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Struggling to Forgive
The Four R’s to
Devil’s Playground Chaos is Coming... Who Will Stand?
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A Nurturing Place - PAGE 6
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4 R’s to Success! PAGE 16
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LADY TAMARA Music Artist • Makeup Artist • Motivational Speaker
are words most likely used to described Lady Tamara Hamilton. Born Tamara Hudson, the Philadelphia native began to show her vocal abilities and leadership qualities at an early age; directing the choir’s at her church. Through the years her passion to reach people across the world through the gift of music grew stronger. In 1999, Lady Tamara’s life would change through meeting Aja and Fatin Dantzler; a husband and wife musical duo known as Kindred ‘the Family’ Soul. Through this connection
Lady Tamara traveled the world singing back up for the group in places like Africa, London, and the Caribbean; and shared the stage with artists like India Aire, Ludacris, Kelly Rowland, Jill Scott, Music Soul Child, Jazmine Sullivan and the late Teena Marie. Continuing to pursue her independent career as a vocalist, she appeared on the 2002 season of P. Diddy’s -”Making the Band”, and the 2003 season of VH1’s“Born to Diva”. It was during that time that a seed of greatness was planted by Celebrity Judge Patti LaBelle who openly expressed that Lady Tamara was her personal choice out of all the
contestants. After 6 years of touring with Kindred the Family Soul, and pursing her musical passion; a higher calling began to play on Lady Tamara’s heart strings. In 2006 Lady Tamara was affirmed as an aspirant minister, taking her back to her roots at the New Bethany Holiness Church in Philadelphia. Her world continued to come full circle, as in the same year she was engaged to her childhood sweetheart, Dr. Hayward R. Hamilton. 2007 became a year of transition for the once adolescent girl with dreams of traveling the world. Not only was she licensed as a minister and married to her childhood sweet heart Dr. Hamilton, but also supported him in birthing the Conquering Power Church of Deliverance. In March 2008 her life took on the additional roll of mother when she gave birth to her son Hayden Royale Hamilton. While serving faithfully in ministry, she was elevated to the title of Elder in 2010, under the Conquering Power Covenant Ministries International. Throughout 2006-2010 time span, Lady Tamara began to explore her other gifts and abilities. Known for her bold and trendsetting appearance, she decided to further cultivate her makeup artistry. Her services were used for such projects as Philadelphia Fashion Week, The Gospel According to Fashion, Dwayne Wiggins Productions, Uniquely You Girls Summit Ad Campaign, Clarenz Couture Ad Campaign, and numerous other photo shoots and events. In 2009 she developed F.I.Y.A. which stands for Fierce Innovative Youthful Appearance; and is dedicated to encouraging and assisting women of all ages to see and enhance their inner and outer beauty. This year Lady Tamara is preparing to launch Lady Tamara Empire, which will encompass her gifts of Music, Makeup and her call to Ministry. During this time she will also release her long awaited solo project which is too soon to be named. It is her desire to bring a new sound to gospel music, and bridge the much needed gap between the secular and gospel music worlds. It is evident that Lady Hamilton, in her own words, is “On a journey back to a new look ahead”.
Newness
By Toni Garcia-Jackson
The first few months of the New Year are filled with great enthusiasm and high expectations. The start of a New Year brings endless possibilities and opportunities. It also offers the opportunity to look back at all of the previous year’s triumphs, challenges and lessons as we said goodbye to 2013 and welcomed in 2014. This is usually followed by the proverbial question “What could I have done different last year and what can I do better this year?” Our personal health and wellness is an area where many of us can put a little more effort. Do you have a plan to improve your health and wellness? If you haven’t created a plan, start with making a list and prioritizing your goals. Every goal should end with a time of measurement. For example, “I will increase my activity level by working out 4 days a week.” Instead of, “I will work out more often.” Clearly defining reasonable goals greatly increases the chances of success. Start by implementing systems to help you realize your goals. The Alexander Myles Massage Club offers customized monthly massages at reduced rates to members to relieve stress, anxiety and pain. This can be apart of your newness in 2014 regime. Maybe your goal is to improve the health of your hair and skin by making regular salon appointments and being committed to the process. One of our goals at Alexander Myles Salon & Spa is to stay committed to consistently offering the same great service for every client at every visit. We understand that a part of any clients’ personal beauty health and wellbeing begins with a great partnership, a partnership that includes a committed individual and a well trained professional. We want to help our current and future clients achieve their beauty health and wellbeing goals by inviting you to make a health and wellbeing contract with yourself. Take a moment and print out your own personal “Commitment to Myself” contract. Our contract is designed to ignite personal accountability for you. Start by filling in the blanks and post it in a conspicuous place so that you see it often and are reminded of your goals and feel free to share with others.
I will get a massage once a month to relieve stress, anxiety or pain. I will incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments as a part of salon care regimen. I will budget properly so that I can take care of health and wellbeing. I will improve the appearance of my skin by getting regular customized facials. I will only allow my beauty professional to apply chemicals to my hair and skin. I will schedule my appointments in advance to ensure that I consistently make time to take of my beauty needs. I will use products suggested by my beauty expert, because he/she knows what is best for me.
