Yearning for the good ol’ days!

I know things must change for the sake of progress, but, in my opinion, not all change is good.

Today I was in a hurry, and my car needed fuel. As I was filling my tank, all I could think about (as I stood there praying this stop would not make me smell like gas for my appointment), was how, back in “the day”, I never had to even think about pumping gas. There was always a friendly fella at each gas station, (some even uniformed) who promptly approached my car as I pulled up. He bent over to greet me and asked, “leaded or unleaded”. After pumping my gas, he’d return to clean my windshield, and even offer to “check under the hood”. I usually let him, for what was under there was a mystery to me. If my car needed oil, he’d let me know, and handle that task as well.

I’d hand him my cash and off I went, with a full tank, clean windshields, no hassle, & no smell of gas on my hands. Ahhh… the good ol’ days!

I sure miss that guy, and the days of great customer service!
Carol Riddick, Boresha Raleigh’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

New Year…New You! In 90 Days

““The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” ~ Anonymous

I am a firm believer that we can ALL make positive changes..and often the encouragement, insight and help of those around us is the motivating link to getting those amazing results.

Will you join us on our 90 Day Challenge?  There are opportunities all around the Triangle…come, meet with like minded, goal setting friends and have the success you have been dreaming of in 90 days…

 

Tuesday, January 3rd

 

12/3 Apex 12 PM 

 

12/3 Cary / Preston 7 PM

 

Wednesday, January 4th

 

12/4 Apex 12:15 pm 

 

12/4 Knightdale 6 45 PM 

 

Thursday, January 5th

 

12/5 Apex 11:45 AM 

 

12/5 Cary / Preston 7 PM 

 

Friday, January 6th

 

12/6 Apex 11:45  

 

12/6 Apex 6:45 PM 

 

Saturday, January 7th

 

1/7 Apex / Garner – 10:45 AM

 

1/7 Apex / Garner – 3:45 PM 

 

Sunday, January 8th

 

1/8 Apex 5:45 PM

 

Saturday, January 21st

 

1/21 Cary/McGregor 9 AM 

 

1/21 Cary McGregor 4 PM 

 

Join us and don’t walk this exciting journey alone!  You can learn more at:  NC-Weight-Loss

 

Carol Riddick, Boresha Raleigh’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

Think outside the box this Holiday!

This is not original… but spoke to me.  As small business owners, I know we will all areciate the sentiment!

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods –merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
 

It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?  (Even most Hallmark products are made in China.) Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificate from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
 

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
 

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
 

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
 

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
 

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
 

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
 

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
 

There are so many folks right here on Inside919 that would appreciate your and my business.  So let’s suport each other and change our own economy.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

 

Carol Riddick, Boresha Raleigh’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

Points to Consider when selecting a good Network Marketing company

With the economy the way it is now, so many people are scrambling to find a “Plan B”.

Many will chose to join a Network Marketing company. Bravo… I applaud you! The concept of leverage has not escaped you. As with every industry there are good, great, and yes, even bad companies out there. Here are a few guidelines to optimizing your success rate when selecting one to work for you:


1. The industry…

Is it a growth industry? For example… this would not be the optimal time to start marketing cassette tapes. ;) Though some folks still use them, that industry is dying out. Pick one with a future, not just a past.



2. The Company..

Is it solid? Have they been around at least 2 years? Debt free? Are the leaders people of integrity and vision? Does it/they have a track record of success?



3. The Product line…

Are the products unique? Patented? Effective? or are they “me too” products that can be found everywhere?



4. The Compensation plan…

How do you get paid? If you work it, will it work for YOU? Who will be there to teach you the ropes? What kind of support can you expect from your sponsor and other business partners? Do

they have a track record of success?



5. Is it a fit for YOU?

Bottom line.. No matter how great the other 4 points are, it needs to be something YOU can get passionate about. Because here is the deal… People may not understand all the fine points you will try to explain to them regarding the company, but the will understand whether or not YOU believe in what you are doing. The depth of your conviction will always supercede the height of your logic.



Armed with this info, if you are considering a network marketing company to become your plan B, or Plan A, as I have, be sure to do your due dilligence, research all of the possibilities, and pick one that you can get excited about in every way!



Here’s to your abundant success! 

Carol Riddick, Boresha Raleigh’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

What do you Value in a Leader?

“Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.”John C. Maxwell

Lately, it seems I have run into so many people who are touting their leadership skills.  It’s certainly good for the ego to perceive ourselves as a leaders, but at some point in time, it behooves us to turn around at see if anyone is actually following.  
 
