My Love Affair with Chevy Sonic!!

May 15th, 2012

Okay, so I have the awesome privilege of being a part of the GM Influencer’s Program. By being in the program, I am given the opportunity to test drive a car of their choosing, and then Tweet, Facebook and/or blog about it. I chose to do all of the above.

Anyway, my 2012 Chevy Sonic Turbo was delivered to me on May 4th, the day after my birthday, so it was a nice birthday gift.

The color on it is what they called a Crystal Red.  It came with a full tank of gas.  It had XM Satellite Radio, heated seats and is spacious enough to comfortably seat four adults (by the way, it is a four door car.  The handles to the rear doors are located on the rear back door windows).  I’m going to be honest with you though, when I first saw Sonic, I thought it was rather small, but after getting inside, I realized it was bigger than I thought.  Herein begins my one week love affair!!

I had my Sonic for a week, and I never had to gas up.  NEVER!!  I mean I drove every day, every where.  I took my kids to and from school.  I had a business meeting in Rockville, Maryland.  I visited my sister who lives in Mitchellville, Maryland, and all the other things in between.  Sadly, when my love affair came to an end, which was on May 11th, my Sonic still had a good quarter tank of gas (the quarter tank of gas is a good thing).  My Sonic was excellent on gas.

A couple of days in the mornings, while taking my kids to school, the heated seats came in handy.  It was a nice warm start to a chilly morning.

Did I mention that my Sonic is excellent in the rain??  My little baby tackled rain like it was on dry land.

I fell in love with my Sonic, and so did my kids. 

I would definitely recommend a Chevy Sonic as a good economical car.  I think it’s an excellent car for a small family, or a great car for a college student.  If for nothing else, the fact that it is so excellent on gas.

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is affordable too. Starting MSRP $13,865–$18,625.

*Sighs*  Anyway, the love affair has ended, sadly!!  Me and my Sonic have parted ways.

But stay tuned for my next car love affair!!  See if my next car affair steals my heart like my Chevy Sonic did!!

Until next time…stay fabYOUlous!!  ~smooches Dah-ling~ :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Fab Friday’s with Friends ~ Today’s Guest Blogger: The Phenomenal Lauren G.

May 11th, 2012

The Lifestyle of the Fab-YOUlous and Forgiving!

I want to speak directly to you. Yes, you! The fab-YOUlous, YOU… who is now reading this post!

Today, I am asking you to reach inside yourself,real deep. Please indulge me for one moment. Take a nice shallow breath. Right now. Don’t wait until you are finished reading this post. Take the breath now, I’ll wait.

Now take a deeper breath…

Go deeper still. Take a deeper breath…

THANKS!!! Do you feel better? I knew you would. Many times, we are sitting here at these computers and our shoulders are cramping up from being hunched over and our eyes are tired of the ultraviolet light.

It gets tough to take in a good message, like that. I have a good message for you, today. One that will bring you more peace. Hence, the deep breaths I had you take at the beginning of the post.

I have started having my son take some nice deep breaths when I know I am going to have him do something he does not want to do. It gives him a sense of calm and he is able to do it without being upset. It riles him up. He says, “Mom why won’t you just let me be mad. Now, I’m mad, because I can’t get mad.” LOL!

So, there’s a tip for you parents to use on yourselves and your children. Take a breath before doing any task large or small. Take a breath when starting any new project. Take a breath before reading your next status update, post or piece of mail… You get the picture. Know I’m not some looney asking you to breathe all your problems away, but let’s get to the point anyway…

Forgiveness is For You

Forgiveness is something that you do. It is not just something that happens to you over time. You say, “I’ll forgive one day when I feel better about it.” Even more than that, forgiveness is a state that you choose. You choose to forgive. Forgiveness has no mind to choose you. You choose, with your mind, to forgive.

