Taking a much needed vacation:)

I'm going to be out and about for the next week or so, but I'm looking forward to coming back at the end of the month with a new blog post I'm working on...

Take care everyone,
CC

Thanks to my readers:)

It's always fun to look on my blog, and see that some of the posts I thought nobody would read are getting attention. Back when I started this blog, it was a much different experience just getting off the ground. Now, it's turned out to be bigger than I expected. It's been great sharing with people from all over the world, and building great relationships with unexpected friends. Here's to 2012, and sharing even more! And thank you again for everything:)! CC

Happy New Year!

Can you believe it's that time again, already? So, what do you plan on accomplishing this year? There are only so many new years until time runs out, so make the most of the coming year. And don't forget to have fun, too! 

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and yours a joyful Christmas, and prosperous new year...

"What you write is who you are." CC

Marginalized

Marginalize: definition~To relegate to the fringes, or out of mainstream society; make seem unimportant.

Recently, I decided to look into a topic that's talked about a lot, especially in the political sector. The marginalization of groups of people in society. This post is dedicated to these groups of people who are struggling to be noticed in society, and what they actually go through. I've heard people say they felt marginalized, so I decided to do some research about what it really meant. It made me realize that some people who say they are, really are not. And it also made me realize who really is. It was a real eye opener, and I'd like to share my findings with you.

Different types of marginalization

There are three major types of marginalization. Individual, community, and professional. An example of individual marginalization would be a disabled person being denied suitable employment because of their disability. Homelessness is an example of community marginalization. An example of professional marginalization would be when a former criminal finds it impossible to find a decent job because of their history, or when a person is stuck with only one type of work because of lack of skills, illiteracy, or a poor economy.

The homeless

As many as 3.5 million people experience homelessness in America alone in a given year. That's about 10% of the poor in America at any given time, according to Wikipedia. In the world, it is estimated that there are approximately 1 billion people world wide who do not have suitable housing. There are approximately 100 million people world wide who have no homes at all. The homeless are by far the most marginalized group in society.

Native or aboriginal peoples

As a result of colonialism, or colonization, many native or aboriginal peoples, such as American Indians, were displaced. Were not allowed to sell or purchase goods, or to own property. This practice of colonization unfortunately still exists in Australia, where the aboriginal people are still cruelly treated as a result of racism.


Single mothers

Before the welfare system was reformed in the early 1900's, single mothers were denied services that married women with children had access to.

Women 


"An environment that maintains world peace and promotes and protects human rights, democracy and the peaceful settlement of disputes...is an important factor in the advancement of women."
~quoted from www.commondreams.org

Poor workers

In America, we are in the midst of an awful recession. It wouldn't be wise of me to downplay it, and try to say things are great with the economy. They aren't. It's been really bad for a lot of people lately. You could say that the recession's caused the marginalization of a lot of workers, who've had a hard time making it, or holding onto their jobs. People that once had a lot of income are finding themselves without work, due to massive downsizing, another form of marginalization.

A lot of workers who've managed to hold onto their jobs are feeling marginalized as well. They're not able to advance to positions they want, because of downsizing of those particular jobs that used to be available, but no longer are. They're stuck in the same circle. And they're tired of it. I've heard this a lot. Americans are tired of the system marginalizing them. But Americans are also a very resilient lot...

The poor in other countries are marginalized in other ways. Illiteracy gets a lot of people stuck in the virtual prison of a job that confines the mind, as well as getting them physically stuck doing work that is menial and demeaning. The tea fields of India are a good example. Seven out of ten of the tea pickers in India's Assam State Plantation can't read or write, thus continuing this circle of marginalization.

The disabled

Disabled people are discriminated against by employers who don't want to give them a chance, due to fear of low productivity, too many sick days, or hurting company image. Disabled people who want to work are sometimes forced to collect disability, even when they want to work.


The elderly

One in four elder persons will go without food at some point in time during the next month. This is due to many factors. Sometimes, they don't have access to transportation, or it is too tiring for them to get to the super market. Sometimes, they don't have money, and don't want to burden anyone, so they wait until they receive their social security or pension checks, and quietly suffer alone. Just knowing this is heartbreaking, and makes communities grateful for Meals on Wheels, which provides hot meals to elderly people in the comfort of their own homes, along with a little extra company and conversation with a person that cares. Sometimes, that is the only interaction with people they will have for days.


Helping people who are marginalized

The question you might be asking is, "What can I do?" Clearly, one person can't save the world. I think the answers will come to each person differently, but if everyone could do something, it could really make a difference in the lives of others. Start in your own community. If you don't have money to give, then give of your time. Whatever you can do to make your community better can really make a difference. The United Way has done a phenomenal job at helping those in American communities to receive so many needed services they otherwise would not have access to. You'd be amazed how far they stretch a few dollars to help our communities. In whatever way you choose to help, I'm sure there is a person out there who will be grateful that you did.

www.liveunited.org
www.meals-on-wheels.org

Thanks for stopping by...CC

My love never breaks...

"My love never changes, even though I might change. The love continues to grow. Even if everything around me breaks, my love will never be broken."

Is it really "just the internet?"

Something just occurred to me. I see folks neglecting their online contacts like they are just "internet connections." But, are they really? I mean, I have never planned on speaking directly with anyone I've networked with on the internet, but I never rule out the possibility. The idea that maybe, that person you connected with on Twitter, or any number of other social media sites, could turn out to be a FRIEND? Your future boss, perhaps? A great collaboration somewhere down the line, or simply someone to get great advice from. Imagine that! Is it really "just the internet?" 

My TSA nomination, and the final results...

I am happy to say I've placed third in the finals of the Top Sales and Marketing Awards for my blog post, Client relationships are like... It has been an amazing experience, especially considering the fact I didn't think a  lot of people would read my blog. I'm glad I decided to continue writing, because it  has led to great things happening in my life, and I am grateful. I would like to thank the judges for their votes. It means a lot to me that I was judged based on my content, and not how many people knew who I was. Thank you so much, and I would also like to thank those who have been so supportive in my efforts to make this website successful. People who have supported me from the beginning, who are the reason for me continuing. Your support means so much... CC    

Poetry of E.E.Cummings...

If you want to be successful in business...

Control your anger

I know it's easy to say, hard to do sometimes. But just think about it for a minute. Whenever anyone has done something heinous, stupid, or simply evil, where did it come from? Anger. Deep down, this is the emotion that can destroy a person's career, their family, their whole life. Too many careers have been ruined by someone's anger getting out of control, and them saying or doing something they shouldn't have. It may have been a purely rash decision, but with dire consequences that could last a lifetime.

Tempering your fire

Sometimes it's good to have a little fire inside you, keeping you motivated. Anger is not necessarily going to ruin your life, but it's like fire. It's beautiful from a distance, but dangerous at the same time. It could burn the house down, along with all your stuff. It could also warm your house, and make it comfortable, when it's kept under control. But you have to watch it. Fire is beautiful, and necessary. Just like anger. You'll need a little anger at yourself when you make a mistake, to help you correct it. And if something happens in your life that warrants it. But be careful...

Find a healthy distraction

If  I ever find myself getting angry, I try not to talk. I just get away from people as soon as I can, and take a break from what I was doing if possible. I've found that enjoying something, like a good cup of coffee, will give me enough new perspective on the situation to feel better about it. Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone, and let them know you're upset. That's perfectly alright, and a healthy way to calm yourself. Just remember, nobody likes a whiner, so don't do that too often. And make sure it's with a trusted friend.

Sometimes, your child will make you mad. They do something you told them so many times not to do, and you lose your temper. And guess what? That's the worst time to say anything. So many things have been said that people didn't necessarily mean, simply out of their anger and over-reaction to it. These things can also do serious damage to a relationship, so please be careful with the words you let come out of your mouth when your angry. They matter.

Calm yourself

When you see yourself getting angry, the best thing to do is not to react right away. I know it's hard not to react when your emotions are high, and you have something happen to you that isn't fair. Life isn't fair sometimes, and that can make you angry. You may simply be over-worked, and more prone to anger. Get some sleep. Get some exercise. Whatever it takes to make you feel better. We don't want you to be grumpy. Just make sure that, if you get mad about something, re-direct that anger into a good action. Get busy doing something. Anything, as long as it's something productive. Just moving around, and working on a project can calm you down. It gives you something positive to focus on, and you're more likely to feel good. Not angry.

Mental clarity

When you're not angry, you can focus on reality. Anger can cause a twisted reality, and loss of focus. It can make the simplest of tasks a burden, because it mentally taxes you. Clear your head as quickly as possible, and let it go. It's for the best.

Don't get angry

What's the best advice I can give? Don't get angry. And if you do find yourself getting angry, cool the fire as quickly as possible. Re-shift it like you do when a fire gets too hot in a fireplace. Let the air circulate around it, and open a window or a door to a more rational point of view.

Thanks for stopping by...CC

The key to unlocking your client's heart...

Be a true friend

1) Do you know your clients as people?
2) Do you call them just to say hello and catch up?
3) Have you ever gone out to lunch with one of your clients?

If you've ever had to work hard to get an account, or to build business of any kind, the answer should have been yes to all of those questions.

Being a true friend to your clients doesn't mean you have to get too close, but it means that you are there for them when you're needed. It also means you think of them and how they're doing. That you care about how your products are working for them, and you check in with them from time to time. Just like you have to keep in touch with relatives and friends to show you love and appreciate them, a relationship with a client should be nurtured in the same way.

Make them laugh

It's very true that we take ourselves too seriously. I've done it, and I'm sure you have, too. But, come on! There's nothing wrong with making a situation lighter and happier for everyone by having a sense of humor. As long as it's appropriate to the situation, I'm sure your client will appreciate your sense of humor, and that you put a smile on their face. It lets their guard down, too, making it more likely they will want to spend more time with you. More time equals more sales, and more lasting relationships.

Understand them as people

What happens when you really feel like someone understands you? You want to talk to them more. Put yourself in your clients shoes, and work hard to understand what they are truly saying to you. Sometimes, this will make you have to take a step back, and really think about what they're communicating to you. It helps to slow down a bit, and listen to them more than you talk. When you ask them a question, give them plenty of time to answer. It helps to know something about their lifestyle, their family, their job. Get them talking about what matters to them. It should reveal a lot more than just the information they provide. It will give you a better understanding of your client as a person first, and of what they really need from you.

Understand what's valuable to THEM

In our minds, value may be very different than what a client may find valuable. It's pointless to try to define what you find valuable about a product if your client doesn't find it valuable. It's important to find out what your client thinks of as valuable, and it may require a shift in gears on your part. It will make you more effective in your pitch, though. And a lot more likely to have a happy customer. For example, if your client can't be sold on quality, and they only think of price as value, that's when you talk to them about the best price option.

A lot of customers aren't going to listen to your pitch about how great a product is if it goes over what they are willing to spend. You should find out what their spending limit is, and point out the highest quality product to them in that range. They'll be more likely to be willing to spend a little more over their limit if they see you are staying within their range. Prospects and clients alike are mainly concerned about cost first, and then quality. To them, cost is value. I don't think in those terms, but I am not some of my clients, so I work with what is important to them to find them the best solution. And they usually end up going over with me, because they know I care about what's valuable to them.

Be sincere

Sincerity is all about meaning what you're saying, and having your actions meet up with your words. It also makes it a lot easier to maintain an honest relationship, which is what you want. You want your client to feel comfortable, but you also want to be comfortable in helping them to get their needs met. Be genuine. Be true to you. If you feel that something isn't the right fit for them, tell them in a caring way. They will appreciate your honesty, and be more likely to trust you.


Be true to who YOU are

This is probably the scariest one for a lot of people. It's scary to open up and be yourself sometimes, especially when people have let you down in the past. It's scary to think that people may not like, or agree with, what you have to say. They may simply not like YOU. But wouldn't you rather work with people, and work for people, who genuinely like and value you for who you really are? Not so scary after all, is it?

When you let your real personality shine through, it's like a ray of sun through the clouds. People can tell it's real. And it warms the hearts of those around you. What could be better than making people feel happy to be in your presence? I can't really think of anything better, as a basis for business, or for a good life. It's about understanding that who you really are is what makes you special to them.

Thanks for stopping by...CC