Villiagize is a relatively new application that works in conjunction with Facebook to help a sense of community to real neighborhoods in the online wold.  The creators of the platform found a way to make it easier to find it each other using the method communication they are already utilizing.  Instead of going next for for that cup of sugar, hop on Villiagize and ask away.  Need recommendations for a new dentist?  Get suggestions from neighbors you don’t know yet.  Who knows better than people in your area?

According to a the analytics firm StatCounter, mobile web usage has doubled every year since 2009.  As more and more of our lives revolve around gadgets for communication, the creators of Villiagize intuitively built a way for people living in close proximity to connect more effectively while creating a sense of community.

The problem lies in the fact that since more people can be found easily online, some of them enjoy the ability to create a sense of anonymity in real life.  The new platform imports information from your Facebook profile to enrich your Villiagize profile.  While you can block the program from importing all of your information when it syncs, a profile is still available for you before you even log in for the first time unless you are totally off the grid or do not include your location information in your Facebook profile at all.  You can delete your profile at any time, but rather than creating the profile from scratch when you sign up, you must opt out of the program entirely.  If it’s in your profile or listed in a local phonebook, your address is available online where anyone can grab it.  

While some could argue that phonebooks made it possible for anyone at any time to find phone number and address, there was a sense of security knowing that if someone really wanted your information, they would have to work for it.  Now your home address is entirely searchable online AND linked to your online profiles accessible to all by the touch of a few key strokes.

While I think the concept is brilliant, I do have concerns about the security behind the methods of this website.  There are also a few kinks they are working out as well.

For instance, when I first entered my address, I made an error on the street name.  After searching for the bette part of 15 minutes to figure out how to change it, I contacted the the staff via the “Feedback” tab to get some answers.  The staff responded quickly (unlike Facebook)–in less in 15 minutes. Kudos for great customer relations!!  The repesentative said they were still working on revisions for the project and there is a list of things they are working to implement in the future (i.e. my self-editing feature to correct address mistakes.)  He/she did offer to correct the address error manually earning them bonus points for great customer service.

Overall, Villiagize has great potential.  It connects the link missing in communities which would allow citizens to communicate more effectively online.  In the future, this outlet could take on a life of its own allowing for traffic reports, weather updates, emergency information and a vast array of other vital news instantaneously going beyond the commercial aspects included the program already.

Fortunatlely, the creators are willing to work with users to correct problems and make it safer and more user friendly.  Give it a whirl, see what you think.  At the worst, you can always opt out.

Baker Creative is a brand architectural firm that practices an holistic branding approach which encompasses marketing, business, HR, public relations, social media and new media with creative execution. You can follow her on Twitter @BakerCreative or check out the company website at Baker-Creative.com.

The new year has arrived and many media outlets have reported top social media trends to pay attention to in 2012.  Here is a recap of some of our favorites:

What is clearly important? Beverly Macy of The Huffington Post says “social enterprise will get better at sifting through the digital river to recognize what’s really important.” Businesses are now wise to the fact that social media isn’t going away and it’s not something to be feared.  Companies will start to figure out how to use it to their advantage.

New Media Becomes Routine. Niall Harbison of SimplyZesty.com, a social media and online PR blog, reports predicts that social media will depart from its experimental status and become an integral function of most company marketing and business plans.  Harbison suggests looking for “it to move to move across businesses to departments like sales and recruitment.”

The Game of Life-Ever notice how you earn points, badges, rewards and more just by patronizing your favorite establishments?  David Armano’s Harvard Business Review blog post suggests looking for the trend to emerge in areas of HR, government, healthcare and business management.

Mobile Sites and Apps Are a Must.If you have them, you are on top of your social media game. Mac Ocampo from SocialMediaToday.com says mobile sites and apps are vital to getting noticed.  In a world of instant access to everything, brands are often missed if they don’t have these presences.

Where Physical Ends, Virtual Begins….and Vice Versa. Companies are learning how to integrate it more easily into the lives of their customers. Harvard Business Review and Social Media Today reported on how brands such as Coca Cola, Dominos and Acme Jeans were converging the digital and physical worlds together to gain learn how what customers thought about certain products.

Watchout Big Box Stores. Here Comes the Micro-economy. Harvard Business Review and Social Media Today agree that social sharing sites like Pinterest and Kickstarter have the potential to allow smaller brands enough exposure to give big companies stiff competition this year.