Forgiveness means that you do not have to feel hurt, pain and negative emotions from some past event, any longer. It does not matter if the event happened yesterday. It really does not matter if it were an hour ago. You can choose to forgive or let it go. It does not matter if the event was 10 years ago.

“Forgiveness is setting someone else free and then realizing that you were the prisoner.” ~Max Lucado

How Do You Choose to Forgive?

Many people have no idea what forgiveness is at all. They simply have no definition for it, but have many feelings about it. This ignorance can have a crippling effect. So, let’s define it.

You must understand forgiveness. There are so many different definitions. The word forgiveness has been used to release people from the “responsibility” of debts they incurred. It has also been used to release prisoners from prison, even if they committed a crime based on some misinformation or political mishap. Releasing justice from being served and the criminal having to take “responsibility” or accept consequences for their actions.

Now, we see the word forgiveness as an act of releasing someone from taking responsibility for their actions. We feel like that what forgiveness means in our lives. I say, “Most certainly NOT!!!” Forgiveness is a more responsible word than that.

“Forgiveness is giving up hope that the past could be any different.” ~Oprah Winfrey

If I Forgive Him/Her, then They Will Get Away With (Fill in the blank).

Forgiveness means that the offender must receive whatever consequence for their action, even if it means that you no longer speak to them. Forgiveness simply means that you accept that what was done was done. Accept the fact that it hurt you. Allow yourself to fully feel the pain. Do not try to stop the tears, but fully indulge your hurt. Know that you can and will let it go.

We hold on to hurts partially because we have always been taught to hush our tears. We have never been allowed to just hurt or cry. We we were just children we were told to man up or just stop it. It is seen as weakness, embarrassing and shameful.

Hear me, as I say this, there is no shame in hurting. Cry for all the times you didn’t get to when you were little. Do not cry a cry of weakness, but a cry of release. This is the beginning of forgiveness. If you are not into crying, then scream. If you are not prone to screaming, beat up a pillow. Release. Go for walk, a run. Get physical. Release though the body.

Let the Dead Bury the Dead

The past is gone. The future is just a dream. The present is all we have. Yet, we continuously through dead memories, continue to relive the past over and over in our present. Thereby, reliving the pain.

We even go as far as projecting the pain into our future that does not exist. We imagine this horrendous situation may happen to us again. Recreating the emotions and having the experience all over again. Many times we change the experience, in our minds, for the worst and not for the best.

Forgiveness means accepting that the situation happened, then declaring that you will not relive the experience and the emotions a moment longer. It is over. It is dead. It is in the past. It can not be changed. Again, it is over.

What if I Keep Thinking About It even Though I Try to Stop?

I am going to say something that does not make any since. Then again, maybe it does. DO NOT TRY TO STOP THINKING ABOUT IT. Every time you think about the hurtful situation, instead of trying to force it out of your mind, thereby refocusing on the very thing you want to forget… Instead use the Love Button.

What is the Love Button?

The Love Button is just the simple phrase, “I Love You.” Each time the memory comes up of the hurt and pain. Say within yourself, “I Love You.” Say it only within yourself. In the theater of your mind, say it to the other person. In the theater of your mind, say it to God, the Universe, the world. Say “I Love You” and Feel Love. The most important part is to “feel love.” Feeling Love is 95% of this process.

You can also use the Love Button by imagining yourself with that Staples Easy Button, but instead of the button saying “Easy” it says “I Love You.” In the theater of your mind, press your “I Love You” Button and feel the hurt or pain from the memory release, just a little. Imagine every time you press the button that it erases a little bit of the pain. Each time you say “I love you”or press the “I Love You” Button, just a little bit of the painful memory is wiped away. Just imagine it!

This is a simple technology of healing, but the most simple things confound the wise. Accept what I am saying here for just a few days. Use it fully. If you use it for 3 days and your heart is not lighter or completely free of an old hurt or pain that you focus the Love Button on, then throw this concept out, and do not ever use it again.

