Women’s Independent Press

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.

New book titles published this year: 1,809,022
Books published in the world - sources and methods
The data on books published displayed on the Worldometers’ counter is based on statistics published by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
Below is shown the number of new titles per year, per country, as of the latest year available:
United States (2010) 328,259 (new titles and editions)
United Kingdom (2005) 206,000
China (2010) 189,295 (328,387 total)
Russian Federation (2008) 123,336
Germany (2009) 93,124
Spain (2008) 86,300
India (2004) 82,537 (21,370 in Hindi and 18,752 in English)
Japan (2009) 78,555
Iran (2010) 65,000
France (2010) 63,690 (67,278 total)
South Korea (2011) 44,036
Taiwan (2010) 43,309
Turkey (2011) 43,100
Netherlands (1993) 34,067
Italy (2005) 33,641 (59,743 total)
Poland (2010) 31,500
Vietnam (2009) 24,589
Indonesia (2009) 24,000+
Argentina (2010) 22,781 (26,387 total)
Canada (1996) 19,900
Brazil (2010) 18,712 (54,754 total)
Malaysia (2011) 17,923
Romania (2008) 14,984
Ukraine (2004) 14,790
Hong Kong (2005) 14,603
Belgium (1991) 13,913
Finland (2006) 13,656
Thailand (2009) 13,607
Belarus (2009) 12,885
Denmark (1996) 12,352
Colombia (2010) 12,334 (13,294 total)
Switzerland (2001) 12,156
Singapore (2007) 12,000+
Czech Republic (1996) 10,244
Hungary (1996) 9,193
Mexico (2010) 9,075 (25,348 total)
Egypt (2000) 9,022 [
Australia (2004) 8,602
Austria (1996) 8,056
Portugal (1996) 7,868
Israel (2006) 6,866
Greece (2002) 6,826
South Africa (1995) 5,418
Chile (2011) 5,326 (5,720 total)
Sri Lanka (1996) 4,115
Peru (2006) 4,101
Sweden (2010) 4,074 (30,857 total)
Saudi Arabia (1996) 3,900
Lebanon (2005) 3,686
Myanmar (1993) 3,660
New Zealand (2003) 3,600
Ecuador (2010) 2,854 (4,164 total)
Afghanistan (1990) 2,795
Venezuela (2003) 2,061
Luxembourg (2001) 2,000
Latvia (1996) 1,965
Iceland (2007) 1,533
Philippines (1996) 1,507
Cuba (2003) 1,488
Costa Rica (2003) 1,315
Nigeria (1991) 1,314
Kazakhstan (1996) 1,226
Syria (2004) 1,138
Pakistan (2005) 1,036
Uzbekistan (1996) 1,003
Cyprus (1996) 930
Morocco (1996) 918
Tunisia (1996) 720
Dominican Republic (2003) 705
Algeria (1996) 670
Uruguay (2003) 605
Bolivia (2003) 584
Georgia (1998) 581
Azerbaijan (1996) 542
Jordan (1996) 511
Panama (2003) 506
Turkmenistan (1994) 450
Guatemala (2003) 446
Kyrgyzstan (1998) 420
Malta (1995) 404
Fiji (1994) 401
Armenia (1996) 396
Paraguay (2003) 390
Albania (1991) 381
Nicaragua (2003) 306
Kenya (1994) 300
United Arab Emirates (1993) 293
Honduras (2003) 290
Uganda (1996) 288
Mongolia (1992) 285
El Salvador (2003) 250
Ethiopia (1991) 240
Zimbabwe (1992) 232
Vatican City (1996) 228
Qatar (1996) 209
Kuwait (1992) 196
Tanzania (1990) 172
Botswana (1991) 158
Tajikistan (1996) 132
Papua New Guinea (1991) 122
Madagascar (1996) 119
Malawi (1996) 117
Palestine (1996) 114
Namibia (1990) 106
Eritrea (1993) 106
Brunei Darussalam (2009) 91
Laos (1995) 88
Benin (1994) 84
Mauritius (1996) 80
Réunion (1992) 69
Democratic Republic of the Congo (1992) 64
Andorra (1994) 57
Suriname (1996) 47
Guyana (1996) 42
Monaco (1990) 41
Bahrain (1996) 40
Ghana (1992) 28
Libya (1994) 26
Angola (1995) 22
Mali (1995) 14
Gambia (1996) 14
Burkina Faso (1996) 12
Oman (1996) 7
TOTAL: approximately 2,200,000

Thursday Lunch & Learn ❘ 12:15 pm

Bring your lunch and your thirst for knowledge!

