can He keep a JOB!" God didn't tell you to raise Him or be his mother! He told you to be his helpmate!!! So, please tell me why I hear so many horror stories of women taking care of a grown man?... He needs to GET A J.O.B! It doesn't matter if he has to flip burgers for the time being... "It's a Paycheck!" Understand.. He may be flipping burgers now... but honey you keep building him up and soon He'll be running the company!! There is something powerful about a woman who can speak life into her husband. I don't care if he's dumping trash for a living.. You continue to build him up and before you know it.. His vision for his life will enlarge!! "I ask you again.."Can He Carry You?" I once heard a message by Bishop George Bloomer.... He talked about the woman eagle... She would drop branch after branch from the tree starting with a little branch. Every time she dropped the branch, the male eagle would swoop down and catch the branch. He would then return the branch to the female eagle. She would continue to test his strength over and over, while increasing the weight of the branch... She was testing his strength to see if was able to catch her!! What's amazing to me is.. A female eagle has more wisdom in regards to picking her future mate then most women. And please let me expose this lie from satan... You can't change that man... IF he didn't want to work before the marriage. Why would he want to keep a job after the marriage? I've heard woman say... "He don't want to work!" I ask them if this was a problem before they said I do.. And of course the answer is always yes. So, why put yourself through the pain of carrying the load yourself? Is his credit messed up? Has he spreaded his seed all over town? I mean really ask these questions... if he can't be faithful to other women why would he be faithful to you?? Women Let's BE SMART WOMEN! God has given us alot of intelligence and let's begin to use it!! So the next time you're in awe of someone ask yourself this question.. "What would the female Eagle do in this situation?" Remember your worth the investment and you're worth the wait!!Love & Care,Virginia G. Howard /TrailBlazers
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"I'm A Survivor & So Are You!"

I am a Survivor & So Are You!Category: LifeThis morning preparing to start my day... I took a moment and thought about everything God has brought me out of and I can say "I am truly a Survivor!" God has brought me out of some painful situations. He's brought me out of poverty, insecurities, fears, sickness, a divorce, etc... I been through it all!... You see I know what it feels like to not know where your next meal is coming from. I know what it feels like to be homeless, I know what it feels like to be rejected & abandoned. I know what it feels like to feel like your losing your mind. And through it all I say again... "I am a Survivor!" I went to school for lunch because there was no food at home. As a child I questioned... "Is there Really A God & if so... why am I suffering so??" I went through mental & physical abuse and I just wanted to die... God couldn't possibly be real "So I thought!" As I teenager I tried to end my life... "Why continue to suffer?" I didn't feel love from my family and I couldn't receive the Love that God had for me. So as you see "I've been through some things!" There was alcohol, drugs, poverty and violence all around me. I couldn't see any hope for my life. Even though I doubted God I still whispered a silent pray... "Lord if you are real save me from this life of continual pain and suffering.... " Soon after my heart began to soften... I was drawn toward God and His word. My love for God is so deep and real that it scares me sometimes. I can't explain the love that I have for Him. I know without Him I am nothing at all! He's done so much in my life that I can't tell it all! There's absolutely no compromising when it comes to my relationship with God! I have to stay connected to Him or I will surely die! You see satan hated me from birth... He tried so much to stop me from serving God. He tried so much to break me down. He didn't want me to grab hold to God or His word. There has been so many prophetic words spoken over my life and I'm seeing them come to pass. My heart is soft, real and true. I love God for real and I love His people. I am so sensitive that I never want to offend God or any of His people. I have compassion toward lost & hurting people. It took me going through hell... just to say "I am a Survivor and so are YOU!!" It doesn't matter what you've been through... allow God to use it for His Glory! My pain didn't stop there... I went through a painful divorce.. I recall the day I had to put my home up for sale. Can you imagine people walking through your house that you believed God blessed you with? I saw people driving off with things I worked hard to purchase. Back at work I sat in my office for hours and I cried until my eyes were swollen. At the time I was overseeing a Crisis Shelter. I came out of my office to enter the staff lounge and I whispered to God.. "Lord I don't even know where I am going to live!" I heard Him speak to my spirit and He said... "Now, you know how they feel!" It was then that I realized no matter what I faced "God will always be with me". I realized that my pain will always be used for the upbuilding of His Kingdom! You see, I can get on anyones level... because I've been on every level. I can now reach those that I wouldn't be able to reach if I didn't go through some pain & suffering. I don't have time for pity, sadness, or a victim mentality! I don't associate with people that are victims (unless I am ministering or counseling them). My Covenant Relationships consist of people who's been through hell and back. For They Are Surviors! Yes, they've been through but by the Grace of God, they've came out "With The Victory!"You see Jesus went through some painful situations, he was rejected, abandoned, mistreated, talked about, spit on, lied on... shall I go on?? That's why He can understand when we're hurting, rejected, depressed etc... because He's been there too. I encourage you on this week to "Praise God" for every trial He's brought you out of. You're no longer a victim... For you are a Survivor! Okay, so you say.. "Well, Virginia you don't know what I've been through?" Yes, you're right but God does! He loves you greatly and He can turn your pain into Power (if you allow Him to!) So, make the devil out of a liar and take back your life.. "For Your Future Is Great!" Learn from your past, for they can teach you great lessons in life.*Allow God to Expand Your Territory on This Week!Until Next Time,Virginia/TrailBlazers
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Experts say it takes 30 days to change a negative behavior to a positive behavior. With that in mind I will be posting a positive quote of the day for the next 30 days. I hope all of you will find a quote that pushes you forward in your goal towards business success.Day 3"If you haven't got the time to do it right, when will you find the time to do it over?"Zanira Says SMILE
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Do you need a sponsor(s) for your upcoming events?

