As much as we may look like Wonder Woman, or so as not to be sexist, Superman, and feel like them too, we cannot be a one person band and expect that the everything will just fall into place. It’ll fall alright, down, into bed, if you make it that far, from exhaustion.

A smart and successful small biz owner has back up, and I’d love to share my back up tricks honed from trial and error throughout the years that have saved me countless hours of unproductive work.

One of the best tips I’ve gotten to be constantly reminding ourselves of what is a time waster and what is a productive money making action for our day is from the wonderful business coach Jane Pollak, that goes like this: when creating your day to day tasks, use a green marker and mark which daily tasks are your business growth, money making tasks, and which are not. I usually make my list and then mark the moneymaking tasks with a green dot. If nothing else this will be a wake up call. Are you wasting way too much time on your proposals? There’s a system for that! Are you crunching all your numbers yourself for an hour a day? No need for that! Invoicing taking too long? There are a number of great programs for that.

Here’s my top 5 time saving and either free or really inexpensive systems, as I am a tightwad when it comes to these things… all designed to free you up so you can spend your day tackling the big stuff:

1) A really intuitive invoicing system: I use Freshbooks. Not only does it invoice really easily, but it sends them either by snail mail or email, does all kinds of cool numbers crunching, runs reports, allows you to send estimates that can convert to an invoice, and so much more. Bookkeeping — which I personally can’t stand to do so this forces me to do it in a fun and quick way — made easy, and quick. A nominal cost well worth the expense. Allows for customization as well

2) A proposal/Contract system — which used to take me half a day to do — try Quotegine. It allows you to create, save, customize and re-use templates in a library, sends it out with a click of a button and allows for an e signature on your clients end so that they don’t even have to print out, excepting for themselves or mail, attach, or fax back. Just pressing a button lands it back in your hands within a fraction of the time it would take otherwise, allowing you to get going on your next project. Free up until a certain amount of clients, and again, allows you to white label it.

3) A CRM system, otherwise known as a Contact Relationship Management System. Other wise known as a database. If you’re not already on Outlook, look no further than cloud based Highrise, run by the same cool, uber smart folks who created Freshbooks. If you are using your email contacts list as your database I might have to come over there and smack you. Highrise has all the bells and whistles you could ask for to allow you to keep on top of all of your prospects, clients and important business affiliates and contacts in an organized manner, create and schedule tasks and have them appear in your inbox when they come due, as a reminder to ‘get on that!’ It can also be synced with Freshbooks so that your whole client profile, jobs as well as the payments and invoicing are under one heading.

4) Housecleaning! I know that this involves money, but again, if you are trying to be all things to all people including a family of 4 back home, something is going to cave if you’re working hard all day and then expected to come home and clean the house as well. Even if you bring someone in just once per month to do the heavy cleaning, or pay your kids to do it. A scary thought I know. The money you spend here will make itself up to you in ROI if you’re taking the time where you would have been under the bed cleaning dust bunnies to instead contact 3 more warm leads to invite them to lunch. Time much better spent. I’d give you the name of mine as a referral but am afraid she’d be spread too thin and not have time for me. Selfish, I know, but some things are more precious than others. I do know that the team at The Maids are great though. Ask for Melissa.

5) Social Media tools. I have a confession. Social media is not my biggest strength. Other than LinkedIn, I do it because I have to, not because I want to, and I make no bones about it to my clients, as they need to do it as well. What has made it tolerable for me has been a little tool called Onlywire, which allows me to share what you’re reading right here with a load of social media and bookmarking sites instead of spending oodles of time uploading things separately when I could be interacting with folks online and off. Great for the SEO.

Hope these help you be more efficient and use your time more effectively. Now run to that networking meeting!

Suzen Pettit

www.omaginarium.com

www.omaginehealth.com

203 733 8578

Get Found, Get Heard, Get Crackin’

There is no denying that prestigious titles that come with high paying salaries bring with it certain unspoken privileges, but for members of disadvantaged groups, it also brings unspoken subliminally interpreted bias. Diversity has many dimensions but race, gender and age are probably the most predominant. The question of leadership development and how well underrepresented groups are treated in the corporate environment probably starts with how our brain processes data. The brain is a large data storage bin and with limited information on any group, such as Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, Women, Lesbians, Disabled Veterans, etcetera, it processes the data it has and categorizes people within a group as one.

