Creating positive buzz – Chesapeake Ribbons
How do entrepreneurs create positive buzz around their products and services? We’re sharing some answers and tips with you in our “creating positive buzz” series, and today we’re featuring a Philadelphia area “Mompreneur”.
Maryland native, Margie Gunn, launched Chesapeake Ribbons while launching a family. Here is what she has to say about how she creates positive buzz.
Why did you start your business and when?
I officially opened up shop online in 2007 but had started creating products and planning the business earlier. While staying home with my son at the time, I was looking for a way to generate extra income & create products that I could use myself. Having only a son at that time, I decided to make ribbon belts along with hair bows, barrettes, key fobs, etc…to learn more visit Margie’s About Us page.
When you started your business what (if any) public relations activities did you incorporate?
I did most of the marketing myself – I started a blog and networked with other bloggers to get the word out. I started offering giveaways and free samples. I didn’t want to spend money on marketing until I was making some money. I soon found a huge network of other mompreneurs like myself that were very willing to help out and trade/barter services. I also went to websites like Lila Guide & 5 minutes for mom to get the word out about my business….listing it, etc… Did a lot of link swaps as well. I also hand out a lot of business cards and hang them on bulliten boards at various family friendly facilities. And I partnered with a local mom’s group – Moxie Moms.
What public relations activities do you incorporate today?
I still participate in all the same activities as I mentioned above, but I’ve also used Innovate Services marketing and PR help with press release writing and submission and e-newsletter management.
What do you find is the best way for you to “create positive buzz” around you, your business and/or your products?
Word of mouth, referrals, going to blogs for giveaways and reviews, donating products & portion of proceeds to large charities help create positive buzz.
Do you think public relations can be successfully done without expertise in that area? Why or why not?
I think it can be done w/out expertise to an extent (in the very beginning) but to grow to the “next level” it’s wise to have someone with expertise helping out. I still believe word-of-mouth is the fastest way to create buzz.
Have you employed the services of a professional PR firm or professional PR virtual assistant? What was the outcome?
Yes, I’ve used Innovate Services to write press releases and submit them, which drove traffic to my website. And I’ve also used Innovate Services to help develop and manage my e-newsletter. This helps me focus on other aspects including new product development and networking.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs seeking to “create positive buzz” around their business or products?
Start small and as you begin making more money, then seek up more professional options. It really takes a lot of time in the beginning, network!
Copyright 2010 Innovate Services & Teresa H. Berger
Creating positive buzz – Key Internet Marketing, Inc.
In an effort to share what others are doing to create positive buzz in their businesses, we are starting a new blog series here, “Creating positive buzz”, where we’ll interview entrepreneurs from various industries and share their tips. Here is our first:
Key Internet Marketing, Inc. – http://KIMarketing.com
Specializing in Affiliate / Performance Marketing
Why did you start your business and when?
ShoppingBookmarks.com was originally a hobby of mine, starting back in 1998, when I shared deals and freebies with my friends and family. Those friends and family shared the site with their friends, and it grew from there. My hobby became even more fun when I realized I could be paid via affiliate marketing for sharing deals! I quit my day job in 2001 and have worked at home ever since.
When you started your business what (if any) public relations activities did you incorporate?
One of the newspapers did a story on how my hobby paid for my husband’s (now ex) hobby of taking private pilot lessons. The buzz grew for there with other newspapers wanting to interview me as well.
What public relations activities do you incorporate today?
I sponsor local activities, submit press releases online and offline.
What do you find is the best way for you to “create positive buzz” around you, your business and/or your products?
Lately, I’ve generated a lot of buzz for my various blogs by holding contests. Several sponsors donate the prizes for me to give away. So I offer entries by subscribing to my RSS feed, becoming a Facebook Fan and/or following on Twitter.
Do you think public relations can be successfully done without expertise in that area? Why or why not?
Depends on your personality. If you aren’t a good writer, I suggest having someone else write your press release.
