Whirlwind

Life 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 Salt Lake for my company convention.

I am so excited about all the new announcements at convention, especially the new product to become a sender of greeting cards. It is a great product for home, office, and school parties, trade shows, fund raisers, etc. The list just goes on and on. Also, a new low entry fee to get started making money, and all just in time for the holidays! ALL The best features of direct sales.

So I am busy scheduling 'Celebrate Life' parties and following up with all those folks who have expressed interest. This is a wonderful opportunity just in time for the holidays - gifts and greeting cards.

Let me know if you would like more information.

In gratitude,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

Advertising Specialty Promotional Product Study

Image via Wikipedia

It’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 are some highlights of a study done by the ©Advertising Specialty Institute on the impact of promotional products. It provides some interesting information to consider when selecting imprinted ad specialty gifts for your clients. If you would like to see the entire study, let me know and I will send it to you in its entirety.

The purpose of this study was to understand how advertising specialties influence end-user’s purchasing decision; determine the number of impressions of popular advertising specialties; and analyze the Cost Per Impression (CPI) of advertising specialties compared with other popular advertising media.

Respondents were asked if they had received any promotional products in the last 12 months. Most respondents were business/professional people and all were age 21 or older.

Summary of Conclusions:

• Instant recall: 84% respondents remembered the advertisers of the promotional products they had received.
• Very Impressionable: 42% had MORE favorable impression of an advertiser after receiving the item. And 24% said they are MORE likely to do business with the advertiser on the items they receive.
• It’s all business: 62% have done business with the advertiser on a promotional product after receiving the item.
• Pens are in: Writing instruments are the most-recalled advertising specialty items (54% recall owning them), followed by shirts, caps, and bags.
• User-Friendly: 81% of promotional products were kept because they were considered useful.
• Staying power: More than three-quarter have had their items for more than 6 months.
• Bag It!: Among wearables, bags were reported to be used most frequently with respondents indicating that they used their bags an average of 9 times per month. Bags also deliver the most impressions: Each bag averages 1,038 impressions per month.
• Most Impressive: The average CPI of an advertising specialty item is $0.004; as a result, marketers get a more favorable return on investment from advertising specialties than nearly any other popular advertising media.

Commonly owned advertising specialty items:

• The most commonly owned promotional products among all respondents were writing instruments (54%) followed by shirts (45%) and caps (31%)

Usage: How often do you wear/use the item per month? (Asked to those who had shirts, caps, other wearables, and bags).

• Shirts – 4.32
• Caps – 6.06
• Other Wearables – 4.62
• Bags – 9.33

Number of Impressions:

Impressions were calculated based on the number of times items were worn or used per month and the average number of people that came in contact with the user.

• Bags made the highest number of impressions (approximately 1,038 per month) followed by caps (approximately 476 per month).
• Among non-wearables, writing instruments made the most impressions, with 363 per month.

Length of Time an Item is Held:

• More than one year:
o Bags – 42%
o Wearables – Shirts, caps, etc. 39%
o Other – 37%
o Recognition awards – 34%
o Glassware/Ceramics – 26%

Frequency of Use:

How often do you use the item? (Asked of those who had writing instruments, glassware/ceramics, desk/office/business accessories, and other promotional products).

• Nearly one-third (32%) of glassware/ceramics items received were used once per week and another one-quarter (25%) were used once per day.
• 40% of writing instruments were used at least two times per day.
• On average, writing instruments were used most frequently per month (approximately 64 times per month).

Are you able to identify the advertiser of the item?

• Respondents were able to identify the advertiser the vast majority of the time (84%).
• Wearables were the most often cited product where the recipient was familiar with the sponsor.

Why do you keep the item you received?

• The majority (81%) of promotional product items were kept because they were considered useful, i.e. bags, writing instruments, wearables, glassware/ceramics, desk/office/business accessories, and calendars.
• Receivers of wearables items were more likely to keep these items because they were considered attractive, i.e. bags, wearables, calendars, caps, and shirts.

Which of the following best describes your impression of the advertiser after receiving the item?

• Among respondents of all promotional products received, 42% indicated that their impression of the advertiser had become either significantly or somewhat more favorable after receiving the item.
• This was especially true among receivers of bags with over one-half (53%) reporting that they viewed the advertiser more favorably.

Since receiving the item, have you actually done any business with the advertiser?

• Among respondents of all promotional products received, 62% indicated that they had done business with the advertiser after receiving the item.

