#1 Feature on EzineArticles!

I am still recovering from a state of shock! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that something I wrote, especially on the way to grandmother's house for Christmas dinner, would be chosen as THE #1 Feature article on EzineArticles.com!

This is where you can go to read it: 7 Hot Tips for a Prosperous New Year

I find it very strange that although it was singled out it has yet to be picked up for publishing or even forwarded. Hmmm. Something just doesn't seem right. Oh well! Still I would say it is a great way to kick of 2007!

I feel it in my bones that 2007 will be the year that made a difference in my life and my business. What say ye?

Ginger

Enjoy the Journey

In the Rush Stop and Look Around

This is the most exciting and wonderful time of the year. Everyone is involved in a flurry of activities and events. Parties and plays fill our evenings with festivities while our days are packed with shopping and decorating.

These event filled days can become stressful for some. As difficult as it is to admit this is also the season for increased numbers of those that suffer from depression and even suicide to surface.

To keep these traumatic events from creeping into your life, stop and look around. When you are rushing from place to place take a moment or two to enjoy the smells and the sounds, the glistening lights, and incredible displays that surround us.

Count your blessings instead of dwelling on the stress of the season. Enjoy each and every day to the fullest.

Wishing you a Prosperous and Happy New Year!

Holiday Shopping

As we enter into this holiday season my thoughts turn to the gifts that I will bestow. I don’t know about you but I for one hate the crowds and the stores and parking lots full of rude and obnoxious people. That is why I have committed this year to purchase ALL of my gifts from my internet friends. Not ONE will I go out and purchase at a retail establishment. Surly not one!

All year we struggle to make ends meet. Now, when the shopping season and the perfect reason to support our friends businesses begins, we run out of the house and buy from the places like Wal-Mart. Surely the big retailers won’t make good use of our money like our friends will.

What if you want to give a gift that your friends don’t have? The solution is simple. Change your gift selection! Won’t they be surprised when they get a gift that they hadn’t expected? How about a yummy treat? Maybe a stocking stuffed with fresh herbs and teas along with a candle or two would do the trick.

If the person on your gift list owns a business of their own a terrific gift you could consider is an ad package from another of your online friends. I can think of several online friends of mine that own mom & pop businesses that could use the income from such a joint venture.

If you don’t have a list of online friends that can supply your gift needs let me suggest a few that I have found that provide superior quality and speedy delivery.

General
Click button Shopping: http://clickbuttonshopping.com
Lisa’s Art & Horses: http://www.lisasart.com


Foods
Sage Hill Farms: http://www.sagehillfarms.com
My Little Taste of Italy: http://www.mylittletasteofitaly
Annie’s Accent Bakery: http://anniesaccentsbakery.vstore.ca
Vermont Shortbread Co: http://vermontshortbread.com/
Watkins: http://www.watkinsonline.com/ddemell


Home & Garden
Gourmet Candles: http://www.burningwithlove.scent-team.com
Pampered Chef: http://www.pamperedchef.com/
Holiday Cards: http://www.kimemerson.com
Card covers: http://www.documeant.net/cards.html
Roses & Teacups: http://roses-and-teacups.com
Cool Candle: www.CoolCandle.net
Home & Garden Party: http://www.hgpchic.com/


Packaging
Cello-in-a-box: http://www.celloinabox.com/812
Creative Gift Wrapping: http://www.creativegiftwrapping.com/ConsultantProgram.html


Fashion & Jewlery
Ellen B: Elle B. jewelry site
Chic Boutique: http://www.chloeschicboutique.com
Young Living: http://www.youngliving.org/fdurham
Premier Designs: http://www.premierdesigns.com/


Books
Heritage Makers: www.createalegacy.org
Marlin the Christmas Elf: http://www.lulu.com/content/537509
Jesus Gandhi Oma Mae Adams: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1894936604/
Presentational Skills for the Next Generation: http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=684125
Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age: http://www.therawreviewers.com/artman/publish/Whatever.shtml
Jan's Book Store: http://lulu.com/janverhoeff

Business Coaching
J. Givler: http://www.jgivlercoaching.com/

Travel
Global Gateways: http://www.myglobalgetaways.com/

Toys & Games
Discovery Toys: http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/esuite/home/playtoteach
Bright Minds: http://www.brightminds.us/web/CindyP
Blessed Toys: http://www.blessedtoys.com/members/lascrucesmoms/mof.html
Stuff A Friend: http://www.stuffafriend.biz/members/eulademv/


Marketing
Mommy’s Neighborhood: http://www.mommyneighborhood.com
Marketing Salad: http://www.marketingsalad.com/gifts.html
Nibroc Marketing Solutions: http://www.nibrocmarketing.com
Brand your Market: http://brandyourmarket.com

A New Dawn Cometh

For those that don't know, NASA is sending the Dawn spacecraft on a mission to the Asteroid Belt. On that spacecraft are the names of a select few humanoid life forms that stay tuned to the NASA missions.

