tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75025046747203375552024-03-28T23:29:45.067-04:00Twice The WorkMoms working from home face a unique set of challenges as they work two jobs simultaneously: raising their children and building a business. Regardless of what our business is, we are all moms working to achieve much of the same goals fighting the same battles. Find discussions and resources here to support work at home moms!Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-67990319920231811212011-11-22T22:49:00.000-05:002011-11-22T22:49:43.162-05:00More Quotes from "Winning With People"<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here are some more of my favorite quotes from </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/0785288740?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #d52a33; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> by John Maxwell.</span></div><br />
"Since nothing we intend is ever faultless, and nothing we attempt ever without error, and nothing we achieve without some measure of finitude and fallibility we call humanness, we are saved by forgiveness." -David Augsburger</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Friendship is like money, easier made than kept." -Samuel Butler</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"There may be nothing more important in a marriage than a determination that it shall persist. With such a determination, individuals force themselves to adjust and to accept situations which would otherwise seem sufficient grounds for a breakup." -Dr. Alfred Kinsey</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"What we obtain to cheaply we esteem to little; it is dearness only that gives everything its value." -Thomas Paine</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"It is impossible to learn anything important about anyone until we get him or her to disagree with us; it is only in contradiction that character is disclosed." - Sydney J. Harris</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg,<br />
not smashing it." -Arnold Glasgow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"The greatest virtues are those which are most useful to other persons." -Aristotle</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"A genuine friend encourages and challenges us to live out our best thoughts, honor our purest motives, and achieve our most significant dreams." <br />
-Dan Reiland</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Keep a fair-sized cemetery in your back yard, in which to bury<br />
the faults of your friends." -Henry Ward Beecher</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"I realized that if you're slinging mud, you're losing ground."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks<br />
others have thrown at him." -David Brinkley</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Most people make some good choices every day, but they don't make enough good choices to create momentum and obtain success." -Hector LaMarque</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Because the high road is uphill, no one travels it by accident."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Treat people as though they were what they ought to be and you will help them become what they are capable of becoming." -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Melissa</div></div>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-66572387859010266812011-11-14T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-14T08:00:11.322-05:00Quotes from Winning With PeopleHere are some of my favorite quotes from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/0785288740?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time</a> by John Maxwell.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">"Good relationships are more than just the icing on the cake in life. </div><div style="text-align: center;">They are the cake."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They do not mean to do harm. They are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves." -Poet T.S. Eliot</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"I always say that the most important relationship you will ever have is with yourself. You've got to be your own best friend first." - Phil McGraw</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself." -George Herbert</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"This is certain, that a man that studieth revenge keeps his wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well." -Statesman Sir Francis Bacon</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." </div><div style="text-align: center;">-Lady Dorothy Nevill</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"We gossip because we fail to love. When we love people, we don't criticize them. If we love them, their failures hurt. We don't advertise the sins of people we love any more than we advertise our own." - John Whit, "<em>The Flight</em>"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"People can be the wind beneath our wings or the anchor on our boat."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0785288740" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Whenever you are too selfishly looking out for your own interest, you have only one person working for you-yourself. When you help a dozen other people with their problems, you have a dozen people working with you."- William B. Given Jr.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Sometimes when you give someone a piece of your mind, </div><div style="text-align: center;">you lose your own peace of mind."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"I believe that if people made the effort to see things from other's points of view, 80% of our relational conflict would disappear."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Understanding someone properly involves learning from him, and learning from someone properly involves changing oneself." - Hans Kung</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"The Platinum Rule: Treat others the way <em>they</em> want to be treated."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Treat a man as he appears to be and you make him worse. But treat a man as if he already were what he potentially could be, and you make him what he should be." -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Integrity is the basis of trust.... It is the one quality that cannot be acquired, but must be earned. It is given by coworkers and followers, and without it, the leader can't function." -Warren Bennis</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"A blessed thing it is for any man or woman to have a friend, one human soul whom we can trust utterly, who knows the best and worst of us, and who loves us in spite of all our faults." -Charles Kingsley</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Successful people make right decisions early and manage those decisions daily."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"All seems infected that the infected spy, as all looks yellow to the jaundiced eye." -Alexander Pope</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Studies have shown that, in the average home, for every positive statement, a child receives 10 negative statements. The school environment is only slightly better; students hear seven negative statements from their teachers for every one positive statement.... It takes four positive statements to negate the effect of one negative statement." - Neil Anderson<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Some powerful words for you to ponder. Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Melissa</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-69344711878783235582011-10-30T22:49:00.000-04:002011-10-30T22:49:10.220-04:00A Chance Encounter, A Lasting Bond | Parade.com<div>This article was in today's Parade magazine which comes in the Sunday paper. I really enjoyed this heartwarming story and thought I'd share it in case you missed it!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.parade.com/news/2011/10/a-chance-encounter-a-lasting-bond.html#.Tq4MBJHhpSk.blogger">A Chance Encounter, A Lasting Bond | Parade.com</a>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-29617395077495776062011-10-26T15:19:00.003-04:002011-10-26T15:19:36.386-04:00An Experiment in Personal GrowthAs proud as I was to lose my twins baby weight, I must admit I have put 10 pounds back on this year. Add to that, my stomach muscles are in rare form (diastasis recti) and there are other areas of my body needing a lift, tuck, and tone! A cheap and accessible fix is running and I've lost weight before running. Its a great idea, except I HATE to run... or exercise.... or sweat. I decided I was going to do it anyways. Will power in many areas isn't my strength so this was going to be an all around experiment in personal growth!<br />
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A failed start about two months ago due to some foot issues brought me back to a point of decision to begin again the last week of September. I searched for some new runner tips online about breathing, body positioning, and how to start a running program. For someone like me who is out of shape and doesn't like to run, I found a program that has been very doable. I am currently in week three of the training program and am proud of what I've accomplished and the dedication I've had to my new project.<br />
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Most days I'm pushing my two year old twin boys in a stroller but really enjoy time to myself on the off day. Here is the training schedule I'm using and run at least 5 days a week. (I can't remember where I found the information, nor can I find it again.) I use my cell phone to time the intervals.<br />
<br />
Walk 5 minutes to warm up.<br />
Week 1: Run 1 minute, walk 5 minutes, 5 times for a total of 30 minutes<br />
Week 2: Run 2 minute, walk 4 minutes, 5 times for a total of 30 minutes<br />
Week 3: Run 3 minute, walk 3 minutes, 5 times for a total of 30 minutes<br />
Week 4: Run 4 minute, walk 2 minutes, 5 times for a total of 30 minutes<br />
Week 5: Run 5 minute, walk 1 minutes, 5 times for a total of 30 minutes<br />
Week 6: Run for 30 minutes<br />
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There were many reasons I hated running, even as a kid. I was so out of shape that it was uncomfortable, shortness of breath due to being out of shape, asthma, side stitches, muscle cramping, etc.... I looked up information on breathing techniques to help with the shortness of breath. Proper hydration and stretching can help prevent muscle cramping along with not running on a full stomach. You can find a lot of great tips in this article plus more on their website.<br />
<br />
Women's Health Magazine web article <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/expert-advice-beginners-running-tips"> "101 Greatest Running Tips"</a><br />
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In my first three weeks of running I lost 5 pounds on the scale and my clothes are fitting better, I'm gaining muscle, and I can physically see the toning results. As great as those are, I must say there are several more affecting other areas of my life. I normally run in the morning shortly after breakfast and find that is a great way to start my day. The physical activity and fresh air get me moving and working right away and I find myself getting more accomplished each day. Running has been a great stress reliever and also gets my children out for some fresh air too. <br />
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Even in these early stages, I'm already learning to enjoy running even though it is challenging and pushing me past my exercise comfort zone. Seeing myself attain each small goal towards my ultimate goal is encouraging and rewarding. I never thought I'd see myself as a runner and now once I reach my running 30 minute straight goal, I'll set a new one- like a 5k! These achievements, in an area that previously seemed impossible, are raising my confidence. Now I'm striving for goals in other areas of my life that always seemed too lofty- like in business. Crazy how one small change can be a catalyst towards improving my whole day, my outlook, and other personal goals.<br />
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If I can do it, so can you!<br />
