Persevere, Keep Going, Stay Motivated!

Have you ever had goals that you set that you looked back on to find that you never completed them? Maybe it’s a novel you were working on (like me), or learning a new dance step- whatever it is we have all been there. Starting out with the best intentions but falling short because of unmotivation. Even the best of us can feel unmotivated at times. Sometimes you feel so unmotivated that making small decisions is hard. But you can get out of the slump by going through some simple steps, small baby steps in fact.

At times it can look to be impossible at times around you. Just getting out of bed is a struggle. This feeling can make you feel so depressed and hurt inside. You’re not alone. Most successful persons have been there before. At times the road to be successful involves you having to fall on your face and getting back up.

For instance to exercise there are days I am so motivated that I cannot stop- other days it is like pulling teeth. It is hard to get started exercising when your body and soul feel depressed. But you can motivate yourself with the steps listed below:

1. Make a Goal. Having a goal ensures that you have a path that you can always look to if you veer off.
2. Find inspiration. If you are inspired by music- use that, nature – use that.
3. Get excited. Make the task/goal you have exciting- find excitement in it so it doesn’t feel like a burden.
4. Build anticipation. This is a part of excitement but different. For instance when you are baking a cake you are excited ablout the recipe- but you anticipate the results. Make your end results the best part of your goal.
5. Post your goal. Write out your goal somewhere that you can visually see it.
6. Commit publicly. When you tell others your goal it makes you accountable.
7. Think about it daily. The more you think of your goal the more you think of ways to accomplish your goal.
8. Get support. Your friends and family can help you to keep pushing when things seem hard.
9. Realize that there’s an ebb and flow. You won’t always be excited about your goals. Some days you will wake up not wanting to do anything- but like anything worth having you have to ride out the highs so that the lows won’t be as low.
10. Stick with it. Keep trying. Never give up- you will see the produce of your handiwork.
11. Start small. Really small. Small structured goals will help you get to the end of your road.
12. Build on small successes. Each time you accomplish something use that as a springboard to further successes.
13. Read about it daily. Research ways to achieve your goals.
14. Call for help when your motivation ebbs. Talking to others who have accomplished their goals will help you to get tasks done.
15. Think about the benefits, not the difficulties. When you think of your difficulties you tend to get tired before you even start. Think of the benefits of achieving your goal.
16. Squash negative thoughts; replace them with positive ones. Be POSITIVE! I cannot stress this enough. It takes more out of your body to be negative than to smile and remain positive about your outcomes.

Until the next time I hope that this has inspired & motivated you to keep trying. Be persistent & wait to see the results of your toil & labors. Never, never, NEVER give up!

Stay Connected-Get Involved with Community Events!

This past weekend, Team Sageeden Media Group participated in the SelfStarters Trade Show which showcased several businesses owned by Bahamian Entrepreneurs 30 and under.

It was also a great networking opportunity and we were able to get local media coverage in the press, via print, radio and television.

With this in mind, I wanted to remind you that there is no event too big or too small to participate in. Try to get involved with your community through trade shows and other gatherings that will give you marketing exposure and assist in promoting your company. You never know where your next client will come from so just be ready to jump in and participate.

Things to enhance your display set up at events like trade shows include:

Preparation: Be prepared in advance to have a lovely display set up. Knowing who your audience is helps a lot as well. Also try to have items that would be interactive and a sign in sheet so that you can remain in contact with those passing by or who are directly interested in your services.

A large banner: Ensure that your banner displays your company’s logo and slogan as well as a brief listing of your products or services. Remember that most people are visual so including a few photos of your various events or actual products would be beneficial.

Flyers and business cards: Don’t spare the expense! Ensure that you have eye catching and creative flyers and business cards handy because people who stop by your booth, or table will need something tangible to get in contact with you.

Visual Aids: These could include a computer screen or monitor that will portray video footage or even photos of your company’s activities.

