Grand Ascent Online Women's Magazine | Success Secrets for Women

Grand Ascent Online Women's Magazine | Success Secrets for Women http://www.grandascent.com More Love, More Money, Fashion & Fun! Sat, 18 May 2013 23:00:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 The Business Plan Checklist for Women http://www.grandascent.com/4554/the-business-plan-checklist-for-women/ http://www.grandascent.com/4554/the-business-plan-checklist-for-women/#comments Sat, 18 May 2013 19:30:06 +0000 admin1 http://www.grandascent.com/?p=4554

Image by: chrismeller By Jessie Marc Are you getting closer and closer to the day of your official business launch? I know from personal experience how overwhelming it can be – there are a million little details just waiting to make or break your venture. The best thing you can do is maintain an organized, well-planned approach to avoid disasters and give yourself the best possible start. There are many resources available specifically for women running their own businesses, including grants, special loans and mentoring programs. Check out the U.S. Small Business Association's page for all kinds of info on this, and make sure to look at about.com's mega list of resources for female business owners. I’ve been involved in starting a few different businesses – the later ones were successful, while my first attempt was a scattered failure due to a total lack of long term planning. Here are the things that I’ve found, through trial and error, to be the most important things to put on your business launch checklist.

#1)Write A Solid Business Plan It’s easy to skip writing a business plan, especially if you’re a sole proprietor. It might seem excessive to put together a big document like this for a small venture, but it’s your roadmap for the next few years. You’ll need it to apply for business loans and grants, anda quarterly “checkup” on where your business is at compared to the plan can be a great way to stay on track. Start with an executive summary of your business – a short outline of what your business will do, how it will be profitable, who will be responsible and why it will beat out competitors. Write a detailed outline of your marketing strategy with data on your target demographic. Include a section with a short bio on each person involved in the company. Ladies Who Launch have a solid guide put together to help you navigate the business plan writing process - check it out here! #2) Get An Employer ID Number Your Employer ID Number (EIN) is like a social security number for your company. Get everything right with the IRS from the start! Unless you’re registered as a sole proprietorship, your personal and business income are evaluated separately, and it’s as fun as pulling teeth to try and get everything separated months after you’ve started generating income with your business. You can register for your Employer ID Number for free on the IRS website – click here to do it now! To simplify things, there’s a basic list of questions to help you determine whether or not you need an EIN. Beyond keeping things organized tax-wise, you’ll need your EIN to apply for various wholesale accounts and suppliers. Head over to Madame Noire for more on getting your EIN. #3) Get Online There’s really no excuse for not having a website anymore – whether you’re opening a shop or working from home, your customers will likely look online first to find either you or your competitor. The sooner you get a site up, the faster you’ll be able to start popping up in search results. If you’re working with a designer to build your site, don’t be afraid to ask for revisions or say something if you don’t like the style. Graphic designers work to create what you want – not the other way around. Just remember that a lot of revisions may increase the price, so give your designer as much information as possible from the start to avoid costly misunderstandings. #4) Develop Your Brand Identity What if McDonald’s didn’t have their golden arches? A simple icon can be the key to keeping a permanent place in your customer’s memories. If there’s anything you’re going to splurge on during the launch, spend a little extra to hire an experienced logo designer. Hopefully you’ll be using it for years to come, so make sure you – and your target market – will love it. Andrea Shillington has a great piece on hiring a graphic designer if you're not sure how to go about it. Make sure to take a good look at their portfolio and evaluate whether or not they have the talent to create the look you're after. #5) Register Your Business Name Unless you’re doing business under your own name, you’ll also need to register your “Doing Business As” (DBA) with the U.S. Small Business Administration. This is legally required in most states, and enables you to open bank accounts and take out loans under your business name. Go here to learn more about how to register your business name. Go check out Women in Business for help on choosing a business name!]]> http://www.grandascent.com/4554/the-business-plan-checklist-for-women/feed/ 2 6 Easy Tricks to Reclaim Your Beach Body http://www.grandascent.com/4547/6-easy-tricks-to-reclaim-your-beach-body/ http://www.grandascent.com/4547/6-easy-tricks-to-reclaim-your-beach-body/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 16:30:17 +0000 admin1 http://www.grandascent.com/?p=4547

