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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Nov. 8, 2011
WithIt International
Membership Day
Canadian Region
Thursday Nov. 17
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Waterloo Inn
475 King Street North
Waterloo, Ontario
WithIt - 6 Steps to Success
Margi Kyle, The Designing Doctor
This seminar uses the Dewey testing system and "Embrace Hue You Are" to improve your presentation skills. In 45 minutes through the selection of 6 colors your eyes automatically goes to, you will learn what are your strengths and what are your weaknesses. What you tend to overdo or not do at all. This seminar has become a huge hit across the country and it will change the way you work with your clients and family members.
Margi will begin her presentation at 6:30, but please arrive early to network beforehand.
Fee is $10 for the seminar. Go to www.withit.org to register.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
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Catherine Arkema Sketchbook Design Cambridge, Ontario Canada Russ Bienenstock Furniture World Magazine New Rochelle, NY Aaron Cabeen Cabeen Originals Chattanooga, TN Nadine Feldman Korngold Sales & Marketing Tampa, FL Diane Lewis Norwalk Furniture St. Johnsbury, VT Aldo Muccia Wray Ward Charlotte, NC Kim Price Kavante, Inc. New York, NY Jeanie Tran Brown Jordan El Monte, CA Amy Wagner Interior design student Randolph Community College Asheboro, NC Joanne Watson In the Company of Style Burlington, Ontario Canada |
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Join Our List
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 MEMBERSHIP | |
Celebrate Global, Act Local
Happy International Membership Month to WithIt members and prospects! In celebration, WithIt members will be hosting local events Nov. 8-Dec. 1 in select cities and chapters throughout North America. Why? To encourage and develop opportunities for professional women in the home and furnishings industry. "The goal is connection," explained National Membership Month founder and WithIt Chairman Stephanie Lowder, Rare Bird Creative. "The events allow and enable people to identify and connect with like minds. It's a chance to organize your own little circle of leaders, influencers and resources. This day is about changing the way we grow and help one another to grow, and to take care of our businesses and careers." For information about events being held near you, contact WithIt headquarters at director@withit.org, 336-880-2188. Snap a few photos of your event, and the host will be entered in a drawing to win a free iPad, courtesy of Wright of Thomasville.
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HIGH POINT MARKET
| |  Therapy for the Masses
WithIt's semiannual educational breakfast keynote, "The 10 Things You Need to Know About Apartment Therapy," was one of the most influential sessions of the Fall 2011 High Point Market. Apartment Therapy founder Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan shared milestones from his "twisty and turny path," as well as the motivators that led to the launch of his highly successful online brand. Ultimately, it was his 7-year stint as a schoolteacher that spurred his investigation of interiors and their effect on people.  "Home is personal," Gillingham-Ryan explained to more than 350 attendees Oct. 23 in the International Home Furnishings Center, Green Wing ballroom. "If your home doesn't support you, you're not feeling supported in life.
"I wanted to start a business about design," he continued. "Apartment Therpy's mission is to be of service ... and people are empowered [at the site]. We help them create beautiful, organized and healthy interiors." The proof is in the numbers--the site attracts 7 million unique visitors and garners 45 million page views a month. Like most successful communities, Apartment Therapy is fueled by the contributions of its followers. According to Gillingham-Ryan, the site attracts three types of enthusiasts: those looking for inspiration, homeowners in the middle of a project who need help; and people who have accomplished the first two and are ready to share. In addition to offering attendees a glimpse of the soon-to-be-launched redesigned Apartment Therapy, Gillingham-Ryan issued a challenge to the furniture industry. When pressed to share his perceptions of the home and furnishings marketplace, he observed "there is a problem in the furniture industry." The consumer doesn't understand the difference in quality between two similar chairs, one priced $200 chair and another hitting the $2,000 mark, he said. This needs to change. Also, he said the story should not be "Made in America" only. The industry must sell the history and quality of the product to create passion for it. |
HIGH POINT MARKET
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Student Mentoring
WithIt members joined together Oct. 26 to mentor 145 college guests from Appalachian State, Auburn University, Central Piedmont Community College, Meredith College, North Carolina State University, Randolph Community College and University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
The day began with round table discussions. Students picked two topics of interest and learned from WithIt mentors who specialize in one of the following disciplines: furniture design, textile design, public relations, sustainability, showroom design, marketing/advertising, entrepreneurship, color trends and product development.
Tours to contemporary, traditional and green showrooms followed. The day concluded with a presentation by Bob Timberlake, who was introduced to the students by Comer Wear, Vice President of Marketing, Century Furniture. Timberlake inspired students--love what you do and success will follow, he said.
WithIt would like to thank all sponsors and members who supported this season's event.
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Bob Timberlake interacts with college students Oct. 26 during WithIt's High Point Market Student Mentoring event. |
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| EDUCATION | | |
Blogging 101
"Blogs change everything," championed Apartment Therapy's Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan during WithIt's Fall 2011 High Point Market keynote. "They're free, international and accessible."
