Indian Night

How many of us really understand how an Indian marriage works? ISA happened to introduce this splendid celebration to us through the Indian night. Joanne was invited in the fashion show so Fuey, Ola and I went to there to support her as well. The night was really long but I had fun because I knew most of the Indians who were participating in this event. They really did a great job.

At first, we had loads of dancing and singing slots. I love children so I captured tons of their pictures when they were dancing on the stage. Please help me to recognize them, they were really naive and adorable! Sketch, by most of my friends. It was about 2 teenagers fond on each other yet for your information, in India, arranged marriage is common in the society. At the very beginning both of their parents strongly expressed dissent towards them to be together so for that moment, what you could do was only trying to approach other family members to make things easier and be perseverant to your stand. Believe that your destiny is in your hand. And they made it! Also, they showed us how an Indian marriage is like, the ceremony and the way they celebrate. Check out the pictures below!

It is end of March

Without realizing, it is April fool tomorrow! Time flies and out of nowhere my biological clock started functioning this morning. One thing is, you guessed it - I was thinking about my journey going back to Malaysia. This is astonishing but I choose to believe that, time flies. Looking at my suitcases I mumbled when I was roaming on the hallways. Couldn't believe that I will again board on a damn long 13 hours flight from Paris to KL, that sucks! Thinking about that leads to me to a dizziness that would eventually throw me up. And because of that, I chatted with JT for a while, thought of Gaik Kuen and Mei Juan, secondary and uni friend respectively.

I-house is organizing a tour trip to Chicago this weekend and I have been struggling if I wanna spend a day there but I finally came up with the decision, GO. Seriously, thinking of loads of souvenirs would drive me demented. Is this the disadvantage of having tons of friends? A keychain costs the least 2 bucks (no more converting should be done at this moment or it would drive me nuts). I could not count with ten fingers nor toes. Primary, secondary, high, university and relatives, as you could see, a lot of them. I wish I would have gazillion dollars to buy them neat stuffs. Hence, this left me no choice but chose to check out some items in Chicago. It would be fun!

Effort plays an important role in this decision making process. I will have to rush on few chapters before Saturday so that everything goes as planned. My heart grows stronger toward Actuarial Science today, it fades sometimes though. Approaching 22, the wonky thoughts of future is making me wobbly. This should not happen in me, a finite direction should have assigned by now. Isn't this how life supposed to be? Determination and discipline shall come back by today. Remembered I Zaolon's favorite quote, "Excellence is a habit". Yes, I cannot afford to waste one more second straying on FB. Thus, 10 minutes per day is just great!

4 Questions to ask yourself before you write ANY marketing message

by Ali Brown

Your marketing message is the bridge that connects your business to the outside world. Even on your busiest day, you must filter out the madness happening behind the scenes and deliver your message in a clear, compelling way that gets results. 

So how can you do this in a quick and easy way? The next time you sit down to craft your next marketing message -- whether it's for an email broadcast, a tweet, a sales letter, a video, or a brochure -- ask yourself these FOUR questions. 

QUESTION 1: "Who is your audience?"

Have you ever heard of a business owner who didn't want everyone to love their product? Even when we know we should have a target market, it's tempting to want to cater to the masses and eventually win them over. But usually when you try to please them all, you end up engaging no one -- and this rings especially true when it comes to marketing copy. 

Before you write down a word, you should know WHO your audience is. Many writers, dancers, singers, and actors -- those in expressive, creative fields -- are often advised to zero-in on one person in the audience and perform for that individual. That way, you know you're connecting with one person, and there's a good chance others will perk up for your message as well. Try this exercise for yourself and see how much it helps.

QUESTION 2: "What do they want?"

Once you've got an image or idea of that one person reading your marketing message, try to think of what they need. And think outside of your product on this one ;). If it's Monday, maybe they've got the post weekend blues and need some inspiration. A new mom might need a laugh. Think of all types of needs that this person might have, like assurance, relief, hope, fun, connection, to name just a few.

Don't limit yourself. Even just having a few different needs of your audience floating around in your head while you write will help.

QUESTION 3: "How can you meet their needs?"

Brainstorming potential needs of your target market can make it easy to come up with your "angle" -- the decisive way in which you'll appeal to your audience.

From a marketing perspective, you want to be able to match your audience's needs with your product/service. But if you can't set up a perfect match, it's okay -- just be sure to satisfy the need. So, if you like the idea of offering a little inspiration to your readers in your Monday morning broadcast, be sure to deliver inspiration. Only when you satisfy that need is it okay to make your call to action.