6 Easy Tricks to Reclaim Your Beach Body

I’m so excited that summer is finally here! Today I got to lay on the beach for the first time this year – I’ve been working out every morning for the past 6 weeks in anticipation and it’s definitely starting to pay off. The key is staying consistent – it’s easy to push off your exercise routine until tomorrow, but be tough with yourself in the beginning and it’ll become part of your routine.]]>

Image by: barsen By Madeline Chambers I’m so excited that summer is finally here! Today I got to lay on the beach for the first time this year – I’ve been working out every morning for the past 6 weeks in anticipation and it’s definitely starting to pay off. The key is staying consistent – it’s easy to push off your exercise routine until tomorrow, but be tough with yourself in the beginning and it’ll become part of your routine.

Always check with your doctor before you begin any workout routine, and make sure to stay hydrated. It takes dedication to get in shape and it won’t happen overnight, but if you write out a plan and stick to it, you won’t have a problem. Remember that everyone’s body is different, so don’t push yourself too hard or give up if it takes longer than you hoped – it’s worth it! Work Your Abs I don’t know about you girls, but I’m usually most concerned about getting my stomach toned up before it’s bikini time. Crunches are my go-to trick for getting back in shape quickly (here are instructions with photos if you’ve never done them.) I’ve found that using a yoga mat makes it a lot more comfortable – if you don’t have one, try folding a blanket in half and laying on it. Set yourself a daily target number of crunches you’d like to accomplish – I usually do 400-500 spread out throughout the day in blocks of 100. That’s a lot, so start with what you’re comfortable with. You can also try twisting out to the side to work more muscles and stretch out your back. Amp Up Your Curves Want to give your butt a lift? I’m not naturally the curviest girl, but doing 50 lunges twice a day has made a big difference – plus it’s great for loosening up your hamstrings. Here’s an illustrated guide to lunges – try holding a set of 1lb weights in your hands to challenge yourself more. Make sure you stretch before doing any kind of workout to avoid tearing or straining any muscles. Supercharge Your Legs You’ll be surprised how quickly your legs will tone up by skipping the elevator and taking a few flights of stairs every day. You can also stand with your feet at shoulder width and rise up on your tiptoes. Hold this for 5-10 seconds and then slowly lower back down to the floor. If you have weak ankles, it’s best to start with your feet closer together until you’ve built up more strength. I recently bought a new bicycle and have been trying to use it more instead of driving everywhere – if you have the option to, I highly recommend it. After about a week, I’m seeing a big difference in my legs and in combination with the crunches, my abs are toning up faster. ]]> http://www.grandascent.com/4547/6-easy-tricks-to-reclaim-your-beach-body/feed/ 3 5 Signs it’s Time for Him to Meet Your Kids http://www.grandascent.com/4541/5-signs-its-time-for-him-to-meet-your-kids/ http://www.grandascent.com/4541/5-signs-its-time-for-him-to-meet-your-kids/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 13:51:40 +0000 admin1 http://www.grandascent.com/?p=4541

5 Signs it's Time for Him to Meet Your Kids

If you’re a single mom, you probably already know how much more complicated dating becomes when there are children involved. Instead of only two hearts being on the line, the little ones will get emotionally involved too.]]>

Image by: www.photographybyjoelle.com By Cara Green If you’re a single mom, you probably already know how much more complicated dating becomes when there are children involved. Instead of only two hearts being on the line, the little ones will get emotionally involved too. If you’re starting to wonder if your relationship has gotten to the point where your kids should meet him, here are a few signs to help you tell if it’s time. You’re 100% Committed An unspoken agreement isn’t enough. It’s really important to make sure you’ve talked about where your relationship is at and are both 100% committed to one another. You don’t have to wait until wedding bells are ringing, but if you’re both still seeing other people, you’re going to run the risk of confusing and upsetting your child.

