Ra l e i g h , N o r t h C ar o lin a ( 919 ) 4 1 0 - 6 8 1 2 www . di a mo n d d iv am ag .c o m Happy New Year Ladies and welcome to 2016! I am so excited about what this year has planned for all of us Diamond Diva Women. Just like in years pass Diamond Diva Magazine is all about shinning a light on women doing great things in busine ss, their communities and in ministry. Throughout this last year many changes have taken place and the magazine has began to evolve into something that is amazining and ever changing for the good of all women pressing their way in business and in life. As always these women are business women, mothers, women of God and tru ly Diamond Diva’s to the fullest defintion of the word. Thank you for coming back with us for another year and for your continued support, it really means alot to us both. Renee Dawkins
Disclaimer: Diamond Diva Magazine is published monthly. Any reproduction of any part of this publication without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Diamond Diva Magazine does not accept responsibility for st atements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication should be submitted to the editor by email at info@ diamonddivamag.com Diamond Diva Magazine’s publisher, staff and other persons involved in the creation, production or delivery of the magazine (in whatever format) or it’s content, do not assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information provided in the magazine, nor shall they be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages arising out of the magazine.
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H ow T o Be c o m e T h e B es t I n Affiliat e Marke t in g needs and conn e c t w i t h y o u r target market thr o u g h a s e n s e of s hared unders tan di n g. Cons i der us i ng pai d adve r tising services t o m a x i m i z e profi ts from affi l i ate mark e ti ng program. A ds th at are targeted towards k e y w o rds i ncrease the traffic a n d s a l e s o f your product or se rvi c e h ave a hi gh s ucces s rate f o r draw i ng i n potenti al c u sto me rs. You need to unde rstan d af f i l i ate marketing to m a k e l a r g e amounts of mo n e y . Y o u w i l l need to find a w a y t o m a k e your blog/web s i t e ranked hi gh up the s ear c h e n gi n e re s ul ts pages as yo u c an . Th i s enables you to q u a l i f y f o r better affiliate p r o g r a m s a n d i ncreas es your p ro f i ts. A p a r t n e r s h i p describes how p e o p l e o f t e n m ake money in t he w o r ld o f a f filia t e ma r keti n g . T h e o t h e r company will n o t g u i d e y o u f ully or give you t i p s , b u t y o u ’ l l both reap the b e n e f i t s o f e v eryone’s hard w o r k . W o r k i n g hard is not all y o u h a v e t o d o . The following t i p s c o n t a i n e d in this article c a n p r o v i d e t h e information y o u n e e d t o k now to make t hat h a r d w o r k pa y o ff. I t i s vit a l t h a t y o u n o r yo ur a ff i l i a t e m a r k e t i n g partners do n o t u s e t h i s p r ocess. This will j u s t m a ke y o u r s i t e visit o r s feel r e s e n t f u l . I t c o u ld even break chai n s u s e d f o r tr a ckin g pr o gr e s s a n d p e r h a ps give users v i r u se s. W h e n y o u r p r o fits are at a l e v e l y o u a r e proud of, you s ho u ld a sk f o r a big g er co mmission.
T r y adv erti s i ng through multiple programs that will reach t h e s ame cus tomer bas e. Using more than one program gives your visitors a greater r a n g e of l i nks from whi ch to ch o os e. You should try your hand at secr e t l i nks . There are metho d s for putti ng l i nks to af filia t e products wi thout making it too obvious. Be honest about them if you use of links and take advantage of their use. Make sure your readers understand the reason for the lin k so there are no s urpri s es . Y o u’ ll al ways be l ooki ng for n ew cus tomers as mos t people wi l l uns ubs cri be ev entua lly. Do n ’ t s el ect an affi l i ate wi th out first determining who your audience will be and what their needs are. This will help you are in tune with their
One tip from a c c o m p l i s h e d affiliate marketi n g i s t o u s e deadlines for purchasing products religio u s l y . When customers see t h e y m a y n o t be able to get t h e i r h a n d s o n a product later , t h e y o f t e n are more likely t o f i n a l i z e a purchase. This e x t r a p u s h c a n be a terrific wa y t o i n c r e a s e the amount you are se l l i n g. Make sure you f o c u s o n t h e right kind of cust o m e r s f o r t h e products you’re t r y i n g t o s e l l . When your produ c t s a r e m o r e expensive, you m a y h a v e t o do more marketi n g. Only promote p r o d u c t s t h a t you trul y bel i eve i n an d are confident in pro m o t i n g . T h e items that you p r o m o t e a r e a direct reflec t i o n o n y o u r website and you r s e l f . Y o u w i l l keep more cus to me rs by re c ommending qua l i t y p r o d u c t s at decent pri ces . One of the mo s t i m p o r t a n t
