"Purging Your Networks!"

Getting the focus back on what is important to you

Well, I have to say what a chore this has been, never again. I have spent the last 2 hours just going through my memberships, deleting, editing, wow, I did not realize how much clutter I had accumulated over the past few months, it was time for serious action: Purge!

=> By purging I mean just that, getting rid of those networks which you:

- honestly do not participate in (can't remember why you joined)
- have not seen in weeks, months (cobwebs are forming)
- joined because so and so is in it (do you even remember their names)
- because you can spam, spam, spam (tisk tisk)
- so people think you are really active on the network (if they only knew, LOL)
- my favorite, they're the most popular around (honestly it's not high school)

I have been in many networks through my 2 years here on Ryze, some have come and gone, like yesterdays news where as other's I still remain a member in and sadly, for the most part I am not very active. Why? Many reasons.... time, thread content, lack of knowledge, boredom, people, the list can go on forever, but, I try to make it my #1 priority to spend a little time (when I can) by posting, visiting guestbooks of members and thanking the network leader.

=> Not active....Ask yourself these questions:

1. Why did I join this network in the first place?
2. Does this network fill a particular need?
3. Can I really be involved and focused?
4. Do I feel I can benefit or give anything back?
5. How does the overall network, content effect me?

The point.... joining networks should not be a big part of your networking experience, nor, should it become so overwhelming that you can not remember where you posted last or what thread to reply to. By joining select, informative, aimed networks based on your preferences, need or desire is far better than just clicking away to have an impressive Networks list. After a while, you will see how much of a chore it will become when you have to revisit a network because you can not remember why you initially joined.

=> A good rule of thumb:

- know, respect and support your network leader and their rules
- pace yourself, don't jump in too fast, get the feel of each network
- read through the topic threads, save those of interest, go back when you can
- keep track of specific Hot Topics in each network, see if you can add to it
- be open to all points of view, diversity comes in many packages
- enjoy yourself...if you can not be you, than why join, or better yet, stay

Another factor in establishing yourself in your networks of choice, is that you will be able to further invest your time where most needed or where your needs or questions are met. To be utilized in a strong way, one should be able to spend time building upon the foundation originally set (by this message thread begun) and not pulled in a million directions, losing focus on that topic in question.

=> Establishing yourself by participation:

1. First and foremost, Always be Approachable, by just being You! There is plenty of time for business, let other's get to know you first.

2. Be considerate (at all times) to those already involved in the thread, as you would expect in return.

3. Visit other members, sign their guest book, welcome them on the board, make them feel invited.

4. Introduce yourself (unless it is noted otherwise), but be concise, personable, inviting, leaving what you have to offer for another time or in your signature line.

5. Don't be afraid to chime in, assert your thoughts, just take care to be respectful to the views and needs of other's and those already responded.

6. When replying to a specific topic thread, be sure to stay focused on what the actual message is about.

7. Do some research (if necessary) so that what you share will help further the actual topic discussion and not take away from it.

8. Begin topic's of discussion (based on network) and solicit other's help, opinions, thoughts, be sure to reply when you can.

9. Providing help, advice, tips, whatever it maybe, be sure to always give credit where due (include author reprint boxes, links, contact info, etc).

10. Most importantly, just help support your network(s) in whatever way you can, whether by posting replies, helping out or sharing it with other's, the success of any network(s) rely on everyone, not just the network leader.

Too many times this has happened to me and it can be quite daunting, not to mention somewhat embarrassing, especially when you go back and you see how weeks have passed by. By remaining focused, investing time in a particular network or networks, you can build a foundation and establish yourself in away that others will remember, read and reach out to you, thus creating a wider range of people to network with.

=> Some quick tips to keep organized:
* Save/bookmark you very favorite networks, this makes for easier access
* Create a list of weekly schedules, outlying topics discussed each day
* Set up a schedule, so that you can spend the necessary time in each one
* Keep the rules of each readily available, as every network is different

Remember that networking will give back to you what you put into it, just like anything you do in life. The more you work at something, tend to it, help it grow the better the rewards or fruits of your labor will be! Enjoy your day!

