Today We Eat Steak!

I Feel Like a Steak!

Yes today,  I feel like a steak. No, I don’t actually feel like a steak, but I’d like to eat one! OK, so today I’d like to eat a steak! Gosh, I need to explain. I live in rather a small town and if something new pops up, well, everyone wants to know about it and I’m no exception. Recently, in the local paper was a full page color ad for a new restaurant, Joe’s Steakhouse. Wow! Now I do recall a place being renovated on my weekend jaunts to feed lonely horses with my sweet one and it’s but a country mile from my home … who knew! I had to check to see if they had a (if not, I’d be all over it of course) and they do and it’s nice and welcoming. I think I’m going to like Joe’s.

No, I Don’t Know Them and I’m Not Looking for a Free Meal.

Now I swear these people don’t have a clue  I even exist and I’m not plugging them for a free meal. I can’t give a food review and why would anyone care because most who would read this are quite a good distance. (I don’t think Front Royal is on anyone’s bucket list. Too bad for them.) The only review I can give is what the inside looks like (from their website) and well … its “steakhouse-ish”. It’s a definite goal on my list; a future reward. The point to all this is, I love a good story and every has one. I love Joe’s story … it’s short, sweet, and it’s inspiring. I won’t spoil it you’ll have to read it.

joes logo black crop Today We Eat Steak!

Work Smarter, Not Harder.

WebsitesGiveBack has recently decided to make some significant changes. Some hard lessons learned – the biggest being “work smarter, not harder”. We’ve spent the last two years working extremely hard and that journey has led us to this chapter. We’ve been strictly a website design company and now we have added videos to use for websites, social media and various marketing. They’re made to inform, educate and entertain the businesses they feature. We’re pretty excited and today is the first page in this new chapter. Today we eat steak! 

Today like all others, is an opportunity

to new start

to change things

to make things right

to end bad habits

to make new goals

to forgive and to forget

to love again

to say your sorry and make amends

to tear down and to rebuild

to add on

and take away

it’s my opportunity – it’s your opportunity

What If I’m a Vegetarian?

I know, I know … Jack is going to ask, “What if you’re a vegetarian?” and Bill will say something along the lines of, “What kind of steak?” or “What if I want a instead?” Ah, but were talkin’ Mr. Dorman and anything with food, he’s in!  But getting back … don’t be afraid to change directions or take a flying leap (in a good way!).  Be forgiving of yourself and know that whatever it is you do today, it’s the past - your journey filled with all the ups and downs and twist and turns that brought you to this very moment  and that’s a good thing! Always … be courageous!

Today we eat steak!

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” -Andre Gide

signature thumb Today We Eat Steak!

Posted in Business-to-Business, Entrepreneurship, Good Business, Inspiration, Small Business Wisdom, Video | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Long Spoons.

long spoons thumb Long Spoons.

FEED ONE ANOTHER.

Upon his death a man was given a tour of both heaven and hell, so he could select his final destination. First he was taken to hell. He saw a lot of people sitting at a long banquet table loaded with all kinds of delicious food. However, he noticed that all the people seated were unhappy, and looked frustrated. They each had a fork strapped to the left arm and a knife strapped to the right arm – they had no elbows. Each had a four-foot handle which made it impossible for them to eat. With all kinds of good in front of them they were not able to taste any of it. After this scene in hell he was taken on a tour of heaven. He noticed that the people in heaven were also seated at a long banquet table loaded with all kinds of delicious good. There was a difference here because he noticed that the people here were cheerful and enjoying themselves. They also had forks and knives with a four-foot handle – they had no elbows. They were busy eating because they were feeding each other. Each person in heaven was feeding the one across the table from him and was being fed in return. The people in hell were unable to eat because they were trying to feed only themselves.

This is one of my all time favorite stories.There are different versions of titled, “Long Spoons” which are so worth looking up; as many give greater, more elaborate details – making it even more profound and beautiful.

