Grace and Charm

Are you a woman of influence? A professional – business woman looking to build powerful relationships, increase business, be mentored and gain insight from other women who are successful in life and in business? Then you must join the women of Flint, Michigan for the next UP Woman Circle!

Our next UP Woman Circle will be held on Saturday, March 23^rd at 1 Riverfront Center West in Flint, Michigan. I will be the keynote speaker and will be presenting: 10 Tips You Can Implement That Will Turn Your Business or Career Around in 90 Days!

I will also be joined be some phenomenal expert speakers. Click here to review their bios and to register.  You do not want to miss this event. Please register immediately so that you can secure your space. You can also visit the website to see a more comprehensive view to the agenda.

Please share this information with your co-workers, colleagues, family and friends.

There is no time to waste playing small. You can make more contacts, attract more customers and increase your income when you pay attention to the new ways of doing business and getting yourself noticed.

To stand out in a commodity market where there are thousands of people selling similar services or products you must STAND OUT. CREATE YOUR OWN SPACE and OWN IT!

Register Now

Do you have a blog that inspires, encourages, motivates and empowers? November is National Blog Posting Month and if your blog meets those requirements, I would love for you to share your blogs in the comment section below.

If you do not already have a blog, a blog is a great tool to share your expertise with a large group of people that are interested in your industry or service. You can blog about your business, share tips, tools and resources, share industry news that your audience may find appealing, write about a hobby and the list goes on!

As always, your blog should adhere to some simple etiquette rules like knowing how to voice your views in a respectful manner. It is always a good practice to make sure your information is correct before posting. You want to be a point of influence in the right way.

If you need some help in this area, check out Problogger.com. It is a great resource for bloggers. They even promote a 31 day blog challenge. Let’s get to blogging!

As we honor and celebrate our Veterans this month, let’s take some time to also consider that November is also Military Family Appreciation Month. The soldiers are out protecting our freedom and our country at the sacrifice of not being with their families. The families of soldiers are in need of our support and encouragement as well.

I am sure we all know someone that is either in the military or has a family member in the military. We should be aware of this all year round. However, it is wonderful to know that there is a designated time to really focus our efforts on this particular area.

Please visit the Military Family Appreciation link to see if there are any events going on in your area in which you can participate. Here is the link: http://www.military.com/military-family-appreciation-month

This month, you may be faced with several opportunities to discuss and support those that are dealing with breast cancer. Whether be it with a family member, friend, colleague or someone you may encounter at a networking event.

If breast cancer hits home or comes up during a meet up, what do you say? How do you respond to someone who has just been diagnosed? What do you say to someone who is a breast cancer survivor?

Well, first and foremost, you are dealing with the same person they were before they were diagnosed. In fact, dealing with a disease as cruel as this usually makes a person stronger. So before you feel the need to pull out some tissue and morn with them, consider some of the following etiquette tips.

Don’t make their illness about you. Sometimes we tend to go overboard with our emotions and find ourselves being comforted by the person dealing with the illness rather than the reverse. When someone confides in you about their illness, allow them to set the tone. They may want to have someone join them in a good cry or maybe not. Just be there to support in any way they want.

The next thing, do not try to impress them with all the facts and statistics you went home and looked up. They more than likely know that information all to well and it could hinder more than help someone with a life threatening illness stay motivated.

Another thing you can do is just be yourself. If you happen to run into your family member or friend, your countenance should not change into one of grief and despair for that person. Yes, they are fighting an illness. That illness is not a guaranteed death sentence, so don’t give them one. Always be upbeat, polite and complimentary- even if it may look like they are having a challenging day.

Dealing with any kind of life threatening illness is not easy. But the more ways you can be charming and conduct yourself with grace, will go a long way in that person’s life.

This month, you may be faced with several opportunities to discuss and support those that are dealing with breast cancer. Whether be it with a family member, friend, colleague or someone you may encounter at a networking event.

