tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69258367025388665062024-03-05T03:33:44.653-08:00Gwinnett's Leadership Organization for WomenGLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-68244937411258138282011-03-11T06:30:00.000-08:002011-03-11T07:12:27.541-08:00100th Anniversary of International Women's Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajqBV26LO-O8WCaUEW1ym9tmFbgdDV34KlTEi2-D-tRdFgZCbuep2MkrCKJViSShvc7-8LO4yng58GKurk_iFKY2CXJLPbljXdGItbEE4NYfuDj8GXVN_byG72U92zgL12476w9zCiY3Y/s1600/international+women+day+logo.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 142px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 169px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582840251896105954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajqBV26LO-O8WCaUEW1ym9tmFbgdDV34KlTEi2-D-tRdFgZCbuep2MkrCKJViSShvc7-8LO4yng58GKurk_iFKY2CXJLPbljXdGItbEE4NYfuDj8GXVN_byG72U92zgL12476w9zCiY3Y/s320/international+women+day+logo.gif" /></a><br /><div>100 years ago on March 8th...it was declared International Women's Day!!! In a primarily female dominated office, we like to celebrate women's day everyday!!! As a female in a era where gender equaility is promoted and growing up knowing I could do anything I set my mind to...even running a Fortune 500 company, I can appreciate the great challenges women in history have over come for myself and others.<br /><br /><br /><div>This "holiday" in different regions, the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements. The movement started as a Socialist political event, the holiday blended in the culture of many countries, primarily Eastern Europe, Russia, and the former Soviet bloc. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Check out <a href="http://shetakesontheworld.net/2011/03/women-empowering-women.html">SHE TAKES ON THE WORLD</a> a women's business blog about the climb to success. She highlights various women of power who are making "NOISE" via twitter and who you should follow!! Women such as Laura Bush, Opra Winfrey, UN Women, Christy Turlington and many more!</div><br /><br /><div>Check it out...this is a great way to get exposed to twitter (a very scary concept for some, such as myself) and hear what these inspiring women are tweeting about!</div><br /><div> </div></div>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-11176760015668539252011-01-05T10:28:00.000-08:002011-01-06T06:04:27.172-08:00A New Year Makeover for Your Money<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bTc6FGHqHK_Biu1X4CwXzzVFqFhtDQrnGL4nXY1LA7sO_kBguQfHt6Bn3QYM8FgJ81n1jY7fhcrFNCEYLeHR_SnXFLXvLl0SbAa4L8ajFzrBp21P9zEiSAq2biaeu4T42xuhXuGnW6s0/s1600/girls-money-woman.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559072419408401378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bTc6FGHqHK_Biu1X4CwXzzVFqFhtDQrnGL4nXY1LA7sO_kBguQfHt6Bn3QYM8FgJ81n1jY7fhcrFNCEYLeHR_SnXFLXvLl0SbAa4L8ajFzrBp21P9zEiSAq2biaeu4T42xuhXuGnW6s0/s320/girls-money-woman.jpg" /></a><br /><div>We all do it, make New Year's resolutions to get in shape and better our physical health but do we ever think to get our <em>Financial Health</em> in shape as well. I read a blog recently by <a href="http://blogs.forbes.com/moneywisewomen/2010/12/31/a-new-year-makeover-for-your-money/">Forbes Magazine</a> that made me realize, our wallets and bank statements could also use a little "boot camp" to get in shape for the New Year! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So this year I vow to work on the relationship with my money from an angle that I've never explored before. The article examines how we descibe our money's "job title" in our life. For example...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Is you money your own <strong>"Personal Stylist"-</strong> to make you look good, or to feel valuable, powerful, or lovable. Motto: “Without me, you’d be nothing.”</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>...or does your money hold the title of <strong>"Genie"-</strong> to grant your wishes and fund your dreams. Motto: “Your wish is my command.”</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What does your money do for you? Check out Forbe's <a href="http://blogs.forbes.com/moneywisewomen/2010/12/31/a-new-year-makeover-for-your-money/">"A New Year Make Over for Your Money"</a> to learn how to re-negociate the contract between you and your money!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So here it you, <span style="font-size:130%;">2011</span>...new year, new you, new financial health!!! Go get fit!!</div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">ForbesWomen- Money Wise Women Blog</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Debbie Lacy</span></div>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-76990930114408446382010-11-11T12:16:00.000-08:002010-11-11T12:21:19.760-08:00<p><span style="font-size:180%;">Give a little...GLOW a lot!<br /></span></p><p>In the spirit of the holiday season, giving a little can greatly reflect in your GLOWing personality. Help us bring a little cheer to someone's life this year as we help the Partnership Against Domestic Violence.<br /><br />Please show your giving side by bring a personal care item to the December 3rd GLOW event! </p><p><u>PADV Holiday </u><em><u>WishList<br /></u></em>Toothbrushes<br />Sanitary Napkins<br />Deodorant<br />Hair Care Products<br />Toilet Paper<br />Pain Reliever<br />Shower Gel or Soap<br />Tooth Paste<br />Body Lotion<br /><br /><br />For more information about the <a href="http://www.padv.org/">Partnership Against Domestic Violence</a> please check out their website.<br /></p>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-92091818708396300192010-11-02T11:17:00.001-07:002010-11-02T11:28:23.070-07:00Time to Get Organized<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gYoYoU9xk7ASTuvDdUj5PMB3-ySvryhnjLhfykQlRxCdyJbvevWoTMEkx0ZjCqnV1Hlgbk6LX2pR6-dHJTaY6cFeqJazcZenvLR2OUwkvKiNTAZBmC6GHb9iux_4Wqm50aVPkrA2o0Uq/s1600/stack-of-papers.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 171px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535020124421870370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gYoYoU9xk7ASTuvDdUj5PMB3-ySvryhnjLhfykQlRxCdyJbvevWoTMEkx0ZjCqnV1Hlgbk6LX2pR6-dHJTaY6cFeqJazcZenvLR2OUwkvKiNTAZBmC6GHb9iux_4Wqm50aVPkrA2o0Uq/s320/stack-of-papers.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span xmlns=""><br /><p>I am constantly telling co-workers, "I am going to clean my cube today." And shamelessly…I just move a few stacks of papers around and leave at the end of the a busy work day knowing that my space will be a "mess" to greet me the next morning. With the new year only a little less than 2 months away and the promise that of "doing better" next year always a resolution, I never seem to rid myself of "piles" on my desk (or on my kitchen counter, in my car and laundry room floor.)<br /></p><p></p><p>December's GLOW features Monica Ricci, professional organizer with <a href="http://www.catalystorganizing.com/">Catalyst Organizing</a>. She will be helping the <em>GLOWING</em> women of Gwinnett by giving her talk on "Striking a Balance: Powerful Life Management for the Stressed & Overwhelmed." A perfect topic for the most hectic…excuse me, I mean <em>wonderful</em>…time of the year!<br /></p><br /><h3>Check out Monica's blog article on <a href="http://monicaricci.typepad.com/monica_ricci_organizing_e/2010/07/why-piles-arent-so-bad-after-all.html"><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline;font-family:Times New Roman;color:blue;" >Why Piles Aren't So Bad After All</span></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span><br /></h3><br /><p>Rachel Jeffers (Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Programs & Events Manager)<br /></p></span></div>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-88558947013114508562010-07-20T07:56:00.001-07:002010-07-20T08:55:03.762-07:00Confessions of a Multitasker<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixasHW0zkcGQopY2cNOybNCCqrRMUyyt3nHUEDdAyCItME_eOgbD2RbgSXDuiJX0TsNdIkB1ckk-FmXOu_pBj2FQvIYI_9jfyyzheui5HGtqry-wOcsH_H6AfI2dV9nEIPI-LPe6b5M5OY/s1600/multitasking+image.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496014501682127618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixasHW0zkcGQopY2cNOybNCCqrRMUyyt3nHUEDdAyCItME_eOgbD2RbgSXDuiJX0TsNdIkB1ckk-FmXOu_pBj2FQvIYI_9jfyyzheui5HGtqry-wOcsH_H6AfI2dV9nEIPI-LPe6b5M5OY/s200/multitasking+image.png" /></a> <table style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" border="0"><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"><span style="font-size:85%;">July 20,2010</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span><tbody></tbody></p></table><div><div><span xmlns=""><div><span style="color:black;">When I read this Blog (Simply Stated: Real Simple; See below) on multitasking, I laughed to myself because I knew exactly what the author is "confessing". As females, we have been blessed with the gift to multitask, and it makes life much more productive for us. </span><br /><br /></div><p><span style="color:black;">We can curl our hair, pour a cup of coffee, pay the cable bill online and lay out the frozen chicken for dinner, all while listening to the news on TV for traffic updates and making a mental TO DO list for work and rushing out the door to make it in TIME for work! Yes, pat yourself on the back; we are amazing creatures who can do it all! And most of the time we can, except when does multi-tasking too much interferes with quality of relationships, performance and peace of mind. </span><br /><br /></p><p><span style="color:black;">I often have to remind myself to slow down and relax. Take one project on at a time, listen fully to co-workers and spend quality time with loved ones.