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-MelissaMelissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-71839000471092728492011-10-13T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-13T08:00:00.153-04:00Can We Build Mutual Trust?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Relationships rise and fall on trust. John Maxwell evaluates five people principles associated with building trust in relationships. Question 3 in Maxwell's book <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/0785288740?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time</a>, is The Trust Question: Can We Build Mutual Trust?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Bedrock Principle</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Trust is the foundation of all relationships. </span></span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Developing trust is like constructing a building. It takes time, and it must be done one piece at a time. As in construction, it's much quicker and easier to tear something down than it is to build it up. But if the foundation is strong, there is a good chance that what is built upon will stand."</span></span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Trust is the framework of a relationship.</span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"A relationship can also be described as being like a painting. Trust is like the frame that surrounds it--and holds it together. It provides a context in which to view the work of art. Trust defines its boundaries. And trust secures it to the wall so that it can be enjoyed. Trust provides emotional structure."</span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Earning Trust of Others</span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Trust begins with yourself. Awareness of your own weaknesses allows for personal growth and honesty with others.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Trust cannot be compartmentalized. A person cannot be trustworthy in one area and not in another. If a person compromises his or hers values in business, he or she will eventually do the same to family and friends. How a person treats others is how he will one day treat you. "An individual's character eventually bleeds into every aspect of his life."</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Trust works like a bank account. To grow your investment in others, you must continually do things which build trust. On occasion, you may make a mistake and lose credit. However, past deposits will still be earning interest!</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Surround yourself with an inner circle of true friends. To identify these people, ask yourself if they: "love me unconditionally, embrace my vision, embody my values, represent me well to others, look out for my best interests, speak the truth when I need to hear it, support me during the tough times, and defend me to my critics."</span></div><div></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>The Situation Principle</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">When a relationship encounters a rough patch, do you focus on the situation or the relationship? We can't just bail out of a relationship every time we need to work hard or make sacrifices. This is especially true with our family as we don't get to choose who they are. We all have friends and family who put more strain on relationships than others.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Ways to help you keep the proper perspective on a situation.</span></span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Focus on the big picture. Remind yourself why a person is important to you.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Communicate the big picture. Even amid tough times, let people know that they are loved and important to you.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Evaluate whether a problem is a one-time deal or a repeating scenario. There is a big difference between the two. Even repeated problems can be solved with a commitment to resolution from all parties.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Learn to pick your battles. Making every little thing a big deal creates a tense, unhealthy atmosphere for you and those you interact with.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Show unconditional love at all times, especially during the storms. As a parent, spouse, friend, and leader, people need to know you love them in the best and worst of times.</span></span></li>
</ul><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>The Bob Principle</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">"When Bob has a problem with everyone, Bob is usually the problem." </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">How to spot a "Bob":</span></span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">A " Bob" carries around problems and spreads his poison to others.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">A " Bob" will find a problem in every situation and expose them to others.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">A " Bob" always creates problems and tries to involve others.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">A " Bob" is usually the ready ear for other people's problems and encourages people to continually dump problems on them.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A " Bob" never sees a problem with their own conduct.</span></span></li>
</ul><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">"Every problem starter is like a fire lighter. And each of us is like a person carrying two buckets. One is filled with water and the other with gasoline. When we see the spark of a problem fire being lit, we can choose to douse it with water and put it out. Or we can throw gasoline on it and make it worse. If we want to control the amount of damage Bob can do, we need to use the water."</span></span></blockquote><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How to deal with a "Bob".</span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When someone tries to be negative, say something positive. Always try to find the bright side.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If a person's motives are being criticized, give them the benefit of the doubt. Never presume to know the heart of another person.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Encourage people to resolve problems with the involved parties instead of bringing them to you.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Keep "Bob" away from others to avoid spreading their negativism.</span></li>
</ul><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>The Approachability Principle</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">"Approachabiltiy" is a powerful tool to have in your relational toolbox. How you conduct yourself and what messages you send to others will determine your opportunities for connection and relationship building. Here are ways to make other people feel comfortable approaching you.</span></span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Exude personal warmth. If you genuinely care for and like people, others can tell.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Appreciate the differences in people. Know the strengths and weaknesses of different personality types so that you can respect and work with each kind.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Have a consistent mood. People will feel comfortable approaching you if they know what to expect. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Show sensitivity towards people's feelings. Adjust how you relate to others based on their moods and feelings. People are more likely to open up if they feel they are on the same wavelength.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Understand human weakness and express your own. Pretending to be perfect alienates others. When people can admit their own faults, they can readily accept the faults of others.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Forgive easily and always ask for forgiveness quickly.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Be authentic. Be true to yourself and genuine with others. </span></span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Maxwell says to "walk slowly through the crowd"- meaning, when in a group of people, take time to talk, connect, and be sensitive to their feelings, needs, and wants.</span></span></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>The Foxhole Principle</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"When preparing for battle, dig a hole big enough for a friend."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A foxhole friend is one who will stick by you through tough times and help you battle through. It is during these rough times that you find out who your real friends are. </span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Foxhole friends are rare. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Foxhole friends provide strength, comfort, and confidence before, during, and after battle.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Foxhole friends can see your perspective on the situation and show empathy.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Foxhole friends forever impact your life.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Foxhole friends love unconditionally.</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To have foxhole friends says something about who you are, as does being someone else's foxhole friend!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Previous Posts on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/0785288740?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Winning with People</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/05/winning-with-people.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Winning With People</span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/06/are-we-prepared-for-relationships.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Are We Prepared For Relationships?</span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/06/are-we-willing-to-focus-on-others.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Are We Willing To Focus On Others?</span></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Posts on other Maxwell books:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/02/fear-cycle.html" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #d52a33;">The Fear Cycle</span></a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/02/fear-cycle.html" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #d52a33;">Quotes From Failing Forward</span></a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/04/ch9-get-over-yourself-everyone-else-has.html" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #d52a33;">Ch 9: Get Over Yourself--Everyone Else Has</span></a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/04/top-ten-ways-people-get-in-their-own.html" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration: none;">The Top Ten Ways People Get in Their Own Way</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Melissa</span>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-84678670915333107002011-10-10T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-10T08:00:13.412-04:00The Art of Getting Along<blockquote> Sooner or later, a man, if he is wise, discovers that life is a mixture of good days and bad, victory and defeat, give and take. He learns that it doesn't pay to be a too-sensitive soul, that he should let some things go over his head like water off a duck's back. He learns that he who loses his temper usually loses out, that all men have burnt toast for breakfast now and then, and that he shouldn't take the other fellow's grouch too seriously.</blockquote><blockquote> He learns that carrying a chip on his shoulder is the easiest way to get into trouble, that the quickest way to become unpopular is to carry tales of gossip about others, that buck-passing always turns out to be a boomerang, that it doesn't matter so much who gets the credit so long as the job gets done.</blockquote><blockquote> He learns that most others are as ambitious as he is, that they have brains as good or better, that hard work, not cleverness, is the secret to success. He learns that no man ever gets to first base alone, and that it is only through cooperative effort that we move on to better things.</blockquote><blockquote> <b> He realizes (in short) that the "art of getting along" depends about 98 percent on his own behavior toward others.</b></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Alberta Civil Service Association News</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Taken from John Maxwell's<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/0785288740?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time</a>. (The Approachability Principle)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><blockquote> </blockquote>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-90565454411526753322011-10-04T15:04:00.000-04:002011-10-04T15:04:21.262-04:00Reaching People Through Their Love LanguageAccording to author, Gary Chapman, everyone has a love language- meaning a method of communicating or receiving love which makes them feel most loved. While his book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802473156/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399381&creativeASIN=0802473156">The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts</a>, is written towards your relationship with a spouse, you can easily attribute the same information towards your children, coworkers, team members, customers, etc... A key to life and business is building relationships with others. Treating someone the way they wish to be treated is the proverbial way to build a relationship. Assessing those you know professionally and personally can give you greater understanding as to how to show love and make them feel good!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802473156/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399377&creativeASIN=0802473156" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0802473156&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=twic06-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>The Five Love Languages</u></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Words of Affirmation</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Quality Time</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Receiving Gifts</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Acts of Service</b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Physical Touch</b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>Below are the notes I took on the qualities and characteristics each love language when I read the book. Ways to express love to someone with that particular language are included. Each chapter of the book uses anecdotes to highlight the qualities and how you can best show love to a person with each particular love language. Chapman also lists additional ideas and tasks at the end of each chapter.</div><div><br />
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</div><div><b>Words of Affirmation</b><br />
People with this love language feel most loved through oral and written words or language. They love to be acknowledged for what they do and who they are. Here are ways you can show love to them.</div><div><ul><li>Verbal Compliments </li>
<ul><li>A greater motivator than nagging words.</li>
</ul><li>Encouraging Words</li>
<ul><li>Encourage untapped potential.</li>
<li>Encouragement requires empathy.</li>
<li>Opposite of critical or condemning words.</li>
</ul><li>Kind Words</li>
<ul><li>People often interpret our tone more than our words.</li>
<li>The opposite of judgmental.</li>
<li>Love doesn't keep a score of wrongs or bring up past failures.</li>
<li>"A soft answer turns away anger."</li>
<li>Forgiveness is an expression of love.</li>
