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Squeeky and Louie – A childrens’ book – proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society

By MOAImport · Comments (0)
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Linda Handley recently released a book, SQUEEKY and LOUIE.  Today, she’s stopped by my blog.

I met Linda through The Women’s Small Business Association, WSBA TM, and this is where I first heard of Linda’s father’s book. With the proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society I was intrigued.   The more I learned about Squeeky and Louie, the more I got excited for Linda and the goal she is setting to accomplish with the book.  That is the reason why I am hosting Linda today on my blog.   Linda and I have even set an interview to discuss the process, the cause and more about Squeeky and Louie.  Watch for that next week but in the meantime, here is a little more about Squeeky and Louie.

Book Summary:
A children’s tale of Squeeky and Louie, two little grey mice, and their adventures with Gus the cat.

What are little loving mice going to do when they want to come out and play? This turns out to be any easy problem to solve. Well, with a little clever help the two mice lead the reader on a tale of adventure. F. R. Handley has authored an entertaining, interactive treasure that’s sure to charm and delight kids from 1 to 91. The simple text is joyous and engaging, but this is really a story told through the marvelous illustrations.

The amusing artwork stars endearing little furry friends. Youngsters will love all the captivating facial expressions and wonderful humorous detail in each two page spread.

Squeeky and Louie is an engaging tale little ones will beg to read again and again, and a timeless classic to share with friends, family, and future generations.

Who wrote the book? What is your relationship to the author?
My father wrote this book for me when I was a little girl. He would read books to me every night. I remember curling up with him and being mesmerized by the larger than life mice who wanted to play.

Why now was Squeeky and Louis published?
I had always thought about publishing the book. The timing just didn’t seem right. I was asked to help with a benefit for the American Cancer Society. Congressman Doyle was honored at the event. He told an amazing story of people battling cancer. I know many people at my table were inspired and moved to tears.

I came home and sat down in my living room and thought, “How can I give back to the American Cancer Society?” I looked over to one of my bookcases and there was my father’s book. I decided to publish the children’s book and give the proceeds back to the American Cancer Society.

What is the story about?
This entertaining children’s tale is about two little grey mice who want to come out and play. They dream of pie and cheese and delicious mouse treats. They decide to go to the kitchen to see what they can find. This is their entertaining story told through amazing illustrations.

Who are the main characters?
Squeeky – the mouse with the orange shirt – Yes, Squeeky is spelled correctly because mice SQUEEK.
Louie – the mouse with the yellow shirt – “the brains of the operation”
Gus – the cat.
Mr. Guffy – the owner of the home where the story unfolds.

What is special about the book?
The book is a children’s tale. Sure there are literally thousands of books out there. This one has amazing illustrations, an engaging story, and proceeds go to the American Cancer society.

From January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010, the American Cancer Society will receive the net proceeds from the sale of the book, Squeeky and Louie from the author, F.R. Handley. The American Cancer Society does not endorse any service or product.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. The American Cancer Society’s international mission concentrates on capacity building in developing cancer societies and on collaboration with other cancer-related organizations throughout the world in carrying out shared strategic directions

Why should people buy the book?
Buy the book to read to your children and grandchildren.
Buy the book to sell at fund raisers.
Buy the book to donate to the American Cancer Society.


Why are proceeds going to the American Cancer Society?
The American Cancer Society is an amazing group. This group holds a special place in my heart.


Tell me about yourself
When I’m not working, I stay involved in my community, aiding several non-profit organizations in their development, marketing, fund-raising and event planning. These organizations include the American Cancer Society and WSBA, Assistant Executive Director- Women’s Small Business Association – 500+ Small Business Network in Pittsburgh, Westmoreland, Greensburg, Butler, and Beaver Counties.

How can the readers contact you if they want further information?
I can be reached by email at HandleyL@verizon.net. They can also visit our website at Squeeky and Louie.com.

How much does your book cost?
$8.95 with all of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

About the Author:
F. Richard Handley was born in Lehman, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Marion Hale Goodrich and Frederic Richard Handley. Both Marion and Frederic came to America as children. They were from different villages in Wales. F. Richard’s father and all three of his uncles were Welsh coalminers. F. Richard Handley attended Susquehanna University and the University of Pennsylvania. He married Mary Nissley and has two children Linda and Jon Eric. F. Richard owned and operated Cocoa Gallery for over 30 years. This book was written when Linda was a little girl. Many nights were spent reading Squeeky and Louie to her as she fell fast asleep on his shoulder.

