The June issue of Entrepreneur magazine offers quotes from ten entreprenuers. The magazine consider their words, …Best business quotes of all time. I share two that I like.

C. J. Walker (Madame JC Walker-inventor of black hair care products) - “There is no royal, flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it. For if I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.” (1867-1919) http://www.madamcjwalker.com/

Henry Ford (Maker of cars) - “The competitor to be feared is one who never bothers about you at all, but goes on making his business better all the time.” (1863-1947) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/btford.html

Source: www.entrepreneur.com hard copy p. 116

Have you ever become frustrated or annoyed because the person or people you are talking to, don’t seem to get what you are saying? I recall many years ago, so many I don’t like to think about it, a co-worker told me that her husband, who was a city official, was popular because “he came down to the people.” It took me a long time to understand what she meant. It was not an insult and her spouse did not think his constituents were dullards. He simply knew when not to use $20 words and when $3 words will do.

Whether you’re talking to one person or addressing an audience of thousands, the same basic rule applies make sure you’re getting your message across. How?

Become the person you are talking to. What does your “audience” want to hear? Expect to hear? Need to hear? Anticipate how your listener may respond to your message so you can tailor your words appropriately.

Know what you want and expect. Don’t describe a problem unless you know what you expect the other person to do about it. You may not require a dramatic action—sometimes a simple nod or “I understand” is all that’s necessary—but having a clear goal can help shape your message.

Anticipate potential questions and obstacles. These may be physical (a sight or hearing impairment), cultural (English may not be the other person’s first language), historical (you and the other person don’t get along), or something else. When possible, think through how you can overcome these barriers: a phone call or an e-mail message; emphasizing common ground; more often than not, simple straightforward language will work.

Confirm their understanding by asking for a paraphrase. People may not be happy with your message, but make sure they understand what you’re saying or asking—and what you’re not saying or asking. Ask them to paraphrase your main points, encourage them to ask questions, and be ready to repeat and clarify your message as needed.

Positive thinking, opening yourself to good things, etc can lead to  prosperity?  

I get a newsletter from a woman who belongs to one of the same social/business networks as I, Marilyn Jenett is the founder of The Feel Free to Prosper Program. I am sharing her site information today because in her most recent newsletter, she said something I grew up hearing and learned to trust without qualification as an adult, Thank you Universe! I love the way you are always on time. 

Now neither my mother, nor my minister said those exact words, but they did say, HE may not come when you call, but HE is always on time.  I also remember my mother telling me that one of her sisters, my aunt, when given this same information, responded by saying that ‘HE was sometimes too slow.’ Those are blasphemous words to some, they certainly were to my mom, I suspect telling me this story was one of her many ominous warnings It worked, I did get it. In addition to keeping an open mind, sharing good fortune and remembering to be open to good idea’s wherever and from whomever they come is always a good thing.

You can visit Marilyn at www.FeelFreetoProsper.com 

Moms, aunties, grandmas; well you get the idea. Anyone looking for good buys for little ones should rush over to Cool Mom Picks. This is an awesome site that has everything you want when looking for suggestions for nursery decorating hints, safe toys, good inexpensive clothes and other cools things for the apple of your eye. Go ahead vist Cool Mom Picks and make your baby (or babies ) happy!

Visit http://www.coolmomspicks.com

Could your Facebook profile prevent you from getting a job offer? I have said it many times before, but now CareerBuilder, the online job finder is saying it, be careful what you post online.

The online job site reports that its survey of over 3,200 hiring managers found that 22 percent say they screen job applicants by viewing their social networking profiles, and 34 percent have eliminated job candidates because of the content they’ve found.

Top objections? Forty-one percent cited posts on drinking or drug use, and 40 percent were troubled by candidates’ provocative photographs. Also: poor communication skills; evidence of dishonesty concerning applicants’ qualifications; discriminatory remarks on race, religion, or gender; and unprofessional screen names.  So what all of this mean? It means just when you think you have put one over, someone is watching. 

http://www.careerbuilder.com/

The first Saturday in April I acted as Chair and host of our libraries first Romance Symposium & Book signing.  I was nervous about standing in front of people to conduct a question and answer forum. Even though I was familiar with the authors and had known them by way of my online Yahoo group for several years (one almost 10), I was meeting them face-to-face for the first time. Also, I was representing the library as well as my online group–what can I say, I was really nervous. Aside from the OMG, what if people don’t show up, there was the odd what ifs, what if…, what if….

I found that although I did not absolutely love standing in front of a crowd, I definately did not absolutely hate it–not only that, I  would be willing to do it again  The one thing I had going for me was that I thoroughly knew my subject and that helped a great deal. Putting my questions on paper helped to quide me and keep me on target. I would say that the first rule is to stay calm. I know that’s easy to say, but how do you manage that? 

It helps to:

Know your subject. The more you know your topic, the more secure you’ll feel. Do your homework; anticipate questions; be ready with additional information.
Write it down and practice! Rehearse thoroughly before addressing the audience. You’ll get used to your own voice and to standing up and talking for 20 minutes. Practice also gives you the opportunity to make changes ahead of time, removing awkward sentences or changing words.
Arrive early. Walk around, check out the facilities, familiarize yourself with the layout, and rehearse again at the venue.
Loosen up. Take slow, deep breaths. Sip water slowly instead of drinking caffeine drinks.

Ingredients

5 lbs/2.27 kg pork loin back ribs
2 cups/500 mL water
1/2 cup/125 mL apple cider vinegar
1-1/2 tsp/7.5 mL Garlic Granules
1-1/2 tsp/7.5 mL Seasoning Salt
1/3 cup/80 mL Watkins Original BBQ Sauce

Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Place ribs in a large, shallow roasting pan, bone side down. Combine water and vinegar and pour over ribs. Sprinkle with garlic powder and Seasoning Salt. Cover and bake for 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until ribs are nearly tender. Let cool. (Ribs can be covered and chilled at this point if you wish to make them ahead.) Combine ketchup, Barbecue Sauce Concentrate and brown sugar. Place ribs on grill over indirect heat or bake at 350ºF/ 180ºC for 30 to 35 minutes or until tender, brushing the ribs with the barbecue sauce.

Makes 6 servings.

Remember, Watkins Original BBQ Sauce is on sale this month.  Now only 4.99.

Go to http://www.watkinsonline.com/ryanes and click on Monthly Sales to see what we are offering this month. If you have any questions, just ask. I will be happy to answer.

Save on Watkins Gourmet Original Barbecue Sauce   Enjoy our expertly blended barbecue sauce!  So perfectly blended it will make your mouth water. A Blend of sweet and spicy that’s just right.  And the convenience of this ready-to-use sauce is the perfect to spice up your weekends or anytime you decide to barbecue. 14.5 ounces for just $5.99 $4.99

Stop by my Watkins website and check out some of our great barbecue (BBQ?) recipes. However you say it or spell it, it’s good eating. http://www.watkinsonline.com/ryanes