</ul><li>Humble Words</li>
<ul><li>Love makes requests, not demands.</li>
</ul></ul><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>Quality Time</b><br />
A person with this love language feels most loved when you are fully present and focused on a conversation or activity together. Here are some tips in providing this type of person with great quality time.</div></div><div><ul><li>Undivided Attention</li>
<ul><li>Turn the tv off and minimize any other distractions.</li>
</ul><li>Togetherness</li>
<ul><li>Full, focused attention versus living in close proximity.</li>
</ul><li>Quality Conversations</li>
<ul><li>Share experiences, thoughts, feelings, and desires.</li>
<li>Listen sympathetically and ask questions to understand thoughts, feelings and desires.</li>
</ul><ol><ol><li>Maintain eye contact</li>
<li>Undivided attention</li>
<li>Listen for feelings</li>
<li>Observe body language</li>
<li>Refuse to interrupt (The average person listens for 17 seconds before interrupting or interjecting.)</li>
</ol></ol><li>Learn to Talk</li>
<ul><li>Self-revelation is the expression of emotions, thoughts, and desires.</li>
</ul><li>Personality Types</li>
<ul><li>Dead Sea: receives expression from others but does not give outward expression.</li>
<li>Babbling Brook: shares everything and doesn't stop talking.</li>
</ul><li>Quality Activities</li>
<ul><li>Doing something together that at least one person wants to do and the other is willing to do in order to express love.</li>
</ul></ul><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>Receiving Gifts</b><br />
A person with this love language feels most loved when people offer a gift great or small. Here are some details about gifts.</div></div><div><ul><li>Gifts are visual symbols of love.</li>
<li>Gifts and Money</li>
<ul><li>They don't need to be expensive, the thought does count!</li>
<li>If cost, is an issue- change your attitude about money. Giving gifts to a loved one is an investment. You are purchasing self-worth and emotional security.</li>
</ul><li>The Gift of Self (Presence) counts!</li>
</ul><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>Acts of Service</b><br />
A person with this love language feels most loved when people do things to help them. Assisting them with a need or taking a task off their plate will make them the happiest. Here are some things to keep in my about acts of service.</div></div><div><ul><li>Offer assistance, complete a chore, DO something kind- without being asked.</li>
<li>Complete chores or tasks with a <i>positive </i>spirit to express love.</li>
<li>A request can give direction as to how someone wants to be loved but a demand stops the flow of love.</li>
<li>Love is a choice and cannot be coerced.</li>
</ul><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>Physical Touch</b><br />
A person with this love language feels most loved when they are being touched. Here are some things you should know about physical touch.</div></div><div><ul><li>As simple as a handshake, a touch on the arm, holding hands, putting your arm around someone, or embracing.</li>
<li>Critical for healthy emotional development in children.</li>
<li>Touch communicates hate or love and can make or break a relationship.</li>
<li>Explicit touch takes more time (a long embrace) and implicit touch is brief (a quick pat on the back).</li>
</ul></div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Discovering Your Love Language</b></div><div>The answers to these questions could help determine which love language you are or you can use them to help determine the languages of others.</div><div><ul><li>What do people do or fail to do that hurts you the most?</li>
<li>What do you most often request of others?</li>
<li>In what way do you regularly express your love to others?</li>
<li>What would be your ideal spouse?</li>
</ul><div><br />
Click on the link below to go to The 5 Love Languages website and take the online quiz there!</div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><embed align="middle" allowfullscreen="false" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" bgcolor="#ffffff" flashvars="CID=5LoveLanguagesPartnerWidget&partner_click_url=null" height="350" name="5LL-assesment-widget" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" src="http://5lovelanguages.com/widget/partners/5LL-assesment-widget.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="394"></embed></div><br />
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People have a few basic needs: love, security, self-worth, and significance. If we do not feel loved, our differences are magnified and we will fight to have our needs met. Others are viewed as a threat to our personal happiness. People who do not feel loved experience great pain and emptiness which impacts all areas of their life and how they deal with it.<br />
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Here are a few of Gary Chapman's books in regards to the Love Languages.<br />
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</div><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=twic06-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=tf_til&asins=0802473156" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=twic06-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1881273652&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=FFFFFF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=twic06-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0802461980&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=FFFFFF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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Intentionally love someone today!<br />
-Melissa</div></div>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-48940815577616594612011-09-29T14:02:00.000-04:002011-09-29T14:02:49.989-04:00The Help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425245136/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=0425245136" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0425245136&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=twic06-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="122" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My husband and I seldom watch movies. So our recent movie date was a rarity, much needed and much enjoyed! I picked The Help based on the storyline, the reviews, and the acclaim the book had received. We were not disappointed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a synopsis of the movie in case you haven't seen it yet as taken from the <a href="http://thehelpmovie.com/us/#s=about">official movie site</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #9055b5; font-family: HelpSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"></span></div>Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, “The Help” stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed —even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times.<br />
Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, “The Help” is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change.<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_ajv_6pUnI">here </a>to view the movie trailer.<br />
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The Help was released on August 10, 2011 and was #2 at the box office that weekend followed by three weekends in the #1 position as the the weekends' top grossing movie.<br />
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The primary theme of the film is racial discrimination but there are many undercurrent themes. I love a movie that really makes me think. You can relate the themes in The Help to your personal and professional life. Here are a few additional themes that developed a lot of questions for me!<br />
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<ul><li>Interpersonal skills. How do I speak to and respect others? It made me think of all the things I've been reading about in John Maxwell's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785288740/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0785288740">Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time</a>. Do I build up the self-esteem of others? I love how the main character tells a small girl repeatedly "You is smart, you is kind, you is important."</li>
<li>Parenting skills. What kind of relationship do I have with my children? Who has the greatest influence on my kids? How well do I know my children and meet their needs?</li>
<li>Societal and Personal Values. What values does our society find acceptable? How do I feel about it? Do I do the right thing regardless of what everyone else is doing? Do I have it in me to fight for something I strongly believe in, even if the risk is high? Am I strong enough to encourage others to do what is right?</li>
</ul>This film will make you evaluate yourself on multiple levels! It would be a great film to use in team building or training. If you haven't seen it yet, you need to!<br />
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-Melissa<br />
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You can find the New York Times Bestseller on Amazon.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=twic06-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0425245136&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=FFFFFF&bg1=FFFFFF&npa=1&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-52034807069378699422011-09-22T23:31:00.000-04:002011-09-22T23:31:17.970-04:00Just Between Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLl0HIQwj8HDqvpyKI-EJKBnV70wt0frsQ3RYOJMAJzP255aaxnjjH4eVMZzEYk68ssQ4oWdVhHCPxQim0jLEa8QssDVsE-0K-a_P1brk6H9lvqvSjKDVvS5Y-bBlBYbywXWF12fxWvA/s1600/JBF+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLl0HIQwj8HDqvpyKI-EJKBnV70wt0frsQ3RYOJMAJzP255aaxnjjH4eVMZzEYk68ssQ4oWdVhHCPxQim0jLEa8QssDVsE-0K-a_P1brk6H9lvqvSjKDVvS5Y-bBlBYbywXWF12fxWvA/s1600/JBF+Logo.png" /></a></div><br />
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Yesterday, I told the cashier at Babies R Us that kids are only expensive because we constantly buy things to contain them or their mess! Times two, of course, at our house and times three or four or more at others! Much of our gear shows little wear because we move from stage to stage so quickly. Buying used items saves a bundle and selling our old ones makes money!<br />
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Today I finally got my first visit to <a href="http://tampanorth.jbfsale.com/pages/tampa_north_home/?n=1062">Just Between Friends Tampa North</a> which I've been hearing about for two years now! Just Between Friends (JBF) is a giant consignment sale held twice a year for maternity and children's items. The sale is run by volunteers and merchandise is stocked by community members. Here in Tampa, it is held in the spring and fall but sales are held all over the country throughout the year. Click <a href="http://jbfsale.com/findevent/?n=2154">here </a>to find a location close to you. <br />
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To make some money off items collecting dust in your garage and clear space, sign up to be a consignor. JBF has a special online tagging system that allows you to create an account, make and print tags for your items, and track what is sold. You can earn up to 70% of your sales versus much smaller percentages at traditional consignment stores. Click <a href="http://tampanorth.jbfsale.com/pages/consign/?n=1072">here </a>for additional consignor information.<br />
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To pick up items for you and your kiddos, early attendance is key for best selection. You will find a large selection of toys and clothing. You will also find strollers, highchairs, larger play equipment, books, bathing, feeding, and potty training items. Items are inspected for functionality and cleanliness. You can see the deals many shoppers have already scored by viewing their comments on Facebook. (Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JBFTampa">here</a>.)<br />
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Volunteers shop first on Wednesday, then consignors, followed by first time moms who register in advance, and military families. Thursday and Friday are open to the public. $2 admission is charged but fliers for free entry are available in local magazines. Saturday is half price day where many items are marked 50% off and admission is free!<br />
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To see an article and news footage from the spring 2011 event click <a href="http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/health/moms-can-make-money-and-save-money-at-consignment-extravaganza-this-weekend">here</a>. Tampa's ABC Action news was onsite today while I was there and featured a story on today's evening news. The Tampa North event information is as follows:<br />
<br />
<u>Location-</u><br />
The Tampa Bay Baptist Conference Center<br />
15601 Lake Magdalene Blvd., Tampa, FL 33613<br />
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<u>Dates & Times-</u><br />
Thursday 9am -7pm<br />
Friday 9am - 5pm<br />
Saturday 8am - 2pm<br />
<br />
The JBF Lakeland event will be held October 21-23, 2011at the Lakeland Center and the next Tampa North event will be held again March 8-10, 2012.<br />
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If you'd like to consign at future events, you can sign up and beginning tagging your items now. Perhaps as you clean out closets for next season, wash and tag each item before boxing so you have less to do last minute! <br />
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We all work hard to support our families! I hope this bit of information makes you money or saves you money. Be sure to pass the info on to your girlfriends too!<br />
<br />
-MelissaMelissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-54062741342035147412011-09-20T14:58:00.000-04:002011-09-20T14:58:30.997-04:00Pumpkin PancakesWith the first day of fall arriving this Friday, summer will officially be over. While those of you in states further north are already experiencing cooler temperatures, those of us in the south are still steamy! These pumpkin pancakes will be sure to get you into a harvest mood regardless of the temperature outside.<br />
