BraveHeart Women - The social network "For Women who choose to be Inspiration in Action".
Ellie Drake, founder of BraveHeart Women, started this global community for each of us to grow into our own womanhood. Here, we will have the chance to support and inspire one another to shine.
Yes, this is a social network where you are able to create a personalized profile, write a blog, share your videos and photos, get connected by creating a community or joining an existing one. You might want to join in lively discussions about issues that are affecting people worldwide, or your own passions. But aside from all that, you can watch celebrity interviews with fellow BraveHeart women like: Maya Angelou, Leeza Gibbons, Lisa Nichols of The Secret, Lindsay Wagner and more!
BraveHeart Women isn't just another run - of - the - mill social network. Here you'll find a place of comfort, healing and enlightment that will give you the courage and strength to stand up and be a woman with a brave heart that will spill over into all areas of your life. This about women coming together to empower one another and change the world in a way that only women can. I hope you'll connect with me there!
Be sure to read my review of the social network Zigime
First, My daughter and fellow toastmaster won best speaker of the night. It was only her second speech and I can't get over the power of her delivery. Her topic? The law of attraction. She really captivated the audience and they just couldn't say enough about how great she was.
And second, I was elected Vice President of Public Relations. I'll take office July 1 2009. I don't mind telling you I'm scared to death. The reason I joined Toastmaster's was to push myself out of my comfort zone, so I could get more comfortable with public speaking and develop some leadership skills. Boy - oh - boy am I out of my comfort zone with this one. I'll have to attend a training out of town On June 20 to learn what the post entails. I've never been in a public relations position before so it's bound to be quite interesting to learn a completely new skill. If anyone has ideas in this area, I'm all ears. Or in the case of the internet, all eyes. LOL
I have to say that Toastmasters has really helped me a lot in the short time I've been a member. Even though I haven't yet done my ice breaker speech, I have gotten up to the lectern to give the toast for the table topics competition and I've even been the table topics master on one occasion. A big thing for me considering I took F's in school because I couldn't even stand up to read a paragraph in front of the class! I plan to have my ice breaker done before we convene for the summer and I'll most definitely post it on Bukisa for you all to hear. Anyone who wants to improve their communication and / or leadership skills should definitely search out their local Toastmasters club. Communication is key to success in every area of life and Toastmasters is a means to develop those skills in a safe environment.
We took our meeting away from the armouries (its normal venue) to meet at the Civic Complex so that we would have the opportunity to see the quilt of belonging. What an awe inspiring project! This 36 metre long by 3.5 metre high quilt was created to show the cultural diversity that makes up our great nation and how everyone belongs and has a place here. Words or photos can't begin to do it justice. I am so glad that I had the chance to see it first hand. It really inspired me, and got me thinking about the diverse culture that makes up my own family. The quilt will be featured at the Olympics. Anyone who gets a chance to see it should definitely not miss the opportunity.
xoxo
Cyne
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Get your own page, free!
ZigiMe is a relatively new totally free to use social networking site. The look and feel of ZigiMe is great. It has sleek looking interface, is very user friendly and the advertising is unobtrusive. Browsing the member database is quite easy. There are several ways of searching and sorting the results. For instance, search by sex with or without photo, interest, (e.g. dating, networking, friendship etc) or status. You can then sort the results by user name, location, age, newest members etc. ZigiMe has all the basic features that most networks have like page customization, video and photo storage, blogging, and groups, but there are so many other features you won't find on most other networks. . .The rest of the story
2) Like my cousin Shell "e" y I hate it when people leave out the "e" before the "y" in my name. Especially when I've written it for them and all they have to do is copy the bloody thing.
3) I hate being called Kim even though most people do. Even my family - including all of my kids.
4) I was once arrested
5) I have a thing about seeing my own name in print. The more space I have to write, the bigger I sign my name
6) Most of the stuff I might include in this list I wouldn't want anyone I know to read about. You'd be shocked and amazed. So think about it... if I was okay about saying I'd been arrested...hmmm...