</span><br /><br /></p><p><span style="color:#6600cc;">Enjoy ~ Rachel Bartz (Programs and Events Manager: Gwinnett Chamber)</span><br /><br /><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#663366;">---One of my biggest gripes these days—and I know I'm not alone—is when other people multitask. Whether it's mid-conversation, and I can hear them typing in the background, or mid-meal, and they're checking their Blackberries, I feel it's rude and ruins the quality of time we're spending together. But, I'm ashamed to admit that I might be guilty of a slightly different kind of multitasking<br /><br />When I have people over to my home, whether it's for a brunch or a dinner, I always hop up to clear the plates when the meal is done. Inevitably, some other kind soul will take that as her cue to help, to which I always shriek, "Sit down, I'm just getting these out of the way." Because, in fact, I really don't want anyone to help me clean up; I'd rather my guests stay at the table and keep enjoying the conversation.<br /><br />But then, I'll admit, I take it one step further: I start to wash the dirty pots and load the dishwasher. I should mention that my kitchen is an open one, so I can still hear the conversation going on at the dining room table (or even the living room, if people have migrated there). But still, the guests always yell, "Julie, sit down! Leave that for later."<br /><br />I understand that these cries of protests stem mostly from their desire to relieve me of clean-up duty. But ironically, it actually helps me relax, knowing that I've gotten a jump-start on the disaster area that is my kitchen. And as multitasking sins go, this one seems like a victimless crime! However, I'm aware it might actually be rude for me to leave the party, and make others feel bad about having fun while I'm doing battle with a greasy pan in the kitchen.<br /><br /><strong>So: Do I need to leave the clean-up for later and rejoin the party? Or is it okay to start scrubbing while the other guests mingle?</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:12;"><br /></span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#0099ff;">Simply Stated: Real Simple Blog </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#0099ff;">http://simplystated.realsimple.com/simplystated/2010/06/multitasking-throughout-the-day.html </span></p><p><a href="http://simplystated.realsimple.com/simplystated/work_life/"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#0099ff;">Work & Life</span></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#0099ff;"><br /></span><span style="color:#999999;">Posted on Jun 17, 2010 11:29:16 AM By <a href="http://simplystated.realsimple.com/simplystated/julierottenberg.html"></span><span style="color:#0099ff;">JulieRottenberg</span></span></span></p></span></div></a></div>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-76525091051093826022010-04-09T06:34:00.000-07:002010-04-09T06:41:30.881-07:00When Women RuleI just read a very interesting article from the New York Times. It was published in 2008 but still very pertinent to the business arena that women must navigate today. The article is called "When Women Rule." It talks about how history shows that women rulers have oftentimes had a better track record than men. It also goes into reports that have revealed the biases around the world when rating men vs women as leaders. Please click <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/opinion/10kristof.html">HERE</a> to read the article. Return to this post and let me know your thoughts. Do you think that the findings are valid? Have you experienced any of these prejudices during the progression of your own career? What is the solution?GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-65850770621897165062010-01-04T11:41:00.000-08:002010-01-04T11:51:42.817-08:00Evaluate Your Small Business WebsiteSo we've all made our New Year resolutions for 2010. . . or most of us have anyway. Many are personal aspirations and others careeer and business related. Did at least one resolution include updating your website?<br /><br />If not, then add it to the list! Below is an article written by Deborah Crawford that I think is definitelty worth the read and follow-up. Step into the New Year in the right pair of high heels and make sure that this major marketing tool is updated and streamlined with your mission and vision for your organization.<br /><br />~Nicole Wright (Niche Market Program Manager; Gwinnett Chamber)<br /><a href="http://www.bellaonline.com/about/soho"></a><br /><br /><strong>Evaluate Your Small Business Website</strong><br /><br />Have you taken time to evaluate your website lately? Your website is a marketing tool—in some instances, it may be your only marketing tool! Just like print ads, sales kits, radio or TV ads, billboards, signs, business cards, sales letters, and so on, your website represents your business to the world. It’s a good idea to visit your site frequently and try to look through the eyes of your visitors and/or customers.<br /><br />Some things to consider when evaluating your site:<br /><br /><strong>First Impressions:</strong> Does your site come up quickly when you type your URL into your browser? Is your URL easy to remember and easy to spell? Does your home page download within eight seconds? People are impatient and will not wait for flashy intros and tons of graphics to download. Do you get right to the point? Can you tell immediately what this company does?<br /><br /><strong>Credibility:</strong> Does your website give your company credibility? Does it look professional for your industry? A jewelry designer and an accountant would have different images for their companies, and should not use the same canned website themes. Fun, creative businesses need to demonstrate their creativity online. More serious professions should choose more sedate web designs. Nobody wants to hire an accountant whose website features dollar bills dancing along with “We’re in the Money”. It may be funny, but I don’t want my accountant to be funny.<br /><br /><strong>Easy to Read:</strong> Can the average reader of your site easily read your content? Journalists have long used the 8th grade reading level as their goal when writing. Avoid jargon and acronyms that readers unfamiliar with your industry do no know--unless you are writing content explaining those terms. It’s a good idea to have someone outside your industry read the content on your website and give you feedback. Remember, white space is good—don’t try to fill up every inch of the page with words. Short paragraphs, short sentences and short articles are more likely to be read online.<br /><br /><strong>Easy to Navigate:</strong> Are key links to your site easy to find, and are they consistent throughout the site? If they are on the left on the homepage, keep them on the left. Do you have too many links on the homepage? If you have over 20 links on your homepage, consider reorganizing and condensing them. Make it easy for visitors to find what they are looking for. Cut the clutter and minimize the ads.<br /><br /><strong>Valuable Content:</strong> Good content is still king on the web. Educate your visitors—they are looking for information. Tell them about you, your company, your products, and your industry. Update frequently so they will return. Delete outdated information. Learn to write for the web, or hire a freelance writer with some experience in writing for the internet. Provide resources and links helpful to your readers.<br /><br /><strong>Branding:</strong> Make sure your website is consistent with your offline marketing materials in color, design, impression. If you have a logo, put it on each page, along with contact information—your name, company name, phone, fax, URL, address. Make sure customers can contact you. Nobody wants to do business with an unknown entity. If you run a home-based business and do not want your home address online, rent a PO Box, or at least put your city & town there. Check that each page supports your mission and vision statements if you have them, or that it supports the image you want your company to have.<br /><br /><strong>Links:</strong> Make sure you have links to relevant sites and make sure they all work. Make sure your internal links work, too. Broken links are frustrating and will lose visitors quickly. Check them often. Check your outgoing links to make sure they still work and that the sites you link to are sites you personally recommend. Exchanging links is a great idea, but make sure you don’t exchange links with businesses you wouldn’t support.