Networking, 25th Anniversary of Challenger, and more...News from PEP!

Family,

I hope things have been great for you since we last connected. For the last 5+ years since I started communicating to you via my weekly newsletters, I have learned soooo much from you and about myself. I have met tons of folks, linked up with tons of folks, and connected with tons of folks from different cultures. I LOVE this job that I created for myself and insist on putting my all into it even when I feel tired (like I do this week).

I have learned that most folks are bombarded with emails and newsletters, and that a huge percentage of my subscribers do not actually READ all of what is included in MY newsletter. Am I upset about that? Of course not! I have the same issues you do with getting way too much in my Inbox; in fact, because my email is public knowledge, I get MORE than you do. Be that as it may, I have also learned that most of you read my editorials (if nothing else) and that is also evidenced when you take the time out to send me a note...I LOVE that!

The most heart-warming thing I have learned is that my reputation precedes me. When folks I do not know see me and make comments like "Peppy, thanks for writing about that story...I learned so much," or "Hey Pep, thanks for all the good work you are doing in the community," I want to hug the life out of them. I am humbled and thank you for staying connected with me.

Each year at this time, I am asked to share what I know about networking to a wonderful group of people. This week -- despite being very tired, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of about 30 youths who had me at their mercy. I was going to customize my message to suit their age group, when it hit me -- they are more mature than we think! When it was time for their feedback, it was further reinforced how "bright" they are. Even though we are quick to say that this generation is "acting out," we have to give kudos to those who actually "act UP" and show their maturity.

The act of developing contacts, sharing information, and connecting people has become second nature to me and while I do not profess to be an expert at networking, I know a little "supm supm" and learned a little "supm supm" from the youths this week.

Here are a few tips that have become part of MY personal recipe for succesful networking.

Please remember that there is an abundance of opportunities for everyone. Don't try to step on other people's toes and be unethical in your quest to "network"
If one door closes in your face, remember that many more are open
You do not have to be a social butterfly to truly network. Treat each "meeting" as an opportunity to expand your personal network
Network with professionalism and integrity. Do not network just because you want something - make networking a life skill
If you want to be taken seriously, make sure you can seriously speak about your business, product, and/or service on the spot
Always arm yourself with business cards and other marketing material whenever you leave the house - you never know who you might run into
Don't get stuck into your personal box or circle - get out of your comfort zone and mix and mingle with new groups. On the other hand, be very selective about the groups and companies you "mix up" with
Always be generous with information and business contacts. You are not the only one who wants access to pertinent information and business people
Social networking sites are the "IT" things these days. The internet is waiting for you to carefully and creatively "expose" yourself (not in the crass sense of the word, LOL)

I hope that each of you who are reading this, sees the value in networking regardless of your age, profession or life goals. As one of the youths said to me this week, "Ms. Rosie, I know that Facebook is hot right now, but it cannot replace a link up with my friends and mentors." Well said, Nola. You rock!

Until next week, peace and continued blessings.

Rosie "Peppy" Parke

Creative Director

PEPPY ENTERTAINMENT & PROMOTIONS, LLC

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Special thanks to one of our subscribers, Mae H. Best for sharing this story. Ron McNair (bottom right) was Ms. Best's schoolmate.

"On a bright blue morning in Florida in 1986, the Challenger shuttle launched into space. Twenty-eight years had passed since NASA had first formed. Shuttle flights had become routine. What set this one apart was the diversity of the crew and the addition of the first teacher in space, Christa McAuliffe. The shuttle took off buoyed by hope and pride, watched by a nation enamored with the great U.S. space program and by schoolchildren filling classrooms early in the morning.

Seventy-three seconds later, the shuttle disappeared into an orange and white cloud, and the nation stood in shock and disbelief."

READ MORE HERE.

PEP Talk! SCHEDULE AND INTERVIEW LINKS

PEP Talk! is a new talk show hosted by yours truly. It features interesting interviews with everyday people who are very passionate, energetic, and all about perseverance.
PEP Talk! is available to YOU for free and wherever you are, so if you have not yet started watching, there is no time like the present.

The much anticipated pepisode #4 with Cen'C Love (daughter of living legend, Bunny Wailer is actually due this Saturday, January 29. Because I know that many of you who live in colder parts were "snowed in" this week, I thought it would be a nice gesture to give you a little more than a sample. You can click HERE to watch the sample or wait until Saturday to see it. In any event, you WILL enjoy it.

"Peppy, Cen'C and I watched it together and were ready for more! Love it.

Thanks."

Millie David, ATL

"Peppy, I watched the interview with Cen'C. LOVED IT!!! Such a nice, comfortable flow. Give thanks for your relentless and quality work for the people. Respect everytime."

Dera Tompkins, DC

"Peppy, you are magical on camera. It is obvious that you are not using any notes, but you ask just the right questions. Keep on keeping on, I admire your work."

Winston Jones, Jamaica

"I enjoy your series, Pep, because I always learn so much! Thanks so much for producing this show and I wish you well."

musiclove5760 (Youtube subscriber)

" We checked the first two "PEPisodes" and were really impressed with the high quality. Rosie's stage ready and stage worthy!"

James Coleman, www.onstage-dc.com

CATCH THE PEPISODES ON DEMAND!

Click HERE to see pepisode #3 with Jacqueline Hall & Yasmin Anderson-Smith (27:18 minutes)
Click HERE to see pepisode #2 with Loide Jorge (29:13 minutes)
Click HERE to see pepisode #1 with Faruq Muhammad (28:38 minutes)
Click HERE to see the PEP Talk! Promotional Trailer (7:49 minutes)

PEP Talk! MUSIC

Music for PEP Talk! is provided by Movementunes.com
Pepisode #1 features music from Precise Science
Pepisode #2 features music from Loide Jorge
Pepisode #3 features music from Heru
PEP Talk! Theme song "Hip Hop Nation" is from Keinan "Rastafunk" Roland

WHO WILL BE ON FOR FEBRUARY & MARCH

February:

Johann Richard of Kay Nou Inc.

Oji Jaja, culinary artist of Ashebre.com

Eric and Tamar Goodson of Goodson's Enterprises

Stan Evan Smith, freelance journalist

NEW CHANNELS TO BE ADDED

Please pardon the progress while FLEMOTV upgrades. Continue watching on our Youtube Channel on Saturdays; CarivibezTv on Tuesdays, and Caribbean Vibes on Wednesdays.

More channels to be added! We need YOUR support so please share the interviews with your network.

SPONSORSHIP
We are currently seeking sponsorship for PEP Talk! Click HERE for a packet or email peptalk@peppypromotions.com.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Watch our pepisodes on our Youtube channel, leave a comment, subscribe to our channel and share the link with your network. It is THAT simple!!!

QUICK LINKS

Join Africa for the Africans on another incredible journey to the motherland. Our upcoming tours are: Ghana Repatriation & Investment Tours:

July 20-Aug 2, 2011
Oct 26-Nov 8, 2011
Feb 22-Mar 6, 2012.

afta2010@msn.com

to get additional, pay your deposit, and reserve YOUR space!

Experience a vibrant Africa with a mix of Roots, Culture, Paradise, Night life, Shopping, Networking, Business and Investment opportunities.

www.africafortheafricans.org.

This Weekend in the DMV

PEPPY ENTERTAINMENT & PROMOTIONS

P.O. Box 448, Cheltenham, MD 20623

Email: peppypromotions@gmail.com

Website: www.peppypromotions.com

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