7) I'm afraid to let left handed people use knives and scissors
8) I nearly moved to Slovakia several yrs ago
9) I switch between superiority and inferiority complexes depending on whose company I'm in at any given time
10) I miss my cat Caligula like crazy
11) I struggle with my mood a great deal
12) I have a very close and intimate relationship with food
13) Living a self sufficient lifestyle is one of my biggest dreams
14) I abhor all forms of authority unless I'm the one putting it forth
15) I love scrabble but can't find a partner to save my life
16) On a cold cut sandwich the mustard or miracle whip can only touch the meat; not the cheese or the lettuce
17) I like to start stuff but I get bored long before I finish
18) I just lowered my brain age from 61 to 47
19) If you bore me within the first 3 seconds of talking to me, I'm not paying attention anymore
20) Although I was always told growing up that I'd wish for the days of my childhood again, I never did. I wouldn't mind doing my kids' childhoods over again though.
21) I once got the soap in the mouth and to this day I can't say a swear word in front of my Mother.
22.) I hate it when other people swear in front of their parents.
23) I'm a very private person and I don't like people who pry
24) I've been told by a relative that she can tell when I'm holding back from saying something to a person that they might not like by the way I close my mouth really tight and raise one eyebrow
As a concerned taxpayer I feel it is important to have you all understand what the new HST or 'blended tax' means to Ontarians. It amazes me that this announcement has slipped by without a ripple, and yet when I tell people about the impact to them they are all shocked.
The stated purpose is to blend the GST and the PST into one tax. This will cut down the paperwork burden for Ontario businesses and, in theory, lessen staff by merging both departments. This could be a noble attempt to cut costs. There is just one problem. Rather than just blending the products and services that now charge both taxes, the provincial government has decided that it will apply this new tax to almost all goods and services that you do not pay PST on now!
You are about to become the victim of the largest tax hike in our history. How will this affect you? Let?s start with just a few things that are to be charged the extra 8% and see if it will affect you or your family.
Gasoline
Home heating fuel
Water
Hydro
Used cars
Government and city services
Lawyer's Fees
Real Estate Commissions
Accountant's Fees
Any service you now use for your home or business such as repairs, other professional services not now exigile, construction materials etc. These are just a few.
See this article referenced below about how the $1,000.00 they are offering will not even cover ½ of the increased cost to the average family. This tax hits Ontarians hard, but ESPECIALLY the low income ones! They will have an 8% increase in everyday life, and yet you will not see their benefits or
salaries rise.
Actually almost everything currently without PST in your life except children's clothing, prescr i ptions, diapers, and feminine hygiene products will now cost you 8% more. Oh and here is a kicker. The fuel tax will slide with the increasing cost of that fuel.
Mr. McGuinty and the finance minister are counting on taxpayers to do what they always do when a new tax is added. Nothing! It is very important that you start to research and discuss this with your friends and family. It is not too late to stop this if you are willing to do something as send an email to the premier asking him to either:
a) stop the tax grab all together or
b) do what was originally intended and blend the tax on the products that now have both taxes and not to extend the new tax to everything else. If you just sit there remember you lose the right to complain about taxes ever again. Get UP and start telling everyone about this injustice and we can stop this today.
Don't think your email won't count. Most MP's, if they get 10 emails, consider it a catastrophe!
PASS THIS ON - SHOW YOU OBJECT- IT TAKES ONE MINUTE
Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your name followed by "ology"
What is your salad dressing of choice? Creamy Cucumber or Greek with Feta
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Used to be Dunn's but they are no more
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Chicken wrap from Cedars
What are your pizza toppings of choice? grilled chicken and lots of cheese
TECHNOLOGY*
How many televisions are in your house? 2
What color cell phone do you have? pink, pearl
BIOLOGY*
Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right - but I cut my meat lefty
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? yeah. . . 3 kids. . .LOL
What is the last heavy item you lifted? Office desk - It has to be at least 2 tons
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? close
BULLCRAPOLOGY*
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? Heeeeeeeeelll No
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Hmmm. . . I have fallen in love with my name, so I would never want to change it
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? no
DUMBOLOGY*
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? 5
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? about 30 yrs ago
Last person you talked to? Lester
Last person you hugged? Lester
FAVORITOLOGY*
Season? I like the changing of the seasons rather than the actual season, but if I had to choose I think Fall
Holiday? Well I think my birthday should be a worldwide holiday
Day of the week? Saturday
Month? I can't pick just one
CURRENTOLOGY*
Missing someone? yes
Mood? tranquil