<br /><br /><strong>Graphics:</strong> You need graphics—just like pictures in the newspaper or in a magazine, they create interest and aid in communication. Make sure yours are small enough to load quickly. Make sure they support your message—don’t have your visitors trying to guess why you have a picture of a pig on your page.<br /><br />Keeping your website current, efficient, and informative can help you grow your business and build your brand. It can help you reach people around the world! Make sure that what you have online truly represents your business to every one of them.<br /><br />Deborah Crawford<br />BellaOnline's Small Office/Home Office Editor<br /><a href="http://www.bellaonline.com/">www.bellaonline.com</a>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-18995533527185146022009-12-04T12:46:00.000-08:002009-12-04T12:55:16.374-08:00Why Can't I Lose Weight?You are exercising, eating right (for the most part), and drinking lots of water and still can’t shed the pounds. What is going on?<br /><br />There are numerous weight loss programs that claim to make you lose weight, in fact, weight loss business is a multi-million dollar industry because IT DOESN’T WORK! How many times have you tried to diet and tried different diet programs only to gain it back and then some? Why can’t you lose the weight like before?<br /><br />Is it becoming more and more difficult to lose the weight as you age? Women are considered peri-menopausal from approximately 35 years of age and significant fluctuations in our hormones can cause such an imbalance in our hormones that can ultimately cause weight gain, fatigue, joint pain, DM, heart disease, breast cancer, to name a few.<br /><br />As women age, we have various fluctuations in our hormones that make us prone to weight gain.<br /><br />There are several culprits that make women gain weight:<br />· Changing ratios of ovarian hormones as we age: estradiol and estrone<br />· Increased progesterone relative to estrogen<br />· Excess adrenal androgens and cortisol relative to estradiol<br />· Increased insulin levels as we age; Decreased estradiol<br />· Decreased in thyroid function with age<br /><br />All of the above has a negative impact on our metabolism. It causes a cascade of reaction:<br />· Decreased metabolism<br />· Loss of muscle mass<br />· Increased stress<br />· Decreased physical activity<br />· Fatigue<br />· Increased food cravings and intake<br />· Increased fat stores<br />· Increased weight<br />· Increased insulin production<br />· Increased fat store around the middle (waist)<br /><br />We need to optimize our health by creating balance within our own body. We should not resign ourselves to not feeling and looking our best. It is our time to refocus, start taking better care of ourselves, and take control of our future. Understand your body and start taking the steps to find a balance between body and mind. Strive to look and feel your best!<br /><br /><br /><p>Consider the following:</p><p>Reflect on your own health risks: are you overweight, have high cholesterol, medical diagnosis, blood pressure, etc.</p><p>Family History: Do your parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents, aunt, etc. have history of : Diabetes, Hypertension, High cholesterol, heart disease, thyroid disorders, cancer, obesity?<br /></p><p> </p><p>Find a physician who will measure objective testing:<br />1. Ovarian Hormones: FSH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, DHEA-S<br />2. Cortisol, TSH, T3, T4, Thyroid antibodies<br />3. Fasting lipid profile: cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglyceride<br />4. Metabolic profile<br />5. Fasting Glucose: HgbA1C<br />6. Bone Density<br /></p><p> </p><p>Evaluate your lifestyle:<br />1. Types of foods you eat daily<br />2. Do you exercise<br />3. Smoke, Drink<br />4. OTC medications, supplements, herbs, etc.<br />5. Bad habits<br />6. Good habits<br /><br />Stress: evaluate the stressors in you life and determine how you can minimize and participate in activities that may relieve and help you cope better such as yoga, exercise, counseling, etc.<br /><br /><br />By Connie Jeon, DPT, MPH, RD/LD, HFS, CPI, CYT <a href="http://www.elementssuwanee.com/">http://www.elementssuwanee.com/</a></p>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-7426739288824094052009-11-23T06:23:00.000-08:002009-11-23T06:41:14.866-08:00GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEPThe body naturally works in tune with the sun, moon and earth's rotation. Research indicates the body's natural, involuntary system is interrupted when normal sleep patterns are skewed.<br /><br />What types of activities interrupt normal sleep patterns? One is an altered work schedule – changing from a daytime work schedule to the "graveyard shift.” Another negative sleep habit is going to bed late and waking early, which doesn’t allow the body to get the 6-8 hours of sleep recommended for health. Finally, if you do not sleep continuously through the night, you’re setting yourself up for irritability, lethargy and possible weight gain. I’ve had clients report getting up at 1 or 2 in the morning to snack, read or watch television. This type of unnatural activity negatively affects the involuntary processes the body goes through when we sleep – digestion, cell rebuilding, and memory “download” or storage by the brain. Additionally, nighttime snacking increases caloric intake without expending those calories, which causes weight gain.<br /><br />If you find it difficult to unwind and enjoy a night of peaceful sleep, here are a few tips:<br /><br /><br /><p>*Avoid strenuous exercise 1-2 hours before bedtime. Metabolism increases during exercise and typically remains up 1-2 hours after a bout of rigorous exercise. Instead, participate in less active physical activities like gentle stretching, meditation, or reading. </p><p><br /> </p><p>*Engage in focused deep breathing while lying in bed. Inhale for 10-20 seconds, then exhale for the same amount of time. Don’t hold your breath between inhalations and exhalations. Let the breath flow evenly in and out through your nose. Breathing through the nose will filter and warm the air coming into the body. Slow, concentrated breathing relaxes the muscles of the body and slows the heart rate. </p><p><br /> </p><p>*Do not eat immediately before going to bed. Move around a bit after dinner – clean the dishes or go for an evening stroll. Light activity after a meal helps to burn calories and aids digestion.<br /></p><p> </p><p>*Take a warm bath with Lavender and/or Chamomile oil in your bath water. These two essential oils have a calming affect when inhaled. If you do not have time for a bath, take a warm shower and smooth Lavender or Chamomile scented lotion or cream on your body afterwards.<br /></p><p> </p><p>*Drink warm (not boiling) decaffeinated Chamomile or white tea about 1-2 hours before bedtime. Chamomile tea, like the oil, has a calming affect. Since tea is a diuretic, make sure to allow an hour or so before bed so you won’t wake up for a bathroom run. </p><p><br /> </p><p>*Sleep in your bed, not on the couch. I know this sounds simple, but how many people do you know fall asleep late at night in a chair with the television on? Your spine needs the support of a sturdy mattress and your neck and head need the support of a good pillow. </p><p><br /> </p><p>*Discuss any breathing and sleep challenges with your physician. Obesity, heavy snoring and sleep apnea are three common causes of abnormal sleep patterns due to interrupted breathing. Check to see if you suffer from these or other issues. </p><p> </p><p>Be good to yourself – you might be pleasantly surprised with the results of 6-8 hours of peaceful slumber.<br /><br />Althea Lawton-Thompson, Certified Fitness Expert, is the owner of Aerobics, Yoga & More Fitness Studios in Lilburn, GA and the Fitness Coordinator of the Johns Hopkins Youth Obesity Program in Baltimore, MD. See classes and workshops she offers at www.AYMFitness.com.