Flowers:  Even if you don’t sell flowers, they can be a great accessory for the table. When setting up your displays, try to have something eye catching for your potential clients to notice.

People with personality: No matter how great your company is, if you don’t have the right faces and people sharing the information with those passing by, then all the effort is in vain. Smiling faces and genuine smiles definitely draw people in!

Lights camera action! Get ready to experience the best that life has to offer you as an entrepreneur who is making things happen.

Remember that your attitude determines just how far you go and grow. Life can be beautiful when you begin to believe that it can. No matter how difficult it may get, awaking to another day gives one hope that the best is still yet to come.

As the year wraps up, keep pushing. You never know where you will meet your next million dollar client, so treat everyone with respect and kindness!

All the best to you and yours!

SageEden @ The Self Starters Exhibition in the Town Centre Mall

Give Thanks

I have always loved fall. As a child it was the time that most people seemed happiest, and there was the feeling in the air that Christmas was almost here. A favorite holiday for those of us here at SageEden is Thanksgiving- because it is a time that people sit and give thanks for the blessings present in their lives.

Today is a day set aside for the act of thanksgiving,where families and friends gather around a meal and say to each other what they are thankful for- something that should be done every day. The pilgrims who came to the ‘new world’ took this day to be their way of thanking God for life and blessing them with an abundance of blessings. They realized that God grants new mercies to us daily, as such they wanted to spend one day thanking God & each other for the blessings.

When was the last time you said thanks? Speaking words of affirmation is one of the five love languages we have present. A simple thank you goes so far to making someone feel appreciated. Don’t think of it as ego-stroking as persons perform better when they know that the work they do makes a difference. And saying what you are thankful for daily helps you to look at your blessings in a better light. Thankfulness brings into your heart a spirit of cheerfulness. Which is something we all need daily.

As you go throughout this holiday season, don’t get bogged down by the commercialism, truly enjoy this season, give thanks daily for each blessing, each trial, each storm. In all of these God is present.  (Nahum 1:3) As you look at the light in each aspect of your life you see the path you must take better.

What is it that you are thankful for today? Are you thankful for life? Are you thankful for family? Are you thankful for the gifts/talents he has bestowed on you? We wanted to share with you some of the things persons are thankful for in our office as an encouragement to you.

Sharell: I am thankful for life and its many blessings...being a wife to the best husband in the world, mother and mentor to many, for the ability to worship freely, to be everything that I was created to be. I am also grateful for the heart that forgives and lives! ♥ Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! ♥

Larissa: Thankful for seeing a day that so many others didn’t get to see. I am thankful for family, friends and for the opportunity to work at a job that I enjoy. Also very thankful for the awesome meal that I will enjoy today!

Shanda : I am thankful for the gifts of life & health. I am also thankful for the great family I have and friends that have truly enriched my life.

Natasha:  I am thankful for all the blessings that God has granted me this past year. I am thankful for a loving family, having the best siblings in the world, an amazing fiancé and the friends & co-workers present in my life. I am thankful most importantly for grace. Without grace I would not be where I am.

Until the next time remember to be thankful, stay positive and look ahead.

Essentials for marketing a small business

Hello everyone! Hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday. We're so excited here at SageEden. Our website is up and running -- sageedenmedia.com. Please visit it to find out more about our services and how to contact us.

In light of this small but significant achievement, I have decided to write a blog post about starting a small business. Recently, I have met a number of people who are striking out on their own. They have come out with creative ways to generate income and become their own bosses. So, this is dedicated to all of you! After you've created a sound business plan, gotten a business license and found your start-up money, here is what comes next.

1. What's in a name? Everything. Give your business a name that people will remember and will make it stand out from competitors. Don't give your business a name that can easily be mispronounced or sounds weird. If you do, people will have a hard time searching your business online or finding you in the phone book. And finally, don't get into legal trouble -- make sure that the name you want for your business is unique.

2. You NEED a Logo. The importance of a company logo is often underestimated, but it it vital in building brand recognition. Being recognized is the only way to be known by the public. Being known by the public is the only way to generate income. See why it's so important?

