Living a Comfort and Style LifeStyle with Private Quarters

Private Quarters assists TMC in Fundraising and Christmas Gifts for the Teen Moms

Thanks to Marianne Guinee of Private Quarters, for her offer to help TMC with fundraising and a gift for each girl in the program.  In order for this to be a success, we need your assistance!  Who do you know that would like to life in more comfort than they do today? Who might have sleep related issues and would like to get a more restorative nights sleep? Who has a baby shower or wedding to go to? Who knows a residential interior designer?  Marianne has offered to donate the profits for any personal shopping or small group shopping that you do with her between Oct 1st and Dec 5th if you specifically tell her that you want the profits to go to TMC! They do have an online catalog on her website, however you won't get the full impact unless you see & touch the items in person.  By meeting with her, or setting up a personal or small group shopping experience, you get to see some great products (we know because many of the TMC supporters are current customers of Marianne's as she has participated in the TMC Boutique in November for the past few years), feel the quality and comfort, upgrade your living experience and help TMC at the same time!  Marianne posted her offer on her website:  http://4cimgmt.com/?p=1462   In addition to the quality, they have monthly specials that will save you even more money (and time) doing your holiday gift giving.

In addition to donating profits, Marianne would like to see each of the 18 young mom's get a great Christmas present that is dual purpose - a great feeling comfy throw for themselves, also great to snuggle and bond with their young child as well.  These throws are being purchased at wholesale, for $41, and if you donate $41 for this, TMC will provide you with a tax donation receipt for your generosity.   If you have any questions or would like to assist, participate or donate, please contact Marianne at 847-858-3610, or email mcguinee@4cimgmt.com ;  her website is: www.4cimgmt.com 

She also has a Facebook business page - please check it out! (short URL is: http://tinyurl.com/3dlshmj and "Like" her and share with your friends to help TMC).

 

Gurnee Garden Center

We have another fundraiser coming up. For the entire month of May, Gurnee Garden Center will donate a portion of all of the sales to TMC. When planning your spring planting, be sure to stop by Gurnee Garden Center for all of your gardening needs. More information will follow.

TMC has NEW staff ...

We are proud to introduce Jane O'Connell,who joins the Teen Mother Choices Staff as its new Director of Business Operations. Over the last several weeks, Jane has been in training with several staff and board members and will now be responsible for managing the ministry's bookkeeping and communication needs. Jane and her husband Ratch, live in Lake County and attend Village Church of Gurnee. As a long time supporter and her heart for missions, Jane brings her accounting expertise and experience with church missions teams and other Christian organizations to the Teen Mother Choices Ministry. Jane replaces Tammy Habel, our faithful and dedicated Executive Assistant of over 13 years, who will be transitioning to a full-time Executive Assistant position at TMCInternational. Tammy will continue to support TMCI's training efforts to churches worldwide using our local Teen Mother Choices Ministry as its model. We praise the Lord for his provision of bringing Jane to Teen Mother Choices and His faithfulness as He calls Tammy to TMCInternational. 

Jane O'Connell can be reached at

847-599-8135 or
 We encourage you to contact Jane with any questions you may have about the
TMC Ministry,
or just call to introduce yourself and welcome her
 to the Teen Mother Choices Family!

The MICRO BLOG

The Micro Blog with a Macro punch!

Twitter is a web-based messaging service that allows its users to share short text updates about moments of their lives. It is similar to a blog but much shorter..."only 140 characters allowed please". Sometimes you have to be really good at the lingo to get it all in under 140, trust me on this one.

These messages are called TWEETS. One person tweets and LOTS of people read. Simple right? It is not really a "social networking" site like Facebook or MySpace but an informational network.
I use it in my industry to connect with lots of wedding vendors, sharing information and tips, seeing what they are up to. You are able to listen in on their business.

Twitter is a free service...see all these free networking opportunities I am throwing your way- All you need is an email address! Tweets even show up in  Google searches these days, it is all tied into the world wide web. Again with today's marketing trends it is not who "you" know but who knows "you" that matters.

