Overcoming Your Own Bondage

I was watching a show on the History channel about a group of people who according to historians should not be here based on how history unfolded itself. This article is not religious in nature, yet holds a special place to people everywhere and will be used as an example in this writing.

So the group of people are the Jews. Throughout history we all know (Jew and non Jew alike) how they were enslaved, persecuted and judged throughout time. Yet, they still exist in this world. I am Jewish and I grew up thinking and discussing these things. I feel that one can only understand if one was Jewish.

But I want to take this to a deeper and more humanistic observation. The Jews came through these episodes in history with faith, passion and a belief in themselves. Passover (Pesach) is coming and we speak of how the Jews escaped slavery from the Egyptians. We see Moses on Mt. Sinai in the movie "The Ten Commandments" bringing down the Commandments for the future people of Israel. Were they truly free after all that?

Freedom is not just a state of our external environment. It is an inner feeling that one holds within oneself. Today you live in a free society in America, but yet are your ideas, thoughts and feelings truly free? How can you set yourself up in a place where you are free inside? What holds you back from achieving your goals? Who are you blaming when your dreams are not coming to reality? Do you have an internal battle of bondage/slavery that you fight with everyday?

I ask these questions because I know many people who have fears in their mind. Whether they created them themselves or people spoke these fears to them The can'ts, the won'ts, the am not's. These are purely words but they can be so strong that they bond you to a place of insecurity and fear.

I pray that you will let these fears and negative feelings leave you. I pray that love, freedom and peace encompass your soul and mind.

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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,
Debbie and Kerry Your Referral Specialists
Send A Free Card
Storefront
954-667-9762
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What to Say When You Appreciate Someone

Words of appreciation can sometimes come across as banal and trite.  After all, is there a more tired sentiment than a quickly scrawled “you are appreciated”?  Yet for employers and employees, businessmen and clients, family members and close friends, associates and lovers, expressing appreciation for everything a person means to you is absolutely necessary.  When you find yourself lost for words, try some of these words of appreciation from the heart.  They’re not all sentimental or sappy (though some are), but each phrase expresses something about that special relationship that lifts your heart and makes the day to day stresses that you face more manageable.  Take the time today to tell someone “I appreciate you.”

Casual Words of Appreciation

These phrases are appropriate for business relationships, casual friends, and acquaintances who have gone the extra mile for you.

• I just wanted to let you know—the things you do for (me, the company, our group) do not go unnoticed.  You’re a necessary piece to this puzzle.  I appreciate your dedication and service, and I know others do too.
• Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your commitment.  You are not only a valued member of this group, you’re a dear friend.  I can’t imagine working without you.
• You’re the heart and soul of this team.  I appreciate your dedicated commitment.
• I only wish to aspire to the things you’ve achieved.  Telling you that you’re “appreciated” does not do your service justice.  You’re the best!
• You do such a great job!  Keep it up.
• Let me encourage you today: you’re not only on the right track.  You set the course for the rest of us.  I appreciate you.
• The difference you make is nothing short of legendary.
• I can’t imagine the world without you.  I only know it would be a much different, much less comforting place.
• God bless you for always being there to cheer and to guide.

Appreciation Quotes
Try some of these special quotes from some of the world’s leading philosophers, actors, and businessmen to convey your deep appreciation for another person.

• Frederick Koenig once mentioned that happiness comes not from getting something we lack, but from the recognition and appreciation of what we do have.  I agree—I don’t know what I’d do without you.
•  “I would rather be able to appreciate things I can not have than to have things I am not able to appreciate.” – Elbert Hubbard
• According to the Dalai Lama, the roots of goodness are in the soil of appreciation for goodness.  You’ve been too good to me, and it is deeply appreciated.
• To truly appreciate life, we seek companionship.  Thank you for being my companion.  I appreciate you.
• “Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the gratefully and appreciating heart.” – Henry Clay
• Goethe said, “treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.”  You’ve treated me as though I were capable of reaching the stars.  Because of you, I have.
• When I read that Dickens said, “reflect upon your present blessings,” you came to mind.
• Proust urged his readers be grateful to people who make them happy.  I am grateful to you.

