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Time Management Techniques for Super-Busy People

Posted by PB31 Woman on May 14, 2010 at 2:15am
Who hasn't wished at some point that there were more hours in a day? It sometimes seems that we spend so much time rushing from place to place or task to task that we don't actually accomplish anything except feeling more frustrated.

But we can accomplish what we want to each day if we put some basic time management principles in place and follow them. Be warned: these are not all easy things to do. You might have to struggle and work at these time management techniques. But the time you invest in learning how to do these things and practicing them will be paid back a thousand-fold. Use these five time management techniques consistently and you'll have more time, accomplish more, and feel better.

Time Management Technique #1: Recognize you can't do it all.
Too many of us are stretched too thin because we've bought into the myth that everyone can (and should) do it all. We should all work full-time, spend quality time with our children and spouses and pets, spend time with our friends, do volunteer and committee work, get involved in causes, work at staying fit and healthy, and spend time relaxing and rejuvenating ourselves.

This kind of balancing act is best left to the Flying Wallendas. And you know what? It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are healthy and happy with how you’re spending your time. Decide what roles and activities are important to you and live your life accordingly.

Time Management Technique #2: Prioritize.
The other part of the myth that we all can and should do it all is that everything is equally important. It's not. Just look at your daily calendar on any given day. Is picking up the dry cleaning really as important as that meeting with a client? No. So if you have to choose between them, it's easy to decide to leave the day cleaning pickup for another day.

Don't just rush from task to task throughout the day. Review the list of what you have to do that day at the day's start and then pick out the things that you 'must do' that day. (Try to keep these 'must-dos' to three or less for starters.) Then focus on getting those things done. At the end of the day, you'll have a feeling of accomplishment, no matter what else got messed up or went wrong.

Time Management Technique #3: Learn to say "Yes" and "No".
The inability to say "No" is the cause of an incredible amount of misunderstanding and frustration. Instead of saying "No," people say "Maybe" or "I might be able to do that" or "I'll see", creating the expectation that they will do whatever it is on the part of the listener and the pressure on themselves to do it. Then when they don’t do it, the person they said "Maybe" to instead of "No" is disappointed/annoyed/hurt.

Make it a general rule not to say "Maybe" at all when you're asked to commit to something. Learn to make quick decisions and say "Yes" or "No" instead. And don't get hung up on elaborating. You don’t have to give extensive reasons for your decision. A simple "No, I can’t do that" is enough. The person you're speaking to will appreciate your honesty and your disinclination to waste their time. And you'll be without the pressure to fit in yet another activity or event you weren't that interested in anyhow.

Time Management Technique #4: Unplug.
Another modern myth that you have to disregard if you want to manage your time effectively is the idiotic idea that we all have to be reachable and 'connected' all the time. We don't, and in fact, there are times when it's important or useful to be unreachable to everyone or everything except the person or the task immediately in front of us.

For instance, if your child is telling you about a traumatic thing that happened to him at school that day or you're doing an estimate for a potential customer, you need to be listening to/communicating with the people right in front of you, not the ones calling or sending you email.

So recognize this and 'unplug' yourself when appropriate. And make yourself the manager of your technology rather than being managed by it. Do not read every piece of email as soon as it comes in, for example, or feel that you have to personally answer every phone call. Don't let incoming texts or Twitters interrupt you when you're working. Set aside particular times of day to read or listen and respond to email and phone calls.

Time Management Technique #5: Take time off.
Many business people in particular fall into the seven day trap. They feel that the more time they pour into their business, the more successful their business will be. Before you know it, they're working seven days a week every week and wondering why they feel so tired and frazzled all the time!

And is their business more successful? Maybe. Maybe not. You see, the success of their business depends on what they do, not on how much time they spend doing it.

Consider this analogy: if you want to learn golf and you spend eight hours a day seven days a week golfing but are holding the club wrong every time so that every ball you hit has a pronounced swing to the left, what happens to your golf game? It doesn't matter how much time you put into doing something if you're not doing it right.

So incorporate time off into your schedule. When you take time off, whether it's an afternoon or a weekend or a week, you return to your work refreshed and more productive, able to accomplish so much more in the amount of time available.

