tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16686873557226163712024-03-13T06:41:54.024-07:00The Queen's DiariesBeing a woman is challenging enough. But being a woman entrepreneur is a whole different story. This is the forum where women entrepreneurs can vent about the real world of owning and operating a business. From stay at home moms, to single women striking out on their own, this is where you can find your support network.
Whether you are the Queen Bee, Queen of your Castle, or just a plan 'ole DRAMA QUEEN, share your experiences here in the Queen’s Diaries.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-75441684539728173132009-06-23T11:09:00.000-07:002009-06-23T11:12:38.840-07:00LOST IN THE ECONOMIC CRISISHELLO ALL I KNOW THAT IT HAS BEEN AWHILE SINCE YOU LAST HEARD FROM ME BUT I HAVE BEEN LOST IN THIS CRISIS, I HAVE BEEN PLAYING THE RECOVERY GAME AND WINNING AT ONE POINT NOW I AM PLAYING FOR MY LIFE, I HAVE BEEN WORKING MY BUTT OFF TO GET SOME INVESTORS FOR MY PROJECT AND KEEP THE CATERING ASPECT OF THIS COMPANY ALIVE, IT HAS BEEN VERY HARD. HAS ANYONE ELSE BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS SITUATION? PLEASE LET ME KNOW<br /><br />THANK YOU<br />PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS AS I WILL DO THE SAME FOR YOUcheryl gorhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16152886905692983416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-54978637860454715632009-05-08T10:39:00.000-07:002009-05-08T10:55:08.155-07:00Who do you associate with?As entrepreneurs, one of our most valuable assets is our time. Because time is that one commodity you can never get back, I am very selective on who and with what I spend my time with. So, when someone invites me to a network or referral group, I do my due diligence to make sure it is worth my time. <div><br /></div><div>However when you find a good one, industry associations can be a wonderful resource. They can help you stay on top of trends in your business or industry. They can also keep you sharp and motivated, help you stay on top of your game. More importantly, industry associations can give you the tools necessary to differentiate your business from others in a competitive marketplace. Sometimes, it's not about WHO you network with during these association meetings...but about WHAT you can learn. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a list of several groups I have found to be helpful along my entrepreneurial journey. If you have one that has been helpful to you, feel free post it.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Pass It Forward: http://passitforwardmd.googlepages.com/</div><div>2. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NRG</span>: http://www.networkreferralgroup.com/</div><div>3. WEB (Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore: www.webinc.org</div><div><br /></div><div>Good Luck!</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-48288582224042898722009-04-21T13:47:00.000-07:002009-04-21T13:56:00.122-07:00Twitter-Pros and Cons<strong>The Negatives People Will Throw At You<br /></strong><br />Twitter takes up time.<br />Twitter takes you away from other productive work.<br />Without a strategy, it’s just typing.<br />There are other ways to do this.<br />As Frank hears often, Twitter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">doesn</span>’t replace customer service (Frank is <a href="http://www.twitter.com/comcastcares">@<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">comcastcares</span></a> and is a superhero for what he’s started.)<br />Twitter is buggy and not enterprise-ready.<br />Twitter is just for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">technonerds</span>.<br />Twitter’s only a few million people. (only)<br />Twitter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">doesn</span>’t replace direct email marketing.<br />Twitter opens the company up to more criticism and griping.<br /><br /><strong>Some Positives to Throw Back<br /></strong><br />Twitter helps one organize great, instant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">meetups</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tweetups</span>).<br />Twitter works swell as an opinion poll.<br />Twitter can help direct people’s attention to good things.<br />Twitter at events helps people build an instant “<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">backchannel</span>.”<br />Twitter breaks news faster than other sources, often (especially if the news impacts online denizens).<br />Twitter gives businesses a glimpse at what status messaging can do for an organization. Remember presence in the 1990s?<br />Twitter brings great minds together, and gives you daily opportunities to learn (if you look for it, and/or if you follow the right folks).<br />Twitter gives your critics a forum, but that means you can study them.