What are you listening to? The voice in my head as I answer these questions
Watching? computer
Worrying about? Nothing at this minute
RANDOMOLOGY*
First place you went this morning? My Daughter's house to drive her to work and my Grandson to school
What's the last movie you saw? Can't remember
Do you smile often? All the time baby
-OLOGY*
Do you always answer your phone? Yes
Its four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? It's not likely to happen, but if it did, it'd probably be my youngest Son wanting something
If you could change your eye color what would it be? green
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Don't do Sonic
Do you own a digital camera? Yes
Have you ever had a pet fish? No but I've always wanted tropical fish
What's on your wish list for your birthday? H20 Vac or a Mac
Can you do push ups? Maybe 1
Can you do a chin up? yes
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? A little of both
Do you have any saved texts? I don't even get texts
Ever been in a car wreck? yes
Do you have an accent? No
What is the last song to make you cry? Earth Wind & Fire's After the Love is Gone
When was the last time you cried? Yesterday
Plans tonight? Nada
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? yes
Name 3 things you bought yesterday? 2 honey dipped donuts
Have you ever been given roses? yes
Current hate right now hmmm. . . If I can't say something nice, I better say nothing at all
Met someone who changed your life? No
How did you bring in the new year? sleeping. . . Can't hang like I used to
What song represents you? New Attitude
Name three people who might complete this? Couldn't tell ya
Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? I'd go back to when my kids were still little
Have you ever dated someone longer than a year? yes
Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? yes
Does anyone love you? I'd like to think so
Would you be a pirate? Maybe a pirate's wench. . .LOL
What songs do you sing in the shower? commercial jingles
Ever had someone sing to you? yes
Do you like to cuddle? yes
Have you held hands with anyone today? nope
Who was the last person you took a picture of? Myself for Penningtons plus size model search which I didn't win by the way. . .Hmph!!!
What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school?
A lot of folk songs - Peter, Paul and Mary and stuff like that
Do you believe in staying close with your ex's? no
Are most of the friends in your life new or old? 1 old friend - and some new ones from Toastmasters
Do you like pulpy orange juice? I swing both ways
What is something your friends make fun of you for? The way I think
Have you ever ridden on an elephant? no
When is the last time you ate peanut butter and jelly? About a hundred yrs ago. I can't even believe I ever liked it now.
What were you doing 12 AM last night? sleeping
What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Who's calling this early?
A man who enjoys travelling around North America and who happens to have a particular interest in churches, was visiting a church while in Atlanta, Georgia, and he came across a golden telephone with a sign that read: 40'000$ per call. He asked the Priest, "why is it so expensive to use that phone?"
"Well" the priest answered, "you can call God directly on that phone; that's why it costs so much." The man shrugged, took a few pictures and left.
Visiting Denver, Colorado he entered a church and again saw a golden telephone with a sign that read: 40'000$ per call. Scratching his head he went to find the priest and asked him, "why is it so much to use the phone?' The priest replied, "you can call God directly with that phone." Again the man just took some pictures and left.
At still another church, this time in Nashville Tenessee, he came across yet another golden phone with a sign that read: 40'000$ per call. He found the priest and asked him why it was so expensive. The priest told him the same story as the other priests had done, so the man took his pictures and left again.
Continuing his travels around North America, he began visiting some Canadian cities. Visiting a church here in Ontario, he again saw the golden phone, but this time the sign read: 40¢ per call. He said to the priest, "I've been visiting churches in the United States that have that same golden phone, but they charge 40'000$ per call. Is it true you can really call God directly on that phone?"
"Yes my son it's true." replied the priest.
"Then why is it so cheap here when they charge 40"000$ in the United States?"
"Well my son," answered the priest "you're in Canada now. . . it's a local call."
“You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
American proverb
The Worst Strategy Ever Devised for Selling Your Services
By Bob Bly
The other day I got an e-mail from JT, a professional proofreader, who expressed her grave concern that she had found more than one typo among the dozens of websites I own.
“Can I be direct without being offensive?” asked JT. “Let me start by saying that my only reason for writing this e-mail is that I want to work with you, because I think we could both benefit from collaboration.”
JT continued: “You need a new proofreader - and if you do your own proofreading, you need to fire yourself from that job!”
Did I hire JT as my new proofreader?
No. Because I did, in fact, find her e-mail to be both offensive and self-serving. Yet many freelancers and independent contractors who render creative, professional, and technical services take a similar approach to self-marketing. And it almost never works.
The basis of this horribly inappropriate and ineffective method is: Approach complete strangers… point out a fault with something they are doing… and then offer your services to help them fix the defect.