If you would like to be included click here and simply enter your name.
http://www.dawn-mission.org/DawnCommunity/Sendname2asteroid/nameEntry.asp
Once you have done that be sure to print or save your certificate for posterity.

You see, I paid close attention to this mission due to the fact that my mother's name is DAWN. I can tell you for sure that Dawn will be on board Dawn flying through outer space, along with my hubby and me, and my twin sister.

Bet you didn't know I had a twin. Well I do and we have never met. She lives in UT and I live in FL. We are two peas in a pod. Both of us are writers and marketers. Both of us are from German ancestry. Both of us are or have been in the medical field. I could go on and on, but we are now business partners as well as friends, so I had to include her too. Check out our joint venture here: Nibroc Marketing Solutions

Now I want to invite you to join us too before it is too late. Get your name on board the Dawn Spacecraft and soar through the heavens with us.

Abundance Raining Down

It has been a little while since I have had a free moment to write and share my thoughts with you. This last couple of weeks has had my head in a spin. My writing has taken on a whole new aspect. What started as a fleeting desire is now a main focus.

Gone are those fearful days of blogging and ezine publishing. If I think back far enough I can even remember my first article. But here I am, no longer in Pampers. I have my newsletter on auto-pilot and have started a marketing business with my business partner Kim Emerson. We named it after her grandson, Corbin. It is called Nibroc Marketing Solutions at http://www.nibrocmarketing.com. We are working diligently on a for print ezine on marketing named "My Ugly Little Marketing Ezine". It does not contain the beautiful layouts that I have come to love to create but is rather a simple, content rich, information packed ezine for the serious business owner.

Yes, we have an online ezine that we offer as well but it is looking like we may end up combining the two. I can only hope, at this point.

Besides all these articles I am enjoying the new found friendships and business that these ventures are providing. It seems like just when I need a new project to peek its head up one comes rolling around the bend.

My most recent activity was to design a website from scratch around my writing itself. This I finally finished up today, just moments ago. The link to 'My Writing Place' is here and up there on your right. I do hope you will stop by and give it a look-see. I had to have some place to use my beautification talents since the ezine is so very UGLY!

Well, other projects are calling so I am off to fulfill the needs of others yet one more time.

Until then as always,
Ginger Marks

What was that?

Today I was sitting at my computer and something suddenly flashed across my screen. What was that? I am used to things popping up unexpectedly but actually flashing across my screen was something totally unfamiliar to my glare weary eyes.

I am not sure what it was even still. Maybe I have been invaded by space aliens? Perhaps it was the ghost of Christmas past? Or even a mere leprechaun having his way with my beloved computer. Whatever it was it was certainly a digital encumbrance.

Now that I think about it, this being so close to Halloween maybe it was a spook that has invaded my realm. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if the gremlins were out and about waiting to surprise me when least expected.

Now there is a thought, ‘when least expected’. How often have you been surprised by something ‘expected’? Is that even possible? Where do these inane saying come from anyway? Perhaps another mission into the unknown should be put on my agenda. A mission to find out where the most oft used sayings came from. But, there I go off on another adventure; best to leave that for another day.

“Hot Room” Technology Makes International Networking Event Possible

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Hot Room” Technology Makes International Networking Event Possible

Top Internet Marketers from around the world will meet for the first Audio/Video virtual networking mixer on Oct 12, 2006. The virtual meeting room holds over 500 and the founders expect a record turn out. All serious Internet Marketers are welcome to attend.

PRWEB) Oct 1, 2006 . Top Internet Marketers from around the world are gathering for the WINning Sister’s bi-annual virtual networking mixer slated to take place Oct 12, 2006 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time at http://www.hc.secretofprosperity.com in the Hot Conference room owned by prosperity mentor Kim Emerson.