This is a copy of a post that was so chocked full of information that I just had to share it here in an edited version, with the author's permission of course.

Thank you Patricia of T.E.A.M. Mom!s
http://www.ryze.com/view.php?who=TeamMom

Ginger Marks

Recommend A Friend

WCAD, February 9, 2006

We all know how valuable word of mouth advertising can be for a business but here in the virtual community it may be difficult to communicate your recommendations. So how do you make a virtual recommendation?

The answer to how this is done is simple. Put a link on your page with your comments about their product or service.

Don't be overly flattering. Do be clear in why you feel their product or service is worthy of your praise. Also absolutely check spelling and structure before you post. You will find that when you begin to share your virtual recommendation you will benefit the business you are promoting and your own as well.

Be absolutely certain that the link is functional. The most aggravating circumstance I encounter is broken links. When I find something relevant to my needs and click...Nothing...I have a tendency to leave both sites behind. That is not beneficial for either business.

Rule #1: Share your virtual recommendations with others and they will be more apt recommend you.

Make a difference. This is your virtual community too.

Ginger Marks
http://www.DocUmeant.net

Set Aside Your Fears And Achieve Success

Are You Getting in Your Own Way?

Life is a strange animal when you think about it. We are all given certain talents and the ability to develop specific skill sets yet many of us just exist on a day to day basis instead of striving to be our best.

What makes one person so uniquely different from another is the drive to doggedly achieve ones goals. Why is it that the person on the top seemingly arrives there through no effort of their own? That's not actually the case, just ask any successful person and they will tell you it wasn't always easy. The main theme you will hear when they speak is how they had to learn to remain focused on their goals rather than their failures. They had to learn to 'stay out of their own way.'

What is the #1 excuse we have for not accomplishing our true potential? Fear. Fear is the primary obstacle we put in our own path to success. So what can you do to get out of your own way and step over this nasty dragon named fear? First you should acknowledge what it is that you are actually fearful of. What makes you hesitate to take the necessary actions to achieve your goal? Is it the fear of rejection that is haunting your success? The fear of public speaking? What about the fear of success itself? No matter what your answer to this question is, naming it is the first step. Once you have put a face on your dragon it's time to begin to slay it.

Now that you are looking at your dragon eye to eye let's look at how you react to that fear. I once was told that if you ask for something and the person tells you 'No' what have you lost? But if they say 'Yes' what have you gained? The answer to the negative response is you actually haven't lost a thing; whereas, if you get a positive response you have gained what you were seeking. So it is how you react to the 'No' that makes the difference.

If you are affected by the negative answer you probably find yourself falling into the arms of your old friend ‘fear' again. The negative feelings that you experience and whether you accept your fear or face it head-on will make the all difference in your success or failure. This friend fear tells you, 'See I told you, you were going to fall flat on your face.' This is what is known as ‘Self-destructive behavior'. However what I realized when I was performing, whether singing, playing the piano, or public speaking is that in the end when I goof up only I know I made a mistake! I learned that as long as I kept going and didn't accentuate the flub no one else ever knew where or even that I goofed. When you accept this as fact you too can overcome this fear. I also realized that my audience isn't there to witness my failure they are there to learn from me. What this means is that they not only 'want' me to succeed but they 'expect' me to. Hmm, novel thought, eh?

So it's time to look at your fears, confront them and release them. Repeat after me, 'Out with the bad; in with the good!' You must alter your mindset! You must kick those fears aside and take that proverbial 'step' outside of your comfort zone. I challenge you to change the way you think. Focus on the positive and don't look back! You too can be successful if you are willing to kick those fears to the curb and keep on keeping on.

Homemaking Tip #1 - Easily Dress Your King size Bed

As I stated in the beginning the content you will find here will be wide and varied. So off I go on my first tangent. I hope you can relate to and will forgive my ramblings.