This process in the field of psychology is known as cognitive categorization and makes the issues of diversity and leadership very complex within the workplace. On the surface cognitive categorization is not racist, sexist or insidious; the dangerous aspect comes into play when mental categorizations are used to prevent hiring and promotions, derail careers and make negative assumptions about individuals based on group categorization.

These are multilayered, complex issues that must be discussed because dimensions of diversity matter but according to Katz and Miller, they matter less when brought out in the open and discussed. Contrary to what we tell our children and what we want to believe, people are not blind to differences nor due do we live and work in bias free environments.

One of the ways to minimize cognitive categorization is to develop culturally diverse activities outside the workplace. If more people of diverse backgrounds socialize outside of the work environment, they would come to see the totality of the human being and no longer evaluate or judge one another through a bias lens. Notice that the President plays basketball with men of diverse cultures and backgrounds. These men from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures, call each other friend and genuinely like and respect one another.

Outside socialization gives people the opportunity to get to know one another and have fun without feeling forced or pressured to do so. So I say, hey Mr. President, where are the female basketball players? Were any invited to play? By the way, isn’t his friend Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education? Another benefit to external socialization is its great networking properties.

The problem of the diversity inclusivity dilemma becomes more apparent when you consider the data. In 2011, according to the U.S. Census, 36.6% of respondents checked minority, which is 114 million people. That percentage is expected to continually climb. Diversity inclusion is certainly a leadership challenge related to organizational growth and change because it limits how an organization hires and utilizes talent and makes the most of its workforce, and with the workforce consisting of a large population of minorities and women, this lack of inclusion will increasingly impact a company’s bottom line.

This separate and unequal corporate environment is part of America’s cultural landscape; past and present forces have shaped racial identification; cognitive processing, socio cultural in-group/out-group status and working relationships. Race, gender and age are prominent dimensions of diversity but diversity inclusion is about accepting people regardless of how they self identify or what personal idiosyncrasies or uniqueness they have—think Garcia on the hit television show Criminal Minds. Don’t judge talent by the package it comes in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2020, a quarter of the labor force will be baby boomers, those 55 years and older; therefore, the age dimension of diversity is something that will have to be addressed.

Diversity inclusive practices is a challenge for organizational growth because in order to achieve a work environment where all people feel that their differences are valued and respected, takes an entire organizational paradigm shift. Sigmund Freud proclaimed that we are not the rational rulers of our lives but are under the influence of unconscious forces of which we are unaware.

Leaders may not be acting with malicious forethought but in subconscious ways which are guided by internal and external social cultural influences. This is why it is critical that companies be willing and prepared to evaluate, assess and change their infrastructure, i.e., management practices and behaviors, human resource policies, and rewards, the systems that supports, validates and encourages the organization’s exclusive culture. This takes time and considerable effort.

The challenge for senior leadership is to understand in a work environment that has limited talent resources and more global competition than ever before, there is a huge need and big profit in being able to utilize a broader pool of skills, talent and perspectives that reside within the organization.

The research has spoken and diversity inclusion practices increases employee morale, lessens turnover and lawsuits, improves promotion and retention rates and improves a company’s public image. Talent management officers should address how diverse talent is being utilized, managed, mentored and groomed to succeed. How well an organization grows and develops is in large part determined by how well an organization uses its human assets.

Talk to me and let me know how you have been able to overcome some of the challenges surrounding diversity inclusion. Follow me DGSBlogger on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/DGSBlogger

Tell us about your business.

FYFM is a revolutionary new dating website which employs facial recognition software and a proprietary algorithm designed to offer singles potential partners who are scientifically more likely to ignite sustainable passion and chemistry. The site is predicated on the theory that people are more attracted to those who share similar facial features to their own. There is ample scientific data supporting the theory and we hope to create matches which contain a major ingredient for longevity: romantic attraction.

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?