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The bond between a mother and her child is a bond that is not easily broken, especially that o f a mother and her son. Having had the opportunity to speak with Johnny Johnson and seeing the spark in his eye when he began to speak about his mother, it became very clear that Ms. Earlene Smith was and has always been a very important part of Johnnie’s life. Johnny is the proud owner of Jay’s Carpet Cleaning, a residential and commercial steam cleaning company that says he owes his 14 years of success to his mother, Ms. Earlene Smith. Johnny states that his inspiration on starting his business and striving hard to see it succeed comes from how hard his mother worked while they lived in New York City. While wa tching her work two, sometimes three jobs inspired him to always want more than just average. Having the desire to do more , he chose to start his own business all while still maintaining his full time job. While working for a franchise company in 1997 Johnny realized the potential and the need for carpet cleaning and became very intrigued in learning the business and how to service customers and their carpet needs, hence creating the beginning of Jay’s Carpet Cleaning. When asked what his greatest accomplishment has been while being in business his answer was very simple and heart felt, “Being able to financially support my children and mother success fully through the business”. Carrying out the same question but to his mother, we wanted to know from Ms. Sm ith what has been her greatest pride and joy moment as it relates to Johnny and his business and she proudly stated, “Being able to witness him giving back to the community and being a blessing to people in need through his business”. Seeing the love and dedication between this mother and her son, we asked Johnny to share with us something about their relationship that people would be surprised to know and he said, “I wouldn’t say surprised to know but I live daily to ensure that my mother wants for nothing in her elderly years and that she always knows she is my biggest inspiration”. K nowing oh too well that there is always someone watching and wanting to know what it took for a successful business person to get to where they are today, we asked Johnnie what advice would you give to someone just starting out or have a desire to go into business but have no idea w hat to do with their hopes and dreams? “The three things that come to my mind first is when you are starting your own business there has got to be a passion for the business your trying to start, along with preparation, that is a major key as well, but one thing you must have is excellent work ethics, for this will require you to always work harder than your counterparts”. Johnny, in closing, is there anything in particular that was not asked that you would like my readers to know about you? Without a shadow of doubt my belief in God and being surround ed by a great support system has made me realize that what-ever I ask for in HIS name I shall receive. Having great integrity has also played a major role in my 14yrs of success, having customers leave house keys, unlocked doors, and security alarm codes for me to clean their carpet without them being there says a whole lot!!!
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H ow T o Be c o m e T h e B es t I n A ffiliat e Marke t in g - c o n t . q ual i t i e s o f a f f ilia t e ma r ket in g is t h a t yo ur i nformati on i s outdated or i rrel ev ant. A l ways k e e p y o u rs e l f u p d a t e d w i t h all the programs your affiliate program offerings. There are always n e w t o o l s a d d e d t o a f f i l i a t e marketing programs in order to increase usability and that will improve t h e l o o k of y ou r a d ds. Us i ng a n a f f ilia t e n et w o r k ca n be a g o o d mov e for your marketi ng capabi l i ti es . Thes e n e tw o rk s a c t a s i n t e r m e d i a ries that match advertisers with reputable affiliates. A good website o w n e r w i l l he l p y o u lin k y o u r s elf w it h r eput a ble n et work. Your own reputati on wi l l i mprov e when yo u af f i l i ate w i th. O f f e r i n g p r i z e s a nd contests on your site is a good way to get extra success with you r a f f i l i a t e m a r k e t i n g s t r a t e g y. Contests are an easy way to keep people coming back as well as to g e n e r a t e b uzz f o r y o u r w e b sit e a n d a t t r a ct a n ew c us tomer bas e. I t i s r i s ky sig n in g up w it h a pa y per ea ch s al e program for affi l i ate marketi ng. It can also ge n e r a t e a g r e a t i n c o me for you if it is effective though. Do your homework and look into the a f f i l i a t e ’ s b ack g r o u n d t o det er min e if it w ill be a g ood partners hi p before you mi ght be i nteres ted i n . P a i d a d v e r t i s i n g can help you get the most business. Buying ads that focus on your key w o r d s w i l l p ay of f in t e r m s o f in cr ea sed t r a ffic a n d sal es . Thi s al s o creates a hi gher percentage of li k e l y bu ye r s and y o u r p r o d u ct s w ill g et mo r e in t er e s t i n general . S e t d a i l y g o a l s f o r yourself that will allow you want to be an affiliate marketing strategy . Y o u c a n hav e a m e t h o d t h a t w ill g ive yo u w h a t you need to do. Y o u m a y w a n t t o offer your customers the chance to become one of your affiliate m a r k e t i n g n e t w o r k . C u s t o m ers that purchase your products are more likely to become affiliates if t h e y w i s h . Y o u c a n m a k e a single sale into many if you have a customer-turned-affiliate. This prac t i c e c a n i m p r o ve y o u r sa le s n et w o r k a n d h elp yo u turn more profi ts . T h e p r i m a r y f o c u s is not about stealing customers away from someone else. The point is t o g a i n a f u n d a m e n t a l u n d erstanding of the needs of your customer base , so that you are meet i n g t h o s e ne e d s m o r e dir e c t ly t h en o t h er pr o vid er s. Thi s adv i ce wi l l hel p you get on the road to s u c c e ss.