At the ripe young age of 50 I am still having a time making my bed. Now I call that a SLOW-learner. You might say the bed and the sheets just don't see eye to eye with me. It seems I invariably put the bottom sheet on sideway because they are always coming loose over the weeks wear. Yes, like a good little wife I fight this battle weekly. Who needs the gym when you can stay home and get your exercise by changing your sheets? I always end up doing more than my fair share of gymnastics and track while leaping over the mattress and running back and forth from one side of the bed to the other to center the top sheet.

Well the other day I finally got a handle on how to easily "dress" a king size bed by myself. Watch out Martha Stuart, Ginger Marks is in town! It all starts with the way they are folded! When you fold the sheets so that they are halved lengthwise instead of widthwise you just stand on one side of the bed and unfold it from one corner to the next. When folding the bottom sheet start by placing your fist into one corner with the seam touching your hand. Now be sure you have the opposite lengthwise corner in your hand and place it seam side over the same fist. Repeat the corner-over-fist technique until all four corners are placed on your fist. This will ensure that you have your bottom sheet folded so that it is easily "placed" on the bed when you get to that step. Then just finish folding.

The real key in proper application of the bottom sheet lies in the elastic sides. The sides are the elastic part not the top! Once I figured that out. It became an easy chore. My only worry is when the mattress gets rotated, LOL. What is that you say? Rotate a king size mattress by yourself? Martha! Where are you when we need you? he he.

Ginger Marks
DocUmeant, Your Writing Assistant
http://www.documeant.net
Copy Editor, Ladies First Magazine
http://www.ladiesfirstmag.biz/

Online Networking

I have discovered a unique and active online networking group called Ryze.com It had become my favorite source for encouragement and learning. There I have found the most generous, caring spirit you would ever hope to find. Not only are there groups that assist you with any number of specific subjects but there are wonderful opportunities to share your daily lives as well with people who really care about you.

Having been a networking participant for a number of years I know the benefits and the drawbacks of joining a Chamber or local civic group. Memberships can be expensive and unless you are in the " elite group" it may not be realistic to expect immediate results. It can take years of participation and commitment before you get significant recognition.

Networking is not easy, nor is it comfortable for some. Let's break the word down, Net - working. Get the picture? Net meaning online, or an object used to obtain; working, well I guess that doesn't need any explanation now does it.

What I am suggesting is that networking indeed is a job. You have to participate, get involved, be active, let others know you are there before you will begin to reap the rewards that involvement can offer. Once you have begun participating take a step out on faith and start a conversation. It can be a private conversation with one of the other members or an "open forum" subject depending on your preference.

After you have become comfortable with your participation and group(s) another idea you may want to consider is welcoming others. Do you realize that as you welcome others to groups you participate in that your group grows in numbers and you become known as well. The new members will look to you as an authority and will value what you have to say.

I would love to share more about this topic and extend an invitation to you to join me at Ryze.com for a networking experience like no other you have ever experienced. Look me up when you get there and I will be glad to adopt you as my little sister or little brother and show you around.

http://www.ryze.com/go/gmarks

Ginger Marks
Isn't It Time Your Ryze Page Reflected YOU?
http://www.DocUmeant.net

Web Content Awareness Day

February 9, 2006

WCAD is almost here! WCAD is being established for those of us who feel that the internet is filled to overflowing with bad content. Is your content keeping your visitors attention and bringing them back again and again? Promoting those who provide us with content rich content is what Dina Giolitto, WordFeeder.com is focusing her attention on these days.

Here is a quote from Dina's WCAD website:

"On Web Content Awareness Day, we will give thanks and praise to all the living web wizards who enlighten our minds and enrich our lives every single day. We will pay respect to the "Web Gods and Goddesses" who help us web business owners achieve health, wealth and wisdom on the Web... with thought-provoking content that's full of integrity and intelligence.

I'm talking about web content that speaks of a higher standard, a better business... a more truthful, gracious, happy, successful, and deeply satisfied brand of "super-human" who reigns supreme on the Web! And that's YOU, marketing friend."

If you would like to be a part of this hot new holiday join Dina in support at http://wordfeeder.typepad.com/web_content_awareness_day/