Women’s Independent Press

Want to know more? 412.281.7141 ¬ www.carnegielibrary.org
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How to Build Positive Work Relationships
December 5
Presented by Laura Roman, Relationship Coach & Psychotherapist
Much of career success hinges on the ability to communicate well and
earn the respect of bosses, clients and co-workers. Learn the tips and
techniques necessary for building these valuable work relationships.
Meet the Library for the Blind
& Physically Handicapped

December 12
Presented by Susan Kozak, Library for the Blind
& Physically Handicapped
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Library for the Blind & Physically
Handicapped (LBPH) provides recorded books and magazines, equipment
to play the recordings, large print books and more to Pennsylvania
residents of any age who are unable to read standard print materials
due to a visual, physical or physically-based reading disability. Join us
for an informative discussion on LBPH and the valuable services they
provide to the Pennsylvania community.

Mental Health and the Workplace
December 19
Presented by Támara Hill, MS, LPC-BE
In light of recent tragic events, mental health issues in the workplace
have been pushed to the forefront of our minds. Join us for a discussion
on the effects of failing to bring awareness to the mental health needs
of staff within the workplace and how individual mental health
problems can affect workplace stability.

Alaska Gold: A War of Resources –
The Fish or the Mine
December 26 ¬ DVD 60 minutes
PBS Frontline examines the clash for resources between Alaskan fishermen
and mining interests. The struggle plays out in southwest Alaska’s
Bristol Bay, home to the last great native Sockeye salmon fishery, but also
gifted with tremendous mineralwealth. Two foreign mining companies
seek permission to extract more than $300 billion in copper, gold and
molybdenum from the area using a gigantic, open pit mine that could
compromise the local ecosystem. Who will ultimately win in this battle
over Bristol Bay’s economic and environmental future?

Book Launch & Celebration

Journey of Life Presents…
3 Local Authors:

* Carol A. Briney, Embracing Your Unlimited Possibilities

* Mj Callaway, Bold is Beautiful: Breakthrough to Business Strategies

* Brenda DeCroo, INSPIRE!

Come to network and hear presentations from local authors.
Enjoy wine and light finger foods. You may even win a door prize.

Date: December 1, 2014
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Author Presentations: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Up Modern Kitchen (2nd Floor. Handicap Accessible.)
Across the street from Journeys of Life
809 Bellefonte Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Cost: Free
RSVP: Suggested by November 26th
To RSVP, contact Carol at: Carol@CarolABriney.com

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Making Social Media Work for You

Presented by Cindy Neky of Marketing Pathways

Have you been thinking about marketing your business with social
media but not sure how to get started? Or maybe you’re not
convinced that it works?

Then join the Pittsburgh Consulting Community for our next event
featuring Social Media expert, Cindy Neky of Marketing Pathays.
Cindy will show us the value of using social media to reach our
customers, how it can lead to new customers and how it drives
repeat business from current customers.

Cindy will review the 5 most popular social media networks:
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest - and help
us decide what is right for our businesses. She’ll also look
at what comes next: how and what to post on social media.

Date: December 2, 2014
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Place: Sigmas Conference and Event Center, 1717 Babcock Blvd.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Host: Pittsburgh Consulting Community
Cost: $35 (includes continental breakfast)
RSVP: Suggested by November 28
Questions: contact Michael Couch at
michael@mcassociatesinc.com or 412-952-9036.

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JjoJP50VteZhGz&b=FdBcwzWd6cTYSX8bcGcgbA

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WSBA Business Holiday Expo

Supporting community service and local small businesses, this
event will offer engaging networking sessions, a holiday drive
and highlight a Pittsburgh non-profit organization that will
be helping others in need, door prizes, raffles, holiday vendors,
and inspiring keynote speakers.

Date: December 3, 2014
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: Dave and Buster’s Conference Room, 180 E Waterfront Drive,
Homestead, PA 15120
Host: Women’s Small Business Association
Cost: $30 Premier members, $40 Non-members, $48 at the door
RSVP: Early registration encouraged

Questions: Conctact Susan Miller at:
412-415-3584 or wsbafounder@gmail.com

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JjoJP50VteZhGz&b=0tjCbxs8NkaRemCY7o3G.A

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4. Business Exchange Networking Lunch

* Give a 1-2 minute commercial for your business.
* Bring business cards, brochures, and samples.
* Make new business contacts.

