Tips for attending business conferences

On Saturday, March 3rd, 2011, SageEden Media Group will be hosting its annual Business Builders Immersion, which is an exciting conference that targets young Bahamians who want to start or maintain thriving businesses. There will be incredible speakers, amazing giveaways and more. We are excited to host this inspiring conference at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort, and have decided to give you a few tips on attending conferences like these, which will help you to maximize your experience at our event and others.

1. Bring your business cards -- BBI and other conferences give you a great opportunity to network with people with similar ideas or professionals who work in your field. Who knows? You may find an investor for your business, discover a new career opportunity or simply expand your network, which is always good.

2. Be an active participant by asking questions and making comments -- Business conferences are one of the few opportunities to get advice from experts without paying an arm and a leg for it. Take the chance to learn something new and share that knowledge with others.

3. Stay for the entire conference -- you never know who you'll get the opportunity to meet before or after the conference. Also, even though the speakers' topics are listed in the programme, sometimes they will divert from the topic and say the exact thing you may need to hear, so don't skip out on anything.

4. Get to know new people -- a conference is not the time to hang out with people you already know. Take yourself out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to new people. It's likely that they are also looking for the opportunity to meet new people.

5. Attend different types of sessions -- Just because you work in Public Relations doesn't mean that you have to attend the session on Public Relations. Expand your horizons and learn something new that will broaden your points of reference.

Remember these tips and put them to use on March 3rd at the Business Builders Immersion. See you there!

The Milliionaire Mind Conference - Atlanta, GA 2012

It's amazing what travel can do. There are so many benefits to visiting diffferent cities, countries, as it allows you to meet new and amazing people, others like you, and gain a new perspective!

I landed in Nassau yesterday afternoon after experiencing a transformational experience at MMI Atlanta 2012. Not only did I gain principles for developing a wealthy mindset, but also a new passion to improve my relationships, my communcation skills as well as my gifting to teach others to do the same.

There were persons from across the US who came with a positive energy, and beginning the year with this conference has defnitely set me up for success in business and in my personal life.
Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing about the various things I've learned that I will be applying to SageEden's business model, as well as for you to gain insight on how you can go to the next level.

At this moment, I am embracing everything that is around me. I am thankful and look forward to am amazing journey.
I would enncourage you to invest in getting international training and exposure, it will keep you out of the box!!
You are a gift to the world. We each have skills whether in business or otherwise that we have a responsibility to share.
It's the 24th day in a brand new year...don't allow time to be wasted. Be decisive, be intentional with going after your goals and remember to bring others allong the journey.
Fear--- The anticipation of pain-- Do not allow it to paralyze you from moving forward. Take one step at a time and you will surely get there!!

You can do it, WE HAVE A MILLIONAIRE MIND!
Go for gold!!

The Race is Won by Those who Endure to the End

In August 2011, one of our clients, Rhonda casually asked if I would be interested in participating in  marathon in 2012...
At that time, running a marathon was the furthest thing from my mind, however, I was always health conscious so I agreed. Afterall, it would also be a great way to network with athletes and other professionals.

Can I just tell you that awaking to run the beach at 5:30am three days a week is not for the faint at heart!!
It was painful some days, and many times during our practice runs I felt as though this whole idea was way out of my league.

Who would have thought that I would be graced with the endurance to run and complete a 13 mile run non stop during yesterday's Marathon Bahamas.
It felt amazing to join the other 900+ althletes and amazing people who ran for the cause!
As we started at 6am, to venture from Arawak Cay beach on to Bay Street, over both Paradise Island Bridges, to Montague Beach, up Shirley Street, down West Bay Street, straight toward Breezes Hotel and back to Junkanoo Beach, it was amazing the new perspective that awakened in me.

As I crossed the finish line, 3 hours later, I felt relieved, but wonderful inside as my first big fitness goal for 2012 was completed. (my legs and everything else were in pain) :)

Participating in this marathon was not only an amazing accomplishment simply because I endured to the end, but I learned a few key lessons along the way.

