tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25738779873994353572011-10-27T12:18:40.101-04:00" Helping You and Your Business Look Good"The Importance of Relationship Marketing. Building a good relationship with your friends, clients, prospects, and referral partners is essential to having a successful business. I write mostly about how to build good relationships through networking and other business resources.Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.comBlogger801100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-14095322708029879312011-10-27T12:18:00.000-04:002011-10-27T12:18:40.132-04:00Grammar Rules Ain't Relevant in Copy.....<!--[if !mso]>
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<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-16800837145816866342011-04-15T19:45:00.000-04:002011-04-15T19:45:52.161-04:00Greeting Card Etiquette<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-9209167945292677002011-02-03T09:43:00.002-05:002011-02-03T09:44:48.613-05:00Show Some H.E.A.R.T. It's almost Valentine's day and love is in the air. Our thoughts are of hearts and love. Do you Love your customers? Do you appreciate their business? When was the last time you let them know? Did you at least let them know the last time they did business with you?
Over the past couple of months I have done business with several local businesses, i.e. HVAC, handyman, mover, bank, and Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-29073905340456634052010-11-24T07:35:00.000-05:002010-11-24T07:35:18.285-05:00Peanut ButterI love peanut butter, in fact there are even times that I actually crave the stuff. I'll eat it straight out of the jar with a spoon. I especially like the extra crunchy kind. What I like even better is chocolate with my peanut butter. Reese's is my very favorite candy.
But I digress. My liking peanut butter is not really the subject of this blog. What I dislike, really hate, is when a 'Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-37433227382746091922010-10-25T19:43:00.000-04:002010-10-25T19:43:39.761-04:00After the Expo - Now What?You spent your money on a booth. You invested your time. You gathered lots of leads and prospects. Now what? As the old saying goes...The Fortune is in the Follow up! Did you know only 20% of vendors follow up after a trade show or expo?!
I often participate in local expos and I make it a point to make my rounds to the other vendors typically before the expo starts. The reason I do this isPainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-66541864007516619772010-09-03T09:44:00.003-04:002010-09-03T09:50:01.442-04:00All Work and No PlayLabor Day serves as a day of rest and as a reminder that the summer is drawing to a close, but that doesn't mean you should relax your marketing efforts. This is a prime time for snagging holiday shoppers eager to get the last bit out of summer and/or prepare for fall and winter.
Consider using the theme of 'All Work and No Play' as a Labor Day theme for marketing ideas when planning your early Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-56554226376790059192010-08-26T16:20:00.004-04:002010-08-26T16:27:36.077-04:00Drip....Drip....Drip.....Do you typically close business the first time you talk with someone? Not usually? Me either. It happened to me this past week and I was thrilled, but typically it doesn’t happen on the first call.
When do people buy? Answer – When they have a perceived need and when THEY are ready to buy!People usually don’t buy the first time they hear about your product or service, unless they just Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-42417158397138772202010-07-16T20:28:00.001-04:002010-07-16T20:32:34.228-04:00Happy Anniversary!Hope your summer is going well. I am pleased to announce that the greeting card system has had some recent upgrades. We have just announced Picture Plus 2.0. This is a wonderful upgrade if you want to create very custom cards. It is like having PhotoShop in the card editor or like doing electronic scrapbooking. I have really enjoyed creating some really cool cards. Here is a link to Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-39574499542398048072010-06-13T14:33:00.001-04:002010-06-13T14:37:31.968-04:00The Highest Form of Flattery.....Image via WikipediaThey say that the highest form of flattery one can receive is for someone to copy or emulate something you are doing. Is it? In the marketing and advertising business it's done all the time. You take an idea and try and use it yourself. Hopefully changing it up so that it appears to be an original idea of your own. If it's an idea of a big corporation, hopefully you don't Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-78948229583653321202010-06-04T08:37:00.000-04:002010-06-04T08:37:58.446-04:00Acronyms Don't Work - Computer Associates Learns the Hard Way! The following article is from my favorite marketing and branding expert, Liz Goodgold with Red Fire Branding. She gives some great advice in picking a name for your company. Alphabet soup doesn't always work.