Total Impressions/Cost Per Impression (CPI):

• The cost per impression of ad specialties is very low, with fractions of a cent per impression, i.e. 0.004 average.
• Advertising specialties are less expensive per impression than nearly any other media.

Caps – 0.002
Bags – 0.002
Writing Instruments – 0.002
Calendars – 0.003
Glassware/Ceramics – 0.004
Shirts – 0.005
Desk/office/business accessories 0.007

Excerpted from 13 page 2008 study ©Advertising Specialty Institute. All Rights Reserved.

Again if you would like a copy of this 13 page report, let me know and I will send you a copy.

As you consider gifts for your clients and prospects this holiday season, consider ad specialty promotional products imprinted with your company logo. These are gifts that will keep on giving. A useful product your client will use with your contact information at their fingertips so they can call you for more business and/or refer you to others.

I also have some BOGO specials right now that I can also send or you can search for your perfect item at www.LesterBMartin.com Let me know what you are interested in and I will be glad to get it ordered for you. Also, while you are on the website, be sure and register to win $1000 in promotional products. Be sure and list that I referred you.

I would also like to hear what advertising specialty item you currently have that is your favorite and why.

Happy Marketing,

Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
“Helping You and Your Business Look Good”

Infinite Possibilities - The Art of Living Your Dreams

I 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 the “Month of Infinite Possibilities,” dedicated to making people’s dreams come true. Click here to order your copy.

Here is a preview of the book -

Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living Your Dreams The brand NEW book by Mike Dooley!

A profound exploration into the mysteries of the Universe. Infinite Possibilities is bestselling author Mike Dooley’s manifesto, revealing that we are literally the eyes and the ears of the Divine. He enlightens that our dreams are not accidental but serve rather as invitations to understand the truth about ourselves, hinting at the lives we can create. Dooley shares that our “default settings” are abundance, health, and harmony, and he explains that once we grasp the truth about our heritage, thinking far beyond what spirituality has traditionally meant, it becomes evident that life, itself, is the ultimate adventure—filled with unending opportunities that day-by-day lead us to rediscover how powerful we are, how much we deserve, and why we’re here. With recognizable insight, lighthearted wit, and striking sincerity, this new work by the much-celebrated author elevates the lessons learned in The Secret, Choose Them Wisely and his Notes from the Universe trilogy to a whole new level. Prepare to be challenged and excited with this unique guide to living the life of your dreams—purposefully, lovingly, brilliantly.

An international tax accountant turned entrepreneur turned writer for “the Universe,” Mike Dooley lives in Orlando Florida, where he runs TUT’s Adventurers Club and sends out his Notes from the Universe to hundreds of thousands of e-mail subscribers each weekday. As a featured teacher in The Secret book and DVD, Dooley is actively using the profound concepts and principles he expounds upon to travel the world speaking on life, dreams, and happiness.

A “Month of Infinite Possibilities” – TUT is making dreams come true!!

In celebration of the release of Mike Dooley’s brand new book, Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living Your Dreams, TUT has decided to make the entire month of September a “Month of Infinite Possibilities,” dedicated to making people’s dreams come true! Each person who purchases the book can be entered into a drawing with a chance at winning several “dream” prizes, including a trip for two to Egypt, a Tahiti Cruise for two, a week in Hawaii, a spa getaway retreat, a year of chocolate, and lots more!!!). For more information about the prizes and other fun contests and events, please go to http://www.tut.com/events/ip/thebook/! To enter the Month of Infinite Possibilities Sweepstakes*, just purchase the book and mail a copy of your receipt to the address below:

TUT’s Month of Infinite Possibilities Sweepstakes Entry
625 Panorama Trail
Building 2, Suite 100
Rochester, NY 14625

For Canadian Residents:

TUT’s Month of Infinite Possibilities Sweepstakes Entry
17-7000 McLeod Rd
Unit 135
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7K3

*You may also enter the sweepstakes without purchase. Simply send a stamped postcard to TUT’s Month of Infinite Possibilities Sweepstakes at the address above.

And remember 'Thoughts become Things' choose the good ones!

In gratitude,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

August 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 what were once thoughts of Thanks, Happy Birthday, Sympathy, etc. into action. Using Send Out Cards for both my business and personal use has enabled me to enrich my connections to family, friends and customers in a way that is uniquely me. The cost and time savings is just an added plus!"

