The Internet is a POWERFUL tool when used appropriately!

Due to the nature of my career (a Virtual Assistant), I spend alot of time networking with others on various social marketing/media sites.  It’s important to note–the Internet is a powerful tool, when used appropriately!

Within the past month, I’ve had reason to be “suspicious” of others wanting to connect with me on Facebook.  I connected with a couple of “so-called Godly men,” and communicated with them thinking it might be who God had in store for me, or possibly a Godly business connection.  Being on my guard as a Godly woman expecting only God’s best in my life, I listened with my spiritual ears.  Keeping in mind several things:  ”Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”  “Only good and perfect gifts come from the Father of Lights in whom there is no variableness, nor shadow of turning.”  ”He who findeth a wife findeth a good thing.”  Please allow me to expound….they will find me/us, I won’t find them!  What was really sad was that both of these men used a “fake relationship with God” on their pages to draw the women in.  This should tell real men of God what women are seeking…..right?

I wasn’t seeking, but I was open to God’s leading.  Let me repeat…Open to GOD’S LEADING!  As I conversed, things just didn’t line up.   So, I saw no need to continue any of the conversations, except to pray for those who were attempting to use women in their game.  That’s Biblical too.  “Pray for those who hate you, and despitefully use you.”

Then I received a couple of messages from women that were also connected with these individuals.  That’s when the TRUTH was revealed!  These men were attempting to play us as fools.  One of the ladies who wrote to me inquiring about the individual I was connected with turned out to be a Sister in the Lord half-way across the state.  So, I prayed with her, encouraged her, and the light exposed the darkness.  Women, we are PRECIOUS TO GOD!

One lady wrote about her experience, and I think it’s important for other women on Facebook to be AWARE that these con-men are out there.  ”There is NOTHING hidden that shall not be revealed.”  So, before you attempt to coerce a woman of God, just know…”If God be for us, who can be against us.”  I pray each and every woman who sees this will take heed.  Always be on your Spiritual guard!  We are MORE THAN CONQUERORS in Christ Jesus!!!  God has placed the SPIRIT OF TRUTH inside of each and every one of us.  The Holy Spirit will prompt you when something doesn’t seem right!  He was prompting me, that’s why I became very suspicious, and ultimately disconnected the connection!  God is FAITHFUL!!!  So please read, please be sensitive to the Spirit of God, and please know that God sees you as VALUABLE!!!  Go, and be safe on the Internet!

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2010/07/internet-dating-scams-using-military.html

One Nation, Under God–Indivisible!

On this special day, I’d like to share some history, and a powerful remembrance of the price paid for our FREEDOM, as shared by my Pastor, Pastor Philip Derber, and the RVN Band.

I think EVERY American should see this video.  May your life be FOREVER change by watching it!  I ALWAYS walk away with a deeper appreciation for those who have given up SO MUCH for my freedom!  Honor …someone today who has served our nation.  Enjoy the video: http://tinyurl.com/297zcsc

By the way, I’m PROUD to be an American!  Thank you to the MANY, MANY men and women that have fought, and continue to fight to keep us free!

Some history behind our nation:

Our founding Fathers had no “quams” about including God in their conversations…why do we shy away from Him now?

The Mayflower Compact:

“In the name of God,  Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc.

Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honor of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the First Colony in the Northern Parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, Covenant and Combine ourselves together into a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini 1620.

The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America. 

This document ”governs” EVERYTHING in our Nation.  The same Nation that was founded with God in mind!

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Happy Memorial Day!  IN GOD WE TRUST

Ditch the “Pitch” When Building Connections on Social Marketing Platforms

I found this article on one of my Social Marketing sites, and I felt it was valuable to share with each of you.  Following this article, please find my comments to A. Mchelle concerning her article.  It’s my goal to empower you with tools that will help to make you a success!  Enjoy the article!

Ditch the “Pitch”

Make better connections with real conversations.  For years we’ve been told to recite what it is we do in 30 seconds in effort to catch someone’s attention, attract potential clients, and believe it or not, make a sale. Although we acknowledge that business relationships take time to develop, we continue to “pitch” our products and services to anyone who will lend an ear.

