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Branding Super Star, Pam Perry – MOTOWN Theme

LEAP! 101 Ways to Grow Your Business on the Synergy Energy Show with Pam Perry

10 Ways to Reject the Recession and Build a Thriving Business
By Stephanie Chandler

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In a time when the lead news stories focus on business downsizing, the rising costs of gas and groceries and general economic turmoil, it is hard to avoid feeling the “recession depression.” But as business owners we have two choices: we can let the media send us into panic mode or we can view the economic downturn as an opportunity.

This is a time in the economy when millionaires are made. While some businesses are giving up and closing their doors, their competitors are seizing opportunities. Which side would you rather be on? Now is the time for you to rise above it—to stay a step ahead of your competition and Reject the Recession!

Here are ten ways to thrive in tough times:

1. Keep the Marketing Wheels in Motion
Though your first instinct may be to cut costs, this is the worst time to cut back on marketing. Studies show that businesses that continue marketing through a slow economy are the ones that come out ahead when the economy begins to turn. Make sure you have a marketing plan and stick to it. If your current marketing efforts aren’t producing results, try new strategies. When done correctly, marketing is an expense that should pay for itself. Find the strategies that work and then keep doing them.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Discount
The reality is that consumers are holding on tighter to their wallets. The key to unlock their dollars is in discounts. Take a cue from the big department stores—they are holding incredible sales and offering more coupons than ever. Reevaluate your pricing strategy and offer discounts off your most popular products and services. This may also be a good time to lower your prices across the board and then advertise your “New Lower Prices!” You can always raise them again later.

3. Leverage the Internet
Are you selling products and services from your website? Can you expand your sales channels by selling on eBay or another online venue? Are you reaching your customers with e-mail marketing? Is your website optimized for the search engines? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to implement an online marketing and sales strategy. Even if you simply add gift certificate purchases to your website, you could uncover a whole new revenue stream. Seek out an online marketing expert and evaluate the opportunities.

4. Form a Mastermind Group
Get together with your staff or assemble a small group of people who understand your business and brainstorm opportunities. When several people get together with a blank slate and some good energy, magic can happen. Ask for ideas—you might be surprised by the results.

5. Tap into a New Niche
Is there a niche that you have been meaning to focus on? Can you uncover a new market that makes sense for your business? For example, a florist that specializes in weddings could pursue the corporate market, a residential real estate agent could go after the investor community or a virtual assistant could decide to specialize in serving the unique needs of financial planners. Pick a new market and then develop a plan of attack.

6. Reach Out to Your Customer Base
One of the most overlooked business opportunities comes from your existing and past clients. The fact that they have already done business with you makes it far more likely that they will do business with you in the future. Make sure you are marketing to them, reaching out and reminding them that you are there. Ask them for referrals and offer a powerful incentive such as a cash reward or gift card for referrals. Never let a referral go unnoticed!

7. Make Improvements
This is an ideal time to evaluate all of your policies and procedures. Do they make sense in this economy? Is your customer service team delivering up to your standards? Could your sales team benefit from some additional training? How can you help your company perform even better? What are steps you can take to improve customer loyalty? Look at your business through a magnifying class and seize the opportunity to improve it across the board.

8. Survey Your Customers
Much can be uncovered by reaching out to your customers and asking them for feedback. Develop a short list of questions that include ratings on your products, services and staff. Ask specific questions such as, “How can we improve your experience with us?” Tools such as www.SurveyMonkey.com can help you accomplish this easily. Once you receive the survey results, evaluate them and take action to make improvements. You will undoubtedly find themes in the answers such as, “It takes too long to get a call back.” Let your customers know that you heard them and share what improvements you are making as a result of their survey responses.

9. Keep an Eye on Capital
What goes down must come up and the economy will rebound, though it may be awhile. If business is slower than usual, form a plan for getting through this period. You might need to open a line of credit, visit your bank and apply for a loan, seek private funding or even bring in a partner. Running out of capital can quickly kill a business. Make sure you assess how much you may need before you need it and have a plan for forging ahead.