I'm looking for some up coming events in the Atlanta, GA area for a new client. The demographic for this client is as follows:Women 18-30Runs - Walks - MarathonsNetworking events of 200 or moreConferencesYoga, Gyms, etcHealth conferencesWellness workshopsLet me know if you have an event that meets this criteria or if you know of any.WE MUST HAVE THE ABILITY TO SAMPLE A BEVERAGE!Please forward sponsorship pkgs to: great.promo.com@gmail.comForever promoting,Karma Middletonwww.Great-Promo.ComCreating Brain Tattoos that last Generations!
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Why am I asking this quesiton? I want to help you save money. Keeping your tires at the proper inflation is very important. Yes, they're just made of rubber. They help you keep traction with the road., If they're in good shape, you don't skid across the road, in the rain.But, here are the points on keeping your tire pressure, in check. By checking your tire pressure, you won't have to buy tires every six months. It won't wear your front brakes out. You'll help out your front end parts. You'll get a better ride. You'll save on your trips to the gas station.Now, here's the what-not-to-dos: Don't trust the free air pump gauges. Carry your own tire gauge. The free air pump gauge is used by everyone. The air gauge is dropping on the ground. It's not calibrated by the service station owner. They're just providing a free service. When airing up your tires, don't use the eye test. You know the one, where you stand back and look to see if the tire no longer touches the ground. This isn't a good tire gauge. Once again, get one from your local part store. Oh yeah, the kick the tire test doesn't work either. Here's something you can use. Your proper tire pressure is located in the driver's door jam. This sticker will inform you of the correct tire pressure and tire size. Use the information located on this sticker. It's there for you to use. You can't go wrong with this information.Until next time, happy motoring.
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A few months ago, author and customer service guru Michael D. Brown appeared as my guest on Indie Business Radio. As the author of Fresh Customer Service, Michael had a lot to say about the decline in customer service over the years and what Indie Business owners can and should do to make sure that poor customer service habits do not kill their businesses.

Customer_i_love_you

If you missed that show, listen to it now so you can incorporate Michael's tips to help you love your customers. I know Michael would have some choice advice to offer the company my business partner husband and I had to deal with earlier today. Let me tell you what happened.

The Bait

It all started yesterday when Darryl ordered an high quality Canon camera so he could take even better pictures for his growing client base. Instead of ordering from his usual camera equipment supplier, he tried a new one, which advertised online the equipment he wanted for far less than his regular supplier.

Always the careful businessman, Darryl called the new company to make sure his understanding of what they were offering, and for what price, was correct.

Once everything was confirmed, Darryl placed his order online.

The Switch

This morning, Mr. West, a customer service representative from the company called, ostensibly to confirm Darryl's order. The speaker phone was on and I heard the whole conversation, which quickly turned into a classic example of bait and switch.

