In This Issue

Dear ,

The joys of mountain living! I came home from Atlanta and was finishing taking down the Christmas tree (hey, I've got a life and it was an artificial tree anyway so don't look so surprised!) when I saw them. About a dozen little carcasses that resembled oversized ants with wings. No they aren't termites. Terminix came out and identified the culprits as carpenter ants, the kind that swarm to find a nest but haven't yet found one. With luck they'll decide my home is inappropriate and keep moving on. Right now all I can do is be vigilant!

Happy Valentine's Day! Yes, "he" is coming up for the weekend. "He" has promised a very special V-day and already got it off on the right foot with a pair of lovely double heart earrings in silver last we ekend. He's far more romantic than I am, LOL!

Cash for GOLD! I know we've all seen the commercials and probably many of us have been invited to a gold party. If you haven't, go! I took a box of my old stuff, my Mom's and even my godmother's in and was very pleasantly surprised at the abundant outcome. If you aren't wearing it, don't love it anymore, and don't need it, get rid of it and get some green to show for it. This beats any Goodwill or consignment as you get the green in cash upfront! Go for it.

Prospering by Design, Always

Melissa Galt
The Six Figure Design Professional
Your Interior Design Business Systems Specialist
Devoted to Your Design Business Success

3 Critical Mistakes Every Right Brained Professional Makes!

First if you aren't sure which side is dominant, read about it and take the test here. Right brained professionals are those most often in creative fields and the lifestyle industry. We excel at creative pursuits and often fall short on business acumen. I got lucky because I trained my left brain in college and got the best of both attributes! The key is to develop whole brained thinking for a more comprehensive approach to life and business. On that note, there are 3 critical mistakes we right brained types make that are costing us success and prosperity. Once you know what they are, you can apply the solutions.

Mistake #1: Forgetting what it is you really do!
The Solution: Before you are a designer, before you are a realtor, before you are a contractor, before you are an organizer, before you are a stager, you are a MARKETER! Without being a MARKETER first and foremost you are nothing. No one knows about you until you market. We are each MARKETERS first and our specialty second. This goes for everyone (yes, doctors and lawyers too!) It doesn't matter if you are saying to yourself "well my marketing is all word-of-mouth" that is still marketing and must be built, nurtured, encouraged, and measured. You must become a MAVERICK MARKETER for your business at all times or risk those high and dry times (maybe you are experiencing that now?)

Read the Rest of the Article Here!

One Touch Updating for Multiple Networks! Ping.fm

I've talked a lot about the social networks and social media and how valuable they are. This article is about how to streamline your updating. I know many are overwhelmed by the amount of time they imagine (because in reality it doesn't) it takes to keep up. While I could spend 5 hours a day, I usually don't spend more than 1-2 hours a day on my networks. This isn't idle gab time; it is connection opportunities, value content sharing, and marketing. What I have learned are the shortcuts. Read on for the details to saving your time and maximizing your reach.

Read the Rest of the Article Here!

Thought I'd share with you just once a week what I enjoy gazing at daily! On my Google home page I have added the apps I like best, one of my true faves is Places to See. You all know I love travel and while I've seen a lot there are a zillion more countries, cultures, customs and peoples to explore. This keeps me always looking for my next BIG adventure . . . http://www.etravelreviews.com/paris/

What is on your Google home page?
What keeps you looking forward?