I work with clients who have experienced the same nagging ... Read More »]]>

Four years ago I teamed with a web designer and launched my first online website.  It was a small boutique and I was thrilled at the prospect of having a virtual store to sell my favorite things. The web designer was savvy enough to suggest that I start a blog using the same graphics and colors as the boutique website.   My first thought was “Why on earth would anyone want to read my blog?”  Then anxiety set in and I started worrying about content.

I work with clients who have experienced the same nagging questions that haunted me when I started down the road of blogging.  With the recent changes made by Google, now more than ever it’s important to develop rich content that will engage the readers plus increase the chances of grabbing the attention of search engines.

Through my navigation of various blogs over the years, I have researched extensively the concept of blogging and how vast a subject it has become.  Single author blogs such as the one owned by my friend Ree Drummond, www.thepioneerwoman.com, encompass family photos, stories and events that are told through personal narrative.  Multi-author blogs such as my own Chic Galleria, www.chicgalleria.com, are portals in which many voices come together within one website.  Blogs have content as narrow as a single subject focus or as broad as containing a category list of hundreds of topics.  The beauty of starting a blog, I tell my clients, is you can make it your own.

So why do you need a blog?  What are the benefits?  My answer to this is simple.  If you own a business or make your living through networking with others, you need a blog.  By placing informative and/or opinionated content on your blog, not only are you generating increased readership from people searching online for that particular subject matter, you are introducing these people to you.  What better way to make people aware of YOU!

By starting my original blog when I introduced by boutique, I shared details with the world about the products I had for sale, why I personally loved the products and quite a bit about myself.  Keeping the subject matter updated regularly helped to get my blog and boutique ranked high within the search engines.  Having my boutique’s URL appear on the first page of Google helped generate sales for my business.

It’s your turn now! Email me for a blog development and management quote at editor@chicgalleria.com

Beth B. Anderson is the creator and CEO of Chic Galleria Publications, LLC.  She is a freelance copywriter and editor for The Chic Editor and Editor-in-Chief of Chic Galleria magazine. Beth is a Lucky magazine Alpha Shopper, Vogue magazine Influencer, Condé Nast Digital The Runway member, Tulsa Runway Fashion Examiner, Southern Living magazine source panelist, and a member of the ELLE.com/ Style Coalition network. She was named one of Lucky magazine’s Favorite Bloggers. Beth lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she has been featured on FOX23 Daybreak and recently named a Top 10 Social Media Phenom in the Tulsa/Oklahoma City

Photo credit © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com

It’s time to find your Fierce and Fearless voice! If you’ve ever been called a “smart cookie” or a “tough cookie”. It means you’re sweet and will stand up for yourself any day of the week. Yet speaking up and having a voice doesn’t mean we use it well.

What is it that you want right now? I’d like you to write it down. Think about it. If this is something that you really want. Please tell me why aren’t you going after it? Are you feeling weak? Are you feeling like you’re not equipped to bring it to fruition? What ... Read More »]]>

It’s time to find your Fierce and Fearless voice! If you’ve ever been called a “smart cookie” or a “tough cookie”. It means you’re sweet and will stand up for yourself any day of the week. Yet speaking up and having a voice doesn’t mean we use it well.

What is it that you want right now? I’d like you to write it down. Think about it. If this is something that you really want. Please tell me why aren’t you going after it? Are you feeling weak? Are you feeling like you’re not equipped to bring it to fruition? What is holding you back?

I was once described as a “tough (chocolate chip) cookie”. The irony about that is I don’t particularly care for chocolate chip cookies. In fact my favorites are peanut butter, oatmeal & lemon cookies.

You see sometimes women hear the word tough and they immediately think it will diminish their femininity. When in fact it’s the complete opposite. When you are tough, you are 100% unequivocally standing in your feminine power.

Speak your mind.

I see so many women who are afraid to stand up for themselves. Yes “Worrying About What Other People Think Syndrome” is on the rise. We have been taught to be strong and overcome our fear of asking for what we want. It’s time to put it to good use.