If breast cancer hits home or comes up during a meet up, what do you say? How do you respond to someone who has just been diagnosed? What do you say to someone who is a breast cancer survivor?

Well, first and foremost, you are dealing with the same person they were before they were diagnosed. In fact, dealing with a disease as cruel as this usually makes a person stronger. So before you feel the need to pull out some tissue and morn with them, consider some of the following etiquette tips.

Don’t make their illness about you. Sometimes we tend to go overboard with our emotions and find ourselves being comforted by the person dealing with the illness rather than the reverse. When someone confides in you about their illness, allow them to set the tone. They may want to have someone join them in a good cry or maybe not. Just be there to support in any way they want.

The next thing, do not try to impress them with all the facts and statistics you went home and looked up. They more than likely know that information all to well and it could hinder more than help someone with a life threatening illness stay motivated.

Another thing you can do is just be yourself. If you happen to run into your family member or friend, your countenance should not change into one of grief and despair for that person. Yes, they are fighting an illness. That illness is not a guaranteed death sentence, so don’t give them one. Always be upbeat, polite and complimentary- even if it may look like they are having a challenging day.

Dealing with any kind of life threatening illness is not easy. But the more ways you can be charming and conduct yourself with grace, will go a long way in that person’s life.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women. They use to say that women over 40 years old should go and get a mammogram every year. Not true anymore. In fact, there are women in their twenties that are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and some do not have any cases of breast cancer within their family.

So why should this matter to you? It is important that you know the facts and take the necessary measures to check on your health.

The American Cancer Society has a plethora of information and statistics. You can download a copy of their 2012 Cancer Facts and Figures Report here.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women. They use to say that women over 40 years old should go and get a mammogram every year. Not true anymore. In fact, there are women in their twenties that are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and some do not have any cases of breast cancer within their family.

So why should this matter to you? It is important that you know the facts and take the necessary measures to check on your health.

The American Cancer Society has a plethora of information and statistics. You can download a copy of their 2012 Cancer Facts and Figures Report here.

Women’s Health and Fitness Day is one of the largest annual health promotion days for women of all ages, according to FitnessDay.com

On September 24^th, local organizations around the country will play host to various events and activities that are aimed at getting women active and moving! I think this is a wonderful idea and will see how I can play an active role within my community.

For more information and to see what is scheduled in your area, please visit the website at FitnessDay.com. If you don’t see something available in your area, set something up yourself. You can get a group of ladies together for a stroll during lunch, set up a lunch and learn, etc.

Take time to take care of your health and learn what you can do better to improve on your health. Part of being a successful woman is being a healthy woman.

Learn more here: www.fitnessday.com

The elections are upon us and everyone from the dinner table, classrooms and around the water cooler have much to say about the current state and future of the American government.

I have always played by the rules that politics should not be discussed at networking events or business meetings. However, with social media and the news’ continuous coverage on the activities of all running parties, you may find yourself in a position where someone feels it is their obligation and duty to throw their two cents into the ring. So what should you do? Is it possible to have a conversation around politics without rocking the boat?

The answer is Yes. Here are a few ways you can discuss politics without landing yourself in hot water.

Keep it General. Make sure you know what the platform is of each candidate by visiting their websites and listening to the information that has been shared during the debates. It is always a great idea not to get too personal or judgmental.

Know the reason for the conversation. Are you trying to understand why someone is so passionate about voting for or against a particular candidate? Are you venting? The latter is counterproductive. You always want to present your position in a respectful manner. It is fine to agree to disagree.

Know when to walk away. If you find yourself in combat mode, it may be best to politely excuse yourself from the conversation. If you happen to walk up on a conversation that you find a bit uncomfortable and are asked for your opinion, it is perfectly ok to say the issue they are talking about is a private issue or that you prefer not to join the conversation.

Respect each other. It does not always seem possible by what we see displayed in the media, but you can get along with someone who has differing issues than you. It is even more important to find some common ground if you happen to work or do business with that particular person.