But if it lightens your heart and frees you from any pain, continue to use the Love Button to be the Fab-YOUlous, you that you are. Thank you so much for having me on as a guest, today! Have a fab-YOUlous Friday! Be Blessed. Be Well. More Love to You…

i AM she ~the Queen of Forgiveness~ 2 years walking the road of forgiveness, and I find that there really is nothing to forgive. If I am going to forgive a few minutes later, then why go through the trouble of getting upset, hurt or angry at all. I just know that I forgive and I am forgiven. This is my mantra to all. Forgive and be forgiven. Forgive yourself (as God already has), and forgive others as you have been forgiven. As you continue your walk in forgiveness, you will find that more than proverbially — there really is nothing (happening outside of you) to forgive. But for now, just forgive. — http://www.LaurenReliford.com

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Keep it Simple…Success on the Internet

May 8th, 2012

As much as we all want to become an overnight success on the internet, for most of us, it ain’t happening.  Many new marketers make the mistake when they build their first website – they think their website will immediately start to get visitors, and instantly start making money. NOT!! Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way, as most of us have learned through trial and error.

However, having a successful website is possible.  Here are a few easy steps which will help you achieve just that.

 

Keep it Simple. This means not too many graphics, no flashing images, no cutesy cartoons or music. Your website should present a clean and professional image, be easy to navigate and generally make the user experience a positive one.

Don’t Wait for It. A lot of marketers build their website and wait for traffic. This isn’t a good strategy. Instead go out and get your traffic. Write a few articles and distribute them to the article directories. This will help you get one-way incoming links which the search engines love. Participate in related forums and provide valuable content and input in exchange for a link back to your website.

You can also advertise on select and related sites. Just make sure that the website you’re advertising on is actually a high ranking site with a steady stream of related visitors. The trick to getting traffic is to be consistent and to try a variety of different methods to help build incoming links.

Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that all of your website pages are search engine friendly, that your website has a user-friendly and search-engine friendly navigation structure and that you provide quality content for your visitors.

Be Real.  Many websites are cold and unfriendly. This won’t help your sales. People are sceptical and when doing business on the internet, they’re going to opt for websites which appear professional and also reassure them that there is indeed a real person behind the website.

Be sure to include an “about us” section on your website as well as visible contact information for all your visitors. A nice professional picture of you and your team (if you have one) is a nice touch as well. Share a little about your business and let them know you are there to help them.

Being successful on the internet is attainable.  It takes a few simple steps, a lot of common sense and structuring your website. This means, making sure people can find you (equates to a great location); making the user experience enjoyable (professional website, good navigation structure); and finally being personable and letting your customers know that you are there to help.

I always try to give you some sort of guide to help you become successful with your online venture.  Here is one I recommend. The Beginner’s Guide to Online Success

I hope this helps.  Until next time…stay fabYOUlous!!  ~smooches Dah-ling~ :)

 

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Fab Friday’s with Friends ~ Today’s Guest Blogger: Delmy Vialpando

May 4th, 2012

Five Tips to Step Out and Enjoy your New Surroundings

“Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.”-Raymond Lindquist

Moving and living away from our familiar surroundings is a challenge.  In our new global society this is a fact for many women who, for job related reasons, are living in an area different from the one they are accustomed to.

Often the question comes to mind of how to overcome those feelings that may be hindering us from experiencing a fulfilled meaningful life in our new surroundings.

As I have move around often, several times, overseas, I have learned the importance of preventing isolation and dealing with homesickness by finding ways for becoming involved in the new community.

I have developed a system of five steps to help me keep focused.

Ready to take the steps?

Let’s go . . .

FIRST STEP

WHO am I?

You would think that the first step to take out of your home into the new surroundings is to open the door and go out. The reality is that, just like for everything else we decide to accomplish, the very first thing to do is to look inward and understand your particular answer to the following:

How do I feel about this change in my life?

What are my fears in my new circumstances?

SECOND STEP

WHAT is it that you are interested in?

