By Jan Murphy,  Professional Sales Trainer

You’ve probably heard the saying, “A big fish in a little pond”.  In business networking or when you’re    marketing your business, you most likely feel that you are a tiny fish in a big pond.  That’s probably how most people think.  The problem is you must stop thinking that you are a tiny fish and start thinking that you are the big fish.

How do you do that? It’s all about attitude! Pretending that you are the big fish can be fun and if you start believing it, people will too!

Here are a few tips on becoming the “Big” fish:

• Always walk in with a huge smile and be happy!
• Spend more time making other people feel good instead of yourself
• Ask people what they do and ask them questions to find out more about them
• Listen carefully, take good mental notes & when you can, make written notes about them
• Become the best referral source
• Be seen and heard! Make a spectacle out of yourself
• Have a memorable “elevator” speech. Remember, it’s not always about what you do. “I’m a very happy person who loves being here today to meet all of you”. I feel special to have met you and I’m here to help you with referrals if you will take the time for me get to know you.”
• Stand up straight and walk with pride. Are you proud of what you do?

By Eleida Fleming

If you think in terms of how we dress every day we all know that accessories take, even a pair of jeans and a plain top, to the next level. Add an interesting necklace and earrings, heels or wedges, bangles, a belt or scarf and you have transformed your outfit and given it a whole new look. Based on your choices you can give the same clothes many different looks – casual, trendy, dressy.  The same applies to interior décor…it’s all in the details!

Spring is a great time to transform your rooms and bring in new colors and textures, and a simple way to do that is with accessories. Think of it as the jewelry for your rooms, the last layer that can define your style and give your rooms a finished look. It is a great way to update your décor without having to buy new furniture.

Where do you start?  Look first at what you already have, what works in the room and what you would like to keep. Remove from the room the items you are tired of, donate, sell, or store them to reuse when you want to change the décor again.  Next, look at the furniture placement and your focal point. Perhaps you need to rearrange the furniture before adding the accessories. Evaluate your paint colors as well and decide if you want to keep or change them.  Look through magazines or decorating websites if you need inspiration to define the style and colors you want in the room. You may use a painting or a fabric as your inspiration and as the starting point for the rest of the room. A design professional can help you with all those details and the whole project or get you started in the right direction.

To start adding the accessories use pillows, throws, and window treatments as a great way to add color, pattern and texture. An area rug will also anchor your furniture, define a conversation area, and add texture and color. The main trick to blending patterns is to use them in different scales and in the same or related colors. You may mix a floral, a stripe, and a geometric print but vary the scale of each pattern to achieve a harmonious look.

Let’s not forget the walls and placement of mirrors, pictures, and other accessories. Wall art should occupy about 2/3 of the furniture it hangs above. Eye level is 60-65” from the floor but also consider the height of the furniture under the wall art. If you are doing a grouping of pictures it is helpful to lay them on the floor and move them around to get the right arrangement before you put them on the wall.

Mantles, tables, and bookshelves are also great places to place accessories that add color and interest.  You may use vases, candlesticks, lamps, books, florals, greenery, or items of sentimental value that you have collected through the years. Not everything needs to be displayed, just what works for the space. Vary the height and size of the items and work with the scale of the room and the furniture.

Find your inspiration and transform your rooms. It’s all in the details and the art of putting the right décor pieces together. Keep in mind that a successful design is functional, expresses a mood, and has a sense of harmony.

Happy Spring and Happy Room Transformations!
Eleida

Eleida Fleming is a Design Professional and Custom Window Treatment Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the Atlanta area. Contact her for your design projects or for a Do It Yourself consultation to get you started in the right direction.

E@fabricaccents.com    www.fabricaccents.com    www.facebook.com/fabricaccents     404-610-3423

I am partnered with Rodan + Fields Dermatologists , the creators of ProActive. We have clinically proven products with a 60 day empty bottle money back guarantee. We are also looking for distributors.

Astrologer

The study of Astrology can be a great tool for anyone embarking on a quest for personal insight and confidence. Astrology is a helpful tool for those who often find themselves at crossroads and wondering what direction life will take them. A consultation with Toni provides solid, usable tips for your life and empowers you with the knowledge that ultimately will guide your life.