Relationships
Do you want to tell that special someone they’re appreciated without saying “I love you”?  Try a few of these on for size.

• “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire
• Your love and support will always be remembered, fondly in good times, and as encouragement in bad.
• Someday I hope to give to you a fraction of all you’ve given me.
• No words can express, no act of gratitude can relay, no gift can represent what your love and support have meant to me.  Please accept this note as an indicator of my heartfelt appreciation for everything you are.
• I can’t imagine five minutes without you.  Thank God I’ve got the rest of my life to spend with you.
• If I tried to tell you how much I appreciate you, I’d be talking the rest of my life.  I hope that, in some small way, you realize how much you’ve meant to me, and how truly I desire to give back to you.
• You’ve bent over backwards for me.  Please let me repay you somehow, if only in a note telling you how much I appreciate your love and support.

Referenced from YourDictionary.com

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,
Debbie and Kerry Your Referral Specialists
Send A Free Card
Storefront

954-667-9762

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Love Is In The Air

I am the type of person who does not care for the commercialized exploitation of many holidays. I do my best to remind myself of the meaning and appreciate the history behind a holiday and why it is celebrated.

Therefore, I will not make this blog post about the great gifts SendOutCards has for your loved ones. You can easily see that on our website. But what I will say is to spend the time and write down in a card about how you feel. Add a photo of the special day you and your partner had- your wedding, a date, a special place you love, your last vacation.

My husband and I agree not to celebrate it the way many do. We believe every day is Valentine's Day. We do our best to show love, appreciation and gratitude to each other every day. Our anniversary means more to me and I am sure your anniversaries and birthdays mean more to your family.

The hardest part of Valentine's Day was when I was single. I dreaded going into work that day and seeing ladies getting flowers from their loved ones. Sounds horrible. I should be happy for them, but truly these were the men they moaned and groaned about all year long. They complained about how they were stood up, or how he doesn't help with the kids or house chores. But yet Valentine's Day seems to put a hold on that. All the yearly problems seem to go away with a big bouquet of flowers or candies or jewelry.

I am not saying I do not like that romantic card (I love those). Especially ones that are written out by my husband, Michael. I do like flowers and candies. Of course some bling, bling is nice. (Hint, hint honey) But the biggest surprises are when they are done out of the blue. Not when it is expected on a certain day of the year.

I found a brief summary of Valentine's Day and its meaning. I reflect on the history and the people who are celebrating love and passion.

Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day,^[1][2][3] is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions.^[1][3] The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 500 AD. It was deleted from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, but its religious observance is still permitted. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.^[4]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine's_Day

Valentine's Day is mentioned ruefully by Ophelia in Hamlet (1600–1601):

To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day,
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your Valentine.
Then up he rose, and donn'd his clothes,
And dupp'd the chamber-door;
Let in the maid, that out a maid
Never departed more.

—William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act IV, Scene 5

Have a beautiful day filled with love, happiness and smiles. For Valentine's Day is a simple reminder to take the time and appreciate your loved ones- but please try to do this every day.

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,
Debbie and Kerry Your Referral Specialists
Send A Free Card
Storefront
954-667-9762
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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
Send A Free Card
Storefront
954-667-9762
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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 ***********************************************

Holiday Card Checklist

The holiday season is here, and we've created a checklist of six important things for you to remember as you prepare your holiday cards and gifts. You'll also notice a slideshow presentation of our newest holiday gifts.

Schedule your cards and gifts to go out early with your SendOutCards system and don't forget that USPS strongly recommends sending all mail BEFORE December 15 in order for them to arrive in your recipients' mailboxes on time during this holiday season.