QUESTION 4: "What next step do you want them to take?"

It's funny how many people forget to make this part clear in their marketing messages. As much as you want your readers to opt-in to your ezine, become a fan on Facebook, attend your seminar, and buy your product, you MUST focus on only ONE "call-to-action"!

So, think about what you want your readers to do at the end of your message. And be aware that it's not always about making the direct sale. For example, email messages are usually not the best vehicle to SELL your products. You're much better off driving them to your website, your video, or your customer service department to learn more. These longer sales tools are where you can really go in for the close. So your call-to-action in an email might be to get them to go to your sales page online.

He made it!

Waiting for hours, days and months, finally HE GOT IT! An email from the U.S. made him shouted, in the fullness of his joy. Nobody would be able understand his feelings. Didn't feel to be apart with his friends yet the enthusiasm deep inside drove him so crazy to fly over here. A long flight finally landed him in LA, a place he loves to the max. Has been busy with his documentation stuff for these couple days and he got his Social Security Number. Trainings doesn't sound bad at all as he gotta wander around and check out new places and people while doing the paper work. I am proud of him, having the chance to learn about American cultures. It's a process of culture shock - culture influence - reverse culture shock. So as what I could tell is he has a roommate and apparently LA's weather isn't as nice as I thought, it was 40F and was kinda chilly for him. Bundle up and he will soon be fine as he is great in adapting himself in new environment. 2 hours later than Midwest, it is 1230am and his place is 1030pm, am waiting for him to come on Skype to say hi and bye but sadly, he is not on the line. So instead of lingering around, I thought of coming here to reminiscence the mood of writing. Although I know that no one will come here and check out the posts but that's OK cause I don't write it for anyone. It is just about an unbound writing space of mine =) Goodnight!

Relationships vs Business

by Ali Brown

Question: As I grow as a solopreneur, I see myself growing beyond my personal relationships, including my husband. I then self-sabotage myself to avoid the "obvious". How do we avoid this?

-- Vidette Vanderweide, AV2 Concept, Dana Point, Calif. (MPC Platinum Member)

Ali's Answer: "Ah Vidette, well first of all, I admire your courage to address this issue. It's part of success, and not always a pleasant part. Of the hundreds of women I've coached personally over the years, this issue comes up more often than not. You see, as you step into your power and growth, and into your highest good and purpose on the planet, your energy shifts. As you know, everything in the world is made up of energy, including us. And as your vibration raises, everything that is not in resonance with it will start going wonky. And that especially includes your relationships. I have much personal experience with this, as most every time I've gone through a significant uplevel personally, it brought up issues with my partners. 

There was a point I was dating this one great guy for months, and everything was going dandy until I went through a huge uplevel. And then, guess what? Things in HIS business started blowing up, new challenges emerged with his children from a previous marriage, and he was suddenly involved in a lawsuit. But you see, these were issues that were brewing under the surface all along. He just hadn't chosen to deal with them. 

And now, as my vibration was rising, his vibration was trying to match mine. So everything in his life that was NOT in alignment was bubbling to the surface to be handled. A bit too fast and painful for him, and us. In the end, he just wasn't willing to do the personal work it required to uplevel himself and save our relationship, so things didn't work out. I blessed him and went on my way. I could not be held back from the work I'm here to do and the purpose I've been blessed with from God.

I used to think this only happened to me, until I'd see it happening with nearly every woman I mentored through a large increase in her business. For us, business IS a journey of personal growth, of stepping into our true power, and even when we are making changes for the better, there will be some things that have to fall away. Now, listen... when it comes to relationships, I am in no way an expert! But you basically have three options: 

1. Do nothing, accept the situation, and love your partner for who he is. If you have needs that are not being met, such as having someone to talk about deeper spiritual or business issues with, do it with a friend or colleague or in some type of group for that purpose. (Warning: If you find yourself holding back your success to make him comfortable, this is not the right option for you.)

2. Ask your partner if he wants to come along for the ride. Explain to him you're on this exciting journey and you'd love to share much of what you're learning with him. See if he's open to doing coaching or workshops together, or if you need to work on critical issues, consider some couples' therapy. (But if he's not willing to do the work, be ready for option 3.)

3. Decide to move on. There is a way to still love and support each other and at the same time recognize that it's in your highest good to continue your growth on separate paths. This is often the scariest decision, and it always feels incredibly selfish. But EVERY woman I've seen do this for herself after she's been trapped in a relationship that held her back has dramatically blossomed afterwards. And what's wonderful is often her previous partner finally finds his own path as well. 