Is it the arts, music, history, languages, tourist places, crafts, cuisine, photography, modern cities, quaint towns, socializing, sports and so on?

The important thing is to make a commitment to what is a realistic activity, adventure or opportunity that will enhance your new life experience.

Joining international clubs such as Toastmasters International is an effective way to connect with your new community.

THIRD STEP

How do you start y-o-u-r new life?

Prioritize your daily activities, decide which ones will be removed and substituted for the ones chosen in step two.

Begin a system to record and file information on your plan of action for achieving your goals. Find a way that is attractive to you, such a special box for all the data collected about your areas of interest.

Are you ready for your FOURTH STEP?

WHEN y-o-u will go out.

Start by setting up and “ideal schedule” and a “back up schedule” with flexibility in it too. If the schedule is too overloaded, then it is likely that you will never do it. That’s why it is good to only have 1 or 2 things in mind to really focus on.

Getting a monthly calendar specifically to record your goals and experiences helps to keep track and focused on them.

The FIFTH STEP is just as important.

WHY would you go to the trouble of stepping out of your comfort zone?

When you consider that each move provides you with an opportunity for personal growth, you will realize it is worth it.

You will be creating a new way of life.

You will be empowered to step out and overcome the fears or insecurities of living in a different location.

Let’s begin the journey together!

Delmy is a certified life coach who has lived in the international arena for over 25 years. As a wife she has experienced overseas moves with two young daughters and as an empty-nest spouse. Each move provided her with an opportunity for personal growth which she shares through her blog http://www.delmyvialpando.com.

Her mission and passion is to empower women who, for job-related reasons are transferred to a place different from the one they are accustomed to.  You can request her complete free report on this subject at tellme@delmyvialpando.com or http://www.delmyvialpando.com.

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Fab Friday’s with Friends ~ Today’s Guest Blogger: Nancy Shields

April 27th, 2012

The Spirit of a Woman

Author Hugh Prather from the Quiet Answer states, “you need never fear your desires or run from your fantasies.”

A woman, gentle as a flower, graceful like a swan – a most beautiful elegant species. Yes, WE hold those beautiful qualities and now to learn to embrace these amazing qualities in each one of us. We are captivated by beautiful women as a society. Movie stars that grace our screens – I watched Angelina Jolie recently in the movie “The Tourist” with Johnny Depp; they opened the movie with her walking the streets of Paris. She was adorned with a figure, elegant and truly sophisticated, exquisite clothing covered her body and what made her even more beautiful was her delicate walk. As the camera panned her from every angle – she floated across the pavement. Watch someone’s walk – it will tell you a lot about that person. I hope this blog allows us to think about the way we walk as women. I believe we really need to
embrace our femininity and accept the fact that we were made WOMEN. Let’s really enjoy the fact of this. We were created with so much beauty within, that it shines out of us.

Let’s pay attention to our walking – being mindful is a start. Notice a woman that walks gracefully. She looks taller, more confident and truly beautiful!

The title of this blog is the Spirit of a Woman. The spirit lies deep within each of us and from that inner place it extends out to the world to see. Values, morals, character are all connected to the spirit. When we walk with conviction, with purpose we are telling the world you want to be respected, to be honored as the beautiful woman that you are!

I ask that we be aware and notice our walks, our feminine spirit and I join you in walking taller in confidence and in love for yourself!

Remember, may the possibilities of today excite us all!