If you’ve had the relationship talk and feel confident that this is someone you could spend a long time with, there’s no reason to wait any longer to introduce him to the family. Make sure to sit down with your kids before the big introduction so that they don’t feel ambushed. You’re Able to Relax Around Him If you’re able to unwind and enjoy yourself when you’re with him, it sounds like you’ve got something worth keeping. If you still haven’t gotten past the jitters or you’re a nervous wreck when he’s near, your child will see that. If you can be yourself completely with him, there’s a good chance your kids will feel at ease too. You’re Starting to Feel Weird About NOT Telling Them It’s normal to downplay the first few dates until you get a feel for where things are going, but if you’ve been avoiding telling your kids about your relationship for so long that you’re starting to feel weird about it, it might be time to spill the beans. If you’ve been avoiding the discussion because you’re not sure how to talk about it, that’s one thing, but make sure there aren’t any subconscious reasons you’ve been trying not to let them get attached. If you don’t have any doubts in your relationship, just tell your kids how you feel and be honest with them. They might not be thrilled, but you’ll make it easier by keeping them involved. He’s Asking to Meet Them If you’ve been going out for a while and he’s actively asking to be more involved in your life, take it as great news! If you’re feeling pressured to introduce him to your family before you’re ready, tell him how you feel and why. If he’s a good guy, he’ll respect your wishes and be patient. If you are ready and he is asking, it’s definitely time. Your Kids Know You’re Dating Again If you’ve just gotten back onto the dating scene, it might be a little uncomfortable to discuss it with your kids. They should at least have some inkling of an idea that you’re looking for a relationship before they see him face to face. Being honest with your kids will make it easier for them to come to you with any questions or concerns they may have about your relationship. ]]> http://www.grandascent.com/4541/5-signs-its-time-for-him-to-meet-your-kids/feed/ 3 How to Choose a Strong Domain Name http://www.grandascent.com/4533/how-to-choose-a-strong-domain-name/ http://www.grandascent.com/4533/how-to-choose-a-strong-domain-name/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 18:57:58 +0000 admin1 http://www.grandascent.com/?p=4533

Image by: Mr. T in DC By Jessie Marc When you’re getting ready to launch your business web site, eventually you’re going to need to pick a domain name. While many people think that it’s not going to make a difference as long as you print your web address on your promotional material, the wording can actually make a huge impact on the overall online success of your brand. You’ve probably heard a lot about search engine optimization (“SEO”) and your domain name plays a big role in getting a good spot in Google’s search results. While having good content on your site is essential, the first thing Google looks at is the wording in your domain name to match it to the keywords and phrases your potential customer is using.