1. Update Your Contact Manager!

 Make your contacts list and check it twice, because to have everyone you know in your contact manager will be especially nice. It's also a great idea to import groups of contacts you have from other applications. Importing can be tricky at times, so we've included a tutorial to help you out:

• How to Import Contacts Into Your Contact Manager

2. Create the Perfect Holiday Card!

 Make your cards stand out this holiday season with our incredible greeting card system. You have two options when creating a custom holiday card with SendOutCards. These options provide a number of amazing editing features so you can use our newly added holiday borders, templates, clip art and more with your pictures to build customize cards.

Your first option is PicturePlus 2.0. Check out this tutorial to see how it works:

• PicturePlus 2.0 Tutorial

The second option is PicturePlus Basic. Click on this tutorial to find out more:

• PicturePlus Basic Tutorial

3. Edit Your Cards Earlier Than Normal!

The month of December is our busiest time of the year. So that we can make sure your cards are sent out on time, our production team will be printing cards at a much faster pace. This means that you DO NOT have until midnight to edit your cards like normal. Instead, we encourage you to edit your cards as soon as possible because your card can be sent to print as soon as you hit send.

4. Purchase Points & Add to Your Expense Account!

 Without points and expense for postage, your cards won't make it to the printers and into the mailboxes of your family and friends. Make sure you have enough for the holiday season beforehand so you can beat the holiday rush. We suggest adding at least 100 points and in postage to ensure this holiday season runs smoothly.

For help with purchasing points and adding to your expense, please see the following:

• How to Purchase Products (& Points) Tutorial

5. Send Your Holiday Cards Campaign-Style!

 If you haven't created a card campaign before, now is the perfect time to find out how it's done! Now that you've followed the steps above, you have the perfect card, plenty of points, and all your holiday contacts' information is loaded into your SendOutCards account. With a few clicks of the mouse your cards will be sent. This means no more stamp-licking, long lines, or lost hours spent assembling the cards. We do it all for you!

For help creating a holiday card campaign, use the links we've listed below:

• Creating and Sending a Campaign Tutorial
• Campaigns Overview

6. Make Sure Your Personalized Handwriting and Signature is Ready- this is too late to add now. So make sure you add it for 2011!

Holiday cards should always include a personal touch that will bring a smile to the face of any recipient, such as a friend, child, spouse, sibling, co-worker etc. We can help you by printing your personalized handwriting font and signature on each card! Your personalized handwriting font and four signatures come with the purchase of a Wholesale Premium Package and are also sold separately for to those who have purchased the Preferred Package or Retail Package Plus. Find this amazing feature on the Purchase Products page (item #2050). Once purchased, download the font form, use a color printer to print the form (the boxes must be red), fill it out, and mail it to the address in the instructions section of the form. You'll want to make sure your form will get to us by December 1 so you can have your font and signatures available in your account by *December 15.

IMPORTANT:

USPS has suggested that holiday cards be sent BEFORE December 15 in order for them to arrive in your recipients' mailboxes by December 25.

Due to the high volume of traffic on the SendOutCards website during the holiday season, you may experience slight delays in the speed of the website.

Happy Card Sending,
and
Your Referral Specialists
Send A Free Card and Biz Opp www.unitedwesendcards.net
Storefront- www.unitedwesendcards.com
954-667-9762

Business Tip- Sending Thank You Cards to Customers

ANMSRBSJGXDE

I was talking to a woman today in the direct sales industry for 33 years. Her name is Gina with The Selling Divas. It was fascinating. She is a card sender with SOC (not one of my customers or downline) and understands the importance of sending cards.

She has placed many orders with a particular person who is also in direct sales. One order was $400, another month it was $300 then following months were from $50-$100. One would think a constant and good customer like this should receive a Thank You for Your Business card. Well, that was not the case.

Why do we have to teach business owners, sales reps, independent contractors etc. the common etiquette to send a thank you card? We teach our children to send thank you cards to grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. for when the kid's get gifts. Or am I the only person who still teaches this to my kids?

Common etiquette is to say thank you. This all goes back to when I talked about the cost of finding a new customer compared to the cost of keeping an existing one happy through appreciation.