I think it’s important to be outspoken and develop your communication skills so you are taken seriously and still get the results you want.

If “smart cookie” or a “tough cookie” is resonating with you. Congratulations! You are brave and chances are go through problems in your life easily, you can stand up for yourself, and you are not a pushover.

If you’ve never been called a “tough cookie” it might be time to align with the characteristics of one so you can be more secure with who you are, develop your own identity & refuse to be treated like a subordinate.

“Tough cookies” have spent years developing a strong character; they don’t complain and work diligently to overcome obstacles. It doesn’t have to take you years but if you commit you’ll find yourself reaping the benefits of your new characteristics a lot sooner.

If you are holding back right now, playing small, being soft or taking baby steps. Make your move BEFORE you are ready. Make the decision to be the woman who is determined to do what they want and know that you will succeed even in difficult situations. Life will be a lot sweeter!

Who’s That Girl? After spending 10+ years in Hollywood as an Actress/Dancer/Body Double Ungenita Katrina Prevost learned how to Perfect Her Potential™. Today she is the World’s First Beauty Empowerment Author & Speaker & named “The Tony Robbins of Beauty”. She helps female entrepreneurs bring structure back into their businesses and balance back into their lives by going from “Frazzled To Fabulous”, a simple, easy to implement system that gets results, ultimately improving their lives and businesses.

As a Certified Life Coach & Business Coach with more than 10 years combined experience in the Beauty, Fashion, Wellness and Entertainment Industry. Now fused today with savvy sales & marketing strategies. Ungenita is known as a “guru” who has an enviable reputation for having her finger on the pulse of who’s doing what, where and when in the world of glitz & glamour. She is one of the leading African American women in business today. She specializes in the unique needs of Beauty, Fashion & Wellness professionals which she brilliantly titled “Beauty Makers”, get THE FRAZZLED TO FABULOUS FORMULA now at www.thebilliondollarbeauty.com

You are likely thinking “Success in three simple steps,” ha! That just seems too good to be true.   This is one time when that’s not the case. If ... Read More »]]>

GPS. You are probably most familiar with GPS as in Global Positioning System.  The wonderful and innovative system that helps you get from where you are to where you want to be.  That’s what got me thinking.  If GPS can give you directions to travel to your chosen destination why can’t we use GPS to achieve the things we want?  Hence, GPS for success was born.

You are likely thinking “Success in three simple steps,” ha! That just seems too good to be true.   This is one time when that’s not the case. If you do these three simple steps I guarantee you will get what you want.  All you have to do is a little thinking, writing and take some action.

The first step to getting what you want is knowing what you want.  That is the G in GPS. Goals. If you don’t know where you want to go, you will end up somewhere else.  There are three things you must do in the goal setting phase.  You must write your goals down. You must state them as a positive and state them in the present tense.  One way to do this is to write I AM… and write what you want as if you already have it.  Something like, “I AM a world famous self help author and motivational speaker that regularly appears on Oprah.”  It’s clear, it’s positive and it’s in the present tense.  Now it’s your turn. Grab a pen and a piece of paper and write your goals.

Step two is plan. Make a plan.  This is where most people lose their momentum.  So often, we get lost in the what to do next phase.  “How do I make my goals happen?”  This is where you make a plan.  Not only do you make a plan but you break it down into daily bite size pieces. Tiny little things you can do each and every day to end up at your goal over time.   Here is a quick example.  When I was in the mortgage business making a million a year that didn’t happen by accident.  I knew about half of the loans that come in the door will end up funding in any one month.  Therefore, I needed to bring in twice the number of loans than what I wanted to close.  So, I would take my yearly goal and divide it by 12. These are how many loans I needed to close on average each month.  Each month, I’d take that number and divide it by the number of business days in the month.  Then I would multiply by 2 which would tell me how many loans I needed to bring in every day.  That is making a plan. If I thought about how I was going to bring in a hundred loans in a month I would have been overwhelmed.  Instead, I sat down came up with a plan and diced it up into daily bite size steps.  You already know your goal, now go make a plan!