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This story is about interdependence. Interdependence is defined as, “dependence between two or more people, groups, or things; mutually reliant on each other. In all aspects of we experience interdependence – no man is an island (despite many who think they are). Being interdependent is obvious in our personal relationships and family lives.Yet, it’s interesting to reflect on interdependence in the work and business world; heck, even in the blogging world. In business we need people to buy our goods or services; help spread the word, promote us, pay us and so on. When we write, we want (we need) people to read and to interact with us. I think sometimes we feel alone on these different journeys. Maybe not the entire time, but perhaps just down different roads we turn before reaching yet another crossroad. Those are the times of great reflection and times when we need to reach out most. Having someone to relate to – to cheer us on – to go through the mud with makes all the difference. Often, it gives us the strength to be the hand, the shoulder or the rock for the next person at the crossroad of their journey. We learn that the journey never really ends; there’s no final destination, except perhaps at death and even then …

CHOICE.

We’ll always have the need for others; others will always need us. I choose to live heaven on earth and feed others in any way I can; hopefully, in the most positive, productive and loving way I can. I am assured too that I will fall, I will fail and I will ask for forgiveness (forgiveness of others and myself).

Do you make the choice to “feed others” or “starve”?

Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat. Mother Teresa
signature thumb1 Long Spoons.

Posted in Business-to-Business, Entrepreneurship, Good Business, Inspiration, Small Business Wisdom | Tagged , | 27 Comments

Some Days a Diamond, Some Days are Stone.

Some days are diamonds, some days are
Some time the hard times won’t leave me alone
Some times the cold winds blow a chill in my bones
Some days are diamonds, some days are stone.

Words/music by Dick Feller Sung by John Denver

diamond thumb1 Some Days a Diamond, Some Days are Stone.

? Stone?

My body clock decides to not work and I’m late, which means my child is rushing too. The day starts off well … not very sparkly.

Diamond: I keep my attitude in check making a conscious effort to be in the moment and happy for and with my child.

Stone: I get frustrated and take it out on my child blaming everyone and everything.

I choose a diamond day!

A client I had hoped would close on a website has decided against it.

Diamond: I sincerely wish them luck; leaving the door open if things change or for future referrals.

Stone: I am rude; taking their decision personally.

I choose a diamond day! Continue reading

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You’re Dead to Me … (if you don’t have a website).

godfather michael fredo corleone thumb Youre Dead to Me ... (if you dont have a website).

Fredo, you’re nothing to me now. You’re not a brother, you’re not a friend. I don’t want to know you or what you do. I don’t want to see you at the hotels, I don’t want you near my house. When you see our mother, I want to know a day in advance, so I won’t be there. You understand? “ (by Michael Corleone) Basically … You’re dead to me.

I so get this. Ok, so I’m part Italian, though I feel that dominates my entire personality at times, and anyone who knows me knows that when I’m done, I’m done and basically … “you’re dead to me”. It’s just part of my make up. But heck …

I’m Not the Only One Who Feels That Way.

Let me tell you … if you’re a small and you don’t have a website; you’re dead to a lot more folks than just me. They may not utter the exact words “you’re dead to me”, but they very well may use the word, “Next!” If you’re a plumber, roofer, electrician or any business in the trades and someone is looking up your services and all that comes up is an online listing with just your name and a phone number, then you can pretty much be sure you are missing business … period. Continue reading

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The Sunshine Award

sunshine award thumb The Sunshine Award

This memory brightens o’er the past,
As when the sun, concealed
Behind some cloud that near us hangs
Shines on a distant field.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Recently, I’ve been reading wonderful posts about those who’ve received the Sunshine Award. This award is great because it introduces your followers to others you value and follow. I have humbly been the recipient as well.  To accept this award, there are a few rules that one is to abide …

3 RULES:

1. Thank the person(s) who gave you the award. check thumb The Sunshine Award

2.  Answer 10 questions. check thumb1 The Sunshine Award

3.  Pass the award on to 10-12ish sunshine-worthy bloggers. check thumb2 The Sunshine Award

So here we go …

1. So Thankful for …

The ever-inspiring, true blue Kaarina Dillabough of decide2do was beyond kind to include me in her faboo list of Sunshine Award winners. Delightful and incredibly genuine, of VizSource somehow found me worthy to include in her amazing list too. And boy this one got me … the dapper, blue-eyed funny man Mr. Bill Dorman humbled me immensely by his inclusion. Wow! Talk about my favorite folks! I can’t fully express to these rays of sunshinein my life, how much their support and belief has kept me going when there were times I wanted off the ride … I’m so grateful for their friendship. Thank you, thank you! Continue reading

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Merry Christmas!

