Dear Melissa,

F.R.E.E. eBook! As a thank you for opting into our improved newsletter database, I've created the eBook Change Your Words, Change Your Rewards!

These are word choices I have found that make a profound positive difference in my business and personal success. I have highlighted a couple of them in previous letters, but never before provided the complete essential list with details.

Try making even just two or three simple shifts in your word choices and watch your results become rewards!

Art Inspires! Last weekend I went to the North GA Folk Festival with friends, it was a blast. I ran into many artists I have known, interviewed and even collected over the years. I also, at the urging of a friend and client, indulged in adding a couple of new chairs to my growing collection (see below). It always inspires me to see people totally immersed in their passion, and artists truly are. Now, if I could just teach them the nuts and bolts of business, then I could show them how to benefit financially from their talent! (Hmm, maybe a workshop in 2009 just for artists . . . )

Personally Yours! Okay, I got a neat email from my favorite Atlanta caterer, Chip Desormeaux, that told me how much he enjoyed my letters and that I'd gotten more personal. I always want to be personal with my readers; you are friends, clients, colleagues, vendors and much more! So do email me feedback anytime (if you want it more personal, I'll start including dating stories, yes I am on match.com. Yahoo!)

Prosper by Design,

MG

"Winners take imperfect action, while losers continue perfecting their plan."
~ Kevin Nations

7 Secrets to Turning Prospects into Clients

These quick and effective steps are ones I use regularly to turn prospects easily and quickly into clients (if there is a fit).

1. Listen. It sounds simple and it can be but too often we get caught up in wanting to tell them all about ourselves. This isn't about us; it is about them, so focus on how much you can learn, not how much you can teach.
    
2. Ask for the details. When a prospect calls and shares that she is moving to a new home, I immediately ask for details about the new house and about the house they are still in. I use this as a chance to dive deep and get involved in their process.
    
3. Get excited. Any business can be stressful; it is your job to make it fun and easy. I share with prospects that my goal is make the design process easy and fun. I offer flexibility to them while still maintaining control of the project and communications.

Read the Rest of the Article Here!

AVA Living

Do you want more exposure to the marketplace? One of the most effective ways I've found to make headlines and gain instant credibility is with social networking. Now, for many this means Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Linked In and Ning. I know some of you have never even heard of those! But in the interior design industry check out www.avaliving.com.

It is dedicated to interior design professionals, students, and fans and is all about design. I was delighted when the founder David Bassett-Parkins decided to feature my work! Here is a preview.

Celebrate Your Friends!

How often do we find that we are losing track of friends without enough time to spend together? It seems easy to say "maybe next month," "when I get that promotion," "when the kids are out of school," or any other myriad of excuses. The bottom line is if we don't make the time to celebrate our friends we won't have the time ever. It is all about committing to connect, and creating opportunities to make that happen. Be sure to involve everyone in the fun by asking them to bring a dish or other element. No one likes to show up at a party empty handed and it is easier if you specify.

Here are just a few ways you can celebrate your friends!

Savory Supper Club
This works well with couples or singles but is usually an adult event (without kids). This can be a great way to get to know neighbors or other residents in a subdivision. Often its location is rotated monthly between different homes in a neighborhood. A supper club can be very simply created with each couple or person bringing a dish each time, categories are designated to avoid duplicate dishes or too many salads or appetizers. It is a chance for comradery and fellowship particularly amongst those that live nearby.

The food preparation duties and expense are shared by all, as are the benefits of original recipes and home cooking. Clean up is usually light work with many hands, and everyone relaxes and has a good time.

Super Sporting Event
Make it a real mixed event with singles, couples, and kids if desired. It can be live or on TV. If live, plan a festive tailgate is to bring everyone together before the game. If televised set up a buffet for noshing during the game and it can be pot luck, with everyone bringing a dish. Stick with paper plates and plastic cups and flatware and clean up is a breeze.

Just Girl's/Guy's Night Out
This is Mars and Venus's chance to have some time to themselves with friends. Often a once a month regular event, sometimes once a week, this is a chance to connect with close gal pals or guy buddies and gossip, dish dirt, high five on successes, and commiserate on losses. It can be as easy as establishing a place to meet and regular date and time and everyone just shows up. Or it can rotate at private homes but needs to be understood that it is for just the girls or just the guys. We all share a little differently in mixed company! What is said with this crowd stays with this crowd.

Burning O' the Troubles Bash
Usually I throw this one just after New Year's it is a great way to get the New Year off to a truly beneficial beginning. Again who you invite is up to you; generally this is reserved for adults only. You can make it potluck or provide the food yourself. Each person is to bring a listing of their last year's trials, tribulations, losses, and challenges. You have a fireplace or preferably an outdoor fire (bonfire or chimenaya works really well) and each gets a few minutes alone to literally burn their troubles. Then each party goer gets a New Year's cracker and that includes a paper crown which they then fill (some write these on the crown itself) proverbially with their hopes for the New Year and burn that as a toast to universal energy. I usually end the festivities with sparklers for everyone to have one last sizzle!

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