</p>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-42929101064850809122009-10-12T09:11:00.000-07:002009-10-12T09:17:56.661-07:00<strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#330033;">Stop Selling Failure by Talking Yourself Out of Success</span><br /></strong><br /><strong>By Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS<br /><br /></strong>One of the obstacles I face with my professional clients is their inability to recognize and overcome sabotaging self-talk. Through coaching them I realize how personal image can be, and how easy it is to be overly critical of ourselves –when we really need to be our own biggest fans. We often catch ourselves saying things like “I am not good enough to get that higher position”, or “I’ve gained weight and I feel fat”, or “I’m losing my hair and developing more wrinkles.” But what’s worse is that we often do not catch those negative critiques and instead let them slip past our radar and become assimilated into our core identity. When that happens they become empowered because we start believing them to be true. So we need to instead empower ourselves with positivity, not sabotage ourselves with negativity. Being critical of our image blocks the flow of positive intentions that help us flourish. But a thriving inner drive is sustained by daily positive thoughts and expectations for the future. When you switch on self-talk it generates an inner dialog of positive thoughts and affirmations, and you start to believe it and get energy and confidence. The impact is transferred to your personal presence and inspires a happier, more successful life. Let’s explore five techniques to create more confident image through self-talk: Score More Points and Win the Self-Talk Game<br /><br />I find it interesting that when I ask a client to rate himself or herself on a scale from 1-10, with 10 being the highest; the majority of people give themselves a rating between four and seven. Since it is your choice to evaluate yourself, why not award yourself a 10? We are all full of so much potential but we don’t tap into it because we get caught up in the negative talk that lowers our self-graded score. Think four or five and others will respond to you accordingly. But think and feel that you deserve a nine or 10 and your confidence will be contagious. Others will see you differently and respect you for it. Every morning, when you are getting dressed for work or sitting in traffic, think and say to yourself that you are a 10 – or even an 11 – and remember that you deserve it and are worth it. You’ll be amazed how much more positive and confident you feel by just owning and acknowledging your valuable self worth.<br /><br /><strong>Access Your Personal Attributes</strong><br />Okay, so we all have a few challenges, but I have yet to meet the perfectly proportioned male or female who has no personal flaws. We are all human and that’s what makes us unique and interesting - versus looking like we were all cookie cutter people like something out of the Stepford Wives. Really look at your personal attributes or ask a trusted colleague to point out your greatest features. If you are a woman ask yourself, do you have a long neck, broad tapered shoulders, shapely legs, or a smooth complexion? Do you men have great eyes, broad shoulders, a genuine smile, long muscular legs, or chiseled facial structures?<br /><br />Both men and women have numerous positive features we utilize in the image industry to highlight unique body architecture. Look for your own great features and then play them up by highlighting them through dress and style, to build a powerful look and stand out from the crowd.<br /><br /><strong>Positive Thoughts = Positive Results</strong><br />The negative thoughts that live in our subconscious mind are an invisible, silent and powerful force in our lives. But the good news is that so are those ultra-potent positive thoughts. Self-talk dialogs leak into our subconscious mind from the outer world, and they also percolate up from deep within the subconscious level to influence our conscious awareness. Flourish into a beautiful, sassy woman or a handsome, successful man through positive affirmation, not negative self-criticism. Realize that you can continue to develop and aspire to have that big corner office if you keep the flow of positive energy going to grow and expand. Capture the power of the positive mind, and then capture the opportunities that present themselves to you because of your positive outlook and demeanor.<br /><br /><strong>Daily Affirmations</strong><br />Affirmations are designed to help you overcome negative self-talk, however this process works only if you say them aloud. Knowing them isn’t enough to really move you from vision to action. State your affirmations in the present tense such as “I am a prosperous, young high achiever.” Don’t use the future tense, as in “I want to become a high achiever.” Future talk sounds like you are talking about something indefinitely postponed. Rather than delay success, go ahead and picture yourself as a prosperous high achiever. I recommend writing out some daily affirmations about things you wish to achieve in your life. Start today to say and think about them, to shift your energy toward improvement in those areas where you desire greater growth.<br /><br /><strong>Positive Affirmations Fuel and Drive Our Dreams</strong><br />Whether you are looking to change careers, achieve a high level position, or gain greater confidence – it all can happen through positive daily affirmations. As a Senior Level Executive with Macys, Inc. I often coached executives who didn’t believe in themselves and observed how positive self-talk, positive affirmations, and belief in themselves inspired an internal shift. They transformed a lack of confidence into a powerful presence of confidence and self assurance. Opportunities to work on key projects, chair committees, and lead teams were then presented to these people as they became major players in our succession-planning process.<br /><br />Positive affirmations are powerful statements that lead to an end result you expect. Setting an intention, you expect to get the intended result – just like when you set an alarm clock you know that it will wake you up at the chosen hour. Think about your personal image or professional life and identify an area of your life that is not working to your satisfaction. Change those sabotaging and limiting beliefs and reprogram your brain with positive affirmations, such as “I am a confident credible business professional who is capable of being the Director of Sales,” or “I am a professional who is influential and trustworthy with a dynamic personality.” Look in the mirror when you first start this process or daily exercise of claiming affirmations, because the hardest sell is always to ourselves. Say them out loud. Allow yourself to claim them. Change those conversations and thoughts in your head to attain the results in your life that you desire.<br /><br />Through practice of these techniques you will be amazed how your internal energies shift to create a more powerful presence, giving you greater productivity and many subsequent health benefits – as you bring to fruition the kind of results you deserve.<br /><br />Sarah Hathorn is a certified image consultant, speaker, brand strategist and corporate image advisor. Illustra Image Consulting works with individual men and women who wish to update their fashion and professional presence. The company also provides corporate image services to organizations that wish to enhance their corporate brand within the marketplace. Illustra Image Consulting Copyright © 2009, Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS 678-528-1239, <a href="mailto:sarah@illustraimageconsulting.com">sarah@illustraimageconsulting.com</a><br /><br />This article may be reproduced only in it’s entirety, including the above bio.GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-44988647991369921962009-07-06T06:22:00.000-07:002009-07-06T06:27:20.923-07:00Economic Downturn Creates Entrepreneurial OpportunityIs now the time for women to pursue their dreams of business ownership?<br /><br />by M. Lyn Reagan and Linda C. Christensen<br />March 4, 2009<br /><br />These are the most difficult economic times that most of us have seen. But difficult times also produce opportunities. Many women executives, who have faced layoffs or other financial-related crises, are seizing this moment to pursue their dreams of business ownership. Some are doing so out of necessity, as good jobs are scarce. Some are choosing to embrace the changes forced upon them and traveling unexpected, new paths. In fact, many of the most successful business leaders would argue that now is an excellent time to start your own business. However, it takes a lot more than a brilliant idea to be successful. Good businesses are going to go back to basics and new entrepreneurs would be wise to follow their lead.<br /><br />For many of the women entrepreneurs we advise, we recommend a simple, three-step program. They need to:<br />(1) Plan<br />(2) Execute<br />(3) Grow<br /><br />With good planning and execution, the growth will come.<br /><br /><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>Plan </strong></span><br /><br />Write down your business plan and goals. Develop SMART goals; which are Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. You should also prepare a realistic budget. Monitor it and your cash flow closely. Mostly importantly, establish relationships with a banker, accountant, lawyer, insurance person, and business coach/mentor. Establish these relationships BEFORE you need them. Meet them in person, and stay in touch.<br /><br /><p>These relationships will help you do the necessary foundation building of the business, such as: </p><ul><li>Opening a bank account</li><li>Obtaining a tax identification number</li><li>Selecting appropriate accounting software </li><li>Organizing business records</li><li>Selecting type of business entity, tax elections, payroll set up</li><li>Obtaining a business license</li></ul>Additionally, take advantage of other opportunities and benefits such as registering as a Minority-owned or Woman-owned business. Identify the appropriate networking and business organizations to enhance your marketing and business development. Affinity groups for women in business can serve as remarkable new business generators.