3. Get business cards. Business cards are an awesome way of networking effectively (and cheaply). Get a professionally designed card that you can hand to anyone, whether you meet them in a seminar or in the supermarket. Keep them on you at all times -- you never know when you'll meet a potential client or investor. Ensure that when you hand out the cards, you are not disingenuous. Engage the person in conversation and explain to them what you do. If you just hand them out to every person you see, it's a guarantee that the card will end up cleaning someone's fingernails.

4. Get Facebook fans. We've preached time and time again the importance of social media. It's all free, so don't limit it to Facebook -- join Twitter, Linked In and any other sites where you can get an audience. Remember to keep the accounts active and engage your visitors.

5. Add a signature to your email. It's free marketing every time you send someone an email. Take a look at the one we use here at SageEden. It includes our logo, services and contact information.

This is just a little information to help all of the aspiring millionaires out there. We do have a few other tips and tricks up our sleeves, so get in contact with us at sageeden@gmail.com for info on marketing packages that can help your business to flourish -- they start from just $100.

See you tomorrow, same time, same place!

Re-Branding? What about your website?

SageEden International Media Group is re-branding itself. An aspect to this goal for us has been updating and re-vamping our website. The old website had a lot of what we did formerly- our vision for the company has changed and with that we needed a new look. We believe at SageEden that a powerful website is worth the biggest building in your city because the building will get you local and some international fame, but the website is seen and felt through millions around the world.

A website is used as a way of marketing your company’s brand & products to potential customers before they have a chance to experience your products firsthand. Unlike your company's office that may be open from 8-5, Monday thru Friday, your company’s website is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is a global economy and your customers are not just the persons who can physically go through your product. 

Having a company website is a great way to increase the sales of your products. You have products- get them to the persons who need them, in and around your area. It is also very cost effective,  look at the cost of producing a magazine or newsletter monthly as opposed to updating your website and having a blog about your company and its services.

Having a website that is easy to manage is also a great way to let your customers know what your products are and update them on new aspects of your company as you grow. It also decreases customer frustrations as they have the information and ideas they need even when you are unavailable for consultation. This improves customer service, by providing answers to questions your clients have in an easy to read format that they can get to at anytime it is convenient for them. 

What we like about a wonderful website is that it helps you to present a professional image and to promote your services. Our website’s main goal was to do this. To give persons an image of who our company was that reflected our vision. Your competitors (especially the more established ones) have their marketing and brand together- you are trying to get everything together.

Below are some tips we used when creating our website’s new look and copy:

• ·         Look at your competitors’ websites for an idea of what you like and don’t like.
• ·         Ask around for general advice on what websites in your line of business others go to frequently.
• ·         Ensure that the copy for your website is short & sweet.
• ·         If your company is selling anything- make sure you have photos of your products or services, pictures capture the imagination and attention quicker.
• ·         Bold colors, excessive amounts of bold fonts & distracting graphics can if used incorrectly be a bad thing.

Don’t forget to always cater to your customers wants before they even know they want it- this is what your website should ultimately do. For further tips, or if you need help with your company’s website- feel free to contact us at SageEden International Media Group.

Until the next time check out our brand new website up today: www.sageedenmedia.com

Re-Cap of "Constellations"

Building Your Brand to Attract Clients!

Hello!

Team SageEden Media Group is feeling on top of the world! On Thursday, November 17th, 2011, we hosted a successful rebranding event that also provided an opportunity for networking!
Constellations was our theme, which essentially embraced the idea of "Stars gathering under the Stars" Individuals from all walks of life gathered and discussed their businesses, ideas as well as future plans.
From the feedback we received about the venue, food, programme, live music by Daniel's Den, the decor and charity opportunity, we truly felt that all the effort put into the event was worth it!

I would like to extend special thanks to Compass Point Resort, our corporate sponsor who provided an amazing ambiance overlooking the beautiful ocean! The cocktail items were scrumptious and the drinks were fruitfully satisfying.