Have you employed the services of a professional PR firm or professional PR virtual assistant? What was the outcome?
I’ve had professional colleagues in the industry look over and edit my press releases, but I’ve never actually paid for professional services.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs seeking to “create positive buzz” around their business or products?
Be different, yet be yourself. In my blogs, everyone knows about me and my quirks. Being open and honest is the best policy. People remember you for being genuine.
Copyright 2010 Innovate Services
Infusing Fitness into Business: Starting 2010 on the right foot
Did you end 2009 wondering where the time went, or were you just so darn relieved that the year was finally over? Are you finding it harder than you thought to keep up with your resolutions for taking better care of your health and wellness each day? Even though it’s February, it’s not too late to make 2010 the year you “Infuse Fitness into Business“.
Last year was certainly a doozy, and one that challenged many. We’re in a marathon recession here, not a sprint, so the economic stresses aren’t going to end any time soon for many. How do we stay focused, on task and keep a positive outlook when things aren’t necessarily going the way we’d like?
We take baby steps to infuse fitness and positive self care into our daily lives, even with networking and client relationship management practices. This will, in turn, help reduce our levels of stress, improve our attitudes, and maybe even reduce our need for stimulants like coffee, tea and soda to get us through the day, thus saving us some dough on those grande skinny vanilla lattes.
Think about the possibilities!
If you’re in a warmer climate, there is no excuse not to take that networking event you’re thinking of hosting outside with a “meet, greet and relax” outdoor yoga demo or a “meet, greet and groove” Zumba® demo. Team up with a fellow Chamber member, yoga or Zumba® instructor and infuse fitness into your businesses together, outside in the morning sun or on a fresh air break at the end of the day. What about asking your local ice skating rink to co-host a business card exchange for your Chamber or networking group? You can lace up some ice skates and zoom around the rink getting a bit of exercise while getting to know your colleagues better in a fun environment.
Part of your first and second quarter grass roots efforts could include a collaborative bowl-a-thon raising funds for a local charity or family in need. Or you could partner up with a local nonprofit to host a 5k walk/run or 1 mile fun walk. On a smaller scale, check out various, already scheduled activities on www.Active.com in your area and participate, wearing a shirt with your logo screen printed or embroidered on it.
Other ways to start 2010 off on the right foot with a balanced mind, body and soul could include:
- Scheduling 15 minutes each day to stretch -http://www.marthastewart.com/article/simple-stretches
- Log 5,000 or more steps each day -http://walking.about.com/cs/measure/a/locke122004.htm
- Save on fitness if you’re a senior – http://www.silversneakers.com/Default.aspx
- Trying out an indoor rock climbing gym – http://www.indoorclimbing.com/map/
- Lace up with your kids at your local ice rink – http://www.frogsonice.com/skateweb/clubs/us.shtml
- Check out some exercises you can do right from your home office – http://www.fatlossquickie.com
- Listen in – healthy mind, body and spirit tips – http://video.forbes.com/fvn/healthcare/bl_health103107a
- Are you a runner? Help homeless men and women get back on their feet – http://www.backonmyfeet.org/
- Want to slow down, regroup and stretch? Find a local yoga class and invite a client or colleague to try it with you – http://www.yogafinder.com/
- Consider adding another certification or designation to your bag of tricks – http://www.ivaa.org, http://aovem.com/ or http://www.vaclassroom.com/
- Prefer one-on-one programs? Find a certified personal trainer – http://www.acefitness.org/findanacepro/default.aspx
- Get inspired and grow – http://www.higherawareness.com/
- For every 10 miles you walk from now until the IVAA Live Summit on April 20th, save $30. There are approximately 13 weeks left until the Summit. If you walk 10 miles each week for 13 weeks that could be $390 saved! That is more than the earlybird registration, which ends on January 31st!
We all have either New Year’s resolutions or goals we’d like to accomplish in 2010. Our business and marketing plans include goals and action items for growth and managing client relationships. But do we have action items and goals for positive self care and infusing fitness into our daily lives? We need to consider caring for our minds, bodies and spirits in 2010. Our clients and families will thank us for it!