5 Time Management Techniques Equals More Time?
No. You won’t physically magically get more hours in a day when you put these time management principles into action. But you will be able to more effectively manage the time you have. And in terms or what you get done and how you feel, that will make all the difference.
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Diva Dialogue ~ Lunchtime Inspiration

Posted by Tonya K. Freeman on May 13, 2010 at 10:07pm

Diva Dialogue ~ Lunchtime Inspiration
with Dr. Tonya K. Freeman
(affectionately called Diva Mama Tonya)
.

30 days – 5 days a week
12 Noon – 12:45 PM EST
Beginning May 17 – June 25, 2010

.


.

ARE YOU:
  • Working too hard?
  • Loving your job or career but can’t seem to slow down long enough to take a few deep breaths?
  • Feeling unbalanced or stuck?

.

Do The Diva Shift!
Enjoy a different kind of energy boost by joining me on the daily Diva Dialogue!
Join me during the next 30 days for a journey of empowerment and self-exploration.
Each day, I will create a special inspirational message that will:
  • Show you how to cultivate your sensual Diva Power
  • Assist you with expanding your sovereign Diva Power
  • Learn how to do the Diva Shift to turn the tide of everyday stress
  • Build up your reserves of Diva Power
  • AND give your spirit a daily boost!

You will also have the opportunity to share your feelings, experience, thoughts and be apart ofour supportive sisterhood of Divas!

AND, the best part is – you can do it all from the comfort of your desk or home via phone!

Beat the afternoon slump by awakening your inner diva! Sign up below to book your 30-dayFREE lunch date with me!
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May Mompreneur #13 - YaRonda Neel

Posted by LaShanda Henry on May 13, 2010 at 5:00pm
Featuring our wonderful mompreneurs on Black Business Women Online all May! Today's amazing mompreneur is....

Name: YaRonda Neel
Business: Premier Candidate
Business Website: www.premiercandidate.com
BBWO Profile Page: http://mybbwo.com/profile/YaRondaNeel
Quote / Life Lesson: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Browse the most recent May Mompreneurs. Want to get featured? Click here.
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Website Shopping Carts De-mystified

Posted by Latreeka Williams on May 13, 2010 at 4:32pm
When you have a product to sell you want to get it in the hands of as many people as possible. Having a shopping cart on your website can help you to do just that. However you may be wondering what is the best shopping cart to use, what are the caveats of using a particular cart as opposed to another. You may also want to know which shopping cart will make the experience a pleasant one for your customers. We’ve compiled a list of the various shopping carts that can help you with your decision making.

Zen Cart: This cart is very popular and in our opinion GREAT! This free cart is very extensive and is highly recommended for anyone who wants professionalism at NO COST! This shopping cart has come great features such as coupons and gift certificate options, a built-in newsletter program, and is very easy to use. Just contact us at www.diva-designz.net and we will be glad to help you with this cart. If you host your website with us, we can install it with one click. You’ll only need to install the security updates; which are sent in a timely manner, by the Zen Cart developers.

Yahoo Stores: These carts are well known also and basically have templates that you can use. The shopping carts from Yahoo are very user friendly. Yahoo does the processing for you and it’s very easy to maintain this shopping cart. This shopping cart is not free however. There will be a 2% transaction fee on all of your sold products. Yahoo will not allow you to copy your site if you go with this cart. They will own your website creations. We find that this is not always the most desirable option.

Mals-e: Let’s say you have a bit of knowledge regarding HTML or know someone who does. If this is the case, using Mals-e as your shopping cart. Mals-e will process your orders for your. You can set up an account to use this shopping cart; FREE of charge. You do need a basic knowledge of HTML to configure this shopping cart because you will have to create and copy the codes to your website.

If you’ve been on the internet to shop for yourself, you’ve probably heard of Pay Pal. Their shopping cart is so user friendly you can truly install this one on your own! You can do the copy and pasting yourself; after getting set up with a Pay Pal account. The caveat with this is the fact that it’s a manual shopping cart. So you have to keep on your toes and delete products that are not in stock any longer. You also won’t have the nice little options that come with other shopping carts. For instance there are no coupons or sales markers and their Virtual Terminal is not the best. It also costs a pretty penny.


Well there you have it. The choice is yours and there are many more carts that you can research. Many are free while others cost a lot of money for the extra features they may offer. We can help you in designing a portion of your website with your cart such that your customers find that it’s a pleasure to shop with you.