Maureen liked the system so much, she signed up for an Entrepreneur account.

There are over 14,000 greeting cards to choose from. There are new ones being added each month. Cards for every conceivable occasion. And also gifts for everyone on your gift list. A record was set in June with over 40,000 gifts sent. Chocolate Brownies is just one of many gifts that can be sent with your greeting card. No going to the store or to the post office. Just a few mouse clicks and your greeting cards and gifts are on their way.

One great feature about this system is you can schedule cards to go out at a later date. Imagine getting all your holiday cards done now and scheduled to mail in November or December. Don't procrastinate, call me today and I can help you get this task done early rather than frantically worrying about it later.

Since this has been such a great promotion, I've decided to continue with it. Is your mouth watering just thinking about Chocolate Brownies? In order for you to be entered in the drawing for your very own Chocolate Brownies go to www.RememberGreetingCards.com/PaintedLady and register for a Free Greeting Card Gift account. I will email a link to the website to send two free greeting cards. These are real cards, not E-Cards. You select your cards, personalize your cards, even add digital photos, click send, and we will print and mail your cards anywhere in the world where postal mail can be delivered. I'm sure there is someone you need to send a card to, i.e. Thank You, Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Congratulations, Just Because, Thinking of you, etc.

No fees, no minimum. Send one card for less than $1.00 plus postage or send hundreds of cards at one time. Try it today and see how quick and easy it is to send a card and a whole lot cheaper than going to the store. Maybe you'll be my next lucky winner.

*This offer is for anyone who has not tried the system since January 2009. Log in today and see all the new features and all the new cards.

*Want more chances to win? Here's how:

- Refer your friends. - You receive one entry for each friend you refer who sends a card. Tell them to be sure and state how they found out about the system.

- Set up your own auto order account of at least 20 points per month. That's only $9.80 and buys you points for 20 postcards or 10 regular greeting cards. That's a whole lot cheaper than going to the store.

- Upgrade an existing account to a:

- Picture Plus Account - Gives you the capability of making your own custom cards by uploading your digital photos and placing them on the front of your cards

- Wholesale account - Gives you a 35% discount on your points, Picture Plus, and your handwriting font so you can send 'handwritten' notes.

- Entrepreneur account - All of the above plus make money referring others. www.BusinessIncomeOpportunity.info

See how many times you can be entered for additional chances to win decadent Chocolate Brownies. The Chocolate Brownies are just one of the many gifts that you can send with your Greeting Card.

Looking forward to seeing who the next lucky winner will be.

In gratitude,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

Analogies Must Be Relevant

Image via Wikipedia

The 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, this unthinkable analogy was heard: “For less than the cost of a pack of cigarettes per day, you can get health insurance.” What? I’m still gasping for breath!

How can you possibly compare the cost of health insurance to an item that is 100% proven to deteriorate your health? And, with only 25% of Americans smoking, what non-smoker even knows the price of a pack?

What’s the hot lesson here? Analogies do work, but they must be relevant to your target.

Wal-Mart’s recent ad shows how making ice cream Sundaes at home 3 times per month vs. going out will save your family over $220.00 per year. Now, that is a relevant and appropriate ad in this economy. And, it’s even more compelling because it gives the specifics; it doesn’t just tout “save money at Wal-Mart” - it gives the exact amount.

Your turn to act: Find a comparable analogy to help your business.

Sign up for Liz's FREE BRAND FINALE newsletter with valuable information at www.redfirebranding.com.

Liz also posts to the Mogul Mom's blog each week which is also one of the blog's on our list shown in the left column.

Do you have an analogy that you use for your business? We would love to hear it. Your comments are welcomed and appreciated.

In gratitude,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

Labor Day

Image by Jo Peattie via Flickr

September 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 labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. With the given economic times, those who have work, are truly thankful. And given the economic times, it presents a lot of opportunities for those with an entrepreneur spirit. For it is the small business owner we have to thank for usually pulling us out of these economic challenges. So when you need a product or service, try and do business with the small business owner vs. the big box store.

One notable holiday this month and certainly worthy of sending a greeting card is Grandparents Day on September 13. I read a wonderful quote by Jim Rohn the other day which I think is very appropriate for this day, '"Never let anyone you care about walk out to an empty mailbox!" If your grandparents are no longer around, honor someone else's on this special day or stop by a Senior Living Home and spend some time.