Copyright 2010 Teresa H. Berger and Innovate Services
You may use share this article with your contacts/readers but must include the following:
Teresa H. Berger, MBA is founder of Innovate Services and a certified group fitness instructor. I.S. creates positive buzz for clients by utilizing top-notch writing, editing and marketing expertise to build the “know, like, trust” factor. Her first book is due out in spring of 2010. She can be reached online or by emailing tchberger (at)InnovateServices (dot) com.
Infuse Fitness into Business: How to keep your fitness resolutions strong through the new year
Some of the most popular resolutions with each new year are to get fit, get in shape and lose weight. Though plenty of people jump into new programs in pursuit of those goals, many aren’t able stay fit, in shape and keep the weight off.
The rich foods and drinks of the holiday season leave us all feeling a little bit uncomfortable, which is another factor that sends people to gyms and to stores in search of workout videos. After that point, though, a plethora of complications can arise and sabotage those good intentions. It’s hard to get motivated, going to the gym takes time many people don’t have, workout DVDs don’t meet individual needs, it can be intimidating to go to a public gym and on and on. And when these issues start piling up, people stop seeing results, which is enough for them to give up entirely.
Avoiding those pitfalls might seem impossible, but there are some solutions that can really help you follow through on your resolution and make it last all year long. If you can stick with your fitness goals this year, it’ll be a resolution that you won’t have to come back to next year.
* Head to the Web
You already shop, connect with friends and keep up on the events of the world on the Internet, and now it’s an ideal tool for getting in shape. There is quite a lot of information to wade through, and some sites stand apart for being well-designed and truly effective. The free exercise Web site Wexer.com (Wexer is short for “World of Exercise”) is a resource for a wide variety of specialized exercise videos. A unique option is that you can customize what videos are recommended for you by filling out a self-assessment that takes into account your current physical condition, your exercise experience, goals and other factors.
* Don’t waste time – or money
With work, kids, friends and family, our days are already full. Taking the time to go to a gym can be a real strain on your schedule, adding in transit time, waiting for machines, locker room time, and then the drive back home – not to mention the time you actually need for your workout. You can cut out much of that time wastage by working out from the convenience of your own home. Don’t get muddled in workouts that aren’t right for you, though. Buying DVDs to use at home is a minefield, and an expensive one at that. How many times have you spent $20 on a DVD only to find that the exercises aren’t right for you? Free exercise programs on Web sites like Wexer.com will help you focus on your specific needs, goals and abilities – and you can even choose the duration of the workouts, so you’ll stay on schedule.
* Social support
One of the characteristics of most failed plans to get fit is a lack of motivation. With no one to back you up, it’s easy to let things slide – to the point where you’re not even working out anymore. We’re all more connected more than ever these days, and that can easily translate to a support system for your workout goals. Wexer.com brings in social media functions, like synching with Facebook, Twitter and Web-based e-mail programs, as well as the ability to connect with other people who are using the site to get fit. You can challenge friends, family or colleagues and help keep each other on track, or if you’re going it alone, you’ll get follow up e-mails and alerts that correspond to your fitness, weight loss or exercise frequency goals.
If you can take control of your workout goals by making them fit your schedule and finding good support, your goal to get fit and stay fit throughout the year is more attainable than ever. For more information about how to stay on track and to get started with your own unique workout program, go to www.wexer.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Creating positive buzz: Bucks and Montgomery county moms no longer have to wait for answers
We’re so excited about our growing network of business friends!
Here’s another “Creating Positive Buzz” post featuring BucksMontMom.com
Bucks and Montgomery county moms no longer have to wait for answers
Whether you are a new mother with a question about caring for your sick infant, a parent who wants advice on 529 plans, or want to learn where the best local organic farms are www.BucksMontMom.com, launched by Jessica Cohen, is the go-to resource for suburban Philadelphia moms…and organizations trying to reach out to them.
