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Write for You News & Notes Words Working for You
February 2012/Vol. 7, #2

Welcome to the latest issue of Write for You News & Notes with some words of wisdom on writing, business, and life. If you'd like to share any books or favorite links with our readers, send us an email. And be sure to check our website for ways that we can help you with your business. On paper or online, when you need words that work for you, I can write for you!

Nancy Passow

in this issue
  • Blog of the Month . . . Occam's RazR
  • Three Words for 2012
  • Great Expectations (No, Not Dickens!)
  • Social Media Marketing Solutions for You -- LinkedIn and Constant Contact

  • Three Words for 2012

    Okay, not only did I choose my three words but I wrote the blog about them. My three words for 2012 are Focus, Patience, and Gratitude. You can read more about them in my blog.

    As I mention in the blog, these are the more "detailed" version of last year's words (caring, integrity, and joy). I will try to be better this year about providing some updates on how I'm doing (as well as blogging a little more about each word).


    Great Expectations (No, Not Dickens!)

    I have to share another great post from Peter Bregman, "The Problem with High Expectations". It is particularly good to read while we're still near the beginning of the year, when you might still be wrestling with resolutions (or maybe you're already regretting some of your resolutions).

    Peter talks about the trouble he had choosing the color of his new bicycle. He obsessed over this decision. Eventually, Peter figured out why this decision was so difficult and why it was making him feel so bad. His expectations for himself were so high that he expected to be perfect -- always able to make the absolute right decision.

    Peter explains, "High expectations can have a positive effect; people need a high bar to stretch towards. But I think many of us take it too far. We slip so easily into criticism of ourselves and those around us -- family, friends, coworkers, public figures -- that we no longer expect people to be human beings. And when we shame ourselves and others for failing, we make things worse. We contribute to pain while nurturing impotence." Peter's answer to all this is compassion -- for yourself and for others. Do read the whole article!


    Social Media Marketing Solutions for You -- LinkedIn and Constant Contact

    Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Many people use LinkedIn to find a job, but you should also be using it as one of the marketing tools for your business. Not sure how to do that? I can review your LinkedIn profile and show you how to make it better. And if you aren't on LinkedIn yet, I can help you set-up your profile. Make an appointment today and let LinkedIn work for you!

    Are you interested in trying e-mail marketing? I am a Certified Constant Contact Expert and a Constant Contact Solution Provider. Which means I can help you with your e-mail marketing -- whether it's helping with set-up, writing the content, or doing something more advanced. I can even set up your contact lists, help you choose a template, and develop your e-mail schedule. To learn more, click here.

    E-mail marketing is a way to stay in front of your customers. Whether it's an e-letter (like this one), notice of a special event or sale, or just a holiday greeting, e-mail marketing should be a part of your marketing package. Let me help you get started.

    Constant Contact Star Logo


    Blog of the Month . . . Occam's RazR

    I'm pretty sure I've talked about Ike Pigott before -- one of my favorite bloggers, tweeters, thinkers. He writes a variety of things (when he's not doing his real work which is in Corporate Communications for Alabama Power, with a focus on social media). I've subscribed to his blog Occam's RazR (if you're not sure where the title comes from, go back to this issue of my eletter).

    The latest blog (featured on the home page) is "Being Versus Becoming". And it says: "The world will be a better place when more people read 'perfect' as a verb instead of a noun." (Ike explains why in the blog.)

    Quote of the Month: "The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong. " -- Laura Ingalls Wilder


    Happy Leap Day!! Do something fun today (February 29) in honor of this special, once-every-four-years day.

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