Linda, thank you for stopping by my blog.
You are very welcome. Thank you for having me.

Pick up your copy for $8.95 at Squeeky and Louie.com.

All the best to Linda and all the efforts to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  I look forward to talking with you next week and sharing a little more insight into the process and the cause.

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The Commonsense Virtual Assistant – Becoming an Entrepreneur, Not an Employee.

By MOAImport · Comments (3)
Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Sue L Canfield recently released her book, The Commonsense Virtual Assistant – Becoming an Entrepreneur, Not an Employee. Today, she’s stopped by my blog.

I met Sue through Virtual Assistant Forums and  love the advice that she shares with so many others.  This is where I first heard of Sue’s book to help aspiring virtual assistants.  Sue asked for tips from the members and mine were chosen as My Office Assistant is mentioned in her book.  That however is not the reason that I am hosting Sue on my blog today.  I am doing that because she is a true professional who is willing to share her knowledge as well as ups and downs of small business with aspiring virtual assistants.  So let’s find out a little about Sue and The Commonsense Virtual Assistant – Becoming an Entrepreneur, Not an Employee.

Why did you write this book?

My husband, Joel D Canfield, and I co-authored the book to help newer and aspiring virtual assistants understand what it takes to run a successful business. Over the last two years, I found that many newer and aspiring virtual assistants were asking for and following my advice on how to run their business. Though they had the skills to be a virtual assistant, many had no idea how to run a business, write a business or marketing plan, how to market, and other basic business skills. Since my husband had already written a book for small business owners on how to be the best foundation for their business, we decided to add to the material and focus on the virtual assistant industry in our new book.

Tell me about yourself

I’ve worked as an administrative assistant for over 25 years and began my virtual assistant business in 2005 before I even knew there was such a thing. This past year I added virtual assistant coaching to my services to help newer virtual assistants succeed in their businesses. My husband and I work together from home along with our five-year old daughter in Roseville, California.

What qualifies you to write this book?

Joel and I have more than 50 years of combined experience supporting and operating small businesses. My success as a virtual assistant is in large part due to the advice I received from Joel. Our success in our businesses provides testimony to our qualifications.

What is the book about?

The book helps virtual assistants to understand that they are now business owners, entrepreneurs, no longer employees. Successful business owners need good business sense and a good understanding of what it takes to run a successful business. The book provides basic, commonsense information every entrepreneur needs to know along with advice specific to virtual assistants.

What do you want the readers to get out of the book?

The most important concept I would like my readers to understand is that they are now business owners and what that means. After reading the book, readers will have a clear understanding of how to set rates, manage their time, and market their business.

How can the readers contact you if they want further information?

Joel and I can be reached toll-free at 877.771.7746 or by email at Contact@BizBa6.com. They can also visit our website athttp://www.bizba6.com.

How much does your book cost?
$19.95.

Where can the readers purchase your e-book?
They can visit our website at www.bizba6.com.

Sue, thank you for stopping by my blog.
You are very welcome. Thank you for having me.

About the Authors:

Joel and Sue have more than 50 years of combined experience supporting and operating small businesses. They operate BizBa6 Small Business Support Services and love not only their work but the life it allows them to live. This book (Joel’s third business book, Sue’s first) shares how they think about business–it’s a ‘why to’, not a ‘how-to’ because it focuses on how people think and what they want–not just your clients, but you, too.

Book Summary:

So, you want to be a virtual assistant. The virtual assistant industry is growing rapidly. Just about anyone can say they are a virtual assistant. You have a computer, internet access, and the desire to work from home. Voila! You’re a virtual assistant. But is that enough to succeed as a virtual assistant? Do you have what it takes to run a business? Yes, a virtual assistant is a business owner. Successful business owners need to have good business sense. As a business owner, you, the virtual assistant, need to understand what it takes to run a business. Pick up your copy for $19.95 at http://www.bizba6.com.