How to Start a Business Using
A to Z Databases Webinar
November 6 ❘ Presented by Christine Smailys,
A to Z Databases
Experts will demonstrate ways entrepreneurs and businesses can
utilize data from the library business A to Z Databases to start and
grow their business. Join us in-person or dial in from home or the office.
Please call the Library at 412.281.7141 for more details.
Eating Healthy and Alleviating Stress
through the Holidays

November 13 ❘ Presented by Dr. Aaron Prinkey,
Pittsburgh Chiropractic Associates Plus
The holiday season is a time to celebrate with family and friends.
Unfortunately, for many it also becomes a time of stress, over-eating
and weight gain. Learn to relieve personal stress, use moderation and
substitution to make healthier food choices and other ways to avoid
packing on holiday pounds.

Power Mingling: Make The Office Party Season
Work for You
November 20 ❘ Presented by Karen Litzinger,
Litzinger Career Consulting
Learn strategic networking tips for social settings to enhance your
professional image, business development and your own professional
development. Light refreshments will be served. ■

Want to know more?
412.281.7141 ❘ www.carnegielibrary.org
facebook.com/clpdowntown

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

Nov. 5 - Wexford, Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North,
910 Sheraton Drive, Mars/Wexford, PA 16046
RSVP: email Carol Briney at
Carol@CarolBrineyWorkFromHome.com
Nov. 12- Mount Lebanon, The Devonshire of Mount Lebanon,
1050 McNeilly Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
RSVP: email Carol Briney at Carol@CarolBriney.com
Nov. 26- 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=JnZDrHgf7eZhGz&b=bhTlH.f.I3kUSlseRwgczg.
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Facebook for Business
Presented by Cindy Rack
This workshop is for the Entrepreneur or Marketing Manager looking
for creative ways to promote your business on Facebook.
Some things you will learn:
- How to set up an attractive Timeline Photo
- Ideas for engaging your fans including creating contests to
drive traffic to your page
- Strategic Mind Maps for sharing Content & how to Find Content
- Using Facebook Advertising & Promoted Posts to get the word out
- Understanding your goals and objectives for your page

Cindy Rack has had a successful career in Sales and Marketing for
over 25 years. In 2013 Cindy released a video based training
product called the “Social Media Jumpstart Kit.” She is a teacher
at heart and over the last three years has been teaching business
strategies for LinkedIn and Facebook. Her clients appreciate her
relaxed, down-to-earth teaching style and her commitment to
Excellence and providing huge value.

If you’re on Facebook (and you should be!) then this is the
expert you need to hear.
Class is limited to 14 participants. Note-taking and laptop helpful
but not required. Light meal provided.

Contact Cindy directly with your questions at 412-498-0540.

Date: November 6, 2014
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: 1500 Oxford Drive (across from Home Depot)
Suite 300, Bethel Park, PA 15102
Host: National Speakers Association, Pittsburgh Chapter
Cost: $25 (includes a light meal)
RSVP: Early registration encouraged (Limited to 14 participants)
Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JnZDrHgf7eZhGz&b=3FOIq5roHrnCxzrZeiO2fw.

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The Magnificent Women Workshop

Are You a Woman who puts everyone’s need before your own?
Have you ever said, “I can’t because…”
Do you constantly feel that there is more to life?
Do you spend too much time arguing for your limitations?

If any of these sound like you join us at this interactive and
informative workshop to learn how to break through your old
programing and create the life that you have been dreaming about.