On the surface, it seems sensible. You are doing someone a favor by helping them correct a defect that could be hurting their business, right? So you’d think they’d be grateful and reciprocate by hiring you to fix the problem you alerted them to. After all, you have already demonstrated your expertise, skill, and value by detecting the problem for them without charge.
But here’s the problem: Most folks, including me, don’t like unsolicited advice.
One of the inviolate rules of my life, both business and personal, is: Never give unsolicited advice.
Advice is valued only if three conditions exist: (1) The advice is sought after (i.e., the recipient asked for it), (2) it is not negative or insulting, and (3) it is constructive and specific.
JT’s e-mail to me violated the first and second of these conditions.
First, I didn’t ask her to proofread for me. So why should she do it?
Prospects prefer to work with vendors who are successful and in demand… not with those they perceive as desperate and needy. The fact that JT is spending her time proofreading copy for strangers without compensation tells me she probably isn’t very busy.
Second, she insults me - telling me I am a lousy proofreader and I should “fire” myself.
Customers buy from people they like. And we don’t like people who insult us.
Another problem with trying to win business by giving unsolicited critiques or advice to strangers is that you risk looking ignorant. That’s because you lack the background on their situation to know whether your suggestions are valid and warranted.
In JT’s case, she assumed I had a typo on a landing page because I’m a bad proofreader. She’s wrong. The real reason you can find typos on some of my sites is that I have literally hundreds of pages posted on the Web. And with my team already overloaded, we simply can’t always keep up with our proofreading and other tasks that are not critical to sales.
A better approach for JT would have been to point out the typo, and then say, “Are your proofreaders overloaded? Hire me to take on the backlog and get those pesky typos off your sites forever.” That would have been more appealing to me than assuming we stink at proofreading, which we don’t.
Finally, JT violates the Silver Rule of Marketing, first articulated to me by marketing consultant Pete Silver.
He told me: “It is always better to get them to come to you, rather than you go to them.”
By violating this rule and soliciting my business, JT placed herself in a weak position.
It may be that I don’t care about typos. (Not true, but there are people who don’t, believe it or not.) If that were the case, JT would be pursuing an unqualified prospect.
Even if I had been interested in her offer, she would have to work hard to convince me that she is the proofreader I should hire. I’ve never heard of her, have no idea who she is, and therefore certainly do not perceive her as an expert or top pro in editing and proofreading.
On the other hand, if you get prospects to come to you because of your reputation as a recognized expert or top pro in your field, you don’t have to do a lot of convincing or selling, because those prospects are already predisposed to hire you.
I would advise JT to stop wasting her time criticizing the websites of marketers who don’t want those critiques, and may even resent them. Instead, she should take steps to position herself as an expert - maybe by writing a column on proper English for a respected business magazine, creating a course on copyediting, or speaking at conferences.
Had she done that, I might have come running to her for help, instead of running away.
[Ed. Note: One of the best ways to position yourself as an expert in your field is to get your name and ideas out to as many people as possible. The Internet - with access to 1.4 billion Web surfers a day - is the perfect venue for reaching all those potential customers. Find out how to take advantage of the massive power of the Internet right here.
Bob Bly is the author of more than 70 books and an undisputed master of the art of selling. Subscribe to his free e-zine, The Direct Response Letter, and claim your free gift worth $116 ]
So, I blogged some time back that I was officially a Toastmaster. Turns out I wasn't. How was I to know? There was a ceremony and I had pics to prove it. Oh well. As of yesterday night though it was made "officially official". I was made a full fledged member of Toastmasters International and received a beautiful lapel pin which I shall wear with pride.
On another note, yesterday night's meeting was significant for another reason. It was my first time as the table topics master! My God was I ever nervous.
For those who don't know, table topics is the portion of a Toastmasters meeting where members are chosen at random by the table topics master to answer questions which follow a specific theme for the evening. This practice is meant to teach us to think on the fly and to be able to give a mini speech at a moment's notice. So, being the table topics master, I was responsible for creating a speech and asking the questions. The theme - chosen by me by the way - was Going. . .Going. . .Gone! You can listen to the audio version or read the transcr i pt of my speech. Look for the topic Going...Going...Gone! And be sure to let me know what your answers are.
If developing yourself as a competent communicator and leader is something you think would be of value to you, then visit the Toastmasters International website for more information about the organization and to find a club in your area.