The last step is surmounting fear.  So many, so often let fear get in the way of getting what they want.  Most of the time we are afraid of things that aren’t even real.  Sure fear feels real, but many times it’s not.  Here’s the thing there are two types of fears.  Real fears and fake fears.  That’s it.  Real fears are ones that could cause you physical harm or death.  Fake fears only exist in your head.  Fake fears are things like fear of failure, success, rejection, etc.  There is no such thing as failure.  You may not have gotten the results that you wanted so you learned what worked or didn’t work and make adjustments and try again.  Same goes for rejection.  If someone doesn’t want you, or what you have to offer, you aren’t going to die or have physical harm by asking. If they say no, then move onto the next. Are you going to let a fake fear, something that doesn’t exist, get in the way of getting what you want? The choice is yours.  Whose stronger, you or a fake fear?

Those are the three simple steps to success. Just follow GPS to end up where you want to be.

Sharmen Lane, was high school dropout manicurist, who became a college graduate millionaire and a top salesrep at a multimillion dollar organization.  She has been highly recognized for her award winning career in sales and is now a highly recommended International speaker, and four-time author.

For more information visit www.sharspeaks.com

Photo credit © Ertekmali | Dreamstime.com

But no matter how distinguished many business individuals claim themselves to be – there are so many businesses that succumb to the unfortunate mishaps ... Read More »]]>

It’s no secret that our places of employment can be not only a place of enjoyment, but one that can also inevitably lead to stress as well. As business individuals, we’re all constantly striving for our best, while competing with others that are also doing the same. Not only this, but most of us have deadlines to meet, and clients to interact – all of which are expected to be done with a smile and outstanding service.

But no matter how distinguished many business individuals claim themselves to be – there are so many businesses that succumb to the unfortunate mishaps of gossip towards their co-workers or boss. Funnily enough, although most people are involved in it, everyone is quick to point the finger to deflect any negative attention their way.

So why do we do it? Why carry on behaviour that rivals the behaviour of someone in elementary school?
Here are some things to consider before you decide to dive into nonsense conversation by the water cooler or via instant message:
1) The second you begin gossiping, you will instantly lose credibility and trust with your co-worker, boss, or client. They’ll wonder if you’ll discuss them in a similar fashion to someone else.

2) While you’re busy playing chatty Kathy, someone else in your department or another competing company is working harder to get ahead – and probably will succeed. Haven’t received a promotion or had a significant desired change in your career recently? It might be time to check how to you spend your office time.

3) Realistically, there will always be people that you don’t like working with. If you find you find the people in your job that awful – either learn to take the high road, or move on to a different business.

4) You are an adult. You are not in elementary school or in high-school. If you have a problem – confront it by talking to who you believe to be the source of the problem in a mature and professional manner. There is no need for childish behaviour. If confrontation is too difficult to do, I recommend seeking a coach that can help you with confidence. This may be an issue you need to deal with that will not only in your professional life, but your personal one also.

Keep the lines of communication open, strong, and honest in your life. Leave the gossip for the kids in the sandbox.
Warmest wishes,

Christie Ressel, International Image Consultant and Style Coach
Personal Power Image Consulting

*Christie is an image consultant and style coach that is regularly featured in the media and press across Canada and the USA. She runs, “Personal Power Image Consulting” where she helps women feel more chic, stylish, and confident through her stylish personal and online style services.

Photo Credit © Geotrac | Dreamstime.com

Kim never sacrificed her family to succeed. Instead, she designed a work/ life balance on her own terms by creating a company that helps other women do the same. Metromom is more than just a brand. It’s a tangible ... Read More »]]>

There are all kinds of entrepreneurial moms—ranging from stay-at-home moms to soccer moms to CEO moms. Kim DeYoung is all three. She’s really the original Metromom—a driven, evolving woman committed to her family, her career and to managing her own home-based business with class. Dynamic, creative and eminently entrepreneurial Kim is the founder of Metromom.com and The Metromom GET IT DONE Circle.