Acronyms Don't Work - Computer Associates Learns the Hard Way! Five years ago, Computer Associates got tainted by a big accounting scandal and decided to vary its name to CA. OoopsPainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-38100337246356059512010-05-23T11:25:00.003-04:002010-05-23T11:30:54.187-04:00Mamas Teach Your Children to Write Thank You Notes
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Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-36181800785428870682010-04-25T18:01:00.000-04:002010-04-25T18:01:36.154-04:00Social Media and Relationships
Image by HubSpot via Flickr
Are you tapping into the Social Media market? Are you having success? Or are you still wondering how to make social media work for you.
Building relationships online is not to much different from building an in person, face to face relationship. Here are a few tips that I think will go along way to foster and build good long lasting mutual benefiting online Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-49748572450575178792010-04-10T09:40:00.002-04:002010-04-10T09:40:11.124-04:00The Daffodil Principle
My good friend, Linda Miller, shared this story with me recently. I had never read it before. I thought it was so profound that I wanted to share it.
Enjoy!
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mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-42756328030890662932010-04-08T16:07:00.005-04:002010-04-12T14:00:28.739-04:00Customer LoyaltyApril is International Customer Loyalty Month – What better time to send customers a Thank You card for their continued business?
People do business with people they know, like, and trust. It is five times harder to get a new client and it cost six to seven times more money, than it does to keep an existing client. Statistics say that if a business retains only 5% of their customer base, it canPainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-60739979777795231112010-04-02T21:10:00.002-04:002010-04-02T21:10:45.593-04:00Refresh, Renew, Refocus, and Re-evaluate
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mso-font-signaturePainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-24552093121308316622010-02-28T11:00:00.001-05:002010-02-28T11:04:26.182-05:00Lessons from the IrishOne place that's on my bucket list is Ireland. Besides the scenery being so beautiful, it seems to be such a laid back relaxing place to visit. The people exude a warmth and playfulness. When it comes to building meaningful relationships I am reminded of the Irish. They have such a strong tradition and culture which you can sense in their many blessings and inspirational poems. Just think Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-58816973790303760682010-02-05T10:41:00.012-05:002010-02-05T12:04:23.589-05:00Matters of the HeartImage via WikipediaFebruary is American Heart Month. This month gives us lots of different ways to celebrate and honor matters of the heart. On the first is Women's Heart Health Day. We have National Wear Red Day, today, Feb. 5, which brings awareness to the Number #1 disease of women, heart disease and Valentine's Day on the 14th. I attended a luncheon yesterday and the speakers were doctors Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-52251803819536573122010-01-31T11:47:00.022-05:002010-01-31T13:46:26.157-05:00How to Build a Strong Network <!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-85784056937455834712010-01-11T12:40:00.010-05:002010-01-11T13:25:37.262-05:00Good Home TrainingToday, January 11, is International Thank You day. In my research of this wonderful day, I came across this great article by Michael de Jong. He consented to allowing me to post it here. One of the points in the article is to teach our children early the importance of sending thank you notes. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did."Thanks to the morning light, thanks to the foaming sea, to the Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-59317594561658066602010-01-08T10:46:00.010-05:002010-01-08T11:22:32.423-05:00Social Media EtiquetteA while back I had an experience that prompted me to write a blog ‘How’s that working for you.’ I do a lot of networking both face to face and online and sometimes I am just amazed at the actions and tactics of some people. Recently I had an online experience that has prompted me to muse about Social Media Etiquette. If you are just getting started with using Social Media for your business,Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-38137319404919276042010-01-04T18:33:00.006-05:002010-01-04T19:13:13.105-05:00The Quick Connection – Effective Connecting for Effective ResultsI was talking with a friend and business colleague last week. We were attending a networking meeting. She said that she had recently talked with someone who said that their business was so bad that they were now having to get out and network. We both agreed that if the person had been doing some effective networking all along, that their business would not be suffering.One of the most Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-18606298962792727702010-01-02T13:17:00.012-05:002010-01-02T18:57:40.882-05:00Everyday is A Celebration!