Dates and Locations:

Dec. 3 - Wexford, Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North,
910 Sheraton Drive, Mars/Wexford, PA 16046
RSVP: email Carol Briney at
Carol@CarolBrineyWorkFromHome.com

Dec. 10- Mount Lebanon, The Devonshire of Mount Lebanon,
1050 McNeilly Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
RSVP: email Carol Briney at Carol@CarolBriney.com

Dec. 17- Fox Chapel, Comfort Inn (Old Holiday Inn) in RIDC Park,
Ohara Twp
RSVP: email Carol Briney at
Carol@CarolBrineyWorkFromHome.com

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $18 (Bring cash; No-shows will be billed for the lunch)
RSVP: By Monday prior to the event

For more info, go to: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JjoJP50VteZhGz&b=ItWQW_l_1_K.h0fPWEqACA.

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Speaker Showcase

4 Extraordinary Women - 4 Valuable topics

Come be a part of a video recording session featuring showcase
presentations by 4 local professional speakers. Taping will be
from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. We request everyone to be in their
seats no later than 9:25 a.m. Feel free to arrive at 9:00 a.m.

We will have breakfast snacks, juice and coffee for you.
No jeans or sweats please. Plan on staying the full 3 hours
in respect of all speakers
Featuared speakers include:
Bonnie Artman Fox, Leadership Coach, will show you how to:

- Command the leadership skill that brings out the best
in employees
- Improve employee engagement by changing just one thing
- Master the mindset to handle challenges, setbacks, and obstacles

Sarah Kohl, MD, Health/Travel Expert, will teach you how to:

- Identify and minimize travel-related health risks
- Improve productivity by minimizing the effects of jet lag,
travel fatigue, and time zone changes.
- Increase safety and security while traveling through
easy-to-access resources

Karen Litzinger, Career Coach and Professionalism Expert,
will help you:

- Command new confidence for your next business lunch
- Network with ease and effectiveness in social situations
- Polish electronic communication skills to advance your image

Julie Ann Sullivan, Employee Engagement Expert, will share
her Trifecta of Success:

- Envision: Influencing your attitude and the world around you
- Experience: Shifting perspective to create more success
- Exhale: How to strategically disengage and why

Date: December 6, 2014
Time: 9:30 a.m. - Noon
Place: Cornerstone YOUTH Ministries, 2200 Cornerstone Lane,
Murrysville, PA 15632
Host: Infinite Speakers Agency
Cost: No charge
Questions: call 1-800-308-9034

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Fun and Festive Holiday Party

The tradition of fun and games continues! Whether you celebrate
Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Solstice or Christmas, you won’t want to miss
the fellowship and festivities. Get to know area coaches better
through our Holiday Memories Bingo Game. Then laugh until your
sides ache while we enjoy a classic holiday carol transformed
into the “Twelve Days of Coaching.” And with this special venue,
we’re sure to have a scrumptious buffet with delectable sweet
treats. Come join us….meet new coaches and reconnect with
long-time colleagues!

And since this is a season so connected to children, we will
be collecting contributions this year for a special local
children’s charity, the Homeless Children’s Education Fund.

Date: December 10, 2014
Place: Sheraton Hotel at Station Square,
300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Registration/Networking
11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Food, Fun and Festivities
Host: International Coach Federation, Pittsburgh Chapter
Cost: By 5 p.m., Dec. 5: Members -$40, Nonmembers-$50.
After 5 p.m., Dec. 5: Members-$50, Nonmembers-$50

Register online at
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JjoJP50VteZhGz&b=HfigE0N8F3wSe_Rxfg4GNQ
Further info: contact Roberta Rollings at Pghcoachesassoc@aol.com.

BRENTWOOD BALDWIN WHITEHALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WOMEN’S NETWORKING LUNCHEON
December 12, 2014
Noon
South Hills Country Club

The monthly luncheon meeting of the Women’s Networking of the Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce will meet on Friday, December 12, noon, at South Hills Country Club. . Please plan on attending and bring a friend. We welcome members and non-members. Everyone will pass out cards and brochures and present a one-minute “commercial.”
Guest Speaker
Judi Vitale, Astrologer
Can the date we were born influence the way we wheel and deal? You bet! Judi Vitale, astrologer for Marie Claire magazine, will discuss how we do business in line with our zodiac signs, and give us a preview of what the stars have to offer in 2015. Bring millions and billions of questions - and your open mind.Judi is a counseling astrologer who, after 30 years in New York City, “Gumbanded” back to Pittsburgh in 2010. She offers private consultations, written horoscopes and is the author of two books. “Lovecasts” and “Babystrology.”