Keep it Simple One big mistake many companies make is to choose a complicated domain name that will be difficult for customers to remember. The shorter, the better! Avoid using hyphens (eg. www.your-business.com) as it’s very easy for people to forget to type them – you might have people going directly to your competitor’s site if they own a similar domain. Consider Your Target Market Some companies have national or international client bases, while others might have a target market concentrated in a 25 mile area. If you run a local business like a bakery or spa, try a domain like “www.yourbusinessnewyork.com.” Likewise, if you have a gender-specific market, “www.yourproductforwomen.com” might be a perfect option. Keep it Short Ladies, like I said before – the less information your customer has to remember, the more likely they’ll be to make it to your site later. Because it’s become so simple for anyone to build their own site, a lot of the good one-word domain names have been snatched up already. If you stumble across a one-word domain that accurately represents your company, buy it immediately! You Can Use Numbers Too! I think www.1800flowers.com is a great example of a brand utilizing a numeric domain to its full potential. Using only numbers in a web address isn’t a good idea – it’ll be VERY difficult for your customers to remember, and doesn’t provide keywords for the search engines to look at. If you don’t have an 800 number, try your area code with a keyword or your brand name after it, like “www.313coffee.com.” This gives the added benefit of having geographic information in the domain for better local results. Use the Correct Domain Extension Traditionally, businesses use .com or .biz addresses – Personally, I think the .com looks a bit more polished, but it’s up to you. The .org domain extension doesn’t legally require you to be a nonprofit organization, but it implies it. If you’re running a for-profit business on a .org site, it may be misleading to your customers and could make it look like you’re pretending to be a nonprofit. Shop Smart I always like to check on RetailMeNot to see if there's a coupon code for an inexpensive domain - GoDaddy often has them available for around $1 for the first year. Buying a domain is simple, but if you feel like you're in over your head, head on over to DNF.com - it's a great forum for just about any domain related question. If you're looking for specific domain that's already been registered, or something unique that will fit your brand, NameJet can be a great option. Sedo offers similar services. For the latest news and developments in the domain industry, check out dnjournal.com. ]]> http://www.grandascent.com/4533/how-to-choose-a-strong-domain-name/feed/ 3 Packing the Perfect Beach Bag http://www.grandascent.com/4516/packing-the-perfect-beach-bag/ http://www.grandascent.com/4516/packing-the-perfect-beach-bag/#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 15:29:26 +0000 admin1 http://www.grandascent.com/?p=4516

Image by: ayayan.s By Madeline Chambers Hey ladies! It’s that time of year again – we finally get to put away the coats and head for the beach. I’ve been planning my beach bag strategy all winter waiting for the day I can lay in the sun. Here’s my game plan… #1) Get a Decent [...]]]>

Image by: ayayan.s By Madeline Chambers Hey ladies! It’s that time of year again – we finally get to put away the coats and head for the beach. I’ve been planning my beach bag strategy all winter waiting for the day I can lay in the sun. Here’s my game plan… #1) Get a Decent Size Semi-Waterproof Bag

I used to have an awesome beach bag from Clinique that came free with a bunch of makeup I bought. It was square, about 2’ by 2’ and had a plastic lining on the inside, so it held everything I needed and my stuff wouldn’t get soaked if someone dropped a wet towel on it.

Find something that can hold everything, but small enough so that it won’t be a pain to carry if you have to walk a ways to find a spot on the beach. Remember that you’re probably going to be getting sand and sunscreen on it, so don’t use one of your favorite everyday bags. I'm in love with this one from ikabags on Etsy. #2) You NEED Sunscreen I used to tan religiously, and even though I haven’t developed skin cancer, I do have a few small scars from severe sunburns. Even if you love to tan, wear sunscreen – it’ll take a little longer to get a tan, but will protect you from rapid aging in the long run. 30 SPF is generally good, but 100 SPF blocks up to 99% of UVB rays. Get a bottle specifically to keep in your beach bag so that you never forget it. I have pretty sensitive skin, so I use organic mineral sunscreen from John Masters Organics. #3) Bring Your Entertainment I can lay on the beach for hours, but if I don’t have music or a magazine I’ll get bored pretty quickly. Load up your MP3 player with new music you haven’t gotten to check out yet, or get the Songza app to find playlists based on what you’re doing! It’s tough to read when it’s really bright out, so get yourself a good pair of shades if you’ve got a new book to dive into. When you're picking sunglasses, look for something with a simple shape that will protect your eyes without giving you a bizarre tan line. I love the Pearluscent Round Shades from Anthropologie because of their old-school glam - plus the only part of my face they cover is around my eyes where I'd wear makeup anyway. #4) Get a Great Beach Towel Find a good thick beach towel that’ll give you some extra cushion on the sand. I like to bring a smaller towel too so I can dry my hair off without soaking the bigger one, and it doubles as a comfy pillow in case I decide to take a nap. I love Ralph Lauren's beach towels - this is the one I ordered for myself for the summer. Want a totally custom towel? Blanketworx will print any photograph on a towel for you! #5) You’re Gonna Get Thirsty Make sure to bring enough water to keep you hydrated for the day even if you have other stuff you’re planning on drinking. Pack a few light snacks you won’t need any extra dishes or utensils. Apples, bananas and crackers are great because you’re not going to get all sticky and covered with sand, and they’re easy on your stomach so swimming won’t be a problem. ]]> http://www.grandascent.com/4516/packing-the-perfect-beach-bag/feed/ 3 Friends With Benefits: A Ticking Time Bomb? http://www.grandascent.com/4505/friends-with-benefits-a-ticking-time-bomb/ http://www.grandascent.com/4505/friends-with-benefits-a-ticking-time-bomb/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 16:30:46 +0000 admin1 http://www.grandascent.com/?p=4505

