God Bless You Etta and May You Rest In Peace.

Legendary blues singer Etta James dies in Calif. I can recall many nights lying on the couch in my living room (a candle lit room) sipping on a glass of red wine and listening to soulful sounds of Etta James. God bless you Etta and thank you for sharing your gift of song with the world.

Overcome Shyness and Network like a Pro in 3 Easy Steps

There are numerous tasks one might undertake or goals one could attempt to accomplish.  Some people wish to overcome shyness and network like a pro. It's really a comparatively frequent choice. There's very good news for those who decide on this goal. It’s really not challenging to attain when you know just what you are doing.

The aim of this article is to make it easy for you to succeed and triumph at overcoming shyness and networking like a pro. Do you want to overcome shyness and network like a pro? Keep reading to learn the best way to do so in only three steps.

The 1st step is to promise yourself that you will overcome this issue no matter how uncomfortable it is. The reason that this is very important will be that you are making a firm no frills commitment with yourself to be successful at this. Tell yourself and believe that you cannot lose. Simultaneously, you'll want to avoid any stimuli that will harmonize with you going backwards and not being brave enough to conquer your fears. Should you not accomplish this initial step correctly, then you are limiting yourself to continue with the lack of abundance of all of the new opportunities that come with meeting enough people to achieve your goals.

The 2nd step is to make a good review of your business goals and figure out the ideal people you need to meet and build relationships with in order to get where you want to go.  Here you'll want to avoid thinking in a limited manner. Try thinking bigger than you normally think.  Remember, there are no limits to what you can achieve through the proper relationships.

The 3rd step is to create an Elevator Pitch or Professional Introduction Statement to use when meeting potential clients and contacts. This can be very important because you will want to show a professional and polished image to those who may take on your services or even refer you to others who will.  Make sure that you stay away from the error of making an Elevator Pitch that is exaggerated or too abstract.  Stick to one that is descriptive, brief, and attractive.
Just follow these 3 easy steps. When you do, you ought to be in a position to overcome shyness and network like a pro, rapidly and with ease. In following the steps, be sure to do them correctly for the reasons mentioned and steer clear of the possible mistakes pointed out.  Afterwards you can celebrate and congratulate yourself! Pat yourself on the back! Take advantage of the fruits and many benefits that come with having successfully overcome shyness and start networking like a pro!

A Reflection on Martin Luther King Jr. most Popular Quotes.

A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it.

Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' 

An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.

At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies - or else? The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation. 

He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.

History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.

I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant. 

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. 

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the promise land! I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promise land.

I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

Small Business Tax Survival Tips.

If you're like most people, then it's safe to say that the current economic climate has gotten you down in more ways than one. Just take a look at The Occupy Wall Street Movement; how it has spread far and wide in such a short period of time. It's no secret that this country is in crisis mode and people are literally fighting for their lives. Working Americans are being strangled by taxes! Every month we pay more in taxes than we spend on housing, food, transportation, and health care. WHERE'S OUR CUT?

Have you ever wondered how the "rich" maintain their wealth? Have you ever wondered why so many people are attracted to owning their own business? Profits you say? Absolutely, but there is one outstanding advantage to owning a home based business even if you fail to make any profit at all.

Running a part-time home based business is the biggest way - the only way - the average person can have a major impact on slashing his/her taxes. You can save thousands of dollars every month and year on your taxes simply by being a small self-employed business owner. Ultimately, it' not about how much you make, but rather how much you are able to keep in the end!

How hard is it to qualify for Small Business Tax Deductions? It's EASY! All you have to do is meet these four simple tests:

Have a legitimate business such as real estate investing, consulting, network marketing,     freelancing, child care, internet marketing, direct sales, etc. 

1. Prove you intend to make a profit. You do not have to actually make a profit before qualifying     to take these deductions, but you do have to show you intend to make a profit.
2. Work your business on a "regular and consistent basis." At least 45 - 60 minutes a day, 4 - 5    days per week.
3. Document your business Income, Expenses, and Activity Brief, hand written notes in a    scheduling diary is usually enough.

