Starting to Vblog

Hi All!

I just wanted to you all to see what's been keeping me so busy lately. Will start Vblogging and adding posts again this week. Here's what I've been up to lately.

Click to watch the video.
https://sites.legalshield.com/recruiting/our_company/intro/index.html
If you like this go here for more info and to sign up.

and this is the reason why I've been doing the above.

Meet Bob http://sites.legalshield.com/recruiting/our_opportunity/earn/index.html
If you like what Bob has to say go here

I'll be happy to answer and questions

Michelle

Treasury Tuesday My Fertile Unakite Pendants January 7, 2014

Hi All!

Here's our Treasury Tuesday post.

This lovely treasury showcasing Unakite the stone for Scorpio. The gemstone is considered to have a calm healing energy. Which is why its focus is the heart chakra. Make of that what you will.

You can still take advantage of the discount code from Friday's post here
We are still fund raising on and off the net to send Syeda to Morocco here

Michelle

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Sunday Inspiration 12/16/2012

Hi All!

This video is for all the creatives and small businesses and anyone else who has a mustard seed of self doubt. Smile

So what do you think about the video ? Can you recapture that child like unshakeable faith that "YOU CAN DO IT"?

If you like what you have seen share and leave a comment.

Today is the last day for the blog40 discount coupon for 40% off on my Etsy site.

Also, today is the last day to enter the $500.00 Cash giveaway here .
 
Thanks for visiting,


Michelle

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Feature Esty Artist of Color (EAOC) Team Treauries

Hi All!

Today's feature is two treasuries by Etsy Artists of Color (EAOC) team.

 
There are two treasuries that will rotate. A treasury is a curated list of  handmade gifts. Etsy.com is a site for art, handmade and vintage products. Each picture is a clickable link that will gift you information about the items and you can purchase from.

 Enjoy!

 Michelle 

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Adding Ads to your Blogger: Passionfruit

Hi All!

Do you want to sell ads on your blog without having to worry about collecting the money or remembering to take the ad down when it expires? Yes, you can go on Project Wonderful and let folks bid change to have ads on your blog. If that s what you want to do. Many bloggers want to make money and why you're waiting on Google ads to reach $10.00 when you can monetize by using this nifty site.

Passionfruit is an app that handles your ads for you. Here's how it works:

A killer ad shop

Spend a few minutes defining your ad inventory, paste a snippet of code into your sponsor page, and you'll have a professional ad shop ready to go.
The ad shop describes your ad spots, tells your sponsors which spots are still available, and lets your sponsors buy ads right from your website. If a spot is booked, we'll let sponsors reserve a spot for the future.

Automated everything

Passionfruit takes care of all the mundane details so you can focus on the important stuff. We make sure the payment and banner is ready before we bug you. We send the renewal reminders. We keep track of stats (coming soon).
And we're doing more. We've got some pretty crazy tricks up our sleeve and will be giving you even more reasons to laugh at all the work you used to do.

All transactions handled through a secure site. When the ad expires its done.

What does it cost? The usual processing fees 2.9% + $1.00 to Passionfruit. That's it. Check them out here https://app.passionfruitads.com/join

So take a look and let me know what you think? If you're using Passionfruit.com please share your experience.

Thanks ,
Michelle

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October Ultimate Blog Challenge

Hi All!

The entire month of October I will be participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge. This is a challenge among bloggers to have 31 blog posts by the end of October. The Challenge is run by Michelle Scism and Michelle Shaffer every quarter. This is the last one for this year.

I am blogging on wirequeen blog and starting a new blog under my name http://MichelleSHawkins.com

Check back to take this journey with me and follow my progress.

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New Feature Linkedin Endorsements

Hi All!

"Word of mouth" has always been the best marketing. Now on Linkedin you can do the same thing with a new feature called "Endorsements", which makes it easy to recognize some for their services or expertise.
Here's how David Berger of Linkedin says it will work,"With just one click, you can now endorse your connections for a skill they’ve listed on their profile or recommend one they haven’t added yet. Think your connection is great at programming AND project management? Let them know!
Here’s how you can endorse your connections:

• On the top of a connection’s profile, you’ll see recommended endorsements for them. You can suggest additional skills as well.
• You can also endorse them from the new Skills & Expertise section that now showcases these endorsements.

Want to see who has endorsed you? We’ll notify you via email and on LinkedIn whenever you are endorsed. You can  scroll to the bottom of your profile page under “Skills and Expertise” to see the faces of people who think you’re great at what you do. You can also accept any new skills recommended by your peers that you may not have thought to include on your profile. Or you can also add a new skill by clicking on “add a skill” on your profile page.  Check out how it works:
 

Introducing LinkedIn Endorsements from LinkedIin

I have received larger sales from Linkedin than from any other social media site. I think this new feature will go a long way to help small and medium size businesses increase their business on Linkedin. 

What are your thoughts on this new feature?

Thanks for visiting.

Michelle

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Sunday Inspiration Sept 16 The Law of Attraction

Hi All!