<br />Twitter helps with business development, if your prospects are online (mine are).<br />Twitter can augment customer service. (but see above)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-60176313442068880212009-04-13T15:05:00.001-07:002009-04-13T15:07:48.963-07:00The Facts About Twitter-Part Three<strong>Some Sanity For You</strong><br /><br />1.You don’t have to read every tweet.<br />2.You don’t have to reply to every @ tweet directed to you (try to reply to some, but don’t feel guilty).<br />3. Use direct messages for 1-to-1 conversations if you feel there’s no value to Twitter at large to hear the conversation ( got this from <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pistachio">@pistachio</a>).<br />4. Use services like <a href="http://search.twitter.com/">Twitter Search</a> to make sure you see if someone’s talking about you. Try to participate where it makes sense.<br />5.3rd party clients like <a href="http://www.tweetdeck.com/">Tweetdeck</a> and <a href="http://www.twhirl.org/">Twhirl</a> make it a lot easier to manage Twitter.<br />6.If you tweet all day while your coworkers are busy, you’re going to hear about it.<br />7.If you’re representing clients and billing hours, and tweeting all the time, you might hear about it.<br />8.Learn quickly to use the URL shortening tools like <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/">TinyURL</a> and all the variants. It helps tidy up your tweets.<br />9.If someone says you’re using twitter wrong, forget it. It’s an opt out society. They can unfollow if they don’t like how you use it.<br />10.Commenting on others’ tweets, and retweeting what others have posted is a great way to build community.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-89857769504999016722009-04-06T15:20:00.000-07:002009-04-06T15:23:36.643-07:00To Tweet or Not To Tweet (Part 2)Ideas about WHAT to Tweet<br /><br />1. Instead of answering the question, “What are you doing?”, answer the question, “What has your attention?”<br />2. Have more than one <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">twitterer</span> at the company. People can quit. People take vacations. It’s nice to have a variety.<br />3. When promoting a blog post, ask a question or explain what’s coming next, instead of just dumping a link.<br />4. Ask questions. Twitter is GREAT for getting opinions.<br />5. Follow interesting people. If you find someone who tweets interesting things, see who she follows, and follow her.<br />6. Tweet about other people’s stuff. Again, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">doesn</span>’t directly impact your business, but makes us feel like you’re not “<a href="http://shannonpaul.wordpress.com/2008/08/17/dont-be-that-guy/">that guy</a>.”<br />7. When you DO talk about your stuff, make it useful. Give advice, blog posts, pictures, etc.<br />8. Share the human side of your company. If you’re bothering to tweet, it means you believe social media has value for human connections. Point us to pictures and other human things.<br />9. Don’t toot your own horn too much. (Man, I can’t believe I’m saying this. I do it all the time. - Side note: I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ve</span> gotta stop tooting my own horn).<br />10. Or, if you do, try to balance it out by promoting the heck out of others, too.<br /><br /><br />Here's the link to the full article by Chris Brogan:<br /><a href="http://www.chrisbrogan.com/50-ideas-on-using-twitter-for-business/">http://www.chrisbrogan.com/50-ideas-on-using-twitter-for-business/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-35523079677079398662009-04-02T14:33:00.000-07:002009-04-02T15:59:01.982-07:00In the mood for something "tweet"?I apologize for being MIA lately...but I've been tackling a lot of new projects lately. One of them is learning about the hottest Twitter Trend that is sweeping the Internet. According to Wikipedia, Twitter is a social networking service that enables users to send and read others' users updates known as <strong>'tweets'.</strong> Tweets are text based posts of up to 140 characters. Twitter can be a great marketing tool for entrepreneurs who are testing the social media waters and a fun way to keep in touch with your family and friends. <div><br /></div><div>So, for the next several posts I will be re-blogging a series titled:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Business </span></span></div><div>by Chris Brogan</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the link to his page: </div><div> <a href="http://www.chrisbrogan.com/50-ideas-on-using-twitter-for-business/">http://www.chrisbrogan.com/50-ideas-on-using-twitter-for-business/</a></div><div> </div><div>First Steps</div><div><br />1.Build an account and immediate start using <a href="http://search.twitter.com/">Twitter Search</a> to listen for your name, your competitor’s names, words that relate to your space. (Listening always comes first.)