Someone once said, “People don’t buy products and services, they buy trust.” Potential clients need to feel a sense of trust before they will ever engage you for your product or services.

Long-term professional relationships have always been built on personal connections.  Before you can get to trust, you have to connect on a very basic and human level.  You, essentially,  put the cart before the horse when you offer your services without ever being asked for your assistance.

The next time you feel inclined to “pitch” someone,  stop and think about the following:

1. Never jump into sales mode or take the person you whom you are speaking with on your ego trip.  Keep the conversation natural and casual.  Networking conversations are really introductory conversations.  They are the perfect time and place for you to discover what you have in common.
2. Ask questions and if you forget what to talk about, remember F.O.R.D. Friends and Family, Occupation, Recreation and Dreams. Ask questions related to any of these areas to not only find out what you may have in common, but you may discover unmet needs or ways you may be able to help later.
3. Do your homework. Don’t just take someone’s business card and flood him or her with emails or expect them to call you. Search out their name and company on the Internet and see what they’ve been up to. What is going on in their industry or region? What other things do you have in common? Do you share a target market? Do you share some of the same connections? Are your products and/or services complimentary? What else have you discovered that you can build on?

Social networking should be just that, social. Ditch your pitch. Stop ambushing people with your cards (unless they ASK for one). Idle chitchat can lead to powerful conversations, but business relationships aren’t built over night. Save the professional interrogations for a time and place after you have taken some time to get to know someone. 

A.Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans. She is featured in Forbes.com and the Financial Post as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter, contributor for the San Francisco Examiner and Fearless Woman Magazine; the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurson BlogTalkRadio.com and author of the NEW e-book: “Get it Right and Move Along… a collection of practical tips, tools and techniques for small business owners.”

My Comments to  A. Michelle regarding her article, follow:

Thank you so much for taking the time to put together this valuable information for the Internet and Social Marketing arenas. I tend to “pitch” more than I probably should, so now I’ll try to remember your list, FIRST!

********This isn’t a “pitch” , but I felt it was pertinent to the conversation…….

I “tried” to sell Christian radio for about a year (unsuccessfully, because I’m not a “closer”), but I tried. I learned VALUABLE things while in the position. LISTEN MORE & talk less! Find out who your customer IS, and what they’re all about. Remember, God gave you one mouth and TWO EARS–listening is ESSENTIAL!

You would think since the parts of our body which involve listening out-number the body parts needed for speaking, that “listening” would come “naturally!”  HA!  It really is a LEARNED skill/behavior.  Here’s the good news….we CAN be taught!

It’s not all about “us,” it’s really about how we all work TOGETHER to make this a much more productive and enjoyable world to live in! “We’re all called to do something great, but none of us can do it alone!”

Five Critical Elements to an Effective Collaboration by A. Michelle Blakeley

I found this article on LinkedIn and wanted to pass it along.  I believe my business has made it to its seventh year because of many of the points she addressed.  I agree wholeheartedly that “appropriate collaboration” or like-minded collaboration is the key to a successful business.  I hope you are able to take precious truths away with you after you read this article.

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Successful businesses are built on collaborations; functional collaborations. No business can survive without establishing and developing powerful relationships with like-minded business owners. Even the most marketable products and services need outside forces and influences to reach their target market and achieve optimum sales results. 

However, there is a method to developing effective collaborations.  You simply cannot connect, partner, and venture into business with any business. Whether you are a solopreneur or have a small staff, your ability to effectively create collaborations is crucial to your business success. You need to know who to connect with, what value you each bring to the table, what are the terms and how will you keep the communication lines open.

Here are 5 ways to ensure your collaborations are effective and meaningful:

1. Power partner:  Select business owners who have products or services that compliment yours and have the client-base you are looking for. Their mindset, motivations, visions, and business practices should also be compatible with yours.  Don’t be afraid to approach someone who is already at your next level.  If your product or service is strong enough, it could be an opportunity for you to expand.

2.  Determine the value and incentives:  Know what you can and can’t bring to the table.  Know what is expected of you and what you expect of your partner(s).  Determine the benefits of the collaboration and are they aligned with your values.  Never sacrifice the integrity of your business for a sale.