BIO:  Girlfriends Unite!  How one woman’s journey inspired her to create a fabulous and fun place for women to meet, share and inspire each other. Her website is www.makegirlfriends.com. In our transient, online, and mobile culture, it’s so difficult for women to meet one another and build the type of friendships we used to take for granted.  Who do you share your deepest feelings, fears, dreams and celebrations with?  Where do you go for empathy, inspiration, new perspectives and advice?  Nancy Shields has a deep caring for issues impacting women and children.  She also has a gift of helping women make empowering connections with other women, along with a natural ability to lift them up through a sincere desire to see them succeed.  She has learned, through her own challenging and enlightening experiences, that if you eliminate the perception that things are impossible, possibilities open, and infinite opportunities arise!  Join us to hear about Nancy’s generous and empowering vision for women, including her free website MakeGirlfriends.com and her dream to establish transitional housing for abused women and their children. We all have a passionate and inspirational dream in us!  Awaken yours!  Nancy can be reached via email nancy@makegirlfriends.com.

 

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Having a Positive Attitude!!

April 24th, 2012

I have a question for you, at this very moment, what are you thinking?? What are your thoughts?? In that one moment, were your thoughts positive or negative?? And in that one moment, were you happy or sad? I know it sounds weird, but believe it or not, our thoughts are very powerful and effect our general attitude.

Okay, so here’s another question. When you enter a room, how do people respond to you? Do they all fall silent as if everybody is afraid of you and scared to speak? Or when you walk in a room, you own it?? People actually get excited when you enter.

You know what? The answer to all these depends on your frame of mind. And it doesn’t end there. Your attitude can also affect people around you. The type of attitude you carry depends on you. It can be either positive or negative.

Positive thoughts have a filling effect. They are admittedly invigorating. Plus, the people you are usually energized by this type of attitude. Negative thoughts on the other hand have a sapping effect on people. Aside from making you look gloomy and sad, negative thoughts can turn a festive gathering into a tomb. A positive attitude attracts people, while a negative attitude repels them. People tend to shy away from those who carry a negative attitude.

Instant Positive Attitude

We can also define attitude as the way of looking at the world. If you choose to focus on the negative things in the world, that is the weight that you will carry. However, if you choose to focus on the positive things, you are more than likely going to have a positive attitude.

You have so much to gain from having a positive attitude. For one, studies have shown that a positive attitude promotes better health. Those with this kind of attitude also have more friends. Projecting a positive attitude also helps one to handle stress and problems better than those who have a negative attitude.

A positive attitude begins with a healthy self-image. If you love you some you, the way you are, satisfied, confident, and self-assured, will most certainly be exuded. And believe it or not, it will also make others that are around you, feel the same way.

A negative attitude, on the other hand, will most definitely display the opposite effect. By carrying a negative attitude, two things happen. You feel bad about yourself, and you make others around you feel bad as well.

If you want to have a positive attitude, you have to feature healthy thoughts. This is probably very hard to do nowadays since, all around us, the media feeds us nothing but negativity.

If you want a healthier outlook in life, you need to think happy thoughts, and you have to hear positive things as well.

You know, there are times when there is no one there to encourage me or lift me up. In those instances, that’s when I have to encourage myself. I simply speak positive, encouraging words to myself. You’ll be surprised what that will do for your attitude. If that’s what it will take to keep your attitude positive, than simply, you have to depend on you.

Although it is impossible to keep ourselves from the negative things around us, you can still carry a positive attitude by focusing on the good and positive things in life.

And this positive attitude you now carry can be a benefit to other people. Sometimes when other people feel down, the thing people mostly try to do is encourage them and lift them up. But sometimes, all they need is somebody to sit by them, and listen to them. If you have a positive attitude you may be able to cheer them up without even having to say anything. Sometimes, that’s all a person needs!!

Every once and a while, we need a little guidance to push us along the way. Here’s a book I recommend to help you get going and kick that positive attitude in gear.

Instant Positive Attitude

Until next time…stay fabYOUlous!! ~smooches Dah-ling~ :)

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Fab Friday’s with Friends ~ Today’s Guest Blogger: Bethany Hansraj

April 20th, 2012

Insception’s iPregnancy App Helps Busy Mums-to-Be

While pregnancy is meant to be a time of joy and great expectations, it often turns out to be a little bit stressful. Planning to bring your baby into the world requires a great deal of time and effort, and it is not uncommon to lose track of your responsibilities as a mother-to-be.

