THINGS TO DO on THE 4TH OF JULY

Light a firecracker. Plan a picnic. Watch fireworks. Take a swim. Drive to the beach. Go for a bike ride. Fly a kite. Clean out the garage. Mow the lawn. Watch a parade. Ride in a hot air balloon. Go on vacation. Eat hot dogs. Drink lemonade. Wave the flag. Light a cherry bomb. Sing "America the Beautiful!" 

Wish YOU a Happy 4th of July!

 Earlene Myers

Professional Greetings

www.professionalgreetings.com

  Your Calls & Referrals add **SPARKLE** to my day!

 "Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do."   Unknown

A business acquaintance and good friend of mine, Bev Berry from Santa Barbara, has had a lifelong dream of having her own talk show.  She is now taking a giant step forward to fulfilling that dream by entering a "Talk Show Host" contest sponsored by Oprah.  

Bev is a Entrepreneur with a capital "E";' having started several successful business ventures.  She is a corporate trainer and coach as well as a beautiful person, kind, gentle, smart and hard working.  She has an exceptional family that includes several adopted children and is a "young grandmother" of triplets!!  

I am sharing her audition link; if you are so inclined, please view and vote. That would be great!

http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=7188&promo_id=1  

I hope you will consider taking a few moments out of your busy day, to view her audition and if so inclined, act upon it!  

Thank you for your time and consideration!!

 Professional Greetings

Keep in Touch ~ Reap the Rewards!

Phone 904.278.0414

http://www.professionalgreetings.com

Today is my youngest son's birthday.  It is hard to believe how fast time flies and I told him today that he was adopted as an older child, since there is NO WAY that I could have a son this old...LOL

I have 2 sons and they couldn't be more different .  My oldest son is rather conservative, holds a traditional managerial job, has a beautiful young family (blessed me with 2 lovely grandchildren), owns a home, loves football and golf .. . . you get the picture.

My younger son is the artist, graphic designer, writer (writes for a variety of music magazines), is an accomplished bassist and has his own band that went on their first major tour this past January.  He's married to a lovely gal and they are both into nature, are vegans and really are not that interested in accumulating material things, love animals and have blessed us with two "grand cats!"  His one nod to more traditional lifestyle is that he is a very good businessman and works for several record promotion companies.

My husband and I often laugh at how 2 people raised by the same parents could be so diverse.  However, we are really proud of both of their accomplishments and the fact that they have turned out to be such really "GOOD GUYS!"

LIFE IS GOOD!

Professional Greetings

Helping to Build Repeat & Referral Business

904.278.0414

On June 6th,  Bryant Tutas Broker/REALTOR(R) Tutas Towne Realty, Inc posted this blog which really seemed to strike a nerve with a lot of people (as evidenced by all of the comments).  It is a simple plan, yet very inspiring words for everyone to use (especially during difficult economic times.)  

For those few who may have not seen it, I am re-blogging his post.  Also, I came across a quote along these same lines that I would like to share:

"When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow--You may succeed with another blow, Success is failure turned inside out--The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."  . . .Unknown

Enjoy!

Earlene Myers, Professional Greetings

This isn't the normal "Identity Theft" story, however, Carolyn Capalbo is dealing with a similar situation.  If anyone has experienced the frustration of identity theft, I think you can relate.

 "The Measure of Success"

In my business, I subscribe to a number of customer service blogs and web sites; receive tons of newsletters along these lines and I'm always on the lookout to share ideas with professionals who value this aspect of business (which should be everyone!)  

A few weeks ago, I received a news item from one of my business contacts.  Unfortunately, I just got around to reading it this past Monday!  She recommended a web site that I found fascinating:  http://www.TED.com    This site has a wealth of information from experts in a number of professions and I thought I would share it with all of you.  

If you don't have a lot of extra time to sit around and watch videos on the internet (who does?), check out the 3 and 6 minute videos.  These little gems provide great information and inspiration in just a few minutes of your busy day.   

For those of you that have children, grandchildren or  a particular interest in improving education opportunities in your community, I strongly recommend a video "Once Upon a School" by Dave Eggers: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/dave_eggers_makes_his_ted_prize_wish_once_upon_a_school.html       

This presentation takes 20 minutes and starts out a little slow, but if you stick with it, you will be experiencing a few "tee- hee's" and be quite inspired to go out and do something for your community.  

I hope you find benefit and inspriation in this web site as I have.... ENJOY!

Professional Greetings

Keep in Touch ~ Reap the Rewards! 

 (904) 278-0414

  Have you "toed" your clients lately that you appreciate them?