Diva Designz Web Design Studio
www.diva-designz.net
Business Hours
Monday - Friday
10:00am - 6:00pm (CST)
Closed Saturday & Sunday
sales@diva-designz.net

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The Black Wall Street

Posted by Cap (C*Fab) on May 13, 2010 at 2:00pm

Burning of Greenwood, Oklahoma - The Black Wall Street
by Samuel Black

After the civil war many African-Americans settled in Oklahoma because of employment opportunities from the oil fields. Around 1908 the community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma was established. The Daily Tulsa Star was an African-American owned newspaper. Businesses owned by African-Americans flourished. Their communities were the best. Their schools were excellent. Greenwood was coined the Black Wall Street. However, because of jealousy, deceit, and discrimination, Greenwood was burned to the ground by white racists on June 1,1921.

Based on the growth of African-Americans in Greenwood, Jim Crow laws legalizing segregation were passed in 1908. However, following World War I, the United States Supreme Court declared the Jim Crow segregation laws unconstitutional in 1915. African-Americans progressed thereafter without restriction. Growth ensued. Consequently, the African-American community became subjected to harassment and other discriminatory actions from white mobs.

The gradual escalation of violence toward the African-American community of Greenwood did not cease. It only escalated. Two black prisoners were lynched by white mobs in 1919. On May 21, 1921, an African-American named Dick Rowland was arrested for allegedly assaulting Sarah Page, a white female elevator operator. However, Dick Rowland was never charged with a crime. Subsequently, inflammatory reporting generated by the white newspaper caused concern that Rowland may receive vigilante justice. This led to a series of confrontations between white mobs and the African-American community of Greenwood. As a result, on May 31, 1921 the outnumbered African-Americans were shot at by the angry white mobs. Several African-Americans died instantly including members of the white mob.

Following the shooting of several African-Americans on June 1, 1921, the white mob systematically burned a thirty-five square block area of Greenwood. Schools, churches, businesses, and homes were burned. The estimated property loss reached above $2.3 million. The estimated death tolls of African-Americans were in the hundreds. White vigilantes arrested thousands of African-Americans and held them for no apparent reasons. Approximately 4,300 African-Americans were left homeless, and Greenwood was left in smoke and ashes.

Several events followed the riots. Governor Robertson declared martial law, and the National Guardsmen established law and order. Mayor Evans converted the primary schools and a church into emergency hospitals. The Red Cross used the high school as its headquarters to support the residents of Greenwood. Sarah Page, the alleged white female who was allegedly assaulted by Dick Rowland left Tulsa, Oklahoma. The police chief was indicted and charged.

After the riots which destroyed Greenwood, businesses were rebuilt, churches and schools reestablished and homes reconstructed; however, Greenwood never regained its prominence as a Black Wall Street after it was destroyed by vigilante racist white mobs. Even today entire blocks of Greenwood are still vacant and awaiting revitalization of the area.

In 2003 a lawsuit for reparations was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. The lawsuit seeks damages, restitution and reparations for the African-Americans of Greenwood and their descendants based on the following violations of the United States Constitution: 1) deprivation of life and liberty pursuant to the Privileges and Immunities Clause of the 14th Amendment; 2) deprivation of property, privileges and immunities of United States Citizenship pursuant to the 14th Amendment; 3) violation of the Equal Protection Clause and the Privileges and Immunities Clause of the 14th Amendment; negligence, and various civil rights violations pursuant to U. S. C. Sections 1981, 1983, and 1985.

What occurred in Greenwood, Oklahoma was a deliberate act of ultimate racial bigotry against the American-American population. Attorneys from across the nation have been assisting with this project to recover damages for the victims.
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My Birthday Gift to You !!

Posted by Nicole Cleveland on May 13, 2010 at 12:38pm

Yesterday was my birthday. I am so grateful to be alive and in my right mind. Some people take that for granted, but not me. Each day is a gift and we must live it to the fullest and on PURPOSE! I am living my life on purpose. I may not do everything right, but each day is better than the day before ( Praise God! )

You wanna know my birthday wish?

To reach women that are hurting and covering up their hurt because of adultery.


I want them to know they are not alone. How do I do that? By getting the book,”So He Cheated, Now What?” in their hands. It doesn’t have to be you, it’s someone you know. It’s your aunt,sister, cousin or best friend
They are crying and don’t know if they can go on. I’m so sure this book will provide steps to healing that I am discounting the original price by 30% ( I’m still in my 30’s ) — Purchase it today for just $9.10 – Make my birthday wish come true.