Kim never sacrificed her family to succeed. Instead, she designed a work/ life balance on her own terms by creating a company that helps other women do the same. Metromom is more than just a brand. It’s a tangible extension of Kim, reflecting her values and passions. The story is really in Kim’s journey, how her open personality and diverse life experiences inspired her to create this unique resource for mom entrepreneurs.

Metromom is more than just a brand. It’s a tangible extension of Kim, reflecting her values and passions. The story is really in Kim’s journey, how her diverse life experiences inspired her to create this unique place for women to connect.

CG: How did you get started Kim?

DeYoung: Metromom was started eleven years ago. After being downsized out of my position as a product developer/fashion merchandiser, while pregnant with my first child, I saw the need for a great line of maternity clothing and founded Metromom. I saw the potential for Metromom to be so much more. As my customers shared their product and business ideas with me and I begin to connect these customers with others who would benefit or could possibly assist them in moving forward with these product and business ideas.

CG:  What keeps you motivated?

DeYoung: In all honesty, the people that I interact with. Seeing them have their ideas come to life and the connections that are made from woman to woman.  It really does keep me motivated.

CG:  How does being in business affect your family?

DeYoung: It’s hard to create a balance between doing business (at home) and being available for family. I have 3 children ages 7, 10, 11 and there are times I need to send one last email or follow through on one last detail but one of my children may need my attention at that time.  I have to then make a decision as to what takes priority at that moment. While creating that balance can be difficult at times, I like the fact that I’m setting an example for my children showing them the success that hard work and dedication can bring. I like that their witnessing my dreams come true along with the financial ups and downs of being an entrepreneur.

CG: What makes you tick?

DeYoung: Connecting/Interacting with people. Being with people and brainstorming exciting new ideas. Bringing women together in a way that is beneficial for both parties.

CG: What does the future hold for Metromom?

DeYoung: Currently I’m focusing on the “Get It Done” offerings within my business that were created due to my seeing so many entrepreneurs struggle with getting their brilliant ideas out into the marketplace.  The “Get it Done” system appeals to women, men and entrepreneurs that have dreams for new business concepts, product lines, etc, but are not quite sure on how to proceed. I offer simple steps to take from A to Z so that they don’t get stuck or forgo their dreams because they don’t know quite what to do.

CG: New Horizons for 2010?

DeYoung: Really expanding the “Get It Done” offerings. I’m most excited to support a dozen women with really big ideas, getting them out into the world, and to the see the ripple effect. Also I’ll be hosting the Prosperity Summit in early 2010. My goal is to pull back the veil on money issues that entrepreneurs deal with and to really speaking the truth and shatter the myths.

CG: What is a fun day for you?

DeYoung: Getting myself a pedicure and a massage, going on to have a yummy lunch with a good friend or new business connection and then having some quiet time just to myself.  I don’t get this opportunity often so I really enjoy it when the time presents itself.

CG:  Where does your husband fit into all that you have going on?

DeYoung: This year has been challenging for me and my husband as a couple.  I’ve wanted him to really come on board with Metromom, but that’s not his dream and I’ve had to accept that. Regardless, he is my big fan and is always supportive of my dreams. I still hope that he’ll become more involved once Metromom reaches it full potential and our family can be financially sustained from its success.

Facts about Kim DeYoung:

Favorite Statement:  I’m a Weeble. I may wobble, but I won’t fall down. I will always pick myself up, dust myself off and move forward.

Desire for women:  To stop being so territorial and closed off when it comes to business and achieving success. For us to be willing to freely share contacts and useful information.  To realize you get back much more when you give.

Kim and a friend came up with the concept of merging the ideas of her “Get It Done” and the friend’s “Get It Back” (Get It Back focuses on health, body image, and reclaiming one’s self esteem) into a reality show that supports entrepreneurial moms as they learn to implement their dreams, pursue having the kind of life they desire while they look and feel good doing it. The project is now in the hands of a TV producer who believes, like Kim and her friend, that this is information that can and will benefit many.