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.atlantawomanmag.com/Articles/2009/Web_Mar/Economic_Downturn_Means_Entrepreneurial_Opportunity.html">HERE</a> to Read Complete Article<br /><br />---------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />M. Lyn Reagan and Linda C. Christensen are affiliated with Bennett Thrasher. Bennett Thrasher is Atlanta's 11th largest accounting, audit and consulting firm. <a href="http://www.btcpa.net/">http://www.btcpa.net/</a>.GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-50909912653942318792009-07-06T06:19:00.000-07:002009-07-06T06:21:05.814-07:00High Energy JourneySuzanne Sitherwood already has four job titles, and she'll get a new one when she becomes the first woman to chair the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.<br /><br />May 20, 2009<br /><br />Suzanne Sitherwood didn't really have a career goal in mind when she went to the Atlanta Gas Light Co. as a co-op student. Her father, however, had an inkling. He told her she would end up running the company. Sitherwood recalls laughing - laughing really loudly - to his prediction.<br /><br />Father does, indeed, know best.<br /><br />Today Sitherwood, 48, runs three companies and also serves as the senior vice president of Southern Operations for AGL Resources. In that capacity she is the president of three of its utilities - Atlanta Gas Light, Chattanooga Gas and Florida City Gas. Her obligations for AGL Resources are mainly governmental, she says. "I spend most of my time making sure that people are in the right places. You can't get a job done without the right people. I have a lot of titles, and when I'm in Georgia, I say 'I'm the president of Atlanta Gas Light,' and in Florida, I say 'I'm president of Florida City Gas.' You can follow where this is going." She also will be running an entity that even her father couldn't have foretold. Next year, she will become chairperson of the board of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. She will be the first woman in the chamber's 95 years to have that position<br /><br />Read complete article at: <a href="http://www.atlantawomanmag.com/Articles/2009/June/High_Energy_Journey.html">http://www.atlantawomanmag.com/Articles/2009/June/High_Energy_Journey.html</a>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-39552643243846158422009-05-26T06:04:00.000-07:002009-05-27T06:00:40.775-07:00The Introverted Leader: Thriving in the extroverted business world<p>Below is a wonderful article from our upcoming speaker, Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D., on June 19th! Please feel free to post questions and comments.<br /><br /><br />In today’s extroverted business world, introverts can feel ignored, overlooked, and misunderstood. In fact, according to my research—a two-and-a-half year national study of introverted professionals—four out of five introverts say extroverts are more likely to get ahead in their workplace. What’s more, over 40 percent say they would like to change their introverted tendencies, but don’t know where or how to begin.<br /><br />The good news? Introversion can be managed. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy, but with time and practice, introverted pros can learn to build on their quiet strength and succeed.<br /><br /><em><strong>What is introversion, anyway?</strong><br /></em><br />Introverts may be less noisy at work, but by all accounts they outnumber extroverts. Even many high-powered executives—a full 40 percent—describe themselves as introverts, including Microsoft’s Bill Gates and uber-investor Warren Buffett. Odds are, President Obama is an introvert as well. But what is introversion, anyway?<br /><br />Unlike shyness, a product of anxiety or fear in social settings, introversion is a key part of personality—a hardwired orientation—and may be best defined by several characteristic behaviors. Introverts process information internally, keep personal matters private, and avoid showing emotion. Other defining behaviors:<br /><br /><strong>Seek solitude</strong><br />Introverts need and want to spend time alone. They often suffer from people exhaustion and must retreat to recharge their batteries. At work, they prefer quiet, private spaces and like to handle projects on their own or with a small group.<br /><br /><strong>Think first, talk later</strong><br />Introverts think before they speak. Even in casual watercooler chats, they consider others’ comments carefully and pause and reflect before responding. They dislike interruptions, especially when they are thinking things through.<br /><br /><strong>Focus on depth<br /></strong>Introverts seek depth over breadth. They like to dig deep—delving into issues and ideas before moving on to new ones. They are drawn to meaningful conversations—not superficial chit-chat—and know how to tune in and listen to others.<br /><br /><strong>Let their fingers do the talking<br /></strong>Introverts prefer writing to talking. On the job, they opt for e-mail over the telephone and stop by only when necessary. Averse to excessive conversation, many gravitate toward social networking Web sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.<br /><br /><strong>Exhibit calmness<br /></strong>Introverts are usually quiet, reserved, and low-key. Unlike extroverts, they have no desire to be the center of attention, preferring to fly below the radar instead. Even in heated conversations or circumstances, they tend to stay calm—at least on the outside—and speak softly and slowly.<br /><br /><strong><em>The hard realities<br /></em></strong><br />“It’s not easy being green,” laments Muppet Kermit the Frog. Same goes for being introverted in an extroverted business culture. With their appetite for talk and attention, extroverts dominate the workplace. Meanwhile, introverts—with their quiet smarts and unsung successes—sit on the professional sidelines. Some hard realities faced by introverted pros:<br /><br /><strong>People exhaustion</strong><br />Introverts can experience an assortment of ailments at work—headaches, backaches, stomachaches, and more—yet feel fine off the job. This mind-body response to stress can result from a wide range of factors. The chief culprit: people exhaustion.<br /><br /><strong>Project overload<br /></strong>Introverts tend to have difficulty saying no and find it equally hard to ask for help or direction. As a result, they frequently feel overloaded with projects and deadlines—hurting their on-the-job performance and work-life balance.<br /><br /><strong>Underselling<br /></strong>Introverts typically stay mum about their accomplishments—seeming to abide by the old Southern adage, “Don’t brag on yourself.” Yet today careers are made or broken by what others know about a person’s skills and potential. Introverts, therefore, can miss out on promotions or plum assignments simply because they don’t sell themselves.<br /><br /><strong>Unheard ideas</strong><br />Introverts often have great ideas that go unheard. In group settings, they may show up with smart solutions, yet can’t seem to find an opening in which to share them. Even in one-on-one conversations—especially with talkers—they have trouble interjecting their ideas and being heard.<br /><br /><strong>Failure to “play the game”</strong><br />Introverts routinely retreat from office politics. Sure, politics can be nasty, but much of the game is natural and necessary, particularly for building relationships up and down an organization. Introverts, with their desire to be low-key, often fail to sniff out important politicking opportunities and wind up watching their extroverted colleagues get ahead.<br /><br /><em><strong>Onward—and upward</strong><br /></em><br />There is no magic bullet for managing your introversion. But in today’s noisy business world and workplace, you can learn how to thrive. The goal is not changing your personality or natural work style, but embracing and expanding who you are. As an ongoing framework, follow the “4 P’s”: preparation (devising game plans); presence (focusing on the moment); push (stretching and growing); and practice (rehearsing and refining new skills). Seven practical tips for getting started:<br /><br /><strong>Have a game plan.<br /></strong>Rather than wing it on the people part of your job, have a game plan. Prepare for high-stakes meetings and conversations—anticipating questions and rehearsing your responses. Fact is, just as you strategize for key projects and tasks, you need to plan ahead for connecting with people—and taking regular timeouts to refuel your energy.<br /><br /><strong>Communicate early and often.</strong><br />It’s easy for introverts to be out of sight—and out of mind. So, take the initiative in sharing information—communicating early and often with higher-ups, team members, and project stakeholders. Don’t wait to be asked for updates or news about your accomplishments. Find out what people need to feel confident in you and provide it to them—ahead of time.<br /><br /><strong>Match the medium to the message.</strong><br />Resist the temptation to hide behind e-mail. It may appear to be the easiest or safest channel, but it’s not always the right one. For every exchange, match the medium to the message—determining if texting, e-mail, phone, or face-to-face is best. Texting and e-mail may be great for quick exchanges, but they miss the mark in critical high-touch areas, including developing relationships and delivering difficult news.