10. Get Help and Keep Your Eye on the Prize
Now is a great time to sharpen your own skills. Take classes, read books and network with others in your industry so you can learn from them. Get involved in your trade association and make sure you are on top of your game. Look for joint venture opportunities. Make yourself more efficient by outsourcing services that consume your valuable time. For example, if you are doing the bookkeeping for your business, hand that off to someone else so you can have more time to focus on what you do best. Also, determine your priorities. Where should you be spending your time? What can you do to make your company bigger, better and stronger? Leave the worrying to your competitors and instead seek out opportunities and stay positive. When you put the right energy and focus into your business—despite the economy—the results can extraordinary.

About the Author:
Stephanie Chandler is an author of several business and marketing books including “LEAP! 101 Ways to Grow Your Business” and “From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur.” She is also founder and CEO of http://AuthorityPublishing.com, which provides custom book publishing and author marketing services for business, self-help and other non-fiction books, and http://BusinessInfoGuide.com, a directory of resources for entrepreneurs. For author and speaker information, visit http://StephanieChandler.com.

http://www.brandyourbestlife.com
Click here to hear the show

Meet authors Jewell Powell & Dr. Harold Arnold

Jewell Powell

Jewell R. Powell

Jewell has made it her mission to help married couples, especially those who are having trouble in their marriages. She believes that, with effort and God’s grace, all can have a “happily ever after” marriage.

Lewis and Jewell pledged their love until death before a host of family and friends on May 4, 1996. Immediately, they started having problems, one of which was infertility. Within four years, they found themselves sleeping in separate bedrooms, not liking one another very much, and estranged as a couple.

Now, they have found their way back to one another and are stronger and more committed than ever to having a strong, satisfying, and faithful marriage. She is the author of the bestseller: Marriage 101 (Revell)

For rest of bio: Visit http://marriagecoach.wordpress.com/ Also see www.Marriage101.us for more info on: Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith and other materials/resources!

———————————————————————————
Dr. Harold Arnold
in his own words….

I am the author of “Marriage ROCKS” (Judson Press, Dec. 2009) and founder of Discovering Family International. As a social and organizational psychologist, I specialize in building family equity.

What is family equity? I’m glad you asked, it is leveraging the God-given strengths of each family member in pursuit of the purpose for which you are destined.

My primary vehicle for building family equity is through marriage building. Marriages are the cornerstone of most homes across the globe. My vision is to work with couples internationally to develop stronger relationships, particularly among people of Christian faith.

I also have a particular interest in cross-cultural marriages. As these inter-ethnic marriages continue to increase across much of the developed world, more opportunities for growth and more challenges to growth are presented. My model of family-faith integration speaks to these challenges.

Education:
B.B.A, Howard University (Computer Information Systems)
M.S., University of Maryland College Park (Systems Engineering)
M.S., Fuller Theological Seminary (Marriage and Family Therapy)
M.A., Temple University (Social and Organizational Psychology)
Ph.D. Temple University (Social and Organizational Psychology)

I served on the editorial board of the Journal of Social Issues for four years , as Director of Christian Education for a large multi-cultural ministry, and as adjunct faculty for a Christian university in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Guest contributor to Focus on the Family’s “Marriage and Relationships” website.

But, none of these things are more important than my love for my own cross-cultural marriage of more than 20 years to my college sweetheart, Dalia and my two wonderful children.

See www.haroldarnold.com for free excerpt of the book.

Hear The Marriage Secret: Beyond the Fairy Tale Webcast — go to www.tinyurl.com/marriagewebcast & get free materials!

Hear secrets revealed!

happy marriages

The Baron’s Son author William R. Patterson on Chocolate Pages Show

Authorpreneurs: William R. Patterson & LaVon Lewis discuss wealth building and brand creation (http://ping.fm/0VKxS)

Chocolate Pages Blog Talk Radio Show with Host Pam Perry

Meet celebrated authors, Pastor Andre Butler and Minister Catherine Eagan

HEAR THE SHOW: CLICK HERE

Pastor Andre Butler

Not In My House by Andre Butler
Pastor Andre Butler

Pastor Andre Butler is the senior pastor of Faith Christian Center in Smyrna, Georgia and co-pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, Michigan. He is also an award winning Pastor, recently recognized for the following achievements: ‘The One to Watch’ by African American Pulpit, ‘Up and Coming Broadcaster’ Award by Streaming Faith, and ‘Most Loved Pastor’ by Gospel Today.
More recently, Pastor Andre became the Founder and President of Andre Butler Ministries; an outreach established with the mission to help equip others to walk in the future God has for them. Armed with a call to reach this generation for Jesus, he introduces individuals to the tools they need to win the world around them while living a bright future that is prosperous and overflowing.