Let's think about the cost of .99 cent card plus postage compared to the cost of an ad in a local paper...hmmmm....hundreds! I don't think this needs to be explained. It is common sense.

I see this all the time. I have done business with many direct sales consultants and very few have sent a thank you card for hosting a show.

Direct Sales is about Relationships. If one does not want to build relationships- then direct sales is not for them.

In conclusion, please think of the hostesses/ hosts/ guests who bought from you. Send a thank you card or place a phone call to them. That little token of appreciation goes a long way.


Happy Card Sending,
and
Your Referral Specialists
Send A Free Card and Biz Opp www.unitedwesendcards.net
Storefront- www.unitedwesendcards.com
helpwithsoc@gmail.com
954-667-9762

ANMSRBSJGXDE

SOC IPhone App Review

I was so excited about the news for the new SOC iPhone App! I downloaded it for free, logged into my account and started to send cards!!!

I thought to myself- how is this possible with over 14,000 cards, images and my contacts? Well, they did it. It is very simple.

I logged in and the screen shows my address, points and expense I have in my account. I select catalog at the bottom of the screen to start creating a card. The categories are listed just like in your regular account on the computer.  I select Holiday and Occasions to send a birthday card. I go through selecting the card for a friend. The images on the front of the card are clear and colorful. I click next at the top of my screen. I can edit the left and right sides of the card.

I can insert images from my SOC account or take a photo from iPhone!!! Instantly it goes into my card.

I can also add an existing contact from my Send Out Cards account, my device's address book or add a new contact.
It validates how many points and expense I am going to use and then SEND CARD!

Wow!!! Talk about acting on a prompting. You are out with clients and can send a card right after a meeting without going to your office! BRILLIANT!

My son Jordan @ 4 months old

I love keeping in touch with my family and friends. I uploaded the photos of my new addition, Jordan to my SOC system and poof...he became a model in his own right. There is nothing like his grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members treasure these moments in cards. Online images that I post on FaceBook are nice, but a card is saved and looked at every day. I created this format in the basic version of our Picture Plus software. It still came out great!

This was for the front of the card

This was for the inside of the tri fold card

     

Written by Debbie Shulman

Storefront- http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/

Send A Free Card and Biz Opp http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/

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Professional Photography

We have been asked by many professional photographers about how they can use our card sending system to keep in touch with their clients; as well as; making their clients customers of our system.

Here are a few key points we want to address.

1. Become a distributor so the best pricing is available to you, all the features are included and you earn money on your customers usage. In the future if you want to build a team, then that is available to you as well.
2. Send cards with a proof or proofs of the session they had with you. Your clients can become customers of the system instead of using a competitor. By the way our card sending system is better than the competitors.
3. Most importantly, make sure you or someone you work with assists your customers. A responsible distributor does not leave their clients hanging. A training session can take up to an hour or more. But with quality customer service you will gain so much. You may need to assist them with photo uploads, contacts uploads, creating a card and so much more.

Ultimately, you want to be there for them from beginning to end. Professional photographers love the quality and the convenience.

Debbie
Storefront- http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Opp- http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/
Join our Facebook Fan Page:  Facebook

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That's ok, I don't want your referral.

The person who needs to read this is the one who wonders why they don't receive referrals from clients and/or other business professionals. The other type of person who reads this, like myself and my partner, will probably laugh in agreement.

How many times have you found someone at a networking event you thought about referring too? It is a great experience. They are a person who will fit in your circle of contacts, help each other with referrals, a nice compliment to the services and/ or products you have. Whatever the reason, you hit it off (or so you thought) and poof they don't FOLLOW UP!

You know that there lies interest. It is obvious from the other party. You make that phone call which is basic in nature. "Hello, how are you? I would like to know about you and your business? Give me a call."

You don't hear back, so the next day you send an email and wait...still no response. You think- are they on vacation? Are they hurt? Now, this is not just a one way street you truly want to know about them and their business, so you can refer your clients to them. There isn't an automated e-mail response saying they are out of town, nor a message on their voicemail. So, do they want the business or not? You even think to yourself- do they even know how to network and follow up?