A new year and a new decade. What are you hoping and dreaming for, looking forward to? Each new day is a reason to be thankful and to celebrate. It is said that what we think about is what we bring about? What's on your mind today?The Earth Calendar lists all the holidays from around the globe. Listed below are some for the US. The most notable one for me is January is the 8th, The Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-13972089666452683762009-12-31T12:21:00.005-05:002009-12-31T13:28:31.859-05:00Reflections and ResolutionsI have spent this morning catching up on the other blogs that I follow. It being the end of the year many are writing about the past year and the new year approaching. One of the best blog posts, 'Are You Ready for 2010?,' was from Bonnie Ross Parker, CEO and Founder of The Joy of Connecting. I think she put into words most of what I was thinking. We are not only embarking on a new year, but Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-1164624954898370812009-12-04T15:18:00.005-05:002009-12-04T15:38:28.599-05:00History of Greeting CardsSending greeting cards to friends, lovers and family is a tradition that goes back over 200 years. While the first greeting card actually dates back to the early 1400's, greeting cards became popular in the mid 1800's when the cost of color printing dropped, and cards could be delivered for just a penny. Sir Henry Cole is credited with coming up with the idea for the first mass produced greeting Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-50151487890320729692009-12-01T11:03:00.006-05:002009-12-01T11:57:32.086-05:00How Do You Choose to CelebrateImage by Getty Images via DaylifeThe holiday season is here. We received our first greeting card yesterday. Every where we turn we are bombarded with constant reminders from every possible angle. Given the past year's tough economic state, lots of people are finding creative ways to celebrate the holidays. How are you celebrating this year? What traditions are special for you?For me each Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-80727353499910563352009-11-02T18:26:00.008-05:002009-11-02T20:45:01.062-05:00A Time for ThanksgivingThe time has changed. The days are definitely shorter, but it also seems the years are getting shorter. I would like to think that 'time flies when you're having fun' rather than it being because I'm getting older. But with every passing year I cherish my life and my loved ones even more. For who knows how much time we have left to be with them and enjoy their company.I received a phone callPainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-26073011032104222222009-10-29T15:13:00.006-04:002009-10-29T15:31:15.602-04:00There is Room for AllWell I am sitting here in shock right now. I had sent out an email this morning to a business acquaintance who runs a very successful networking group asking if they would like to list their group on the new networking site I had recently created, NetworkNorthGeorgia.com. I received a reply saying that they were confused because there were some other sites with similar names and wasn't I a memberPainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-24504879062215099882009-10-01T17:58:00.006-04:002009-10-01T19:08:26.422-04:00Trick or TreatImage via Wikipedia <!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-3479858266160497972009-09-29T11:49:00.006-04:002009-09-29T13:19:52.510-04:00WhirlwindLife is good and so exciting! I've been gone for nine days on a vacation, wedding trip, honeymoon, and company convention. And yes, I planned it all to coincide. Now trying to get caught up.First things first, yes I did get married to my long time significant other of nine and half years. We were married in Lake Tahoe. Hope to have pictures posted on Facebook soon. From there we went to Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-63047531980653257162009-09-14T12:19:00.006-04:002009-09-14T12:38:45.063-04:00Advertising Specialty Promotional Product StudyImage via WikipediaIt’s important to show our clients that we appreciate their business. After all they are our best sales people. At this time of the year we begin to think about gifts that we can give that will show our appreciation. Imprinted ad specialties provide a gift of appreciation as well as a gift that will keep on giving impressions to your client as well as to new prospects.Here Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-22292924800385968152009-09-11T17:57:00.009-04:002009-09-11T18:51:32.131-04:00Infinite Possibilities - The Art of Living Your DreamsI am a huge fan of Mike Dooley. Mike was featured in the book and movie 'The Secret.' He has written a new book and has some exciting news and special offers to go along with the release. This book has already broken publication records for its pre-published sales to bookstores. The worldwide release date was Tuesday, September 8th and in celebration of the release, TUT is declaring September Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-25411671603652427192009-09-09T20:50:00.005-04:002009-09-09T21:09:24.571-04:00August Winner In August I made the offer again to give away Chocolate Brownies. In order to be eligible to win you had to send a free greeting card*. I am pleased to announce that Maureen McKeown owner of the Atlanta