We understand the importance of giving back to our community. With this in mind, we also hosted a silent auction and extend many thanks to all of those sponsors including:

• Via Caffe
• Suntime Bahamas
• Final Accents Boutique
• Blue Lagoon
• Designer's Image Boutique
• Beagard Land and Sea Designs
• Cheesecake Heaven

Other giveaway prizes were donated by:

• Touch of Inspiration Spa -- A facial
• S. Carroll -- Beyonce "Heat" perfume
• Nails by Marcia -- A manicure
• Sherika Brown -- "The Principles and Purpose of Relationships" (authored by her!)

Now, onto branding successfully....
Every company, organization or person should establish a brand that is relatable to the target audience.
Think very carefully about the colors you chose, because they also evoke certain emotions as well as the fonts and size you select.

As we know, branding is very intentional, and it should be. No longer are consumers blindly making purchases. Rather they look for brands that are strong, and consistent in their message. You can establish a brand through a high definition logo - one that is crisp and sends a specific message.
Brands may include words or just pictures. Some people have such a strong brand that they are able to use one letter in their name :) I think we all know and appreciate the gifts in that person! (O!)

a brand sets you a part from the rest of your competitiors. It causes you to be recognized for your quality product and/or service.

SageEden initially started out as the select company for Event Coordination with a few other products.
This was the first logo:

As the company grew and the demands for marketing, public relations, corporate training, motivational speaking and event coordination increased, I knew it was time to re-brand. I wanted a stronger image, however, I still wanted it to reflect my personality, and allow the theme of a creative but corporate culture to emerge.

I think we were successful! I am please to introduce you to our new logo. Our new slogan is, "Think Beyond & Create Your Signature" The look says it all!

Our new website is in the process of being launched: http://www.sageedenmedia.com/

Once you have established your logo and slogan it's time to get it out there!
First start with the social networks, THEY ARE FREE :) Let's not forget blogs, as well as YouTube!

You can also begin speaking with various groups sharing the services and vision of the company.
Please note that your company is like a baby, you have to nurture it until it is strong enough to run on its own.
People are attracted to brands that are associated with "green" concepts, environmentally friendly, community minded, innovative and technologically savvy.

Other ways you can build your brand is to develop products and paraphernalia to distribute at various trade shows and events.
Investing in a great website is also key!

Think about the brands you love, and now you can add one more to your list...SageEden Media Group!
We are thankful to all of our supporters and those who follow our blog!

The journey has just begun!

An Event Location that is out of this World!

The other day on our Facebook page we were asked to give a list of places that we would suggest for events to be held at. In the Bahamas there are so many different locations to choose from- with varying themes and capacities. I would like to put forward to you an event location that we found to be unlike any other, the place we are holding our event at tomorrow- Compass Point Restaurant.

Located in the plush Compass Point Beach Resort, this restaurant is renowned for its innovative cuisine and unique atmosphere. It is out of this world (really it is- its situated on the other side of the island to most of us)- but the drive to this location is definitely worth it. The sunsets at this restaurant are spectacular, the rainbows, the starlit sky above at night. You won't feel like you are in New Providence anymore. This restaurant is a vibrant colored, beautiful and secluded place. The decor of Compass Point Restaurant features rich fabrics and bold use of color. 

As you walk in you feel like you are at home- the professional staff and their warm, friendly greetings can be something to ease you and your guests. This location has the down home feel of many B&B's that are throughout our islands, but with its own brand of elegance that can be found nowhere else in the world. For potential brides- you can do so much here & the manager Viktor will ensure that his staff takes care of all of your worries.