I ask myself, does this person really want my referral? How can I be an effective referral generator to someone who does not return my call or email in a timely manner. If this is how you treat me, then how will you treat my client?

One needs to think about how they may be perceived if not returning communications in a timely manner. Communication is very important.

We are living in a society where people want instant gratification. If you don't call them back in an hour (maybe for some people it is even less) they WILL call someone else. Just Google a business and thousands come up. Everyone is not only in competition with the store down the street, but the ones all over the country.

My best advice is to offer you this. Reflect on how quickly you return a call, answer an email and evaluate the way you communicate to your customers and networking friends. If you are not available at this time then let them know you will contact them as soon as you return.

Ask yourself this- do you ignore a phone call on your cell because you don't know the number? Instead TELL yourself this, "If I DO answer this call, then I may gain a new customer. Because if I don't they more than likely will call my competition." I am not saying to be up at all hours of the night and being interrupted during family dinners. I am just saying to communicate more effectively and you may have more business than you know what to do with.

Debbie

Retail Store:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/

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Dating vs. Networking- What is the Difference?

I thought of this topic as I was lying in bed last night. For those of you who know me this is not an irregular thing for me to do. On top of three kids, a husband, two successful businesses and planning a Women's Expo and Fundraiser. One would think I just crash. But I had an epiphany.

So, what is the difference between Dating and Networking? My hypothesis says nothing. There is no difference.

Dating is the process of meeting a person of the opposite sex (or same sex in some situations). Dating is the beginning stage to find that man/woman of our dreams. To marry, have children, and live a long and beautiful life with.

In the past, before the Internet, we met people through our friends and family who knew us and knew the other person. Therefore, you hoped that it would be a good match. Sometimes it was and sometimes it wasn't. This way of matchmaking has gone by the wayside. Now, the majority of single people are using social media sites to find people quicker, easier and a bit safer. We are busy. We don't have time for a long drawn out first date. If we don't like them why torture ourselves for an hour and a half. We can have coffee instead and see if it can go further. (Am I the only one who dated like this?)

Unlike going to a bar, they may join speed dating groups, dances and /or social Meet Up groups. I actually met my husband on eHarmony and we did have a long drawn out first date for 6 hours!!! Ok, so maybe my philosophy was not working. :)

So now they got a date after finding the right person, with the right picture and profile. They dress up to make a first impression. First impressions always make a lasting impression. They meet the person at a local restaurant, coffee shop or something along those lines. And now comes the conversation. It is not as if the person is intentionally trying to repulse the other. It sometimes happens. One talks to much or the other's conversation is not appropriate for a first date.

The behaviour is not well received. Some people may want to relax, but they relax so much they drink too much. One wants to put paws all over the other one. Basically, it is just not happening.

Respect, honor and confidence are the attributes one should have when they first walk out there door. Not what shoes they have on. Yes, that is important. As I said before- first impressions do matter. But the qualities of a person shine over that. So when they wake up in the morning with you 20 years later you still see the beauty of them from long ago. You will NEVER remember the shoes they had on.

We can not expect that everyone thinks we are attractive. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I remember walking around the mall when I was younger, saying "What is she doing with him?" I may not find that person attractive, but she does and that is all that matters.

Just as in dating, we are not going to get along with everyone in networking circles. Networking is expanding. We network on social media sites. This allows us to find more people, more quickly, any time of the day and night and it does not affect our work schedules. We network at referral groups and chambers where initial person to person contact is imperative.

Many people think or expect that everyone to do business with them. We are like sharks trying to see who we can bite. We are looking for that quick sale. I know I am looking to build that relationship. Just as in dating. Build a long, lasting and beautiful relationship where refferals just flow.
We need to RESPECT the person's time and efforts. We need to HONOR ourselves and others around us. With HONOR comes RESPECT. And we need the CONFIDENCE within ourselves that a NO is okay. No does not always mean No forever. It can be No for right now.