And lastly in for our list of holidays are the quirky ones from Wellcat. They always bring a few chuckles. However, there are a few listed below on the traditional Earth Calendar that seem a little humorous to me, like it's National Cholesterol Education Month, but they don't list that September the 5th is International Bacon Day. Oh and here's a good one, it's National Bed Check Month. Seems like this one would have been started by a summer camp counselor or a DI. Just makes you wonder.

From the Earth Calendar

September-11	Patriot Day
September-13	Grandparents Day
September-16	Mayflower Day
September-16	Stepfamily Day
September-17	Citizenship Day
September-17	National Stepfamily Day
September-19	Talk Like a Pirate Day
September-22	American Business Women's Day
September-25	National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims

Month Observances

Home and Sports Eye Safety Month - Prevent Blindness America
Latino Heritage Month - KQED
Baby Safety Month - Juvenile Products Manufacturers Assoc.
Be Kind to Editors & Writers Month - Lone Star Publications of Humor
Cholesterol Education Month - National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Classical Music Month - Classical Music Coalition
Cold and Flu Campaign - American Lung Assoc.
Library Card Sign-Up Month - American Library Assoc.
National Bed Check Month - The Better Sleep Council
National Chicken Month - National Broiler Council
National Honey Month - National Honey Board
National Literacy Month - Literacy Volunteers of America
National Piano Month - National Piano Foundation
National Rice Month - USA Rice Council
Organic Harvest Month - Committee for Sustainable Agriculture
Pediculosis Prevention Month - National Pediculosis Assoc.
Sickle Cell Awareness Month - Sickle Cell Disease Assoc.
National Sewing Month - Home Sewing Association

First Full Week

Sobriety Checkpoint Week - M.A.D.D

Third Week

Balance Awareness Week - Vestibular Disorders Assoc.
National Farm Animals Awareness Week - The Humane Society of the US
National Adult Day Care Center Week - National Institute on Adult Day Care
Reye's Syndrome Awareness Week - National Reye's Syndrome Assoc.
National Singles Week - Singles Press Assoc.

Fourth Week

Banned Books Week - American Library Assoc.
Constitution Week - National Constitution Center
National Food Services Workers Week - Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

Last Week

National Dog Week - Dog World magazine

Last Two Weeks

Hispanic Heritage Month - Education World

Sept 9	Wonderful Weirdos Day -- All of us are blessed with one or two wonderful weirdos in our lives. These are the folks who remind us to think outside the box, to be a little more true to ourselves. Today's the day to thank them. So give them a hug, and say "I love you, you weirdo!"
Sept 11	Remember Freedom Day -- A reminder to all that freedom never comes cheaply. Study it, preserve it, and pass it on.
Sept 17	Time's Up Day --So you think you have years to make up with your sister? Months to reach out to Mom? Forget it! You're not even guaranteed a tomorrow. Do it today.
Sept 22	Dear Diary Day -- Put it on paper. You’ll feel better. No need to be a professional writer.
Sept 28	Fish Tank Floorshow Night -- All year the fish and other denizens of the tank have to stay under the spotlight and keep us entertained. Well, turnabout is fair play. Gather family and friends ‘round the aquarium and dance and sing. Try La Mer, Sea Of Love, or even Swan Lake.

Post a comment of any holidays that we fail to list.

Hope you have a Super September!

In gratitude,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

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42 Rules for Effective Connections

I 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 one of the contributing authors. My chapter is titled ‘Keeping in Touch.’

Here is a little about the book:

Tired of the same ‘ole networking chatter? Do you think anyone is really listening to what you have to say? Wish you were somewhere else? If you have to network to grow your business and find yourself spending money going to events, meeting as many people as possible and returning to the office with a handful of business cards without the results you want, you can benefit from the strategies presented in 42 Rules for Effective Connections.

For anyone who wants to improve communication, get better results in any networking environment and alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes from building a business where you have to go out to meet potential customers - 42 Rules for Effective Connections is a must-read. The contributors provide a broad range of strategies that make the difference between networking that is ‘hit and miss’ versus networking that hits the bull’s eye. If you are serious about growing your business and simply are missing the mark on how to make your behavior stand out or if you are achieving success already and want to step up your game, this book will open the door to new possibilities.