With the support of his wife, Minister Tiffany N. Butler and their three daughters: Alexis Nichol, Angela Marie and April Mariah. Pastor Butler ministers throughout the U.S. and abroad, sharing how God desires to prosper His people in every area of their lives while they do their part to win the world for Jesus.

Pastor Butler has authored several other books including, Seedtime & HARVEST, Getting to Your Promised Land, God is Making You Rich, The Right Way to Give, For PK’s Only (co-written by Min. MiChelle Butler), and Revealed Knowledge: The Missing Element . Visit our online bookstore for more information about his publications.

* Read a Free Chapter at www.notinmyhousebook.com
Follow him at www.twitter.com/andrebutler

Recession-Proof Your House

The world is in a financial recession. Banks are failing, companies are collapsing, the stock market is in flux. Many are losing their homes, jobs, savings, and more. Even Christians are wondering if they could be next. But as the world goes through a recession, as a follower of Jesus you don’t have to participate.

When I sat down to write my book, Not In My House! Take the 28 Day Challenge to Recession-Proof Your Future, I knew I wanted to make it very practical and encouraging. I wanted each chapter to be both inspirational and motivational. Throughout the book you’ll find practical guidelines and challenges to help you make your house recession-proof.

Also remember that throughout the Bible, God was accomplishing greater things than solely taking care of his people’s bottom line, as is true today as well. As it was with the people of Israel, God will protect His people today—even in tough economic times.

God’s word is clear and offers practical strategy to thrive and prosper because He wants to bless you to be a greater blessing to the world around you.

Be blessed,
Pastor Andre

There is hope in your future, says the LORD. //Jeremiah 31:17

Take the 28-Day Challenge
The Not In My House Challenge is a 28-day journey, both practical and biblical, that will teach believers how to thrive and prosper, even in today’s tough economic times.

Divided into four weeks, each week contains readings to strategically help you prosper in a declining economy. The book itself is divided into four sections for each week of the challenge, and includes action steps at the end of the sections to be completed each week.

For those discussing the book weekly in small groups, Andre Butler has provided supplemental video teachings that will accompany the various sections of the book.

During this 28-Day Challenge, a battle plan is also laid out to win the war on debt, and additional materials are available on this site to help do this practically and strategically.

So take The Not in My House Challenge and Recession-Proof Your Future!

1. Buy the book
2. Read a chapter every day
3. Discuss the book each week in a small group
4. Do the action step each week
5. Buy the book for someone else

http://www.Notinmyhousebook.com

Dr. J. Victor and Catherine Eagan

Catherine Eagan is a former Private Banker to the rich and famous, multi-millionaire, entrepreneur, and Harvard graduate with over 25 years of financial experience having managed a cumulative portfolio of over $250 million. A sought after international speaker, ordained minister, best-selling author and world renowned Christian financial expert. Catherine Eagan is the founder of Catherine Eagan Ministries, a ministry dedicated to increasing financial and business education in the body of Christ using biblically sound principles.

Catherine teaches tens of thousands “how to” build wealth and understand God’s connection between wealth and purpose. Her practical, down-to-earth approach is geared towards helping her audiences learn how-to apply biblical financial principles and achieve financial success. Using her wisdom, knowledge and personal life experiences as examples allows her global audience to relate to her message with the belief that their goals of financial success are achievable.

She created the Wealthy Women Club, a worldwide organization dedicated to developing financially sound Christian women who seek to economically support the kingdom of God by being effective and influential marketplace leaders.

In 2006, she undertook a tremendous step to personally underwrite the cost of a Wealthy Women 40-City International Tour where she is training women in financial strategies and wealth building techniques. To date, she has trained thousands of women in the USA, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. Catherine’s vision is to see women successfully managing their cash flow, securing and growing assets, and creating active and passive income streams.

Mrs. Eagan was born in New York and now resides with her husband, Dr. J. Victor Eagan, in Boca Raton, Florida and Orchard Lake, Michigan. www.catherineeagan.com

Deut. 8:18 “Exercise your power to get wealth”

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The Power of Words! Hear Best-Selling author Cec Murphey and Karen Dumas

Meet & Hear Cecil Murphey and Karen Dumasclick link to hear the show!