<br />
It can be difficult to serve up something new, healthy, or even hot during a rushed morning. These pumpkin pancakes are quick and easy. You'll be squeezing in a vegetable serving and your kids will love them!<br />
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I originally found a recipe on <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">Allrecipes</a> for <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pumpkin-pancakes/detail.aspx">pumpkin pancakes</a> from scratch. When I read through the reviews, someone had posted a simpler recipe using a prepared pancake mix like Aunt Jemina. <br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfutRrh_PDPYonSUJt09_KjOEFQssRW3zcxh9nWfWhnPDU55l3cJt3rrEPO1vs5X5ViN4RILbuDEhyphenhyphenLbcC7wDC6ZrDPtrkJ0huaTS0_qd6qOi00vDpBXP3_PO27CAlx0JlFxJi45QdKg/s1600/Pumpkin+Pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfutRrh_PDPYonSUJt09_KjOEFQssRW3zcxh9nWfWhnPDU55l3cJt3rrEPO1vs5X5ViN4RILbuDEhyphenhyphenLbcC7wDC6ZrDPtrkJ0huaTS0_qd6qOi00vDpBXP3_PO27CAlx0JlFxJi45QdKg/s200/Pumpkin+Pancakes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Ingredients<br />
2 1/2 Cup Aunt Jemima Original Pancake Mix<br />
3 TBS brown sugar<br />
2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice<br />
1 egg<br />
1 3/4 cup milk<br />
2 TBS vegetable oil<br />
2 TBS vinegar<br />
1 cup pumpkin puree<br />
<br />
<h3 class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;">Directions</h3><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><ol><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients just enough to combine. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot. </span></li>
</ol></div><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">**I had to lower the cooking temperature. At first, the pancakes seemed to darken real fast but stay raw in the middle. </span><br />
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This recipe was enough to feed my family of 4 two days in a row! I just reheated the pancakes the next morning. I also thought I might try adding some raisins or pecans next time. My little guys ate them as is without syrup. If you'd like the full recipe from scratch, click <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pumpkin-pancakes/detail.aspx">here</a>.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
"Happy Fall Y'all!"<br />
<br />
-MelissaMelissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-86198401223094072362011-08-09T15:41:00.024-04:002011-08-09T21:12:47.660-04:00Boosting Your Business With Sample SalesThis time of year is one of my favorites for business. My organization releases a new catalog with many new products! It gives us all a fresh start for the busiest season of the year- fall! Many of you may be in the same position now! New consultants or distributors may initially be disheartened by discontinued samples or inventory they possess. Take heart, these are great for business! Start planning your sale now!<br />
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<br />
<u>Name your event.</u><br />
<ul><li>Sample Sale</li>
<li>Hostess/ Customer Appreciation</li>
<li>Open House</li>
<li>Christmas in "July" Sale</li>
<li>Clearance Event</li>
</ul><br />
<u>Select a Date</u><br />
I usually host my event over a two day window such as Friday and Saturday nights from 6-9pm. I find that you can catch a few people the second day that weren't able to make it the first night. I also allow customers the opportunity to "shop by appointment" as well.<br />
<br />
<u>Location</u><br />
My event is held in my home. I set up additional tables and clear out my kids' toys. If you aren't comfortable with this or don't have the room, host the event at a neighborhood clubhouse, friend's house, or at your church hall.<br />
<br />
<u>The Guest List</u><br />
Invite past hostesses, customers, family, and friends. Depending on the size of your database and the years you've been in business, you may want to focus on the people you've seen in the past year. If you use guest surveys, include an option for them to check if they want sample sale information.<br />
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<br />
<u>Advertise</u><br />
How you spread the word and how often will be key to your turn out! I do all of the following in this order!<br />
<ul><li>Mention dates of sales at all your shows, parties, and events even if it is approximate. For example, I tell everyone "July and December". Talk the event up so they look forward to an invite.</li>
<li>Send out an email, Facebook Event, and/or Evite about 3-4 weeks in advance so guests can mark the date on their calendars.</li>
<li>Mail out a paper invite 1-2 weeks ahead. I order postcards from Vistaprint. ( <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-4240416-10755340" target="_top">100 Postcards for just $1.99</a><img border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-4240416-10755340" width="1px" />)</li>
<li>Send electronic reminders one week out to encourage RSVPs.</li>
<li>Send a final reminder within 24 hours of the event.</li>
<li>If I don't have emails or electronic ways to send a final reminder, I will call the those guests and leave a message.</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<u>Some Tips on Turn Out</u><br />
<ul><li>Reward guests for RSVPing and bringing friends. I use a ticket system so I offer a ticket for RSVPing and for each friend they bring. Another idea is to do a special drawing for free product with all the guests who RSVP.</li>
<li>Advertise your specials well. I tell how much I have and at what discount. For example, this year I had over 500 jewelry pieces with half of them marked 50% or 75% off.</li>
<li>Offer refreshments. I offer a large selection of yummy food and advertise some of the favorites in my reminders. Many of my guests come for the food, not just the sales!</li>
<li>Give-a-ways help a lot. In the past I've offered a free gift to everyone who came. I always have a large selection of drawing items. This year, I used some of my products but also brand name items that people would recognize. I advertised these items on my postcard invitations and in my reminder.</li>
</ul><br />
<u>Setting A Sale Price</u><br />
Don't be afraid to mark your samples down. Sitting on items will not earn you money! I'm able to always buy samples at 50% off but when our new line comes out, I usually earn an additional 30% discount which allows me to sell items later at 75% off with little loss. Those that sell at 50% off still make me money! The bigger the bargain, the greater the draw with customers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Creating New Business</u><br />
One of the greatest perks of a sale like this is to add new bookings to your calendar. When ladies come to shop, advertise your specials and display new product lines if you have it available. Offer a special gift if they set up a show on your calendar. My sale is held just before the new line comes out so I know what I have to spend on new samples when I go to conference. When I return, I send each guest a letter thanking them for coming along with a coupon, a new catalog, and any drawing items they may have won. This year, I told my guests if they contacted me with their top 5 favorites pieces out of the new catalog, I'd double their coupon. I try to encourage them to look through the new collection so they will love it and want to host a show to get it for free!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Additional Sales</u><br />
If you have customers who live outside your area or some who won't be able to make it, they can still partake. I mailed catalogs to those who requested them and emailed them a list of my sale items. They were happy for the savings and I was happy for the additional sales!<br />
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<br />
My sample sales are always very successful and I look forward to them so much! I enjoy visiting with all my customers and catching up on what has been going on in their lives. My method has worked well for me over the last 8 years. If your first event doesn't go as well as you would like, stick with it. I've built some loyal attendees over the years and now they tell their friends they can't miss it!<br />
<br />
-Melissa<br />
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<a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-4240416-10755336" target="_top"></a><a href="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-4240416-10755336" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="100 Postcards for just $1.99" border="0" height="166px" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-4240416-10755336" width="200px" /></a><a href="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-4240416-10797539" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BOGO: 500 Premium Business Cards for $3.99 " border="0" height="166px" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-4240416-10797539" width="200px" /></a></a> <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-51310344759048395282011-07-22T14:03:00.000-04:002011-07-22T14:03:02.909-04:00Encouragement, Buy 1, Get 2 Free!In February, I posted "<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/02/window-crayons.html">Visual Love & Encouragement</a>" where I talked about using Crayola Window Crayons to write messages of love and encouragement on windows and mirrors. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-52-9765-Window-Crayons-5-Pack/dp/B001QKNOZQ?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Window Crayons 5-Pack" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001QKNOZQ&tag=twic06-20" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>These can be purchased right now, <strong>BUY ONE , GET</strong> <strong>TWO FREE</strong> at Toys R Us through tomorrow (Saturday, July 23rd, 2011). They are regularly $4.49 each. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>These make great gifts so stock up. Give them as bridal shower gifts and explain they can be used to write love messages on the bathroom mirror. In direct sales? Give them to your downline with a note of explanation or a specific quote or verse for them to write on their mirror. Have kids? Use them to decorate your sliding glass doors with letters, numbers, or holiday decorations!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>(On a side note, I have found the best method to remove the crayon is to use a dark wet wash cloth to scrub it off and then follow up with a paper towel to dry the glass.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Don't forget to check out my original post with ideas for these crayons, you can click <a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/02/window-crayons.html">here</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><u><strong>Additional DEALS</strong></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Toys R Us is running some additional great deals on toys and then below a few links.</span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Play-Doh Buy 1, Get 1 free</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Vtech Toys Buy 1, Get 1 free (Plus, see link below for $5 off coupons, you can use 1 for each item! I purchased $50 worth of toys for $15!)</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Crayola Crayons, Markers, & Paper, Buy 1, Get 2 free</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Crayola Color Wonder & Color Explosion, Buy 1, Get 1 free</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Leapfrog toys, Buy 1, Get 1 50% off</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Fisher Price Imaginext toys, Buy 1, Get 1 50% off</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span>(Just to name a few.)</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Click <a href="http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/media/trus/072111_Ds_TRU_bonus.pdf?csm=212853680&csc=1433692&csa=209313726&csu=1435225&camp=CME:20110721_Em_TRU_Roto%2520Reminder%25202DD">HERE</a> to view all of Toys R Us' 2 day deals.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Click <a href="http://toysrus.shoplocal.com/toysrus/default.aspx?action=entryflash&ab=Tru_homepage_aspot:bottom:Find-these-SUPER-DEALS-and-more-in-this-weeks-ad">HERE</a> to view the weekly ad.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Click <a href="http://www.bargainez.com/printable-coupons/5-off-on-any-vtech-toy-of-19-99-or-more-vtech-printable-coupon/">HERE</a> for a $5 off Vtech toys coupon ($19.99 and up).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span></span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Look for some new posts next week, including: boosting your business with sample sales! <span>Have a great weekend!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span>-Melissa</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-82778958820494192342011-06-27T16:46:00.000-04:002011-06-27T16:46:56.350-04:00Are We Willing to Focus on Others?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/0785288740?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0785288740&tag=twic06-20" /></a></div><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0785288740" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" /><br />
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Are we willing to focus on others? That is the "connection" question John Maxwell uses to organize the second section of his book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/0785288740?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time</a>. The "connection question" is made up of 6 principles which explore ways to focus on others and their needs instead of oneself. In doing so, you become more desirable to others and build stronger relationships.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Big Picture Principle: </strong><br />
"The entire population of the world- with one minor exception- is composed of others."<br />
To break self-centered or self-serving behavior, focus on the big picture, which requires three things:<br />
<ol><li><u>Perspective</u>- There are billions of people in this world who will never know you. Most of them have needs far greater than yours.</li>