Peace on earth thumb Merry Christmas!…”on earth peace, toward men of good will” (Luke 2:14).

We hope your holiday was worthy, wonderful and most memorable … just like what you are to us!

Goodness to you and yours,

signature thumb3 Merry Christmas!

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Is Your Website Relationship Like a Sad Country Song?

 

 

Alright I’m showing my age here. The Muppets must have had a lot of clout (or is it Klout?!) taking big stars (of the day) like Mac Davis and making them wear outfits like this!! Niiice look there Mac! Yikes!! Too funny!

Baby, baby don’t get hooked on me.
‘Cause I’ll just use you then I’ll set you free.
Girl don’t let your get tangled up with mine,
’cause I’ll just leave you, I can’t take no clinging vine.

Bliss.

Ah bliss, you’ve just signed (your life away) a contract for a new website for your small and you’re on top of the world. It’s like a new and your giddy with delight! You feel like one heck of a hottie because for weeks you were pursued and wooed and oh the time and attention you were given! You finally took the leap, hitched a ride to their star and you’re off on a new adventure sailing unchartered waters(get a lifejacket!). You’re so smitten with your webmaster!

Obsessive. Suspicious.

A few days go by and your gathering necessary information to pass along, but you notice something’s a bit different; you’re phone isn’t ringing as much. Hmm … You find yourself constantly checking your email and messages being even more obsessive than usual. You dial their number and hang up a few times before you actually let it go through. There’s a bit of a role reversal occurring and it makes you slightly uneasy. Soon you realize you’re making all the calls and you never speak to the original pursuer again because they’re never available or your told they’ll “call you back”. You start feeling insecure, even jealous, wondering if you’re not the apple of their eye after all. Continue reading

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Why Kiss a Frog When You Can Kiss a Moose Instead?!

Kissing a Frog.

frogkiss thumb Why Kiss a Frog When You Can Kiss a Moose Instead?!

So do you really have to “kiss a few frogs to find a prince?” What if the frog never turns into your prince? How disappointing ey? Then I ask, why just kiss a frog when you can kiss a moose instead?! That’s right, do something totally ! (Hmm … while on the topic of frogs and princes, check out Lori Gosselin’s latest post, Do You Believe in Happily Ever After? – you’ll it!)

Kissing a Moose.

I have an affinity towards moose for some reason. I have about a dozen moose ornaments from Lenox I’ve collected over the years and love bringing them out each Christmas. So naturally I melted when I saw this photo and I knew there was a post just waiting to be written. (Actually my mother sent this to me and said, “Any blog possibilities?” Ah, she knows me well!) wlEmoticon winkingsmile1 Why Kiss a Frog When You Can Kiss a Moose Instead?!

clip image001 thumb Why Kiss a Frog When You Can Kiss a Moose Instead?!

“Kissed by a Wild Moose” (aren’t all moose wild?!). Stands 6′ 1″ at 250 lbs. I want one!!! Continue reading

Posted in Business-to-Business, Entrepreneurship, Good Business, Inspiration, Marketing/Sales, Small Business Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

Kaarina Dillabough

 

This vlog is long overdue and was filmed a bit back; however, it has taken me far too long to get to and edit, so … finally! This brief little vlog is for the wonderful Kaarina Dillabough and ah what a treasure she is! In fact, I’ve been discovering recently just how many treasures she has herself! Kaarina makes hand-crafted vintage necklaces just like this one I originally bought this for my mom, which is a stamp of The King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis! Ah, but I have a secret affair with it and want to keep it all to myself, so… I’ll be ordering another one quite soon from this special lady! wlEmoticon winkingsmile Kaarina Dillabough

This fantabulous postage stamp jewelry by Kaarina make excellent gifts for stamp lovers and for anyone that loves a specific famous person or hobby and wants the stamp that commemorates it on a necklace. Inexpensive, hand crafted pieces under $40 on sterling silver chains and they’re shipped directly to you! These are so different and unique! Continue reading

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Love Drop #11 | Diomi and Nallee.