Your Astrological chart, which is a picture of the sky at the exact moment of your birth, is based on your date, place and time of birth (usually found on your birth certificate). Astrologers examine the locations of the planets with respect to the signs (or constellations) they are traveling through at the time of your birth. It’s complicated and takes years to learn.

Although Astrology has been around for a very long time (historians trace it back to at least 2500 B.C.), it has been adapted over the years to meet the changing needs of humanity. It has survived the rise and fall of civilizations: from time when Astrology’s benefits were available to everyone to periods when it was reserved for royalty and the wealthy. In modern ties it is used by people from all walks of life.

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For all your advertising and marketing needs: Printing, Publishing, Promotional Products. We brand YOU! Do you need a directory for your network? We can design and publish to your specs. If you can imagine it, we can do it! Want to get your name out? Don’t shotgun your money with promotional items. Think about your target market and let us help you select the items to bring you the business you want. Call for a FREE consultation. Call Ginger at 404-388-5811.

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What Shade is Your Valentine Red?

By Ann Jackson, Makeover Diva

We all see red in the magazines and billboards. It is vibrant, attention-getting, and it is used a lot on young models with luscious, full, pouty, lips. Yet, in real life who really has the nerve to wear it? The confident women, that’s who! Where did they get that confidence? They found out what every women needs to know, but may not, which is: what their shade of red is, and where they feel comfortable wearing it, and in what quantities.

There are so many different shades of red and so many applications for wearing the vital color. For this moment, I will wear my color consultant cap, and calling it your “skin enhancing” color. Every women has her own form of red. It just may not be the classic red from the Crayola box that we were first introduced to in kindergarten.

Let’s get to basics for those of you who have been told that you are a “cool” or a “warm” coloring.

Warm

reds are known as any shade of red that has yellow undertones. That would include everything from brick red (brownish tone), orange red, atomic red (bright with yellow tone), watermelon (more of a tint of warm red), coral (orange red mixed with white).

Cool

reds are known as any shade of red that has blue undertones. That would include our first aquaintance, crayola red, cherry red, burgundy, fuschia, and all the berry tones. Any of these mixed with white are included, and they would be your form of pink.

The next thing after you have gotten your perfect shade of lipstick, or gloss is to know when and how strong to wear it. My rule of thumb is the more color you have around your face, the less you need brightness of lips. Wearing a pink shirt for instance puts color near your face, whereas grey, brown, black tends draw color out of your complexion. Time to amp up the lips!   Hence the classic look of black dress, red lipstick.

But what if you are uncomfortable with full blast red on the lips? Try a lip stain with lipgloss over top. Or a lip “ink” smeared to a lighter shade, then shine applied.

Another trick I use in professional make up application, is putting on the red lipstick then blotting with a tissue. Afterwards, apply a gold or lighter frosted lipstick to soften. The depth of the color is still there.

Another consideration is the time of day and lighting. What looks good in the naked light of day washes completely out at night under low lighting. My favorite peach goes suddenly looking nude.

Now, about Reds in fashion. You do not have to become the “lady in red” to punch up a little excitement into your wardrobe. Just as in decorating, red used as an accent can liven up the most neutral of color combinations and bring the ensemble to life!

Try using red purses, bracelets, shoes or eyeglasses. Again, use the warm/cool color rule. If you are warm get clear bright reds, if cool, use darker reds.  Do they have to match your lipcolor exactly? No, you can wear many shades as long as they are in the same color “family” meaning warm or cool.

So, now get that red out and have some fun with it! Accent those jeans, wear that scarf and don those pretty red shiny mouths and smile!

Divaliciously yours,

Ann Jackson

www.TheMakeoverDiva.com

678-913-5553

Ann is a beauty professional for over 35 years as a licensed master cosmetologist, former salon owner, fashion and color consultant. She takes hair and make up clients at Unique Hair Salon, 6508 Commerce Parkway, in Woodstock, GA and is a fashion consultant on staff at Back By Popular Demand Consignment

www.bbpdconsignment.com located in Marietta.

You may find her on at

www.facebook/AnnTheMakeoverDiva and follow on Twitter@MakeoverDivaAnn

–

Ann Jackson

“The Makeover Diva”

www.TheMakeoverDiva.com
Image Consultant
Hair Stylist
Makeup Artist

Beauty On The Go  Mobile Salon

678-913-5553

Avon Orders:

www.youravon.com/ajackson3555

Bling By Kisha Nicole

I make, design, & embellish all types of apparel, jewelry, headbands, jewelry boxes, shoes, etc with rhinestones and glitter.

Be sure to visit my website to check out all of the fabulous bling items available. Bling today!

www.blingbykishanicole.com or contact me at 678-596-4950 or email me at kishanicole@blingbykishanicole.com.

Preferred Risk Insurance Svcs, Inc.

MY business is PREFERRED RISK INSURANCE SVCS, INC., and I am an Independent agent possessing the luxury to shop through different carriers to find the most comprehensive coverage, and of course, best premium for my customers. I currently write through TRAVELERS, PROGRESSIVE, MERCURY, ASI, and INFINITY.  My associate, Ruby Burgos, and I write all lines of personal insurance which inludes home, auto, umbrella, boat, and motorcycle. Our experience also includes Flood Insurance, as well as Commercial auto.Event Insurance is another area we are able to provide coverage for.  Ruby has been in the insurance industry for nine years, and I am going into my second year as a licensed agent here in the state of Georgia.  At PREFERRED RISK we provide personal service to each and every one who contacts us inquiring about insurance, and are dedicated to providing superior customer care.  We also love to thank those who support us by referring friends and family to our agency. For EACH referral sent, we gladly send a $5.00 gas card as a token of our appreciation.  We would love to hear form you!

Please contact me at 770-889-4303 or email at preferredrisk@att.net.

Krystin Live, Host and

“Krystin Live,” hosted by Krystin McCauley is a new talk show highlighting uncommon giants that are making a difference in their communities. Krystin and her dynamic team created an equation to define what an uncommon giant is: ASSION+ACTION=UNCOMMON GIANT. Now, Krystin is now on a mission to discover uncommon giants in order to bring their stories to life and inspire others to make a difference as well. Krystin developed a personal passion for giving back and serving those in need at an early age.
“Krystin Live” personifies what Krystin is all about: It only takes one person to reach out and make a difference. Through her show, Krystin has created a forum to inspire others toward service. Her desire is for other uncommon giantsto share their passion for service and one day her contagious concept will become global. Let it begin with you!

At a time when youth violence had escalated, Krystin used her love for the arts and passion to make a difference to create the first teen talk show in Durham, NC. If you have a great story to share or for more information on “Krystin Live”, visit www.krystinlive.com, call (678) 517-0409, email krystinlive@krystinlive.com, and follow Krystin Live on Facebook and Twitter.

McCauley Strategy Group

Krystin also serves as a Senior Partner in a multi-function consulting firm, McCauley Strategy Group. Krystin has experience across a
variety of industries including: Non-Profit, Media Production, Creative Services and Customer Service.

Krystin received her undergraduate education from East Carolina University, with a BS in Communication and a concentration in Public
Relations. While attending ECU, she received induction into the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society by maintaining outstanding academic performance. Krystin is an accomplished actress and writer. She created an arts program for underprivileged children at a homeless shelter as well as a volunteer with the homeless population. For her role in service and
entertainment, he was selected as a “Durham Dreamer” for the city of Durham, NC.

Krystin’s expertise includes: Script Writing, Press Releases, Public Relations Campaigns and Execution, Program Development and
Execution, Social Media Strategies and website consulting.  For more information on McCauley Strategy Group and consulting services for your business or organization, visit www.mccauleystrategy.com, call (404) 551-4459 or email info@mccauleystrategy.com.

For over 10 years, SOHO Office™ has been dedicated to providing expert service to some of the over 15 million SOHOs (Small Office / Home Office) operating throughout the country. We all lead busy lives, and to make things just a little easier, we’re prepared to be your personal support team.  Our professional staff is always on hand to offer not just help, but to make suggestions to better your business.  Whether you’re starting a new company from the ground up, already in business for yourself, or working at home for a large employer, we congratulate you on your drive – and are ready to help steer you in the right direction.

For your logo design, banners, or any personal or office needs, contact Kristen for quotes or go online to www.acworth.sohooffice.com or contact her at Governor’s Towne Square
6110 Cedarcrest Road  • Acworth, GA(MAP)
Phone | (678)-574-7444 • Fax | (678)-574-7200
E-Mail: acworth@sohooffice.com