Featured speakers include:
* Carol A. Briney -
Wake Up To Your Power & Create A Life That Tickles Your Soul

* Brenda DeCroo - Reclaim Your Life

* Susan Ceklosky - Love Your Body, Love Your Life

* Jennifer Ohrman -
Shine Your Light, Step into Your Power & Make Your Impact Now

Date: November 8, 2014
Time: Registration at 8:30 a.m.; Starting Time- 9:00 a.m.
Place: The Comfort Inn RIDC Park, 180 Gamma Dr. Pittsburgh 15238
Host: BLX Networking
Cost: $29 by Nov. 1; $39 after Nov. 1
(Buy a ticket by Nov. 1 and bring a friend for free)
RSVP: Early registration encouraged

To purchase tickets, mail a check made out to Carol A Briney
to 134 West 8th Street Aspinwall, PA 15215

For More Information call Carol A. Briney 412-781-8773

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JnZDrHgf7eZhGz&b=mwW_nQwzuqg7UBfVz90nVQ.

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Millionaire Referral & Networking Secrets®
Keys for Attracting New & Repeat Business” with ABC TV Shows’
Secret Millionaire James Malinchak

In this Interactive, Entertaining, High-Content, Business and
Life-Changing Experience, you will learn Millionaire Referral
& Networking Secrets, like:

* Why 7 & 8-figure businesspeople don’t waste time networking
and instead invest their time “connecting”! (But connect the
wrong way and you’ll lose them forever!)

* Simple strategies that can attract a stampede of referrals
to you and generate more profits than ever before!

* Unique ways for really getting-in with movers-n-shakers and
how to influence them to want to do business with you!

* How YOU can generate a constant stream of high-quality referrals
for your business, just like millionaires do!

Do not miss this rare opportunity to spend time learning from
one of “America’s Highest Paid, Most In-Demand Business Speakers
and Marketing Consultants” as you will learn how to apply James
Malinchak’s Millionaire Secrets® and success habits to your
business and life.

Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Time: 4:00 - 6:30 PM
Place: Sigma’s Conference & Event Center,
1717 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Sponsor: No BS Marketing
Cost: No charge but RSVP required
RSVP Date: Suggested by November 7

Registration Web Address:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JnZDrHgf7eZhGz&b=Cdohu7QI_TwqQqF5gFMMOw

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Business for Breakfast Networking Event

Featuring: Dr. Ann Gatty, Partner, Drs. Gatty, LLC

Topic: Playing Nice with Others: Beretta’s Best Business Advice

Smart business leaders understand that productive and positive
employee engagement is a key component to a company’s success.
In this clever canine-led presentation, learn practical leadership
strategies that inspire trust and motivation in the workplace.
Beretta, a four year-old Great Dane therapy dog teaches the
lessons he’s learned while endearing himself to thousands of
individuals in hospitals, VA facilities, and workplaces.
Dr. Gatty and her gentle giant will share helpful tools that
your organization can implement immediately to improve the
workplace culture.

Network with fellow business professionals, enjoy a continental
breakfast and listen to an interesting and informative speaker.

Date: November 12, 2014
Time: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Place: Cambria Suites at CONSOL Energy Center
1320 Centre Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15219
Host: Pittsburgh Business Times
Cost: $25 (includes continental breakfast)
RSVP: Suggested by November 10th

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JnZDrHgf7eZhGz&b=p7uPk_NWSQqrXlXbtppXaA

For more info, contact Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845 or
komondor@bizjournals.com.

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Pittsburgh Leaders Advancing the Impact of Coaching
A panel presentation moderated by
Patty Kreamer, ACC, COC, Referral Institute of Western PA

Panelists include:

Diane Bickford, CORE
Raymond L. Wolfe, Pittsburgh Mercy
Anne Papincak, Coach and Consultant

Join us to experience how local business leaders focused on
growing talent and creating healthy work environments are
advancing the impact of coaching.

During the Spotlight, each leader will share the scope of
their coaching program within their company and its effect
on the organization. Then, the panel will engage in an open
and frank conversation about the state of coaching in our
region and best practices of coaching within organizations.

If you are a coach interested in working with organizations
or a business owner curious about how coaching could benefit
your organization, you will not want to miss this enlightening
and engaging panel.

Date: November 12, 2014

Agenda:

4:30-5:00 p.m. Reception
5:00-5:10 p.m. Welcome- Anne Papinchak, ICF Pittsburgh President
5:10-5:15 p.m. Moderator and Panelists Introductions
5:15-6:15 p.m. Panelist Spotlight

* What is the goal and scope of the coaching program?
* What has been the impact?
* Expectations of Coaches: Internal/External
* Best Practices & Lessons Learned?