There are literally thousands of networking organizations available for anyone wanting to participate. This book is not about which meeting to attend; this book is about how to get better results when you get there! In this book you will learn:

• How to position yourself in a crowded marketplace
• How to start conversations
• What to say to make yourself memorable
• How to insure that others will want to do business with us
• What can we do to improve our performance

Click Here to order your copy today. They retail for $19.95. They are also available as an E-book for $11.95. I would also be happy to personalize and sign your copy for you.

Happy Effective Connecting,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

And 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 hostesses and personally, she can use them to send greetings to family and friends.

There are over 14,000 greeting cards to choose from. There were over 500 new ones added just last month. Cards for every conceivable occasion. And also gifts for everyone on your gift list. A record was set in June with over 40,000 gifts sent. Chocolate Brownies is just one of many gifts that can be sent with your greeting card. No going to the store or to the post office. Just a few mouse clicks and your greeting cards and gifts are on their way.

Is your mouth watering just thinking about Chocolate Brownies? Well I've decided to make this offer again for the month of August. In order for you to be entered in the drawing for your very own Chocolate Brownies go to www.RememberGreetingCards.com/PaintedLady and register for a Free Greeting Card Gift account. You will receive a link to the website to send two free greeting cards. These are real cards, not E-Cards. You select your cards, personalize your cards, even add digital photos, click send, and we will print and mail your cards anywhere in the world where postal mail can be delivered. I'm sure there is someone you need to send a card to, i.e. Thank You, Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Congratulations, Just Because, Thinking of you, etc.

Try it today and see how quick and easy it is to send a card and a whole lot cheaper than going to the store. Maybe you'll be my next lucky winner.

Good Luck,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

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You make me Smile

What 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 Clown Week.' Which came first, the clown or the smile? And then we end the month with 'Be Kind to Humankind Week.' So I challenge everyone to give your fellow humankind a great big smile everyday. Sending a 'heartfelt card' just because' is always a sure way to put a smile on someone's face.

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile.

~Author Unknown

Post your comments about what you have to smile about.

Month Observances
Occasion	Link
Children's Eye Health and Safety Month	Prevent Blindness America
Cataract Awareness Month	Prevent Blindness America
Foot Health Month	Dr. Scholls
National Cat Fish Month	Loyal Order of Catfish Lovers
National Golf Month	Professional Golfers Association
National Parks Month	National Parks and Conservation
Medic Alert Month	Medic Alert Society
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month	Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

First Full Week
Occasion	Link
Clown Week	Clowns of America Inc.
World Breastfeeding Week	La Leche League
National Smile Week	Heloise

Second Week
Occasion	Link
Elvis Week	Graceland

Fourth Week
Occasion	Link
Be Kind to Humankind Week	Lorraine Jara

August-4 - Coast Guard Day

August-5 - Sister`s Day

August-6 - Atomic Bomb Day

August-9 - Smokey Bear`s Birthday (Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires)

August-14 - V.J. Day

August-16 - Bennington Battle Day (Vermont)

August-16 - King's Death (Elvis)

August-19 - National Aviation Day

August-20 - National Homeless Animals Day

August 25 - My Birthday

August-26 - Women's Equality Day

August-27 - Petroleum Day (Texas)

And the Quirky Holidays from WellCat
(these will always put a Smile on your face.)

Aug 7	Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day -- Buy anything lately? Did you ever succeed in getting the durn thing open? What do older people do when even mainstream society can’t open a simple bottle of aspirin, let alone a milk carton?
Aug 8	Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbors' Porch Day -- Due to overzealous planting of zucchini, citizens are asked to drop off baskets of the squash on neighbors’ doorsteps.
Aug 18	Bad Poetry Day -- After all the “good” poetry you were forced to study in school, here’s a chance for a pay back. Invite some friends over, compose some really rotten verse, and send it to your old high school teacher.
Aug 22	Southern Hemisphere Hoodie-Hoo Day -- Long awaited by our Southern-half friends, this is the day to go outdoors at high noon and yell "Hoodie-Hoo" to chase winter and make ready for spring. Annually, celebrated one month before the Autumnal Equinox.
Aug 28	Race Your Mouse Around the Icons Day -- While you're waiting for whatever it is to finally come up on your screen, race your mouse in and around the icons. Do it, and you'll feel peppy.
Aug 28	Crackers Over The Keyboard Day -- Live it up. Be free. Take some crackers and cookies to work and eat right over top of the keyboard. Show ‘em you’re still a free thinker.
Aug 29	More Herbs, Less Salt Day -- It’s healthier, zestier and lustier!
Aug 31	Love Litigating Lawyers Day -- Lawyer jokes abound, but when push comes to shove, these are the folks who can end up saving the day.