Insception Cord Blood Program recognizes this common conundrum, and identifies with expecting parents who happen to be experiencing it. As such, the company has released a new iPregnancy Checklist App that aims to keep expecting moms and dads on track as they prepare to bring their baby into the world.

The iPregnancy Checklist application from Insception provides expecting parents with a digital checklist of all of the responsibilities they will have to undertake as they prepare for the birth of their baby. The list is fully-customizable, so parents can choose only the responsibilities that they are interested in taking on, including shopping for baby clothes, learning about cord blood banking, taking prenatal vitamins, enrolling in birthing classes and more.

The application can also be programmed to alert parents when an appointment is coming up or when they need to be reminded of a certain responsibility. Parents can also sort their checklists by trimester to have a better handle on what needs to be done and when.

The iPregnancy Checklist app from Insception Cord Blood Program is available in the iTunes App Marketplace for free! Download it today, and let us know what you think.

Other articles by Bethany Hansraj:

Insception Blog
Bethany’s Google Plus Account

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Fab Niche Markets

April 17th, 2012


You probably already know that niche marketing is the best option for your online business. Still, you may be a little confused as to what makes a good market or simply where to find these markets.

Here are a few popular niche markets to help get your creative juices flowing.

Anything green. The world is changing and people know that we’ll soon need greener options. Anything from green energy to sustainable living to organic gardening is hot. And this trend doesn’t look to change anytime soon. With more and more manufacturers and businesses coming up with new products to supply to this growing market. A Complete Guide to Greener Living

Natural diets. Although the weightloss market is hardly new, there is a growing trend for natural diet alternatives. People are tired of the same old same old diet books, pills and exercises. Think anything holistic such as hypnosis, natural teas or therapies to help lose weight. The Natural Diet Plan

Obesity trend.
Following the diet trend and unfortunate market is arising – obesity. And not only adult obesity but childhood obesity as well. Now you can find a growing number of companies making larger size fitted clothing for children and adults as well as other items such as shoes and jewellery. Start Up – Beginners Guide Weight Loss

Social marketing.
The internet is changing and so is the way we do business. This is a niche market still expanding and growing. If you’re an expert on social media marketing this is a good time to claim your piece of the pie. Winning at Social Media

Pampered Pets. This market is still growing. People are willing and happy to spend money on their pets. Anything from designer dog houses to cat clothing to organic pet treats is in demand. This may be a small market but a highly affluent one. Homemade Pet Spa’s

There are new emerging markets all the time. These are just a few of the popular trends today. It’s worth noting that researching any market in depth before diving in is extremely important. But one thing is for sure, niche marketing – whatever niche you choose – is still a sure fire way to build a profitable online business. The biggest thing to remember is, you want to find something that you are passionate about. Your passion is the thing you will be most committed to.

If you have a hobby that you love and are passionate about, find a way to turn it into a business. Research and see if that niche is needed, and you can turn that hobby into a successful online business.

I highly recommend The Complete Newbie Training to help you to dominate any niche you’re thinking of entering. You’ll get niche market research, product creation, persuasive copywriting and so much more that will help you to better understand your niche market.

You can do it!! Until next time…stay fabYOUlous!! ~smooches Dah-ling~ :)

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Adventures in Creative Thinking!!

April 13th, 2012

 

Adventures in Creative Thinking

How many times have you caught yourself saying that there could be no other solution to a problem – and that that problem leads to a dead end? How many times have you felt stumped knowing that the problem laying before you is one you cannot solve. No leads. No options. No solutions.

Did it feel like you had exhausted all possible option? When encountering such enormous problems, you may feel like you’re hammering against a steel mountain. The pressure of having to solve such a problem may be overwhelming.

But rejoice! There might be some hope yet!

You see, with some creative problem-solving techniques, you may be able to look at your problem in a different light. And that light might just be the end of the tunnel that leads to possible solutions.