Kids Directory will be receiving decadent Chocolate Brownies in her mailbox very soon. Here is what Maureen has to say about the greeting card system, "I love SOC! It is so easy to put Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-32454997489503540572009-09-02T15:20:00.010-04:002009-09-02T16:07:15.815-04:00Analogies Must Be RelevantImage via WikipediaThe following is from my very favorite marketing expert, Liz Goodgold, branding expert, author, and speaker."As I was exercising at the gym last week, I literally laughed aloud when I saw the latest commercial from Cinergy Health Insurance.After lengthy voiceover announcements about the importance of good medical care, preventive care, prescription coverage and lab benefits, Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-8202627808094965382009-08-30T13:49:00.006-04:002009-08-30T14:55:55.614-04:00Labor DayImage by Jo Peattie via FlickrSeptember seems to be a transitional month. Summer has ended, school is back in session, and fall and the holidays are just around the corner. Most think of Labor Day as the last Hoorah of Summer and is probably the most remembered holiday of September. According to The U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-7800651295946515042009-08-06T18:21:00.006-04:002009-08-06T18:39:16.825-04:0042 Rules for Effective ConnectionsI am thrilled to officially announce that the collaborative book, 42 Rules for Effective Connections, is ready for purchase. Co-authored by CEO and Founder of The Joy of Connecting, Bonnie Ross Parker and Cindy Elsberry of Bumble Bee Virtual Assistant Services with contributions from The Joy of Connecting community. I know you will feel the same pride I feel when you see it for yourself. I am Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-71492946240810600232009-08-03T19:46:00.015-04:002009-08-06T13:29:14.320-04:00And the Winner is.....In July I made the offer to give away Chocolate Brownies. In order to be eligible to win you had to send a free greeting card. I am pleased to announce that Lanell of Atlanta will be receiving decadent Chocolate Brownies in her mailbox very soon. Lanell is a make up artist and says she will be using the greeting card system for business to send personalized thank yous to her clients and Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-53436415202088856522009-07-29T19:09:00.016-04:002009-07-29T20:25:52.604-04:00You make me SmileWhat does Elvis, Smokey the Bear, Smiles and Clowns have in common? They all are recognized in August. August brings the last month of summer fun, the beginning of school for many, and fall will be right around the corner. This month has an eclectic list of holidays. Some of my favorites for this month include the observance the first week of 'National Smile Week' and it is also 'National Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-65481875126298574012009-07-17T08:59:00.009-04:002009-07-17T10:19:31.864-04:00Time for Celebration!Today I am celebrating finding an amazing service three years ago and I want to give you a gift. Be sure and read to the very end to find out what my gift to you is.Three years ago I was searching on the internet for information on The Laws of Attraction. I was clicking on various websites and I happened on a forum about LOA. I read the posts and noticed a signature link about greeting cards.Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-45324071930939677192009-07-11T13:51:00.008-04:002009-07-11T22:01:24.203-04:00Twitter on SteroidsImage via CrunchBaseI attended a Social Media class today. It was great to learn all about the neat tools that helps to automate social media, Twitter in particular. It helped to have someone to explain all the different tools and how that would enhance your Twittering. This is not to take away from the personal touch of online networking, but it is the extender of Twitter. The advantage of Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-57325157930986258332009-07-09T19:06:00.012-04:002009-07-09T19:50:04.708-04:00Lessons Learned on Branding from CelebritiesFor the past week all we've heard on the news has been about Michael Jackson. The following is from my favorite 'marketing guru,' Liz Goodgold. She tells us about lessons we can learn from celebrities in regards to branding.What You Can Learn from Michael JacksonGiven the unexpected death of Michael Jackson, it’s only fitting to take a moment to see him as both an icon and a brand. Michael’s Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-35951825470814488322009-06-22T12:04:00.010-04:002009-06-29T12:21:48.377-04:00Born on the Fourth of JulyI can't believe we are approaching the fourth of July and the year is half over. As we watch the news everyday, even though things aren't great, we still have a lot for which to be thankful. Our freedom is the biggest one. To Celebrate Our Freedom, here is a special offer from me, send a soldier a Thank You card with my compliments. Log onto www.SendingCardsMadeEZ.com. If you don't know a Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-31337700432505351322009-06-15T08:59:00.009-04:002009-06-15T12:19:26.574-04:00What's Your Back Up Plan?Recently I've seen several articles like this one talking about how the ranks of direct sales companies are increasing due to the economy. And I have also observed