3.  Spell it out in black and white:  Collaborations really should be in writing.  Having your terms and agreement in writing will help eliminate any misunderstandings or miscommunications.  Knowing who is responsible for what will set the boundaries of your relationship.

4.  Client sharing and management (follow-up):  You want to expand your client-base while maintaining your identity. Remain separate, but equal.  How are referrals handled? What is the process for contacting referrals?  Is there a referral fee involved?  It’s okay to share client databases;  but be sure you have an established follow-up system for handling each other’s clients.  Your clients should receive and expect the same quality and level of service from your partner.

5. Communication:  Be sure to schedule regular meetings to review your collaborative relationships, make necessary adjustments, and outline growth strategies.

It’s important to remember that in collaborations, your partner’s success depends on your success and vice versa.  Having a formal collaborative partnership could make all the difference for your business.  No business owner is an island.  Savvy business owners and entrepreneurs know when to ask for help and know how to leverage their product or services.

A.Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans. She is featured in Forbes.com as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter and the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurs on BlogTalkRadio.com.

Summary of the Bible by an Eight-Year-Old

An 8 year old child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible.
This is amazing and brought tears of laughter to my eyes.
I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching???  Hope you enjoy this light-hearted, but sincere view of the Bible, through the eyes of a child:

The Children’s Bible in a Nutshell

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, ‘The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.

Anyway, God said, ‘Give me a light!’ and someone did.  Then He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren’t embarrassed because mirrors hadn’t been invented yet.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden…..Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn’t have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.  One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh’s people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.

God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don’t lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor’s stuff…Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses’ best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David.  He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot.  He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines.  My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn’t sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.  There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don’t have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New.  He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, ‘Close the door! Were you born in a barn?’  It would be nice to say, ‘As a matter of fact, I was.’)

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats.  Jesus also had twelve opossums.  The worst one was Judas Asparagus.  Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.  Jesus was a great man.  He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.  But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot.  Pilot didn’t stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again.  He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum.  His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

Valuable lessons for successful employment

Over the last 25 PLUS years working for others, I’ve worked by these standards:

The customer is always right, and IF by chance they aren’t, tread lightly and keep your mouth shut while smiling, and then figure out how to make the entire situation RIGHT! All the while, empowering and equipping the customer for future successes.

Always treat others the way you would want to be treated: courteously, professionally, and compassionately.

Always get to work early and be willing to stay late. Go ABOVE AND BEYOND the call of duty, it’s just the RIGHT thing to do! Do whatever is necessary to finish a task when it is expected—the lives of others may be depending on it!

Honesty is the best policy. Do what you say you are going to do, even if it costs you something! Your integrity is too precious to throw away….so always keep a tight grip on it by paying attention to what comes out of your mouth!!!!

STRIVE FOR PERFECTION,  not mediocrity.

Speak clearly, precisely, and get to the point. As a woman in business, I learned very quickly that “most” men and women in upper management don’t want to hear all the flowery stuff, they just want the bottom line. How will what you are offering help the organization….bottom line?! Plain and simple.

Keep your personal life just that–personal, unless you want your “dirty laundry” hung out for the world to see–so keep it to yourself!

Choose all of your words carefully.

End a conversation with a positive statement whether it is “Enjoy your day; “Have a nice weekend;” “Enjoy your lunch,” etc.

I’ve lived by these standards for years, and I’ve been successful in my lifetime! I hope you’ve found these success tips helpful.

May your life be filled with joy, success, and hope for a brighter future.

Determination and Success–the Power Twins!

“And  we know that all things  work together for good  to them that  love God, to them who are  the called according  to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28

“The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won’t.”~Henry Ward Beecher

“When the world says, “Give up,” hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”~Author Unknown. Why does hope whisper? Because the Word says, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when desire cometh, it is a tree of LIFE!”~King Solomon, Proverbs 3:12.

“Don’t be afraid to give your best to what are seemingly small jobs. Every time you conquer one, it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.”~Dale Carnegie

“Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain.”~Author Unknown. “The path of the Just is as a shining light which shines more and more until the perfect day.”~King Solomon, Proverbs 4:18

“He who endures conquers.” “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37. “For thou, LORD, has made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.”