1. If you never try at something, you are sure to fail, no questions asked.
2. When you make a decision to commit, everything else will line up.
3. Most things in life are 99% MENTAL-- your physical body is not in control your mind is, then your heart follows.
4. Never be afraid of hard work- it pays off.
5. Respect professional althetes...what is entertainment for us, is major work and sacrifice for them.
6. Starting the day at 5:30am makes you feel like you are on top of the world and you get more things done.
7. Ensure that your circle of friends and associates you are working to achieve a goal with are serious about it.
8. Everyone who starts out with you will not finish the race.
9. You are not in a competition with anyone, this race is your race, and you must keep pushing to run the race with patience, and endurance.
10. This is a new year to try new and different things! Life is what you make it!

I hope that my marathon journey has inspired you to try something new....trust me, I would have been the last candidate to EVER enter a marathon, even my team referred to me as the "diva runner" :) but I took the leap of faith, and 13 miles later, I'm refreshed and ready to accomplish the next big goal by God's grace!

I would love to hear about some of your SMART goals this year!
All the best!!

SageEden plans donation to AIDS Foudation

We’re 11 days into 2012, and what better way to set the pace for the year than to give to charity!

Tomorrow SageEden will be presenting The AIDS Foundation with computer equipment, which was purchased with the money we made from the silent auction at Constellations, our networking and re-branding event.

A number of businesses donated items to help us raise money, including BTC, Suntime, Via Caffe, Cheesecake Heaven, Designer’s Image Boutique, Final Accents, Blue Lagoon Island, Beagard Land and Sea Designs and Nails by Marcia. We are so grateful for those who gave so generously for this cause.

If you are interested in organizing a charity event, having an auction is a great way to do so. It is not only a relatively simple method, but it can be fun as well. Your organization can choose to buy items for persons to bid on, or you can solicit businesses to donate goods and services.

The latter may seem laborious, but you will be surprised at how many businesses want to donate to a good cause! When you call or visit a business to ask for a contribution, ask for the person/department that deals with marketing. Let them know the details of your event and what specific item or service you would like them to donate. Then, don’t pressure them to give you an answer on the spot. Get their email addresses and follow up with a letter detailing what cause the money will be used for and how this is a great marketing opportunity for their business. We highlighted our sponsors on our blog, Facebook page, flyers and invitations for the event.

Simple, isn’t it? For minimal cost and effort you can reach your philanthropic goals for 2012 and market your organization.

For help organizing an amazing charity event, visit sageedenmedia.com!

New Year- Get Married Here! (In the Bahamas)

It's a New Year, maybe this is the year that you and your fiance intend to make your wedding day happen. Feeling flustered as yet? Last October we shared some questions that would help you as you are deciding whether or not a destination wedding is right for you. They were:

1.      How much does the couple plan on spending? 

2.      What type of climate do you want to get married in? Cold, warm or hot?

3.      How long do you want your wedding “weekend” or “retreat” to be?

4.      How far do you want to go or willing to travel?

5.      How far are your most important guests willing or able to afford to go?

6.      What will the cost be for your guests?

7.      How important is your ceremony and what locations can accommodate your religious needs?

8.      Will you be providing any rooms, airfare or meals for your guests?

9.      How many guests do you want to share in your special day?

10.   Do you want a formal or casual destination wedding and location?

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Have you and your fiance answered these questions? If you have then you should know if a possible destination wedding is for you. But now you may face the issue of not being sure about where you want it. Why not here? It's a New Year, all about changes and growth as a person and couple. Getting married here in the Bahamas is the perfect choice. If you haven’t completely made that decision here are five great reasons why other brides have gotten married here.

1.      We are less than an hour away from Florida by plane. This proximity means that you and your family spend less time traveling to get here. Less time traveling also normally means less money spent on travel expenses. This also means that you have more options in terms of traveling to our islands. You can choose to come by plane and stay in an amazing hotel or come here via a cruise and get married while you are in Nassau on any number of our beautiful beaches.