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H olid a y Be a u t y Do ’ s an d Do n ’t s Why is it that whenever you go to a holiday party, you can always find someone who doesn’t look how you would expect? Is it because you think they overdid their fashion or make-up, or is it a touch of envy? Beauty queen or fashion disaster, it’s up to you. If you want to shine for the holidays, take note of these do’s and don’ts to spruce up your look and receive raves from your friends and family. Beauty Do’s Do Experiment. Check out the latest in make-up and fashion trends and give them a try. This will update your look and chances are, you’ll find something that enhances your skin tone and flatters your figure. Do accentuate your finer features. Play up your best features while drawing attention away from your problem areas. For example, do you have sleek shoulders but think your hips are too wide? Wear a sexy off-the-shoulder dress to show off your finer assets. Do consult professionals. If you’re the do-it-yourself kind of gal, you can benefit from professional opinions now & then. Why not get a makeover for the holidays? Keep in mind, salons are booked tightly for the holiday season, so call well in advance for your appointment and use your time in the waiting room looking through magazines for updated hairstyles and fashion that best suit you. Do simplify your beauty routine. Unless you’re headed out to a holiday party, forgo unnecessary extras that take up valuable time. Keep your hairstyle simple and make-up to natural colors that will look good with anything you wear. Beauty Don’ts Don’t be afraid of change. Dazzle your friends with a new look. Whether it’s a new hairstyle, hair color, or just a dress, you’ll get attention! Think of it this way, models look different for every shoot and are very versatile. Don’t they always look great? Don’t wear too much make-up. There’s a fine line between a little extra holiday pizzazz or downright heavy makeup. Choose colors that compliment your face and blend it in well. Double check your face in bright lights before heading out the door. Don’t forget accessories. Add the finishing touch to your overall appearance. The holidays are festive, so glam it up with accessories and jewelry. Splurge on that handbag you’ve been wanting and don’t feel the least big guilty. Don’t let stress get the better of you. It’s no secret that the holidays can be most stressful time of the year. Use your time wisely and learn to say “no.” Your face can easily reveal stress and lack of sleep, so designate some of your duties to family members and be sure to get your beauty rest.
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Divas on Fire 2 0 1 6 R a l e i g h E d i t i o n w a s A w e s o m e . H a v i n g t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o honor 17 very deservin g w o m e n A p r i l 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 w i l l g o d o w n a s o n e o f t h e b e s t s h o ws ever by D ia mond Di v a M ag azi n e . F ro m th e e n t e r t a in m e n t t o t h e a w e s o m e h o s t L a m on t “ LP” Pe ttiway this s h o w w a s j u s t a m a z i n g . T his event i s f o r wo m e n th at ve ry f e w p e o p le n o t ic e b u t t h e y a r e m a k in g c h an ges an d leavi ng a ma rk o n th e wo rl d . D iva s on Fi re c e l e b rate s th e F ab u lo u s Y O U , in e v e r y w o m a n w h o is p r o u d t o b e a Bus iness Owner! W e C E L E B R A T E t h e i r s t r e n g t h , p e r s e v e r a n c e a n d t e n a c i t y . T h i s show is for w omen who h ave a p art ti m e o r f u ll t im e b u s in e s s a n d h u s t lin g t o b u ild t h e ir Emp ir e. T his show i s al l ab o u t c e l e b rati n g t h e s u c c e s s e s a n d t h e r o a d t h e s e gr e a t w omen ar e on. Divas on F i r e i s n o t j u s t a n e v e n t , i t ’ s a M o v e m e n t o f I n s p i r a t i o n t h a t t r u ly touches lives in more w a y s t h e n a n y o n e c o u l d i m a g i n e . T his event i s NOT ab o u t m e i t’ s ab o u t W E !