<br />2, Add a picture. ( <a href="http://redcouch.typepad.com/weblog/2008/08/7-tips-for-new.html" modo="false">Shel</a> reminds us of this.) We want to see you.<br />3. Talk to people about THEIR interests, too. I know this doesn’t sell more widgets, but it shows us you’re human.<br />4. Point out interesting things in your space, not just about you.<br />5. Share links to neat things in your community. ( <a href="http://www.twitter.com/wholefoods">@wholefoods</a> does this well).<br />6. Don’t get stuck in the apology loop. Be helpful instead. ( <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jetblue" modo="false">@jetblue</a> gives travel tips.)<br />7. Be wary of always pimping your stuff. Your fans will love it. Others will tune out.<br />8. Promote your employees’ outside-of-work stories. ( <a href="http://www.twitter.com/thehomedepot">@TheHomeDepot</a> does it well.)<br />9. Throw in a few humans, like <a href="http://twitter.com/richardatdell">RichardAtDELL</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lionelatdell" modo="false">LionelAtDELL</a>, etc.<br />10. Talk about non-business, too, like <a href="http://www.twitter.com/astrout" modo="false">@astrout</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jstorerj">@jstorerj</a> from Mzinga. <span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span></span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Stay tuned for more helpful tips.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-82462841390349489522009-03-13T17:02:00.000-07:002009-03-13T17:15:57.899-07:00Taking a step backOne of the great things about owning my own company is that I can move at my own pace. I know that if things have to get done, I am the one responsible for making sure it happens. However, sometimes being 'the only' one can work against me. You know, it's like looking through a magnifying glass. You can hyper-focus on something so much that it looks one way to you...but when you back the glass up to take another look..things appear a lot differently. Applying that same logic to my business, I've found that it's best to bounce my ideas off SEVERAL people, to make sure I get clear picture on a pending project or proposal. I prefer to get that diverse feedback from people I know won't always agree with me. I believe that things you may WANT to hear from others may not always be the things you NEED to hear. <div><br /></div><div>So if you are like me or other entrepreneurs I know, take a step back if you find yourself struggling to make progress in a particular area. Who knows where it may lead you. Taking a step back is not always a bad thing. Especially if it takes you closer to your goals.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-53059376706381074882009-03-11T20:17:00.000-07:002009-03-11T20:22:49.309-07:00The Barbie Doll turns 502009 is turning into an interesting year, full of milestones. One of these milestones is The Barbie Doll will be 50 years old. Ken, Barbie’s long term boyfriend is only 48. Who knew that Barbie liked younger guys?<br />Actually Barbie and Ken were named after the children of Mattel founder Ruth Handler.<br />When Ruth and her husband introduced Barbie at the International Toy Show in 1959, toy stores were not excited. Consumers loved Barbie and as they say, the rest is history.<br /><br />Ruth was 42 when she introduced this controversial doll, a doll with breasts. Another first for Mattel, with Ruth at the helm, was to buy 52 weeks, 1 year of advertising on the TV show, the Mickey Mouse Club. One year of advertising toys directly to the demographic who could not buy them but could make their wishes known had not been done before. TV itself was in its infancy, but Ruth and her husband Elliot saw the potential. They were right again.<br /><br />Ruth Handler who died in 2002 at age 85 was an admirable business woman. She combined business, Motherhood and being a wife in a time when women were not encouraged to work outside of their homes. What genius to name her doll toys after her children. What PR savvy to partner with her husband but confident enough to be the spokesperson for their toy company. At age 51 Ruth introduced Hot Wheels. This toy’s success rivaled Barbie’s for boys. Menopause in the work place <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">didn</span>’t stop Ruth Handler from success, nor does it appear to stop her creation, the Barbie Doll.<br /><br />This doll could be called ‘Hot Flash Barbie’ or ‘Menopause Barbie at age 50. Looking at her founder, I think Barbie has a great future ahead of her. She looks great for 50. Fashion designers have clamored to design her clothes. Barbie sports gowns from Dior and Bob <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mackie</span>. Now the cosmetic company <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Stila</span> launched a collection based on Barbie. Mattel, which the Handler family sold in the 70’s, had a bad fourth quarter for 2008. Can the Golden Anniversary Barbie bear the financial pressure for the entire company? Mattel is trying with a big party in Malibu, the home of Malibu Barbie, which is of course Pink!