Whether you want to launch a new blog, or simply need to up the frequency of your posts, consider these tips from WithIt member Laura Holland, Hickory Chair, who authors the blog MadebyHickoryChair.com.
Before You Begin:
Determine your identity, audience and what visitors should know about your brand. "Credibility comes from someone who is knowledgeable and writes with passion," Holland said. Also, "if you want others to write [for your blog], they should be identified as guest authors."
Getting Started:
Develop a list of story ideas and a posting schedule, including a weekly feature. "For the first month, post short posts at least three times a week," she said. Post only low-resolution images (72 dpi) and allow visitors to subscribe to your blog by way of email notifications or an RSS feed.
Attribution:
"If you post commentary from another blogger at your blog, send an e-mail with a quick note," Holland advised. "If you're quoting a news story, let the reporter know." She recommends sending a simple message: "I liked your post today and linked it at (insert direct link, or permalink, to your blog posting here). Include you name and signature."
The rules of attribution are simple, according to Holland. "If you quote a blogger directly, link the specific post and use quotation marks," she said. "If you quote a newspaper, trade publication, book, professional work or business document, list the author, publication, date, page number and provide a link. If you got an idea from another blogger, but do no quote him or her, give them a hat tip. A hat tip is a link at the end of post that simply states, 'Hat Tip, blogger's name (as hyperlink).' "
Comments:
"Most people will read your blog and never comment," Holland said. But those who do provide feedback and validation; comments let you interact with your audience. Remember this, Holland advised: "Your blog is your space to say and do what you want, and no one has the right to tell you what to do."
One way to avoid comments that can be harmful to your brand is to choose setup preferences that allow you to review and publish or reject comments. "Create a policy to manage by and then live by it," she said. "This is very important for business blogs."
Blog Etiquette:
The golden rule applies, Holland quipped. Follow these basics: always thank people who comment, reply to one of their statements, and if they blog, visit their blog and comment on their posts.
Be Helpful:
"Being engaged in your online community is an important part of a company blogger's job," Holland said. "You can do this through links, forwarding emails and articles. Always strive to give more than you get. This is the foundation of networking." Do so, and you will find great reward in both your personal and professional lives, she added.
Think Before You Post: "Make sure your posts are factual, and review your writing before you post to be sure the information is presented logically and intelligently," Holland cautioned. Review your grammar and spelling, test your hyperlinks, and make sure you are not attacking someone. Lastly,"don't blog angry, don't blog drunk, and don't blog on no sleep," she added.
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HIGH POINT MARKET
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Photo Gallery
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At the Phillips Collection Industry Mixer: (left to right) Betty Lyn Eller, Maybelline Te, Laura Keitlen and Jane Matteson.
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At the Phillips Collection Industry Mixer: (left to right) Lauren West, Kimberley Wray and Jason Phillips.
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WithIt's Competitive Intelligence hosted by Braxton Culler (left to right) Susan Victoria, Tobi Fairley, Libby Langdon and Luca Rensi.
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Competitive Intelligence attendees (from left to right) Leslie Mann, Joanne Watson, Jan Burge and Trudy Feeney.
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WithIt's Board of Governors Meeting (from left to right) Kim Knopf and Jena Hall
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WithIt's Board of Governors Meeting (left to right) Stephanie Lowder and Peggy Traub.
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Libby Langdon in the Braxton Culler Showroom with student guests from Florida State University.
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| RESOURCES | | |
Get Your Blog On
WithIt thanks member Ruth Olbrych, Antiques by Zaar, who initiated the creation of a WithIt Bloggers directory. To be included in future listings, send an email message to julie@ninemusesmedia.com. Include your name, company name, blog name, Web address and intended audience/readership. Here's a sampling of who's on the list so far: Judy George, Judy George International www.hotelmaison.com/#judys_blog.cfm Katie Hatch, Katie Hatch [Design] katie-hatch.blogspot.com Kiersten Hathcock, Mod Mom Furniture www.modmomfurniture.blogspot.com Laura Holland, Hickory Chair www.madebyhickorychair.com Kathleen Holterman, Holterman & Co. Artinresidence.wordpress.com Michelle Lamb, The Trend Curve trendcurve.com/blog Barbara Miller, Yes Spaces www.yesspaces.com/blog Ruth Olbrych, Antiques by Zaar Ruthantiquesbyzaar.wordpress.com Julia Rosien, SocialNorth.com Socialnorth.com/category/blog99 Kim Salmela, Judy George International www.hotelmaison.com/#kims_blog.cfm Kim Shaver, Hooker Furniture Blog.hookerfurniture.com Chemine Taylor-Smith, High Point Market Authority Readeatthink.blogspot.com Maybelline Te, Snug Furniture www.froulalablog.com Julie Smith Vincenti, Home Musings www.homemusings.com |
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Have a story idea for an upcoming e-newsletter? Submit your idea to Julie Smith Vincenti, Vice President-Media.
WithIt, Inc. PO Box 16264, High Point, NC 27261 Office: 2125 Eastchester Drive Suite 103, High Point, NC 27265 www.withit.org |
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