If you are like me- tired of looking at locations where they serve every other thing but native food then this restaurant will give you what you want. Bahamian Cuisine is available in abundance here. My favorite from their menu is their Fish & Chips. A beautifully crusted fillet of Snapper (one fish that I normally avoid like a plague) with thinly sliced freshly made potato chips on a bed of greens that was so tender, flavor filled and delicious that I am ready to find a way out there for a taste. Outside of their regular menu they have a menu specially created for events. With a variety of potential event menu ideas that will suit your tastes and desires- it is amazing what all you CAN have here.

If you are worried about your guests being fully entertained while they wait- don't be. There are five 50 inch televisions, an Outdoor Oceanfront bar as well as Indoor dining room, bar and lounge. With Compass Point the possibilities are endless for your event. Be it a daytime event or something at night your event will be fabulous. At the end of your successful event you can relax because this event location has that effect.

For more information about this positively brimming with potential event location contact us at SageEden or come join us at our event for a better idea of what it is like be there tomorrow- Thursday, November 17th, 2011.

Until the next time stay inspired, stay planning, stay positive!

Saying "Thank You" to your clients

As mentioned in yesterday's blog post, SageEden has an exciting networking event coming up. The event is to give a networking forum to those wanting to promote businesses, raise money for charity, and give a great big THANK YOU to those who have made SageEden the success that it is today. Having an event is a great way to show your customers that you care about them and appreciate their support. But, if you choose not to go in this direction, here are a few other ideas:

1. Make a donation to charity in their name and do something good for the world and your business.

2. Print personalized postcards to have mailed to them. Sites like Flickr can help you out if you're lacking in design skills.

3. Create personalized t-shirts that they can wear to promote your business. It will be a unique gift they'll never forget.

4. Custom calendars are thoughtful gifts that will tell your clients "thank you" for an entire year!

5. Subscription to a publication that is relevant to your industry.

Our thank you gesture is Constellations, which will be held on Thursday night at Compass Point, and it will give us the opportunity to give our clients and potential clients food, drinks, entertainment, and the opportunity to make charitable donations. We will also get to express our gratitude to them personally.

There are many more creative ways to show your appreciation to your customers. Take the time out to think of your clientele and what would suit them. If you generally cater to a younger crowd then go with something trendy and tech savvy. Otherwise, do something on the safer side that will be appropriate for everyone.

'Til next time!

Constellations...A Networking & Rebranding Event

We at the SageEden team are sooooo excited about our relaunch event this Thursday!

Since its incpetion, SageEden Media Group has been on a path of evolution and revolution adding and revamping services and products.

At Constellations, we will be unveiling our new logo which embodies our corporate yet creative culture. Additionally, we will be hosting a silent auction which will raise funds for donation to children living with HIV.
Our amazing silent auction partners have made this possible.

We would also like to showcase the internationally renowned Compass Point Resort who is the major corporate sponsor for this event. Not only are they providing a beautiful venue, but food and drinks as well.

Our special entertainment includes: Lenelle Michelle Mime, Kim Welcome and Giavanna Knowles with Daniel's Den musicians.

Our event will also serve as a reminder to clients and potential clients of our services which include Advertisement Production, Development of Business Presentations, Event Media Presentations, Marketing, Public Relations, Corporate Training, Event Coordination, Image/Product Branding, Media and Image Consulting, Motivational Speaking and more.

Overall I wish to say thank you to all of our supporters who have helped SageEden become the success it has become. Without you it would not have been possible, so let us say "Thank you!" See you on Thursday!

 

Purpose Packed- Anointed for Kingdom Business

I originally had planned to write about event locations in the Bahamas- but today I feel like writing about an event that I think will do so much more for this country and world at large. Many times when we hear people talking about the activities and events that young persons are involved in (or able to become involved in) and it is negative. It doesn't have to always be this way. Love, Life, Help and Hope International Ministries (LLHHICM) is embracing on a major community initiative to change this. 




LLHHICM on Saturday 12^th November, 2011 we will be hosting “Purpose Packed” a self development Youth Conference and Job Expo. Under the timely theme of "Anointed for Kingdom Business" they want to take young persons to a newer place of thought. This event will be held on the grounds of New Redeemed Tabernacle (COGIC), Refuge Court of Cowpen Road, Nassau Bahamas.