Click here to pick up your copy for just $9.10

Stay Blessed

Nicole Cleveland

Author of "So He Cheated, Now What?"

http://www.sohecheated.com

Visit http://www.breatheagainmagazine.org

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Lessons from a Big Company on Small Business Planning

Posted by Benita Tyler on May 13, 2010 at 12:30pm

To hear Benita Tyler read this article, click the arrow button.

Listen!

As I sat glued to the television watching commentary on Chrysler and how it is responding to its decline in market share I was struck with a thought about small business. If you have been following my blog, you probably know that I am a big proponent of modeling. In my opinion, having a successful model to follow throughout the business lifecycle is invaluable. So, here I sat watching Chrysler, a once successful automotive superpower, struggling and illustrating a very powerful lesson that every small business owner should always remember. What’s the lesson?

1. Have a fluid plan. Companies need a plan that helps them maneuver through turbulent times. There should be one to cover the short run and expanded to meet long run objectives. Most consultants agree that having at least a three year plan is a good start but take a lesson from the major players. Sit down with stakeholders and discuss the vision. Go out as far as five years in your planning by considering what you have to work with now, what changes need to be made, and what investment it will cost you to continue moving forward.

2. Keep abreast of news in the business world. Pay attention to what industry leaders and CEO’s are saying. It’s in your best interest because they have resources and teams that you may not be able to access. By following their interviews and give clues about next steps based upon what they have been advised concerning the industry, market, and economy that may help you, too. As you clue in on their news and sound bites, follow their lead. Do what the successful do and take the act of planning for the future to heart.

3. Be bold enough to make changes. When you notice things are not going according to plan then it is time to look for ways to improve what you can. Are the signs showing that new leadership is in order? How about the company’s vision? Is it time to eliminate any factors that are holding you back?

I will continue to follow Chrysler’s progress as it moves strategically through its five year plan. Check back often as I report on the impact that planning has on market share, earnings, and profitability.

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Are you interested in attending the 1st BBWO Live Event for Black Entrepreneurs Online?

Posted by LaShanda Henry on May 13, 2010 at 11:11am
bbwo-worktheweb-01-540 My New York trip has been extended and so I'm taking this time to work on the first ever Black Business Women Online Live Event, which will be happening in New York City in a few weeks. The first in a series of Meetup and Marketing sessions this event will include:
  • The 5 Essentials To Building Your Business Online - A Web Workshop by LaShanda Henry
  • Networking Session for Black Business Professionals | Entrepreneurs
  • Small Business Exchange - Share Your Business with the BBWO Community
As indicated on the flyer above: There are only 40 seats available for this event. If you would like to be notified when the full event details are available, click here leave a comment below. Based on your response, I may expand the event to seat more attendees. Location: NYC (To Be Announced) Date: May 26th or June 2 2010 Regisration: $50 | 40 Seats Available Time: 6pm to 9 pm Exact date, location, and registration details coming soon. Again, if you have questions or are interested in attending this event, leave a comment here.
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New Journey

Posted by Toneisha Brantley on May 13, 2010 at 7:01am

Let me introduce myself I have a love for Fashion and always dreamed of becoming a Stylist or having my own Shoe Line. I could never draw but I had a bunch of ideas in my head of what i wanted things to look like . Right now i am trying to build my own company Iamor'pinkki which means I love Pink which I do it's my fav color, but also stands for my mom when she was young they called her pinky because of her color. I am focusing on my Lip Line Liquid Suga Kisses which is all natural what makes it stand out from everything else is homemade and all Natural products no toxic anything. I have 4 other products including my shoe line but more focusing on one item at a time the end of June my Liquid Suga Kisses will be available for purchase. I have taken beginning step to getting my name and products out by writing letters to the big wigs in the Cosmetic Industry and received one letter back so far so lets keep our fingers cross...

Twitter:http://twitter.com/iamorpinkki

Blog: http:// iamorpinkki.blogspot.com

Facebook Name: Iamorpinkki

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Know the different between REAL DEBT and Unlawful Debt.

Posted by Hardest Working Woman In Credit on May 13, 2010 at 12:53am

Debt that has been sold is no longer your debt. It now belongs to the company that bought it. They only way they get paid is by ATTEMPTING to collect it. Just review every letter that is sent to you by a DEBT collector. It states that "this is an ATTEMPT to collect a debt.

THIRD PARTY DEBT IS NOT REAL DEBT. In this country, we do not have enough regulation to protect consumers. Beforeyou go filing bankrupt, which I do not suggest you do, decide if you arereally in DEBT. This image has been created in your mind.