Good luck in 2012 and all of your social media endeavors.  For more information on ways to expand your business's reach online, please feel free to contact Baker Creative today!

“You can learn a lot by having a diverse circle of associations.”

Pamela Edwards is executive vice president and CFO of Victoria’s Secret Stores.  She is an accomplished finance executive with over 25 years of broad based experience with Sears, Gap Inc., Kraft and General Foods, and Limited Brands.  She has also held senior finance and strategy roles at Old Navy, and worked in a variety of management roles at Kraft and General Foods.  Edwards has worked closely with senior executives in revitalizing businesses from strategic, financial, and external investor community perspectives.

Edwards is originally from San Bernardino, California.  She earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and a MBA from Duke University.  She serves on the Board of Trustees for the YWCA Columbus and is a Deaconess at Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church.  She is married to LeRoy Edwards, III and between them they have 5 children.  In her spare time, Edwards enjoys traveling, gardening, home decorating, and community activities.  Recently, Edwards shared with The Women's Book her thoughts about the art of making great connections and advice for aspiring CFO's.

TWB: It has often been said of women in leadership that it is lonely at the top. How have you been able to make and keep great connections among your peers and others? 

PE: I like to stay connected with people throughout the organization regardless of their position or discipline.  It allows me to stay on top of issues that concern everyone.  I also like to keep a circle of good connections outside of business including at church and through other social networks.  You can learn a lot by having a diverse circle of associations.

TWB: How do you stay connected to new developments and best practices in your field?  What are a few industry groups and print or online publications that you belong or subscribe to? 

PE: My function is finance, but my industry is retail so the best way I stay connected in retail is to be out in stores where the action happens, where we engage with our customers and where we make money. I look at the customer experience, marketing, and how others are using technology, etc.  It helps me understand how I can best support our brands and be broader than just a financial partner.  For functional developments and best practices, I turn to the Wall Street Journal, CFO magazine and CFO.com.  

TWB: What advice do you have for other women who aspire to work in a position similar to yours? 

PE: Go for where you have passion – industry and function.  Success will follow.  Focus on not just building your functional skills, but your leadership skills as well.

“It’s not who you know but how you know them…” this has been the theme of my life. This year I will celebrate my 30^thyear of being in business. As I reflect upon the past 30 years I can say without question that I owe this success to connections from all facets of my life.

Today the vision of our company, Crosworks, Celia D. Crossley & Associates is “Everyone in the World in the Right Job.” We live our mission everyday, whether it is helping individuals going through a transition with our Career Assessment & Appraisal® program or helping teams improve their communication style through our Team Effectiveness for groups.  We help our clients to become more self-aware, focused, productive and fulfilled.

When I began my consulting practice in 1981, I was the “outsourced HR shop for hire.”  Yes, I was a bit ahead of my time. Today, this a common approach for small to medium-sized employers to outsource their HR function. It was through my business connections that I was strongly encouraged to reach out into the small and medium-size business market to offer my skills and talents in human resource management. Through those connections I began to develop a long list of my own connections that helped to grow my practice.

After 13 years in business, I pulled together another connection, a group of my consulting associates who encouraged me to open an office where I could better serve individual and corporate clients. The dream became real as I walked into my new office in 1994 and transitioned my practice to better serve clients by offering personalized career consulting, creating a Career Assessment & Appraisal© process and becoming certified in the Birkman Method. 

I also embraced the opportunity 30 yearsago to reconnect with my community as a volunteer. I found a connection through an organization that was supporting women with their employment and financial needs, The Metropolitan Women’s Center. Once I connected with the Center, I developed many new relationships that grew my community connections to include, chairing the human resource committee at the YWCA that connected me to a board role at the local level and eventually to a board role at the national level. Numerous board roles followed as the connections kept multiplying including the Children’s Hunger Alliance, Northwest Counseling Services, Junior League of Columbus, Leader Institute (now LeaderSpark), Tri Village Mentor League and Thurber House.

These board roles led to leadership connections and the role of chairing the YWCA board and then chairing the steering committee that led the $15 million renovation of the Griswold Building in 1996.  In 2002 while attending the YWCA Women to Women luncheon, which I founded to connect like-minded women to financially support the YWCA, I was connected to the Women Presidents’ Organization. I was selected to lead the Columbus Chapter and now manage two chapters and serve on the Women Presidents’ Organization International Board.