People have so many concepts of what leadership is.   Ask 10 people, and I assure you, you will get 10 different answers. In my opinion, leadership is many things, but is not a given right.  You don’t get to “declare” your leadership, and expect to be taken seriously. 

Leadership is earned… It means your abilities, as demonstarted through your actions and achievements, inspire people to follow you with confidence. It also means you understand the value of being a team player.  Leadership also carries a responsibility to do what is best for the team or organization. 
 
What are the leadership qualities you admire most?  When I asked some folks whose leadership I admire most, these are some of the responses I got:
  • Integrity – Let’s face it, without this, you ”got nothin’”.
  • Vision, and ability to impart that vision.  Like it or not, you have to be able to sell people on your vision/plan.
  • Success.  I find it helpful, to be able to follow someone with a track record of success.
  • Willingness and ability to LISTEN & actually HEAR what is being said. 
  • Respects, and values, each member of the team/organization and their feedback. 
  • Inspiration.  Since, in my opinion, motivation is best when it comes from within, an outside source of motivation is short lived, and needs to be renewed too often.  Inspire people to be their best.
  • Knowlege of relevant subject matter.  Afterall, if you are going to achieve a goal, you need a clearly defined “roadmap”.
  • Decisive. 
  • Accepting of the fact that, that not everyone will agree with, or like you.
  • Ability to bring out the best in those around him/her
So what do you value most? 
There is an old adage I love… “he who leads, and has no one following, is only taking a walk”.   So the choice is ours…. Leader, or a Hiker?

How about you?  What do you value most in a leader?

 

Carol Riddick, Boresha Raleigh’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS!

New Years Resolutions!

Every year about this time, millions of folks sit down and resolve to make something different in the coming year. The #1 resolution is to Lose Weight. We all start a diet, join a gym, and feel really good about ourselves for a week or so! Then for whatever reason, our resolve wanes, the gym visits stop, and the diet gets less “rigid”. And then, horror of horrors, we are right back to where we we desperately trying to escape from, in the first place.

This year the members of Team bSkiiny RDU, are issuing a weight-loss challenge! We invite you all to joins us on a 90 day journey. What will make this different? Well for starters, I have lost 40#s, and am not stopping there.. For a person who has struggled with weight for years that is huge! (No pun intended, lol) What got me to even consider this protocol, is that fact that the inventor of the Skinny Science, Dr Ann De Wees Allen, is a Nobel prize nominee & Head researcher at the Glycemic Institute in DC. Actually, what impressed me most was that she beat out Bill Gates for product of the year in the 90′s. She incorporated her skinny science into gourmet Coffee, Tea, and even Latte! So basically, you can drink coffee, and burn fat. It is all low glycemic and non cephalic! Adding exercise and diet would, of course, help burn fat faster, if you choose to do so.

We will be hosting several “A New YOU in 90 Day Challenges” throughout the triangle. So please e mail me at RSVPNC@aol.com, or here, to find a location near you. Let’s make 2012 the last year to worry about weight!

To a New You (and me) in 2012!

Carol Riddick, Boresha Raleigh’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

Prospect around the Christmas Tree!

How wonderful to be once again in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the wonderful Holiday Season! To me, it is the best time of year for so many reasons, especially building our businesses! Afterall, what better gift for me to offer friends and family, then the gift of Wellness or Financial Freedom.

It is also the busiest time of year! We all have shopping to do, homes to decorate, company to prepare for, family, church, and social obligations to meet, gifts to wrap, and the list goes on. Believe it or not, many will find it tempting to put their businesses on hold till January. (I shudder to think what would happen to the US economy, if everyone had that cavalier attitude about their businesses.)

We all have limited time, right? (which is exactly why I chose Network Marketing) So our mindset needs to become, “How can I fit my business into my busy schedule?”

There are so many opportunities that come with the holiday season. Let’s consider what December brings: Parties, gatherings, dances, dinners; one wonderful social event after another. In my mind, that translates into a whole new warm market! Now before you start cringing as you start to envision handing out business cards at your next dinner party, let’s consider a reasonable way to leverage on these venues.