My new business is a direct outgrowth of my old passion. I have observed couples for over twenty years and all the anecdotal and scientific evidence support the theory that, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender, couples who have the most passion most often share a facial feature similarity. Of course, the chemistry needs to be buttressed by complementary values and style. I have personal experience with being with a wonderful partner with whom I had no chemistry and I know how important chemistry is to longevity. I wanted to create a website which would educate the population about the validity of this theory so that they would make better choices, ones that lead to long term happiness and compatibility. It is my life’s mission to help people find love and combine that love with the chemistry that can so often be elusive.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

A good friend of mine started a small business many years ago and his passion, commitment and integrity were inspiring. I watched him meticulously grow his business into a multi-million dollar enterprise, one that employed hundreds of people and provided concrete opportunities for many. I witnessed his strategizing and planning and was impressed by how focused and organized he is. He was a great motivator for me and remains an important influence.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

FYFM began as a simple idea that I formulated over 20 years. I was able to fund the business, and mobilize and direct a team that has created a company and a fully functional website in less than 18 months.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

I would share the importance of collaboration. As CEO, I respect and engage my team, seeking their ideas and input. We work collectively and it’s often the blended ideas that are most effective.

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?

A series of PR events which served to bring attention to FYFM, beginning with a remarkable story in New York Magazine and including a massive mistletoe event during the holidays, during which we invited couples at a major New York City cross-roads to kiss beneath the nation’s biggest mistletoe. It was a festive and romantic all day event which generated significant media coverage for our company and delivered upwards of $20,000 in donations for Operation Smile, a non-profit which offers facial surgeries to children with cleft palates.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?

In work and in life, I learned that patience is imperative. Losing one’s patience just creates tension and stress and so I have learned, via parenting and the business, to stay patient and keep a sense of humor.

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?

Have a well-rounded staff made up of people with different and complementary skills. I have a dedicated staff of people who bring many talents to the job and it makes the office more efficient and the company more successful.

Do you have any new projects coming up (or have you just completed a big project ~ reached a milestone, etc.)? If so, please tell us about it.

Along with some summer events we’re hosting, we are completing an improved algorithm designed to be more effective and generate more matches.

What do you do for fun/relaxation?

I enjoy socializing with good friends and family over a meal or drink. And I like cinema and reading, but I am never really not working because I obsessively observe couples, in person and in the media. I am always on the lookout for faces and couples who evince our theory.

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?

We need to generate many more users for our database (facebase) so that users have a much better experience. We’d like to increase our membership tenfold in the coming year, from 50,000 to 500,000 members, to offer more options and opportunities to find real love.

You want to write a book on …

“Love and My Life.” My personal experience with marriage and divorce has been so illuminating that I’d love to share it with others, particularly single women who might benefit from knowing my story and others like it.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Choosing a partner is one of the most important and meaningful decisions a person can make. Love and sharing are the foundations for a happy peaceful life and we really want to help people access their greatest personal potential.

What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you?

www.findyourfacemate.com

www.facebook.com/findyourfacemate

www.youtube.com/user/FindYourFacemate

http://facematcher.wordpress.com/

By Dr. Julie Pena

It is important to understand that your skin can change over time—not just over the years but also over the course of the day. Your environment, diet, stress level, medications, hormones, even your own skincare regimen can affect your skin. However, the biggest changes to your skin are seasonal. In fact, you may see your skin type move from the middle of one spectrum to an entirely different category.

From the vibrant blooms of Spring and Summer to the golden leaves of Autumn to the pure white brilliance of Winter, just like nature, your skin evolves through the seasons. And each new season requires a unique approach to skincare.

As a dermatologist, I find the way the seasons affect the skin fascinating. Most of my patients are surprised to find that as the seasons change – so do the characteristics of their skin. For instance, someone who has normal skin may find that in the summer it becomes more oily or someone with dry skin may find it feels less tight and more moist. Or for most people, a part of their face may change – their t-zone may become more oily while their cheeks stay dry.

So what does this mean for our skincare? Well let’s review by skin type.

Dry Skin

Summer heat and humidity can actually be good for those with dry skin. They may find their forehead flakes less and their cheeks don’t feel so tight. I recommend that those with dry skin continue each morning to use a gentle cleanser and moisturize with a zinc based SPF 50 Broad-spectrum Moisturizer. If you find your t-zone is getting a little oily – you can use a Normal to Oily moisturizer on your t-zone and a Normal to Dry Moisturizer on your cheeks. At night, use a gentle cleanser, a Vitamin A Derivative (Retinol) Anti-Aging Treatment followed by a Moisturizer.