My life is blessed with community connections, business connections, my family connections and the opportunity to lead. When I started the consulting practice in 1981, it was truly driven by a need to find more balance in my life. The end result is that I have a great family, two successful daughters, a 41 year-old marriage and a successful business. I have the gift of connecting and serving my community and clients in many ways.

With more than 30 years of human resources experience, Celia Crossley, is the owner of Crosworks: Celia D. Crossley & Associates, Ltd. where she focuses on career consulting, executive coaching, key employee selection, and team building. But her area of special expertise is in guiding individuals and organizations through periods of change. Certified in the Birkman Method®, Celia clearly defines the connection between motivations, behaviors (delete comma here) and workplace satisfaction. (Delete “And”) She shows her clients how to align all three in order to maximize their own potential. 

Learn more about Crosworksonline at www.crosworks.com.  Contact Celia at ccrossley@crosworks.comor 614-538-2808.

Cincinnati Bell is more than just a telephone company. Cincinnati Bell’s businesses are committed to the principles of corporate community responsibility and good corporate citizenship. The company has a great reputation for its commitment to community service and outreach in Cincinnati and beyond. The company’s leader is Jack Cassidy, president and chief executive officer. Cassidy is responsible for developing, establishing and executing the company's strategic and operational plans for all Cincinnati Bell companies including Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Cincinnati Bell Telephone, Cincinnati Bell Entertainment, Cincinnati Bell Any Distance and Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions. Previously, Mr. Cassidy served as president and COO of the local Cincinnati Bell operations. As president of Cincinnati Bell Wireless, he led the company’s launch into the wireless business, and later, the prepaid PCS business, branded i-wireless.

It is good to know that when you purchase Cincinnati Bell's products and services, it helps the company continue its tremendous philanthropic outreach to key organizations, nonprofits, schools, universities and other businesses. Cassidy is a huge advocate of community service and making great connections. He serves on the boards of the Cincinnati Business Committee, Cincinnati Museum Center, 3CDC, and the Boomer Esiason Foundation, and he is a member and past chair of the Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator Program. He also sits on the Advisory Board for the Anthony Munoz Foundation, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cincinnati, and the Marvin Lewis Community Fund.

How important is it that women make great connections in their lives and careers? How does your organization, Cincinnati Bell, help support women in their quest to make great connections?

It’s incredibly important for women and men to make connections. Someone told me the difference between network and no work is two letters. Connections are essential, and I really don’t differentiate it for men and women. It’s true for everyone. Our company provides opportunities for both men and women to be involved in business, social and charitable organizations. Senior management is strongly encouraged to be involved in charitable organizations. We do a lot to be able to provide opportunities for people to network at Cincinnati Bell.

You have a commitment to Taft Information Technology High School that gives young women and men an advantage in the area of technology. How are the young women benefiting from this program at Taft High School?

I don’t differentiate between men and women; I don’t see them being different. The young women at Taft are graduating at a rate that is much better than that of the average Cincinnati Public School. Taft won the Blue Ribbon Award and received the State of Ohio’s excellent rating. The school’s graduation rate and college acceptance rate have improved since we adopted the school nine years ago. It’s important for me that the students graduate and go to college and get jobs in whatever field they are passionate about.

What advice do you give young people who aspire to reach your level of success?

I don’t give anybody any advice to reach my level of success, and I don’t think career success is important as the measure of personal success. Money and titles are good things, but they don’t determine success. My advice to young people is to find what they are passionate about. Whatever it is, attack it! We only have grains in the hourglass sand to accomplish it.

What is your advice to other professionals who wish to get involved in community service?

Cincinnati Bell is involved in a lot of organizations; all 3,000 employees are involved. It’s important to give back to the

community that we are associated with. We are involved with the American Cancer Society, Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Public Schools and more. People can tutor with Cincinnati Youth Collaborative if education is important to them. If adolescent development is important, STRIVE, United Way and Success by 6 are good organizations. I think that old people like me need to move out of the way and let young people get involved. It’s good for them to be involved and network.

Visit Cincinnati Bell online at www.cincinnatibell.com

Contributing writer Tiana Rollinson Henry is an award-winning journalist whose background encompasses of journalism, politics, and community service. Learn more at www.tianatalks.com

It was an honor to participate in Pelotonia this year.  It was my first time.  I rode for 43 miles - woo hoo!  Pelotonia is a grassroots initiative based in Columbus, Ohio that funds cancer research. Corporations, individuals and groups rally together to raise money and train for a weekend-long, bike riding experience.