The election will be over in a few months. Some will be happy with the outcome and some will not. But the key to all this is that we ALL have to work together.

Did you know that August 17^th is 3 Marketing Tips Day? What a great idea and a way to share some marketing tips with your network.

So today, I am going to take this opportunity to share with you three tips that will help you maximize your time and effort when attending a networking event.

Tip #1: Find the connectors. The connectors are the people with influence; these are the people you want to meet.  Connectors are easy to identify as they usually have a large group of people around them.

Tip #2: When shaking hands, make sure your grip is firm and that you make eye contact when saying your introduction. Eye contact is critical. Strong eye contact that is held for a few seconds with a new acquaintance in a friendly manner conveys confidence and self assuredness.

Tip #3: Keep up with current events, locally, nationally, and internationally.  Read a newspaper everyday so that you are well-prepared to hold a conversation with almost anyone on any topic.

If you have enjoyed these tips, please join me on my Facebook Page where I share daily Grace and Charm Insights to help guide you through life and business.

Don’t forget to share some marketing tips of your own on August 17th! Feel free to post some in the comments.

Did you know that August 17^th is 3 Marketing Tips Day? What a great idea and a way to share some marketing tips with your network.

So today, I am going to take this opportunity to share with you three tips that will help you maximize your time and effort when attending a networking event.

Tip #1: Find the connectors. The connectors are the people with influence; these are the people you want to meet.  Connectors are easy to identify as they usually have a large group of people around them.

Tip #2: When shaking hands, make sure your grip is firm and that you make eye contact when saying your introduction. Eye contact is critical. Strong eye contact that is held for a few seconds with a new acquaintance in a friendly manner conveys confidence and self assuredness.

Tip #3: Keep up with current events, locally, nationally, and internationally.  Read a newspaper everyday so that you are well-prepared to hold a conversation with almost anyone on any topic.

If you have enjoyed these tips, please join me on my Facebook Page where I share daily Grace and Charm Insights to help guide you through life and business.

Don’t forget to share some marketing tips of your own on August 17th! Feel free to post some in the comments.

Do you have a soft skills gap?

If you’re really good at getting clients, and not so good at retaining them, chances are you have a soft skills gap.

If you have lots of staff turnover and have to keep retraining people, chances are you have a soft skills gap.

When you have lots of managers but no real leaders – that’s a soft skills gap.

Join me on Thursday, August 9th  at 12:00 pm EST, for my monthly How to Win Friends and Influence People tele-series, as we discuss this topic with Author and founder of Motor City Connect, Terry Bean.

Terry’s passion is helping others achieve success for all who matter to them. He is known as many things: a professional speaker, a social media pro, a relationship marketing expert but most importantly he understands the value of true connectedness.

Terry is the founder and driving force behind the fastest growing networking group in both Detroit and Michigan, www.MotorCityConnect.com.  Networked Inc. began in 2002 and has provided new business opportunities, guidance and inspiration to 1000′s since our inception and due to a recent partnership the most exciting times lie ahead.

Register here to join this awesome call.

Do you have a soft skills gap?

If you’re really good at getting clients, and not so good at retaining them, chances are you have a soft skills gap.

If you have lots of staff turnover and have to keep retraining people, chances are you have a soft skills gap.

When you have lots of managers but no real leaders – that’s a soft skills gap.

Join me on Thursday, August 9th  at 12:00 pm EST, for my monthly How to Win Friends and Influence People tele-series, as we discuss this topic with Author and founder of Motor City Connect, Terry Bean.

Terry’s passion is helping others achieve success for all who matter to them. He is known as many things: a professional speaker, a social media pro, a relationship marketing expert but most importantly he understands the value of true connectedness.

Terry is the founder and driving force behind the fastest growing networking group in both Detroit and Michigan, www.MotorCityConnect.com.  Networked Inc. began in 2002 and has provided new business opportunities, guidance and inspiration to 1000′s since our inception and due to a recent partnership the most exciting times lie ahead.

Register here to join this awesome call.