First of all, in the light of creative problem-solving, you must be open-minded to the fact that there may be more than just one solution to the problem. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable.

Now, with this optimistic mindset, we can try to be a little bit more creative in solving our problems.

  • 1 ~ Maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look at what the problem is.  Trying to understand the problem and having a concrete understanding of its workings is integral to solving the problem. If you know how it works, what the problem is, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem.
  • 2 ~ Try to take note of all of the constraints and assumptions you may have with this problem. Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions. You have to identify which assumptions are valid, and which assumptions need to be addressed.
  • 3 ~ Try to solve the problem by parts. Solve it going from general view towards the more detailed parts of the problem. This is called the top-down approach. Write down the question, and then come up with a one-sentence solution to the problem from them. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve the problem. From here you can develop the solution further, and increase its complexity little by little.
  • 4 ~ Although it helps to have critical thinking aboard as you solve a problem, you must also keep a creative, analytical voice at the back of your head. When someone comes up with a prospective solution, try to think how you could make that solution work. Try to be creative.
  • 5 ~ It pays to remember that there may be more than just one solution being developed at one time. Try to keep track of all the solutions and their developments. Remember, there may be more than just one solution to the problem.
  • 6 ~ Remember that old adage,” two heads are better than one.” That one is truer than it sounds. Always be open to new ideas. You can only benefit from listening to all the ideas each person has. This is especially true when the person you’re talking to has had experience solving problems similar to yours.
  • 7 ~ Be patient. As long as you are quick and hurried, there is always a chance that a solution will present itself. Remember that no one was able to create an invention the first time around.

So, next time you see a problem you think you can not solve, think again. The solution might be staring you right in the face. All it takes is just a little creative thinking, some planning, and a little patience.

Here is a very informative guide on Creative Thinking that I highly recommend. A Complete Guide to Creative Thinking Check it out, and let me know how it has helped you!!

Until next time….stay fabYOUlous!! ~smooches~ Dah-ling!  :)

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Crash Course on Affiliate Marketing

April 6th, 2012

What is affiliate marketing?

In a nutshell, affiliate marketing is online promotion of a vendor’s products for a commission. The affiliate sets up a website in which they promote a variety of products related to their niche for a commission. All of the sales tracking is done automatically behind the scenes and affiliates are paid a percentage of the sale price.

How do you get started as an affiliate?

To get started as an affiliate you need a niche. A niche market is a small segment of a larger market interested in a very specific topic. Online you are competing with many websites and business owners. To stand out from the competition you need a niche.

Once you have a niche market, the best option is to set up a website with quality content related to that niche market. The content will help the search engines find your website and keep your readers interested. You then promote a variety of products which are of interest to your niche market on your website pages.

A great way of promoting products is to simply write a product review and place it on your website. These reviews will help your visitors make an informed choice. And when they purchase the product through your affiliate link, you will earn a commission.

How do you find niche markets?

Niche markets are all around us. It just takes a little creativity and thinking about people’s needs. A good place to get started online is at Amazon.com. Look through their best selling books and products. There are many different categories all of which are niche markets you can target.

Another good option is to look through the magazine stand at your local book store. There are many magazines on all sorts of topics. Chances are if there is a magazine on a subject, this may be a viable niche.

Also take a look at ezinearticles.com and look through the sub niches for each category. Take a few minutes to visit the different author websites. All of this will help get your creative juices flowing and help you come up with possible niches for your new venture.

However, my favorite way to uncover niches is using Brad Callen’s Niche Finder, a very powerful niche finding software.

How do I learn more about affiliate marketing?

There are many books and resources online to help you get started. A good guide which details all the in’s and out’s of affiliate marketing and that’s great for a complete beginner is Rosalind Gardner’s Super Affiliate Handbook. I highly recommend this handbook.

Until next time…stay fabYOUlous!! ~smooches~ Dah-ling :)

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