The Local Experts (www.BucksMontExperts.com) hand-picked by Cohen provide direct support in areas including – early childhood behavior, nutrition, parenting for new mothers, real estate, home and office organizing, financial planning, and earth-friendlier living. With direct access to these Local Experts, there is no need to wait a week or two for answers. Childhood behavioral expert, Cindy Harney has over thirty years experience and is an early childhood specialist. Author of It Gets Easier…and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers, Claudine Wolk, is dedicated to helping new moms survive those tough early years and can answer any parenting question a new mom or dad may have. Professional Organizer and founder of simplyBorganized, Laurie Palau, can help moms and entrepreneurs escape from clutter and learn the principles of being organized. Suburban moms and dads who need advice on what the best college savings plan is or how to maximize their investments can turn to local expert, Pari Hashemi a Financial Planner with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. And for parents looking to add a little green to their lifestyle and home, Green Living mom, Teresa Berger – founder of the online green boutique, weeBgreen.com – can provide support in what the best natural cleaning products may be, recycling tips or where to find unique, earth-friendly baby shower gifts.
Lifestyle website www.BucksMontMom.com was launched as a site for suburban Philadelphia moms where they could turn to keep up with current issues, find answers to burning questions, and maintain their identity as individuals as Claudine Wolk stated, “Just because you are immersed in the important task of raising human beings does not mean that you should lose sight of your individual needs.” Cohen, a mother of two boys, knows the challenges mothers face today; the daily struggle with being the best mom you can be while at the same time remembering your needs, goals and dreams. Her extensive background in advertising and marketing, including several years in New York at a high profile print and online media company, is the ammo organizations marketing to mothers and families in the greater Philadelphia area need. Cohen also has a strong commitment to community which shines through on www.BucksMontMom.com, through the fundraisers she hosts for non-profits and on her Pay It Forward page.
For more information on www.BucksMontMom.com and the Local Experts, please visit the website or email info@BucksMontMom.com.
Infuse Fitness into Business: Make a limitless resolution to get fit
Many of us make grandiose New Year’s resolutions that we mean to follow through on and never do. Sometimes we might know that what we’re doing isn’t sustainable over a year, and other times, we underestimate exactly what we need to stick to a resolution. You often need more than just will power to really see results, especially when it comes to the popular resolution to get fit.
If you’re embarking on a journey to find a fitter, healthier version of yourself, start with these tips that will keep you from putting limits on what you can achieve.
Exercise anywhere
Even when you’ve fallen into a good, steady routine in your everyday life, fitting trips to the gym and other workouts in when you leave the home base can be difficult. It’s very easy to be tempted to cut yourself some slack and ignore exercising, but you’ll regret that decision sooner rather than later.
Luckily, technology makes it easy to bring your workout along with you. With workout programs like iTrain, your exercise regimen is as mobile as you are – you can easily download workouts and carry them with you everywhere, on your MP3 player. So whether you’re in New York or London, you really can work out, just the way you want to.
Exercise any way
There’s no one best way to work out – you need to know what’s best for you. Many people need to keep things fresh to maintain their interest in exercising, and they need to look for different kinds of activities that will help them along the road to fitness. By using online resources for exercise, you’re expanding your repertoire. Not only will you stay interested, you can also work different parts of your body. There are a wide variety of programs on iTrain, ranging from their iSculpt Ballet program, which uses ballet techniques to create long, lean muscles, to cardio programs that focus on heart healthiness while helping you create a toned body.
Exercise anytime
There are some days when you’ve got to do a shorter workout and others when you can go on as long as you’d like. Downloadable fitness workouts range in length – you can pack your MP3 player with everything from 20-minute workouts to 60-minute sessions – so you can have the right workout for any situation.
Of course, “time” means the long term, too. Don’t box yourself in to a time limit like three or six months – take all the time you need to achieve your desired results. To make things more streamlined, you can pay one flat fee for a year of unlimited downloads on iTrain. While they also offer plans that let you download programs a la carte or three at a time. Either way, once you pay the fee, the workouts are yours to keep, so you can go back to them time and again.