<br /><br />by Haralee WeintraubUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-53816864118880750202009-03-09T09:05:00.000-07:002009-03-09T09:12:01.005-07:00IN ANSWER TO JUST SAY NOYOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO TELL PEOPLE NO AT ANY GIVEN TIME WITHOUT FEELING BAD ABOUT IT I USED TO FEEL LIKE SHANI, BUT I GREW REALLY FAST WHEN PEOPLE NEED YOU THEY DON'T HESITATE TO ASK BUT IF AND WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED THEY CAN'T HELP YOU SO MY POLICY IS HELP THOSE IF I CAN THAT HAVE HELPED ME AND I 'M NOT GOING TO LET ANYONE GUILT TRIP ME IN ANY FORM OR FASHION. IT IS A NICE WAY TO SAY IT LIKE UNFORTUNATELY I CAN'T NOT DO THAT AT THIS TIME, IF THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT THEN THAT'S ON THEM. IT'S LIKE HALLMARK YOU CARED ENOUGH TO SEND THE VERY BEST.<br /><br /><br />CHERYL GORHAMcheryl gorhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16152886905692983416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-34690356486962663532009-03-09T09:00:00.000-07:002009-03-09T09:04:10.602-07:00THE RESTAURANT WORLDHELLO ALL,<br /><br />JUST A QUICK NOTE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT ALL IS WELL, IT HAS BEEN ROUGH IN THIS ECONOMIC SITUATION THAT WE ARE HAVING RIGHT NOW BUT I'M DETERMINED TO DO THIS RESTAURANT SO HELP ME, IT IS SLOW MOVING RIGHT NOW BUT ALL IS WELL, IT HAS BEEN AWHILE SINCE MY LAST POST I'VE BEEN ILL BUT NOT GOING TO LET THAT KEEP ME DOWN, I DO HOPE EVERYONE IS GOOD AND PLEASE CONTINUE TO POST WE LOOK FOWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.<br /><br />BE DETERMINED AND BE BLESSEDcheryl gorhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16152886905692983416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-28611482648181170252009-03-03T05:02:00.000-08:002009-03-03T05:24:16.847-08:00Just Say NoOne of the biggest things I must change in 2009 is my need to be a PEOPLE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PLEASER</span>. When someone asks me to do something, I try my best to get it done, even at my own expense. I HATE<div>to disappoint other people because I wouldn't want anyone to disappoint me. But lately, I've found that I've been so busy trying to please others that I've neglected my own professional and personal responsibilities. Bottom line...I have a hard time saying no. For some reason, I feel guilty or bad if I can't fulfill an obligation or expectation set by someone else. So, my question is: Does anyone have a good suggestion on how they've said 'no' to someone without sounding rude. How did you let someone down easy? I know there is an art to it. I just haven't mastered it yet. Any and all suggestions are welcome!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-35110137582557336862009-02-13T08:38:00.000-08:002009-02-13T08:42:05.851-08:00BY ANY MEANS NECESSARYHello All,<br /><br />Just a note that 2009 is starting to become a very good year for me I've been struggling to open this restaurant and my date will probably have to fall back to next year but i'm still proud of all the accomplishments that i have made. I have been networking like crazy and it has paid off, so please put networking into your daily schedule as often as possible, i've come across some new opportunity's by just attending a Donale Trump Conference and it was fabu, so if you need to know more than just contact me. 443-824-1249.<br /><br />wishing you all the very best<br /><br />CHERYL GORHAMcheryl gorhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16152886905692983416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-80280271629991719562009-02-12T05:55:00.000-08:002009-02-12T05:57:47.023-08:00Creating PartnershipsThere is definitely some truth to the saying <strong>"two heads are better than one”.</strong> In so many instances, including this blog, having the help of more than one person has really made my life easier. It’s also provided me with a different perspective that I would not have had access to otherwise. Let’s be realistic. That’ s the beauty of networking. If you do it properly, you can build relationships that can be both fruitful and productive. Those relationships could lead to partnerships for your business or entrepreneurial venture. <br /><br />How can your business benefit from a possible partnership? Who can provide you with insight that you can learn from? The answers to those questions can yield you the results you and your business are looking for.