Every day thousands of entrepreneurial minded people start businesses and each year nearly 40% of those businesses will fail. The secret of those that thrive: Become a “real” business owner, not a hobbyist that plays “store”.

The host of this event is the WINning Sisters of RYZE, founded by Ginger Marks and Tammy DePew-Smith. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to the success of others in business and relationships within the RYZE online business network. Today, the program hosts over 100 members worldwide, with the numbers growing daily. All serious Internet Marketers are welcome to attend their Fall Fling Gala.

Among the scheduled events will be an informative presentation given by feature speaker Kelly McCausey of WAHMs Talk Radio fame. She will touch on newsletters and how the use of them to promote the success of your business. Door prizes will be given and games with valuable gifts will keep things energetic and upbeat.

“Our First event was held in a simple text chat room environment and we had an outstanding turnout. With the incorporation of the “Hot Room” technology that the A/V environment allows I look forward to an even larger group of professionals for this event,” says Marks of DocUmeant.net. She adds, “Every day thousands of entrepreneurial minded people start businesses and according to the Small Business Association within six years 94% of those businesses will fail. The Internet now allows these small business owners a greater chance for success by expanding their potential market to a worldwide audience through the online networking venue.”

© Copyright 2006. All rights reserved DocUmeant.

For more information on the Fall Fling Gala Chat email Ginger Mark at founder@winningsistersofryze.com or visit the website at http://www.winningsistersofryze.com/events.html

###

Press contact: http://www.writingpro.biz

A personal invitation…to The WINning Sisters of Ryze Fall Fling Oct 12th

You already have what it takes to WIN!

Here’s your chance to create NEW connections, network and play games while learning Business Promotion Techniques.

Guest Speaker Kelly McCausey from http://www.wahmtalkradio.com will be teaching us how to use ezines and newsletters to grow our businesses!

Among the 14 prizes to be given out Denise Michaels from http://www.marketingforher.com has donated her best selling book “Testosterone Free Marketing” and her E-Book “Sales Letters”

The WINning Sisters of Ryze Fall Fling is scheduled for Oct 12th from 4PM - 8 PM EST. Details can be found on the Sister Site at http://www.winningsistersofryze.com/events.html

WINning Sisters Fall Fling

I can hardly believe it fall is here already! It seems like we just had the Spring Fling and here we are planning for the Fall Fling. This time around we are going to meet in a live 'Hot Room' environment! I am so excited to be able to offer these fun events to the WAH community. As always the event is 'OPEN TO ALL' So bring everyone you know that wants to learn and party. We will have games & prizes and lots of open networking time. Our speaker, Kelly McCausey, is well known in the WAH community and will be speaking on Ezines aka digital newsletters.

If you would like more information you can view the Press Release here: http://www.winningsistersofryze.com/pr-2.html

To see the event details and the prize page visit the Sisters Event & Prize pages.

See you there!

Ginger

It's Primary Time Once Again

Elections are just around the bend. This time around it would be nice to see the candidates address the issues and divulge their records. What a refreshing change that would be. No more mud slinging, no more whining. No more hiding behind a plethora of rhetoric.

I have been saying for years that two things have to happen in order for things to change. The first is that if you don’t do your homework and invest a little time and effort getting to know the candidates you shouldn’t be allowed to vote. The other solution really rests on the shoulders of the first. That is that all candidate offices should have a choice of “None of the above” and if that is the winning vote, those candidates should be barred from running for any public office in the future.

What do you think it will take to turn the tide?

Tripping on Words

As a Copy Editor and Web site Reviewer I thought I would share some concepts on writing with you. Let me begin by mentioning that for those of you that hate to write and have found the need to share your thoughts there is hope!

Ghostwriters can effectively create content rich content for your use usually for a very small fee. Look at most all of our President's First Ladies' books that have been written in recent years. Each and every one was written by a ghostwriter. For example I have heard it said, Hillary Clinton's book "It Takes A Village" was written by not one but three ghostwriters. However you don't have to be famous to take advantage of these services. If you do decide that you want to write your own story perhaps you might want to make note of some of the most misused words and phrases so you don't get caught in their snares.

One of the main sets of words that are used ineffectively and improperly I have already used one of in the previous paragraph, that is 'effect' vs. 'affect'. Think of it this way, effect is the thing that causes the action while affect is the end result. Perhaps that will help you keep those two from being entangled.