My Contract with Myself I, _____________________________ hereby commit to a life of taking care of myself and my beauty needs. I will remain focused on putting myself first. In addition, I will not cut corners or short change myself when it comes to taking care of me, regardless of life’s circumstances and challenges. I will consistently listen and take heed to my beauty and health professionals when it comes to what is best for me. I will endeavor to be conscious of how I feel and what my needs are. I will also do my best to make the best choices concerning my beauty health and wellbeing. I realize that this contract is solely with myself and that is carries no rewards, penalties or punishments other than those associated with the reflection of the strength of my character. Signature Date _______________________________ My Commitment to Myself Check out our website for important promotions, internet exclusive couTraditionally when a new year starts, we make commitments to take better pons and exciting information about the happenings at Alexander Myles care of ourselves. We vow to exercise, eat healthier or start a new beauty Salon & Spa. We wish you happiness and prosperity for 2014 and years to care regimen. What commitments have you made towards taking better come. care of your hair, skin and body? The staff of Alexander Myles Salon & Spa came up with a few good ideas, as well as, a contract to help you stay Toni Garcia-Jackson Owner, Alexander Myles Salon & Spa 1033 North Lincoln Street, Suite 100 Wilmington, Delaware 19805 302.762.5644 | www.thealexandermylessalon.com committed. You can choose an affirmation below or make up your own.
A New Year . . . A New Nurturing Place By Kathleen Ellis
Kathleen Ellis Lifestyle Design
The beginning of a New Year is the perfect time to set a New Intention! One of the best things we can do for ourselves and those we share our lives with is to take care of ourselves. I know, I know.... it is so easy to say “I don’t have time”, “I’m way too busy”, or list any one of the other numerous excuses we are so good at making, I have heard them all! BUT, one thing I know so very well, from my own experience and from years of working with women, is that if we don’t take care of ourselves, no one else will and we are the ones who suffer the most. We are not able to enjoy our lives or our loved ones. We get sick, grumpy, tired.... and we lose our sparkle, our spunk, our hope and our joy! The best way to avoid getting to that point is to intentionally develop the habit of nurturing ourselves on a daily basis. Some days it may only be a few minutes, other days maybe an hour or two... or more. The point is to spend at least some time nurturing yourself on a daily basis. The rewards will be well worth the small effort it takes.
One thing I have found that helps to make this habit easier to establish and enjoyable to indulge in is having a Beautiful Quiet Place to “escape” to! Every woman needs a Beautiful Quiet Place, a place where she can begin and end each day, a place she can retreat to during the day...for a 5 minute respite, a 15 minute nap or a lengthier encounter for reading, resting, planning, and dreaming. Taking time for the latter is so very important...we must have a place where we can dream and plan and imagine our future. Otherwise, we don’t know where we are headed... we don’t know what our dreams are...and we certainly don’t know if we ever “get there”! As women we give, give, give all the time. We are wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, employees and employers. We are caregivers, home-keepers, organizers, hostesses, volunteers and many other things to many different people. The truth is, however, if we don’t take time to nurture, refresh and renew ourselves....there is nothing for us to give. We cannot pour from an empty vessel! This is why it is so important for us to have a space that is always ready for us to go to for the purpose of refreshing and renewing on a daily basis. Make creating your own Beautiful Quiet Place a top priority as you begin this New Year. It is easy, fun and oh, so rewarding! Your goal is to make it a space that you truly enjoy spending time in and setting it up in such a way that you have everything there, at your fingertips, that you will need to renew, refresh and rejuvenate yourself. Your Beautiful Quiet Place can even be the corner of a room. When my now grown children were small, my Beautiful Quiet Place was my bathroom! Yes... that’s right, my bathroom! It was
one of the few places I could go to have a few moments to myself! It had a door and a built in seat! It was decorated nicely and I kept a basket with inspirational reading tucked away in the cabinet. It also had a bathtub... and I love to take bubble baths! Bubble baths are extremely relaxing and rejuvenating for me! Where you set up your Beautiful Quiet Place is as important as how you prepare it and honor it.
7 Essential Ingredients for Creating Your Own Beautiful Quiet Place • Select a spot that is away from the hustle & bustle of activity in your home, a place you find relaxing, beautiful and comfortable • Make sure there is a comfortable place for you to sit • Set up a table of some type for you to put your coffee or tea cup on, hold a lamp and maybe a few photos as well as a piece of artwork with an inspiring message and a vase with some fresh flowers • Select a candle with a fragrance you love and place that on the table as well • Add a small decorative pillow and a cozy throw to your chair for chilly days or those rare moments when you can catch a 15 minute nap • Have a CD player nearby so you can listen to some uplifting or relaxing music or an inspiring message.
• Prepare a pretty basket or container to hold your Beautiful Quiet Place “tools”: Bible, inspiring books, note pad or journal to record your dreams and ideas, pens, tissues, favorite photos, a few encouraging notes from friends, pretty note cards (in case you’re inspired to send a note to a friend), sticky notes to write little love notes on as you read and are inspired... these may be to yourself, to a child or spouse. Remain flexible....so you can move your Beautiful Quiet Place to another location if you desire. For instance, on a gorgeous day you may want to take your respite out in the backyard or on the patio or deck, or, at the end of a busy day, you may want to rejuvenate in a bubble bath.
As long as you have your“tool”basket stocked, you can bring it along and enjoy the special ingredients you’ve stocked it with. Be sure to honor your Beautiful Quiet Place by keeping it ready at all times to escape to, even if it’s only for a few minutes. You will find this ritual of intentionally slipping away during the day and beginning and ending your day in a beautiful, peaceful place will leave you feeling more relaxed and balanced, filled and fulfilled, ready to face your busiest of days...ready to pour into the lives of your loved ones! Take care of YOU....YOU deserve it! To receive your gift of 15 Days of Beautiful Living Secrets...for Busy Women and find out more about Reviving Your Dreams to Transform Your Life, visit Kathleen at www. kathleenellislifestyledesign.com
“Empowered Living” Lifestyle Coach & Mentor, Kathleen Ellis, has a passion to teach women how to get rid of the chaos, stress & overwhelm that is stealing their dreams and to instead create a lifestyle of balance, order, beauty, confidence and joy, so that they can begin to live the Beautiful Life they Dream Of! She is your cheerleader, coach, mentor and guide as you learn to DREAM BIG, to “step outside the box” to make your dreams come true and to take your life from ordinary to EXTRAordinary! To become ALL you were created to BE!
Freelance Makeup Artist I’m a freelance make up artist (based out of Sussex/Kent County Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland), and an Independent Distributor for a Product Brokerage Company. I’ve been doing makeup professionally since 2010. I do makeup for all types of events such as but not limited to: Weddings, Pre Wedding Events, Makeover Parties, Corporate Events, Business Headshots, Photo Shoots, Private Makeup Lessons, and etc. The addon services are Airbrush Makeup Application, Tattoo Covering, Eyebrow Threading/Tweezing, Individual Lash Clusters, and Strip Lash Application. My clients now have the option of purchasing the products I’ve used on them, which is called Motives Cosmetics (which quite a few Celebrities are actually using, and not being paid to promote it). I specialize in Customizing Foundations to fit the client’s skin type and skin tones, and Corrective Makeup (correcting acne scarring, major discoloration on the face and body). My main goals are to maintain a relationship with my clients, match products to their needs and wants, and to educate them on skincare maintenance, and everyday makeup tips.
Glamorousfacesbychanel@yahoo.com
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Inspiration Corner
Struggling to Forgive Everyday people start their days getting ready for work, school, doctors’ appointments, run errands, etc. In the normal hustle, family members, friends and strangers flash random smiles. A smile is an outward expression of an inward happiness one is feeling. A smile, for some, hides a deep, dark, rooted, pain and rage. A perky personality and good deeds conceals the relentlessness of self-loathing exercised daily. It is in the deafening silence of driving home alone the floodgate of tears are allowed to fall. The question, “What if...” haunts his thoughts by the second. Life has been his mortal nemesis. Family issues, martial betrayals, church hurt, broken friendships and financial distress have been perpetual problems. He pulls into his driveway and turns the ignition off. He blows his nose, dries his eyes and steps out to greet his family with his mask; an empty smile. We asked two professionals to attack this issue of forgiveness from the spiritual and natural aspects. Bishop Carlos Cannon Sr. was asked two questions. How can the church help in the healing process? What if help is not accepted? Cheryl Chambers, LCSW was asked what steps one can take to start the forgiveness process? Their responses may surprise you but it can change your life. By Yolanda Soto
O
ne of the greatest
misconceptions known to man is that forgiveness is simply a reprieve we give to someone who has committed ill-will against us. Consequently, the Bible addresses forgiveness from three angles – forgiveness for your actions if you are the accused, forgiveness towards the actions of your accused if you are the abused, and forgiveness between you and God whether you are the accused or the abused. Unforgiveness is a heart condition that can spread throughout our bodies like a cancer. It spurs from one incident and then it spreads so far and wide that we often forget where it started but can only see the symptoms of the infection. Whether it was a parent that didn’t come to your recital as they promised, the infidelity of a significant other, a prayer
partner you entrusted with all your secrets, a friend who didn’t regard your relationship to the extent that you did, or someone who misused or abused you physically, emotionally, sexually, or mentally – we’ve all experienced some degree of emotional heartburn. Forgiveness is between you and God for the relationship to remain intact between you and God! He said we have to forgive others if we expect Him to forgive us. (Matthew 6:14). We have to forgive those who we feel have wronged us... and not once, but the Bible says seven times seventy in a day (Matthew 18:21-22). That’s 490 times that we are to forgive those that have wronged us. If that’s not indication that God wants us to be forgiving people, I don’t know what is! We couldn’t even keep track of 490 times a single person does us wrong! Forgiveness does not equate to receiving an apology from them. The Bible says that we think our own ways are right (Proverbs 21:2) so some people may not even have identified that they have wronged YOU! What happens if you go looking for an apology and don’t get one? In that very moment they don’t offer one or don’t offer the one that you wanted, it’s as if you relive the initial hurt that you wanted forgiveness for in the first place! Forgiveness also does not require that you go to them and disclose the fact that you’ve been holding a grudge for what they did to you and you now forgive them. The Bible says (Matthew 5:22-24) if you think your brother has an ought with you, YOU go get it right with them! You can’t make someone come to YOU if you feel they did you wrong! In instances of mutual hurt that both identify and accept that they were wrong themselves and wronged each other, there may be opportunity for reconciliation, but ask yourself before you approach any person to “talk about what happened:” what is to be gained by rehashing this situation? Ask yourself “what will it gain?” and “what will it change?” If there is no real genuine benefit to talking about what happened, the only thing that is to be said is “forgive me for holding it against you THIS long” and move on from there. God doesn’t judge you for how they treat you. He judges you based on how you treat them. Even after they ask forgiveness from you and from God, we sometimes still carrying around the weight from unforgiveness in our heart. It happened...
he did it... she did it... they did it... and guess what – regardless as to what they do, we can’t erase it, we can’t rewrite it, we can’t change it, and we can’t undo it. The question is will you remain enslaved by the pain and hurt of experiences past and hold others hostage in the emotional war going on inside of you going forward? Forgiveness is a process that takes times, but you’ve got to start if you ever expect to get to that place of full forgiveness. Our inability to forgive breeds a pattern of unforgiveness, hurt, anger, resentment, bitterness, aggression, dissention, indignation, and animosity between us and others. It jeopardizes our peace and happiness and causes us to act out of character and function in our emotions. It hinders our ability to exchange love, trust, and genuine friendship with those who have earned it of us. The reality is that hurt people hurt people, and it’s a vicious cycle that will continue from heart to heart if it’s not detected and dealt with. To get rid of it requires relationship with Christ to remove any infection left behind that can affect our future. Erykah Badu released a song in 2000 called “Bag Lady” where she sang about the fact that we bring past hurts, past issues, and the drama that go with them around with us weighting us down from moving forward with our lives and scaring off the potential of positive relationships. Whether sooner or later, we find it in our hearts to forgive them for what they may have done to us. The problem is this: our hearts can forgive, but our minds can’t forget. Do you realize when you hold on to old stuff, you run out of room for the new things coming your way? And as long as you hold on to “it” – whatever “it” was – it has a hold on you! As we build relationship with Christ, we position ourselves to be better caretakers of our hearts. He gives us the wisdom and insight to know the difference between healthy heart growth and when we’ve been exposed to terminal heart conditions. As you build relationship with Christ, you have to connect yourself with a good church home with loving leaders who will feed you truth seasoned with love and a church family that will grow in grace along with you. The Bible says one can chase a thousand and two can put ten thousand to flight (Deuteronomy 32:30) – can you imagine what a congregation of like-minded, believers can do together to impact their individual lives? Don’t imagine – the Bible has examples (Acts 2:1-4, Acts 4:24-37)! However, you still have to do your part in discarding all the weighty baggage from your past hurts so your hands are free to receive what God has for you. Even if your hurt was from someone close to you, a dear friend or loved one, learn to love them through God’s heart and
see them through God’s eyes, the same way He loved you when you wronged Him or loved Him improperly or inadequately. We all make mistakes and that’s why He is the forgiving God He is. Remember – your misery was designed to develop ministry because all things work together for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28, II Corinthians 12:7-10). Don’t allow hurt in your heart create hell in your life. You’ve hurt. You’ve held on to it. Now let it go and heal. Forgiveness is for you, not them. By Bishop Carlos Cannon, Sr.
What Steps Can One Take To Start The Forgiveness Process? Forgiveness is the ability to let go of painful experiences created by self or others. It is the Realization that whatever emotional trauma you experienced in your heart has the ability to be released. The process in which one pursues forgiveness varies due to their spiritual beliefs and life experiences, but no matter the experience one must first arrive to the desire that whatever is emotionally heavy on their heart needs to be released. It’s that inner desire to be released from the pain and trauma of that experience. What I propose is that the first task of forgiveness possesses a heart and mind connection. The heart remains burden desiring to be released from the pain and the mind explores reasons to forgive. Listed below are steps in which one can begin processing forgiveness in their life. • Take an inventory of past experiences and how you were effected • Explore if there were changes in your life as a result of the experience • Ask yourself if these changes were positive or negative changes Negative changes that occur in your life can range from not forming new healthy relationships, inability to trust others, or even depression. Having the strength to fight through the hurt, disappointment, or trauma can be very challenging. It must be understood that forgiveness is a process that does not possess a time limit. It may take years to truly let go and forgive an experience that may have on lasted 5 minutes. For some forgiveness of self is more challenging than forgiving others, but no matter who contributed to the trauma it is important to understand that forgiveness is about releasing You. Understand that Forgiveness is a selfish process in which you need not do for the sake of others, but for the Love of Yourself. By Cheryl Chambers
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Tuesday 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Prayer & Bible Study Sunday 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM Sunday School Sunday 11:20 - 2:00 PM Praise & Worship / Sermon Sunday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Second Service Coming Summer 2014 Thursday 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
We Believe
- The Bible is divinely inspired and is the revealed will of God. II Timothy 3:16, I Corinthians 2:13 - He died for the remission of our sins, rose from the dead victoriously and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. Hebrews 9:12, Matthew 28:1-8, Revelation 1:18, Acts 2:33, Acts 5:31 - In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, one to everlasting life and the other to everlasting damnation. Mark 9:43-50, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 20:10-15 - Jesus bore stripes on His back for our divine healing. James 5:14, I Corinthians 12:9, Romans 8:11, Acts 4:30 - In water baptism, in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, in the gifts of the Spirit and the evidence of the fruits of the Spirit. I Peter 3:21, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 10:44-46, I Corinthians 12-14 - In the soon-coming return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:8, Matthew 16:27, John 14:1-3, II Peter 3:10
- In Marriage as being a Holy Matrimony and unity between one man & one wom Genesis 2:22-24 - In the reality and personality of Satan. Job 1:7, II Corinthians 11:14
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By Jeffrey T. Benson, Jr. One of the biggest myths circulating within the business community is management and leadership is one of the same. The words tend to be used synonymously often but the phrase couldn’t be further than the truth. “Leadership” and “Management” the two are radically different. Management and leadership create synergy between the two subject matters, meaning the two complement each other perfectly like a newly formed marriage when paired together. Webster Dictionary defines the two words as such; Lead: to guide on a way especially by going in advance; to direct on a course or in a direction. Manage: to handle or direct with a degree of skill; to make and keep compliant. We will explore the differences amongst the two positions and show why both subjects are needed to make a company successful and how they serve different, yet essential, functions when collaborated interchangeably.
MANAGEMENT
Management is a set of well-known processes, like planning, budgeting, structuring jobs, staffing jobs, measuring performance and problem-solving, which help an organization to predictably do what it knows how to do well. Management helps you produce products and services efficiently as your mission states. Also consistent quality, on budget, day after day, week after week progress. In organizations of any size and complexity, this is an enormously difficult task. We constantly underestimate how complex this task really is, especially if we are not in senior management positions. So, management is crucial but it’s not leadership.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership is entirely different. It is associated with taking an organization into the future, finding opportunities that are coming at it faster and faster and successfully exploiting those opportunities. Leadership is about vision, about people buying in, about empowerment and most of all, about producing useful change. Leadership is not about attributes, it’s about behavior. And in an ever-fast-moving world, leadership is increasingly needed from more and more people, no matter where they are in a hierarchy. The notion that a few extraordinary people at the top can provide all the leadership needed today is ridiculous and it’s a recipe for failure.
Many organizations today are failing to recognize the difference in the two subject matters, thus, unknowingly affecting their businesses bottom-line for the worse. As you lead your organization towards victory from now on, be sure to identify the two functions needed to create success and push your business over the top.
4 Rs to Success! Combat Dramatic Changes Online with a Renewed Focus by Chris Darling In 2012, Google rolled out over 500 changes or updates to their algorithm, some more dramatic than others. In addition to changes in search, the shift towards mobile computing picked up momentum. The Internet today requires you to consider how accessible your site is on those small screens. The fact that more and more people are walking around with the world in their pocket means one more thing for your business. Search is KING. Whether it is Google, Bing, or Yahoo Search, Paid, PPC, or Social Search, if you cannot be found when someone pulls the world out of their pocket to find an answer to something, you are missing out. 70% of mobile searches result in some kind of action within 1 hour. That action could be someone calling your phone, emailing you, or driving to your business location to make a purchase. 6 out of 10 mobile users will abandon your site if it is not optimized for their small screen. Search engine visibility is your business’ game changer. Top that off with your reputation or what people are saying about you online. 59% of US consumers use social media to express their frustrations about customer care and services. Some of the social media sites used for expressing
testimonials and reviews whether positive or negative are Facebook, AngiesList, Yelp, Google+ Local, and many others. Your reputation online is the consumer’s decision maker. Part of the problem with marketing your offline business online is getting distracted by all of the shiny objects. Other problems include believing that the latest silver bullet Internet marketing tactic is going to give you the break you need, buying into the idea that a $150 a month marketing budget will make you King of Search, or getting so completely discouraged that you do nothing at all. How does an offline business leverage the pace of rapidly evolving technology and consistently pull profits from the Internet? How do you throw out the ineffective and wasteful tactics of 2012 and apply a renewed online marketing focus to make 2013 the year that flips the switch “ON” for your offline business? The answer lies in the four key marketing systems that need to be optimized in order to maximize growth in today’s wired, always-on and hyper-competitive online marketplace. Renewed focus on these proven concepts and marketing systems will have you using strategies that have been tested, re-tested and tested again in the marketplace.
The 4 Rs to Your Renewed Focus in 2014 Includes: 1. Renewed focus on your Reputation online. 2. Renewed focus on your Reach in search. 3. Renewed focus on the Resell value you create. 4. Renewed focus on the Referrals you help your customers create. These are the four things *every* business needs to plan for and optimize to maximize their growth potential on the Internet.
Whether it is positive or negative in tone, most of the content about your business that is available online is Data shows, and my experience supports, that each of not even being created by you anymore! these can account for about 25 percent growth on their own, and combined have a compounding effect that Consumers are critics and publishers now. They all carry can ignite growth to 100 percent or more. tiny “printing presses” in their pockets! Let’s go over the first one, Renewed Focus on Your Reputation is more important than ever. Back in the Reputation Online. You can learn more about all 4 day, when your telephone was still connected to a concepts and marketing systems by claiming your FREE wall and the cord was long enough to stretch over the kitchen table, around the couch, and all the way to the Webcast Series here: other side of the house, people built strong businesses http://www.darlingonlinemarketing.com/webcast on their reputation alone. Renewed Focus on your Reputation It has never been easier for potential customers to find Heck, way before the Internet my Dad, who was a out what others think about your business. This is both general contractor, home remodeler, great tradesman and businessman, always told me “If I don’t have my good and bad (depending on what people find). name, I have nothing; my name is everything in this As you know, nowadays people search online before business.” they buy. People put a lot of stock in what they find and The stakes of building your business based on your read online. In fact, a recent Nielsen study shows that reputation alone are even higher today because of 74 percent of U.S. consumers choose to do business how easy it is for people to find information about local based on online feedback—even when it’s feedback companies before they call, hire, or buy. from total strangers! The really bad side of this is that negative reviews can get lodged in the search results, hanging like an According to Nielsen’s summary of their albatross around your neck and dragging down all poll data, recommendations from personal potential for future sales and contracts. acquaintances and opinions posted by What can you do about this? consumers online are “the most trusted forms Start your renewed focus in Online Marketing by of advertising.” claiming your FREE Webcast Series here: http://www.darlingonlinemarketing.com/webcast Look who’s talking (about you) Customers Prospects Competitors Disgruntled employees Ex spouses Former business partners, investors Trolls (the permanently aggrieved)
Chris Darling of Darling SEO helps business owners dependent on reaching their local customer and client to go from little to no existence on the Internet to the top spots in search so that they can stand out and Be The Obvious Choice Online for what it is they do best and LOVE the most. Sign up for your 2013 FREE Webcast Training series to help you STAND OUT, BE THE OBVIOUS CHOICE and Just Totally CRUSH IT Online at http:// darlingonlinemarketing.com/webcast
are words most likely used to described Lady Tamara Hamilton. Born Tamara Hudson, the Philadelphia native began to show her vocal abilities and leadership qualities at an early age. In 1999, Lady Tamara’s life changed through meeting Aja and Fatin Dantzler, husband and wife musical duo known as Kindred ‘the Family’ Soul. Through this connection, Lady Tamara traveled the world singing back up for the group in places like Africa, London, and the Caribbean; and shared the stage with artists like India Aire, Ludacris, Kelly Rowland, Jill Scott, Music Soul Child, Jazmine Sullivan and the late Teena Marie. She also appeared on P. Diddy’s “Making the Band” & VH1’s “Born to Diva” w Patti Labelle.
After 6 years of touring with Kindred the Family Soul, a higher calling began to play on Lady Tamara’s heart strings. In 2007, Lady Tamara was affirmed as a minister and also married her childhood sweetheart Dr. Hayward R. Hamilton, and helped him birth the Conquering Power Church of Deliverance now in PA & ATL. Throughout 2006-2010, Lady Tamara began to explore her other gifts and abilities. Known for her bold and trendsetting appearance, she decided to further cultivate her makeup artistry. In 2009 she developed F.I.Y.A. which stands for Fierce Innovative Youthful Appearance; and is dedicated to encouraging and assisting women of all ages to see and enhance their inner and outer beauty. . “F.I.Y.A. Cosmetics” will be launched Spring of 2013! In 2011 Lady Tamara launched “Lady Tamara Empire” & her website, which encompasses her gifts of Music, Makeup and her call to Ministry. The following questions are basic makeup questions that I’ve found WOMEN all over the World want to know, so I created an “ASK LADY” Column! Enjoy….
Ask Lady:
Questions & Answers Q: What is the best way to find the perfect foundation for you? A: The first step is to evaluate the type of skin you have so you can pick the best type of foundation for you. Skin types come in normal, oily, dry, combination & sensitive normally. Foundations, to name a few, come in powder, cream to powder, liquid, cream, dewy, oil free, maximum cover, etc. Go to your favorite cosmetic counter and let them know your skin type and they should be skilled enough to tell you the best product for you. To make sure you have the right color, try 2-3 foundations on your jaw line. Whichever of the products disappear into your skin is your match! Q: How important is it to use Moisturizers – with or without the application of makeup? A: Moisturizers are designed to correct the imbalance that may be found in skin: too much oil, not enough oil, too dry, too flaky, etc; they also act as a barrier against outside elements. They must be chosen based on skin type; dry skin moisturizers must be high in oil and fat content. Oily skin moisturizers should only applied around eye area, outer face area but normally not applied to apples of the cheek, t-zone, or any other part of the face that is naturally oily. Oil- free products are necessary. Question: Should I invest in facials? Answer: The main purpose of facials is to give a deep clean at home or at a spa that regular every day facial products will not provide. Steaming, deep cleaning, removal of blackheads, deep removal of makeup, etc can be some of the benefits of getting a facial. There are many to choose from that will suit your needs and enjoyment. BONUS “ON F.I.Y.A.” Beauty Secret: After applying eyeliner to your water line (below your eye ball), use a small straight brush and dip it in a similar color of eye shadow. Take the brush with shadow on it and put it over the eyeliner you applied. Instead of your eyeliner fading in a few short hours, it will last all day long.
Enjoy and Get On F.I.Y.A.!
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How To Use Trade Shows and Business Expos To Build Your Business
By Tracey Hausel
Connect – Connecting is getting people to notice your business. This step is easy in terms of a business expo. People are already there, but there are certain activities you should and should not do. You need to do something that brings people to your table. You may raffle a gift certificate or offer discounts for during the expo. Definitely, dress your table up so that it is unique from the other vendors in your category. Capture – I rarely see businesses do this part at vending shows. And this step is the most important step at a vending show. This is the step where you build your list. Your list is one of your most if not the most important asset that your business has. You must have some way to capture people’s contact information. Name, email, phone number, or mailing address are some of the information that you may want to capture. Now, most people are not going to just give you their contact info because you asked. This is where a raffle or lottery can help out. You can raffle off a gift certificate for your product or 1. Connect service. Or you can raffle off a gift card to a local restaurant. 2. Capture People love to win free stuff. 3. Communicate You do this by making up “tickets” (pieces of paper 4. Close asking for their contact information). Ask people if they’d like to win the prize and get your newsletter. Have them These four steps are essential for any type of business. fill out their information. You can use a box or a bowl to All aspects of marketing a business fall within one of these put the entries into. steps. Now, I’ll explain each and what actions you should Now, you have all of these names that you can contact be taking when vending at a business expo. about your business. Why is this more important than You’ve all attended Trade Shows or Business Expos. You know your local home expo, car expo, craft show and so on. You’ve gone as an attendee and maybe you’ve even gone as a vendor. If you’ve attended as a vendor, you probably had certain expectations. The show sponsors would have given you a list of what they provide. Sometimes you saw they expect a certain number of people because they will do the advertising. Other times you may have to do your own advertising to bring people to the event. Regardless of how people get there, you may have more expectations of what to expect when they those people come. One of those expectations may have been making lots of sales. I’m going to explain why sales should be the least of your goals at one of these events. If you are only concerned with sales, you are missing a HUGE part of the marketing process. Sales come at the end of the marketing process, not the beginning. Let me explain the four steps of effective marketing:
selling your goods and services? If you just sell your products and services, you only have that one chance to get people to buy. When you get their contact information and add them to your newsletter, you now have lots of opportunities to market to them. That is why your list is an asset. Communicate – Now that you’ve got their contact information, you can call, email, or mail them your offers. However, don’t just pitch to them. That just annoys people and doesn’t make you stand out in the crowd. What you want to do now is something called attraction marketing or relationship marketing. You want to educate your list about your product and services without selling them at first. For example, say you sell skin care. You can send them articles, blog posts, videos, or audios you’ve produced about how to take care of their skin.
When you talk about a particular condition such as dryness, give them strategies to use that do not necessarily involve buying anything from you. One strategy for dry skin is drinking lots of water. This doesn’t cost them anything, but your list appreciates you giving suggestions that don’t just sound like you pitching your product. Of course, one of the strategies would be using moisturizer and that is when you suggest your product. Close – If you’ve don’t the above steps correctly, your prospects should be closing themselves and buying what you suggest. That’s it. You’ve now learned how to use business expos and trade shows to your best long term benefit. You learned the four steps of marketing your business and what role the shows play in that process. Most importantly, you’ve learned to build your list and how to communicate to that list.
Tracey Hausel is a Home and Small Business Marketing Consultant and Coach. She specializes in working with entrepreneurs with attention issues. Tracey enjoys teaching about marketing concepts. To learn more about how to use trade shows visit her blog at http://traceylhausel.com/marketing-ideas-for-small-busniesses/mlm-home-based-businessoffline-networking
,
This is not your typical Christian novel.
Chaos In The Pews encompasses the effects of
of four dysfunctional married couples whose lives collide at United Church of Pentecost and Deliverance. No one is safe, even the Pastor.
Who will fall prey or who will stand?
www.msyolandasoto.com
It’s All in Your Mind By Ola Jackson
Earlier this year, some of you may have made resolutions to resolve to change your life in one way or another, as many do every year about this time. Make sure you avoid returning to the same bad habits that got you to the point of needing change in the first place. Like myself, you will make resolutions and promises, swearing that “this time” a true metamorphosis will take place in your life. There will be purchases of exercise equipment that may soon serve as clothing racks. There will be gymnasium memberships that will never be used. Women will flock to conference halls and convention centers trying to find the meaning of life, the reasons for failure and the keys to success. They will catch trains, planes, buses and even board boats to attend seminars in hopes that a self-appointed guru can help figure out why they just can’t seem to get their acts together. I foresee career opportunities that may not come to fruition and business ideas that will never see the light of day, unless you use your God-given ability to take control over your life. Make up your mind that this time you are going to make it happen. Practicing self-determination, drive and commitment are the first steps towards obtaining your goals. The hardest part is staying focused. You must set goals and have a clear plan of action on how you are going to obtain them. Through adversities, life challenges and more sacrifices than I ever thought I would have to make, staying focused meant committing to letting go of bad habits and adopting a new attitude about hanging in there doing some challenging times.
I started working out regularly by challenging myself to commit to one day a week, then 2 days a week, next 3 days a week until I found myself at the gym for 30 days without missing a day. I discovered years ago that the answer to what I really wanted to achieve was simply in the decision to sticking it out. I’m sure you’re familiar with the saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” I believe that when the going gets tough, the tough should just get tougher. Two of life’s greatest challenges are to change and to let go. You cannot successfully accomplish one without the other. Change goes hand-in- hand with releasing undesirable attachments to bad habits, bad thoughts and bad people. Stay focused. It’s easy to succumb to distractions when you are not standing on a solid mental foundation. You are not alone if you are one of many who have asked themselves, “Why am I still not where I want to be; In a job I hate, surrounded by people I loathe and still in a relationship that was once a fulfilling romance that is now a dreaded companionship, and living in an unhealthy body that does not represent who I really am?” But know that you are what you think. You can think yourself into failure the same way you can think yourself into success, because your success is really all in your mind, so make up your mind that you are going to do what it takes to do better and be better. Your mantra for 2013, “It’s all about me in 2-0-1-3” Hang in there, Girls!
Ola Jackson is founder of OWN: The Onyx Woman Network, a 22 year old business that documents the success of women in business, and addresses other issues that impact their quality of life. She is working on her new book, Homegirl, CEO due out later this year. www.ownonyxwomannetwork.tv. ola@onyxwoman.com Ola Jackson©
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Check Your Space! It May Be Cluttered. By Alishia Louis
Are you struggling to move forward in your life? Do you have dreams and find them a challenge to get off to a start? Ok, sorry, one more thing. Do you start something, and then never finish it? Well, saying yes, to even one of those thought provoking questions, means you may want to stop looking outside of you to figure out what the deal is, and look around you. What’s in your space? I mean your personal space. Your personal space is your inner circle which includes three key areas of your life such as: who you share your dreams with (people), where you spend your time (places), and what you spend your time doing (things). This seems so simple, but in my own personal walk through the journey of building my dream, I have found, when those areas were cluttered, and junky, I was counterproductive, spinning around in circles of indecisiveness, and depleted of my mental energy. None of those elements listed make a good recipe for successful living. So who you allow into your life, the environment you open yourself up to, and things you “spend” (instead of invest) your time doing, can all be clear indicators of why you may be experiencing setbacks or periods where you are stuck. Here are a few challenge points I’d like to give you:
1. Declutter your personal space by doing an assessment of what & who are no longer of value to you National renowned motivational speaker, Les Brown says in one of his most powerful motivational speeches, to “detoxify your life.” Are you keeping people in your life that pour positive energy in to you daily, no matter what your failures or hang-ups are? Or are you allowing people with the poisonous venom of negative energy to contaminate your mind and emotions and hinder you from accomplishing your dream? Most times people who don’t believe in themselves and struggle moving their own dreams forward are the ones who will tell you that your dream is impossible. Challenge yourself to eliminate toxic relationships from your inner space, no matter who they are, and allow people in that add value to your purpose and who are going in the direction you are trying to head in yourself.
their in-your-face, sister-girl advice and encouragement that kept me from not making failure an option! 3. Invest your time (and money) in environments that educate you. Knowledgeable people are open to being educated by other knowledgeable people. But learning takes an investment on your part. In your personal space, are your lending yourself to environments that pour knowledge and information into you so that you have the tools necessary to build your dream? Attending workshops, retreats, and business seminars, are all great personal space items that are nothing more than a win/ win for you. When people are not willing to financially invest in learning how to build their dream, it makes me wonder how badly they really want it. You have to see the value in the information as a lifelong investment into where you are headed. The payback will be far greater. I conclude by making the point that decluttering your life from the people, places, and things that have no value 2. Ask for Mentoring and are just taking up space will certainly make a huge Most people fail in life because they lack the proper difference in your overall plan for success. It may seem mentoring necessary to help them build their dream. I find overwhelming and even a little impossible, but as you take that successful people are mentored by other successful small step by small step, you will find you are becoming people. That is key. When I wanted to become an author, more empowered along the way. As the old saying goes, I reached out to an accomplished author, and I asked her “Out with the old, and in with the new!” So what are you to mentor me. I met Vikki Kennedy Johnson, author of waiting for? Check your space, and start cleaning! several books, Addicted to Counterfeit Love, being one of her bestsellers, at one of her book signings in the summer Alishia Louis is an of 2006. I was on a new quest in my life of removing old author, and soughtand stale friendships, and adding ones with vitality and after empowerment credibility, but I realized the only way to do that was to speaker who some reach out and make new friends myself. My stomach was have coined as in knots, and I will never forget that day. As she signed an “Atmosphere my copy of her book, Gems for the Journey, and spoke Changer.” She is into my life, not even knowing who I was, I stood there founder of Empowered with a ball of butterflies and jitters in my stomach. I knew Women Ministries, she was someone I just had to have in my life by her an organization dynamic energy. I nervously asked her if she would be dedicated to helping willing to take a look at a manuscript I was working on. divorced women and Without thought or hesitation, she offered her help. That single mothers break grew into the most impactful mentoring relationships of unhealthy cycles of my womanhood. That manuscript, Woman Will Thou Follow Alishia Louis on relationships while Be Made Whole?: Healing from the Wounds of Divorce, Twitter @Empowered2Be empowering them to was not only published into a book, in 2007 but it also Facebook.com/AlishiaLouis identify and execute become the groundbreaking seed in my development LinkedIN.com/AlishiaLouis and establishment that same year of Empowered Women their purpose. She is a AlishiaLouis.com Ministries, Inc. When you have mentoring in your life, licensed Minister and EmpoweredWomenMinistries.org resides in Delaware you will find that you are less likely to start something and not finish it because mentoring is a fuel that won’t allow with her two children. your mental and emotional tank to run dry. It was people like her and my dear friend, national References: motivational speaker and Author, S. Renee Smith, with “Step into Your Greatness”, Video Series, Les Brown, 2004, Better Life Media
A Brand New Year
Lasting Impressions By Ara Atkinson-Skinner The phrase “Brand New” dates back as early as the 16th century used to describe burning or fire in regards to the process of forging metal (swords) or firing pottery. Each of these works back in the day was totally handmade original one-of-a-kind pieces. I can imagine even back then, how both the artisan and the recipients wanted to be identified or distinguished from everyone else. Swords were a status symbol and given in honor to royalty, so it was very important to have a brand that was of good quality and was identifiable marks such as initials or families crest, etc. The next most popular brand term was of course the branding of products and livestock by using a hot personalized iron with some distinguishing mark and burning that mark onto wood products like crates and boxes to cows and horses to show ownership. “Everyone has been Branded personally or professionally whether it was intentional or not .” The act of Branding is important today to show ownership and much more. As consumers, we are influenced by what we know or learned about a Brand, we use that information subconsciously and consciously to buy products, services, who we hire, who we spend time with and the list goes on. Everyone has been Branded whether it was intentional or not. If you don’t make an effort to Brand yourself, it’s guaranteed someone or several others will do it for you! Question is will they get it right? Are they odds you want to take? Serious Brand players never risk it; they go all in to make sure they reinforce only the best messages. The same with a personal Brand; being unforgettable in all the right ways can make all the difference in what doors are opened and what opportunities come your way. The best power brands are built by making a lasting impression! A first impression gets you in the door, but what you do to stay top of mind is critical. From my experience and what I learned from others, making a lasting impression does not happen overnight. It does start from wherever you are and being aware how important it is to take action. Again, depending who you are what you are targeting, depends on how many steps it will take. I mentioned earlier, the Big Brand Players never stop, they keep pushing the envelope.
They can’t afford not to, the minute they sit back, there will be another highly motivated brand player quick to offer their target market something better--but is it better? Sometimes it doesn’t matter, it looks better and so they stray...YIKES, I hate when that happens! Every power Brand starts with a clear mission as the foundation you can build upon. The next steps are to let your intended audience know you are the best solution-bar none that can solve their problem. We use six senses, so in every way you can, work your Brand marketing into a total overall experience of the sensesdo it. How does your Brand look, feel, taste, sound and smell? Think about your hottest date, vacation or favorite car-- unforgettable right? Everyone can start by delivering their claim(s) and building their reputation. It’s no time be shy, let your audience know what they are missing -get visible! Make sure you have a great logo, web site and informative/ attractive marketing materials. If you need help, get it. Network and form strategic alliances to help you achieve your goals. It’s a Brand New Year--Cheers to making long lasting impressions!
Ara Atkinson-Skinner CEO/Illustrator | Ara Illustrated Studio Group AraIllustrated.com | 302.322.9200
Ara offers creation solutions to business owners, entrepreneurs, art directors, authors, writers and discerning clientele“MakeTheir MarkTM”with distinct Unforgettable original illustrations and creativeimpressionsforanaudienceof one to a multitude.
From the Editor It has been a long tough road but we finally made it. It may be after the initial release date but there is a lot of fabulous information that will never go out of season. The past is behind us, the present is a gift an the future holds endless possibilities for us all. Keep believing, perverse through life’s storms and have fun while you can. Be blessed and thank you for your participation and patience. Sincerely,
CREDITS Cover: Lady Tamara Photographer: Jim Cottingham Contributing Writers: Jeffrey Benson, Jr. Chris Darling Kathleen Ellis Ola Jackson Ara Atkinson-Skinner
Bishop Carlos Cannon, Sr. Cheryl Chambers Tracy Hansel Alishia Louis Lady Tamara
Layout & Advertisements: Studio 8 Graphic Design Lillian Harrison: Back Cover Editor in Chief Photograph: Dwayne Powell of Evo Photography