Normal Skin

For those with Normal Skin- the summer heat and humidity can bring on the Oil. They may find that they start to have a sheen on their forehead or cheeks and might need to blot a little throughout the day. Use a specialized Oily Treatment on the t-zone or oily areas and then Normal To Oily moisturizer on the rest of your face. Again – please make sure you wash with a gentle exfoliator each morning and that your Moisturizer is Broad Spectrum SPF 50, and Zinc based. At night, use a gentle cleanser and a Vitamin A Derivative (Retinol) Anti-Aging Treatment. You may not need a moisturizer with the Anti-Aging treatment – see how your skin feels and apply a light layer where it may feel dry

Oily Skin and Acne

Summer heat and humidity can make your skin more oily and prone to outbreaks of acne, especially around your T-zone. Using an Oily Skin Treatment on your face will help keep the acne at bay and control the excess oil production. Cleanse every morning with an Alpha and Beta Hydroxyl Acid Face Wash for gentle exfoliation and oil control. Make sure your Oily Skin treatment has Broad Spectrum SPF 50 protection. Again – I recommend a zinc based product because it helps calm acne and keeps the face from getting hot which can exacerbate outbreaks.

Summer Skin Care Warning: If you have rosacea, be careful. The sun worsens rosacea symptoms. The heat can exacerbate already irritated skin. To protect and calm rosacea in the summer, I recommend use of a Zinc based sunscreen moisturizer that contains Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid. The zinc will help keep your face from heating up because it reflects rather than absorbs the sun’s rays. In addition, niacinamde, zinc, and azelaic acid have a calming effect on the irritation of rosacea. All these ingredients can help keep your condition controlled.

Your face is your window to the world. Keep it healthy and beautiful by adapting your skincare routine for harsh heat and humidity. Smart skincare will keep Summer both safe and fun.

About Dr. Julie Pena: Dr. Pena, founder and president of Likewise Skincare, is a board certified Dermatologist, trained Pathologist and MOHS micrographic surgeon. She has owned and operated Skin Solutions Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery, P.C in Nashville, TN since 2001. Through her three dermatology offices and two cosmetic centers, she focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of skin cancer as well as provides cosmetic and medical dermatology treatments. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Dr. Pena received her medical degree at Northwestern University Medical School and completed her dermatology residency at Southern Illinois University. Visit: www.LikewiseSkincare.com or www.ssdermandlaser.com.

By Suzen Pettit

Not sure what I was thinking when I agreed to join a BNI (Business Networking International) group in my neighborhood, other than the idea of a networking group based solely on the idea of giving and receiving referrals, with none of the froo- froo attached to it, none of the dancing around….seemed so appealing. If you read my last post about my networking group challenges you’ll get what I’m talking about. So when my “Computer Troubleshooter” Rick Van Akin suggested that if I wanted to grow my business I should come to his BNI meeting just to “check it out” I thought, why not?

Little did I know at the time, or perhaps I just wasn’t listening, that the meetings began at 7 AM. AM? I thought he’d said PM. AM??? AM it was, and when I emailed the president to see just how formally attired I needed to be at 7 AM I was bummed out to hear that yoga pants were really not an option, unless of course I was a yoga instructor. I briefly considered switching careers. So I’d be lying if I said that I was ecstatic about attending my first meeting. Grumbling under my breath, I made it to the first meeting with seconds to spare, leaving my daughter to figure out how to get herself dressed, fed and to the school bus on her own. Third graders can do that in this country, can’t they? Kidding, she’s 11. Kidding again- she’s a teenager. Much more dangerous than a third grader.

That being said, and much to my surprise, I was blown away by the meeting. Seriously. I filled out an application and interviewed for the group, after my second visit. You’re only allowed 2 visits before having to decide, and even then there’s an application process.

Here’s my top 6 reasons why I joined the Super 7 BNI and you should join one too:

1. They mean business. And I mean business. They aren’t kidding about giving and receiving referrals. At the end of each meeting members are expected to go around the tables and with everyone witnessing, either offer a testimonial, a referral or a thank you to at least 1 person in the group. No slouchers allowed. Our eyes are all upon you.