My colleague and friend Heidi Richards Mooney has put together a calendar called “Quirky Marketing Calendar 2012: 365+ Ways to Grow Your Business Using Zany and Non-Traditional Holidays and Celebrations.” You can obtain a copy by going to www.quirkymarketingcalendar.com and discover the many holidays and celebrations that have been created by people all over the world to highlight a specific day or theme that is special to them.

To my delight, one of those days is July 23^rd and it is dedicated to Gorgeous Grandmothers. Gorgeous Grandma Day was created by a woman name Alice Solomon, who was an author, speak and radio host, who wanted to celebrate women fifty and over that were getting old gracefully and still enjoying life. Being a grandma myself, I thought that was an awesome idea!

So in honor of Gorgeous Grandma Day, I would love to hear from you about a grandmother you know that is fifty and over, who has had a major impact on your personal and professional life. Or if you are a Gorgeous Grandma, I would love for you to toot your own horn! Stop by my Facebook page and leave a photo and or brief comment about this Gorgeous Grandma. And for your participation, I will enter your name in a raffle to receive a complimentary copy of my book Women Who Win!. The contest will start today and end on Wednesday, July 25^th. I look forward to reading about these Gorgeous Grandmothers.

As a proud grandmother of six myself, much of what I do is so that I can leave them a wonderful legacy and to let them know that Grandma is making it happen.

As the world increasingly goes digital and mobile, this post will serve as a friendly reminder to the importance of cell phone etiquette.

Nowadays, you can’t even go to the bathroom without running into someone on their phone or having face time with friends or a client. So here are some things YOU can do to apply grace and charm to your cell phone use:

Turn your phone off or put it on silent when having lunch or a dinner meeting.

Avoid the urge to answer your phone or text while having a face to face conversation with someone.

Try to keep your speaking voice low while in a public setting.

Avoid racy and personal conversations when sitting in close proximity to others.

Be mindful of the loudness of your ringtone, especially if it is not appropriate for a work environment.

Never take a personal mobile call during a business meeting; this includes interviews and meetings with co-workers or subordinates.

And never text while driving. Nothing is more important than paying attention to the road.

On June 21st, millions of people around the world will celebrate World Hand Shake Day.

A handshake is a way people introduce themselves to one another. The way you shake hands reveals a great deal about you, your personality, feelings, and motivation. Most of all, your handshake conveys your attitude toward others.

When a man or woman shakes hands easily and often, he or she creates a favorable impression, which influences others to shake hands. The person who extends a hand first has a distinct advantage. He or she is being direct, taking the initiative, and establishing control. In the SOCIAL arena the man lets the women offer her hand first.

Here are a few insights on what your handshake says about you:

Firm Handshake

A firm handshake is vital in the business world. When traveling or entertaining foreign visitors it is wise to research what is acceptable in their culture.

Bone Crusher

This can be painful, and is mostly initiated by men. When giving handshakes it is important to be mindful of rings worn on the right hand, and that for people who have conditions such as arthritis or carpel tunnel syndrome an overly firm handshake can be very painful.

The Sandwich Handshake

This is the handshake for which President Obama receives so much criticism when he uses it on the Queen of England; the ‘sandwich handshake’. This gesture shows more intimacy and is not recommended the first time you meet someone.

The Queenly Handshake

Unless you are queen, don’t offer just your fingers; doing so indicates a sense of superiority.

Dead Fish Handshake

This handshake says, “I’m not very sure of myself”, and indicates a lack of confidence.

Best tip- always be ready to initiate the handshake. Today’s business world is genderless; it is acceptable for women to offer their hand first.

When offering a handshake, connect with the other person web to web; the area between your thumb and index finger. Hold the other person’s hand firmly; shake a maximum of three times, and no higher than three to four inches. Smile and maintain eye contact. Always shake with your right hand unless you have a disability. If you have a disability it is acceptable to offer your left hand.

Handshakes are the physical greeting that goes with your words. ~ Unknown