Exercise at any level
Whether you just want to get healthier or are shooting for sculpting your body into Hollywood shape, with dedication and the right tools, you can achieve your goals. It’s important to have good support, which you can often find with a personal trainer – but that can be an unrealistic expense for many people. Online programs offer some of the most valuable benefits of a personal trainer at a fraction of the cost. Celebrity trainers provide the instruction on workout MP3s from iTrain, and you can also e-mail the company to ask for customized routines. If you feel limited in what you can achieve, search out solutions on the Web or at the gym, and you’ll be able to make good on your New Year’s resolution.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
What you need to know before doing your taxes online.
(ARA) – It now takes more than 71,000 pages to cover and explain federal tax laws. So it’s not surprising the vast majority of taxpayers look for help preparing and filing their tax returns. Use of online tax preparation and e-filing continues to grow at record rates. In fact, more than 32 million taxpayers e-filed their tax returns from home last year, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
“Online tax prep can take a lot of the hassle out of doing your taxes,” says Gary Lundberg, product management director for CompleteTax (www.CompleteTax.com), an online income tax preparation and e-filing service. “But you want to make sure you use a program that best meets your needs.”
A recent independently conducted survey of approximately 1,000 taxpayers found that the most important factors to taxpayers in getting their taxes done are:
* Accuracy
* Safety and security
* Help and support
* Affordability
* Ease of use
* The best refund
According to Lundberg, questions you should look to answer when evaluating online tax programs are:
1. Does the program automatically check for accuracy?
Data entry errors and failing to enter key information, such as Social Security numbers, are some of the most common mistakes people make in preparing their taxes. Make certain the program automatically checks for errors or oversights. The program should provide links to the problems to help you quickly correct potentially costly mistakes.
2. Is the site secure?
You want to use an online program that encrypts your data using recognized security standards. Only use e-file programs that have been tested and approved by the IRS. These will display the IRS e-file logo on their home page.
3. What are the help options?
Ideally, the program should be straightforward, allowing you to finish your tax returns on your own. But you will want comprehensive help should you run into a question you can’t answer. So make sure the online tax program provides help resources on every page and offers support via e-mail or live online chat.
4. Does it clearly show the cost of preparing and filing your returns?
The cost for using the program should be displayed clearly on the first page so that you can make an informed choice. According to Lundberg, many first-time filers and other taxpayers with uncomplicated tax situations can take advantage of free versions offered by some online tax prep providers. For example, CompleteTax’s Free version can be used to prepare and file 1040EZ and even certain simple 1040 tax returns. Even if your taxes are more complicated, there is online software for basic federal income tax prep and e-file starting at under $20.
5. Is it easy to use?
Most online programs allow you to try them before you buy. You don’t have to go to a store, purchase the software, install it on your computer and hope you like it. Rather, you simply go to the online program’s Web site and start using it. Before you purchase, you can make sure the online program you choose is easy to navigate and presents information clearly.
6. What features does it include to help maximize your refund?
Most taxpayers are concerned that they may be missing deductions or credits that could save them money. Look for an online tax program that offers tools to help you make the most of credits and deductions. For example, this could include tools to help calculate the value of charitable deductions, such as clothing or household items.
“Part of getting your taxes done right is getting the biggest refund you deserve,” says Lundberg. “You need to pay taxes, but you want to use an online tax prep solution that’s helping make sure you’re not paying more than necessary.”
More information on online tax preparation and e-filing is available from CompleteTax at www.CompleteTax.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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SIDEBAR:
A survey of approximately 1,000 taxpayers asked them what they wanted when it came to preparing their income taxes. They said:
* Getting my taxes done right – 86 percent
* Getting my taxes done safely and securely – 76 percent
* Having the support and expertise I need – 70 percent
* Getting my taxes done as affordably as possible – 65 percent
* Making sure it’s as easy as possible – 65 percent
* Getting the biggest refund – 57 percent
The independently conducted survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for CompleteTax.