Regardless of how successful you may be, it is always important  to keep marketing your business (both repeat and new).  Here are some "random thoughts" to keep in mind and keep your business moving in the right direction:  

• "Merci beaucoup, Grazie, Muchas gracias, Thanks a Bunch!"  However you say it . . . say it well and say it often!
  When it's time to choose your method of conveying your appreciation (greeting cards, letters, etc.) your choice will tell customers, clients and employees a lot about you and your business. Quality paper, unique designs and personalized messages, take your image a step above the rest. Make sure your greeting cards and letters send a message you'll be proud to sign.
• "Friendship can weather most things and thrive in thin soil - but it needs a little mulch of letters and phone calls and small silly presents every so often - just to save it from drying out completely." - Pam Brown      Thinking of building Customer Loyalty? Look beyond just the client. Those that you depend on including employees,vendors and business acquaintances, also play a crucial role in creating an environment that breeds customer loyalty
• Send an Article to Clients: If you come across an article that's relevant to your client/prospect, their company or industry, Send That Baby Out!   Be sure to include a little note (on your greeting card, of course) that reads, "Thought of you when I saw this!"  This will keep your image in front of your contacts in a personal and useful way.
• Is Snail Mail still effective?:  Even in today's high tech~social networking world, direct Snail Mail is still one of the most effective tools to "Keep in Touch" with clients. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal addressed today's challenges of effectively keeping in touch with client's in this tough economic climate.  If you would like a copy of this article, just email me at info@professionalgreetings.com   and I will be happy to share it with you.

Professional Greetings

Keep in Touch ~ Reap the Rewards!  

(904) 278-0414         (904) 278-0414

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Several weeks ago, I received a jury summons and immediately had mixed feelings.  I have been called for jury duty before and even selected, but the case was settled before it went to trial.  When I received my most recent summons, my first reaction was, OH NO !! what if I get selected and get tied up on a long term basis. How am I going to keep up with my business obligations?? 

On the other hand, I felt a desire to do "my duty" and I do find the judicial process very interesting.  As it turned out, when I called the night before I was to report, I learned that we were all excused. 

Today, I received a newsletter from one of my California contacts, *Chellie Campbell, featuring a story about her recent jury experience. I definately could relate and thought I would share it with all of you.  Chellie always has interesting tales and is such an entertainer; but still her messages make  you think and always give you a new fresh perspective ... I hope you ENJOY!

 "A COURTROOM WITH A VIEW  "Oh, no! Just my luck," I fumed. I was just selected as a juror in a criminal case downtown Los Angeles.  I was not happy thinking about how this was going to interfere with my work as a small business owner.  But there was no help for it - I was trapped. The next day, I appeared with my fellow jurors, ready to hear the case against the young man accused of three robberies. But there was a delay. We were kept waiting outside the courtroom for quite some time when the Court Clerk appeared and told us that she couldn't tell us anything yet but that "patience was a virtue". We guessed that settlement talks were going on, and sure enough, soon afterwards we were invited into the courtroom where the judge announced that they had come to a resolution in the matter, and we were dismissed. Yay! Sighs of relief and high-fives all around.

My friend, Patricia Guentzler of NAWBO, who just happened to be selected for the same jury, and I went outside for a bit to talk. After a few moments, Elise, the Court Clerk saw us and came over to say hello. She told us exactly what had happened: the young man took a plea bargain of 27 years in prison.
Yikes! I thought, 27 years! That's a bargain?? I don't think I'd last 27 days in prison...what had he been facing?

She said that the young man was 26 years old, had two prior convictions of armed robbery, and conviction on any one of the three robberies in the current case would have been his third strike. He was looking at 115 years in prison - a life sentence. The frail older woman sitting in the courtroom was his mother and dying of cancer with only six months to live. She didn't want to die knowing her son was going to spend the remainder of his life in prison with no hope. If he accepted the plea bargain, she could die in peace knowing that there was hope for him to be released one day and have a better life. They were both crying.  How unutterably sad, to see this young man and his mother crying over his wasted life where 27 years in prison was the best option.

I am not usually sympathetic to criminals. The day before, when the prospective jurors were questioned, we were asked if we or anyone we knew had experienced violence, been burglarized, attacked, or robbed. It was sobering how many people had - nearly everyone raised their hands. When I was called upon, I recited my litany: "I've had my car broken into 3 times, stolen once, been burglarized 3 times, been attacked in my home at 3:00 in the morning, and been robbed at gunpoint in my parking garage."

While the judge said he was sorry that these bad things had happened to me, the retired African American gentleman with the deep chocolate voice sitting next to me leaned over and said, "I'm amazed you're not black with all that bad luck!" I cracked up, and we enjoyed a private giggle over that.