I was looking for an inspirational video to highlight for this Sunday, so I made my intentions and went to Youtube. I typed in inspiration videos and this one grabbed me. I had never seen this video as much as I have surfaced Youtube. So I attracted this video because I didn't want to use a big name or an out right selling video (yes there is a plug at the end).

I really enjoyed this video and I hope you do to.
How you use the Law of Attraction. Or do you?

Leave your comments and let me know what you think of the video.

Remember today at midnight is the last day for free shipping from my blog.

Michelle

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My Blog Survey

HI All!

I wanted to take a survey to see what your interests are in coming to my blog. Please take the survey and share with others you know come to visit here. Thanks.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.


Thanks for taking the time to answer the survey. I'd like to know which posts are most beneficial to you.

Michelle

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Sunday Inspiration Surrender by Oprah Winfrey

Hi All!

Today's Sunday Inspiration comes from Oprah Winfrey. I'm not a fan because of her hangups about light complexioned Black women. I fit square  in that scenario. Yet I understand pearls of wisdom can come from any source. Enjoy.

So how have you followed the path she teaches in this  video? Have you been able to do it all? Giving up control can be hard to do so what's your story?

I'm looking forward to reading your comments.

Michelle

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Eye Candy for the Day.

Hi All!

I just wanted to add some eye candy to start your weekend.

Enjoy.


Michelle

Artist Spotlight Midnight Hollow

Hi All!

I'm featuring a Its Better Handmade Teammate today. Meet Samantha Sawtelle Midnight Hollow (www.etsy.com/shop/MidniteHollow).

Samantha is known for her handcrafted accessories but I love her illustrations in her shop.

Here's Samantha's story in her own words.

I live in northern California with my husband, two girls, two cats, and a dog. I work hard at being a mom and an attentive wife...but it is hard! I enjoy hanging out with my husband, puttering around in the garden with the kids, renovating the house, cooking elaborate and stressful meals for large groups of people, and when my two girls let me, creating things in the craft room/ den. I am constantly searching for a balance between modern life and a connection to our beginnings.

With this shop I hope to connect with other like minded people and share my creativity. In the process I hope to find the freedom to make something of myself while still having the time to dedicate to my two beautiful daughters. 


I have decided to only make one of a kind creations because I feel that this gives you (the buyer) a special experience. When you purchase something from one of my shops you can feel confident knowing that you will be the only person to have that special item, weather it be for yourself or a gift for someone you love.

I just expanded some of my items to a new shop so be sure to check it out at
www.prettyonthego.etsy.com
www.midnitehollow.artfire.com where I have a fine art section.
Also If you would like to get to know me more you can go to my facebook profile at
www.facebook.com/samantha.sawtelle and like my page at http://www.facebook.com/smw5582

Take a look at Midnight Hollow and let us know what you think

See you tomorrow as the 31 day Better Your Bog Challenge continues.

Michelle

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Success How Bad Do You Want it

Hi All!

Sunday in my day for motivation and inspiration. Today's topic,"Success : How Bad Do You Want It!". Here's a great video that I really like about this topic of being willing to give your all to succeed.





I was impressed by the analogy given of how bad you had to want your success. I remember when I decided to quit working and go back to school full-time.  Out of state no less. Everyone thought I had a screw loose, except my Daddy. He asked if I was serious, I said , Yes. He paid my rent so I didn't have that to worry about. I was determined to go straight through the three years of undergrad and the three years of law school. When my friends were partying I was working 36 hours from Friday to Monday morning tracking air freight shipments, 12 hours on and 12 hours off. The building was isolated and I was the only one there. My supervisor would come in the wee hours of Sunday morning with her gun and some of her friends, they would hang out so I could sleep. I didn't know if there had been a problem at the site. She didn't say and I didn't ask.

 I knew I had to finish what I had started and nothing and no one was going to stop me. I pledged a sorority in my sophomore year. I came off line and  and ran for Student Government Association. I won. I was the only the second female SGA President and the first junior in the school's 125 year history. 

When I went to law school, the first week we were told, "Look to your right and look to your left, most of you won't be here in three years. I went up to the dean and introduced my self and said, "See you in three years". An I did. I worked through law school as well.

How bad do you want it? What have you given up to be successful?

What are the boundaries you will not cross to be successful? Me, I insisted on standing on my feet and not on my back to complete my mission. 

Can't wait to hear your comments. Looking forward to them.

Michelle

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Mesa Arts Center Receives International Award

Hi All!

http://mesaartcenter.org

 This is the Mesa Arts Center commonly referred to as "The MAC". The MAC were recently honored with an international award as was posted in the The East Valley Tribune.

The Mesa Arts Center received an award from a trade group after competing against venues that included the famed Sydney Opera House. The MAC got accolades from International Association of Venue Managers, which presented the center with its Venue Excellence Award in the performing arts center category. The Mesa Arts Center was competing with the Sydney Opera House and the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa Bay, Fla. Click here to find out more! The award is given to an organization based on service to the community, team building, professional development, and safety and security operations. “This honor belongs to the entire Mesa community, which has been so supportive and engaged with the Mesa Arts Center and its programs,” Mayor Scott Smith said. “We took center stage hosting CNN in February for a Republican Presidential Debate and the immediate response from those on site was that our facility and its staff are second to none.” 