When dating, one should RESPECT the person they are out on a date with. Respect their space, body and time. HONOR yourself and don't give it up so soon. That will never lead to a long, lasting, loving relationship. And CONFIDENCE. You should have the confidence within yourself to know that you are the best, you are well respected and you have qualities that are good and giving without sounding arrogant.

There. I can not find the difference between dating and networking. Make the process fun and enjoy it. When you do find the relationships you want in your life- things will just flow. No fight, no battle. Just a continual partnership that will last a lifetime.

Debbie

Retail Store:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/

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Welcome

Welcome!

Thank you for landing on our blog. Kerry and I are looking forward to create a forum of our business and personal sides. One of the important lessons we want to educate others about is APPRECIATION MARKETING. This may be a new term, but it has been around for generations. Let's break it down.

APPRECIATION- to be grateful or thankful for: They appreciated his thoughtfulness.
2. to value or regard highly; place a high estimate on: to appreciate good wine.
3. to be fully conscious of; be aware of; detect: to appreciate the dangers of a situation.
4. to raise in value.
–verb (used without object)
5. to increase in value: Property values appreciated yearly

MARKETING–noun

1. the act of buying or selling in a market.
2. the total of activities involved in the transfer of goods from the producer or seller to the consumer or buyer, including advertising, shipping, storing, and selling.

We are not ever putting down other forms of traditional business tactics. There is a place for advertising, whether in print, TV or radio. But what does one do once they create and build a database of clients and prospects.

What do you do to show them you thank them for their business, their referral, their kind gesture? Do you send them a card? If the answer is yes, GREAT! What do you say in it?

If the answer is no, then why not? It costs more to find a new client than it does to retain one.

When you send a card does it Send Out to Give or Send Out to Get. Do you know the difference? We will discuss the right and wrong way of showing appreciation. Determining what you are doing will affect the return of your investment (ROI)- good or bad.

So stay tuned for a fun and informative way of learning the Art of Appreciation.

Retail Store:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/

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The Right Way to Act

When I send a card out to a client or friend, I think to myself am I sending out to Give or sending out to Get?


Kerry and I love the fact that even as we grow our business we are learning to grow within ourselves.


When one sends out to GET, the Universe just takes. Now, maybe this is a bit of a far out concept for some of you, but I think this concept is very simple to understand for most. For example, how many times has someone contacted you and says the following. Now, keep in mind, I have had this happen to me often in the past, but have learned from it so I stay away from people like this.

     "Hey, Debbie, I wanted to call to see how you are and find out if we can meet for coffee. I would like to hear more about your online tool that can help my business."


     "Ok, when and where do you want to meet?"

So we meet up at a local coffee shop and I get to introduce my service and find out how they need it for their business. Then the conversation switches.

     "You know, Debbie, I think that you can use my service/ product in your business as well. We have a ground floor business opportunity that blah blah blah..."


That is all I hear.Why does someone think this is a good way of meeting people, building a team or sell a product/ service? Basically, I felt like the person was throwing up all over me about their business and wasted my time meeting up with them. I could have made an appointment with someone who is truly interested in me and my resources.


Don't get me wrong. I was interested in what they do, but I was not there to be solicited to. They asked me for coffee and then they did a switch. Probably because I would not have met up with them if they were honest.


This contact was obviously out to GET. So what happens, the Universe just takes. Nothing is given back. If the contact was truly interested in my service then I would of been more open to hear about theirs.


Yet, if they were out to GIVE the conversation would of ended up a lot differently. Can we see how we can refer to each other? Let's learn and build a relationship so you can trust me and I can trust you. When you GIVE and open yourself up to truly appreciate and learn, then business can be generated. If not, I think you are annoying, wasting my time and start to think to myself- would I want to be a part of a business where this is one of their techniques; which is blindly meeting up with people to puke the business all over them?

Retail Store:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/

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