Most people have been impacted by cancer, either personally or through the affliction of a loved one or friend.  Statistics show that one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with this disease in their lifetime.  I have been most directly impacted by the death of my first cousin six years ago.   She and I were the same age.  A young mother of two boys, my cousin’s diagnosis, battle and eventual death from leukemia happen within a very short period of time.  It was pretty shocking and her immediate and extended family still can’t believe that cancer took the life of someone so young and full of life, hopes and dreams. 

I thought a lot about my cousin the day of the ride on August 20 and the amazing work the administrative team has done within a few years to build Pelotonia into one of the most effective fundraising organizations of its kind in the country.   Seeing the thousands of riders come together was a great testament to the resolve of the entire community to find a cure for cancer.

 If you have not participated in Pelotonia before and would like to do so next year, go for it!  It was a great experience for me.  I signed up in May online which was an easy process.  Since Pelotonia is a fundraiser, you are required to raise funds, at least $1200, which you can do alone or in collaboration with a group of riders.   Your fundraising goal is determined by the distance you choose to ride.  You can also become a Virtual Rider which allows you to raise funds without riding or volunteering.  100 percent of every dollar raised funds research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Gearing Up for the Ride:

I started riding soon after signing up, but unfortunately with the wrong type of bike – one that was way too bulky for even the minimum distance required to ride in Pelotonia.  I soon got a new bike, a much lighter one, and all of the necessary gear to ride more safely and comfortably including a helmet, clip on petals and shoes, gloves, sunglasses and even cushioned “butt pants” (as I like to call them).  It was quite the investment, but well worth it, as it made my training and day-of ride much easier, safe and enjoyable.

I had some fun and embarrassing experiences while getting ready for the ride such as taking a few very painful falls as I learned how to use my clip on petals and shoes.  Early on in my training, I convinced two of my sisters to ride from the New Albany area to Granville.  We had only gone five to 10 miles previously, but ventured on the 40 mile trek in the scorching hot sun without the right type of bikes and clothing (we had on all black, no “but pants” or gloves) – we were an exhausted, hot mess!  On top of it all, while stopped in Granville we ate a heavy meal and ice cream.  Needless to say, we did not make it back home – about two-thirds of the way – and had to call my husband to pick us up.  This was after a couple of falls, including one where I rode completely over one sister after she took a quick and unexpected fall in front of me.  Fortunately, my sister and I were not hurt (unbelievably, I did not fall off my bike from the impact), but it taught me not to ride that close in back of someone and the importance of carrying a cell phone and small first-aid kit with you while riding.

Starting out, I was afraid to ride in the street especially in heavy traffic and had to endure some teasing from my sisters.  My confidence grew over time, especially after I joined Girls with Gears, a bike-riding group that was formed to raise money for Pelotonia, help members train and have fun.  It was inspiring to ride with these women, many of them very successful business and community leaders. In addition to learning more about how to ride safely in a large group especially in busy traffic, I met many new amazing women and reconnected with friends who I did not know were cyclists.  Learn more about Girls with Gears here.  

My first year participating in Pelotonia was an all around fantastic experience.  I am a much more confident rider (thank you Girls with Gears!), but more importantly, I am contributing in a unique way to one important goal, ending cancer.  I look forward to riding again next year.

Learn more about Pelotonia at www.pelotonia.org

TaKeysha Sheppard Cheney is the founder and publisher of The Women's Book that shares inspiration and resources for women. Learn more at www.thewomensbook.com

Connections are one of the most important aspects of career-building. Nothing happens in a vacuum; working and interacting with others in a meaningful way is an integral part of success. In order to help our readers better understand how to nurture the skill of making connections, we asked Angelita Moreno-Jones, president and CEO of Eastern Personnel Services, for some tips.

Angelita speaks from a place of great experience about how to succeed in the business world. Eastern Personnel Services is a full-service human resources firm that handles staffing needs for businesses in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Georgia, as well as providing customer service training and clerical skills training. In addition to running this company, Angelita is also the president of A Lucky Step, an award-winning furniture company. She has created videos and books aimed at helping workers to enhance their skills. Angelita has won many honors and awards, including Woman Entrepreneur of the Year and the YWCA Career Woman of Achievement Award. Angelita says that her connections have contributed to her success, and success like this is no small feat! Here are some tips from Angelita about making and keeping great connections.