Friends With Benefits: A Ticking Time Bomb?

Image by: louiscrusoe By Cara Green Ladies, if your day-to-day life seems too hectic to try and get involved in a normal dating relationship, a friends-with-benefits type situation might sound tempting. All the fun with none of the extra work sounds like fun, but a relationship like this can wreak havoc on your sanity. If [...]]]>

Image by: louiscrusoe By Cara Green Ladies, if your day-to-day life seems too hectic to try and get involved in a normal dating relationship, a friends-with-benefits type situation might sound tempting. All the fun with none of the extra work sounds like fun, but a relationship like this can wreak havoc on your sanity. If you’re close friends with someone that you can’t see being romantically attracted to but are considering giving him a few added perks in the bedroom, here are a few things to think about ahead of time. Your Hormones are Out to Get You! The biggest problem with being friends with benefits is that there’s a very high chance at least one of you will begin to develop deeper feelings for the other. Post-orgasm, your body releases a rush of hormones that actually have a psychological bonding effect – your endorphins are skyrocketing, and your best bud may start to look like prince charming before you realize it. I’m not saying you should run away from falling for someone that you never expected to see in a romantic light, but if you both specifically say you don’t want anything more than a booty call, things can get pretty rocky when only one of you start getting starry eyed. You’re at an Even Higher Risk for STDs The idea of going no strings attached implies just that – the only commitment you’re making to one another is that you’re not planning on falling in love with them. If you’re both committing to only sleeping with each other as friends with benefits, guess what? You’re just in a very unromantic relationship. There’s a decent chance that you’re both sleeping with other people, so this is one situation where you MUST use protection. According to Planned Parenthood, 1 in 4 Americans have had an STD at some point in their lives. Your risk factor goes up astronomically if you both have multiple sexual partners. It’s Going to End Eventually I have yet to hear of friends with benefits lasting more than a few months at the absolute maximum. It’s not likely that either of you are planning on doing this long term, and when you both go your separate ways and start to settle into your own relationships, there’s a good chance that your friendship is never going to be the same. If this is something you’re considering doing, you need to decide whether or not it’s worth risking your friendship. If it’s such a strong friendship that it would kill you to see it fall apart, you might want to consider either keeping your paws off or discussing whether or not you should try dating each other. If you’re ok with risking the friendship, the guy probably isn’t worth sleeping with. Your Friends Will Most Likely Introduce You to Your Future Spouse Six degrees of separation, baby! Even with the evolution of technology, you’re still most likely to meet your dream guy through a friend. It’s a pretty major breach of man code for a guy to hook up with someone his buddy has already slept with, so if prince charming walks in and you’ve been booty calling his best friend, you might have already kissed that happily ever after goodbye. ]]> http://www.grandascent.com/4505/friends-with-benefits-a-ticking-time-bomb/feed/ 3 Girls’ Guide to Marketing on a Shoestring Budget in 2013 http://www.grandascent.com/4499/girls-guide-to-marketing-on-a-shoestring-budget-in-2013/ http://www.grandascent.com/4499/girls-guide-to-marketing-on-a-shoestring-budget-in-2013/#comments Sun, 12 May 2013 16:30:58 +0000 admin1 http://www.grandascent.com/?p=4499