A wide vocabulary is a repository that pulls together your ideas and generates powerful arguments. Have you ever been in mid thought or sentence and said, "What's that word I'm looking for?" As an author and editor I find myself constantly searching for just the right word or phrase. One of the most valuable tools to employ is a thesaurus. However there are times when even those will fail you. Perhaps you have been looking for a tool to supplement your current source or one that will assist you in understanding the proper usage and definitions.

For the last year I have been using White Smoke. If you would like more information on this wonderful program White Smoke offers a demo at their website at http://network.adsmarket.com/click/imNsnY2ff523YZicZZ1-w4tjmJ6NnYOUjw. It provides not only antonym and synonyms but definitions as well. Another benefit of using this program, for me, is that you can specify the type of writing you are doing and it will provide you with options that fit that writing style. For example, if you are writing a business letter the suggestions it gives for enhancement and replacement are totally different than if you were to specify your content was for dating purposes. I am certain you will find this tool a valuable resource.

Words should be fun. Learning to use them properly is imperative in the internet environment. Not only spelling but sentence structure are all laid bare as we are limited to the written word for most of our online communications. The right words in the right form written in a well formed sentence can clarify and fortify your message.

Language reflects not only our culture but our ideas. It explains our lives and our life experiences. It is our way of transferring our observations and perceptions to one another. Communication is a two way street. It helps you understand the world and the world understand you. When you use words improperly or even just spell them incorrectly it implies that either you are lazy, misinformed, or just plain uneducated.

Another valuable piece of advice is not to overuse 'big words' just for the sake of using them. I strongly agree with Don Watson's principals clearly stated in his book "Death Sentences". Management Speak (and over usage of unfamiliar terms) will make your listener or reader's go brain-dead quicker than a Sunday sermon. I offer the following excerpt from a book I recently acquired, see if your brain picks up every word and follows along with what the author is trying to express or if, like me, your brain shuts down and your eyes glaze over.

"Not a succedaneum for satisfying the nympholepsy of nullifidians, it is hoped that the haecceity of this enchiridion of arcane and recondite sesquipedalian items will appeal to the oniomania of an eximious Gemeinschaft whose legerity and sophrosyne, whose Sprachgefühl and orexis will find more than fugacious fulfillment among its felicific pages."

In closing I would like to offer one last bit of advice; grow your vocabulary first then practice using the words properly before incorporating them in your speech and writing.

I AM therefore I CAN!

When I was a young girl I used to love to prove people wrong when they told me I couldn't do something. Two little words, "you can't", were all it took for me to brave any challenge. I remember even as a young woman being undaunted by those naysayers. My motto then was "I am therefore I can!" Over the years somehow I became a little less daring. I began to listen to that little voice whispering in my ear. A sense of inferiority and/or lack of experience would creep into my being whenever I undertook an unfamiliar task.

Recently that little voice began yelling in my ear. Gone was the brave little girl. The older and wiser, set-in-her-ways, woman was in control. This last year I have been telling myself I am going to write an e-newsletter (ezine) and become an eBay merchant. I kept listening to that voice and I allowed it to keep me from accomplishing those two tasks. "You are only a woman, you don't know how, you will fail!" All of these thoughts and more continually bombarded my mind. However, after listening to a teleconference on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and hearing how important it is to have both an ezine and an eBay seller account I realized that I had to ditch my fear and just do it!

Soon after that decision was made I read a post on one of my internet networking boards that named a source for automating ezine distribution. What timing! What luck! Off I went to check it out and sign up. Now three months passed and I had only gotten half way to my goal. "You can't, you don't know how, what in the world would anybody want that you have?" Sound familiar? Yes, it was that still small voice whispering in my ear once more.

In the past year I have become an accomplished writer. So why not write a book? I had written articles and even compiled a few eBooks, both for myself and some of my clients, but I had no clue as to what to write that someone might actually pay to own. Then it hit me. Since I had been hostessing weekly chats and writing self-help articles why not write a book on presentational design & skills?

Over the course of the next few weeks I wrote what turned out to be a very informative and well written self-help book titled "Presentational Skills for the Next Generation". The next step was to apply for my selling numbers (ISBN) and bar code. Those would allow me to have others sell my book for me. Resellers like eBay and Amazon as well as being able to eventually print it for sale at the local bookstores could become a reality. This was another scary task. I had instructed other authors to obtain these items but had never had to get them myself. I knew where to go to get this done; it was just a matter of doing it.