2. You are held accountable- In a good way! Members are expected to make it to most of the weekly meetings- only 3 absences are allowed within a 6 month period without obtaining a substitute. It’s a structured group (although we do manage to have fun…). Commitment is expected of the group, and it pays off. If you are perceived as being serious about giving and receiving business referrals, and about satisfying customers that have been referred to you, business leads follow. Performing quality work is an expectation. After all, you need to look at these people in the eye at 7 AM each and every week. Therefore the weeding is taken care of, and a good group will end up with quality professionals who they can feel confident referring to their network. And parents.

3. The motto, originated by BNI founder Ivan Misner is that “Givers Gain”. Who doesn’t love that? Instead of the typical networking and “salesy” philosophy of “what can you do for me today”, in BNI we switch things up to a much more Buddhist way of thinking, in that if you are always thinking of ways, and of people to “give” business to, eventually it will come around. And 9 out of 10 times it does. Truly. Try doing it in your own life outside of a BNI and you will prove this to yourself. Give selflessly. It’s Karma, baby.

4. We get to hone our presentation skills: At every meeting folks get an opportunity to give a 60 second elevator speech (hate that term) about what a good lead would be for them that day, and at each meeting the members rotate an opportunity to give a “marketing minute” and a 10 minute presentation where they really get to present their “thang”. Why should someone hire this person? You’ll find out at the 10 minute presentation, and you’ll have a chance to really hone your delivery. Great presentation skill building. Who needs Toastmasters?

5. Only one professional of each profession allowed per group. If you’re admitted into the group, you are the sole financial advisor, life insurance agent, realtor, etc., which obviously encourages referrals. It’s easy to form strategic alliances and spheres of influences this way. Again, accountability is key however. We’re all counting on quality work being performed as it reflects back on us.

6. We’re out by 8:30 AM with the day in front of us. The funny thing is, most of us have a lot to talk about after the meeting and don’t want to go. If you’re lucky you’ll get into a great group like ours, who really enjoy one another’s company and use the power of BNI to grow our businesses both on site and off.

I’m really happy this great group of professionals allowed me to grace them with my presence. I’ve never looked back, gladly pay the dues, and in the one short year that I’ve been a member it has helped grow my business exponentially. Who couldn’t use that?

Suzen Pettit
www.omaginarium.com
www.omaginehealth.com
203 733 8578
Get Found, Get Heard, Get Crackin’

CSSD expert tackles new role: pens book about finding peace and living well in face of terminal illness

Michele DeMeo, CRCST, CSPDT, is considered an expert in the hospital Central Sterile Supply field, a profession responsible for the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of surgical instrumentation. She is highly regarded for her management techniques, knowledge, expertise, professional product developments, and many contributions to various healthcare associations and professional publications. Beyond that, she has worked as an independent consultant, global educator, national and international sterile processing standards development contributor, author, and activist for many causes.

DeMeo is now tackling another important role — learning to find peace and live well in the face of a terminal illness, and sharing her wisdom and personal experience with the world through her newly-published book, “The Beauty of a Slow Death.” Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2010, DeMeo was immediately faced with the reality that this terminal illness would rob her of the life she had come to know. But rather than throwing in the towel and succumbing mentally and emotionally to this debilitating disease, the diagnosis wound up serving as the impetus behind her most importantgoal thus far: to start living well, as if each day were her last.

While DeMeo is a widely-published author for some leading healthcare journals and trade publications,some may question why she chose to put her painful experience into words and carve out already limited time to author a book. Her response is aptly suited to her kind and compassionate nature: if her experience can help even one person live better and more fully, even in the face of a devastating disease or other major life challenge, then the hard work is more than worthwhile.

Indeed, “The Beauty of a Slow Death” is doing just that. Several hundred copies have already been sold and reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. “We all are on our own journey, and Michele has taken the time to share with us her journey. The honesty she has shared about her journey and her transformation is inspirational,” said Stephen Kovach, director of education for Healthmark Industries.

In addition to the many individuals who have shared how the book helped and inspired them, DeMeo’swork is also earning praise from a number of prominent healthcare organizations, including those that target ALS, and those representing hospice, palliative care, home health, and more.