<br /><br /><strong>Use social networking to set the stage.<br /></strong>Technology is a great tool for preparing to meet people. Use social networking Web sites such as Facebook and Twitter to set the stage for connecting with others in person at meetings and events. You can introduce yourself, send “news you can use” items, and warm up cold leads—all in a low-key yet friendly way.<br /><br /><strong>Get your voice in the room.<br /></strong>Without delay, speak up in meetings and conference calls. Try to make your first comment no more than five minutes into the session. Even a quick question, remark, or paraphrase will do. You need to be seen as a contributor, but the longer you wait, the harder it becomes.<br /><br /><strong>Stand up to “talkers.”</strong><br />Don’t be afraid to take on the talkers in group or one-on-one settings. There are several ways to stand up and get a word in edgewise. One simple, sure-fire strategy: hold up your hand, give the stop or timeout signal, and calmly announce, “I’d like to say something.”<br /><br /><strong>Value humor.<br /></strong>“A smile is the shortest distance between two people,” mused entertainer Victor Borge. As a reserved, inner-focused contributor, you can overcome perceptions of being standoffish or too serious by smiling, laughing, and having fun now and then. You need not “yuk it up”—just be good-humored.<br /><br />Finally, practice, practice, practice. Learning new skills and behaviors may be uncomfortable at first, but with conscious repetition and refinement, you can manage your introversion—and thrive in the extroverted business world.<br /><br /><br /><em>Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D., is a workplace and careers expert and author of The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength (Berrett-Koehler, $19.95). Founder and president of AboutYOU, Inc., an Atlanta-based leadership consultancy, she is an executive coach and corporate speaker. Contact her on the Web at aboutyouinc.com and theintrovertedleaderblog.com.<br /></em><br /><br /><em>Copyright 2009 AboutYOU, Inc. All rights reserved.</em></p>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-24687964642562050202009-05-07T12:54:00.001-07:002009-05-07T12:57:40.107-07:00GLOW<div style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38151546@N07/3510261909/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3510261909_dff31bea1c_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38151546@N07/3510261909/">IMG_3590</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/38151546@N07/">nswright1</a></span></div><p>Hi Ladies,<br /><br />Click on the link below to view all of the photos from the April 2009 GLOW meeting -- "Networking Aerobics: Cardiovascular Exercise for the Wallet" with Wendy Kinney!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38151546@N07/show/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/38151546@N07/show/</a></p><p><br clear="all"></p>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-13214362961237234152009-04-06T10:07:00.000-07:002009-04-06T10:08:57.237-07:00Networking With The Competition At Your ElbowWhat are the odds, at any networking event, that there is someone else in the room who does what you do? Pretty good? Here are three techniques that maximize your promotion impact:<br /><br />TALK ABOUT SOMETHING DIFFERENT: It’s easier to do this if you let the competition speak first. Then, if they talked about personal clients, you focus on businesses; if they covered first time buyers, you focus on experienced clients; if they talk about the sky, you stay on the ground. The don’t: never, never, never say “I do what she said.”<br /><br />TALK ABOUT SOMETHING SPECIFIC: Fear makes us try to cover everything that we do. Reality, though, is that specific is always more profitable than general. So if the competition answers the “what do you do” question with a pigeon-hole, (I’m a Realtor), or a fog, (I help clients maximize their potential so that in circumstances where the situation…), you become valuable, and memorable, because you are understandable. You win.<br /><br />INCLUDE THE COMPETITION: At a non-exclusive networking event I listened to Bill Reifsnider promote “a great client for Sindy or me.” Bill did this so comfortably, so confidently, that I thought they were in business together. A month later that I learned that Sindy didn’t know Bill – they are, in fact, competitors. I’m impressed with Bill. <br /> <br />The difference between confidence and arrogance is comparison. It is always appropriate to be confident. Don’t compare. Stand apart confidently.<br /><br />Ready . . . Set . . . Go Make Money! That’s Wendy Kinney’s methodology, honed from 16 years of living and breathing referral marketing. For information on how to make networking profitable, visit www.ReadySetGoMakeMoney.com or call Wendy at 404-784-0699.GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-24593595800340433392009-03-31T05:53:00.000-07:002009-03-31T05:54:30.386-07:00How To Stand Out From The CrowdDear Wendy, <br /> <br />I want to stand out from the crowd at a networking event – but still look like I belong. How can I figure out the appropriate attire based on the association or type of event I've chosen to attend? <br /> <br />P.B., Atlanta<br /><br /><br />Dear P.B.,<br /><br />How astute of you to realize the importance of simultaneously standing out and fitting in. I have good news for you; there are three rules for answering your dilemma.<br /><br />DRESS YOUR PROFESSION: If you are a doctor, it’s okay for you to wear your lab coat. If you are an attorney, it’s appropriate for you to wear a suit. Dress the way you would for an appointment with a very important client.<br /><br />Clueless Carmen, who sells a $40,000 product, consistently wore jeans to a Friday networking meeting. Members, concerned that she would show up in their client’s office dressed casually, weren’t sending her referrals. When Good-friend Gloria shared this info Clueless Carmen replied that it was her right to wear jeans on Friday. She’s correct. So was her network.<br /><br />STAND OUT BY CHOICE: When you stand out you make it easy for people to talk about you. (And buzz is, after all, the reason you’re networking.) The rule here is: always stand out in the same way. <br /><br />Nance Donaldson has seven different pairs of glasses – each frame stand-out unique. Collected while traveling in Germany and Austria, Nance has worn them networking for the last 5 years. People notice, ask questions, and remember her. Lynda Martin wears her collection of 50’s glitzy costume jewelry. Iris Grimm stands 6’2” in heels and keeps her hair stand-up-on-end short. <br /><br />BE VERY SURE YOU FIT IN: Use the athletic ruler ‘To the Edge, but not Over the Edge’. Standing out in an embarrassing way won’t benefit you.<br /><br />I know a young businesswoman who wears bare midriff tops to networking meetings. Mistake. Don’t think that you can wear workout clothes to a business meeting if you are a personal trainer or on your way to meet her. Over the edge. You can’t wear a ball gown before seven pm, a t-shirt with words on it, or a ball cap to anything billed as a meeting. Ever. The Etiquette Grrls remind us to only wear one striking accessory at a time – the orange leather jacket or the teal purse or the flashing earrings – not all three.<br /><br /><br />Ready . . . Set . . . Go Make Money! That’s Wendy Kinney’s methodology, honed from 16 years of living and breathing referral marketing. <br />For information on how to make networking profitable, visit www.ReadySetGoMakeMoney.com or call Wendy at 404-784-0699.GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-59496465098982999382009-03-23T10:30:00.000-07:002009-03-23T10:31:05.219-07:00How To End A Conversation By Beginning A NetworkThere are two tough times in every conversation—the beginning and the end. <br /><br />Consider the ubiquitous close “We’ll have to get together soon.” <br />When you hear it, don’t you think “Oh yeah, right, I’ll be waiting by the phone?”<br /><br />It only takes two changes to convert that brush off into a new<br />networking partner: say what and say when. What is a reason for meeting again; when is a time frame. <br /><br />Try one of these five potential reasons the next time you have<br />the opportunity to close a conversation:<br /><br />Invite them to visit another association with you: Bringing a guest is a valuable way to participate in every organization.<br /><br />Send a resource by email: No matter how many times they repeat the dot.com address you recite, by the time they get back to their desk it’s forgotten. <br /><br />Sleuth out a reason to send something by mail: Hand address the envelope. Personal touch makes you memorable.<br /><br />Call with details: Ah, a reason to get back in touch and a reason to move on now.<br /><br />Set up a 4-way lunch: Tell who you would like to introduce them to, and invite them to bring someone to introduce to you.<br /><br />So go end a few conversations. That’s the surefire way to build your net worth.