Three weeks later I had my codes in hand and was sure I would take that final step and get an eBay merchant account. Did I get right to the task at hand? No! Why? Because I had lost my "can do" attitude. I let fear rule my actions. When you don't know what you're doing chances are you will let fear stop you.

It wasn't until I voiced my desire to two different people who had been where I wanted to go that I finally took action. Now I must say that the challenges I faced weren't that difficult to overcome. The real obstacle was FEAR! Once I set my fear aside I was able to take all the steps that would eventually see my tasks fulfilled. I have re-discovered my childhood motto and I invite you to claim it too. "I AM therefore I CAN!"

- Ginger Marks

Back to Business

It is that time of year again. The kids are getting back to school and it is time to pump it up a notch with our businesses. What is your idea of getting off the starting block? I was thinking about that the other day and thought that this might be a good place to begin my search.

Some of the things that come to mind are:

1. Advertising
2. Promotion
3. Sales
4. Events
5. Networking
6. Charity

All of these means it seems are just simply the tip of a mountain of ideas. Let's take the first one for example, advertising. You have online and offline. Then you have to consider what form of online or offline advertising suits you and your clients best. The worst thing you can do is throw good money in the wrong direction. You need to decide first who your target market is and what motivates them to buy. That is a topic for another conversation though.

Promotion sort of flows out of the advertising river into a whole new income stream of its own. If you want to promote your business you must first decide whether you want to do it in print or live interaction. Promotion can be done with flyers or you could join a group like the one I ran into recently that stuffs their products with your flyers. What a neat concept that is. You produce the promotional piece. It can be a business card, brochure or even a promotional or sale flyer. Print up 500 pieces and send it to the member that is requesting them and they insert it into their mailings. I would be happy to share this resource with you if you are interested.

How about those of us who enjoy the live interaction of an audience? There are multitudes of opportunities to promote your product or service doing seminars and chats. Just days ago I finished writing a book titled, "Promotional Skills for the Next Generation". I have it for sale in PDF version presently while I am awaiting my ISBN# to be able to sell it through vendors both in digital and print mediums. If you would like a copy just email me and I will be happy to send you your pre-release first edition copy.

What about Press Releases? They can be tied into your business promotion in a very powerful way. Consider hiring a professional who can not only pen the perfect press release but get it into the right hands. Don't attempt to do this on your own if you want real results. My PR Queen is Kim Emerson. If you want her assistance you can email her at info@writingpro.biz

One thing we fall back on often is the use of sales. These can generate interest and sometimes are the catalyst to revenues from those potential customers who are sitting on the proverbial fence. I have recently begun offering coupon book promotion to my clients as this seems to be a WIN, WIN, WIN! for everyone involved. Companies that would otherwise not let the associate promote their business can use these simple, non-threatening advertising options to their advantage. One thing that I have learned from this experience is that when offering a coupon you would do better to offer a dollar amount off rather than a percentage. Why? Well it seems that people don't perceive the value of percentage as quickly as they do an actual dollar amount.

As for events my recommendation is GET INVOLVED! If you can find the time get involved in putting them together. Attending is one thing and will garner you some networking time but when you are involved with the planning and promotion not only do you gain valuable experience but personal one-on-one with the movers and the shakers interaction as well.

Which leads us into networking. As you already know networking is a huge factor in the success or failure of your business. Just do it! Online or off. In person or in the chat room. It really doesn't matter. This is a powerful tool. Use it wisely. Make friends and let the conversation flow naturally into business informational exchange. Don't begin with an ad! This is the quickest way to turn the other members off.

Have you considered aligning with a charity? This is something that can be beneficial to others while being a promotional tool for you at the same time. Take this opportunity to use the press release to promote your business. During the holidays is a perfect time to make these associations.

Whatever your comfort level is, the key is to get off the bench and begin taking the actions to allow your business to grow and flourish. Set a goal, reach for the stars! If you end up in the clouds you have gained at the very least experience.

A taste of things to come

I thought that I would take this opportunity to offer you a sample of the upcoming eNewsletter also named Words of Wisdom. This sampling is taken from the Feature Article in the Aug 3, 2006 issue.