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-35747011857036832942009-01-31T12:43:00.000-08:002009-01-31T13:17:26.692-08:00Time=MoneyNothing frustrates me more than WASTING MY TIME. There are only 24 hours in the day and I try to make the most of them. So when a client comes to me requesting my services, only to back out at the last minute, I find that not only frustrating but extremely disrespectful. As a business owner, I know you can relate to this. <div>I had a conversation with a mentor and fellow business owner about this the other day. She is a dynamic wedding and event planner...so she knows the importance of making the most of her time. Vicky Johnson, owner of Holy Matrimony (www.holymatrimonyonline.com), says she makes it very clear to her clients UPFRONT that she needs their commitment before moving forward with her consultation. Because at the end of the day, people WILL waste your time, money and resources...if you let them. So, it's ultimately up to me (and you) to make sure that doesn't happen. <div>I came up with three conclusions following our conversation . I'd like to share these points with you.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>1. You must be extremely protective of your time. As I mentioned before, no one else has your best interests at heart. It's your business, your time, and ultimately your money. Don't let anyone else call the shots.</div><div>2. Never let your clients ruin your representation and credibility with your vendors. Although you should always practice the highest level of professionalism, your relationship with your vendors and other business partners will last long after your client is gone. Don't sacrifice that relationship for a single client who may not be worth it.</div><div>3. Gain commitment from your clients before you move forward with contracts, consultations, etc. What's the use of spending the time and energy if your clients aren't 100'% sure they need or want your services?</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you'll find this information helpful. It certainly was for me. Thanks, Vicky</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-46017881864413905252009-01-29T02:29:00.000-08:002009-01-29T02:49:59.108-08:00Social Networking<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, I admit it. I am new to the whole social networking thing. But it seems that every day, I am hearing more and more about how it is absolutely essential if you have an online business, website or blog. <div><br /></div><div>So what exactly is Social Networking? Social networking is a group of individuals with a specific interest coming together in an online format or community. You are already aware of a couple of popular social networking sites: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MySpace</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Facebook</span> and YouTube. If your business is centered around a specific niche or special interest, you should explore social networking, if you haven't already. </div><div><br /></div><div>For The Queen's Diaries, I created a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ning</span> Account. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ning</span> is another social networking site that is really gaining in popularity. The address is: http://thequeensdiaries.ning.com. The process was really simple. It only took me a couple of minutes to set up my site and it was really painless. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's too soon to tell what kind of impact <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ning</span> will have on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">QD</span>. But, I will keep you posted.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-79362298697997459592009-01-26T16:04:00.000-08:002009-01-26T16:17:57.593-08:00New Year, New IdeasOne of the many challenges I am facing right now is coming up with fresh, new ideas on how to grow my business. I want to attract new clients and increase my reach and frequency in my target markets. But coming up with new and innovative ways to do this has proven to be quite difficult.<div>A New Year means a new beginning, a great way to start the year off on a good note. I want 2009 to be different than 2008...which means I have to stretch outside of my comfort zone. I network with others, read blogs, magazines and just about anything that will get my creative juices flowing. Still, I have run into a brick wall. <br /></div><div><div>I know one quality that successful business owners have in common is that they are proactive thinkers, they are always looking for ways to 'think outside of the box'. There are some people who are blessed with this wonderful gift. They are creative geniuses with a natural ability to be original and unique. So, if I have just described you, see if you can answer this question for me: How do you stay fresh and new the marketplace? What/Who is the catalyst for your new ideas?