Lunch for Chamber Members - $20 - Bring a friend!
Lunch for Non-Members - $25
Display Table $10
Please make a reservation by contacting our secretary:
Mary Dilla - secretary@bbwchamber.com

Bizwomen Connect Networking Mixer

Join us for our premiere Bizwomen Connect networking mixer at
Heinz Hall. Make new connections and build your business. After
the reception concludes, you are invited to stay for a behind-
the-scenes rehearsal for the Highmark Holiday Pops concert by
the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

PLEASE NOTE: We will not be able accomodate walk-ins for this
event. We will be issuing tickets for admission to Heinz Hall
which you will receive when you arrive for the reception. You
must be pre-registered to attend.

Date: December 11, 2014
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 a.m.
Event agenda:
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Networking, Appetizers and Cash Bar
7:30 - 10:00 p.m. Highmark Holiday Pops Rehearsal Concert
Place: Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15222
1320 Centre Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15219
Host: Pittsburgh Business Times
Cost: $40
RSVP: Suggested by December 5th

For questions or additional information, contact
Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845 or kkomondor@bizjournals.com.

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JjoJP50VteZhGz&b=b0vQXNBh9Z4y_j0zBZVgnw

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Success Academy 2014
Beth Caldwell and Mary Lee Gannon
At this full day intensive workshop you will learn how to:

* Integrate Systems Into Your Business
* Eliminate Head Trash
* Stop Sabotaging Your Success
* Experience A Powerful Confidence Breakthrough
* Enjoy a Client EXPLOSION
* Strategize for a Brilliantly Successful 2015

Professional Men and Women are Welcome
Empowerment * Inspiration * Strategy * Accountability
Date: December 13, 2014
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Sigmas Conference and Event Center, 1717 Babcock Blvd.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Host: Pittsburgh Professional Women
Cost: PPW Members-$129; Non-Members-$159
(Includes Workshop, Materials, Breakfast, Lunch and Snack)
RSVP: Suggested by December 6

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JjoJP50VteZhGz&b=QYxCZZ93YILBiQ1Cb4yLOg

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Communicate Professionally in Tweets, Blogs, and Posts

Speaker: Elayne Masters, Word Masters

Your communication skills are a reflection of your professionalism.
With social media providing instant access to every word you type,
you need to make sure your writing presents you in your best light.
Even in 140-character tweets, grammatical structure and stylistic
consistency are important. Join us and learn how to polish your
writing.

Date: December 17, 2014
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Place: Volunteers of America, 1650 Main Street, Sharpsburg, PA
Host: Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
Cost: Free (Bring a brown bag lunch)

To register, call 412.782.5344 (x209) or email
volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

Disability Resource Breakfast
Date: Thursday, December 18, 2014
Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Topic: Exercise FITS Everyone
Speaker: Darah Richardson, Principle of Omni Health And Wellness
Increase your energy, improve your mood, control your weight, reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stress and diabetes? Find your magic FITNESS pill this year.
Are you like most people making new year’s resolutions, but you think you are too busy, don’t have the proper equipment, or have a physical limitation? Let Darah Richardson of Omni Health and Wellness teach you how to FIT fitness into your life, regardless of your barriers.
With over 12 years of experience empowering individuals with special needs to thrive in their lives, Darah draws from her professional experience in health and wellness and provides a personal story of hope as she educates, trains and motivates others to live a healthier, richer life.
This lecture will include an interactive workout. Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to move.
To register, call 412.782.5344 (x209) or email
volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

Women’s Power Lunch

Come be a part of the longest running networking luncheon in the
Pittsburgh area. Bring 50 business cards or brochures to hand
out and be prepared to give a short presentation on your business
to introduce yourself to other business women and professionals.

Date: December 19, 2014
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: To be announced
Cost: $25.00 (Prepayment required)
RSVP: By December 17th
Questions: Contact Suzanne at Suzanne@womenspowerlunch.com
or 724-452-5152.
Register online at: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JjoJP50VteZhGz&b=hW1tvfDCqBuX_w2DZWZ9VA

Open House + Member Marketplace and Coffee Hour at Eden Hall Campus
January 7, 2015
8:30 - 10:00AM

Place: Lodge Dining Room, Chatham University, Eden Hall Campus

FREE and open to the public!