All the best to Sue and all the aspiring Virtual Assistants,

Lee Drozak ~ My Office Assistant

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Categories : Guest Post, Virtual Assistant, Work from Home
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So You Want To Be a Work at Home Mom

By MOAImport · Comments (0)
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

I met Diana through several social media groups I participate in. I can look to Diana as she provides advice and encouraging words to me as a business owner.   If you are considering becoming a work-at-home mom, this is the book for you –  So You Want to Be a Work-at-Home Mom.  Thank you Diana and Jill for giving other stay-at-home moms the wisdom to become work-at-home moms.

All the best,

Lee Drozak ~ My Office Assistant

Home-based businesses are estimated to be a $427 billion-a-year industry. In recent studies it was found that as many as 105 million people in North America alone were working at home. Considering this information, it is obvious that home-based businesses can be successful and authors Jill Hart and Diana Ennen will help you succeed with your own.

So You Want to Be a Work-at-Home Mom details all the basics of starting a business in a spiritual, motivational, and comprehensive manner. From deciding what type of business to start to keeping your family and faith first, this helpful tool details every aspect of establishing a business. With proven success tips utilized by the authors and others who own work-at-home businesses, this inspiration approach will provide you with the resources you need to start your own home-based business.

So You Want to Be a Work-at-Home Mom includes:
* Detailed information on types of businesses to start
* Ideas and assistance for setting up, operating, and marketing your business
* Definitions and descriptions of work-at-home terminology and processes
* Help for developing your Website
* Explanations of the business nuts and bolts, including bookkeeping, taxes, and more

About the Authors
JILL HART is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com. Jill is a co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom. Jill has published many articles and is a contributing author in Laundry Tales, The Business Mom Guide Book, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, and Faith Deployed. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies. Learn more about working from home at http://www.cwahm.com/work-at-home/ .

DIANA ENNEN has been a leader and mentor in the work-at-home industry since starting her business, Virtual Word Publishing, in 1985. She is the author of many books, including Virtual Assistant the Series; Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and Words from Home: Start, Run, and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business. She resides in Margate, Florida, with her husband and their three children.

Below is an interview with the authors of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom – Jill & Diana.

If have questions they are happy to answer your questions anytime. Leave a comment below or email Jill@cwahm.com or Diana@virtualwordpublishing.com

How long have you been working at home?

Jill Hart – I’ve been working at home since 2000. I had to go back to work full-time for a brief period in 2003 when my husband got out of the Air Force. At that point I got even more serious about making my business work and I’ve been home full-time since then.

Diana Ennen – I’ve been working at home since 1985, when my son was born. He’s now graduated college and already working towards his own career. I absolutely love it. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What types of businesses do you operate?

Jill Hart – I run Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com, a website full of free resources, job listings and information about home businesses. I also write articles and books (yes, more books to come!) and am a blogger for sites like Time/Warner’s Christian Momlogic.com and a member of the Guideposts blogger team

Diana Ennen– I’m the President of Virtual Word Publishing. I’m a virtual assistant and specialize in marketing & publicity. I’ve also written numerous books on how to start a VA business and offer PR and VA Coaching.

Tell us about your book? How do you think it can benefit those who want to start a business?

Jill Hart – The book has been such a “God thing.” He orchestrated the entire sequence of events – from putting Diana and I together as co-authors to bringing us to the right publisher. The book is a hands-on practical guide for anyone who wants to build a business from home. We cover topics ranging from how to select the right type of business for you, to how to get started, to how to market and grow your business.

Diana Ennen – I think one of the best features of our book is that it’s not only informative, but motivational as well. You’ll feel like friends are helping you on your journey to success. Also, we discuss numerous types of businesses to start and provide proven methods to achieve success. We also often hear how starting a business can be so overwhelming. That’s why we pay special attention to all the how tos. We feel very confident our book will help, not only those starting a business, but those already in business wanting to expand it.

What types of businesses are featured in your book?

Jill Hart – We have such a great range of contributors – everything from direct sales companies like Southern Living at Home and Avon to unique product-driven businesses like BSM Media and GrillCharms. These woman are amazing and give readers a great insight into how they’ve grown their businesses in very different ways.

Diana Ennen – We cover everything from direct sales companies to specialized areas such as medical transcription and virtual assisting. Also, Jill shares detailed information on starting a community based membership site. We think you’ll get a lot of helpful tips too from such work-at-home powerhouses as Maria Bailey and Lesley Spencer Pyle.

Do you have any tips for success for Christian entrepreneurs that you’d like to share?