This initiative targets young people in the community between the ages of 15 - 35 years old. The Purpose-Packed Youth Conference is designed to demonstrate to young people that true purpose and potential can be unlocked regardless of life’s challenges. In a time where persons are being told that dreams cannot be achieved because of their age, socio-economic background, gender, race or other background this conference is key. It is time that youth know that they can have all they want- they just need to be diligent & strive for it. 

With Purpose Packed speakers such as: Keshelle Kerr, Minister Vanright Whylly, Chavara Roker, Mr. Mickel Lightbourne, Sharell Carroll and others the youth are getting advice from persons who are positive role models. This Conference is not just filled with speakers- it also includes a Job Expo for the youth so that they get an idea of what areas are out there for them. They want to help the young persons of the communities think outside of the box.

If you have youth in your home or neighbourhood who seem not to have a purpose for their life this is a great event to send them to. Purpose Pack 2011 promises to be an awesome time of spiritual enlightenment, development and fellowship and promises to be an amazing event to attend. For further information contact Chavara Roker (Conference Coordinator) @ purposepacked2011@gmail.com. 

Until next time- stay planning, stay encouraged, stay blessed.

The power of a company greeting card (and how to do one right!)

It is almost hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner again. This year, SageEden has added yet another service to its growing list -- corporate greeting cards. Sending greeting cards to clients and customers at year's end is a great way to thank them for their patronage throughout the year. It shows your appreciation for their business, and even if they are not regular customers, it reminds them that they should be.

With that being said, here are some tips on creating memorable cards for your clients.

1. Don't be cheap. Send only high-quality cards. The card you send will be a reflection of your company. Don't try to cut corners to save money -- your company will look like one that cuts corners.

2. Don't alienate people. Be considerate of the fact that everyone has different beliefs. Don't use this as a time to impose yours on anyone. Use cards that read "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Holidays" so that whether they celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, your card will be appreciated.

3. Be appropriate. Even though you might find a cheeky card funny, not everyone else will. Some people might even be offended by it. Stay on the safe side when choosing a design.

4. It's not about you. Don't use your greeting card as a mini-billboard for your business. Give them greetings and thank them for their business. They'll know who the card is from in the signature.

5. Personalize it! Hand write a personalized message inside the card for each recipient. It may be time-consuming, but it will be appreciated and remembered by each person.

If you are going to send greeting cards, do it right with the help of SageEden. We have the tools and expertise to make sure that you impress clients and keep their business. Thanks again for reading!

Flowers & Seashells

The bridal bouquet is one detail of a wedding that can seem to be so small but can have huge impact on your big day. Today we will discuss types of flowers to use for your arrangement and the one popular non floral accessory you can use for your Bahamas wedding- seashells.

If you don’t really know a rose from a peony know that we at Sage Eden are more than willing to help you figure out what types of flowers you would want in your bouquet for your big day. Think of it in most high impact photos the bride is holding her bouquet. The bouquet should mirror the style that the bride wants for her wedding. Choose flowers that will work well with the climate that you are marrying in.

Helliconia, hibiscus, bougainvillea, Poinciana, calla lilies, birds of paradise, pink or red ginger, pin cushions, cymbidium orchids, roses, and stargazer lilies are all wonderful flowers for a bouquet. Some of these flowers are native to the Caribbean whilst others were introduced over time. Many of these flowers are found within the Caribbean growing cultivated & wild.

All of these flowers are magnificent in their beauty and very hearty for the heat of a Bahamian wedding (if you plan on marrying outdoors).

Another option is a seashell bouquet especially for those of you who may not really want flowers, or want to use something less traditional.

A seashell bouquet can be a bouquet of flowers with seashell adornishments, or a full bouquet of seashells. The creativity found in this type of bouquet can wow and amaze guests as persons have been able to craft the shells into vibrant flowers. Some persons have gone as simple as using a conch shell to hold native flowers.