“This book is a perfect reflection of what I see when people face life head on,” noted Susan Walsh, RN, ACNS-BC, regional nurse coordinator for Greater Philadelphia Chapter ALS Association. “This book is not about dying a slow death, but the choices that everyone makes to fully live the life they have.”

Although the book is about DeMeo’s experience with living with ALS and dying a slow death, she, too, believes that its core message is for everyone. “Whether we’re told we have days or months to live, or we have every reason to believe that we’ll be here 50 years or more, the bottom line is we owe it to ourselves to live the best we can,” she said. “Our life goals and abilities may change over time, but we still have the power to take charge of our lives in a positive, meaningful and productive way.”

“The Beauty of a Slow Death” may be purchased online at www.createspace.com/3805209 and also through Amazon (www.amazon.com) and Barnes and Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com).

If you follow the news, it sounds like the odds of fifty year olds hitting the lottery are greater than landing a job. They’re not thought of in the context of passion, drive, and working all nighters; employers should watch this show http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-pitch. After watching the first episode, how could any employer not want the experience, wisdom, talent, tenacity, commitment, competitiveness and dedication that Boomers bring to the table?

Baby Boomers handle failure and rejection well because unlike the young, they’ve lived through lots of challenges and know it’s not a death sentence, but part of the building blocks of success. They have increased tolerance for ambiguity and paradox and are better listeners and reflective, strategic thinkers. Another reason to hire Boomers is they’re good with their hands. Matt Sher, President of Day and Night/All Service located in New Hyde Park, New York, stated on CNN that he cannot find young trade talent; those trained in HVAC, plumbing and commercial refrigeration. They have job openings and cannot find qualified workers http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/smallbusiness/1204/gallery.employees/?iid=SF_SB_LN.

Baby Boomers, one of the most productive generations in US history, were born between 1946 and 1964 and are the single largest economic group in the United States, consisting of 78 million people.

Are you a laid off Boomer? Have you been downsized, outsourced or laid off? Whatever the euphemism, the bottom line is the same–no money coming in and bills piling up. You have to perform like those two ad agencies; you have to work your butt off, indulge in a few all nighters and pitch your story to an employer. You have to go up against your competition and be creative and inventive to sell your value proposition. Listen, I know you may be afraid but everyone has to learn the art of selling, from top executives to college grads.

I worked for a construction management company, and as part of their presentation team, presented to agencies all across the United States. For me, there is nothing I enjoy more than pretending I’m Oprah, strutting around a room like a proud peacock and engaging an audience. Some people however would shake in their boots when told they had to present but you know what, practice and preparation doesn’t make perfect but it damn sure makes better www.toastmasters.org. Here is how you look for a job and sell the most important asset you have, yourself.

1. Expand your search by demographics and industry. Don’t let fear paralyze you from exploring all your options. According to AARP, older workers are moving to North Dakota in droves for high paying jobs http://www.aarp.org/work/job-hunting/info-02-2012/north-dakota-boom-town.html. “New access to the vast Bakken formation — a thin band of oil-rich shale nearly two miles beneath the Williston Basin that spreads from North Dakota and Montana up to Saskatchewan and could contain up to 24 billion barrels of oil — has brought frantic growth to the region.” Please continue your job search on Job Service North Dakota at www.findjobsnd.com.

The one problem women are having is there are just too many available men in town. All of us single ladies in Atlanta, Washington, DC and New York we now know where to go. Single, working, available men, my next vacation will be to North Dakota.

2. Understand what an interview is: An interview is an exchange of ideas and information. It is not a test or someplace you go to speak poorly of previous employers, gossip about current events or tell your life story. Every interview is about what you offer, want and expect from the employer versus what the employer is looking for, needs, offers and will provide. If there is a meeting of the minds and you both have what the other wants, you will probably work together.

3. Don’t go in blind. I know you’ve heard it before, but we all know people who show up to interviews knowing nothing about the company. www.glassdoor.com allows you to search job openings, see company salaries and read reviews. A person I interviewed years ago thought the company made diesel engines. We were construction managers, nuff said.