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Fath e r’ s D a y : A N ew T w i s t O n A O ld Day
D o e s t h e t h i r d S unday in June r i n g a b e l l w i t h you? Probably no t , a lt h o u g h it h a s been cele b r a t e d e v e r y year for almost a c e n t u r y a s F a t h er ’ s Da y. W e s e e m t o h a ve a d a y fo r a lmo s t e ve r y o n e an d ever yt h in g to b e h o n o r e d, so w h y n o t fat h e r s ? I r o n i c a l l y , the idea for F a t he r ’ s D a y a l l started when a l a d y h e a r d a Mother’s Day s e r m o n a n d d e cided that she d i d n ’t w a n t a ll t h a t h er d a d had d o n e f o r her t o g o unr e c o g n i z e d . W hen you think a b o u t F a t h e r ’ s Day, what c o m e s t o y o u r mind? Can you r e l a t e t o t h e l ady who was c o n c e r n e d a b out taking her f ather f o r g r a n t ed ? H o n o r i n g f a t h e r s is important. A f t e r a l l , t h e B i ble commands u s t o h o n o r t hem; but, this y e a r , t h i n k o f F a ther’s Day with a n e w t w i s t . T ake some time t o c o n s i d e r a l l your Heavenly
Father has done for you and how you might be taking Him fo r granted. Th e m od el fa ther God Almighty is your Heavenly Father, and He is the perfect example of what it means to be a dad. Looki ng at each of t h e letters that make up the w o r d “father,” cons i der s ome of the characteristics that set Him apart and provide a mo d el for our human dads . F -Forgiveness is a huge part of your relationship with your Father. He is willing and able to forgive you of any sin you commit if you will only ask H im. It’s comforti ng to know that nothing you do is ever so bad that God won’t forgive you (Romans 8:38-39; 1 John 1: 9). N ow, that’s uncondi ti ona l a cceptance. A -He is active in your life all the time. God is always at
work around you . A s k G o d t o show you what H e i s d o i n g . You will be amaz e d a t a l l t h a t i s goi ng on. More i m po rtan t, the invitation is o p e n f o r y o u to get involved w i t h H i m . Y o u never have to w a i t f o r y o u r turn to be acti v e w i t h G o d (John 5 :1 7 ). T -Time for you. W h i l e h u m a n s get too busy to d o t h i s o r t h a t , God al ways has ti me f o r y o u . Whenever you f e e l l o n e l y , struggle with a p r o b l e m , w a n t to share a thou g h t , o r n e e d to deal with a c o n c e r n , H e i s there for you. Y o u c a n ’ t f i n d a time in your d a y w h e n H e is too busy to ta l k o r l i s t e n t o you (Jeremi ah 33: 3) . H -The heart of t h e m a t t e r i s that God know s y o u r h e a r t , and He loves y o u a n y w a y . Proverbs tells us t h a t t h e h e a r t is deceitful abo v e a l l t h i n g s . Many peopl e don ’t l i k e to be around you if yo u a r e n ’ t i n a good mood or i f y o u m a k e mistakes. God w a n t s t o h a n g out wi th you any ti m e , an d He al one i s abl e to c h an ge y o u r heart to be al l y o u w e re c reated to be (1 Joh n 4: 9- 10, 19) . E -Everywhere su m s u p G o d ’ s place in your lif e . I f y o u ’ r e a Christian, there i s n o w h e r e you can go wher e H e i s n ’ t w i t h you. It can be en c o u r a g i n g t o realize that whe n y o u a r e i n a tough place in y o u r l i f e , H e i s right there with y o u . W h e t h e r other people are t h e r e o r n o t , God is by your s i d e ( R o m a n s 8 :3 5 -3 9 ). R -Rest and Rea d . T h e s e a r e two areas where m o s t p e o p l e could use a litt l e w o r k . R e s t is important to y o u b e c a u s e it’s easy to bec o m e s o b u s y that you don’t t a k e t i m e w i t h the Lord. He wa n t s y o u t o s e t aside daily time t o r e s t i n H i m and to read Hi s W o rd. Th e B i-
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b l e i s H i s l e t t e r t o His children. The best way to get to know your Father is to spend qu a l i t y t i m e r e s ti n g a n d r e a din g a ll a bo ut H im in t h e Word (John 1 4 :2 1 ; Ps al m 4 6 :1 0 ). A l l t h e s e a t t r i b u tes of God’s character make Him who He is. If you have been blessed w i t h a n e ar th ly da d w h o h a s a lo t in co mmo n wi th our Heav enl y Father, be grateful . If you have m i sse d o u t o n a r e la t io n sh ip w it h a n ea r t h ly d a d, be thankful that God i s there for you and want s to me e t t he n e e ds in y o u r life. Let G o d kn o w h o w much He means to you. Thing s yo u c a n d o t o mak e t h is Fat h er ’ s D a y sp eci a l • Wr it e a le tt er o r ma ke a ph o n e cal l jus t to s ay, “thanks .” • T r y t o g e t into his world for a change and spend time doing something with your d a d t h a t he e n j o y s. • H a ve a c on ver sa t io n t h a t d o esn ’ t hav e anythi ng to do wi th getti ng money from h i m. • F o c u s o n all the positive things he has been in your life so far. Realize that God ha s p l a c e d t hat pe r s o n in y o ur life fo r a r ea so n a n d be thankful .
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