For more information and to register: http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/openhouse/

Description: Come to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Eden Hall Campus, network with women entrepreneurs and women in business, learn more about Center programming, and meet the Center staff! Center members have the opportunity to display information or products.

Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series
January 9, 2015
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Place: James Laughlin Music Hall at Chatham University
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Cost: $25, student rate $12.00 (FREE for members)
To Register, and for more information, visit: http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/wblbseries/index.cfm

Questions? Contact 412-365-1253
Topic: “How to Get in the News in 2015″

Speakers: Panel of Speakers from Media Outlets, including Pittsburgh Post Gazette & WESA

Open House
January 14, 2015
5:30-7:30PM
Place: Chatham University Shadyside Campus
FREE and open to the public!

For more information and to register:
http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/openhouse/

Description: Come meet our staff, facilitators, and past participants while learning about all of our services for women business owners and women in business. From membership to business development classes, small business workshops, women’s leadership breakfasts, and our online community for our members, The Center has programs for women in all stages of business development.

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Small Business Basics
January 17, 2015
8:00AM-1:00PM
Place: Mellon Board Room, Chatham University
Cost: $30.00

Non-Chatham Student Rate: $15.00 with valid student ID.
Veteran Rate: Free with military ID (Email pdecker@chatham.edu to register.)
For more information and to register:
http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/sbb/

Description: The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University (CWE) and SCORE® Pittsburgh partner to present a “Small Business Basics” workshop to women interested in starting their own business or expanding their current business. Industry experts will discuss business planning, financing, bookkeeping, marketing, and legal issues pertaining to small business. The workshop is informal, and questions from the participants are solicited and encouraged throughout to help each participant receive the knowledge they need.
Please join the Zonta Club of Pittsburgh as we celebrate the season with a tour and dinner at the historic Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a great steel and glass Victorian greenhouse that has been inviting visitors to explore the beauty and mysteries of plants since 1893. Set amidst one of Pittsburgh’s largest greenspaces, Schenley Park, Phipps Conservatory stands as a cultural and architectural centerpiece of the city’s Oakland neighborhood. In recent decades, Phipps has evolved into one of the region’s most vibrant, thriving cultural attractions, bringing fresh perspectives and artists into our historic glasshouse environment. Phipps has also become a strong advocate for advanced green-building practices, sustainable gardening and a new environmental awareness.

The Conservatory was built by Henry Phipps as a gift to the City of Pittsburgh. Phipps stated he wanted to “erect something that will prove a source of instruction as well as pleasure to the people.” The Conservatory was designed by the New York firm Lord & Burnham and cost $100,000.

RSVP Today!

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014 6 PM.
WHERE: Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA
COST: $40 for Dinner & Tour.
RSVP: By Tuesday, December 2, 2014 to Carolyn Savikas at savikasc@gmail.com

In lieu of a gift exchange please bring an item or two for the ladies at Bethlehem Haven. They need, feminine hygiene products, deodorant
Depends, chapstick, handwarmers–the kind that go inside gloves, and heavy socks

By Tom Winschel
Social Security District Manager in Pittsburgh, PA

December 21 is National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. Since 1990, on or near the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, the National Coalition for the Homeless brings attention to and seeks compassion for the homeless who have died because they didn’t have a warm, safe place to sleep. Even as the recovery works its way through the entire economy, no one is immune to potentially being homeless. People in our community—colleagues and family members, military veterans, and our friends—might be too proud to ask for help. Too often, homelessness ends in tragedy.

Social Security provides services to the homeless and you can find these services at www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness. Those who are homeless can apply for benefits and, if they are eligible, their benefits can be deposited directly into a personal banking account, a Direct Express debit bank card, or another electronic account. They can also have benefits mailed to a third party, or if necessary, a representative payee can receive their funds.

Social Security also collaborates with other agencies to help the homeless. At www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness/collaborations.htm, you can read more about the Health Care for the Homeless program that provides grants to a network of local public and non-profit private organizations. Social Security also participates in the Federal Interagency Reentry Council, as well as the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) program. PATH helps people with serious mental health issues or people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Every day, and especially on December 21, remember those living without a place to call home. Homelessness is a complicated and emotional issue, but we can help our brothers and sisters—friends and family—access the safety net that Social Security provides. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness to learn more.