6:15-6:45 p.m. Moderated Panel - Open Question and Answer
6:45-7:00 p.m. Close and Networking

Place: Rivers Club, One Oxford Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Host: Pittsburgh Coaches Association
Cost: By 5 p.m., Nov. 7: Members -$55, Nonmembers-$75.
After 5 p.m., Nov. 7: Members-$75, Nonmembers-$75

Register online at
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JnZDrHgf7eZhGz&b=glaVDJ3_rDBcplZ4sdcCzQ

Further info: contact Roberta Rollings at Pghcoachesassoc@aol.com.

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Pennsylvania Business Technology Conference

Discover technology trends and tools to grow your business.

This full-day conference features:

* A panel discussion with technology experts and innovators
* Expert-led workshops on the most timely technology topics
* A technology showcase of the latest innovations, software,
and support providers

Workshops include:
* Promote & Engage:
The Anatomy of a Powerful Digital Marketing Campaign
* Show Me, Don’t Tell Me: The Power of Images & Video
to Grow Your Business
* Lessons in LinkedIn: How to Leverage Today’s Lead
Generation Powerhouse
* Emerging Trends in Telecommunications
* Great Google Tools to Grow, Connect & Organize
* Compel & Sell: Content & Calls to Action That Get Results
* A 15-Step Guide to Getting More Traffic to Your Website with SEO
* How to Build, Manage, & Promote Your Own Do-It-Yourself Website
* High-Impact Email Marketing: Best Practices & Winning Strategies

Date: November 13, 2011
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Place: Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
Host: Duquesne University
Cost: $119 (includes continental breakfast, luncheon,
keynote speaker, networking reception)
Half-day registration: $79
RSVP: Suggested by November 6

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JnZDrHgf7eZhGz&b=iYa_xrEs_amXkKvEKxB4Xw

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Educating Consumers on the Value of your Business

Speaker: Carla Castagnero, Co-Founder, AgRecycle

Carla Castagnero grew her small startup into an industry
leader in composting through a long and tireless campaign
of consumer education on the process and benefits of her
products as well as sound business decisions and innovative
manufacturing. Most people associate composting with a
bin in their neighbor’s backyard, or something farmers do.
Today, composting is a large scale manufacturing process
producing refined, finished products that have the ability
to transform the biological, chemical, and physical properties
of American soil. AgRecycle is one of the oldest and most
successful composting companies in the US, with clients
such as the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Date: November 14, 2014
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Place: James Laughlin Music Hall, Chatham University, Shadyside
Host: The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University
Cost: $25 (includes continental breakfast)
Students- $12.00 with valid ID (Email pdecker@chatham.edu)
RSVP: Suggested by November 11

Questions? Contact 412-365-1253

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JnZDrHgf7eZhGz&b=gvnKPl.A6NtcxpG7kWCm0g

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Delivering the Best Presentation They’ve Ever Seen:
Using Technology to Send Your Speaking Career to the Cloud
Presented by Dave Nelsen

Date: November 15, 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Location: Sheraton Station Square, 300 W Station Square Dr,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Host: National Speakers Association, Pittsburgh Chapter
Cost: NSA Members & Affiliates-$35; Nonmembers-$45
Add $20 for networking lunch.
RSVP: Suggested by November 12th

For more information and to register, go to:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JnZDrHgf7eZhGz&b=3FOIq5roHrnCxzrZeiO2fw.

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Get More Business with a Proper Pitch
Speaker: Nate Dunlop, Toastmasters

This interactive workshop will give you techniques to boost Your
credibility, calmness, and confidence. Learn how to create a
focused step-by-step pitch and apply interaction skills that
will make conversation easier and help you close your next sale.

Date: November 19, 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

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Engaging Employees with Exciting Educational Experiences
Presented by Al Borowski, Certified Speaking Professional

If you are a Student, a New Trainer, a Slightly Experienced Trainer,
or even an Old Dog Looking for New Tricks, you will discover at
least one idea you can use to plan or present a training program.

Oops. Make that plan or present an Exciting Educational
Experience!!