Girls' Guide to Marketing on a Shoestring Budget in 2013

Image by: puuikibeach By Jessie Marc As a small business owner, I know how fast basic expenses can add up. When you’re just getting started, there probably isn’t a ton of cash to work with, and the sooner you can get the word out about your company, the sooner you can start raking in the [...]]]>

Image by: puuikibeach By Jessie Marc As a small business owner, I know how fast basic expenses can add up. When you’re just getting started, there probably isn’t a ton of cash to work with, and the sooner you can get the word out about your company, the sooner you can start raking in the cash. Remember that the less you spend, the more you’ll have to invest in other aspects of the business. Create Your Own Printed Products The most expensive thing you really need to buy for now is a decent printer to handle your letterhead and business cards. You can use sites like Avery and Brother Creative Center to create your own professional looking business graphics. Until you’ve got enough business to warrant hiring a print shop, get blank letterhead and business cards at your local office supply.

Social Media is a Gold Mine If you haven’t gotten into Pinterest yet, NOW is the time to get over there and sign up. While at first glance, it might not look like a promotional tool, you can actually pin content from your blog or site so that when anyone clicks on the image, they’ll go straight to your site. They recently released business accounts with profile settings more suited to promoting your company. Twitter is essentially a prerequisite – use unique hash tags and run contests for your followers (ALWAYS require a retweet to enter!) It takes some time and effort to get your audience to engage, but it pays off in the long run. Craigslist Isn’t Just for Furniture and Cars I worked at a marketing agency that created some sharp looking Craigslist ads to promote their work in the services section. I was pretty skeptical at first, but it actually brought in about 60% of their business. It’s free and only takes a few seconds to post. Go here to get a free hit counter code that you can paste in the bottom of your ad to track how many people have viewed your ad. Experiment with different categories until you figure out which one gets your ad the most traffic. Ad Words Work Great Google AdWords has seemed borderline obsolete to me for a while now, so I was surprised when one of my clients told me that over 85% of their online sales (around $12,000 per month) came directly from AdWords. Since then, I’ve tinkered with it and found that it’s a lot more user friendly than it used to be, and for a few cents per hit, I’ve gotten more traffic than I’ve had in a few years. Talk to the Press Send out press releases to local and industry publications whenever anything of interest happens in your business. HARO is a great free resource as well – they send out a daily email full of requests from reporters looking for someone to interview. You can get great publicity – I was able to land interviews with Forbes and Inc. in the same week. ]]> http://www.grandascent.com/4499/girls-guide-to-marketing-on-a-shoestring-budget-in-2013/feed/ 3 5 Ways to Bring a Few Shades of Grey to YOUR Bedroom http://www.grandascent.com/4509/5-ways-to-bring-a-few-shades-of-grey-to-your-bedroom/ http://www.grandascent.com/4509/5-ways-to-bring-a-few-shades-of-grey-to-your-bedroom/#comments Sat, 11 May 2013 16:30:38 +0000 admin1 http://www.grandascent.com/?p=4509

5 Ways to Bring a Few Shades of Grey to YOUR Bedroom

Image by: paulternate By Cara Green Until I read 50 Shades of Grey, the thought of being tied up by my boyfriend was more funny than sexy. But E.L. James managed to expand my idea of fun in the bedroom quite a bit – guess who’s boyfriend got a pair of handcuffs (in a good [...]]]>