Cecil Murphey calls himself a serious Christian.
(BTW, His birthday was Yesterday, Jan. 28 – Happy Birthday CEC! He is my mentor)
His faith is the core of his life. Although he writes on numerous topics, many of Cec’s own books focus on prayer and the Bible. He enjoys serving and supporting other Christians as they grow in their faith. Visit: http://themanbehindthewords.com

Cec grew up with little religious education, and in his early twenties he faced what we sometimes call the existential questions: Who am I? What does life mean? Is this all there is?

Those questions led him to read a book he spotted in the window of a used bookstore in Waukegan, Illinois. That book, The Magnificent Obsession by Lloyd C. Douglas, centered on a doctor who gave himself unselfishly to others. Cec kept wondering what would motivate such a person. Douglas mentioned the New Testament as the doctor’s inspiration. Still curious, Cec picked up a New Testament and started to read with the “begats” in Matthew, chapter 1. Months later he reached the middle of Romans.

As Cec closed the Bible, he said aloud, “I believe this.”

The following Sunday Cec visited a church for the first time since he was 11 years old. Within a year, he met Shirley Brackett in church, and married her six months later.

Cec was in the U.S. Navy when he met Shirley.

After his discharge, he went to college to prepare to serve Jesus Christ. During the summer after his second year of college, a two-room Christian school hired Cec to teach grades three to six. The superintendent of a public school district had sent his daughter there because the school specialized in remedial reading. He liked Cec’s teaching style and hired him to teach sixth grade, even though Cec didn’t have his degree. Cec finished college by going evenings and Saturdays.

After two years of teaching in the public schools, Cec and Shirley felt God’s hands point them toward Kenya. They served in Africa for six years under the Elim Missionary Assemblies.

Most of the time Cec and Shirley lived in a remote area and Cec read many theological books, especially the writings of the puritans and reformers. By their sixth year in Africa, they knew it was time to return to the United States so Cec could finish his education.

Cec enrolled in Columbia, a Presbyterian seminary located in the Atlanta area. By graduating second in his class, the school awarded him a scholarship to pursue doctoral studies at Emory University. While at Columbia, Cec also enrolled at Atlanta University for an MA in education. Cec received his MDiv (magna cum laude) the same year as his MA in education.

Cec’s plan had been to teach on a college or seminary level after he received his doctoral degree. God’s hands pointed him in a different direction.

During Cec’s first year of seminary, he preached one Sunday at a small Presbyterian church in Atlanta. At the end of the service, the session (board of elders) asked if Cec would be their part-time pastor until he graduated.

Cec sensed God’s hands guiding him, so he agreed. The pastorate hooked him and he remained a pastor for the next 14 years. Cec never did finish his doctoral studies. (However, many years later Cec was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature from The Richmond Virginia Seminary for his contribution to the field of writing.)

God’s hand pointed Cec in still another direction. In 1971, popular writer, Charlie Shedd, came to Atlanta and taught a course on writing for publication. Charlie encouraged Cec to write. Cec sent out his first article in September, after 18 typewriter revisions, and sold it to the first magazine to which he sent it. That was Cecil Murphey’s beginning.

Cec remained a pastor for 14 years, ten of them in Riverdale, Georgia, in a growing, exciting congregation. He could have stayed there the rest of his career, except those divine hands made Cec know it was time to move on. In 1983, Cec resigned to write full time. That’s what he’s been doing since.

God’s hands still hold Cecil Murphey’s hands. That’s what makes his journey exciting.

http://themanbehindthewords.com

Now, Meet KAREN DUMAS!

Karen’s first book is now available! A great collection of her unique
perspectives and thoughts on issues of a personal, political and professional nature.

Charles Pugh, Karen and Keith Bennett of Goodwill Industries

“It is my goal to inform, inspire and encourage…to be that ‘other voice’ that encourages

greatness in everyone”

Karen Dumas’ lively, intelligent, and

thought-provoking discussions and

columns have captured the attention

and earned the respect of those who

read, watch and listen to her. She

provides her myriad audiences with

information, news, resources and

everything exciting in Metropolitan

Detroit. With news you can use,

answers you deserve and interviews

you won’t want to miss, it’s exciting,

enlightening, intelligent, informative and

entertaining, too. It’s Karen Dumas.
www.KarenDumas.com

Hear the show click here to listen to the show!

Free Email Marketing Course by Simon Grabowski (http://ping.fm/P2aIc)