I hope that you have been inspired today. If you need any help with planning and coordinating your big day we at SageEden are always here for you.

Until the next time- stay blessed, stay planning, stay encouraged and stay motivated.

The Negotiating Seat, An Art!

In business, you will find that literally almost everything is up for negotiation. Contracts, scheduling and many other things in between. As an entrepreneur, you have daily decisions to make that would be in the best interest of you and your business.

Here are some tips for negotiating your next contract.

1. Decide whether this is really a project that you want to work on.
Sometimes we jump too quickly at "offers" or "deals" in hopes of securing the next major source of funding. It's best to take some time to think out the project more thoroughly and then choose wisely.

2. Give the client room for changes to be made.
Try not to come off as "money hungry" because that's a major turn off for many perspective customers.
Also, don't pressure clients to pay in full, especially if you are a service based contractor who is working on a gig over an extensive period of time.

3. Explain the price.
Yes we know that truly clients could never pay for the time you take to brainstorm, create, execute and evaluate brilliant ideas, but it's a good idea not to charge $100.00 per minute...you get my point.
Itemizing your invoices as well would work well for some clients.

4. Look for the long term investments!
It may often be worthwhile to say no to smaller clients that may tie up your schedule with little to no budget, while other contracts, if managed well, will bring in a harvest of returns.

5. You are in business...enjoy it!
Sometimes we take business too seriously. Don't get me wrong, it is definitely a serious topic, but the happier people in life, are those who love what they do.
Take risks, (calculated ones : that will stretch you and help you/your business to grow!)

If you want more tips on growing a successful business, we would be happy to share!!
All the best!

The rich rewards of charitable donations

This month, SageEden will be hosting a networking and re-branding event called "Constellations". The event will be an awesome one, with the opportunity to eat great food, meet successful people and bid on great items donated to us by local businesses. The proceeds of the auction are going to the AIDS Foundation, specifically to help out a tutoring center that teaches children with AIDS. We are beyond excited to help such an worthy cause, and anticipate making enough money to really make a difference.

The altruistic aspect is good enough reason to give. It definitely builds morale knowing that you and your company helps people in a big way (we're definitely excited at our office!). But being in the business that we are in, we put on our marketing caps and started thinking about charitable marketing.

If you do decide to donate to a charity to promote your business, make sure that you choose a cause that people care about. In other words, choose something that will: a. tug at people's heart strings and start creating positive associations with your business and b. garner press coverage. Choosing an questionable or controversial cause will not help your business' public image. Make sure that when you send out a press release about your donation, the media will find it appealing enough to publish.

You can also create more publicity for your business by asking your charity to recognize your business in their publications. For example, if they have a monthly newsletter, ask whoever you are working with if they can highlight you in an article accompanied by an advertisement. To further market your business with those associated with your charity, you can give them company t-shirts and hats, or give them discounts on your company's goods or services.

Additionally, you can make your charity market your business for you. One suggestion is giving them coupons to sell for your business and allowing them to keep part of the proceeds. You can also designate certain products or services for charity, and the charity can promote those items. Even hosting an event is a great idea -- allow them to sell the tickets and keep all of the proceeds from the event, while your business benefits from the incredible marketing opportunity.

And don't forget the networking opportunities that come with affiliation with a charity. You will get the opportunity to meet many other people at charity events. Get their contact information, invite them to your events, send thank you cards and do whatever else you can to keep them in your network -- you never know what it might lead to for your business.

When your organization gives to charity, aside from the warm and fuzzy feeling you get inside, it puts your organization in a positive light. At the end of the day the charity of your choice will appreciate your generous donation and you will promote your business using charitable marketing. Everyone wins!

However, there is nothing wrong with giving just for the sake of giving. If there is something that you as a business owner feel passionately for, give quietly. There will always be opportunities for charitable marketing, and whoever you share with will benefit from your gift regardless of whether you profit from it.