Image by: paulternate By Cara Green Until I read 50 Shades of Grey, the thought of being tied up by my boyfriend was more funny than sexy. But E.L. James managed to expand my idea of fun in the bedroom quite a bit – guess who’s boyfriend got a pair of handcuffs (in a good way) on Valentine’s Day this year! As long as you trust your partner completely, a little kink in the bedroom can make for an amazing night. If there’s anything really wild you’re craving between the sheets, talk to your man first so that you don’t shock him so much that it kills the mood – most guys are pretty excited when their girls start talking about what they want in bed. Stop making him guess and tell him how you like it. #1) Set the Mood This is supposed to be sexy – you’re playing with your senses, so amp it up by lighting a few candles, put on a new perfume, dim the lights a bit – but make sure it’s light enough to see each other. If you’re planning on using any toys, get them out ahead of time so you don’t have to leave the room when things start heating up. #2) Be Creative You don’t need to hit up your local sex toy boutique to spice things up – look around the house and see what you can find. Complimentary sleeping mask from your last flight? Perfect blindfold! Take off his tie slowly when he gets home without losing eye contact, give him a wink and ask him to use it to tie you to the bed with it. I’m sure he’ll figure out the rest… #3) Build the Suspense If you’re dying to get it on, give him a hint early in the day… And then give him a naughty phone call on his lunch break. If things are sizzling all day while you’re apart, it’ll be electrifying the second you see each other. #4) Come Up With Code Words If you’re going to experiment, especially if you’re going to be doing any role playing, come up with a code word in case it’s a little too much – make sure to pick something you wouldn’t ordinarily say in bed! It’ll free you up to make as much noise as you want and say whatever you want without killing the mood. If you want to make things really fun, come up with another code word for something you want him to do to you when you’re about to climax – a little twinge of pain might be just the thing to send you right over the edge. #5) Try Maintaining Eye Contact the Entire Time Try gazing straight into his eyes the entire time – it's almost hypnotizing when you’re both so focused on each other, and can really intensify the experience. ]]> http://www.grandascent.com/4509/5-ways-to-bring-a-few-shades-of-grey-to-your-bedroom/feed/ 3 Introducing Him to Your Parents: 5 Steps to Keep it Sane! http://www.grandascent.com/4494/introducing-him-to-your-parents-5-steps-to-keep-it-sane/ http://www.grandascent.com/4494/introducing-him-to-your-parents-5-steps-to-keep-it-sane/#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 16:30:38 +0000 admin1 http://www.grandascent.com/?p=4494

Introducing Him to Your Parents: 5 Steps to Keep it Sane!

Image by: louiscrusoe By Cara Green I don’t know about you girls, but even well into adulthood, I was always absolutely petrified to introduce my boyfriends to my family. I literally spent weeks coaching my guys on how to behave, and really annoyed the living daylights out of them in the process. Worrying about how [...]]]>

Image by: louiscrusoe By Cara Green I don’t know about you girls, but even well into adulthood, I was always absolutely petrified to introduce my boyfriends to my family. I literally spent weeks coaching my guys on how to behave, and really annoyed the living daylights out of them in the process.