Jill Hart – I think my favorite tip – shared with me by one of our contributors, Tammy Degenhart, almost ten years ago is that working together benefits everyone. She told me, “Jill, what you give to others God brings back tenfold” and I’ve seen that hold true time and time again. It may not be in financial gains and it may not look like what we expected but God is so faithful in that when we work together there is no competition – it’s a win-win situation.

Diana Ennen – Do what you believe in and use your own skills and prior experience to find the business that’s just right for you. Research/Research/Research. The more you research, the better your business. Continue to market and be out there. So many once they find a few clients stop marketing. You need to get out there continually. You then become the go to person when someone needs services or products that you offer.

What are some of the challenges that you see with those starting or operating a business?

Jill Hart – In my experience, I’ve talked with many women who get frustrated because success doesn’t come easily or quickly. Working from home may sound easy, but in reality it can actually be just as hard as working outside the home. There are many unique challenges, especially when working at home while raising children. If women don’t prepare themselves, they can become discouraged and disheartened.

Diana Ennen– One of the major challenges I see is losing belief in yourself that you can do it. That’s why I think a faith-based book will be so beneficial. Even when times get tough, you can rely on your faith to forge ahead.

With the economy, do you believe it’s still a good time to start a business? Why?

Jill Hart – I think it’s a better time than ever. The internet is so much more widely used than it was even nine years ago when I began my website. If people do their research and find a company that fits them as well as their budget this can be a great time to break into the work-at-home field.

Diana Ennen – Absolutely. In fact, I think there’s never been a better time. You might have to work a little harder, but it absolutely can be done. Plus, there are so many businesses who need us more than ever because of the economy. For example, with virtual assistants because businesses are downsizing they are seeking the help of a VA to help on an as needed basis.

Your book is written from a Christian perspective? Tell us a little about that and how you feel that makes it so unique?

Jill Hart – My faith is central to who I am and therefore central to my business. I began Christian Work at Home Moms because I wanted women to have a safe place where they could discuss not only business things, but also talk about an area that doesn’t get talked about a lot in business circles – how our faith affects our businesses. The book is written in a way that doesn’t hit anyone over the head with our faith, but it’s true to who we are and talks about things from the vantage point that we see life – through the lens of our faith.

Diana Ennen – There are so many books out there today on starting a business. However, few have the Christian mom in mind. We provide a lot of scriptures and examples of how you can use your faith to help you. Our hope is that not only will your business thrive, but it might just give a little boost to your faith as well.


Learn more about the book at Beacon Hill Press or SoYouWantToBeAWAHM.com.

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DON’T’ SKIP THE EXERCISE!

By MOAImport · Comments (0)
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Back by popular demand is Patty Dietz, my go to gal for exercise tips and questions. I asked Patty to comment on what the physical effects were on you if you are all work and no play. I have to say I am more motivated to get my butt off the chair and move around thanks to Patty’s advice.  Hope it motivates you as well.

DON’T’ SKIP THE EXERCISE!
By Patty Dietz, MS Exercise Physiologist

These days, most everybody is spending more time working and having to eliminate other activities from their schedules. However, choosing to not exercise to make more time for work can be counterproductive. An effective and regular exercise program can actually enhance your work and the lack thereof can do the opposite. Let me go through some of the reasons:

  • Lower levels of stress
  • Decreases episodes of sickness
  • Lower severity of sickness
  • More energy, less fatigue
  • Better sleep habits
  • Clearer cognition
  • Lower risk of chronic condition
  • Improved stamina
  • Decreased risk of injury
  • Improved self esteem/self-image

The effects of exercise as listed above (and this is not necessarily a complete list) all lead to greater productivity, with less time engaged in work activities! And consider the reverse of each item on the list, they all add up to a negative for your work accomplishments.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends accumulating at least 30 minutes of activity on most days to experience healthful benefits. This time does not have to be all at once, three blocks of 10 minutes sessions each day will do the trick. Just be sure the activity is continuous for the time period and involves rhythmic, large muscle movements.

Patty Dietz owns Health Fitness Specialists, an Exercise Physiology Practice offering exercise solutions and workout make-overs. For more information, go to her website: www.healthfitnessspecialists.com or email her at: pdietz@healthfitnessspecialists.com.