This program guarantees that you will experience 35 Ways to:

* Engage your audience
* Make the learning fun
* Have fun yourself
* Make the learning stick

And you will receive a Trainer’s Checklist to help you remember
and use these ideas.

Because of the highly interactive nature of this program, we must
limit the class size to 25.

Date: November 19, 2014
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Experis, 1001 Liberty Ave, Ste 500, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Host: ASTD Pittsburgh
Cost: Members- $25; Guests-$35; Students-$15
RSVP: Suggested by November 12th (Seating limited to 25)

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JnZDrHgf7eZhGz&b=QU2PbK7496Dt5bdAGQI8QA

Disability Resource Breakfast

Thursday, November 20, 2014

8:30 – 9:30 AM
Speaker: Mary Pat Joseph, Executive Director, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western PA
Topic: Becoming an adult with Custic Fibrosis. The relationship between chronic health conditions; health and wellness; and transition and employment outcomes for youth and disabilities.

Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

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Lead From Your Strengths

Presented by Brenda DeCroo

When we know what our natural gifts are and we maximize those
gifts in our work, relationships and activities, we are most
productive, effective and personally satisfied. Come learn how
to maximize your strengths, moderate your weaknesses, and unlock
your ability to cultivate empowered teams.

Date: November 21, 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Place: Rivers Club, One Oxford Centre, 301 Grant St, Pittsburgh
Host: River’s Club Women’s Leadership Forum
Cost: $6.00

To register, contact Erin Sustar at erin.sustar@clubcorp.com
or 412.391.5227 ext. 236.

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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: November 21, 2014
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: To be announced
Cost: $25.00 (Prepayment required)
RSVP: By November 19th

Questions: Contact Suzanne at Suzanne@womenspowerlunch.com
or 724-452-5152.

Register online at: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JnZDrHgf7eZhGz&b=41JXposWU5Pmy38Vqu7MQw

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Book Launch & Celebration

Journey of Life Presents…
3 Local Authors:

Carol A. Briney, Author, Speaker, Mentor
Mj Callaway, Sales Coach, Author, Speaker
Brenda DeCroo, Author, Coach, Speaker

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 25th
To RSVP, contact Carol at: Carol@CarolABriney.com

A whopping 50 percent of small businesses do not survive the first five years of business. Why? Most of the time it be blamed on poor planning, especially when it comes to financial forecasting. But let’s say you have your financial ducks in a row.

Here are five items to pack in your business emergency kit to help you through the first five years:

1. Surround yourself with the right people. You know the age-old adage: Hire where you’re weak. Nowhere is that more true than in small business. Even if you can’t afford employees from the get-go, you can still surround yourself
with mentors, advisors, friends, family, independent contractors and professionals you can turn to with questions and for guidance.

2. Know your target market. Also know where they shop and how they decide what to buy. Peruse social media channels to eavesdrop on conversations about buying trends. You’ll need to do this consistently to stay in touch with today’s fickle consumer.

3. Get the word out. Marketers must be creative and reach out to bloggers and other influencers on social media. Join networking groups and attend seminars and trade shows. Network online, too, by reaching out to others in your industry to see how you can help each other.

4. Focus on customer service. Consumers choose a small business over a big business because they want personalized service. What are you doing to make the shopping experience memorable and special? Listen to what your customer wants and give it to them. It’s really that simple.

5. Make an appointment with a local SCORE mentor .I can’t tell you often enough how reaching out to SCORE for free advice can improve your chances of survival. In 321 chapters across the U.S., over 124,000 clients have participated in over 250,000 mentoring sessions, and it’s working. According to the SBA, small business clients who receive three or more hours of mentoring reported higher revenues and increased business growth.

Rieva Lesonsky, SmallBizDaily, GrowBizMedia, SCORE BlogRieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a media and custom content company focusing on small business and entrepreneurship. Email Rieva at rieva@smallbizdaily.com , follow her on Google+ and Twitter.com/Rieva and visit her website, www.SmallBizDaily.com , to get the scoop on business trends and sign up for Rieva’s free TrendCast reports.

Workplace Guidelines, information from www.ncadv.org
What to Do . . .
If you are experiencing domestic violence:

Notify your supervisor and the human relations manager about the circumstances regarding your situation.