The judge shook his head and commiserated that those experiences were regrettable, but asked if I could be impartial, recognizing that the defendant had nothing to do with any of them. "Of course, your honor," I replied, "those things happened in the 70s and 80s and I don't think he was even born yet!" There was some laughter at that, and then I said, "I don't have these experiences anymore, because I changed my thinking." I just had to give a little hint about the Law of Attraction, because I know the day I took responsibility for my experiences and consciously determined not to be a victim any more - and I haven't been since that day. I mean, when you take your valuables to your sister's house overnight because your home is being tented for termites, and she's burglarized while you're out for dinner and your jewelry is stolen yet again, you have to notice that the common denominator in all these experiences is you!

No one likes jury duty - we all have busy lives with a lot to do. It interferes with our plans, costs us time, money, and inconvenience. I had wanted to be excused - I had an 8-week telecourse coming up and needed the time to enroll more people in it. Like many small business owners, jury duty was potentially a big hindrance to my ability to produce income. I was nervous about being put on a long trial, and I was angry about this "enforced servitude." I imagined what I might say that would get me excused.

I was embarrassed out of that attitude fairly quickly. I watched as some prospective jurors made it clear that they were angry to be there and searching rather obviously for the "right answers" to questions that would result in them being excused. You could see the lie on their faces. Those who answered truthfully spoke of them later with scorn.

As I listened and learned throughout the court proceedings, my attitude shifted. Judge William Sterling honored us for our service and reminded us to appreciate our great country with its guaranteed freedoms protected by our laws and trial-by-jury-of-our-peers system. I was reminded anew of what a wonderful life I have, that I am among the most fortunate people on the planet. I felt reconnected to my community, beyond just my family, friends, and business associates. I saw how narrowed my world had become in my daily life. Here, I opened up to the sea of interconnecting people from all walks of life, seen and unseen, surrounding and affecting us every day, with their millions of stories of loss, tragedy, strength, joy, and hope.

I knew that if ever I was on trial, I would want you to show up for jury service. I would want you to be an honest, thoughtful, and caring juror. It is through the everyday actions of each citizen that our freedoms are assured and our way of life preserved. It is up to us."  

*Chellie Campbell is the creator of the Financial Stress Reduction® Workshops, and author of The Wealthy Spirit and Zero to Zillionaire. She has been prominently quoted as a financial expert in the Los Angeles Times, Good Housekeeping, Lifetime, Essence, Woman's World and more than 50 popular books. She can be reached at Chellie@chellie.com .

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Professional Greetings

Helping Build Repeat & Referral Business

www.professionalgreetings.com  

Recently I read a blog post "Overcoming Your Perfection Paralysis in Marketing"  by one of my Facebook contacts, Fabienne Fredrickson, The Client Attraction Mentor. She said: "When you set yourself up to stop procrastinating and to start working to make it happen, it works every time. I too have dragged my feet on picking a date for an event I wanted to give. ‘Should I have it in the summer, should I wait ‘til fall?' Since nothing was happening, I pulled out my calendar, picked a date, gave my credit card number to reserve the space and then made it happen, and you can too! There's nothing like setting a deadline and getting in gear to make it happen."

While reading her post, I  had to chuckle at how many times I have worked with clients and prospects who just could not take the next step to make a decision because they were afraid they were not making the "perfect selection."   They wring their hands, look at tons of cards, discuss a multitude of options, call and email me and still cannot make up their mind; all the while, their competitors are out getting the job done!!

Even though we live in a society that demands options (think McDonalds or Burger King menus), too many options can be overwhelming.  We stand in line studying  those menus hoping to come up with the perfect lunch and invariably end up ordering whatever we have ordered a thousand times before.  It is just tooooo scary to jump out of our comfort zone.

This same phenomena is often talked about in home decorating.  People watch HGTV, pore over their copies of Better Homes and Gardens and still live in their "plain vanilla" homes for years until they decide to sell,  because . .. .  they cannot choose a color of paint!

Have you "Hit the Wall" in some aspect of your business?  Are you having difficulty taking the next step in your professional journey?  What's the worst that could happen if you do?   Identify what you want to do ~ Take a deep breath and "JUST DO IT!'   You may be pleasantly surprised by the results.

"In a moment of decision,
the best thing you can do is the right thing to do.
The worst thing you can do is nothing."   . . . . Theodore Roosevelt

 **Fabienne Fredrickson, The Client Attraction Mentor, is founder of the Client Attraction System , the proven step-by-step program that shows you exactly how to attract more clients, in record time...guaranteed. To get your F.R.E.E. Audio CD by mail and receive her weekly marketing & success mindset articles on attracting more high-paying clients and dramatically increasing your income, visit www.ClientAttraction.com.

 Professional Greetings 

"Increase Profits with Repeat & Referral Business!"

(904) 278-0414