Mr. West told Darryl that the product he ordered did not really come with all the bells and whistles he thought he had seen listed at the website. Mr. West further said that, in order to get all of the stuff he ordered, he would have to buy a "kit," which of course contained things he really didn't need.

The B.S.

This, of course, increased the overall price by several hundred dollars.

Every time Darryl tried to ask a question or request clarification, Mr. West interrupted him to tell him that he could get everything he needed and more for less money than he'd pay anywhere else in the world, if he would just order the kit. Oh, and the extended warranty.

It quickly became clear that Mr. West was not the slighted bit interested in what Darryl wanted. He only wanted to sell as much stuff as possible and then move onto the next sucker.

After about 20 minutes of Mr. West's going for the jugular, all the while completely ignoring every question my patient husband asked him, it was over. Darryl canceled the order and asked Mr. West for the order number, email address, etc., so the cancellation could be documented.

More Bait and Switch (also known as B.S.)

Mr. West then announced that the credit card would be charged a 12% cancellation fee. Of course this is all before the order was confirmed and shipped. End of phone call. End of customer relationship. Beginning of blog post with my top 3 simple things you can do to improve customer service.

The Tips

1. Ask How You Can Be Helpful. "How can I help you?" This simple question sets the tone for your interaction and also does wonders to smooth over a difficult situation. It lets the customer know that you are focused on them. Not on defending yourself. Not on up-selling them. But you are fully and completely focused on enhancing the next few minutes of their lives. If the customer is genuinely interested in having their problem resolved, they will be able to quickly tell you exactly how you can be helpful and they will be open to alternative solutions if you offer them.

2. Listen. At the end of the day, people just want to be heard. So after you ask how you can be helpful, show them that you mean it by listening by giving them a chance to explain things from their perspective. Let them do that. There will sometimes be people who just want to keep you on the phone so they can complain for an hour. In such cases, you have to decide whether their beef is worth an hour of your time. Each situation will be different, but the bottom line is that, the first step to handling a customer service issue is to listen well before responding. Only after you've heard enough to pinpoint the situation from the customer's perspective will you be able to respond in a meaningful way.

3. Let the Sale Go. First impressions are important. But so are last ones.

Letting the sale go may be difficult, but sometimes, it's best for everyone. If a customer is clearly upset with you, and you feel as though there is nothing you can do to make things right, then politely and respectfully let them go. A nice email message can go a long way toward making a good impression as you make an exit.

Like Michael said on my show, nobody has a monopoly on products or services nowadays. The only way you differentiate yourself is through the experience you offer to your customers.

Customers today want you to make an investment in them by giving them a positive and memorable experience that they cannot get anywhere else.

Oh, and what did Darryl do after canceling the order? He placed his order with Adorma, his regular supplier. It took about 3 minutes and was completely B.S.-free.

Moral of this blog post? Good customer service pays. Oh, and also, don't order from 1 way photo.com because the customer relationship is definitely -- well, "one way."

What about you?

Have your painful customer service experiences helped you see things from your customers' perspective? What are examples of the best and worse customer service you've ever received? What tips do you have for offering supreme customer service?

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Experts say it takes 30 days to change a negative behavior to a positive behavior. With that in mind I will be posting a positive quote of the day for the next 30 days. I hope all of you will find a quote that pushes you forward in your goal towards business success.Day 2"Almost means not quite. Not quite means not right. Not right means wrong. Wrong means the opportunity to start again and get it right."Zanira Says SMILE
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This week we are launching a fabulous "Dress-A-Week" giveaway that will last through September 15th!!Contest entry rules are pretty simple:1. Add us as a friend on either myspace, facebook - or add our blogsite to your blogroll.2. Repost the contest on your own blogsite, myspace bulletin OR facebook account. Including a link back to www.OhSoChicBoutique.com and our blogsite - http://ohsochicboutique.blogspot.com You don't have to repost on all 3 (though you can if you'd like), but you must repost on at least one.3. Drop us a note or email and let us know that you've done it!4. Winners will be announced every Wednesday !It's just that simple!The first dress up for grabs is the Summer Love Pencil Dress. Available in both white and pink! Normally priced at $46 - enter the contest before next Tuesday evening to have a chance to hang this in your closet for $0!
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