<li><u>Maturity</u>- Most people hit a stage in life where they feel unfulfilled and desire for more meaning in their life. The key to finding meaning is to use your strengths to serve others.</li>
<li><u>Responsibility</u>- Entering a marriage or leadership position will expose ones' maturity and sense of responsibility. Maxwell says that good leaders: put others first, serve others, take responsibility, are a good example, give others credit, and mend relationships.</li>
</ol><br />
<strong>The Exchange Principle:</strong><br />
<strong></strong>"Instead of putting others in their place. We must put ourselves in their place."<br />
The two key elements of this principle are perspective and empathy. Here are ways you can make the exchange:<br />
<div></div><div></div><ul><li>See others in a positive light and give them the benefit of the doubt.</li>
<li>Get to know others by listening to their concerns, studying their culture or job, finding out their interests, visiting their home, or simply just asking questions!</li>
<li>Work to find the legitimacy in another person's viewpoint and acknowledge their valid point.</li>
<li>During times of conflict, work to see the similarities in others' viewpoints instead of the differences. Don't focus on trying to win.</li>
</ul><br />
<strong>The Learning Principle:</strong><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0785288740" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" /><br />
"Each person we meet has the potential to teach us something if we have the right attitude."<br />
<ul><li>We need many mentors. It is impossible to learn everything from one person.</li>
<li>No one is too old, too smart, or too successful to learn something new.</li>
<li>Be passionate about learning, don't fall into an idle comfort zone, keep stretching yourself.</li>
<li>See the value in other people. I recently met a woman with incredible wisdom who could easily be overlooked based on her physical appearance.</li>
<li>Surround yourself with people who will help you grow.</li>
<li>Look for people's uniqueness and strengths, then ask questions.</li>
<li>In order to show growth, there must be a change.</li>
</ul><br />
<strong>The Charisma Principle:</strong><br />
"People are interested in the person who is interested in them."<br />
A Sanguine is a great example of a charismatic person. Even if this isn't your temperament, there are 6 things you can do that will attract others.<br />
<ol><li>Show a genuine interest in others.</li>
<li>Light up your face with a smile and draw people in.</li>
<li>Make an effort to remember names and call people by their name.</li>
<li>Encourage others to talk about themselves and be a good listener.</li>
<li>Build conversations with others based on <em>their</em> interests.</li>
<li>Go out of your way to sincerely make other people feel important.</li>
</ol><br />
<strong>The Number 10 Principle"</strong><br />
"Believing the best in people usually brings out the best of people."<br />
Believe that each person you encounter is a 10. Here is why:<br />
<ul><li>All people have potential and can achieve it if they just believe in themselves.</li>
<li>Believing in others encourages them and brings out the best.</li>
<li>Everyone wants their life to matter and wants to feel significant.</li>
<li>When you help or believe in one person, it overflows to others.</li>
<li>Seeing others in a positive light makes your day more positive.</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<strong>The Confrontation Principle:</strong><br />
"Caring for people should precede confronting people."<br />
Nobody likes confrontation so most people try avoid it, however it's impossible. Generally, if conflict isn't dealt with quickly and correctly, it just compounds!<br />
<br />
Here is Maxwell's list of unhealthy approaches to handling conflict:<br />
<ul><li>Win at all costs</li>
<li>Pretend it doesn't exist</li>
<li>Whine about it</li>
<li>Keep score</li>
<li>Pull rank</li>
<li>White flag it</li>
</ul><br />
Here is Maxwell's 6 step plan to healthy conflict resolution:<br />
<ol><li>Only confront someone if you care for the other person. Keep the other persons interests in mind and try to make the outcome a win-win situation.</li>
<li>To resolve a situation, meet together face-to-face as soon as possible. Avoiding the issues or putting off a situation will just make it worse. If a personal meeting is absolutely impossible, then use the phone but Maxwell says to never resolve conflict via email.</li>
<li>Preconceived notions can cloud your judgement. Your first goal should be to seek understanding, not necessarily agreement.</li>
<li>Outline the issue causing conflict using a positive approach. Describe your perceptions without making conclusions or statements. Express clearly how the issue makes you feel without accusations. Explain why the issue is important to you.</li>
<li>Encourage a genuine response and truly listen. Maxwell says that 50% of the time people don't even realize there is a problem, 30% of the time they knew there was a problem but didn't know how to solve it, and 20% realize there is a problem but don't want to resolve it.</li>
<li>Agree on a positive action plan which focuses on change and the future.</li>
</ol><br />
The third organizational question Maxwell uses is the "Trust Question: Can we build mutual trust?" By following me on Facebook, Twitter, or subscribing to the blog, you'll get notified when I share the five principles from the third question in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/B001M5UJ0I?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time</a>. You can check out my first post on this book where I discussed the "readiness question" and it's five principles by clicking on this post: <a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/06/are-we-prepared-for-relationships.html">Are We Prepared For Relationships?</a><br />
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WOW! Maxwell's book is only $5.51 through Amazon today! The list price is $14.99, that is a 63% savings. I highly recommend picking up your own copy of this easy to read book! Don't forget you can get free two-day shipping if you have an Amazon Prime. Get a Prime account for free through Amazon mom. See my post: <a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/03/amazon-mom.html">Amazon Mom</a> for more information.<br />
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-MelissaMelissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-56638827593127403582011-06-21T14:00:00.000-04:002011-06-21T14:00:17.471-04:00Networking SuccessNetworking events are a great way to make new business relationships. When I quit teaching years ago to work my direct sales business full time, I attended a weekly networking meeting on Thursday mornings for over a year in my community. Each week everyone would give their 30 second commercial, we would have a short guest speaker, a sponsored breakfast, and time to chat at the end. Monthly evening mixers were held at the sponsor's place of business. If you are new to networking, here are some suggestions for getting the most out of your time.<br />
<ul><li>You can find meetings in your area on <a href="http://meetup.com/">meetup.com</a>, look in your local newspaper, or visit my <a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/p/networking-groups.html">networking page</a> for networking meetings I have listed in the Tampa Bay area.</li>
<li>There are a wide range of events that meet through out the day. Some may host mixers with no formal setting. Other groups will allow you to attend evening events even if you are not an official member.</li>
<li>Go prepared with an interesting 30 second commercial that highlights what you do or what you are looking for. It is best to change up your commercial if you attend regularly.</li>
<li>Bring business cards to exchange. Brochures and product samples are also a good idea!</li>
<li>Don't be a fly on the wall! Introduce yourself to others and ask about their business to begin a conversation. </li>
<li>It is important to continually build on relationships, but be careful not to use the same people each week as your comfort zone! You want to meet a wide range of people and keep building new relationships.</li>
<li>Understand, that the intention of networking groups is to build relationships with other professionals. This can take time, you must earn trust within the group. </li>
<li>Committ to attend regularly. </li>
<li>You can schedule appointments or one-on-ones with professionals you meet in the group to exchange business information and grow your relationships.</li>
<li>Find out what you can do to help other professionals. Often referrals are most important to them. By doing what you can to help others, generally they will want to help you in return.</li>
<li>Volunteer to sponsor an event.</li>
<li>Ask to be a guest speaker at an event.</li>
<li>Make sure you dress professionally and have a positive attitude.</li>
<li>Joining groups in other communities where you wish to grow your business is a good move too!</li>
</ul>Some of the people I got to know through this particular networking group, I still have relationships with today. Others, I run into regularly within my community. The key is in building relationships!<br />
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Related Articles:<br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-message-does-your-look-convey.html">What Message Does Your Look Convey?</a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2010/12/lasting-impression.html">A Lasting Impression</a><br />
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Best Wishes!<br />
-MelissaMelissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-3491740839223491602011-06-17T14:26:00.003-04:002011-06-17T14:30:07.845-04:00Which Are You?<div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Which Are You?</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are two kinds of people on earth today;<br />
Just two kinds of people, no more, I say. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Not the sinner and saint, for it's well understood,<br />
The good are half bad, and the bad are half good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Not the rich and the poor, for to rate a man's wealth,<br />
You must first know the state of his conscience and health. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Not the humble and proud, for in life's little span,<br />
Who puts on vain airs, is not counted a man. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Not the happy and sad, for the swift flying years<br />
Bring each man his laughter and each man his tears.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No; the two kinds of people on earth I mean,<br />
Are the people who lift, and the people who lean. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wherever you go, you will find the earth's masses,<br />
Are always divided in just these two classes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And oddly enough, you will find too, I ween,<br />
There's only one lifter to twenty who lean. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In which class are you? Are you easing the load,<br />
Of overtaxed lifters, who toil down the road? </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Or are you a leaner, who lets others share<br />
Your portion of labor, and worry and care?</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ella Wheeler Wilcox</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From: </span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Custer and Other Poems, 1896</span></em></strong><br />
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<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=twic06-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1604443448&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></div><span><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=twic06-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1450560385&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=twic06-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1461053579&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></span></span>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-50164721508939564582011-06-11T13:13:00.001-04:002011-06-11T13:13:24.450-04:00Restaurant Gift Cards CheapHave you heard about <a href="http://restaurant.com/">Restaurant.com</a>? Find unbelievable savings on gift certificates to restaurants in your area. There is a new promotion where you can save 80% off the already low prices. Get $25 gift cards for just $2 or a $100 gift certificate for just $8! Yes, I know, it sounds to good to be true! They do work, we've used them!<br />
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Coupon Code: DEAL for 80% off!<br />
Click <a href="http://view.emailrestaurant.com/?j=fe6515757d67057d7215&m=feef1377736103&ls=fe0615717762027b75167175&l=feb21c787d63037a&s=fe24177872620579771375&jb=ff6a157071&ju=fe2615787160057b761179&prti=3801&r=0">here</a> to see the flier.<br />
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Search for available certificates in your area by entering your location or search for places where you'll be visiting. Read the fine print before you purchase. Usually there is a minimum you are required to spend in order to use the gift certificate. For example, for the $25 gift certificates, you usually have to spend $35. Sometimes, the certificates can only be used on dine-in purchases and many exclude alcohol. There used to be expiration dates on the certificates but none of the ones I've purchased recently have had an expiration date.<br />
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You won't find any big chains listed on the site; most of the restaurants are independently owned local spots! The available restaurants range from lower priced family places to high end gourmet fare. Giordano's Pizza is one of our local favorites that we buy gift cards for on <a href="http://restaurant.com/">restaurant.com</a>. Here are a few other examples: Shula's steakhouse, Fly Bar, Crabby Bills, Ashley Street Grille, The Empress Tea Room, and Cherry's!<br />
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Treat yourself to a date night!<br />