Discuss options available to you, e.g., scheduling, safety precautions, employee/family assistance benefits.

Submit a recent photo of the perpetrator to your safety manager in the event of a confrontation at work.

Request that all information be treated with confidence to provide for your safety and well-being.

If you are the co-worker of someone experiencing domestic violence:

If you suspect a co-worker is suffering abuse, do not directly confront her/him since it is important for an individual to self-disclose for her/his own safety and well-being.
Express concern and a willingness to listen and be supportive if needed.
Offer support by listening and assisting; when an individual is ready, she/he will confide.
If a co-worker confides in you, encourage communication with the human resources manager and her/his supervisor.
If you witness an incident at work, contact your safety manager or law enforcement immediately. Make sure that the incident is documented.

If you are the supervisor or manager of an employee who is experiencing domestic violence:

Be aware of unusual absences or behavior and take note of bruises or emotional distress.
Contact the human resources manager to discuss concerns, resources available and ways to support the employee, e.g., safety planning, employee assistance counseling, family resource referrals, flexible scheduling, security measures.
Be familiar with community resources and referrals.
Maintain confidentiality at all times; be sensitive to the seriousness of the situation.
Discuss who is appropriate to speak with the employee; agree on all forms of communication, e.g., providing the safety manager with a photo if there is a risk at work.
Assist the employee in documenting all incidents with the batterer that occur in the workplace.
Take action against domestic violence by encouraging employees to volunteer and by providing financial or in-kind support to your local domestic violence programs.

by Dr. Kathleen Hartford

We have been hearing for decades about the power and importance of meditation. Studies have shown that meditation not only lowers blood pressure but can also enhance your immune response, while improving your ability to concentrate. In the Fit, Fun and Fabulous meditation we even go further. In Eastern practices such as yoga they often discuss the chakra centers but did you know that these
chakra centers align with your neurological plexus of traditional medicine? And that in Chinese Medicine there are certain emotions, life patterns and physical attributes that affect these centers and their corresponding organs? Yes the human body is fascinating and if we can integrate approaches from these various world disciplines then we can truly have the best of all worlds.

In our Conscious Living Meditation CD we incorporate all of these healing disciplines beginning at the root of your spine. Here we find your root chakra, whose color is red, it aligns with your sacral and pudenda plexus and houses the emotions related to group safety issues, do you feel safe in your world? Physically this is where we find our strength and vitality. In my practice I often find patients who feel helpless or powerless suffering with recurrent bladder or reproductive issues. In this case they will benefit from a conscious focus and mental releasing of these limiting emotional belief systems along with appropriate therapies to help bring balance and healing to the organs affected.

Your heart chakra, whose color is green, aligns with your cardiac plexus and emotionally houses the areas of love, both divine love and personal love, here is said to lie your ability to give and receive unconditional love. We have all felt our hearts broken and we’ve all felt our hearts leap for joy. We’ve even felt our heart skip a beat with excitement and felt the heaviness of our heart when it was sad. These emotions are real and directly affect the functioning of their corresponding organs. Research has proven that love and companionship are important and there are times in our lives when we will have to be our best most loving companion to ourselves.

These are only two examples of seven very powerful and accessible energy centers in your body. The process of meditation to support balance and bring harmony to these areas has nothing to do with religion; it is actually a health enhancing function just like flossing your teeth, eating correctly and exercising. Think of it as exercise for you mind and spirit to bring health, happiness and energetic balance to your body.
We are integrated beings, the second we think a thought it changes our body’s chemistry, and our body’s chemistry effects our immune system and the ability of our organs to function. The second we eat a bite of food our body springs into reaction to digest and manage that food, that food will change the chemistry of our body as well as the function of our organs and the emotions of our mind. Everything from the thoughts we think, to the foods we eat, to the company we keep leaves our body responding to its environment. This response from our body physically and emotionally truly creates our lives.

Meditation simply provides for us an intimate moment to spend with our deepest self, to quietly release any negativity of our day while bringing forth and magnifying the goodness and profound energies that are innately ours to enjoy and to play in each day! It will not change what has happened to you but it will profoundly change your ability to stay grounded and peaceful in response to these occurrences.

For more information or to download your MP3 of Meditation For Conscious Living please visit www.drkathleenhartford.com