It has often been said of women in leadership that it is lonely at the top. What are some ways that women leaders like you work to make great connections among your peers and others?

It’s not as lonely as the statement implies—mostly because there are so many ways to make and keep great connections. The first thing that comes to mind is strong networking. Networking is key, whether it is through professional organizations, volunteer boards and activities, or through family, church and friends. You may also want to explore the internet and seek out organizations in your area that specialize in your field of interest. Attend the meetings and find out how you can get involved. Nurturing and maintaining the connections you’ve made are just as important as making them. Offer to pitch in and assist others whenever possible, and always keep your word when you make a commitment.

How did connections help you to succeed?

I once read, “A network’s economic value equals the number of the network’s users squared.” In other words, as you add people to your network, its value increases geometrically. The more people are made aware of your capabilities, the more it will contribute to your success. Many of my clients are the result of networking connections. Some of those clients have made referrals that brought in more business, thus creating a never-ending realm of connections for me. In addition, people that I’ve connected with have offered well-sought-after advice that helped me in many different arenas.

Do you have any additional advice for our readers about making great connections?

Establish yourself as an industry resource in your field by writing articles to demonstrate your expertise and allow others to reach out and connect with you. Draw attention to yourself by contributing a skill or resource to others. This expression of kindness could connect you with women who are willing to do the same. While connecting with others, remember to keep your conversations upbeat and optimistic—never negative.

Need to make even more connections? Ask others to refer you and introduce you to new connections. Women at all levels not only enjoy meeting and interacting with their peers, but they also enjoy helping other women. We share so much; we learn much more.

Story by Jessica Rauh.  Photography by Helen Adams.

This Isn't Work..It's Life (Relate to be Great part1)

      None of us are born with the strategy for living.  We learn about life by living it.  This is how we create our own space. I guess I have been around awhile now to live & learn from my own mistakes…The first twenty years of your life is programmed and controlled by others.  The next twenty years is often spent working out the stuff that was put in during the first twenty.  Somewhere around 40 you begin to take ownership of your life.  It’s often where your youthful dreams begin to awaken.  It’s also the same time where you discover that some of your old strategies for living are going to need realignment if you’re to successfully pursue your dreams and goals. 

At twenty three I was an entrepreneur & thought I was living a dream.  Life happened.  But there is often a paradox.  I am sure if you think about it your life is filled with so many good things already.  Like me, you are blessed.  Sometimes you may even feel a little guilty for wanting something more.  But, that is often part of the problem.  The things you are blessed with are the very things that can crowd out the dream.  Your going so much, there is no room on your calendar, no space on your desk, your designer handbag is huge..and you still can’t find a thing.  You know your dream is out there, but it’s a little fuzzy.  It’s not as clear anymore.  You may ask yourself; “Can I even get there from here anymore? Can I make enough money in my current job, which I don’t particularly like, so that I can start doing the thing I always wanted to do?”  Probably not.

        More great news.  A very small percentage of people actually end up living their dream.  You may have heard this, “Why that person and why not me?” You may think you need an extreme makeover or relocation, but some good news is that a small change in strategy could make a big difference in our outcome.  Inside everyone is a phenomenal swag, something we were born with that is ours alone.  It can’t be taught to you, it isn’t something you learn, but it is something you have to remember.

      I like to think somewhere between laws & principles the universe has powers that many people either ignore or are unaware o f their existence.  As an example, love is not a law or a principal, but you would not deny its impact or force on our lives.  It can be felt by everyone no matter where you are from.  No matter what language you speak, people feel the language of love. Another power is the power of darkness.  If you are in the dark you are unable to see.  The only way to overcome darkness is with light.  Interestingly, you can measure the light, but you can’t measure the dark. 

      Another unseen power that has a strong force is the power of forgetfulness.  It can be all-encompassing as in people with Alzheimers or other kinds of dementia.  Or, it can be as flighty as forgetting where you left your keys.  But, its most subtle and dangerous form- it can undermine your dreams and professional life in a devastating way. 