</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-11566247202470923472008-12-31T13:23:00.000-08:002008-12-31T13:56:14.140-08:00How will you make 2009 different?Like you, I hate the phrase "New Year's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Resoultions</span>". Because as we all know, they are mostly never kept. Each year, it's the same thing for me. For the first couple of weeks, I stick to my goals and I feel pretty good about myself. Then life settles in and the next thing I know, my resolutions are out the door. <br /><br />The number nine represents attainment, satisfaction, accomplishment and success to achieve influence over circumstances. So, on this New Year's Eve, I am sitting down to carve out my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">resolutions</span> for 2009. Because I am putting them on this blog for everyone to see, I know that I have to hold myself accountable. So, here they are.<br /><br />1. I resolve to put more effort into marketing my business and my services.<br />2. I resolve to post items on my blog on a more regular basis.<br />3. I resolve to being more organized and proactive as it relates to my business responsibilities. <br /><br />So, what are your New Year's Resolutions? How will you exert influence over your circumstances? How will you make 2009 different?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-27152411569089637772008-11-28T05:05:00.000-08:002008-11-28T05:59:42.468-08:00Holiday Time ManagementIt's Black Friday, which means sometime today you will find yourself in line at a crowded department store or fighting for a parking space. From now until December 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>, your life will be full of holiday duties: decorating the home, holiday shopping, sending out Christmas cards, going to holiday parties,etc. But the one thing you must not do is to neglect your duties as a business owner. I am guilty of it too. But remember, the holiday season is only about a month long. Your business is year round. So, here are some tips to help you manage your time effectively between the holidays and your business.<div><ol><li>Make a commitment to wake up earlier in the mornings. Whether it's a half hour or two, make sure it's enough time to complete your personal projects before you get caught up with the rest of your day. </li><li>Take advantage of shopping online. You'll waste less time at the mall and devote more time to your business. </li><li>Set a time limit or deadline to complete your holiday duties and stick with it. </li></ol><div>Happy Holidays!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-72592447990654616672008-11-22T07:07:00.000-08:002008-11-22T07:11:50.860-08:00HOLIDAYSHELLO EVERYONE,<br /><br />I WANTED TO TAKE THE TIME TO SAY HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE AND THEIR FAMILIES, PLEASE BE BLESSED AND ENJOY THE TIME YOU HAVE OFF, MAKE THE BEST OF IT, BECAUSE YOU KNOW YOU WILL BE BACK TO THE GRIND IN DUE TIME, I DO HOPE THAT ALL IS WELL WITH MY FELLOW ENTREPRENEURS, I KNOW THIS TIME IS BUSY SO JUST TAKE TIME TO BREATH, RELAX RELATE AND RELEASE OVER THE TIME YOU HAVE OFF ENJOY SO THE PRESSURE WILL BE OFF WHEN YOU RETURN TO WORK, HOPE TO TALK TO EVERY ONE SOON.<br /><br />TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS<br />CHERYL GORHAM<br />DINNER BY CANDLELIGHTcheryl gorhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16152886905692983416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-41713738749254762452008-11-17T11:41:00.000-08:002008-11-18T13:57:28.061-08:00Ready,Set,ACTION!Did you ever want to be in the movies? Who hasn't had a bit of a fantasy to see themselves on the big screen, gorgeous backgrounds, exotic locations, costumes and make-up that make you look like a real live movie star? Yes, fantasies are great.<br /><br />Reality is more like in the movie Tootsie when they scream "Not too close" for the camera work in shooting Dustin Hoffman as Tootsie. This week I was able to participate in some of the fun of movie making. <strong>Hot Flash Havoc, www.hotflashhavoc.com</strong>, is the name of the film being made that I am privileged to be a part of. Since it is in documentary style, I am playing myself, a middle age menopausal woman. My naturopathic physician friend Kelly Jennings, <strong>www.urbanwellnesspdx.com</strong>, is also interviewed and filmed. Kelly treats effectively, and patiently many women with menopause and breast cancer symptoms. She is also young, smart and gorgeous! So my close up is Kelly giving me an acupuncture treatment. Yes indeed, I am the woman in repose with acupuncture needles all over her face, head and neck!<br /><br />I was also interviewed about my story, the breast cancer/menopause/entrepreneur connection. This film has a fantastic concept; educate and entertain about the condition called Menopause. The movie is still in production and I will blog about it again, and again as the release date comes closer and my close up for stardom nears.