many people signing up for these opportunities to make some extra cash. I have been a part of direct sales industry myself for over 27 years. I signed up the first time in 1969 to make some extra money to buy an area rug for my Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-39033748223954895312009-06-10T19:14:00.008-04:002009-06-26T11:08:29.241-04:00R.S.V.P.....Regrets Only??!!The term R.VP comes from the French expression "répondez s'il vous plaît", meaning "please respond". If RSVP is written on an invitation it means the invited guest must tell the host or hostess whether or not they plan to attend the party or event. It does not mean to respond only if you're coming, and it does not mean respond only if you're not coming (the term "regrets only" is reserved for Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-15009554033755976512009-06-08T19:36:00.013-04:002009-06-08T20:35:38.570-04:00Time to Sell Value, Not PriceThe article below is by my very favorite marketing expert, Liz Goodgold. She brings home a very good point about Price vs. Value. Which do you offer your clients?Everyone in this economy keeps shouting “sale!” or “lowest prices guaranteed.” But, I think they should be talking about value instead. Let’s take a look at the short-lived Lowe’s commercial. This home improvement retailer thought it Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-50791362842491784312009-05-28T17:22:00.010-04:002009-06-02T17:28:13.813-04:00Don't go Naked on the internet!Yes, you read the title right. And what does that mean you ask. I heard the term from a friend of mine and she was referring to the signature field when you send an email and not using this area to include your contact information, business name, and maybe your tagline. There are several reasons to do this. Below are some that I thought of and I've also listed some other information about Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-64474730699744506492009-05-25T11:48:00.010-04:002009-06-01T09:01:59.745-04:00Father Knows BestDid you watch that show when you were growing up? I guess I'm telling my age by admitting I did. Robert Young always had the right answers and solutions. My Father always told me, 'Don't do as I do, Do as I tell you.' I lost my father at a very young age. He was only 53. I was a 'Daddy's Girl.' Growing up I thought my Dad could do not wrong. Honor your parents. Hold them close. Ask themPainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-53241824506768958362009-05-20T19:40:00.007-04:002009-05-22T15:29:16.994-04:00Why do Women Travel in Twos?Did Noah start something? Women travel in twos, even to the bathroom. I know the obvious answer to the title of this blog is 'safety' and yes I agree. And I guess you're asking the question, what does this have to do with networking, business, relationship marketing, etc. that I usually write about. Well something happened recently that brought this topic back to the surface. I won't bore Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-16971380676837553342009-05-09T09:41:00.014-04:002009-05-14T16:46:26.758-04:00And How's That Working for You!I recently attended a networking event. It was a 'business after hours' type of meeting. There were probably between 200 to 300 people there. Saw lots of people I knew, re-connected with some people I had not seen in a long while, and I met some new people. Did some 'netweaving,' i.e. introducing people I knew to other people I knew. After all that is the point of going to these types of Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-91941324647337313442009-04-29T16:41:00.008-04:002009-05-10T09:09:43.246-04:00Mother, May IApril showers bring May flowers…..well hopefully depending on where you live. In my part of the world, Yes the flowers are blooming. I love to look out each day to see what new growth and blooms Mother Nature has brought forth.May is just full of wonderful occasions to celebrate and show appreciation to the special people in our lives, Teachers, Nurses, and that all important day, Mother’s Day,Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-20383267836142553372009-04-12T13:04:00.005-04:002009-04-12T13:18:20.584-04:00Happy Easter - Happy Spring!In my endless search for positive and inspirational material, I found the following which I thought was appropriate for Easter and Spring. Easter is interpreted for many as 'Re-birth.' To me Spring time is a re-birthing of all that the beautiful things in nature that the Universe has given us. And it brings thoughts of the seeds we plant in our lives and how they grow and manifest. Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-81505129168239789462009-03-24T09:09:00.009-04:002009-04-12T12:23:31.408-04:00April FoolYes I’m posting the April calendar a little early because I’m going on a little vacation. I’m going on a four day cruise to Cozumel with my company and then on to Texas for my youngest granddaughter’s first birthday celebration. And yes the picture is my granddaughter sitting among the blue bonnets. One of the reasons my daughter says that Texas is home.Spring is in the air; at least it is Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-63077989077714355842009-03-02T15:18:00.012-05:002009-04-12T12:29:12.684-04:00Time Marches OnCan you believe it’s March already?! We got snow in our area yesterday! It was beautiful while it was falling. I’m just glad it wasn’t cold enough to accumulate on the ground. People around here just don't know how to drive in the snow.What’s up for March besides St. Patrick’s Day and the First Day of Spring, which are two of my favorites along with American Chocolate week which is the third Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-11218528449848463812009-02-20T11:22:00.012-05:002009-04-12T12:31:16.797-04:00Raving Fans - Best Referral Ever!As a Marketing Solutions Consultant I work with businesses to help them build relationships with their clients and prospects for a source of endless referrals. It's always great to have satisfied customers, but when they are 'Raving Fans' like my friend Charlie, it let's me know I am offering a wonderful service. I think this is one of the best endorsements I have ever received for the greetingPainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-23296744606811565802009-02-10T09:13:00.001-05:002009-04-12T12:34:31.190-04:00The History of Valentine's Day Happy Valentine's Day! Every February, across the country, cards, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and it's patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance.Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-55139639499019016982009-02-07T17:57:00.004-05:002009-04-12T12:36:26.945-04:00Ten Things to do to build Your Network which increases Your Net Worth. This past week was International Networking week. I thought I would pass along these tips for networking.1. Brand Yourself – By Name, Business, Tag Line, Appearance, etc. Be consistent in all your material.2. Have a 30 Second Infomercial - Your Elevator speech – Be able to tell someone what you do that peeks their interest and makes them ask questions and want to hear more.3. Noticeable Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-57254147608887487202009-02-01T09:13:00.001-05:002009-04-12T12:38:40.235-04:00What’s Up in February - The most noted holidays in February are Ground Hog Day, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day, but there are a few more. As I did my search on www.earthcalendar.net, there were a couple of events that I was quite surprised that were not listed on the calendar; International Networking Week, Feb. 2 – 6, and National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 6. If you search through my blogs you will find a Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-9137517854873306632009-01-12T10:00:00.001-05:002009-04-12T12:40:37.379-04:00"Run Your Business From Home?Here's 10 Ways to Be More Productive"by Ali BrownAh, working at home sweet home... Visions of leisurely days, conference calls in comfy sweatpants, increased productivity with fewer interruptions. But the distinctions between work life and home life soon blur. You really should throw some laundry in the wash before you write that proposal. You have an hour before a meeting: Should you balance Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-20012302039163392392009-01-03T18:21:00.001-05:002009-04-12T12:41:59.205-04:00Keeping in Touch Do You Need a Reason? There is an old saying that in order to have friends, we need to be one. In order to build a relationship it’s important to stay in touch. This applies in our personal lives as well as business.Just like you nurture a relationship with a new friend you want to nurture your relationship with prospects so they can become your new friend. And I believe we need to nurture Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-72344505685200544212008-12-31T11:26:00.001-05:002009-04-12T12:44:09.627-04:00New Year Resolutions - Getting Organized Did you procrastinate?Didn’t send Holiday Cards? Need to send Thank You cards? Actually, sending cards now can get you noticed (and in a positive way). Instead of your card getting lost in the shuffle of the busy Holiday season, sending a heartfelt personal card for the New Year is surely to make your greeting ‘stand out from the rest.’ Are you making your resolutions for the New Year? IsPainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-18793828097347402942008-12-28T15:21:00.000-05:002009-01-17T15:30:11.194-05:00Whoosh....... Whoosh…..Did you hear it? It was the sound of the holidays coming and going or you could say the whole year. I thought it was just me, but I heard a number of people say that this year just flew by. I love the holidays. I wish they didn’t come and go so fast. I spoke to a client the day after Christmas and asked her how she enjoyed her holidays and she said fine, but she was glad it was Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-31573521522062847162008-12-10T20:18:00.000-05:002009-01-17T15:36:19.673-05:00Scattered, Smothered, and CoveredIt's been a while since I have written something like this. I think it must have something to do with finally feeling better after being sick with the 'crud' as we refer to it in our family for the past two months. Anyway read on to find out what I was pondering today.I think someone should open a cross between Starbucks and Waffle House. There are some of us with computers who want/need to Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-87801247915417479832008-12-01T14:42:00.000-05:002009-01-17T15:44:53.211-05:00Are Your Greeting Cards Done Yet?Well it's December and the holidays are fast approaching whether you like it or not. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It's just all the preperation leading up to it that gets me in a panic, wondering how in the world I'm going to get everything done.One thing I can check off my list is the task of sending my greeting cards. Since I found this wonderful greeting card system over two Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-26906902053740238702008-11-22T18:54:00.001-05:002009-04-12T12:48:24.439-04:00How Gratitude can bring an increase in your bottom line!I hauled myself out of bed the other morning at 4AM in order to attend a Breakfast networking meeting that was entitled 'How Gratitude can bring an increase in your bottom line!' When I first got the invitation to this meeting, I thought Oh Boy! This is right up my alley. But after a long week at getting up early going to meetings and then attending more late night meetings also, not to Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-57048519280709201992008-11-11T16:08:00.000-05:002008-11-11T17:22:35.830-05:00Being Gracious in BusinessIt’s the holiday season I can already tell. It seems that this time of the year people’s nerves seem to be on edge. Or is the economy or a combination of both? Or is it that some individuals who are in business just don’t understand that being gracious in business dealings will help to build a lasting relationship with a client or potential client. And hopefully that lasting relationship willPainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-30741807101057114632008-11-03T09:21:00.001-05:002009-04-12T12:51:23.598-04:00The Artful TableToday's blog is about a fun event that took place locally this past weekend, 'The Artful Table.'The Dawson County arts council held it’s second “Artful Table” luncheon this past weekend. It was a fund raiser for a local art council. Tables were decorated for the luncheon. All types of people and groups signed up to decorate tables using all types of themes. The men who were the servers for Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-13181397700154680022008-10-27T15:04:00.000-04:002008-10-27T15:17:22.321-04:00Why are some businesses and sales people thriving in today’s economy?Because these are the companies that have shown their clients that they truly appreciate them and their business. They have built a solid relationship with them. They have got to know them on a more personal level. Not only do their clients keep buying from them but they give them referrals. Here are some ways that companies can show their clients appreciation. • Taking the time to build the Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-79173611339151649692008-10-17T06:37:00.000-04:002008-10-17T06:42:50.793-04:0010 business practices you can implement for a greener businessFrom the American Business Women's Company Connecting Online Newsletter. In this issue, learn the 10 business practices you can implement for a greener business and Yours Truly has an article published written by Mia Katz, page 2. http://www.abwa.org/CC-Newsletter/ComConOctNov08.pdf.In gratitude,Annette S. Walden Send Out to Give - Act on Your Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-12136407121649538872008-10-08T16:03:00.000-04:002008-10-08T16:26:18.766-04:00How do I stay in front of my prospects and customers? I’m worried that out of sight translates into out of mind.I love it when I find or receive information from experts that reconfirms the marketing products and services that I offer. I read this and just went WOW…did she write this for me or what!I had the great pleasure of hearing Liz Goodgold with Red Fire Branding, http://www.redfirebranding.com, speak several months ago. She is just a wealth of information on a common sense approach to marketing. Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-82649510730238125092008-10-02T14:57:00.000-04:002008-10-02T15:02:29.884-04:00THE ABC'S TO ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS!!I was going through my files today and came across this and thought I would share.A-void negative sources, people, things and habits. B -elieve in yourself. C -onsider things from every angle. D -on't give up and don't give in. E -njoy life today: yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. F -amily and Friends are hidden treasures. Seek them and enjoy their riches.G -ive more than you plannedPainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-24340345179736669322008-09-23T08:47:00.000-04:002008-09-23T08:54:16.242-04:00Recession Proof Your BusinessThank a Customer a day –Did you know acquiring a new customer can cost 8 to 10 times more than retaining an existing one; this can be a costly approach. According to customer relationship management experts, companies can increase revenue by 50% if they retain only 5% more of their customers.Businesses lose business because they don’t keep in regular touch with their customers and clients? They Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-81840878564969734402008-09-10T19:22:00.000-04:002008-09-10T19:26:21.446-04:00Follow-up is Key to SuccessThe Fortune is in the Follow-upBut What and How do You do it? Or Have it done unto You?Here are some key statistics on follow up:48% of sales people never