What does a virtual marketing firm do?
We thought we’d share our latest video with you to (hopefully) shed light on what virtual assistants or virtual marketing firms like ours can do for your business. It’s long, so we don’t expect you to sit through the whole thing…but we’d be thrilled if you did. Not only do we provide video / slideshow development support, but we can help you promote products, real estate listings and more with them through the various outlets available.
Let us know what you think – the good, bad and ugly by commenting below.
How to Avoid Overwhelm When Starting a New Project
You’re just back from your conference, and boy, are you excited! For the past few days, ideas for new projects and collaborations were flowing, and on the flight home, you filled several pages with notes about a new product you want to launch.
You arrive back in your office, and your desk is covered with notes, messages, and things that need doing…NOW! Just how do you keep this big new project of yours off the back-burner, and NOT get overwhelmed?
Here are a few ideas:
1. Harness your momentum. You’re excited about this new idea NOW. Take an hour to write down your goals for the project as soon as you arrive home. Post them in the most visible spot in your workspace to give the project priority status.
2. Tell your team, your family, and colleagues about your project to signal your commitment to the project a nd make it “real.” Once people know about your plans, they exist somewhere outside of your own head – the first step toward making it happen!
3. Create opportunities for “quick wins.” Think about your project as a series of easily achievable goals that lead to your desired end result. Take your big goal, and divide it into manageable action steps to complete each day/week/month, then address them one at a time.
4. Get a new perspective. Sometimes it is helpful to start with your end result and plan backward. This new view can help you see the big picture, while shedding light on details you may otherwise overlook.
5. Enlist help. Get your team on board! Determine what their responsibilities will be, create an action plan for each, and schedule regular meetings to stay on track and address a ny issues that happen along the way.
6. Use technology to stay on track. It’s easy to use a web-based project management and collaboration tool, such as Basecamp. It allows you to upload and share files, track to-do lists and milestones, and communicate effectively throughout the course of a project.
7. Make it fun. It’s easy to be excited about a project when you’re just starting out. Over time, you are bound to hit snags and stressors here and there. Rally your team with incentives, social outings and rewards for meeting goals throughout the course of the project – not just when it’s completed. And once it is complete, reward yourselves again for a job well done!
Donna Toothaker is CEO and founder of 1st VA the highly sought-after online marketing and consulting company. 1st VA specializes in providing online marketing support and services to entrepreneurs and solopreneurs who wish to effectively build or improve their online presence. To discover how 1st VA can help your business – visit http://www.1stva.com.
Thanks Giving – 11 Reasons To Be Thankful
Okay, this post is less about public relations, copy writing or editing and more about being thankful for what we have; having a sense of peace and contentment with where we are today. A colleague and friend recently published a book that speaks to this message — one day can make a difference in rediscovering dreams by gaining new perspective, modifying priorities and knowing your purpose.
So in this time of giving thanks, I thought I’d share what I’m thankful for. I wish all celebrating the U.S. day of Thanksgiving a safe and happy holiday!
1. I am grateful for client partnerships and collaborations this past year and those that are growing and will flourish in 2010. This past year I’ve returned to the life of a virtual professional by default (a product of a lay-off) and have continued working relationships with past clients and have built new ones. I’m grateful for each and every client this past year and am in a place where I can say I love all of my clients.
2. I am grateful for my partner and best friend, Peter. We’ve weathered some pretty serious storms — the premature death of my mother, my chronic back problems, and other challenges (ones that we all face at some point in our lives). I’m grateful every day for “my rock”.
3. I’m grateful that the sun rises and sets each day. There’s nothing better than watching a beautiful sunset. Having the time to watch a sunrise or sunset is rare, but when it comes it’s so peaceful and relaxing. As business owners dealing with several client needs at a time and our personal commitments, it’s so hard to practice being in the moment. My hope is that there is more of a commitment to that in the New Year.