Discover The Power Of The Right Words

How powerful is your message? Does your message lack punch? Are you using the right words to get your message noticed? Even worse! Are your words costing you business? When you are in business whether online of off these are questions you should continuously be asking yourself.

Considering the significant effect your words have on your audience should be of primary importance to you. As I have stated in prior articles if your writings are filled with spelling errors and poor sentence structure you are fighting an uphill battle that may never be won. That is why it is so important to read and re-read, write and re-write your copy. It is also why you should have others review it prior to posting. Even as a Copy Writer/ Editor I find I am just too close to my own writings to recognize errors in my personal works. How many are you missing?

Once you have the sentence structure down and spelling corrected it is time to look at the message you are trying to convey. In writing marketing copy there are words that marketing copy writers know as Power Words. When applied properly these words can be used to express any number of feelings that will generate action on your readers part.

Take the following sentence; A work of art is something you achieve when the right pieces come together. Wouldn't it be better written like this? You too can create an inspiring and effective masterpiece with carefully crafted content. Do you recognize how one is well written while the other creates interest. The first is merely a simple pronouncement while the alternative effectively builds interest making you want to read more.

As I mentioned earlier this is merely and excerpt from the upcoming edition. To receive the full article scheduled for release on Aug. 3, 2006 I invite you to sign up on my business website at http://www.documeant.net/.

As this is an new and evolving resource I currently provide free advertising. For those of you who have a 50 word or less text ad that you would like to see included simply email me and I will consider your offering.

Web Marketing Checklist: 32 Ways to Promote Your Website

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, E-Commerce Consultant
Web Marketing Today, June 14, 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The following article includes dozens of links to resources and more information -- much of it carefully organized on my website (and in some books) for further study, much of it entirely free. Please excuse the many links to my site. This article originally appeared in Web Marketing Today, Issue 39, December 1, 1997. As one of our most popular articles, it was revised most recently on June 14, 2006.

Cited in PC Magazine,

How can you get more visitors to your website? What can you do to stimulate traffic? Here's a checklist of 32 items you need to consider. Many of these you're probably doing already; others you meant to do and forgot about; still others you've never heard of. Of course, a great deal has been written about this. You'll find links to thousands of articles on site promotion in our Web Marketing Research Room (www.wilsonweb.com/research). While we're not breaking any new ground here, we've tried to summarize some of the most important techniques.

Click here to read the full article

DaVinci Code Uncorks the Genie

The sacred feminine makes an appearance.

The DaVinci Code has struck a chord for millions of people. The book, the spin-off books, the movie, the court cases. Is it that it’s such a well-written story? A fascinating mystery? A debunking of organized religion? Is it Tom Hanks? Might it be, at least in part, that the story taps into a deep longing for balance in the world, for the sacred feminine to be invited back to the table to sit as an equal?

Read the entire article . . . http://www.kjbryant.com/html/otherwriting.htm

K.J. Bryant left career, home and an established life to go on a one-year journey around the country searching for a new life after 50. On her path to reinvention, Bryant met over 70 women with amazing stories of transformation. She shares the wisdom and inspiration she gained in her workshops, presentations and forthcoming book, Journeys: 50,000 Miles of Wise Women. Sign up for her free eJourneys Newsletter and learn more about Bryant at: http://www.kjbryant.com/

New Words of Wisdom Ezine!

http://www.documeant.net/

As I grow and develop my online business, discover, and begin to employ the plethora of tools available, I continue to divulge my secrets to success. Having said that I would like to offer you the opportunity to join me in my FREE, first edition, Words of Wisdom Ezine. Go to the above link and sign up there. Receive a special FREE Resource Guide and US State Abbreviation directory. This little item is one you will want to keep handy and is your thank you gift for signing up.

Wishing you prosperity,
Ginger Marks
DocUmeant.net
http://www.documeant.net

Abundance and Prosperity

You, my friend are destined for greatness! Prosperity and abundance belong to you!

Marketing your business to others begins with marketing concepts that you believe. When you believe in your business and your skills, your talents draw success toward you. You surround yourself with good wholesome values and they multiply.