Score
www.score.org

The Internet can be as dangerous as a dark alley in a bad neighborhood. Unfortunately, there are cyber criminals who spend their time trying to exploit websites and engage in other less-than-honorable behavior. From malware to images that attack, the Web is home to dangers that small business owners need to guard against to keep their websites and their site visitors safe.
A website vulnerability is anything that can be exploited on a site in order to take an action that was unintended by the site owner. For example, a website may have the option to upload images but not verify the type of file that is being received. This could allow an attacker to upload a malicious file such as a web shell. Often, these types of vulnerabilities can result from an insecure web application or plugin.
There are some good strategies that, while simple, can help prevent these kinds of compromises. Here are a few:

1. Secure Website If you use a content management system (CMS) such as WordPress or Joomla! It is important to make sure that you keep it up to date with the most current version.
When a CMS releases new versions, there are typically security updates that come along with the added features. If a vulnerability is discovered in a version of one of these web applications, attackers will use this information to search for sites that meet this criteria.

2. Update plugins.
Like CMS updates, newer versions of themes and plugins (Like those available for WordPress sites) often are released. Keep them updated and delete unused plugins to avoid vulnerabilities.

3. Use strong passwords.
It’s absolutely essential to use different passwords for different sites so if one of your passwords is compromised, your other sites are safe. Check out this post to learn more about how password managers can help protect you online.
A quick note on browser safety: most Web browsers are designed to protect the privacy and trustworthiness of a website’s data. However, using caution while browsing should help you to avoid falling into an attacker’s trap. This includes remembering to log out of websites after using them (and, again, using different passwords for different online accounts).

About the Author
Ray Duran serves as a Customer Security Analyst for GoDaddy. When he’s not delving into all things IT security, he enjoys spending time with his family and making craft beer. Connect with Ray on Google+. The world’s largest domain name registrar and Web hosting provider, GoDaddy gives small business owners the tools to name their idea, build a beautiful online presence, attract customers and manage their business. To get more tips for your small business—including articles, videos and webinars—check out the GoDaddy Training Hub.

www.sba.gov
By Caron_Beesley, Contributor

Small Business Saturday has come and gone, and we’re in peak holiday buying season. If you’re looking for ways to boost your holiday sales, here are few tips that can help.

Keep the Small Business Saturday momentum going

Small Business Saturday is still fresh in everyone’s minds, so take advantage and keep the momentum going. SBA guest blogger and CEO of GrowBiz Media, Rieva Lesonsky, recommends five steps that
you can take to Make Small Business Saturday Last All Year Long

1. Focus on promotions that add value

Don’t cannibalize your margins by developing promotions that focus on
price. Instead, look for ways to deliver value. Free gift wrapping with a
minimum purchase is one example. An invite to exclusive events or
previews with every $50 purchase is another.

2. Team up with other businesses

Show your holiday spirit by teaming with other businesses for a sidewalk event or parade of stores. These events don’t actually require that much planning. Think of ways to entice shoppers to visit each participating store or restaurant. Hand out punch cards and encourage customers to get them stamped at each business for the chance to win a prize.

Hire a Santa and give kids the chance for a photo opp. You don’t even need to hire a photographer – let folks take their own!

3. Promote trending products

Who doesn’t want the latest and greatest? But what’s popular in your industry? Google Trends and Twitter Trends are a useful way of identifying the most talked about trends and focusing your inventory and marketing where it will get noticed. Even if you don’t sell trending products, look for ways to align social media messaging in particular around hot topics/news/events that are making waves this holiday season.

4. Let your brand’s personality show

Weave your small business uniqueness and appeal into your holiday promotions, product/service lines, holiday décor and customer service. For example, show your business’ fun side and host a “Bad Holiday Sweater” party. Dress staff in their worst sweaters. Encourage customers to pay a visit and place a vote for the winning sweater! Share images on social media and wait for the event to go viral.

Or focus on your philanthropic gestures to get foot traffic through the door or online – donate a percentage of sales to a local charity for one-day only.

5. Use visual merchandising to make gift selection easy

Make everyone’s shopping easier and draw attention to popular items by using merchandising and signage to promote certain product lines and promotions. You can also do this online – send out newsletters that promote gift ideas and organize inventory on your website according to buckets. “Gifts for Him” or “Gifts under $X” are especially appreciated by stressed shoppers!