<br /><br />-Haralee WeintraubUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-25436608650120726372008-11-09T08:06:00.000-08:002008-11-09T08:12:24.946-08:00THE WORLD LOOKS BRIGHTER ALREADYHELLO ALL, I DO APOLOGIZE FOR BEING MISSING IN ACTION BUT I WAS REALLY BUSY, BUT I'M BACK IN FULL FORCE, SO I'VE BEEN MAKING SOME DECISIONS ON MY NEW LIVING QUARTERS, AND I'M INTO SO MANY PROJECTS, BUT MOST OF ALL I WAS PROUD TO BE ABLE TO HAVE VOTED IN THIS PAST ELECTION THAT WAS A MOMENT THAT I WON'T FORGET ANYTIME SOON. IT MADE MY HEART SING TO SEE THE 44TH PRESIDENT BE A AFRICAN-AMERICAN MAN, ANS TO SEE A BLACK FAMILY IN THE WHITE HOUSE, OOH THAT TOUCHED MY HEART. SO I'M FOR CHANGES TO COME SOON, AND I HOPE YOU ARE TOO. BECAUSE THERE WILL BE CHANGE, THERE WILL BE HOPE, THERE WILL BE NEW LIVE, WE CAN DO THIS ! YES WE CAN!! <br /><br />TAKE CARE LADIES<br />GOD'S SPEED<br />CHERYL GORHAM<br />DINNER BY CANDLELIGHTcheryl gorhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16152886905692983416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-40334677314564422262008-10-20T17:30:00.000-07:002008-10-20T17:42:39.419-07:00Compensation vs CreditI've been extremely busy lately which is why I've been MIA from the blog lately ! :(<br />But it's been a good kind of busy. I've been partnering on two major projects. They have really been rewarding. I am getting great exposure because both clients are well-known and successful. One is a professional athlete and the other is a clothing designer. So the experience has been invaluable as well.<br /><br />The reality is though, I HAVEN'T GOTTEN PAID. At least not yet, anyway. The work is being done for a good friend of mine who really has great connections. So, I figure that although I may not be getting a paycheck yet, I can use this experience to leverage future business partnerships...that WILL pay off. <br /><br />I am thinking this is a good idea....but I want to make sure that I am not being used in the process. Has anyone faced this situation before? If so, how did you handle it?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-55366878476306880942008-10-10T15:49:00.000-07:002008-10-10T15:55:25.402-07:00Watch The PromisesHELLO LADIES,<br /><br />ONCE AGAIN LADIES YOU HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR FALSE PROMISES, I WAS APPROACHED BY A SALESPERSON THAT SAID HE WOULD GIVE ME A DEAL ON A COMPUTER POS SYSTEM, BUT BY SPEAKING TO HIM AND TALKING ABOUT THE SYSTEM ITSELF, I SOON FOUND OUT THAT HE DIDN'T KNOW TOO MUCH ABOUT THE SYSTEM HE WAS TRYING TO SELL ME, SO I WENT WITH MY GUT REACTION TO CHECK HIM OUT, I LOVE THE BBB THEY PROVIDED ME WITH SO MUCH INFORMATION ON THIS PERSON, SO PLEASE LOOK OUT WHEN PURCHASING OR LEASING EQUIPMENT.<br /><br /><br />CHERYL GORHAMcheryl gorhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16152886905692983416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-37158648662941923902008-09-30T17:39:00.000-07:002008-09-30T17:48:54.509-07:00THINGS ARE LOOKING UP<span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HELLO LADIES, THINGS ARE TRULY LOOKING UP FOR ME, THINGS ARE MOVING VERY WELL I THANK ALL THOSE THAT KEPT ME IN THEIR PRAYERS, SO I'M MOVING FORTH TO MOVE NEXT YEAR AND DO SOME GOOD THINGS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY THAT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN, NEVER FEAR LADIES WHEN YOU STEP OUT ON FAITH IT ACTUALLY WORKS. JUST CONTINUE TO BE PRAYERFUL.<br /><br />MUCH LOVE TO YOU ALL<br /><br />CHERYL GORHAM<br />DINNER BY CANDLELIGHT<br /></span></span>cheryl gorhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16152886905692983416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-6255682010757024562008-09-14T20:07:00.000-07:002008-09-14T20:19:59.262-07:00Endless NetworkingOkay...I know networking is essential if you are an entrepreneur. It can grow help you grow your business, it gives you and your business exposure and it's a good way to practice your 'sales pitch'. But... when is enough, enough? Is there such a thing as <strong>too much </strong>networking?<br /><br />I am a member of several networking groups. Each week we have networking meetings that last at least an hour. Some weeks we have summits or business fairs. Again, I find some of these events useful. But they can also take up a lot of time. Time...that as a business owner I really don't have!<br /> <br />Also, I find that I am running into the same people at these events. Sometimes I wonder if its actually worth it. Yes, I meet some nice people but rarely does it lead to a job lead. Maybe I'm not doing something right. Maybe I'm not giving it enough time. I don't know... am I the only one who feels like this?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0