The technology today is crazy, Twitter has been known to help an American journalist get freed from a Egyptian jail...sending out a tweet "arrested", when all his "followers" saw this, action started and lawyers were hired. His next tweet 24 hours later was "free". Also Twitter has become a great tool for raising disaster relief funds, it is strongly utilized by the Red Cross.

Followers: Twitter- "seemingly trivial concept: you say what you're doing in 140 characters or less, and people who are interested in you get the updates" Evan Williams co-founder of Twitter. So who is interested in "YOU"...who are you interested in? Who can help you build your business, just by you listening in? Hmmm... interested in becoming a TWEEP yet? Twitter does limit the number of people that can follow you to 2000 but you are free to follow as many as you would like, and you can only post 1000 tweets a day. So that will leave you with plenty of time to get your" real" work done...hahaha ...Just think of it as marketing your business.

I have my blog post for my business to my FB page and then a hyperlink is posted to my Twitter account automatically when I am finished with my blog post. So you don't have to manually spread the word, technology links it all together for you!

You also are able to get into groups that may have been formed by another business person in your field. Following someone doesn't always mean they will follow you back, but 7 times out of 10 they do. When following someone, you can see who they follow. Someone like a CEO of a big corporation, you may find it very interesting to see who they follow for tips in the business world.

Twitter may not be for everyone, but it is something to consider. Think of all the websites you visit and start noticing how many have the "follow us on Twitter" or the cute little "blue bird" next to their FB badge and so on. It will get you some more exposure on the web, if that is what you are looking for to help build your business....and it's FREE!

...if you want to DM (direct message) or RT (retweet) this please do.

If you make it to Twitter, follow me at IAMCWdesigns

What is a BLOG?

Short for "weblog", a blog is a type of shared online journal. It is written by an individual and published on a web page. What once was a "diary" style format has blown up into the corporate world as well!

In the last several years "Corporate Blogs" have spread across the blogosphere like a plague of locusts in recent years. Blogs are FREE...each time you create a POST it is like creating a flyer, tv or radio commercial on the world wide web...for FREE! Why wouldn't you want that exposure for your company? These days websites look naked without one or two executive blogs. Of course high tech companies are using them and you may ask "I am just a small Sheet Metal Company...do I need a BLOG?"...I say ABSOLUTELY! In today's marketing circles, a blog is actually more important than a company's website on which it appears. Blogs are immediate, dynamic and much easier to update than the content of a website...unless you speak "html" all the time- Most importantly a BLOG is designed to generate reader response and comments. It begins a conversation and a company is able to see how the public views its products and services.

The more obvious benefit is you are able to communicate to the public with a message, share expertise...build a relationship with them. ...Okay this is turning into "Carol's" blog...lol. The idea here is to build a relationship and create a BRAND for yourself.

Even if you think no one is reading...they are! Keep writing...It is recommended that you try to post at least once a week but even better 2-3 times a week. Don't freak out... these posts don't have to be novels...quick tips or promotions that you have going on at that time. Also with BLOGGER.com you can use the "post options" tab and schedule them. What does that mean?... Spend 45 minutes to and hour once a week and write 3 posts, schedule them to post at the same time of day Monday, Wednesday and Friday and you are done for the week! It may seem overwhelming but it is the investment in your business that is needed in the marketplace today.

For those that would like to hire a service to do this for you, a company called Upward Trends (my sister, Jean Massa is a partner) does this for businesses. They set up and maintain websites, blogs, twitter, eccomerce, newsletters...all your social media for you. There's a plug for you sis!

http://upwardtrend.blogspot.com/ Check out their blog

Here are a few BIG companies...that utilize blogging, and some small ones too!