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Dealing With The Anxieties And Stresses Of Managing Your Own Business

By MOAImport · Comments (0)
Friday, July 24th, 2009

I was contacted by Stanley Popovich about providing a guest post about dealing with stress.  Stanley is author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods”.  After reading the article I thought it had some good points and therefore would like to share it with each of you.  I certainly agree with Stanley’s point of assigning tasks to others, after all that is the focus of My Office Assistant.  I hope that you enjoy Stanley’s article as well.

Dealing with The Anxieties and Stresses of Managing Your Own Business

Owning a small or large business can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Many business owners have to deal with a lot of stress and anxiety nowadays. It can be tough to own your own business and to be successful in what you do. As a result, here are some suggestions on how you can reduce the stresses of owning your own business.

The first step is to develop a budget and do not spend more than what you make. Also learn to reduce your expenses when you can. Learn to pay your bills on a regular basis so your customers will not be bothering you later on about getting paid.

Learn to manage your responsibilities by assigning certain tasks to others. If you do not have time to do the accounting, then let your assistant do it. You are only one person and can only do so much in a given day. Do what is most important and delegate the rest.

Talk with your customers and employees on a regular basis. Find out what is on their minds. Ask for any suggestions on how to improve business productivity and moral. Communicating with your workers and clients will help prevent future problems and conflicts.

Most importantly, develop a business plan and follow it. Being organized and goal oriented is very important in managing a business. Following a plan or set of goals will prevent you from a lot of stress and anxiety. It is much easier to do something when you have some kind of plan.

Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming month, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your business problems. When the time comes, hopefully you will have learned the skills to deal with your situation.

Be smart in how you deal with your business problems. Do not try to tackle everything all at once. When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, break the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.

Managing a business can be stressful, but the key is knowing how to manage your anxieties. There is a right and wrong way in managing a business. Continue to learn effective techniques in managing your business and improve your bottom line. This will go a long way in getting rid of your stresses and other business problems.

BIOGRAPHY:

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods” – an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/

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Categories : Guest Post, Organization, Personal Growth, Physical Well Being, Small Business, Work from Home

What is your take on the housing market and stimulus package?

By MOAImport · Comments (0)
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

Naja and I are involved in the WSBA and are often at various events.  Always one for conversation, I asked Naja Brown of Northwood Realty her take on this burning question.

Here is my perspective on the current state of real estate in the Pittsburgh Region and the stimulus package.

Because places like Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh did not see the wild price rises and real estate speculation as other markets, our housing market is relatively stable. In essence the crummy stagnant economies in these places did not inflate and thus did not burst. The trend was also aided by relatively conservative local banks which for the most part did not partake in the crazy lending practices. Home prices actually eked out a tiny gain last year and foreclosures decreased dramatically.

The Post Gazette reports:

    Residential foreclosures in the Pittsburgh area dropped for the second year in a row in 2008, a 6.6 percent decline from 2007…
    The average home price locally climbed 1.2 percent from $148,828 in 2007 to $150,588 in 2008.

This is better news than anyone else in the country is getting right now. Too bad consumers are too scared by the national news about the economy and real estate values to actually try for first time homeownership. Too bad sellers are to scare to sell, even though it would cost less and they could buy their next home for less. Too bad they don’t realize that now is the time to invest.

Our conservative local bankers have gone into lock down on shaky buyers and questionable borrowers. Don’t get me wrong, they will still fund a loan to a customer with great credit, at least 5% down and stable long term employment, with a whole lot of burning hoops to jump thru.

The stimulus package being set up by the government is intended to get the banks to loan more money and get consumers to spend it. The plan is designed to speed up the recovery of the system. But, if people are too afraid to spend any money and instead put it in their mattress, then the plan will not work. If people cannot reawaken to the value of buying and selling real estate, then the plan will not work. The plan is designed to renew people’s confidence in the US Government and the economy’s resilience. We the people must be able to look past “the sky is falling” new reports and really see what is and needs to be happening.

The real estate industry in cyclical! It always comes back around.   The stimulus package is supposed to speed up the process because the US economy depends so heavily upon it.

Naja Brown ~NORTHWOOD REALTY SERVICES
Real Estate Marketing Specialist
office #412-831-0100 x 243
email to najabrown@northwood.com
http://www.pghhomesbynaja.com

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Categories : Guest Post, Real Estate

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