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-MelissaMelissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-83796114550376520022011-06-02T21:42:00.000-04:002011-06-02T21:42:16.786-04:00Are We Prepared For Relationships?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/0785288740?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0785288740&tag=twic06-20" /></a></div><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0785288740" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" /><br />
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All of our successes and failures in life can be traced back to relationships<img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0785288740" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" /> with specific individuals. These relationships create a ripple effect reaching beyond us to others with whom we interact. This is the basis for John Maxwell's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/0785288740?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time</a>. "Are we prepared for relationships?" is the first of five questions outlined in his book. Here are the five principles Maxwell uses to address our readiness factor when it comes to relationships.<br />
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<strong>The Lens Principle: Who We Are Determines How We See Others</strong><br />
<ul><li>Several people sitting in the same room may all describe a situation differently. Our perception is influenced by who we are on the inside. </li>
<li>It is possible to assess a lot about a person's personality just by watching how they speak and interact with others.</li>
<li>"We all have a personal frame of reference that consists of our attitudes, assumptions, and expectations concerning ourselves, other people, and life." These factors determine our personality and "color not only how we see life, but also how we let people treat us."</li>
<li>"Our thinking and our attitudes are as much a part of us as our talents and abilities. They also determine what we do."</li>
</ul><br />
5 Things That Determine Who We Are<br />
<ol><li>Genetics- We are born with a specific temperament.</li>
<li>Self Image- How we see ourselves affects who we surround our self with and how we treat others.</li>
<li>Experiences in Life- Our experiences prepare us for how we handle life both positive and negative.</li>
<li>Attitude and Choices About Those Experiences- We control our world with our attitudes and the choices we make.</li>
<li>Friends- The people you spend time with are the ones who shape who you are.</li>
</ol><br />
<strong>The Mirror Principle: The First Person We Must Examine is Ourselves</strong><br />
<ul><li>Having a realistic picture of yourself and liking who you are is critical.</li>
<li>We often are our own worst enemies and create our own problems. </li>
<li>To make a positive change, start by changing yourself.</li>
<li>"If you do not believe in yourself, you will sabotage relationships."</li>
<li>"In most situations, I am the problem. My mentalities, my pictures, my expectations, form the biggest obstacles to my success." -Ralph Stayer.</li>
</ul><br />
<strong>The Pain Principle: Hurting People Hurt People and Are Easily Hurt By Them</strong><br />
<ul><li>One in four Americans is imbalanced.</li>
<li>When someone lashes out it is more about an internal conflict than the external circumstance.</li>
<li>"Hurting people overreact, over exaggerate, and overprotect. They also over influence. By that, I mean they control the relationship."</li>
</ul><br />
Dealing With Hurting People<br />
<ol><li>Don't take it personally.</li>
<li>Look beyond the person for the problem.</li>
<li>Look beyond the situation.</li>
<li>Do not add to their hurt.</li>
<li>Help them find help.</li>
</ol><br />
<strong>The Hammer Principle: Never Use a Hammer to Swat a Fly Off Someone's Head</strong><br />
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Respond, don't react! <br />
Here are some tips on how to avoid overreacting.<br />
<ol><li>Total Picture- Slow down, ask questions, and take in the whole picture.</li>
<li>Timing- Knowing when to speak or act is more important than what you do or say.</li>
<li>Tone- Our tone of voice can change a situation.</li>
<li>Temperature- Overreacting to a problem will generally make it worse. Responding coolly can help diffuse a problem.</li>
</ol><br />
Tips for developing a softer touch:<br />
<ul><li>Let the past stay in the past.</li>
<li>Ask yourself, is my reaction part of the problem?</li>
<li>Remember that actions are remembered long after words are forgotten.</li>
<li>Never let the situation mean more than the relationship.</li>
<li>Treat loved ones with unconditional love.</li>
<li>Admit wrongs and ask for forgiveness.</li>
</ul><br />
<strong>The Elevator Principle: We Can Lift People Up or Take People Down in Our Relationships</strong><br />
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"You hold the power to make another person's life better or worse by the things you do today." What kind of person are you?<br />
<ul><li>Do you add something to life making it more pleasant?</li>
<li>Do you subtract something from life becoming a burden?</li>
<li>Do you multiply something in life by intentionally, strategically, and skillfully adding value to others?</li>
<li>Do you divide something in life by intentionally hurting others to make yourself look or feel better?</li>
</ul><br />
These are merely quotes and tidbits taken from each of John Maxwell's points. Each chapter is really fabulous, I encourage you to read the book! The next post from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/0785288740?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time</a> will address the connection question: are we willing to focus on others? <br />
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You c<img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0785288740" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" />an enter your email address in the box in the right column to get email notifications of new posts, or "like" Twice the Work" on Facebook for updates.<br />
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-MelissaMelissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-36158044226034677402011-05-31T13:11:00.001-04:002011-05-31T13:16:07.800-04:00Travel With Your BusinessWith us living in the Tampa area and all my family in New England, we don't get to see them as often as we'd like. However, my business makes the few trips I take each year affordable! Taking your business on the road has two huge benefits: tax write offs and expanding your customer base or downline!<br />
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Do you have friends and family out of your immediate area? I'm sure you do! These days people are always on the move. High school friends, old roommates, extended family? Book a trip, pack your business and your family then head out! Or make it a girls weekend and go alone! <br />
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Expand your business to other parts of your state or the country. Plan parties, shows, events, and informational sessions to share what you are doing. Ask whomever you are visiting to watch for events going on in the area. You could register for expos while in town. When travelling for business, you may be able to write off mileage, air fare, hotels, rental cars, and some meals. Consult with your accountant to make sure all your receipts qualify.<br />
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My two boys are now 19 months and just took their 5th flight north. Last year the boys flew to New Hampshire 4 times between the ages of 3 months and 12 months. Two of the trips, I even took the two babies by myself! Some trips we celebrated baptisms and first birthdays but any excuse for my boys to see my parents and our extended family works for me! During this most recent trip, we attended a family wedding. How awesome that my business allows me the opportunity to be with my family during these occasions! <br />
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While there, I book a few home shows, attend area trainings or events, meet with my downline, or talk to ladies about the opportunity my business offers. Since I'm working, I'm able to write off my airfare. Finding supervision for my boys while I work is much easier too since I have family eager to spend time with them!<br />
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There are many advantages to owning your own business... controlling your own schedule, the ability to take it with you, and yes, tax write offs! Check your list of contacts, or maybe your Facebook friends, and plan a "business trip"!<br />
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-Melissa<br />
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Other posts you may like:<br />
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<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/03/business-write-offs.html">Business Write-Offs</a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2010/12/including-children-in-our-business.html">Including Children In Our Business</a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/05/educating-family-and-friends.html">Educating Family and Friends</a>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-9748445839261100692011-05-24T12:05:00.001-04:002011-05-24T12:07:50.400-04:00Winning With PeopleJohn Maxwell is an amazing author! If you follow my blog, you've seen past posts sharing some of my favorite points from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Failing-Forward-Turning-Mistakes-Stepping/dp/0785288570?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success</a>. Many people shared how much they liked the series of posts. <img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0785288740" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" /><br />
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<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/02/fear-cycle.html"><span style="color: #d52a33;">The Fear Cycle</span></a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/02/fear-cycle.html"><span style="color: #d52a33;">Quotes From Failing Forward</span></a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/04/ch9-get-over-yourself-everyone-else-has.html"><span style="color: #d52a33;">Ch 9: Get Over Yourself--Everyone Else Has</span></a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/04/top-ten-ways-people-get-in-their-own.html">The Top Ten Ways People Get in Their Own Way</a><br />
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I'm moving on to another of Maxwell's books called <img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0785288570" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/0785288740?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time</a>. <br />
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You can pick up your own copy to follow along with me by clicking the Amazon link below. As an Amazon Mom member, you can get free shipping on the book and have it within 2 days! (Not sure what I'm talking about, see my post on <a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/03/amazon-mom.html">Amazon Mom</a> for more information!)<br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=twic06-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0785288740&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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Success in life and business weighs heavily on people skills. Even those who think they are a people person will learn some ways to build relational success. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-People-Discover-Principles-Every/dp/0785288740?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time</a> is divided into 5 focus areas with several critical principles each. The chapters are easy enough to read one or two a night and written in Maxwell's powerful style with anecdotes and quotes<img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0785288740" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" />.<br />
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<blockquote>The five critical questions that form the outline of his book are:<br />
<ol><li>Are we prepared for relationships?</li>
<li>Are we willing to focus on others?</li>
<li>Can we build mutual trust?</li>
<li>Are we willing to invest in others?</li>
<li>Can we create a win-win relationship?</li>
</ol></blockquote><br />
Continuing education is important to the growth of you and your business. Join me on this book study. Next week I'll post on the first 5 principles that fall under the readiness question.<br />
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-MelissaMelissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-47139375395717627062011-05-16T15:08:00.148-04:002011-05-16T16:29:25.325-04:00Dinner DoneSchedules are crazy for everyone regardless of your family dynamics. Fitting in time to cook a decent dinner can be very difficult. I enjoy cooking but rarely find the time to do it. These days we've relied on<a href="http://www.dinnerdone.com/"> Dinner Done</a> to get a decent meal on the table. If you've never heard about it, trust me, you are missing something amazing. Here is what you really need to know.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYYKlahNZe82JzVGRv75HPBrd3EpEN9Z7MUnHalx33lqQ6RPYklZDFYOF3G7zWi9_oDObVqPuIFoQ3OfzEv3mVHNqCB0_F_IfJFLSa4URZlOUglhJ_sNSrglqZttPJ0Dh_sQEUa-cB3Q/s1600/DD+logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYYKlahNZe82JzVGRv75HPBrd3EpEN9Z7MUnHalx33lqQ6RPYklZDFYOF3G7zWi9_oDObVqPuIFoQ3OfzEv3mVHNqCB0_F_IfJFLSa4URZlOUglhJ_sNSrglqZttPJ0Dh_sQEUa-cB3Q/s1600/DD+logo.gif" /></a></div><br />
What is it?<br />