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.”~Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.”  Micah 7:8

“As a means to success, determination has this advantage over talent—that it does not have to be recognized by others.”~Robert Brault. Quite the contrary–“A man’s gift maketh room for him and bringeth him before great men.” ~King Solomon, Proverbs 18:16. So, the world WILL take notice of our gifts!

Enjoy each and every step of your Destiny!  God has called you to prosper for His Glory!

 

 

 

“The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord.”

Living a Life of Purpose

In this day and age that we live in it is vitally important to set our sights on our call, our Destiny, and to have purpose in our lives.  I’ve compiled the following quotes to help inspire you, encourage you, and possibly provoke you to live a life of purpose.  Enjoy!

Only life’s best to each of you…..Cindy Seip

“The purpose of life is a life with purpose.”~Robert Byrne

“Do not mistake activity for achievement.”~Mabel Newcomber“When he walks, he casts a shadow of purpose.”~Emme Woodhull-Bäche “Great minds have purposes, others have wishes.”~Washington Irving “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”~Helen Keller “Purpose serves as a principle around which to organize our lives.”~Anonymous “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know:  the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”~A. Schweitzer “We were not sent into this world to do anything into which we cannot put our heart.”~John Ruskin “Life is a promise; fulfill it.”~Mother Theresa “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.”~Ralph W. Emerson “How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” ~William Shakespeare “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”~M. L. King “Seeing yourself as you want to be is the key to personal growth.”~Anonymous “I would rather fail in a cause that will ultimately triumph than to triumph in a cause that will ultimately fail. “~Woodrow Wilson It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly.”

A Joy-filled Journey to Destiny!

With the help of the World-wide Web, I’ve compiled some great quotes which I hope will encourage, empower, and help you see how truly valuable you are in this journey of life.  Please take from this site what you need to fulfill your destiny, and to have a joy-filled journey, as you find your true purpose in life!  Enjoy your own special journey!

Cindy

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“Focus on the journey, not the destination.  Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in doing it.” Greg Anderson “Joy is your destiny. You were created for joy.  Pay attention to what brings you joy and take joyful actions daily.  Creative action equals joy attraction.  Joy is the path to your true purpose.” Marta Davidovich “Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile.” Wilfred T. Grenfell “Joy comes from using your potential.” Will Schultz “This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.” George Bernard Shaw “Where there is joy there is creation. Where there is no joy there is no creation: know the nature of joy.” Upanishads “Joy is our goal, our destiny.  We cannot know who we are except in joy.  Not knowing joy, we do not know ourselves.” Marianne Williamson Does your journey feel like “The Path Less Traveled?”  If so, you’re not alone.  We are all called to do something great, and to be great means that we are called to do something out of the ordinary, or in other words, ODD!  Enjoy your destiny!

Endurance: The Key to Health, Success, Life, and Happiness?

Yesterday was a beautiful day in Frankfort, Kentucky, so I decided to take a VERY LONG walk to test my endurance level.  All told, the walk was probably close to 12-15 miles long with several hills!  While I was walking, I realized that what I was doing required a great deal of endurance.  I also realized the similarities between the endurance required to run the race of life, the endurance to grow a business in the 21st Century, and understanding human endurance.  That being said, I’ve compiled the following quotes about endurance.  Please be encouraged by these words. “Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory.”   William Barclay   “Endurance is patience concentrated.”   Thomas Carlyle   “Endurance is nobler than strength and patience than beauty.”   John Ruskin    ”Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.”   “Endurance is the crowning quality, and patience all the passion of great hearts.”  James Russell Lowell “Unless you have courage, (a courage that keeps you going), always going, no matter what happens, there is no certainty of success. It is really an endurance race. Henry Ford   “Strong lives are motivated by dynamic purposes.” Kenneth Hildebrandt “Success demands singleness of purpose. “ Vincent Lombardi “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” Booker T. Washington  “Prolonged endurance tames the bold.”  Lord Byron ““Those who endure conquer.”