Based on your newfound knowledge, what can you offer the company? Will you be able to save them money? Will you be able to improve its image? Will you be able to increase sales? Describe how you can achieve definable goals with concrete examples. A successful interview is when your skills and talent align with what the company needs and meets the demands of the position, so stay on message.

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “The more you know, the further you’ll go.” Before you begin the interview process, perform self-analysis and be honest. Know thyself. Know exactly what your skills are and how they can be applied to the position you’re going after.

4. Arrive early. Try to get to the interview fifteen minutes early so you have time to relax and collect your thoughts and go to the restroom to check your appearance. When the interviewer calls you in, you don’t want to be flustered and frazzled. You want to walk in calm and confident, with your shoulders back and your head held high. I know you Boomers practice Yoga so you have great posture; great posture makes you look more confident, slouching makes you look less competent.

5. Dress to impress but not like you are going to a cocktail party or a jazz club, just well-groomed and professional from head to toe. Make sure your hair and nails are trimmed and clean. A suit is always appropriate. Don’t use any strong cologne or perfume and don’t wear large earrings, necklaces and bracelets that can be distracting and noisy during the interview process. Do not chew gum or smoke any legal or illegal substances before the interview, smoke clings to fabric. Come on now, I’ve watched the documentary on drugs on the Discovery Channel and there’s a whole lot of drugging going on to the tune of $30 billion annually.

6. Conduct mock interviews until you become comfortable selling yourself to others with passion. Become comfortable talking about what you do and how well you do it with clarity and specificity. Everyone knows someone who is brilliant but doesn’t know how to express it. The interviewer has reviewed your resume and will definitely ask you specific questions. Be able to discuss how your previous work assignments and responsibilities prepared you for this position.

7. Ask a few good questions and then thank the interviewer for their time; also send each interviewer a thank you note which briefly recaps your interest and value proposition. Sign the note respectfully. You will be surprised at how many people never follow-up so please don’t drop the ball here. After a week or so, pick up the telephone and talk to the interviewer; nothing beats a one-on-one conversation. Remember the squeaky wheel gets the oil but don’t squeak too loudly or often or you might just get replaced. Don’t become annoying or sound desperate. After the initial follow-up, call the interviewer once a week. Keep a log of whom you called when.

Be Prepared has been the Boy’s Scouts’ motto for more than 100 years, and it has never failed them. Your preparedness will never fail you. We are all in this together so please share your interview tips or challenges below. Follow me DGSBlogger on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/DGSBlogger

According to Michelle Villalobos, Founder, “Everyone is selling something. Whether it’s your products, your services, a point of view, an idea, a cause or simply yourself, every woman can benefit from learning how to SELL. Miami’s largest women’s conference returns to Miami for the 5th Summit – The Big CLOSE. Learn from, get inspired by and connect with top professionals from South Florida… and beyond. Featuring appearances by some of the business world’s most interesting, successful and educational speakers, panelists, gurus and prodigies.”

The video below tells the story of some of the past summits

The Faculty – including Nell Merlino, Mike Michalowicz and Michelle Villalobos, among dozens of other experts will share with the audience amazing insights, trends and vision.

And the content is RICH! Two days of non-stop expert presentations including:

Make Mine A Million & “Take Our Daughters To Work Day” Founder, Nell Merlino:

What Motivational Speakers Won’t Tell You About Building A Million Dollar Business

Toilet Paper Entrepreneur Author, Mike Michalowicz:

The 8 Secrets To Getting More Customers, To Buy More Things, More Often

“Chief Badass” & Founder of BadassBusinessWomen.org, Jessica Kizorek:

The Badass Guide To Selling Yourself… Without Selling Your Soul

Annette Nathan, Creator of Women & Wealth:

“Mission Control: A System To Manage EVERYTHING In Your Life”

The Male Panel:

How The Other Half WORK: Men On Success, Unscripted & Uncensored

Join hundreds of smart, successful, influential women from around South Florida and around the country on May 17th and 18th from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Venue: Miracle Theater, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134

General Passes, VIP Passes and the ALL-NEW VIP PLUS Pass are available! Go here to register: http://www.womenssuccesssummit.com/

I will be there! Hope to see you there…

WE Magazine will be collecting cards and doing a drawing for Four full-page ads for our Summer Issue. Be sure and find me and give me your card!