General Motors Corporation
http://www.gmheadlines.com/?brandId=gm&src=gm_com&evar24=gm_com_homepage_rolloverimage_OurC

Whole Foods
http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Forbes reviews on Small Business Blogs
http://www.forbes.com/bow/b2c/category.jhtml?id=320

http://www.invesp.com/blog-rank/Small_Business#ultimate
Blog Rank 100 top Small Business blogs

Carol Woldhuis Designs
http://www.carolwoldhuisdesigns.blogspot.com/

JAM Designs
http://myjamdesigns.blogspot.com/

Weber Metals, Inc.
http://webermetalsinc.blogspot.com/

CTS Daily Inspirations
http://networkedblogs.com/fNnQG

Danielle Ruggiero
http://danielleruggiero.blogspot.com/2011/02/thank-god-for-nice-people-left-in-this.html

Enjoy and HAPPY BLOGGING!

Some content provided by
The Everything Guide to Social Media by John K Waters

FOLLOW...Leave a COMMENT...??? HELP Please!

About Google Accounts: Basic information

Google Accounts is a unified sign-in system that gives you access to:

• Free Google products, including iGoogle, Gmail, Google Groups, Picasa, Web History, and more.
• AdWords and Google Checkout.

If you've used any of these products before, you already have a Google Account. To try new Google products, simply sign in with your existing Google Account. Your account username is the email address you entered when you created your Google Account.

If you use Gmail, sign in with your Gmail username.
If you don't have a Google Account, you can create one now.

You can use your current email as your sign in name but you will have to "register" it with Google Accounts. It's okay...it's free...you are not signing up for something or falling into a scam. It is just their way of tracking who uses their "Goggle Products".
 
A note about Gmail: When you sign up for Gmail, you get a Google Account that gives you access to all of the Google products mentioned above. Just enter your Gmail username and password when you're asked to sign in. Although creating a Google Account won't automatically give you Gmail, you can add Gmail to your existing account at any time. Gmail won't replace your current email address; however, it will become your primary address on your Google Account. But you don't have to sign up for a Gmail in order to sign up on Goggle Accounts...

Here is the Goggle Account Sign up page if you do not have a Goggle Account already-
https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin

I do not have a Gmail Account myself but because I have several blogs and registered, I am recognized and able to post comments. Hope this helps! Once you set up your Goggle Account, select the Goggle platform for comments and post.

submitted by Carol Woldhuis of Carol Woldhuis Designs

March Meeting Highlights

As Pete Moberg of Moberg Automotive in Libertyville, opened with our prayer and devotion, he spent time in Ezekiel 34. Discussing being a Good Shepherd, allowing God to be in charge of our businesses. Without shepherds, what happens to the sheep. The sheep are scattered, they are lost and they fall prey. In Ezekiel 34:11 it states that "For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them" the whole chapter talks about the "I" in terms of being God and letting Him have control. We often don't do that, it is much "easier", we think... to take care of it ourselves. But God reminds us always "turn to me...and I will take care of it all"

NETwork Housekeeping:
Discussed our highlights calendar and how that will look for the rest of 2011. Hopes of bringing in a quarterly speaker as well as monthly business highlights from within the group.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTERS:

Julie Stroud with Park Lane Jewelry
Presented the group with her 18+ years of directing marketing and selling experience. She stated that "people like to shop in the comfort of their home...being able to purchase unique items and enjoying the personal service.." She currently is a Fashion Director for Park Lane Jewelry. She loves to inspire other woman to reach for their highest and best! Nice job Julie-

Park Lane History:

Founded in Chicago in 1955 by Arthur and Shirley LeVin, Jewels by Park Lane defines 'The American Dream'. As the world's leading direct sales jewelry party plan company, Park Lane proudly offers exceptional quality jewelry that is backed by an unconditional guarantee.
The matching value Bonus Item for customers, the Five Star hostess reward program, and the opportunity to have a home-based business as a Park Lane representative are just a few of the extraordinary incentives that make Park Lane an industry leader. As it has for fifty years, it all begins with the jewelry!
Jewelry expresses your mood, your attitude, your personality. Jewelry places your signature on your outfit. If you are in search of the perfect gift, jewelry is always appreciated and appropriate. Fashion-forward, unique, and exquisitely handcrafted, many Park Lane creations are inspired by world-renowned designers. Wear Park Lane jewelry with pride and you will sparkle with beauty and confidence everywhere you go!