2.      Choices. Just as we give you choices in terms of travel- we give you choices in terms of location. The Bahamas is an archipelago- meaning we are a chain of islands. We have over 700 islands, rocks & cays- so many islands, so much fun, and so many beautiful venues to choose from. From having your wedding on a beach with trained dolphins doing tricks as you exchange vows; going cliff diving in Eleuthera after you say your “I do’s”; to the beautiful St. Peter’s Catholic church in Long Island you have more places to get married here than any other destination. You also have choices as it relates to the accommodations you and your guests will be at. So many hotels, bed & breakfasts, inns and guest houses to choose from.

3.      Romance. Many celebrities have chosen our islands for their getaway nuptials because it is so beautiful, quiet and romantic. Imagine the low tide with sand dollars and starfish littering the beach, twinkling in the moonlight. The moon above your head is full and high over the ocean floor blanketed by a heavy curtain of diamond like stars. Walking the beach and feeling like you two are alone and away from everyone. It doesn’t have to be quiet- you can come during Junkanoo season and party in the streets, or enjoy some of our nightlife as a couple. Then on your wedding day the designers and planners that we have are known the world over for their stunning creativity when it comes to the world of events. Whatever it is you are dreaming of- we will create it for you. Every aspect of your wedding is catered to your idea of romance.

4.      Detail oriented professionals. It is all about you and your dream wedding here. From the planners & designers, to the ministers, to the officials at the Registrar General- they all pitch in to make your wedding day the best day ever. We take out the hassle for you. We have simple requirements for the marriage license, the designers are world renown for their creativity, and photographers search for locations that will give you the most stunning photos. We want you to enjoy every moment you have here on your wedding day.

5.      Family Friendly. Bring your mom, dad, granddad, kids, nieces and nephews- our islands accommodate them all. We are a “family of islands” in so many ways. Here is a place where the children in your family can play on the shores of swash buckling pirates, your parents can golf and treat their selves to the spa, the place where everyone can be their own island but come together for your best day.

In the end I want you to remember that a Bahamas wedding, vow renewal, or even honeymoon is all about you! Nothing is impossible for us when it comes to our guests. I hope you enjoy every moment that you have here in the Bahamas. Be blessed, stay safe, and stay planning!

A New Year, A New Day, A New Attitude

Welcome to the year 2012. A year to begin a fresh, starting each day being grateful.
I know many of us have set goals that we are pushing to achieve but in order for those to come to pass, there are a few things that we must consider.

It's a great thing to be still and focus on one thing at a time. If you haven't done so already, try to reflect on last year and the transition you have made since then. Take some me time to analyze what you did correctly and what areas of your life you could make some improvements in.

Ensure that your goals are SMART
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time-Sensitive

It's also a great idea to prioritize according to what is most important, and what is absolutely necessary!
Often we become overwhelmed when we try to do too many projects at once.
There is power in saying No, I am not able at this time.
Trust me, there is a freedom that also comes with this because sometimes you may feel like you HAVE to be involved with something, when really you don't. It's difficult to say no especially if you are a multi-tasker. However, let's face it- if you want to be most efficient, then doing less things at a time will give you the opportunity to put more into each project.

Late last year when I set my 2012 goals, I divided everything into categories, and I would like to share those with you also:

Spiritually:

Professionally:

Financially:

Relationships:

Health and Fitness:

Technology:

Fill in each one as it applies to you to stay better streamlined this year.

Having a positive attitude makes a world of difference as well when trying to achieve your goals.
Always try to see the glass as half full rather than half empty.
We don't know what this year holds, but we can do our part to ensure that we plan mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

My two mantras for the year are, Believe, Faith, Action and Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!
My objectives include being grateful no matter what, working smart and not hard, while being as efficient as possible! Loving people, and making a positive impact to make our world a better place.
Off course SageEden Media Group is on track to be bigger and better than the years before, and we would love for you to join us on this journey!

Until next time,