Congratulations to the MAC.

Michelle

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Are You Using Linkedin For Your Business?

Hi All!


I've been on a tear to learn about Linkedin.com. Why? Because my biggest sales on the internet have come from Linkedin. Creatives listen up! Linked in is good for your business. The problem is most of us don't know how to use it. I'm guilty as charged.So me being me, I set out to learn how to use Linkedin. I totally missed this when I set up my page a couple of years ago. http://learn.linkedin.com/training/ Smile.

Corporate Logo

Yeah, I did like most of you and jumped in without a good handle on this very interesting platform. I was using the platform for my international side through groups. Most of my groups deal with Africa, doing business in Africa, Black women business owners, women business owners, international trade and social media (IE marketing). While I was sharing my knowing of international trade and the very interesting events happening on the continent, a funny thing started happening, I got sales. Yes, good sales, as in my $100.00 plus pieces.


Now, If you've found a platform that is driving sales for you that's great but don't rule out Linkedin, especially if you have skill sets that go beyond your craft. Consulting pays very well my dears.

Now back to mission. I have been using Linkedin mainly for groups, so when I saw one of my networking groups was hosting a lady called Nancy Laine the Linkedin Concierge, I had to go. She was excellent and yours truly won the free1 hour consultation. When you make the first step the universe will open doors for you. You can view Nancy's profile AND the presentation about 3 inches down here http://linkd.in/MkUwrw. I advise you to view the slideshare and incorporate what she tells you into your profile. Nancy is also available for consultations, if you need additional help or don't want to do it yourself.

EDIT UPDATE: Unless people are in Nancy's network, her Powerpoint will be invisible to them. So log onto LinkedIN, send a connection request to Nancy using her email 0nancy5@gmail.com -- and tell her I sent you.
(Full disclosure if you decide to hire Nancy let me know as I was so pleased with my consultation I'm sharing her info and will receive a referral fee). I'm rewriting my profile to incorporate the changes she suggested and will be doing another consultation with her once I'm done.


Now my questions for you.

1. Have you used Linkedin?

2. Have received business, sales or contacts that have furthered your business goals?

3. If you signed up and never used it are you willing to give it a try again? If not , why not?

See you tomorrow.


Michelle
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You Can learn Alot From the WNBA

My daughter and I were invited to an event for the Phoenix Mercury our local WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) team, the Phoenix Mercury. We were in a session where the presenter was the Amber Cox, General Manager for the Phoenix Mercury.

GM Amber Cox and Me

After the rah rah session, we went to the game. The Mercury were playing without Diana Taurasi, who had a hip injury. She was trying to get healthy enough to play in the Olympics. (Note: Did you know that Taurasi was the FIRST player ever to win an NCAA title, WNBA title and an Olympic gold medal?).

Both teams in the first quarter were having trouble getting the ball through the hoop. Atlanta took the lead but the Mercury came back and took a 16-17 point lead but were unable to hold onto it. The game went into double overtime. Which I know was disheartening for the players because one team will win and one will lose. For the fans it was great basketball. Smile.

 What can we learn from the WNBA:

1. Team work- You knew this was coming. Smile

2. Never ever give up. Both teams gave their all.

3. When you aren't on the stage (first string) you still support the one in the spotlight. Don't you want that support? Then give to receive. Both teams benches were excellent at supporting the players on the court.

4. Coaching-get that outside support. Yes, I know you do it all, but you need a neutral party, who doesn't love you, to objectively give you guidance.

5. Customer Service- The Phoenix organization is excellent at this. The first time I went to a game and there was a call for the train, people go out on the floor and walk the floor with the Mercury dance troop. I was amazed at how many adults actually went out. Don't you know they went home and bragged about doing this. Cost to the organization. Nothing. ROI on investment-Priceless.

Oh yeah, that's my hand wearing the GM's WNBA ring. It was heavy. Smile

To purchase tickets, scheduling etc, go here http://www.wnba.com/mercury/tickets/tix_central.html
If you want to add to this list leave a comment with your add.

Thanks,

Michelle
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Pinterest Tools: Shopinterest.co Beta

Hi All

Would you like to turn your Pinterest boards into a shop and sell directly from the board?
Well if the folks who brought us Pinetics have their way that's exactly what's going to happen.They've developed an application to allow you to do just that.

Shopinterest.co is the name of the application. The process seems simple enough.
To get started, users will sign in, select the boards where their products are shown, add a description, price and shipping charges, and then select how they want to get paid (PayPal or Dwolla). The rest of the setup is handled by ShopInterest itself. Click the video to see it in action.




 To sign up click on the image below.

.http://signup.shopinterest.co/?lrRef=7Xivs

Currently in beta, signup to receive an invite. Leave a comment to let me know if you would use this service.
And of course I'd appreciate it if you

Thanks for visiting and leave a comment sharing what you think.

Michelle
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