You dance with enthusiasm as you greet each day. You smile, energized, excited about the business growing and your marketing plan succeeds. Your destiny of greatness succeeds because you believe and you function within the boundaries of abundance, prosperity and wealth.

~~~~~~~~
Jan Verhoeff
http://janverhoeff.com/services.htm
Check out the miriad of May Specials!

Just What Is An EBook?

Let me begin by introducing myself to you. My name is Ginger Marks and I am the founder of a writing & presentational design studio aptly named DocUmeant. I have been writing in one form or another for over 30 years.

Recently I expanded my list of services to include eBook compiling. This experience has led to several completed works both in PDF and Palm OS forms. With two of my own PDFs now available, one free and the second nominally priced. I have garnered the experience to be called upon to share some tips and tidbits to assist you too, in the creation of your very own eBook.

This month’s tip I felt needed to be of significant value to show you just how simple the transitioninto eBook authorship can be. Therefore my subject will be, 'Just What Is An EBook?'

An eBook is the same as any other book with the exception that it has been compiled into a completely digital format. Thus the ‘e’ in eBook, stands for electronic or better known as digital.

Your first step is to come up with a story or series of articles that work synergistically with each other. Once you have your content you will need to decide what audience you wish to attract. To be sure there are two major forms of eBooks. The first popular form of eBook developed was for the Palm Operating System (OS). You may have some in your own library. Those who have older handheld devices can not view or read the second and most popular form, the PDF eBook. So you must next decide which audience you are going to eventually solicit. You may decide to offer both versions and in that case you should know each has its own distinct software which you will need to learn to use.

 Having worked with and compiled both Palm and PDF forms I can assure you there is still a small group who would benefit from being given the choice. For the sake of brevity and to remain current with the times I will focus my discussion on the PDF form. If you have any questions regarding the Palm OS form please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to assist you.

So get started; pick up your pen and put your thoughts in order. Next time we will discuss the available eBook software and their nuances. Until then.

 

© Copyright 2005 Ginger Marks

Ginger Marks is the founder of DocUmeant, Your writing assistant. For more information on her services or to obtain your copy of her eBooks, How to Create Success and/or Back to Basics, visit her website at http://www.documeant.net or email her at info@DocUmeant.net She is also the Copy Editor for Ladies First Magazine http://www.ladiesfirstmag.biz

Networking Etiquette

Just yesterday I was reading through my messages on a networking board that I am affiliated with when I came across a message from someone who was requesting to network with me and I had no earthly idea who they were. It seems that this is getting to be the norm.

Maybe I am not quite 'with it' but I just don't understand how anyone could believe that I would want to reveal my friends and family email addresses and names to someone who hasn't even taken the time to pop me a short line of introduction. And even with that done, is that really enough? I think not.

I liken this tactic to walking into a place of business you have never been to before and asking to speak with the owner. Yeah, that is all fine and dandy. But, what is out of place is that the next thing they do. I liken it to saying to the owner, Hi I am so and so and I would love for you to simply hand over to me all your friend's and relatives, business associates, and supplier's contact information. Nothing much really, I just want their names, phone numbers, email addresses, and business URLs. Do you get my drift? What do you supposed the owner would do? What would YOU do?

So how DO you make this transition when in a networking situation? Is online Networking any different than face-to-face networking? One huge difference is the face-to-face kind done in a local civic group or Chamber setting is a much longer process. It can take years to get to know the other members and you have to participate and join committees before you see any real benefit from the investment you make with your membership dues. Once that connection is made you can share your contacts one-by-one on an as needed basis. Whereas in online networking it is just the opposite. You can easily see the flaw in thinking that my initial response is going to be to say SURE! Let's Network!

The first step in making a networking connection is to simply introduce yourself. Post comments to the boards or threads often and get comfortable with the group. Let them get comfortable with you too. Then invite those that you have a common ground or connection with over for an ongoing communication via email and personal messages.

One good way to find out if you have anything in common is to visit their homepage and read their ENTIRE page. Follow their links. Read their guest book entries and look at the list of networks they are affiliated with. Maybe even visit some of those networks as well. When you take the time to do this you can easily see if they might be someone you would enjoy having as a friend or business associate.

Then simply send them an email or private message and let them know by stating some of the things you have garnered from their posted information. Connect with them. Make a new friend. Then when you ask them to network with you they will be more likely to respond in a positive manner.

Whether done online or off there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Take your smile with you when you go and be open to sharing your thoughts and ideas. Remember, networking is relationship building.

Ginger Marks
DocUmeant
http://www.docUmeant.net