<br /><br />Network and Prosper – <br /><br /> W!<br /><br />Ready . . . Set . . . Go Make Money! That’s Wendy Kinney’s methodology, honed from 16 years of living and breathing referral marketing. For information on how to make networking profitable, visit <a href="http://www.readysetgomakemoney.com/">www.ReadySetGoMakeMoney.com</a> or call Wendy at 404-784-0699.GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-64426515302954768982009-03-18T12:56:00.000-07:002009-03-18T12:58:20.159-07:00So What's New With You?So, What’s New With You? (Wendy Kinney Blog Series -Part I)<br /><br /><br />People we haven’t seen in six days or six months routinely ask the profitable question: “So, what’s new with you?”<br /><br />The common response is a bland, “Oh, not much.” <br /><br />The profitable reply is a jazzy explanation of the part of your business that is the most profitable, including a SuperWoman story (with you wearing the cape) showing how you created great results for one of your favorite (read ‘profitable’) clients.<br /><br />The SuperWoman Story has three parts:<br /><br />Problem—describe the problem your client had before they found you.<br /><br />“This week I worked with a printer who was frustrated with the level of information he gets from the standard reports in Quickbooks.”<br /><br />Action—tell what you did. The more specific you are the more likely the person you’re talking to will think of someone who needs you.<br /><br />“In two hours, less than $200, I showed him how Quickbooks data can be exported to Excel and used in a pivot table to create totally customized reports.”<br /><br />Result—wrap up with your client’s situation now.<br /><br />“He said the report we created saved him from a $20,000 mistake. Then he thought of four other reports that will make him money every month.”<br /><br />That’s the good news. Even better is the knowledge that you can prompt a “So, what’s new with you?” by asking other people the question first. Odds are that after their standard reply they’ll toss the same script back.<br /><br />You could make some money.<br />Network and prosper - <br /><br />W!<br /><br />Ready . . . Set . . . Go Make Money! That’s Wendy Kinney’s methodology, honed from 16 years of living and breathing referral marketing. For information on how to make networking profitable, visit <a title="http://www.readysetgomakemoney.com/" href="http://www.readysetgomakemoney.com/">www.ReadySetGoMakeMoney.com</a><br />or call Wendy at 404-784-0699.GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-70426917113687048532009-02-06T09:36:00.000-08:002009-02-06T09:41:24.421-08:00The Power of Dressing Up in a Down EconomyI received a newsletter about "The Power of Dressing Up in a Down Economy" and I wanted to its tips with you! You can check out <a href="http://www.dressingwell.com/">www.dressingwell.com</a> for more articles.<br /><br />Professional image is a powerful yet often overlooked tool for getting results for yourself and your company. While it may seem counterintuitive, spending money on the way you look and present yourself in tough economic times is actually a sound investment. The confidence you gain helps you become more secure, calm, confident and prepared for things outside of your control. It also inspires trust and confidence. This is true whether you work inside or outside your home.<br /><br />Hiring someone to coach you through the process of developing an authentic personal presence that supports your lifestyle is not frivolous. As in most things, a seasoned professional cuts through the clutter, uses years of experience to make the process go quickly and has an intuitive sense of what will be right for you. A coach specifically trained in professional image consulting can make necessary edits to your closet and then help you select the correct colors, styles, brands and cuts of clothes and accessories to help you effectively communicate, connect and build relationships with colleagues, customers, community leaders and business partners.<br /><br />Here are some of the principals that our team of experienced professional image consultants brings to the table when guiding people from many different walks of life to package themselves for success:<br /><br /><strong>Appropriateness, Boundaries and Respect</strong>. Whether shopping in the store or shopping in your closet, adopt these three words as your personal litmus test. Ask yourself, is this outfit appropriate for my business environment, position in the company and the industries I serve? Do my clothing and accessory choices create good business boundaries or am I overexposed and therefore going to come across as vulnerable, insecure or, worse, lacking judgment? Does my attention to detail show respect for myself, which instantly shows respect for others?<br /><br /><strong>View your professional image as communications tool</strong>. An appropriate and effective professional image enhances communication and allows you to present ideas and information in a highly effective way. Eliminating distractions commonly caused by ill fitting clothes, poor grooming and a lack of attention to how clothing and accessories are coordinated together is one sure way to come across as credible and confident, even if you are nervous on the inside. Best part — the more effectively you communicate the more confident you become.<br /><br /><strong>Ground your look for business</strong>. Think like a professional contractor and start with a solid foundation. While not the only choice for business today, dark base neutrals are a cost-effective way to build a functional and versatile wardrobe. Black, brown, and gray suits, pants, skirts, and shoes are price neutral, hide wear and tear and can slim pounds off your frame. If you crave color, add it strategically with a tie, shirt, blouse, tote, coat or scarf. Worn this way, color is more apt to add interest to your overall look instead of being overwhelming or distracting.<br /><br /><strong>Business first, fashion second</strong>. Fashion is fun, exciting, and seductive. After all, the fashion industry is big business and the thought of wearing your favorite trends to the office in new and innovative ways can be intriguing. However, think about your environment before you go outside the boundaries of what’s acceptable. Remember business is about dollars and sense and people may have reactions to inappropriate attire that can undermine your credibility. You don’t have to be a corporate drone by any means — just be smart with your wardrobe choices and how they will impact your goals and objectives on the job.<br /><br /><strong>Last Word</strong><strong><br /></strong>The economy may be down but don’t underestimate the power of dressing up. When you feel good about yourself, it’s contagious and everyone around you benefits from your good choices and confidence. It’s really that simple.<br /><br />© 2009 Organization By Design, Inc. / Wardrobe Management & Fashion ConsultingNo portion of this article can be used without permission.Contact <a href="mailto:info@dressingwell.com">info@dressingwell.com</a> if you would like to discuss our dressingwell.com syndication program.GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-73132560602534164622008-12-22T11:45:00.000-08:002008-12-22T11:48:30.651-08:00Chic TipsBelow are some Chic Tips of the week! For more tips go to <a href="http://www.thechicentrepreneur.com/">www.thechicentrepreneur.com</a><br /><br />1. <strong>Start the Day with a Positive Affirmation</strong>: During a time when many of the pillars we have come to rely on in the outside world are crumbling around us, our own inner strength becomes even more important. Beginning your day with a focused intention, an attitude of gratitude, and a positive outlook helps you create a positive outcome. Proactively deciding on and committing to your Chic Attitude is your best defense against letting a downturn get you down. <br /><br /><em>Here are a few to try:</em> <br />Thank you for this beautiful new day full of possibilities.<br />I'm so grateful for all that I have and for all that I am receiving.<br />I have faith that things will work out for the greatest good.<br />A lot of people get rich in a recession, and I'm going to be one of them. <br /> <br />2. <strong>Tis the Season for Strategic Planning</strong>: With the conclusion of 2008 upon us it is time to start laying the ground work Chic Success in '09. Each year brings new opportunity for growth, challenge and achievement. You'll be more likely to make the most of it if you put your objectives and your plan on paper. Smile a lot easier on New Years Eve knowing you have a clear strategy in mind of where you are going to take your company in the new year, instead of wondering where the new year is going to take you. <br /> <br />3. <strong>Inform Clients of Holiday Hours for Your Own Peace of Mind</strong>: Most customers understand and even expect businesses to have limited hours during the holidays, if the seasonality of their business allows for it. And if yours does, take advantage of this time to refresh, but don't keep others in the dark of your plans. Post holiday hours where customers will find them: on your website, your retail store front door or include them in the voice mail message and/or email auto responder. ... And Have a Happy Holiday Season.GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-85358911957892916262008-12-03T10:48:00.000-08:002008-12-03T10:50:54.521-08:00GLOW in the news!GLOW is an awesome program and group here in Gwinnett County. And we apparently aren't the only ones that think so. Our story was told in the Gwinnett Business Journal this past month!