Life is never the same again

I am grateful as God bestowed upon me the most precious opportunity to discover a new life in the states. Ever since I came here, contemplating all the changes made in me, I know I have gotten to know myself better and better. I saw a particular propensity for enthusiastic in me, am I Americanized? Hugs is nonetheless the greatest greeting ever, hugging a friend makes me feel joyful and definitely, I allow my happiness to be contagious as how it is. I couldn't tell if you are tolerable with this American culture, you could, let me know perhaps? Kinda like the changes which attempt to stay with me, they are natural and easy-adapt. The "me" sometimes flunked, but my grieve was not as much as I used to before I came to US. Did I change? Am I depraved? Did the changes lead me astray from the proper life I used to have? No, they didn't. They make me a better person and somehow I retain my principles very well. Before I came to this easygoing sphere, friends admonished me as the U.S. was a rough world. Yes, they were right ONLY IF you don't have a strong mindset then you could easily fall prey to it. Some friends of mine, they changed, just like I did but in a different way. Alcohol is as crucial as part of their life, party is necessary during the weekends. I don't deny that partying is definitely a good way to socialize with peoples cause at the meantime you do enjoy, as an imbiber but the intemperance of alcohol consumption might also ruin your social networking, you never know especially when you are drunk. I do drink but occasionally, not in a bar but simply at friends' house. I wanna bring back the great values to Malaysia and practice them, if I weren't given a chance to get to know the cultures in America, my life would definitely not be the same. Sometimes, things happen once in your life, you don't get to choose to rewind thus, appreciate it. Yup, Life is never the same again! Wooho0

Optimize Your Time to The Max

by Ali Brown, Make Time to Accomplish Your Goals Now

Have you ever had one of those days when you are busy working on your business all day, but at the end of the day you feel like you've accomplished nothing? You're not alone. In today's competitive environment, it's not enough to be busy -- you need to be productive, working toward your goals and your bottom line, or your business won't thrive. 

Your most important skill is being able to make TIME for your money-making business visions. That's the difference between being a "hamster on a wheel" versus finishing that information product, starting that membership program, or hosting the live event of your dreams.

So, if you need some strategies to get your day moving in the right direction, read on for a few helpful tips:

Know your most productive time. Are you the type who jumps out of bed full of energy and your highest level of creativity, or do you not hit your stride till the afternoon or evening? Know when you hit your peak and schedule your most important tasks then.

Block your time for designated tasks. Your most vital appointment to keep is with yourself. Schedule time for getting your important goals accomplished each day and don't let another week, month, or year go by without achieving your business visions.

Delegate your distracters. That email needs answering, and you need to update your social media accounts, and that invoice needs to get sent out. Life needs attention, but delegate everything you can to your virtual assistant to clear your decks and your mind for productive work.

Create a Zen workplace. You won't get your best work done if the TV is blaring, the phone is ringing off the hook, and a pile of overdue bills is staring you in the face. Make your workspace a place where you love to be that is tidy, comfortable, and beautiful and that promotes your creativity.

Take breaks. It's tempting when you are under a deadline to power through your lunch and not get up from your chair. But getting up, moving around, and getting the blood flowing will help reenergize and refocus your mind. So take 10 or 15 minutes to revitalize, and then get back to it.

Fend off the time zappers. Whether it's your smart phone alerting you to a post on your Facebook account or your friend down the street who drops by, you need to guard your productive time. Turn off the smart phone and let your friend know you'll touch base later and get back to work.

Keep it simple. You know how you decide to recover a chair and pretty soon you're remodeling your entire home? It's easy to complicate things and then they become overwhelming. Keep your goals in front of you and when you go off on tangents, gently guide yourself back to the essential task at hand.

Let go of what doesn't matter.  You can waste time obsessing about some of the little details that can be highly distracting. Step back, get some perspective, and stay focused on the big, money-making picture.

Schedule downtime. It's tempting when your overloaded to work the weekend, but don't do it. You need your time off to rest, recharge, and play so that you won't get burned out. It's amazing how much creativity emerges during these restful times. Sleep is essential as well (and recent studies reveal how important sleep is for weight loss too!).

Work on one thing at a time. In case you haven't heard, multitasking doesn't work. You're less efficient at each task you try to do at the same time. Focus on your one essential objective and you'll get it done faster and better.