First off, please understand, as a former etiquette consultant, I know it would be totally inappropriate to hand out business cards at your friend’s holiday party or any social event. (Especially, if you ever hope to be invited back!) So, go to the parties, enjoy, and just do what we do best, have fun and socialize. Make new acquaintances, visit with new friends, reconnect with old friends. Ask questions, and listen. Once you get past the dutiful pleasantries, many will share tales of woe. Be a caring, concerned audience, but be sure to make mental notes. This is not the best time to promote anything but caring. As tempted as you may be to bring up your business, or product solution… don’t. There will be time for that later. Allow your friend to talk about their favorite subject…Themselves! When you get home, make a point to write that information down, so you don’t forget to whom you may be of service. You will want to contact these folks at a later date. The conversation may go something like this:

“Jim, I have been thinking a lot about our conversation at the Miller’s party the other night…”

Jim will be so flattered that you actually gave thought to what he said, and are still pondering it a few days later, that you will immediately capture his undivided attention. This is truly, the ultimate compliment.

From there, explain to him, that you know how busy things are during this time of year, but you’d like to sit down with him as soon as possible after the New Year with a business proposal.

You will most likely get one of 3 reactions:

1. He may want to meet with you before the new year.
2. He will set an appointment with you for January.

3. He will start asking questions immediately.

Stick to your guns, don’t try to explain over the phone, just get the appointment. That is your only objective.

If you do this, you will not only enjoy all of your social events, you will be appreciated as a “good listener”. Your friends will appreciate your caring nature, and will fill your January calendar with appointments.

So instead of taking a break this holiday, why not just “Prospect around the Christmas tree”?

Many wishes for a Happy Holiday Season, Carol

Carol Riddick, Boresha Raleigh’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

Building your Relationships = Building your Business.

Looking for some networking ideas…

Here are some to work with in 2012.

1. Build relationships with other business owners or professionals with the purpose of creating a business referral network.
You can find other business professionals at:

- www.Inside919.com (or replace 919 with YOUR area code)
– Chamber of Commerce meetings

- Social Media

- Trade Shows

- Trade Associations

- Industry Events

- Clubs

- Networking Organizations

2. Be selective about with whom you network.
3. Meet with your business network partners often.

4. Be sure to send your business network partners lots of referrals.

5. Talk with everyone you meet about your business. You’d be surprised how many others are also looking for people to help them increase their business.

There are so many talented business professionals on Inside919. I appreciate being part of this amazing community and look forward to working with many of you all more closely in 2012!

Happy New Year!

Carol Riddick, Boresha Raleigh’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

Looking for “Loser” Wannabes – Join the 90 Day Challenge

10 Reasons to Join the RDU 90 Day Challenge in January!


Besides the obvious health concerns that being overweight, or unfit, contributes to, such as diabetes, triglycerides, low energy, limited mobility, and/or stamina, heart disease, etc, there are an assortment of other concerns that also need to be recognized.

 

Think about it…

1. Would you Feel more confident, and comfortable if your body was at optimal weight and size?

2. Would you just like to have more energy?

3. Would you like to have more spring in your step?

4. Would you appreciate to not worry about being uncomfortable in some seating?

5. Would you prefer a more youthful appearance.

6. Would you like to minimalize your chances of disease, and/or early death?

7. Would you have to think twice about attending your High School Reunion?

8. Would you like prospective employers to see you as the asset you are, vs an insurance liability?

9. Would you just like to feel, and be, healthier?

10. And last, but not least, would you like to be taken more seriously as a business professional?

 

If you answered YES to any of the questions above… It’s time to Take Action!

 

The Solution…

Join the new Fat Burning/Weight Loss initiative in the Raleigh area.

Sometimes it takes a group of supportive folks to help us all achieve our goals!

Team bSkinny RDU is launching a “NEW YOU in 90 DAYS” Challenge.
 

There are already a multitude of local success stories! There will be 11 Challenge workshops during the first week of January. I invite you to attend one, or more of these Informational Sessions, to see if what we are doing and promoting is a “FIT” for you. There is no cost or obligation, just information.

Besides the obvious reward of a healthier body, Biggest Transformations will be eligible to win a variety of prizes including:
*A months FREE advertising on Inside919! (Thanks Pat Howlett!)

*An all expense paid trip to San Francisco, complete with spending money and shopping spree

*A 42″ Flat Screen TV

*iPad2 AND MORE!

 

My son is getting married in September, and I plan to attend in a “Re-Vamped” Body! So I am looking for others who want to be “Big Losers” too!

 

To find a location near you, check out the calendar on www.NC-Weight-Loss.com. Or contact me at RDU90DayChallenge@gmail.com, or here on Inside919. Let’s face it…. You have nothing to lose but WEIGHT!

 

I loved Judy Ziboukh’s Article on Inside919 today on Weight discrimination. Let’s face it, like it or not, we get judged on how we look. so how can we maximize our health, lives, and even businesses? The issue is real, and getting worse. Make the decision, and do something about it!

 

Carol Riddick, Boresha Raleigh’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals