First Impressions

First impressions mean everything. Few of us get second chances. It is important to be on the top of your game all the time. You never know who you will meet and who that person knows. There are so many times I just want to "bum" around. There are times I do not want to put on makeup or do my hair.

I recall a couple of times doing that and I run into an ex boyfriend or a client at the store. Whoa, what an embarassing situation for me.

To make a good first impression when in public-

1. Make sure your handshake is firm- not too soft, not too hard. I can't stand women who shake my hand as if their arm will fall off if they move it. A solid handshake means that you are interested in them. I find that my handshake weakens because theirs is too soft and I may be considered too "manly".
2. Always have business cards on you. Enough said.
3. Smile in public. No matter how your day is going try to smile and don't get aggravated at the store clerk. Someone you know may be behind you.
4. Dress appropriately. You are what you eat. Well, in this case you are how you dress. Dress like a slob and someone may feel that you will handle their account with the same lack of neatness.
5. Always have gum or mints on you. Eating a burger loaded with onions really STINKS.
6. Of course, I have to add this. Send A Card to someone you know in a timely manner. Once you close a deal, or they refer someone or they placed a large order. They say late is better than never. But being timely is a very good first impression.

There are many other first impression tips, I would love to hear your feedback.

Remember sending cards will help re-connect with those you lost touch with, develop new relationships and maintain existing ones. Who do you know that does not like to receive a card?

Happy Card Sending,

Kerry and Debbie
Your Referral Specialists
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Teaching Our Children Etiquette

I remember growing up my mom used to tell me to write Grandma and Grandpa and my Aunts and Uncles letters thanking them for my birthday and Hanukkah gifts. Boy, I didn't like that at all. Write?!

Well, as an adult I understand why and now have my children do the same. Some times it is a written note other times my oldest goes into his SendOutCards account and types up his thank you. Either way it is a sincere gesture of appreciation. It is acknowledging the gift and his grandparents and other family members are happy to receive it.

It is our job to teach our children proper etiquette so they grow up to be well mannered adults. I see children in restaurants under tables and the parents don't do anything. That is not proper. That is not respecting other people around you. Take them outside and discipline them. However, one may do that. They have to learn that is not proper behaviour in a restaurant and it is embarrassing. Please don't tell me "well, kids will be kids". There is no excuse. Hmm, maybe next time I should go under a restaurant table and have a temper tantrum.

We, as parents, are the first ones with our children from birth to 5 years old. That is 5 years of brain development and programming. Don't blame the teacher.

One day my 7 year old son asked a question to the lady at the bank, "Ma'am, may I have a lollipop, please?" Now of course the lady asked me if it was alright. But I was amazed he used "Ma'am" and "please" in one sentence. It made me feel proud.

Can you imagine sitting at a table with a man or woman you are dating eating with their mouth full? How about when they don't say  thank you when you hold a door open for them? I am sure it is not someone you would want to stay around with. That behaviour doesn't really show that they appreciate you or think about how you feel. How about a husband not doing his own laundry or cook for himself? Or a wife bickering and yelling in public at someone? This all comes from teaching and showing what is appropriate and what is not.

These are common etiquette rules that respect other people's space and lives.

It is never to late to implement etiquette and it can start by just writing thank you cards for the all holiday gift your child received.

Debbie
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Remember sending cards will help re-connect with those you lost touch with, develop new relationships and maintain existing ones. Who do you know that does not like to receive a card?
Happy Card Sending,
and
Your Referral Specialists
Send A Free Card
Storefront
954-667-9762 ***********************************************

The Joys of Working At Home

I am so fortunate to work at home. It has been a blessing in disguise. Not only do I work my SendOutCards business from home, I am my own boss. I create my own deadlines. If my kids are sick I am home and I do not need to find a sitter, or my mom or stay home from work. My travel time is from my bedroom to my office. Oh, about 5 minutes.

Working at home has helped me put my home and family first. I do set a few hours in the morning like right now writing my blog, a few hours in the late afternoon for follow up phone calls, set up appointments and an hour at night sending out a card or two. In between those hours, I clean the house, go shopping and help the kids with school work.

I give a lot of credit to moms and dads who work full time and then have to come home and do all the things I do during the day at night after a long day. And then to use their two days off finishing the rest. It is hard work I have been there.

When I was a single mom with 2, I would work 9 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday. Now, I work 8:30 am (after I get kids to school) to about 10 am, then maybe from 3 pm to 5 pm.

I had this feeling yesterday as I was talking to Mike, my husband, how fortunate I am to have a supportive husband. Now, as we grow our family from two to four kids, I am realizing I am more blessed than ever to have this opportunity.

Not only do I love the time I have available, but the financial aspect of owning my own business. The tax advantages are wonderful. I am able to take the deductions for my cell phone, wear and tear on the car, mileage, clothing for meetings and presentations, dry eaning bill, office supplies, the cards I send out and so much more.

I wish that everyone of you love what they do. I also know that if some of you are not happy at what you are doing and want a change, think about a Plan B with SendOutCards. It has brought so much goodness in my life.

Happy 2011!

--Debbie
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Remember sending cards will help re-connect with those you lost touch with, develop new relationships and maintain existing ones. Who do you know that does not like to receive a card?
Happy Card Sending,
and
Your Referral Specialists
Send A Free Card
Storefront
954-667-9762
***********************************************