Joe Woldhuis with Weber Metals, Inc.
Presented the group with a different kind of metal "bling". The group was educated on the Roofing and Manufacturing industry. Learning about new and exciting products that Weber Metals is designing and partnering with. One which is green roof edge treatment (GET). This product is used to trim out the garden roof that a company like Weston Solutions would install on a city building or school roof top.

Custom Stainless Steel and Copper Back Splashes are another item that Weber Metals designs for their clients and contractors.

Your One-Stop Source Needs

Weber fabricates parts to our customers exact standards. We fabricate from most sheet metal materials. In-house engineering combined with CNC technology affords our manufacturing facility the ability to produce product to your exact needs.

Tie that with on time delivery and you get the right parts you need when you need them. We are committed to helping your project run smooth and efficiently.

It was great to see some NEW FACES last night!

The next meeting will be April 25, 2011 at 6:30PM

      

Social Networking, is it a FAD?

I came across this You Tube video from a Tweep of mine, in the industry and thought it sort of fit what was discussed last night at the meeting. It may be helpful in showing those that are not into Social Media, how important it has become for our businesses in the future.



Thanks Couture Parties for the find!

A book worth reading...

Lately I have been looking at and reading "business building" books. I saw an ad for this one in INC. magazine, so I decided to download it to my Kindle. All the while reading it I felt that the author might be a Christian...but it didn't say in the beginning, with a Kindle it's harder to skip to the end to peek at the "good parts"...

The summary of this book talks about "Sales vs. Consulting" and how to build a relationship with clients instead of "selling" them the kitchen sink. There are a lot of life lessons involved plus it  points out the 3 fears some of us may have with sales. The title Getting Naked refers to being transparent and vulnerable with your clients.

Title: Getting Naked: A Business Fable About Shedding the Three Fears that Sabotage Client Loyalty by Patrick M. Lencioni

In Pat's most recent book, he unveils a revolutionary approach to client service that yields uncommon levels of trust and loyalty. In Getting Naked, Pat challenges service providers to be completely transparent and vulnerable with clients in order to overcome the three fears that ultimately sabotage client allegiance. Written for internal or external consultants, financial advisors or anyone serving long-term clients, Getting Naked will provide powerful, actionable tools to help readers overcome the three fears and gain a real, lasting competitive advantage.

While the Bible is the greatest source of knowledge and resources, if you enjoy reading... this book was worth the read.

At the end of the book was the acknowledgements...

Finally, I give thanks for everything and I give all praise and glory to my Lord, God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I humbly pray that I may use what has been given to me to serve You and my neighbor, as You command.... I KNEW IT!

ENJOY!

March Meeting

NETwork
Partnering Resources for TMC

Monday, March 21, 2011
6:30-8:30 PM
Salad and Pizza
Village Church of Gurnee
1319 Hunt Club-Gurnee
Room 207

Agenda:
6:30PM Individual Networking and Lite Dinner
7:30PM Set NETwork Topics Calendar
TMC Ministry Update
Business Highlights by:
Jewels by Park Lane - Julie Stroud
Weber Metals - Joe Woldhuis

Please join us as we:
-Network with Christian Professionals
-Find encouragement and support
-Contribute to the growth of NETwork
-Serve Your Community

Please RSVP by Friday, March 18th
(847)599-8135 or at info@teenmotherchoices.org

Please invite a colleague or someone you know that may be interested!

Learn more about the ministry of Teen Mother Choices, go to www.teenmotherchoices.org

Teen Mother Choices, Inc.

PO Box 132

Wadsworth, Illinois  60083

(847)599-8135