Keep on Smiling,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

Time 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. I have always been a card sender so it intrigued me. I clicked on the link and filled out the form to request to send a free card. I thought that if the service really did what it said it did, I would be one of their best customers. A little while later I received a phone call giving me the link to the website to send my greeting card. I tried it and was immediately hooked. It DID do everything described and More! I knew I had to have this amazing system. I wouldn't have to go to the card store again. I could truly customize and personalize my cards. It would remind me when to send the cards. I could type my message in the cards and it would come out in my handwriting. I could add photos to the cards. It was to good to be true. I wanted it. For the next three days I did my due diligence and searched the web for what else was out there that was comparable. (I was really searching for a better price. I wanted all the bells and whistles, but I'm also a frugal person so I wanted to know if there was anything else available.) I found some other services, but none offered all the features and they all cost more. So after three days of thought, research, and asking questions I signed up for the Entrepreneur account. My plan was to use it for business as well as personal use, because I was buying about 15 to 30 greeting cards a month. With this service the cards costs a whole lot less than the store brand cards and I didn't have to go to the store or the post office. That saved me time and and lots of money. I could also schedule cards to be mailed ahead of time.

It gets even better. You know how when you find something that's really great you want to tell all your friends about it. Well, I started showing this to a few friends and business acquaintances and they wanted to sign up too. Hmmmm.....I thought this is to easy. It got me to thinking and looking at the advantages offed by this company. The benefits were very appealing. I decided to change my business focus and re-vamped my product offers and marketing and never looked back. To date I have sent over 4050 cards.

This is truly a home based business that anyone who believes in gratitude and showing appreciation can do.

You only need a phone, a computer, and the desire to show and tell people about this amazing product.

No home parties
No opportunity meetings
No inventory
A company with a 5 year track record and growing
Unique product
It's Easy and convenient to use
No high monthly volume required
Product that compliments every business
Product for individual use
Widely used product for both men and woman (in fact the top people in the company are men)
It's International
Minimal start up costs
Competitively priced for consumer
Balance of right now money and residual money
And best of all - It's FUN!

So, what is the gift I'm offering to you?

Chocolate! - I want to give away as many Greeting Card Gift accounts today (and until the end of the month) as possible, so for every person who goes to my website - www.remembergreetingcards.com/paintedlady - fills out the form (and be sure and tell me where you heard about this offer.) I will send you a link to send a free greeting card. When you send one greeting card, Your name will then be placed in a drawing to receive Chocolate Brownies - Yum! So if you have never taken advantage of sending a free card from me, do so now and you just might win Chocolate Brownies. I will draw at the end of July, notify the winner, and post the winner here.

Receive extra chances to win by telling your friends about this offer. Just send me the names of those who you send this offer to and when they send their free card, you will receive another chance to receive Free Brownies. Or tell them to list your name on the form to request their free greeting card.

Thank you for your time and your business. Have a Fabulous Friday!

In gratitude,
Annette - Happy Card Sender!
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

Twitter on Steroids

Image via CrunchBase

I 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 using these tools is that it saves time. It's like having a personal assistant helping you. Being a busy person, like most everyone else, I just don't have the time to be on the computer all day long. Like any other tools, they help make work easier. I believe these are going to help me tremendously.

Here is a list of some of the Twitter Tools to check out:

- TwitBack - To Personalize and Brand your Twitter back ground.
- HootSuite - Integrates Twitter accounts
- HootLet - Shortens URLs
- TweetLater - Productivity Tools
- TwitterFeed - RSS feed from Blog to Twitter
- BubbleTweet - Video
- TweetGrid - Search Tweets for specific topics
- Monitter - Customize search by geography
- Zemanta - Tool to assist in blog writing


Wow, I'm amazed at all of these wonderful tools. I look forward to using them. Do you have some that you use and find useful? Would love to hear about them.

Thanks to MultiTasking Moms for hosting the event. Thanks Bill Reichart for the wonderful instruction. Thanks Blonde Affliate for your wonderful support and encouragement.

In gratitude,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

Lessons Learned on Branding from Celebrities

For 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 Jackson

Given 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 success speaks for itself: best-selling record of all time (Thriller), amazing videos boosting MTV’s image (Billie Jean, Dangerous), and chart toppers (The Girl is Mine, Bad, P.Y.T., Black or White). He earned his place as a brand for many reasons, but let’s take a look at a few of them:

He had a Nickname:
All of the greats have one; he took The King of Pop.