That's it! If you meet those four simple tests, you probably qualify for some major home based business tax deductions, which could reduce your taxes by thousands of dollars every year, for the rest of your working life.

NOTE: Before filing your tax return(s), please be sure to consult with an experienced Tax Pro who specializes in home business tax law for optimal results.

REMEMBER:  Charity! Donations!  Don’t toss out unwanted items (clothes, appliances, toys, jewelry, books, electronics, videos, home furnishing and the kitchen sink). Please collect a receipt for all donations in reusable condition and report it on your taxes.  Collect a receipt for all monetary donations.  If you tithe at church you should receive an end of year report of all your donations to file on your taxes.  All your donations should add up to at least $8,000 in order to receive a noticeable return on your taxes.

Understanding the Biblical Description of a Virtuous Woman.

Studding the character of a Virtuous Woman can prove to be invaluable in helping all women to manage her time, resources, gifts and talents God has given her. Throughout the centuries women have been amazed and challenged by her life. There's a Virtuous Woman in all us.  I believe that most of us are transforming into this Biblical description of a mature woman. I've recognized her characteristics in some of my closest women in my life.  As daughters, we've never really questioned were did the description of a good girl, a respectable young lady, a woman of worth, a woman of quality or a phenomenal woman comes from in society.

Where did the generations of women adopt the ideology of a perfect woman?
Why do societies around the world expect little girls to grow into respectable woman? 
In all honesty it's challenging to live up to her standards. I find that most of us women do grow into the image of the Virtuous Woman in our own time. Some women can honestly say it has taken them ten to twenty years of their adult life to meet her standards. I do believe this is a transformation process.  Lets examine the description of her characteristics and the biblical text that introduced a Virtuous Woman to the world.

31:10-31

The description of what a wife should strive to be and the type of woman a man should seek to marry.

The acrostic form of the passage conveys the beauty and comprehensiveness of this woman.

We don’t have to be married to transform into the image of a virtuous woman. As woman we must value ourselves and know our worth.

31:10-12
A “Woman of Strength” who is trustworthy and would never does anything to bring dishonor to herself or family. “All the days of her life” indicates forever committed.

Ladies, let’s not dishonor ourselves by low living (fighting, adultery, prostituting, selfishness, laziness, procrastination, dishonesty, cheating, and allowing ourselves to be used by unworthy men).

31:13-15
This woman is industrious. Whether she put her hands to the task or supervised others while they worked.

She is an efficient and organized homemaker, always watching over her home. This business woman is a Leader who manages well. She is an entrepreneur who understands prosperity.

God has blessed us Ladies with many gifts and talents. Use your gifts and talents to bless others or to grow profitable. Some of us are entrepreneurs and some are just simply fabulous. We all have something positive to offer in the form of service, talent or wisdom. Keep in mind Ladies theirs a business woman in all of us no matter if we own a business, manage our homes or responsible for a task in someone else’s business.

31:28, 29 

This is the description of a wise woman of strength. The testimony of all her friends and family who know her illustrates her worth. She is loved and blessed. She is a blessing to others.

Throughout time many godly woman were recorded in the Bible, but the Virtuous Woman (Wife) described in Proverbs 31:10-31 receives special is praise. A rare woman who is a paragon of virtue: trustworthy, industrious, organized, and loving.

She is able to order the priority of her world. Her husband totally trusts her. Her grown children praised her and her home was a model of efficiency. She found time to reach out to her community, too help the poor and to increase her family’s resources through wise investments and productive management. Her relationships and responsibilities were wisely balanced. The Virtuous Woman was truly outwardly beautiful as she was inwardly wise.

The Virtuous Woman

Proverb 31:10-31 NKJV

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is
     far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so
      that he shall have no lack of gain.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her
     life.

13 She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with
     her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she brings her food
     from afar.

15 She rises also while it is yet night, and gives food to
      her household, and a portion to her maidservants.

16 She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of
     her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens
     her arms.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is good: her
     lamp goes not out by night.

19 She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold
     the spindle.

20 She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she
     reaches forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for
     all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing
     is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits
    among the elders of the land.