For more information on Debt and Credit information visit my site at www.reginalittles.com

Or you can join the fan club on facebook (REGINA LITTLES).

Author of the Trinity Collection-Credit Education for the 21st century.

advocate102@hotmail.com
321-287-0986

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Out of sight. Out of mind: I feel guilty taking some time off.

Posted by Artiatesia Deal on May 13, 2010 at 12:26am

Some may say that the greatest perk to being a freelancer is the freedom from the typical 9-5 hours. You get to wake up at anytime you want. If you want to start doing work at midnight you can because there is no one else to tell you otherwise. My question is how do you deal with talking time off without feeling guilty?


I recently went out of town for the weekend and contemplated on taking my work with me. I knew that my travel time would be long and maybe I could get some work done. At the last minute, I decided to leave my work at home and took two books, sudoku puzzles, and my blogging journal (just in case and idea pop into my head) to keep me busy. I refrained from checking in on my social networking profiles except for a few tweets. I didn’t even check my email from blackberry. I was on a mini vacation and wanted to enjoy my time away. [Continue reading...]

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Women Are The Truth Powers in This World!

Posted by Zandra Conway on May 12, 2010 at 6:46pm
I feel and know that Power lies in women who have the ability to even rebuke evil even if it means harm to them. In other situations, women seek to overpower injustice in order to better human-kind. Throughout History, women have stepped up as protectors, providers, and teachers and used their femininity and masculinity powers to ‘Make It Happen.’ This article talks about my personal views on the powerfulness of women.I will start off with Ruth’s story has written in the Old Testament:However, Ruth refuses, insisting upon remaining with Naomi, declaring one of the most famous commitments in the Holy Scriptures:“Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”- Ruth 1:16, 17It is an interesting story that not mention a lot, again seeking to diminish the power of women. The fidelity of a Moabite widowed woman (Ruth) for the widowed Mother-In-Law, (Naomi). In today’s time, this term can be referred to as a ‘sexual monogamy.’ Ruth stood up for courage when women were considered as property. If a husband dies, the wife becomes property of his brother or son. Ruth however fought for ‘freedom’ and sought to stay with Naomi for life. She became one our first female sheros. In my own voyage as a woman, I’m empowered to be the women whom I seek to be.I studied the lives and work of the following women – Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Josephine Baker, Billie Holiday, Past Presidents of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority: Dorothy I. Heights and Mon Humphries Bailey, Congresswomen Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordon, Barbara Lee, Yolanda King, Frida Kahlo, Benazir Butto, S. Epatha Merkerson and my ultimate Shero, Angela Davis.Sheroes have dedicated their lives to provide opportunities for women and children to reach their goals. These women across the world are reaching their goals and potential through networking, teaching, mentoring to provide the necessary education to be successful.Women will always determine the course of events and forms of the human culture. Throughout history and in today’s time, women continue to govern equal rights for women to develop the many forms of human culture. They will love with their hearts and souls with the aid of their informative intellectual minds. The power of women will no longer be footnotes of footnotes. Time has changed (and been changing). Engaged women will always openly embrace the feminist power on global perspectives. They will continue to emerge into positions of influence. The work transitions are not just only for individuals, but for society as well. I will repeat my opening statement – ‘Women are the True Powers of the World.’
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We have several great 2,3,4, bedroom homes in wonderful neighborhoods! Section 8 vouchers we welcome you..... Atlanta,ga!!!

Posted by ms.latonya clark on May 12, 2010 at 5:47pm
We have several great 2,3,4, bedroom homes in wonderful neighborhoods. All of our homes are newly renovated with updated kitchens with new black appliances, large bedrooms with good closet space, nice bathrooms, total electric, and new washer and dryer included. Please give me a call at your convenience at 404-549-2844 and we can see if one of our homes will work nicely for you and your famliy. I look forward to speaking with you! thanks~ Ms.Clark...


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May Mompreneur #12 - Jennifer Veal

Posted by LaShanda Henry on May 12, 2010 at 5:00pm
Featuring our wonderful mompreneurs on Black Business Women Online all May! Today's amazing mompreneur is....

Name: Jennifer Veal
Business: LaBella Baskets
Business Website: www.mylabellagifts.com
BBWO Profile Page: http://mybbwo.com/profile/Jen
Quote / Life Lesson: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Browse the most recent May Mompreneurs. Want to get featured? Click here.
Read more…

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