Here are others:

Descriptive Name / Performance Name

First Lady of Soul - Aretha Franklin
King of Soul - James Browne
The Boss - Bruce Springsteen
The Queen of Country Music - Kitty Wells
Chairman of the Board - Frank Sinatra
Rhinestone Cowboy - Glenn Campbell


What’s the Hot Lesson? Nicknames are tremendously powerful. You only come up with them if you care about a brand. If you’re indifferent, you won’t waste a moment creating one. Most importantly, however, nicknames are a sign of endearment: You are so special that you deserve a special name.

If you’re still struggling with a catchy name, think back into your childhood. Ask your parents, siblings, and childhood playmates if there are any nicknames or pet names they remember using for you.

He Had a Strong Visual Brand - Whether it was the flood pants with socks showing, the hat, or the white glove, there was a distinctive Michael Jackson look. Oh, and let’s not forget the famous moonwalk!

Here is the key:

People become celebrity brands when they can be imitated.

If you’ve ever tried to change your accent, play down a personality trait, or banish a word from your vocabulary, stop! You too can start building a strong brand by embracing all of your quirks, mannerisms, and style.

by Liz Goodgold, branding expert, author, and speaker. Sign up for her FREE BRAND FINALE newsletter with valuable information at www.redfirebranding.com.”

How have you branded yourself or your business? What businesses can you think of that have outstanding branding?

Mine, of course, is Painted Lady. Often I meet people that don't know me by my given name, but they do know me as The Painted Lady. I'm flattered because I know my branding works. If you're wondering where the name comes from; it's from my love of butterflies. There is a species of butterfly called The Painted Lady.

I was recently denied 'PaintedLady' as a user name on Wikipedia as they thought it was inappropriate. Guess they don't know anything about butterflies.

To Your Branding Success,
Annette AKA The Painted Lady
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

Born on the Fourth of July

I 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 soldier personally, check out this website, www.anysoldier.com, for list of names and addresses.

Here are some other occasions for celebration and to send greetings during July. (Dates and holidays from The Earth Calendar).

Also be sure and look at the end of the list for the Quirky Holidays!

Month Observances

Fireworks Safety Month - Prevent Blindness America
Light the Night for Sight Month - Prevent Blindness America
Anti Boredom Month - The Boring Institute
Baked Bean Month - Michigan Bean Commission
Hot Dog Month - National Live Stock and Meat Board
National Ice Cream Month - International Dairy Foods Association
July Belongs to Berries Month - North American Blueberry Council
Purposeful Parenting Month - Parenting Without Pressure
Recreation and Parks Month - National Recreation and Parks Association
Tennis Month - Tennis magazine
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month - ASPCA
Skin Care Awareness Month - Women Health Concern

First Two Weeks

Dog Days of Summer

Second Week

Therapeutic Recreation Week - National Recreation and Parks Assoc.

Third Week

Coral Reef Awareness Week - The Coral Reef Alliance

July-2 - Salvation Army Founders Day

July-4 - Independence Day

July-12 - Parent's Day

July-20 - Moon Day

July-23 - National Hot Dog Day

July-24 - Pioneer Day (Utah)

July-27 - Cross Atlantic Communication Day

July-30 - Father-in-Law Day

July-31 - La Hae Hawai`i (Flag Day in Hawaii)

July-31 - System Administrator Appreciation Day

Quirky Holidays from WellCat

July 3 - Stay Out of the Sun Day -- For health's sake, give your skin a break today. No Joke - It really is Skin Care Awareness month. Remember to wear your sunscreen.

July 6 - Take Your Webmaster to Lunch Day -- Show your appreciation to your webmaster by taking him out for some good food. That way, he/she/it will feel loved and have the energy to fix all of the typos on your site.

July 10 - Don't Step on a Bee Day -- Wellcat.com reminds kids and grownups that now is the time when going barefoot can mean getting stung by a bee. If you get stung, tell Mom.

July 13 - Embrace Your Geekness Day -- Into dungeon games, comic books and doing vampire dress-up? Spend endless hours going strange places on the internet? You're a geek, and this is the day to roar!