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Dinner Done is a kitchen where you go to prepare meals free of preservatives to put in your freezer. Each month a new selection of menu choices becomes available. There are usually a few new ones along with some repeat favorites. When you go to the kitchen to prepare your meals, the recipe sits before you at a food prep station along with all the ingredients chopped and prepared. You follow directions to assemble each meal splitting it into serving sizes that meet your needs. All meats are perfectly proportioned, trimmed, and chopped as necessary for the recipe. Vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and peppers are already pre-chopped. Each ingredient has a spoodle in it that measures out the correct amount of what you need to make it quick and easy. Because you assemble your own meals you can easily modify your dishes, excluding ingredients you don't like. Most meals are placed in aluminum pans so you can cook them directly from the freezer, others can be made in a crock pot. You wrap the pans in plastic and affix a label with cooking directions. Most of the meals are main courses only, some come with pasta or rice and a few with vegetables. Appetizers and side dishes are already prepared and frozen for you to purchase and take home if you desire.<br />
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Cost<br />
Each meal has 4-6 servings depending on appetite and the more meals you purchase the less they are individually. Save even more utilizing the Super Chef program where you earn a $30 gift card when you attend 3 Dinner Done kitchen sessions in a 16 week period. If you want a variety of meals but don't have a lot of freezer space, you can also split a session with a friend.<br />
Click <a href="http://dinnerdone.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/Learn.Cost_Choose">here</a> for specific costs.<br />
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Many of you are into couponing and are really pinching your pennies. You know, based on some past posts, I'm very frugal. (Ok, so a few friends would laugh and say I'm just cheap!) Let me tell you a few things about why I still choose to go to Dinner done each month.<br />
<ul><li>The dinners cost us less individually than ordering take out or dining out. </li>
<li>Dinner Done meals are healthier than most fast food or restaurant food.</li>
<li>We have fewer leftovers which means less waste since they often sit and rot in our refrigerator.</li>
<li>I would consider many of their recipes gourmet, requiring ingredients I don't use regularly. To purchase an entire container of something, only to use a small amount means the remainder would go to waste.</li>
<li>I spend far less time deciding what to have for dinner.</li>
<li>My time is very valuable these days and can be much better spent doing something other than preparing food all the time. The "witching hour" for my kids is during dinner time which further complicates spending much time in the kitchen.</li>
<li>Frozen dinners can be placed in the oven and you can schedule the oven to cook it for you. </li>
<li>Most meals just need a vegetable, baked potato, or side salad. Many of my friends buy the steam bag vegetables for the microwave or the pre-cut and pre-washed bags of lettuce.</li>
<li>I love the Super Chef program, see below!</li>
</ul><br />
Dinner Done Goes Above and Beyond<br />
<ul><li>Private parties- select a time and date, round up 8 or more participants, you all get a free dessert and the kitchen is open exclusively to your group.</li>
<li>In store shopping- You can stop by any of their locations to purchase ready made meals out of their freezer.</li>
<li>Get it to Go!- Dinner Done can prepare your meals for you and all you have to do is pick them up.</li>
<li>Get it Prepared and Delivered to your door. Schedule a delivery if you live within a 15 mile radius of one of their stores. See their calendar for free delivery days too!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.dinnerdone.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/Services.Stork">Stork Sessions</a>- Dinner Done will prepare meals for you when you have a new baby and won't charge you the extra fee for them to prep the food.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.dinnerdone.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/Services.Stork">Helping Hands Session</a>- Similar to the stork session, Dinner Done preps the food for you and only charges the in-kitchen rate when you are undergoing chemotherapy, recovering from surgery, or after the loss of an immediate family member.</li>
<li>Snacks, wine, and sodas are available while you prepare your foods.</li>
<li>During the holidays, they offer specials like: "Everything but the turkey", Valentine's Gourmet Meals, dessert samplers, appetizer samplers, etc...</li>
<li>Bring A Friend Days- During this special, if you bring a friend who has never been, you each earn a $10 gift card towards your next visit.</li>
<li>NEW- Instate shipping of meals here in Florida! Click <a href="https://www.dinnerdone.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/Learn.News_Story/Story_ID/205">here</a> for more information. </li>
</ul><br />
Locations<br />
<ul><li>Tampa, FL (Carrollwood)</li>
<li>Brandon, FL </li>
<li>Centreville, VA</li>
</ul>The Carrollwood kitchen is where I have made my meals for two years since a friend introduced me to the concept. Usually I go once a month as part of a private party but I have attended open sessions as well. Ana and Heather work the night shift at the Carrollwood location and are fabulous to work with, always taking great care of us. <br />
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If you are not close enough to utilize any of their locations, try searching for a similar concept in your area by using "dinner preparation stores" in Google or Bing. <br />
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Be sure to tell Dinner Done that Melissa from "Twice The Work" sent you if you decide to check them out! Trust me, you will be in love!<br />
-MelissaMelissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-11255295234369326552011-05-14T11:20:00.000-04:002011-05-14T11:20:01.661-04:00Educating Family and FriendsFor many people I know in direct sales, their families ask them "are you still doing that ______ thing?" Fill in the blank with jewelry, bags, food, kitchen gadgets or whatever business it may be. How odd that some of us who have been in business for many years still have family who don't understand that working for yourself and owning a business is a real job and one that can singlehandedly support a family! These "little businesses" we run can make a lot of money and be very successful. It is time we educate. Our family and friends need to know about what we do and they can be our first line of referrals! <br />
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Be sure that you are telling everyone about your business, especially your friends and family. Take out your cell phone and go down through your list of contacts. Does each person know about your business and what you have to offer? Have they supported your business in some way up to this point? Share information with family and friends at social gatherings when they ask what you are doing or how business is. Invite them to find out more and use them as referral centers. You could invite them over for a mini open house to share details about your business. Once they have the full picture, they will be good referral centers for you and will know how best to support you. A mini meeting may also help remove any lingering cynicism that some have for the direct sales industry. When people who love you know what you do, they will generally tell others. After all, the first thing we usually ask people we haven't seen in a while is questions about their family.<br />
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Even if you are an entrepreneur developing your own independent business outside of direct sales you may have come across naysayers. Sometimes people worry on our behalf about negative statistics or experiences they may have heard. They may initially try to talk you out of starting a business citing their fears. You can tell them that your decision is something you considered well and that their support and encouragement would mean a lot. Work hard and share the results so they see that you can do it!<br />
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Your immediate family can be a critical part of your business' success. Having a supportive spouse is very important. Schedules, children, and financial responsibilities will be affected. Women with husbands not on board with their business generally fail to last long. Educate with your experiences and statistics. Involve your family in activities surrounding your business to help them appreciate what you are doing. Show how your business is positively affecting the family, in particular, the finances.<br />
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Lastly, when you run into someone you know and they ask you how things are going, don't just say "good". Say something positive about your business that would lead them to ask additional questions. Spreading the word starts with you!<br />
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-Melissa<br />
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Other posts you may like:<br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2010/12/including-children-in-our-business.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305386179_2">Including Children In Our Business</span></a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2010/11/stats-to-impress.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305386179_3">Stats to Impress</span></a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/02/2009-statistics.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305386179_4">2009 Statistics</span></a>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-37853067052164334952011-05-03T08:00:00.000-04:002011-05-03T08:00:05.174-04:00True Couponing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Money saving posts have been very popular. For regular information regarding great deals and current coupons, visit the True Couponing website. These ladies take the work out of couponing and spell it all out for you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.truecouponing.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200px" src="http://truecouponing.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/TCbutton.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A friend told me about True Couponing last year and I love this site! Here are some things you must know:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, they teach classes for FREE on how to coupon and get the best deals. You can see the calendar of events on their <a href="http://truecouponing.com/">site</a> or click <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/org/453431960">here</a> to see a list of upcoming classes posted on Eventbrite. Classes are offered in the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas. You may think you know a lot about couponing but they will teach you new tricks! Topics include how to organize your coupons easily and quickly without a lot of cutting. They were allowing class attendees an opportunity to buy an organization system already set up with coupons in it! (I'll need a comment from a recent attendee to confirm they still do this.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Second, they post an alphabetical list of coupons that will appear in the Sunday paper inserts so you can keep track of what you should be getting and what you have. Click <a href="http://truecouponing.com/category/coupons-2/coupons-and-inserts/">here</a> to view the most recent post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Third, they list the weekly sales for major grocery and drug stores and match them up with available coupons. Some are even printable from the web. The posts tell you what the best deals are each week. I always check the <a href="http://truecouponing.com/category/grocery-stores/publix/publix-current-ad/">Publix</a> and <a href="http://truecouponing.com/category/drug-stores/walgreens/walgreens-current-ad/">Walgreens</a> pages to see what the scoop is before I hit the stores each week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cheers for saving money! Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Melissa</div>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-50838369952256977672011-04-26T15:04:00.000-04:002011-04-26T15:04:20.293-04:00The Top Ten Ways People Get in Their Own Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Failing-Forward-Turning-Mistakes-Stepping/dp/0785288570?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success" height="200px" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0785288570&tag=twic06-20" width="127px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In Chapter 13 of John Maxwell's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Failing-Forward-Turning-Mistakes-Stepping/dp/0785288570?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success</a> he discusses "Avoiding the Top Ten Reasons People Fail". Here are some fabulous quotes and excerpts from this chapter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><blockquote>"I think that usually things go well or not so well for people based on their actions. I believe that for the most part you create your own luck by working hard, practicing self-discipline, remaining persistent, and making personal growth a daily priority. Add to that the blessings of a loving God, and you don't need to think about luck."</blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0785288570" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" />"Most of the time the trouble we face is the result of our negative actions. It's our own fault."</blockquote><br />
<strong>The Top Ten Ways People Get in Their Own Way</strong><br />
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1. Poor People Skills<br />
<blockquote>"A while back the <em>Wall Street Journal</em> printed an article on the reasons that executives fail. At the top of the list was a person's inability to effectively relate to others."</blockquote><blockquote>"Most careers involve other people. You can have great academic intelligence and still lack social intelligence-the ability to be a good listener, to be sensitive towards others, to give and take criticism well. -Carole Hyatt and Linda Gottlieb"</blockquote><blockquote>"Making people skills a strength will take you farther than any other skill you develop."</blockquote><br />