WE Magazine for Women is delighted to support the WBENC National Conference taking place in Orlando Florida on June 20, 2012.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

For more than a decade and a half, WBENC has helped to open the doors of opportunity for WBEs. This important tradition will continue at the 2012 conference as WBENC continues to implement the Roadmap to 2020. The three-day conference will promote WBENC certification as the framework supporting the procurement requirements of corporate and government entities interested in doing business with women business enterprises. The event will also support WBENC-Certified WBEs who seek better access to procurement opportunities in these markets.

WORKSHOPS

Workshops will focus on economic impact and job creation; entrepreneurial training; innovation, technology and sustainability; and the best ways to access capital and develop new markets.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Several well-known personalities, including New York Times best selling authors, nationally recognized business leaders and C-level executives will offer valuable insight on business trends, economic forecast and how to succeed in today’s marketplace.

VIEW THE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

BUSINESS FAIR

Boasting more than 3,200 registered attendees, last year’s Business Fair was a resounding success. The one-of-a-kind event drew 325 exhibitors, including more than 100 WBENC-Certified WBE exhibitors from across the nation.

There is so much more! Including a Matchmaker Program, Silent Auction, Sponsorship Opportunities and more.

Visit the site today: http://www.wbenc.org/wbencconf/

REGISTER HERE: http://www.wbenc.org/wbencconf/reg.php 

ABOUT WBENC The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), founded in 1997, is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States. WBENC, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, partners with 14 Regional Partner Organizations to provide its world class standard of certification to women-owned businesses throughout the country. WBENC is also the nation’s leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America’s corporations.

flowers for mom

274 Million U.S. Mobile Subscribers Plan on Reaching out to Mom on Mother’s Day, According New Survey from Rebtel - Study Shows that Women are Much More Likely to Give Mom a Gift, and Plan to Spend More Time Talking

Rebtel, the world’s largest mobile VoIP company after Skype, today announced results from a new Mother’s Day survey, which polled U.S. mobile users on their holiday intentions.

According the study, 83.4% of U.S. adults plan on getting in touch with their mom this mother’s day (other than in-person), which is representative of approximately 274 million Americans. The study also showed that mobile phone via traditional carrier minutes is the overwhelming favorite method at 72.7%, followed by VoIP calling (via PC or app) 11.9%, then Landline 11% and video chat (3%), followed by email (.8%). Social Networks, IM, and SMS were the least popular choices registering below .3%.

Are Women More Likely to Show Mom Some Love?

The results showed some notable differences between men and women, namely women (76.2%) are much more likely to get their mom a gift than Men (65.9%) and plan to spend more time talking. 42.5% of Women responded by saying they plan to spend 30 mins or more speaking with their mom on mother’s day, whereas only 34.8% of responded with the intention of doing so.

The study also showed that 20% plan on spending less on communications than last year, but of those who plan to spend less, 45.7% attribute the lower spending to the use of free/cheap messaging apps for calling.

Rebtel’s Mother’s Day survey survey was conducted during the first week of May using SurveyMonkey, an online survey service, which polled 723 U.S. mobile users.

*Note: According to the trade organization CTIA, there were approximately 328 million wireless service subscribers in the U.S. in 2011.

About Rebtel: Rebtel is the world’s largest mobile VoIP Company after Skype. Today, the company is growing rapidly with more than 15 million callers in 54 countries with a run rate of over 1 billion minutes per year. The company is on pace to hit $85 million in revenue at the end of 2012. Rebtel users call through smartphone or desktop apps or any other phone to make free or cheap international calls. For more information, or to start using Rebtel, go to www.rebtel.com.

Here’s a few of the higlights:

–84% of U.S. Mobile Subscribers (274M) Plan on Reaching Out to their Mom this Mother’s Day

–Women (76%) are much more likely to get mom a gift than men (66%)

–Over 40% of women (42%) plan on talking to their moms more than 30 minutes, whereas only 35% of men plan on doing so.

–Mobile phone is by far the most popular method of reaching out with nearly three out of four respondents (72.7%) preferring that method; with VoIP (via services like Skype, Viber or Rebtel) –beating out Landlines, (12% vs 11%); followed by video chat (3%), and email (.8%).