      I call this “Sometimers”.  In the midst of our full schedules and demanding priorities it rolls through our minds causing us to forget the truly important things in life.  A divorce, loss of a job, death of someone close only serve to increase “Sometimers.” When we feel threatened or crisis hits it can become hard to tell ourselves the truth.  We can’t think clearly.  You can sometimes lose yourself.  This is when you need to call a “Flat Tire Friend.”

What is a “Flat Tire Friend?”  Someone you know you can call at 1am when you are stuck with a flat. A “Flat Tire Friend”---

·         Will check you when you are listening to your own negative self talk.  They will speak the truth to you about your value and uniqueness, your accomplishments, what you have overcome before, and the truth about the value of your goals.

·         Will intercept you when you get off the right path & redirect your steps to get you back on the road to your goals.  They care for you & remind you of where you said you were going.

·         Knows your true identity and won’t let you forget it. –when you are feeling flat and you suffer from “Sometimers” –you need your “Flat Tire Friends”

      Many people have gotten sidetracked and forgotten our original dreams doing derivative work. “Sometimers” has become epidemic.  We have less and less time to calmly think about the direction our lives have taken and reflect on our current course.  The obligations and busyness of our everyday lives can drain our energy and before we know it, another day has ended.  In the process, we forget our true desires.  When you forget your phenomenal swag, you can be drawn to an apathetic attitude that breeds cynicism.  

      Don’t tell yourself a lie.  Do you tell yourself that your current position in life disqualifies you from achieving your dreams and goals.  “I’m too old,” or “I’m too young”, ..or “I’m too whatever.”  You are never too early of too late in life to begin walking on the path of your dream. 

      You may already know everyone you need to know.  I work in event planning, I get charged when I create partnerships with people, I believe in networking.  But, don’t make the mistake of thinking you don’t already know enough people who can help you on your quest.  It’s not the best use of your time (which none of us has in surplus) to start sending out emails to people you don’t know.  Don’t start looking outside of your network thinking your success is eluding you because you haven’t met the right person.  It’s bad to think your success will come from somebody you don’t even know.  You can’t expect strangers to care about you or your goals unless they have a perceived notion that it will benefit them.  I don’t mean people will be unkind just because they don’t know you.  Most people are genuinely courteous.  But, the people who care about helping you the most are those you have taken time to build a relationship with.  You already know someone right now who knows the person who will help you achieve your goals, or hire you, or introduce you to the person you need to meet.  What are the things getting in your way? I would like to hear from you.  Someone else may have your challenge & your courage could help them find their way. Who do you know?

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Last week I had the opportunity to offer some Group Coaching Sessions for small businesses that appreciated my experience and skills as it relates to sales effectiveness and having sales conversations. Before I shared the cost of the sessions with them, I invited them to my office, introduced everyone and began the coaching session. I showed them ways to proactively overcome potential objections during the initial meeting by qualifying the person or business. There was laughter, questions, and revelations all at the same time. I wanted to welcome an environment of trust, credibility and transparency among the group. When it came to letting them know how much the session would cost, there was an anonymous decision of "I'm in!" Using my story as an example, no matter what you are offering, whether it is a service or product, you must allow them to see the value or even receive the value so that cost does not even become an issue. People will pay for GREAT service. People can appreciate experience and individuals with wisdom. Wisdom is the communication of knowledge and the application of that knowledge to people who will know how to receive the information. It has nothing to do with age and everything to do with credibility and the results that you helped one achieve. Are you giving value? Here are 7 questions to help you find out: 1. Is cost the first criterion for someone to work with you? 2. Are you talking to the right person? The decision maker? Some decision makers aren't concerned about the bad word economy. We really need to move beyond this excuse for not getting business because people are still buying. They are just very selective in their purchases and they should be. This is why the importance of earning the business is so critical. (Another blog topic) 3.Do you truly know what your prospect's goals are or are you trying to meet your own goals? 4. How does your service contribute to their needs and goals? 5. Why should they consider outsourcing your services? 6. Will they tell others about you? A referral is the best compliment one can receive. 7. At the end of the day, could you offer a trial service at no charge to get honest feedback before charging upfront? So I challenge you today, this week, this month and even this year to show, add and give value before cost becomes an issue because cost never has to be the reason why a person won't do business with you. This is the only time that I will state this next statement: "Giving value to your customers is all about you. How badly do you want to earn their business long-term?" Yvette Alexander-Slate Carried the Bag. LLC