4. Are you grateful for the mistakes you’ve made this past year? Why should we be? For one, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow, right? When we make mistakes we’re proving that we’re human but also giving ourselves an opportunity to learn and improve. So I am grateful for the large and small mistakes I’ve made this year.
One large mistake I made recently was to lift too much weight when I knowingly had a bulged disc in my lower back. This simple, or what I thought was simple, act of working on a home project with my husband is part of what led my bulged disc to become herniated…so badly that the orthopedic surgeon I am considering was shocked I was walking with no pain. So, the consequence of that mistake is requiring me to be more mindful of my limits and get surgery to prevent anything worse happening to my body. The consequences of this could be serious (especially if I do not get surgery), but I’m not letting it get the best of me. I’m owning up to that mistake, recognizing my limitations, and pledging to myself to never, ever sacrifice my health and well-being again. I’ve got big, muscular friends that can come by and help with the heavy lifting projects!
5. I am so grateful for the ability to help “create positive buzz” for my clients. I love writing; extracting ideas from clients and turning them into concise communications pieces. I am thrilled when a client gets exposure for their products or services. It’s not about the money; it’s about “creating positive buzz” and helping others achieve their dreams and goals.
6. If I were placing these 11 reasons in order by importance this would be #1. My daughter makes me grateful every day. Life changed completely once I became a mother and I would never change it for the world. I have a new source of laughter and inspiration every day and it’s all wrapped up in a 3+ foot tall, giggly, smiley package.
7. Philadelphia, “the city of brotherly love” is my home away from home. I’ll always consider Maryland my home, but for some reason I was always drawn to Philadelphia. I love this city, I love the diversity and its culture and I love living close enough to hop on the train to grab lunch with my husband or meet a prospective client.
8. I’m grateful for the ability to work from anywhere. As virtual professionals we often have the opportunity or even necessity to work outside of our home offices. I have worked from my back patio overlooking my yard, in the car, at Panera, at clients places of work, at the beach and at family members’ homes. You can be super-productive with a change of scenery from time to time.
9. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work at developing other dreams and interests. We don’t necessarily have to be tied to one thing always…I’m sure all of us have varying interests and aren’t solely tied to our virtual businesses. Being friendlier to the earth is one of my interests which is why I developed weeBGreen, with the help of a close friend, in April of 2009. My hope is that it grows to be a sought out source for shopping locally and regionally for earth friendlier products for “wee ones”.
10. I’m grateful for the lessons learned from my mother. I had 22 years with her and she is still guiding me today. She was a firm believer in following dreams and often referenced a poem by Louise Driscoll:
Hold fast your dreams!
Within your heart
Keep one still, secret spot
Where dreams may go,
And, sheltered so,
May thrive and grow
Where doubt and fear are not.
O keep a place apart,
Within you heart,
For little dreams to go!
Think still of lovely things that are not true.
Let wish and magic work at will in you.
Be sometimes blind to sorrow. Make believe!
Forget the calm that lies
In disillusioned eyes.
Though we all know that we must die,
Yet you and I
May walk like gods and be
Even now at home in immortality.
We see so many ugly things -
Deceits and wrongs and quarrelings;
We know, alas! we know
How quickly fade
The color in the west,
The bloom upon the flower,
The bloom upon the breast
And youth’s blind hour.
A place apart
Where little dreams may go,
May thrive and grow,
Hold fast – hold fast your dreams!
11. I am grateful for my membership to the organization for virtual professionals, IVAA. I’ve made great connections and have developed lasting client and collaborative relationships through this organization. I’m happy to serve as a volunteer staff writer for the IVAACast and hope to see many of my colleagues at the live summit in April!
What are you grateful for this year?
Share your comments here or on Twitter using #gratitudemonth.
Copyright 2009 Innovate Services & Teresa H. Berger
Innovate Services & Client Media Mentions…
http://www.business-opportunities.biz http://blog.cristinafavreau.com http://www.ivaa.org/pdfs/latestcast.pdf http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/blog
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