24 She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers
     sashes unto the merchants.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall
    rejoice in time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom; and on her
    tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and
    eats not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her
    husband also, and he praises her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel
    them all.

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman
     that fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own
     works praise her in the gates.

Why Virtuous Woman31?

There is a Virtuous Woman in all of us.  I decided to support, encourage and network with liked minded women through my blog and website.  I manage an affordable venue to promote and sell your goods or services.  Virtuous Woman31, online boutique introduces specialty goods and services, while networking in a global market.  All Virtuous Women are invited to network and trade their goods and services in my online boutique or blog.

Virtuous Woman31

Website:  http://www.virtuouswoman31.com

My Blog:  www.vwm31.blogspot.com

How to Make Your Business Listings Stand Out in Google Places?  Optimize Listings and Get More Reviews.

Google is the number one search engine in the world because they have developed a knack for delivering the best search results. But what most business owners may not realize is how Google has recently changed their focus to helping support local businesses.

Google has gone local in a big way with Google Places!

Here's an example: before when you would type in a search term like "Lawyers" you would get links to websites and articles about Lawyers and Law Firms from all over the world; now when you enter "Lawyer" in Google you get the top rated Lawyers in your local area featured very prominently on the page along with other results such as ads. The great thing about this is that these local listings are free and a great way to get massive exposure on Google.

Why You Should Claim Your Free Google Places Page

Every business should be taking advantage of Google's new local focus by claiming and optimizing their free Google Places Page. Every business with an actual physical address qualifies to get a Google Places page. This is a web page where you can list information about your business such as products, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation, photos, images, special offers and more.

Who can argue with free advertising -- especially when it leverages the power and reach of Google?

Still, the most important feature of Google Places is that it gives Google users a chance to rate and review your business. This is called digital word of mouth. Each Google Places listing has a section directly underneath the business information where these reviews are listed. A typical review has a star rating from 1 to 5 stars followed by the actual text of the review.

How to Find Your Google Places Listing

There are two ways to find your Places listing. The first way is to head to Google using your favorite browser and type in your business type followed by your city and state in the search box. This may take a bit of persistence as you may have to keep clicking on the "more results" link at the bottom of the listings.

The second and easiest way is to go to Google Maps and type in the name of your business followed by city and state in the search box. In most cases your listing will show up immediately.

How Does Google Places Rank Local Listings?

Naturally, you'll want your Places listing to stand out from your competition. So the savvy business owner should be trying to do everything they can to get to the top of the local list for their particular product or service classification. To achieve better rankings you first need to understand Google's ranking procedure.

Google ranks their local business listings by using a combination of various factors with the main determinants as follows:

1. Rating Star Score - Take the total number of stars from all the reviews and then divide by the total of all of the reviews that is your aggregate rating score which can be anywhere from 1 to 5.

2. Total Number of Reviews - The greater the sample, the higher you will rank compared to your competitors with a similar aggregate rating star score.

How to Get Google Places Review Stars To Show Up on Your Listing

Now that you have a basic understanding about how Google Places works and the commensurate benefits, it's time to reveal an important tip; once you get 5 reviews or more on your Google Places listing red stars will show up -- this is the threshold you must reach to qualify for the stars.

When red stars show up besides your listing, it has the effect of making your listing stand out compared to other listings that have no stars. Having these all-important stars means that Google users have reviewed your business and the result is that people will be more likely to click on your Google Places link.

How Do I get More Google Places Reviews?

If you don't have 5 stars on your Google you need to get more reviews. Waiting for reviews to come organically can take years. The simple and fastest way is to politely ask your customers and clients. You can do this in person or just send them an email. You can also get customers to leave reviews do this by leaving a link for your Google Places page on your Facebook and Twitter pages as well.

Most of your loyal customers will be very happy to help out and probably had no idea that Google Places existed and that your business even had a listing. All they need is a friendly nudge and reminder.

A Warning about Asking For Reviews

Here's a another important tip: never ask customers to write a good review; instead just ask them for their honest feedback and most folks will happily share what they think of your business and chances are you'll be quite satisfied with the results.

I hope this marketing tip of claiming and optimizing your Google Place Page can be of great benefit to the prosperity of your business.