<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.gbj.com/content.cfm?WikiID=7201">HERE </a>to read the article.GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-12264117272957707552008-11-05T09:03:00.000-08:002008-11-05T09:19:01.465-08:00Punnet Squares<span style="color:#330033;">Hello Everyone! </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">I know I've been away for a little while but I wanted to say thank you for all the get well emails and cards--you are all absolutely wonderful!!! </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">As we hit the holiday season and get ready to enter into a new year it's important that as businesswomen we continue to look forward to see what trends we need to get on board with and some that we need to jump off of before they hit the wall. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">Abby Wilkerson with redpepper sent me a letter that I wanted to share with everyone. I think it's a wonderful way to remind us about not getting stuck in a rut and to continue to embrace and look for new improvements for our businesses and jobs. </span><br /><br /><br />Punnet Squares<br /><br />I was in the sixth grade when we first began studying Punnet squares in science class. For those who have mercifully blocked out all memories of science class, Punnet squares are diagrams used by geneticists to determine the likelihood of an offspring having a particular gene by comparing the alleles of the two parents.<br /><br />I never quite got the hang of Punnet squares. They seem deceptively simple, until you try to draw conclusions and ratios for acquiring green eyes (math is my other downfall – combining it with science was brutal). Luckily, Punnet squares were a very small portion of the test, so I never bothered really learning it. They reappeared almost every year after that, but again were a small portion of the test that I could make up for in the other sections. It took the fear of college biology before I sat down and figured them out.<br /><br />Like me, organizations tend to believe that science is an option. It’s not. If you run ineffective ads, it doesn’t matter how you spin them – they don’t work. If your industry is changing because of a technological breakthrough, it doesn’t matter whether or not you believe in the breakthrough – it’s still there.<br /><br />Kodak spent years ignoring the invention of the digital camera. The company ended up laying off 1/5 of its workforce, presumably because they believed that the digital camera wouldn’t catch on. I knew someone who refused to learn how to properly use a computer – she’d already learned to use a fax machine right before it went the way of the dodo bird. Why learn another skill that she was sure would be debunk?<br /><br />Denying reality (and Punnet squares) rarely leads to a positive outcome.GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-6473964076283853492008-09-19T06:55:00.000-07:002008-10-09T13:12:34.857-07:00The Chic Entrepreneur<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hN4lkPHgqgTzidufZdpIay-K4sUsGKeec8VmxAKVLxpDTW86qsA9xARe1LhOaHa3oB32MV2F4Bhe1Mm-h6ZtYsxRSfG0GER5NQDEy1jh-52JDv1ChlJVH4eCdOZKLOLOmGMzjPhYLeip/s1600-h/The+chic+entrepreneur.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247734226905436210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hN4lkPHgqgTzidufZdpIay-K4sUsGKeec8VmxAKVLxpDTW86qsA9xARe1LhOaHa3oB32MV2F4Bhe1Mm-h6ZtYsxRSfG0GER5NQDEy1jh-52JDv1ChlJVH4eCdOZKLOLOmGMzjPhYLeip/s200/The+chic+entrepreneur.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Elizabeth Gordon the author of <a href="http://www.chicentrepreneur.com/">"The Chic Entrepreneur: Put Your Business in Higher Heels" </a>will be our speaker for the October 17th GLOW meeting.<br /><br />The very first sentence of Elizabeth's book says "Any woman can be an entrepreneur . . . However, if you want to be a Chic Entrepreneur . . ." I couldn't wait to hear what she had to say because when I first saw the book my very first thought was "Exactly what is a Chic Entrepreneur?"<br /><br />Elizabeth goes on to define qualities, actions and other characteristics that make a Chic Entrepreneur . . . . well, <em><strong>Chic</strong></em>.<br /><br />I have met hundreds of women in Gwinnett and the surrounding areas each with different businesses and different roles within their businesses. As varied as the women who live, work and play here are, I know that the answer to the question "What defines a Chic Entrepreneur?" will be just as diverse.<br /><br /><br />So with all of that being said, I want all of you to go to town on this one -- tell me what you think makes a Chic Entrepreneur <em><strong>chic</strong></em>. Make sure to check this blog regularly to read the view points of your peers and pick up Elizabeth's book to read what she has to say!!!<br /><br />I'll be the first to make a quick comment . . . a <strong><em>Chic</em></strong> Entrepreneur is one that I'll see at GLOW's October 17th meeting. Visit <a href="http://www.glowgwinnett.com/">http://www.glowgwinnett.com/</a> to register. See you soon!GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-1372352377954671522008-08-26T08:00:00.001-07:002008-08-26T13:31:42.879-07:00The 2008 Big Expo & Job Fair<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoQyyU9tnvhWnU9n1jcSG77hPyDkEBAIoni1OVsicfQ4zMmvpFMH28KJQO3b90tT5k9sJMxnPtrevdhmODrOMSZUNkNo7m3Q66CCit6UVR4wK55vIW7AIfQpFXzdbyD-TE62ucdCTKxA3/s1600-h/Big+Expo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238848318984997474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoQyyU9tnvhWnU9n1jcSG77hPyDkEBAIoni1OVsicfQ4zMmvpFMH28KJQO3b90tT5k9sJMxnPtrevdhmODrOMSZUNkNo7m3Q66CCit6UVR4wK55vIW7AIfQpFXzdbyD-TE62ucdCTKxA3/s200/Big+Expo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The 2008 Big Expo & Job Fair was held on Thursday, August 21st and was a wonderful success.<br /><br />The Expo was a jam-packed day full of business seminars such as "Dress for Success to Land Your Dream Job" by Sara Hathorne of Illustra Image Consulting and "Creating A Culture to Support and Encourage Peak Performance" by Dr. Gloria Wright of Wright & Associates . There were tons of give-aways provided by exhibitors and a fabulous Fashion Show with our very own Lovely Diva--Kelly Greer of Gwinnett Magazine as the spokesperson. The night was completed with our largest Business After Hours of the year which included live jazz music, food, drinks and networking.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.gwinnettmagazine.com/#">HERE</a> to view interviews of the different exhibitors at the Big Expo, compliments of Gwinnett Magazine TV!<br /><br /><br />Below is an excerpt from Ann LaFavor about the event. To read her full remarks please view her post listed under the "Welcome" blog.<br /><br />". . . Hi Ladies, The Big Expo is behind us. I was so proud of the female companies and women run businesses."<br /><br /><br /><div>If you have any success stories about the Big Expo & Job Fair, please post your comments to this blog. We would love to use them in the future to show what a great county Gwinnett truly is! </div>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925836702538866506.post-32057094715205648422008-08-16T17:02:00.000-07:002008-08-16T14:02:59.168-07:00A Successful Kick-OffThe kick-off of the Gwinnett Chamber's newly re-vamped women's program -- affectionately known as GLOW was a wonderful success!<br /><br />An article about GLOW was written in the Gwinnett Daily Post as well. Follow the link provided to view the article: <a href="http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/main.asp?SectionID=42&SubSectionID=119&ArticleID=49109">http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/main.asp?SectionID=42&SubSectionID=119&ArticleID=49109</a><br /><br />Thank you to our wonderful speaker Emily Sanders of Sanders Financial Management, our purse give-away sponsor Montage, our Presenting Sponsor Gwinnett Medical Center and our venue host Parc of Duluth.<br /><br />And congrats again to our give-away winners:<br /><em><br />Montrice Robinson of BB&T -- Purse provided by Montage<br />Ann La Favor of LaFavor Etc. -- Purse provided by Montage<br />Wendy Frank of Rocket IT -- Purse provided by Montage</em> <em>and Edible Arrangements Gift Card<br /></em><br />I always tell people that when any GLOW event ends I want them to have learned, laughed, networked and most importantly leave GLOWING! I hope that happened for all of my fabulously <em>savvy</em> and <em>sassy</em> attendees.<br /><br />To register for our next meeting on October 17th visit the "upcoming events" section on our website -- <a href="http://www.glowgwinnett.com/">http://www.glowgwinnett.com/</a>GLOWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07874190888955851305noreply@blogger.com0