Being Positive All Year Round

It is November, a month customary for giving thanks and giving back to others. It is this way because many persons harvest their produce in November- right before winter. This is the month when people start to look up and be kinder because they know the holidays are near. I want to share with you how you can keep this positive outlook with you throughout the year.

As women & men of great responsibility and dreams we tend to give so much of ourselves away that we forget to take ‘me’ time. My first suggestion is that you would daily take one moment at your desk, close your eyes and think of when moment when you felt free and on top of the world. Think of a moment when you are not afraid, not sad or have any negative emotions to deal with. Sit in that moment for at least a minute. Breathe in through your nose and out your mouth as you are remembering. Take deep breaths. Make sure you are relaxed as you sit or lay down. Open your eyes and smile.

I also want to suggest that when you get home- before you really interact with a spouse, children, family or friends you take a few moments in an area designated as ‘your’ space. Decorate it with even a photo that relaxes you or makes you smile. You can’t give to anyone if you aren’t filled up yourself. This is the place you can meditate, read, sing, or whatever it is that you like to do.

Finally I want you to every day you live find one thing to affirm your co-workers, your family and friends on. Being positive with those you interact daily with also helps you to remain positive. Even when things don’t go the way you plan.

I hope that wherever you are today you will smile, you will breathe deep and be thankful! Until the next time stay positive, stay growing, stay blessed.

Ways to Increase Engagement on Facebook!

A reoccurring theme I have noticed within the small business and nonprofit arenas is Facebook engagement. Everyone is aware of the importance of engaging on Facebook, but cannot seem to get enough audience involvement to truly make it worthwhile. So, here are my secrets to increased Facebook engagement.

Ask Questions!

When you are sitting in a coffee shop, or at a work mixer, the best way to engage with someone is to ask questions. So it goes without saying why this tactic would generate more responses on Facebook. However, there are a few tricks to this trade. John Haydon sums up the key to asking questions superbly in his “16 Ways To Get More Comments On Your Facebook Page” post. He says:

“Asking questions are probably the easiest way[s] to get fans commenting. But keep in mind that Facebook fans don’t like homework. If they have to spend time trying to understand a question, they’ll be less likely to answer it.”

The takeaway here is to be simple in your questions. These are my top 5 question types:

• Yes /No
• True/ False
• Requesting Tips or Recommendations
• Ask “heart string” questions
• Specific Questions

An added benefit of asking questions is that you get a better understanding of your audience based on their responses.

Responding to Comments

One of the first things I learned about engagement is that the company, brand or person behind the blog post, Facebook post, or Tweet, should almost always respond to comments. The key to replying according to Guy Kawasaki is to do it:

• Fast: Within 24 hours
• Often: Reply to everyone’s comments, and comment on your fans/followers’ posts as well

Always responding to comments may not be the best practice for all cases. A company should never directly defame their critic over social media. There are two large companies that do this well and use different approaches:

• Dunkin Donuts: hardly ever addresses negative criticism, instead their fans/followers respond
• LivingSocial: always takes negative conversations away from social media, by publicly requesting the follower/fan to call or email them

While it is important to engage it is equally important to stay away from conducting negative conversations over social media. By doing this you ensure that they do not evolve in a public arena, and that you are not feeding the media negative information.

When to publish a post

Everyone knows that it is important to share information on Facebook. But did you know that you could generate up to 20% more engagement by sharing it at specific times? Below is a table designed by Buddy Media which indicates when publishing information should generate the most engagement. Over the course of two weeks in January - February 2011, they analyzed the Facebook posts and engagement rates of approximately 200 clients, to generate these results:

Strategies for effective Facebook wall posts

By timing the publishing of content when fans/followers are most likely to be on Facebook, companies/brands have a higher probability of being seen in newsfeeds and updates. These results do not mean that all information should only be shared during this time. It simply implies that if you follow these steps your engagement should increase.

What are your secrets to increasing engagement on Facebook?