The Three B’s--Business Before Bragging

So one of my clients was recently told by a man that he helped get Rachel Ray on Oprah and that’s how she blew up and offered his “no strings attached” help for her product to blow up, too. She called me with excitement in her voice but I didn’t reciprocate her excitement. She said she was going to make the call so I asked her to let me know how it goes. Fast forward two weeks later, and my client received zero returned calls, text messages, emails, tweets, Facebook or LinkedIn messages. (**sigh**) Unfortunately, this happens every day in the networking world of business. For me, this makes me extremely leery because time and knowledge is money; you pay for what you do not know, literally and figuratively. In the Public Relations industry, there is a stigma that we are all about the hype and fluff. That we over promise and deliver less than appeasing publicity; because they do say “there is no such thing as bad publicity”. [Raising my hand and giving the side eye] I think that industry is called Keeping Up with your Ego. In order for people to keep their egos inflated, they need an audience to brag to. Who is a perfect audience member? A new business owners or a new industry professional. I, as a Publicist, am here to reject that stigma and offer one piece of advice—Stop bragging before you have the business credibility to do so.

Here’s 5 Quick Lessons to handle business before you can start bragging:
(1) make sure your business or service is legit—file the necessary paperwork to the
state offices and tax offices; get an online presence with a website, blog, and
social media
(2) make sure you know about your product or service—make a list of common questions and
have an answer already prepared and create questions to ask others so you can
personalize an answer, especially if you have a product
(3) keep up with the ever-changing trends within your industry—that’s how your
credibility builds AND to go a step further, learn other closely related
industry trends for cross marketing opportunities
(4) as your industry changes, make the necessary, creative changes to make sure your
product or service is sustained
(5) lastly, be honest with your intentions and keep your word—if you say you want to help
someone, do it but be clear that you’re doing it because you want something in
exchange either now or down the line; let people make a choice and your word
will remain your bond.

About the author: TJ Jefferson is the owner of Fresh Touch Publicity, which is a Public Relations Consultancy company. It is based in Atlanta and designed to assist small businesses and non-profits with maximizing their exposure through traditional media, blogging, networking events, and community service efforts. Please LIKE her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/freshtouchpublicity and/or visit http://www.ftpublicity.com/ for more info.

Join Chef Gwen and Help Feed GA Families

Proverbs 22:9---A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
Luke 3:11--- John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.”

Everyone knows my passion is cooking because I am a chef . Additionally, I love the good times and laughter surrounding food. So can you imagine the sound of my heart dropping whenever I hear about children not getting enough to eat, if any food at all? It makes me really sad, and even angry. Instead of being upset, I’ve decided to up the ante on what I should already be doing, and that’s helping. I know I am only one person, but every recipe starts with one ingredient! So Gwen’s Gourmet, along with my PR representation, Fresh Touch Publicity and others have partnered with the non-profit organization, H.O.P.E. Family Resource Center, Inc to present the “Simply Giving Holiday Treat” for the purpose donating and raising money which will provide food for needy families in Georgia.

We’ve extended this invitation to the public, family, friends, clients, etc. We want everyone to remember that a little can go a long way. Just $5 can purchase a variety of food items! If you, your family, your organization, or your employer, etc. are interested in DONATING, please visit http://www.ftpublicity.com and click DONATE. Make sure you reference the “Simply Giving Project” in the notes section. A receipt acknowledging your donation will promptly arrive via email. We ask that your donations are received by Friday, December 16th.

Thanks in advance and be blessed!

Start Healthy Eating Habits Today

Gwen’s Gourmet is encouraging you to start your healthy eating habits TODAY instead of waiting until after the New Year. You are probably going to pig out for Christmas and have a glass of champagne for New Year’s Eve but make those days your indulgence days. While I am not a Nutritionist, I do know how to prepare healthy foods a Nutritionist might recommend. So if you can’t speak with a Nutritionist at this moment, the first thing I can suggest is to start simply with a green, leafy salad. Feel free to pile on 2-3 more veggies and/or fruits such as tomatoes, onions, oranges, or strawberries. I have the perfect, tasty Vinaigrette that is super easy to prepare. Let me know how much you enjoy it!

Cranberry Cocktail Vinaigrette

Ingredients
1/4 cup cranberry cocktail juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon-style prepared mustard
2 teaspoons honey
cracked black pepper to taste

Directions
In a small jar with a tight-fitting cover, combine the juice, vinegar, mustard, honey and pepper. Cover and shake well until combined. To store, refrigerate for up to 1 week. Shake well before serving.

Sweet Treats

Now is the time where you are going to see candy and treats everywhere. Co-workers will be bringing in the left over candy soon to put on their desks and in the break rooms. Isn’t it always so tempting? Well, you can bet that you won’t be the only one fighting the urge to indulge. Think about the children! Some of their classmates and teachers will have the sugary delights readily accessible. Though, I don’t believe that it will be much of a fight for the kids, as they will more than likely give in without feeling “guilty pleasure” :-)

Chocolate is one of my favorite sweet treats! Studies have shown that dark chocolate has a high level of antioxidants that could boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, and even prevent heart disease. Now let’s not go on a dark chocolate binge just yet. Please do your research. However, if you are currently eating milk chocolate, consider replacing it with dark chocolate.