Worrying about how it will play out will only make you and your partner feel insecure. You’ve got to plan ahead, and if you do it right, he’ll be on good terms with mom and pop in no time. #1) Don’t Try To Change Him We all want our man to be the best guy he can be, but it’s really easy for us girls to turn our men into projects before meeting the parents. If he’s got so many quirks that you feel a need to completely mold him into something different, you should seriously consider whether or not he’s a keeper before you bring him over for Sunday dinner with the family. Don’t insult him by asking him to act like anyone but himself. Tell him as much as you can about your family and any behaviors that might give them the wrong impression, but stress how important it is to you that you want him to feel at ease and able to be himself with them. #2) Do Have Specific Activities Planned There’s nothing like a long, awkward silence while you all sit around the living room after the initial introductions. Plan out something fun to do as a group the day you introduce your boyfriend to the family – a picnic or a trip to the beach can be a great way to get everyone to loosen up and get to know each other on neutral ground. #3) Watch What You Say Before They Meet If you’ve been together long enough to have had a few spats, it’s not always the best idea to start venting about him to your family before they even meet him. Your girlfriends will get over it, but if dad hears his little angel is upset at some guy he’s never met, you can kiss that great first impression goodbye. #4) Don’t Drink Too Much Unless you’re hitting a pub crawl with mom and dad, it’s not a good time to get your drink on. One or two is fine, but if you try to ease your nerves with a few too many cocktails, awkward moments can go from a slight possibility to a guarantee. #5) Tell Your Family Why You Love Him Before your plan the meeting of the parents, make sure you’ve given your family a few specific examples of why you care so much about him. Ultimately, every parent’s wish is to see their kids find the perfect partner, and if they know right off the bat that this guy is worth your time, things will go much more smoothly. ]]> http://www.grandascent.com/4494/introducing-him-to-your-parents-5-steps-to-keep-it-sane/feed/ 3 5 Things You’re Doing Wrong on Social Media http://www.grandascent.com/4487/5-things-youre-doing-wrong-on-social-media/ http://www.grandascent.com/4487/5-things-youre-doing-wrong-on-social-media/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 16:30:27 +0000 admin1 http://www.grandascent.com/?p=4487

5 Things You're Doing Wrong on Social Media

Image by: janetgalore By Jessie Marc Are you ladies using social media to promote your businesses yet? If not, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon ASAP. If you’re already rocking your brand on Facebook and Twitter, you probably know the basic etiquette: Don’t spam, be nice and be interesting. However, social media has been [...]]]>

Image by: janetgalore By Jessie Marc Are you ladies using social media to promote your businesses yet? If not, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon ASAP. If you’re already rocking your brand on Facebook and Twitter, you probably know the basic etiquette: Don’t spam, be nice and be interesting.

However, social media has been evolving since it was first developed, and there are lots of new mistakes to be made – here are a few things you need to look out for to maintain a professional online presence in 2013. #1) Are Your Graphics Hard to Look At? Early on, there weren’t many ways to customize your Twitter and Facebook profiles. Now it’s possible to add all kinds of custom graphics to your profile, and it’s important to make sure that they represent your brand well and are properly formatted. You should create your graphics to fit the proper dimensions – look for Twitter and Facebook profile templates online, and you can go here to check out a great tutorial on making your own professional looking Twitter graphics. #2) Are You Checking Your Messages? Because of the insane number of spam messages I get, I stopped checking my social inboxes for a while, and it was a huge mistake – even if you have to weed through a lot of spam, you can make some pretty important connections through social networks, and neglecting your messages could lead to missing game-changing leads. #3) Are You Hash Tag Bombing? I’m a huge fan of hash tags since they’re a great way to connect with people that wouldn’t normally pop up in your Twitter feed. But as more and more people figure that out, I’ve noticed people adding lists of hash tags that are longer than the message itself. It makes it hard to read, and gives things a spammy feel. Keep it classy and limit yourself to 2-3 hash tags. #4) Are You Reaching the Right Audience? When I first started getting into using social media for my business, I went a little crazy over having a ton of followers instead of a concentrated audience within my target market. If you’re just shooting from the hip without a clear goal of who you’re trying to reach, you won’t be able to utilize social media to its full potential. Use hash tags to find people in your target market, and keep an eye on who is talking to who in your industry. When you find a good article written by an influencer in your market, make sure to send them a note with a friend request! This was one of the biggest things that helped me make strong connections online. #5) Do You Have Separate Business and Personal Accounts? I’ve had several clients that started using Facebook to promote their companies, but set up their personal profile as their business page. It is almost impossible to move your entire online following from a personal page to a business page once it’s established, so it’s important to switch them as soon as possible if you’ve made that mistake.]]> http://www.grandascent.com/4487/5-things-youre-doing-wrong-on-social-media/feed/ 2