Help give a Love Drop this season!

 

Love Drop does good and make a difference … they will win and warm your heart when you learn about the lives they are touching one love drop at a time … guaranteed!

is a micro-giving network of people who unite as a community to help one person or family a month. By subscribing to the team for as little as $1, they make it easy for their members to change lives in a fun and tangible way. Each month Love Drop delivers a unique combination of unexpected financial gifts, personal encouragement and the support of local and online communities.

Another Mission.

This Christmas Love Drop is coming together for Diomi and her son Nallee, who are going into the cold Milwaukee winter with very little food, clothes, and other necessities. Diomi has been through so much, including the loss of her father, the loss of her job, and clinical depression. But even through the pain you can see all the love she has for , who has one of the most beautiful personalities you’ll find. icon smile Love Drop #11 | Diomi and Nallee. Continue reading

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“Why Go Out for Hamburger When You Have Steak at Home?”

 

The Best Compliment!

“Why go out for hamburger when you have steak at home?” This is a wonderful statement Paul Newmanmade about his beloved wife Joanne Woodward and what a beautiful sentiment. Wouldn’t we all looove to hear that said about us!

Being a Steak in Love.

In love, being the steak at home takes , respect, loyalty and honesty. We must give more them more than what the outside world has to offer. Care  more about ourselves and give our best. We must love fiercely; be memorable and make our other half the center of our world. Being steak mean you go out of your way to let your love know you care and how much they mean to you in little and big ways.  Most important, let hem know you want them and need them. Continue reading

Posted in Business-to-Business, Entrepreneurship, Good Business, Small Business Wisdom, Website Design | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Call To Action

 

3 Popular Words.

I just wanted to touch briefly on a very important item and that is your Call to Action! These are three very popular words floating about the internet right now and for good reason. In the world of , nothing is more frustrating than going to a site and having to search for a phone number – one major call to action! We run across this countless times a day with websites in the -on plumbing websites, electrician websites, roofing websites and more. It’s amazing how many times it’s not obvious or even on the home page. When you get to the website, either there is no number or it’s so small and misplaced you miss it. And when someone misses your call to action, you’re missing . Remember people don’t like to work for things and want it in an instant. Be sure that on your website there is a clear and obviouscall to action. Continue reading

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Turkey Trivia | Happy Thanksgiving!

 

This would typically be our Word of the Weekvlog; however, we’re going to mix things up a bit. In honor of Thanksgiving, we’re going to be doing “turkey ” instead! YAY!

Useless. Silly. Goofy. Odd. Little Facts.

  • Ben Franklin was displeased with the bald eagle as centerpiece to the nation’s Great Seal, referring to him as a coward and lazy. He actually wanted the turkey as the symbol instead!
  • Thanksgiving is celebrated only in the U.S. – in Canada (honestly, I only found this out as my Canadian blogging brothers and sisters celebrated this year and shared their day with us through their blogs and social media).
  • Gimbel’s(not Macy’s) was the first department store to hold a Thanksgiving Day Parade. Continue reading
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You Gotta Play to Win!

powerball thumb You Gotta Play to Win!In the game of life, you gotta play to .

In , you gotta expose your heart and big to win.

In business, you gotta focus on those customers and gain their to win.

As an entrepreneur, you need to put your own skin in the game to win.

In sales, you gotta makes those calls and call backs to win.

If you don’t play, you don’t win. Period.

And don’t forget, playing involves risk. Period.