6. Use countdowns as a motivator

In-store, via email, online, or social media – build a sense of urgency with a holiday countdown. Think “12 Days of Christmas” or the eight days of Hanukkah! Give away prizes or showcase a different promotion every day. If you’re running special promotions, limit their availability and promote the end date across every customer touch point.

If you sell online, use shipping deadlines as a motivator and, if you can, offer upgrades on shipping times to sway undecided shoppers.

7. Gift cards rule!

Don’t underestimate the power of gift cards! Appeal to last-minute shoppers and benefit from an invaluable source of new revenue. The average gift card user ends up spending an extra 20 percent beyond the value of the card, reports GiftCardGranny.com.

8. Shine on social media

Use Twitter, Facebook and other social sites to showcase your holiday promotions, pop-up sales, events, new dishes, menus, or inventory. You can also use social media to promote secret promotions that are only available to followers who unlock the offer using a time-limited code on your website on in-store.

9. Be careful not to make it all about the hard sell. Appeal to the senses using timely rich media like photos, memes and video. Create engagement and make it fun.

About the Author:

Caron Beesley
Caron Beesley is a small business owner, a writer, and marketing communications consultant. Caron works with the www.SBA.gov team to promote essential government resources that help entrepreneurs and small business owners start-up, grow and succeed. Follow Caron on Twitter: @caronbeesley

By Yvonne Phillips FSII
Feng Shui Business Coach
412-215-8247
Feng Shui for Basic Everyday Living!
www.facebook.com/yvonnephillips
www.twitter.com/yvonnejean
www.linkedin.com/yvonnephillips
www.pinterest.com/yvonnephillips
https://www.facebook.com/FengShuiABC
www.linkedin.com/in/yvonnephillipsfsii/

The long standing tradition of festivals of lights is a tribute to celebrating all the good things in life and of the joy of holiday seasons. Filling the home with lights, music and hosting families and friends to celebrate is what makes festive occasions so memorable.
With another Christmas season coming around the corner, homes, neighborhoods, city squares and parks will be glowing with thousands of twinkling lights and candles, lighting up the night skies at the darkest time of the year. What would Christmas be without the magical effect of twinkling lights?
The action of twinkling lights turning on and off creates the effect of “new light” being continually generated, warding off the opposing darkness of night with each twinkle. The result is the creation of happy energy and joyful vibrations to uplift the spirit. The ancient art of Feng Shui reveres light as a Yang activator, increasing the cheer and positive energy in the environment. As a perfect reflection of the Tai Chi of Yin and Yang, the twinkling of lights represents new energy being created and the celestial balance of opposing forces of light and dark in harmony with each other. One can’t help but feel affected by the positive energy created by the display of contrasting energies in a complementary dance of light.
Throughout the world with all celebratory occasions, the power of lights has been creatively harnessed in grand displays of glowing triumph to inspire and uplift the senses. No matter what culture, people naturally understand and celebrate the symbolism of the forces of light winning over darkness. Many religious traditions, such as the Christians, Hindus or Buddhists have understood the effect of lights in the either the form of candles, lanterns or modern day electrical lighting, to signify offerings to God. With light being revered as the manifestation of yang chi, the more and brighter the lights at ceremonies and altars, the greater the spiritual strength and upliftment of the devotees and worshipers.
The magical science of Feng Shui regards twinkling lights as powerfully attracting the energy of good fortune, and as a tool for enhancing business and more customers. The Chinese have known this for centuries and utilize twinkling lights and Chinese Wealth Trees in their homes and businesses. It’s known that shopping malls with large Christmas trees and twinkling lights benefit from increased sales by naturally attracting customers, in comparison to trees with stationary lighting. With each twinkle of light, energy is activating the positive vibration of the premises.
In the home, twinkling lights offer a warm welcome to friends and family upon entering, lifting moods and increasing harmony, peace and joy. Any home can benefit from utilizing twinkling lights at all times of the year, and it’s wise to incorporate this beneficial and ancient Feng Shui tool for happy ambience, abundance and good will.
The universal understanding of good is perfectly reflected in grand displays of twinkling lights. Motivated by nostalgic sentiment, tradition, spiritual upliftment or the knowledge of Feng Shui, many cultures uphold collective ceremonies of lighting millions of lights on certain nights of the year. So as the festive season approaches around the globe with Winter Solstice, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, remember that a little twinkling lights can go a long way in creating a festive and joyful ambience.