You can get creative and make a trail mix that includes your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and yes even chocolate. Try the dark chocolate M&Ms. You may find that the dark chocolate raisins are quite satisfying as well. Trail mixes are a great alternative to the other sweets you and children will be inundated with shortly. I’ve also included a recipe for granola bars that are nutritional and tasty. Consider keeping these and trail mixes handy. If you have kids, ask them to join you in preparing them, as they take pride in something they’ve creative. Perhaps they will choose the more nutritional option.

Granola Bar Delight:
2 1/2 c. Oats – quick rolled oats
1/2 c. Rice Krispies
1/2 c. Honey
1/4 c. coconut
1/2 c. dark chocolate chips
1/2 c. light brown organic raw sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. promise active spread (or butter)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Add all of the ingredients and mix together until combined. Press into a square 8×8 pan. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and score into bars (after it’s cooled completely).

Lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving. Keep refrigerated to maintain freshness (optional).

Cool Garments for Hot Women

“I have no fear.”
“I faced my own mortality.”
“I learned not to put all my eggs in one basket.”

Do those sound like words from a business owner or a Breast Cancer survivor? Could it not be both? I actually had the honor of hearing each of these empowering phrases in my conversation with Haralee Weintraub, founder and owner of Haralee, which is her women’s sleepwear line.

Haralee started the business after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, to fulfill a need for comfortable sleepwear. She experienced sweating to the point where she would have to shower and change clothes 2-3 times per day; needless to say, sleeping at night was disastrous. Then one day she decided to cut up her biker shorts, because of the wicker, sweat absorbing material, and sew it into a nightgown. She was able to sleep throughout the night and was not as drenched in sweat as before. She presented the idea to her Breast Cancer survivor support group, who experienced the same discomfort and loved the idea.

“I never in a million years would have thought I would be an entrepreneur,” Haralee said. “I had a great career in pharmaceutical sales, and I was happy.”

Haralee has been cancer free for 9 years, but she likes to remind others that there is no cure for Breast Cancer and that you’re always in remission. Her diagnosis was very unexpected, considering that she had mammograms regularly, but it changed her life “forever”. Haralee is her way of having a rewarding career while giving back. A percentage of each sale goes to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research.

Haralee feels that starting a business and surviving Breast Cancer are similar because they both require the same mental attitude.

“You must have resilience,” she said. “When you first hear you have Breast Cancer, it’s devastating. Yes, there are about 40,000 people who die every year, but that doesn’t mean you die today. There will be times in your business when it gets tough and lonely, and you will need to really believe in it and love it to get through it.”

As a businesswoman, myself, I am always looking for ways to inspire others to follow their passions and speaking with Haralee was just that—a true inspiration. I challenge everyone to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. To check out more information about these “Cool Garments for Hot Women”, please visit www.haralee.com or follow on Twitter @Haralee.

Better Luck With Potluck!

Have you ever gone to a potluck and felt a bit...unlucky? There was food, but no plates; ice—no drinks; meat—no sides or worse, sides—no meat. Well here are some tips you can use to ensure that your event will run smoother.

First, and most important if you are the host, you should plan the menu; at least a main dish and 2 sides (or more, depending on the number of guests you are expecting). The host will provide guests a category, such as meat dishes, veggies, desserts, etc., to choose from. This way a variety of foods can be expected.

Second, try to collect non-perishable items a day or two before the potluck, such as plates, napkins, plastic utensils, and beverages. This will assist the host when setting up the table and with the early guests who may want to “taste test” food already prepared.

Third, the host should be greeting guests as they come in, and have a designated area for coats and purses. This helps the host to get a closer look at these items so she can know which friends to ask to borrow something from later. :-) Just Kidding!!!

Also, the host should be explaining the setup of the event, including where trash is to be placed, and introducing guests that may not know everyone to avoid any awkwardness. Yes, this is the host's slick way of playing matchmaker!!! Don’t fret, have fun with it!!!

And lastly, don’t forget to eat as well, and enjoy your guests!

Served Cold

There can be lots of hustle and bustle when having friends and family over to visit. Have you ever found yourself too busy to enjoy your company because you have other things that must be done to keep the party flowing?

I once had a client who decided to rid herself of at least one very important task/chore, and that was cooking. She hired me to cook for her luncheon and wanted every dish to be served cold. This way, when her guest arrived, her only responsibility would be serving the meal. No reheating.

On the menu:
Wild Alaskan Poached Lemon Salmon and a homemade Honey Mustard Sauce
Mixed baby green salad with blueberries, walnut and a homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Basil Corn Salad made with fresh cooked corn from the cob
Dill Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Zest

My client was very delighted to enjoy the company of her guest without having to labor over the needed preparations. While everyone was eating their cold meal, she received warm reviews about all of the food served!