July 13 - Gruntled Workers Day -- There's so much news about disgruntled workers that today's the day for Gruntled Workers to Unite! Drive to a fast food restaurant and say, "Thanks, your service is fast. Have a nice day."

July 15 - Be a Dork Day --Wellcat.com says that this is the day to be a Dork and be proud. Wear goofy clothing, don't brush your teeth, eat yucky food, and fall off a swing set.

July 23 - Hot Enough For Ya Day -- Here’s the day when the tired old greeting actually gains acceptance. Go ahead, say it, if you don’t have anything else to add.

July 27 - Take Your Houseplants for a Walk Day -- Walking your plants around the neighborhood enables them to know their environment, thereby providing them with a sense of knowing, bringing on wellness.

Hope you have a Great July!

In gratitude,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

What'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 living room and to send my children to kindergarten. It was hard work, but I reaped the benefits and I was very successful. I was able to be with my children, take them to their after school activities, etc. I won trips, jewelry, furs, silver, and bought four new cars, among other things for my family. I did the home parties, placed the orders, put together the orders, delivered the orders, etc. It was hard work, but I loved the benefits especially the trips. Even walked away with a substantial amount of money which we used for a down payment on a larger home with a pool. Things changed (life happened) and I decided to pursue something else, the corporate job.

I did the corporate thing. Went to work for a company that boasted they never laid anyone off. Well in the mid-90s that changed. This got me to thinking. I needed a back up plan. I had been successful in direct sales before, I could do it again. I decided on the company and after the second call to the representative, she agreed to come out and talk with me and my husband. I ordered my inventory, a lot of it, and started my part-time business. Eight years later my company (the corporate job), after being bought out for the second time, offered me early retirement. I took it with the plan of working on my part-time business full time. Back to the home parties, placing orders, delivering orders, stocking inventory, etc., etc. I didn't have quite the same success as the first time, but I did advance in the ranks, won a couple of trips, jewelry, and other awards.

Which brings me to the present. Along the way with the above company I discovered another service that I signed up for that I could use to help make my life easier to send invitations, thank you cards, birthday cards, etc. which was an on-line greeting card service. My intention was to use the service for my current business. Well like anything else, I started telling my friends and family about it and they decided to start using it. After signing up a few people and receiving my commission, I looked more closely at the compensation plan. Didn't take me long to make some changes in my focus. No home parties, no inventory, no deliveries, a service everyone needs and uses, both men and women, it's international, costs less than you can buy the product at the store, it's fun and easy, all I needed was a phone and a computer and people to talk to. These are just some of the reasons why I'm excited about the service I offer today! Even my daughter told me, 'Mom this just suits you better.' I totally agree.

Why am I writing this you ask? The article that I referenced in the beginning could just as well be written about the greeting card business, it's just that the companies mentioned have been around longer. Here is my advice to anyone considering the direct sales, network marketing, MLM business, etc.:

- Find a product/service you love first and foremost
- Something you will use - at least if you love it and use it, you will receive the benefit of a discount for yourself
- Consider the price of the product/service. Can a comparable product/service be purchased elsewhere at a lower price?
- Something you will feel proud to present to your family and friends
- Consider your target audience - Who will you sell your product/service to
- How will you sell your products - Are you required to hold home parties? Stock inventory? Think about the time and expense of travel and the inventory for demonstration products.
- Costs to get started and what is included in the price
- Consider subsequent administrative and other costs - monthly charges for websites, marketing material, yearly fees, training, etc.
- Basic requirements to remain active
- Ongoing support from your sponsor - someone who is going to be there when you need them
- Any meeting attendance requirements
- Training - How much training is required before getting started
- How long will it take to re-coup your investment?
- Understand the compensation plan and how you will receive payment - in products, credits, money, and at what intervals
- Consider the integrity of the company - how long in business, management, debt, growth, testimonials of other representatives.

Having been in the industry, I will say there are some good and not so good companies out there, just do your 'due diligence' before signing up. Don't be blinded by the glamour and the hype of making tons of money overnight. I will be the first to tell you that yes you can make money, earn awards, trips, etc., however it takes time, work, and persistence. For the majority, it doesn't just happen (overnight). But when it does happen there's no greater feeling of accomplishment and success.

Yes, I love where I am now and love offering this wonderful service to others.

If you would like to know more about what I'm excited about, Click Here.

I would also love to hear your comments regarding your experience with direct sales, network marketing, MLM, etc.

To Your Success!
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"