follow up with a prospect25% of sales people make a second contact and stop12% of sales people only make three contacts and stopOnly 10% of sales people make more than three contacts2% of sales are made on the first contact3% of sales are madePainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-75316625639301191842007-02-05T22:17:00.000-05:002008-09-28T17:20:00.751-04:00National Networking WeekFeb 5-9, 2007 International Networking Week*I attended a seminar and had the great pleasure of hearing Brian Tracy speak. I was quite happy to hear him say that everyone in business needs to spend 80% of their time prospecting. As I attend numerous networking meetings, I had sometimes wondered if it was a good use of my time. I also had the privilege of hearing John Maxwell speak in and had Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-73102242840614124392007-02-01T18:31:00.000-05:002008-09-28T17:24:50.795-04:00No One Needs to Give Me a Reason to Wear ReddNo one needs to give me a reason to wear Red. I love the color. My nickname is Redd. My car is red. My vanity plates says REDDS. But for those that may need a reason, here is a very good one.´National Wear Red Day´Friday, February 2ndEveryone (including men!) can support the fight against heart disease in women by wearing red on National Wear Red Day — this Friday, February 2nd.It's a simple yet Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-8785453606884481222007-01-25T17:20:00.000-05:002007-01-25T17:44:02.878-05:00A Very Worthy CauseThe dreaded "C" word has taken many of my family and loved ones, so I am more than willing to do my part to help even in a small way and I truly admire those who go beyond what is expected to help to find a cure. Case in point, my lovely daughter in law. A few blogs ago I told you about my grandson who recently took his last Chemo treatment and our celebration. If you would like to see what my Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-74870565934684324082007-01-22T10:12:00.000-05:002007-01-22T10:22:42.826-05:00Handwriting AnalysisNational Handwriting Analysis WeekJanuary 23 is John Hancock’s Birthday and also is National Handwriting Analysis WeekWhat does Your John Hancock say about You?HANDWRITING ANALYSIS ----Handwriting analysis began with cave men writing pictures, or symbols, for communication. It is a time tested evaluation tool with research validating back to the early 1600’s. It does not invade a person’s right Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-29927440469393107292007-01-08T08:50:00.000-05:002007-01-08T09:31:12.947-05:00Today Should Be a National Holiday!Today should be declared a National Holiday! Why you ask? It’s Elvis Presley’s birthday among other things. http://www.elvis.com/. Yes, I am an Elvis fan and proud of it. Not a fanatic, but definitely a fan. I was probably about 10 or 11 when he first started making it big. Always liked his music. Saw all his movies. Went to his concerts. Bought a lot of his records and albums. I liked his first Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-18085295877622027622006-12-31T17:00:00.000-05:002006-12-31T17:35:54.020-05:00Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and a Very Prosperous 2007.I'm kind of of new to blogging and was showing my blog site to my significant other. Now you have to understand he knows very little about computers, the internet, etc. He can get to his email and read it and that's about it. So he's asking me what is a blog and who's going to read it, etc. So I start showing him some of thePainted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-57048157204802230002006-12-29T20:21:00.000-05:002006-12-31T17:51:27.750-05:00A Celebration!Today was a very good day. I was able to be with my step son and my grandson. Today was my grandson's last Chemo treatment and his Dad's (my step son's) birthday. I met them at the hospital. They arrived in a white stretch limo. That was a promise my son made when my grandson had his first treatment 3 years ago, that they would go for the last treatment in a limo. You know how children are; they Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-80060590213319061602006-12-27T10:14:00.000-05:002006-12-31T17:45:18.353-05:00Christmas Traditions and MemoriesIt has been a very good Christmas. We spent it with family. The house is quiet and seems empty now. I hear everyone talking before Christmas about they will be glad when it's over. Not me. It's over way to soon for me. It's a special time for me, sharing what's new, past stories, and in general just enjoying everyone's company especially family. Why is Christmas so special to me? Because I've Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573877987399435357.post-65317054542936804412006-12-22T08:32:00.001-05:002006-12-22T09:12:25.274-05:00Grocery Store EtiquetteI went to the grocery a couple of days ago. It is not one of my favorite things to do, but it's a few days before Christmas and I needed to do all the shopping for the weekend and prepare for the on slaught of company. I like to prepare and cook ahead of time so that I can enjoy the company and the holiday and not be cooking and cleaning up all the time. Of course being a few days before the Painted Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828381935749180989noreply@blogger.com0