Quotes on Risk-Taking:

“The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.”Leo F. Buscaglia

“Often the difference between a successful person and a failure is not one has better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on one’s ideas, to take a calculated risk – and to act.” Andre Malraux Continue reading

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3D Renderings and A Guest Post

Happy Monday!

Today I’m at Kim Davies of 3D Renderings home and lovin’ it!  What a nice place she has!

We’re discussing being multifaceted and what it means | 3D Renderings Defines Multifaceted and So Do You.

Please stop by and share your thoughts!

3D Renderings thumb 3D Renderings and A Guest Post

Wherever there is a human being, there is an for a kindness. ~Seneca

signature thumb5 3D Renderings and A Guest Post

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The Sign of Thank You | To Our Veterans

I had another post written for today; it’ll have to wait. People are talking about the fascination of 11-11-11. This day should mean only one thing to us in the United States; it’s a day of honor and Veteran’s Day. Honor and thanks to those who leave their families, risk their lives and have died to defend and protect our precious freedoms! Freedoms that hang in the balance this very moment.

Veterans Day coincides with Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended . So today, in various places people remember … as the should.

Take time today to reflect and if you see a person of the Armed Forces (today or any day) take the time to thank them; they do good work and are so worthy of our gratitude. Continue reading

Posted in Holidays, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

How Important are Online Reviews for Your Small Business?

 

Very Important.

That’s how important online reviews for your small business or your local business. If you’re not getting reviews, you’re missing out. One of the biggest things I tell our website clients to do to help give their website a boost and move them up in page rankings is to get online reviews. First, get reviews on your Place page and Yahoo Localpage, for obvious reasons. Even only a handful of reviews on various sites will do wonders for your Google . Not only does Google search your site for keywords and content, but it also searches the rest of the web for your name. If your name is mentioned a lot, you move up in the rankings. And one of the best ways to get your name out and around the web is through online reviews. Continue reading

Posted in Business-to-Business, Good Business, Inspiration, Local Search, Marketing/Sales, Small Business Wisdom, Website Design | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Three Frogs Sitting on a Log.

frogs thumb Three Frogs Sitting on a Log.Three frogs are sitting on a log.

One decides to jump.

How many are left?

Three.

The made a decision but took no action.

Sound familiar?

Ah, indeed there is a notable difference between deciding to do something and actuallydoing it.

In order to experience , to live it, we need to act! And we either choose to let things happen to us; therefore, falling into the “victim” syndrome. Or make things happen, which is what I would call the “victory” syndrome! For me, I’ll take the latter.

It hasn’t always been, nor is it always that way for me though. Several of my other blog posts (How Steal is Made, Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying) stem from those somewhat dark, sketchy little places called uncertainty, fear and complacency. Continue reading

Posted in Entrepreneurship, Good Business, Inspiration, Small Business Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Word of the Week Vlog | TACT

 

This is our vlog!  The word for this week is .

Definition:

1. a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.

2. a keen sense of what is appropriate, tasteful, or aesthetically pleasing; taste; discrimination. 3. skill or judgment in handling difficult or delicate situations; diplomacy.

Tact is a word I like and appreciate. It is a word that I feel is essential in a person’s vocabulary – in anyone’s vocabulary. Continue reading

Posted in Business-to-Business, Entrepreneurship, Inspiration, Small Business Wisdom, Word of the Week | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Love Drop #11 | Marci and Family.

Love Drop does good and make a difference … it warms my heart (and it will yours too!) to know how the lives they are touching one love drop at a time!

Love Drop is a micro-giving network of people who unite as a community to help one person or family a month. By subscribing to the team for as little as $1, they make it easy for their members to change lives in a fun and tangible way. Each month Love Drop delivers a unique combination of unexpected financial gifts, personal encouragement and the support of local and online communities.

Another .

Love Dropis on another mission. They just came back from the Indianapolis area where they dropped $2,500 worth of baby gifts on newborn triplets (they’re so cute!!), and THIS month they’re trying to round up the love for another mother who needs our help — this time fighting against cancer for the 3rd time in 10 years. Continue reading

Posted in Bloggers, Charitable Efforts, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments
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