2. A Negative Attitude<br />
<blockquote>"If your circumstances constantly get you down, then maybe it's time for a change--not in your situation, but in your attitude. If you can learn to make the best of any situation, you can remove a formidable obstacle that stands between you and your dreams."</blockquote><br />
3. A Bad Fit<br />
<blockquote>"Sometimes a case of mismatched abilities, interests, personality, or values can be a major contributor to chronic failure."</blockquote><br />
4. Lack of Focus<br />
<blockquote>"Anybody can make an honest mistake when things are hectic. But people lacking focus have trouble not because they're too busy, but because their priorities are out of whack. And that wastes their time and resources. If you go from task to task to task without making progress, or you can't seem to reach a goal no matter how much effort you give it, examine your focus. No one can move forward without it."</blockquote><br />
5. A Weak Commitment<br />
<blockquote>"Johann Wolfgang von Goethe addressed the importance of commitment: 'Until one is committed, there is hesitance, the chance to draw back, and always ineffectiveness... The moment one definitely commits oneself... a whole stream of events issue from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way."</blockquote><blockquote>"Commitment makes you capable of failing forward until you reach your goals."</blockquote><br />
6. An Unwillingness to Change<br />
<blockquote>"You don't have to love change to be successful, but you need to be willing to accept it. Change is a catalyst for personal growth. It gets you out of a rut, it gives you a fresh start, and it affords you an opportunity to reevaluate your direction. If you resist change, you're really resisting success. Learn flexibility, or learn to like living with your failures."</blockquote><br />
7. A Shortcut Mind-Set<br />
<blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>"Cutting corners is really a sign of impatience and poor self-discipline."</blockquote><blockquote>"If you continually give in to your moods or impulses, then you need to change your approach to doing things. The best method is to set standards for yourself that require accountability. Suffering a consequence for not following through helps you to stay on track. Once you have your new standards in place, work according to them, not your moods."</blockquote><blockquote>"Truly successful people have learned to do what does not come naturally. Real success lies in experiencing fear or aversion and acting in spite of it. -Joseph Mancusi"</blockquote><br />
8. Relying on Talent Alone<br />
<blockquote>"Adding a strong work ethic to talent is like pouring gasoline on a fire. It's explosive!"</blockquote><blockquote>"The greater your talent, the more likely you are to lean heavily on it and skip the hard day-to-day work of improving it."</blockquote><br />
9. A Response to Poor Information<br />
<blockquote>"Successful executives have in common the ability to make weighty decisions based on limited amounts of information. But they also have in common the ability to gather reliable information to use as they evaluate issues."</blockquote><br />
10. No Goals<br />
<blockquote>"A goal is nothing more than a dream with a time limit. - Joe L. Griffith"</blockquote><blockquote>"Many people don't have goals because they haven't allowed themselves to dream. As a result, they don't possess a desire."</blockquote><br />
"Work on the weakness that weakens you, and there's no telling how far you will go."<br />
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Wow! Powerful stuff! They should use this book for freshmen college students. I've shared several ideas and quotes from this book. If you've missed them click on the post titles below:<br />
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<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/02/fear-cycle.html">The Fear Cycle</a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/02/fear-cycle.html">Quotes From Failing Forward</a><br />
<a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/04/ch9-get-over-yourself-everyone-else-has.html">Ch 9: Get Over Yourself--Everyone Else Has</a><br />
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My discussions, the quotes, and excerpts are merely glimpses into this amazing book. You must read it yourself. It isn't just about business, it will improve all aspects of your life!<br />
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-MelissaMelissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-54171639036081142132011-04-22T15:25:00.000-04:002011-04-22T15:25:35.446-04:00More Sweet Deals at Toys R Us<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Many people have shared how much they loved the information I posted on Monday in </span><a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/04/sweet-deals.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sweet Deals</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. In addition to the weekly ad, Toys R Us is running a two day sale today and tomorrow. Here are two more super sweet deals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Play-Doh toys are Buy One, Get One Free.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Play-Doh-24-Pack-of-Colors/dp/B000V64HZ2?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="Play-Doh 24 Pack of Colors" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000V64HZ2&tag=twic06-20" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000V64HZ2" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" /></span></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I purchased 2- 24 tub packs </span></span><br />
<span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Reg. Price: $16.99 x 2= $33.98</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>The Deal: $33.98 -$16.99 (BOGO) -$3 coupon - a 2nd $3 coupon= $10.99 for both! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span></span><span>Coupons can be printed from the <a href="http://playsaver.com/">playsaver.com</a> website.</span></span><br />
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<span><span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Playskool Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head Toys are <span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">50% off.</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Playskool-2250-Mr-Potato-Head/dp/B00000IW3G?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="Playskool Mr. Potato Head" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B00000IW3G&tag=twic06-20" /></span></a></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Reg. Price: $7.99 - $4 for sale -$2 coupon = $1.99 !!!! </span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Coupons can be printed from the </span><a href="http://playsaver.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">playsaver.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> website.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">View the entire 2 Day Toys R Us ad by clicking </span><a href="http://toysrus.shoplocal.com/ToysRus/default.aspx?action=entryflash&promotioncode=ToysRus-110422&DisplayPageNumber=1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.<img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00000IW3G" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" /></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are many great offers.</span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">View the sweet deals I posted on Monday from the week long ad: </span><a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/04/sweet-deals.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sweet Deals</span></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span>Do you love good deals? Here is another money saving post you may like: </span></span><span><span><a href="http://2xthework.blogspot.com/2011/03/amazon-mom.html">Amazon Mom</a>.</span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Shopping!</span></span></span><br />
<span><span></span></span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-Melissa</span></span>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502504674720337555.post-15120580525147081062011-04-18T11:53:00.000-04:002011-04-18T11:53:57.454-04:00Sweet Deals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you get a rush when you score an incredible deal? I must admit I do. Whether you totally understand or just think I'm plain weird, you are going to love these deals. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Toys R Us is running some fantastic sales on toys! Now is the time to stock up for your children, grandchildren, your friends' kids, birthday parties, etc... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week at Toys R Us, you'll find these great deals:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">VTech Toys Buy One, Get One Free. PLUS, there was a coupon in the Sunday paper for $5 off a VTech toy priced $19.99 or higher. I found additional coupons online at <a href="http://coupons.com/">coupons.com</a>, <a href="http://www.vtechkids.com/offers/">VTech's Site</a>, and <a href="http://smartsource.com/">smartsource.com</a>. You are permitted one coupon per item. Some websites have a print limit on the coupons so you can use more than one site if you reach your limit. Check out my savings:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Toy #1 $24.99 -$5 off coupon= $19.99</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Toy #2 $24.99 -$24.99 for BOGO -$5 off coupon = -$5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Toy #3 $20.99 -$5 off coupon= $15.99</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Toy #4 $20.99 -$20.99 for BOGO -$5 off coupon = -$5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Total spent on 4 toys: $25.98. Basically, I bought one and got 3 FREE! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fisher Price toys are also Buy One, Get One free but pay attention to the details. You must Buy One priced $24.99 or higher and then get one free under $24.99. There are occasionally coupons online for select Fisher Price toys but I haven't seen any recently.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also bought some fun games utilizing both the store sales and coupons I found online at the same two sites.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-5296-Gator-Golf/dp/B001RNC002?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Gator Golf" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001RNC002&tag=twic06-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001RNC002" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-5294-Elefun/dp/B001R6ATXO?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Elefun" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001R6ATXO&tag=twic06-20" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001R6ATXO" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Reg. price each $19.99, Sale Price $11.99 -$3 coupon= $8.99 (More than 50% OFF)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The same deal applies for CuponK, Bop It and Bop It Bounce.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-4545-Operation/dp/B00000DMFM?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Hasbro Operation" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B00000DMFM&tag=twic06-20" /></a> <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Milton-Bradley-1081-Connect-4/dp/B001FPK1OY?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Connect 4" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001FPK1OY&tag=twic06-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001FPK1OY" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Reg. price each $16.99-18.99, Sale Price $8.99 -$3 coupon= $5.99 (More than 60% OFF)</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00000DMFM" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-4700-S5-Candyland/dp/B00000DMF5?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Candyland" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B00000DMF5&tag=twic06-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00000DMF5" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-4555-S5-Chutes-Ladders/dp/B00000DMF6?ie=UTF8&tag=twic06-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Chutes and Ladders" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B00000DMF6&tag=twic06-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=twic06-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00000DMF6" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Reg. price each $9.99, Sale Price $4.99 -$2 coupon= $2.99 (Almost 75% OFF)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The coupon for these games came from <a href="http://playsaver.com/">playsaver.com</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week Little Tykes toys were Buy One, Get One free and I also used a $5 off coupon I found online. Watch the Sunday paper for next weeks ad. I'm hoping Toys R Us will have more great deals and I'll have my birthday and Christmas shopping done before Summer even starts! You can also register to receive emails from Toys R Us. They frequently run one or two day deals where you can score additional savings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For example, Melissa and Doug toys are currently Buy 2, Get 1 Free. A few months ago during this same sale, they also ran the toys at 25% off on a Thursday 1 Day Deal. So, you can receive both specials at the same time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are plenty of other great deals. Click the link below to view this week's ad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://toysrus.shoplocal.com/toysrus/Default.aspx?action=entryflash&">Toys R Us Ad 4/17-4/23</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This topic veers a little bit from my normal business posts but money savvy topics apply to most families. Families are why we do what we do! Couldn't resist sharing this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Melissa</div>Melissa Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305120417442889325noreply@blogger.com3