We’ve talked a great deal about ‘target markets’ and many of you are getting the ‘hang’ of what is meant by defining a ‘target market’. But what about our “niche” in the market?

One of the statements in our ConnectWorkingtm format is “my ‘niche’ is. . . . !” Some AWItm face 2 face members stumble a wee bit with this one. So I decided I would add a few words to clarify.

Read the rest of my comments at http://www.affiliatedwomen.ning.com.  Of course, you’ll need to SIGN UP to do so.  It’s simple and a great place for ‘chrono-mature’ women to be!

Have an awesome day discovering how you are unique & different.   More importantly, may others discover it too!

Linda, a fellow journeyer

This past Saturday, I wrote quite passionately about a conversation I had with Christy while plopped on a stone wall outside the Glitz n’ Glam event. Her report of a conversation she, Justine & Kim had earlier in the day revved my engine as the ole’ saying goes! So blogged on “The Classroom” and stressed the fact that it’s not about ‘formal education’ as much as it is about how we interpret life events and the wisdom we gain from doing so.

And I plead with each of you to come here, jump over any timidity you might have, and add your particular wisdom to the community. I noted that’s how we are a resource to enrich, encourage and empower each other!

It got me to thinking about all the scientific data that is out there now talking about how to stay youthful while growing more chronologically mature! Particularly data about remaining mentally youthful and alert while advancing on the ‘chrono-scale’.

Well you can read the entire article at http://www.affiliatedwomen.ning.com under Blog posts. 

See you there!

Linda, a fellow journeyer

Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks) where you rise early, take a little coffee & prayer time, then hit the work load and keep going and going like the energizer bunny?

That’s what these days are like for me.  I feel like I’m running in circles, chasing my tail and getting no where fast.  I looked at the time, and realized I hadn’t posted anything here today.  Then I got here and realized I hadn’t posted anything since Thursday!  That’s very unusual for me.

Fall is here and fall in Indiana is exquisite.  But I’m missing it!  I’m here in my cubby office, working away while the sun shines warmly & everyone with a grain of sense is sitting on their porch taking in the last of the late summer warmth.

Yet I wonder what I would do if I didn’t have anything to do!   Would I read again. . . something I always loved to do?  Would I take a walk in the park and try out the swings with g’kids at my side?  I might try cleaning house, but then that’s work - right?

Truth is, I’m not a woman to retire!  Even if it ever occurred to me to do so, I wouldn’t.  Yet there are those days when I’d prefer to have less on my ‘plate’ and a little time for sitting in the sun and contemplating my toes (as an ole’ saying goes).

It’s Monday - the beginning of a work week.  Why would we even be talking about “finding time in the midst of. . . . “  After all, Monday is the day we hit it hard and make up for 2 days of leisure (for those of you who have leisure!).

Because time is the one thing we cannot ‘redeem’.  We can’t go back and make up for ‘lost time’.  We can’t ‘bottle’ it or ’save it’ or anything remotely resembling getting it back once it’s gone.  Try as we may, fall will give way to winter and then comes spring.

I used to counsel folks to “find time in the midst of all they have to do”.  I would give them the benefit of my ‘wisdom’ & encourage them to take a little time to do something besides the tasks on the list for the day.  I never quite understood the strange looks they’d give me when I made such a suggestion.  I knew that taking time to focus thoughts, attention and the bod’ in another direction for just a brief time would rejuvenate the spirit and energize the psyche.

It’s still true today.  Finding time. . . actually it’s more accurate to say “taking time”. . . in the midst of a hectic schedule with all time-sensitive things to accomplish can and often does rejuvenate the spirit and give us the energy to go back at it with a different perspective. 

This time, I’m the one that needs to take my own advice.  I’m the one who needs to ‘find time’ in the midst thereof. . . so that when I return to the ‘cubby’, it takes on a different hue and seems less demanding than when I left.

So as we wind down another Monday, let’s close up shop. . . wonder home or wherever it is we go at the close of a Monday marketplace day. . . and “find time” in the midst of the evening to lounge leisurely without lists of tasks at hand.

Let’s make a deal - okay?  I will if you will!

Have an awesome evening with time on your side!

Linda, a fellow journeyer

One of the things that I’m learning about 2nd half of the journey challenges is that ‘chrono-maturity’ most often brings a sense of our own worth as women!  And a sense of our worth carries decisiveness.  A decisiveness that may lead to being exceedingly forthright and direct.

You know, folks aren’t used to “forthrightness” and “directness”!  While we often say we want ‘authenticity’, ‘transparency’. . . I’m not sure we always mean it.  And it certainly isn’t something we want directed at us or shall I say - I like it as long as I’m wearing the label!  But don’t others dare exhibit it with me.

So how to handle our own ‘forthrightness’ and ‘directness’?  Well if you’re interested, then visit http://www.affiliatedwomen.ning.com for more.  Or simply ‘click’ our “CONNECTION STATION” tab; sign up and read the rest of my thoughts on the matter!

In the meantime, have an awesome day!

Linda, a fellow journeyer

Today, I wrote about the vision and mission of A Women’s Place Network, Inc. - Affiliated Women Intltm.  It felt important for me to lay out the  ‘how, where, when’ of it’s ‘birth’.

 It also felt important to talk about our commitment to women - to both a “giant” online community of women (quoting one of our members from the CONNECTION STATION) for women, as well as GROW the face 2 face neighborhood networks for women around the world!

So it’s there!  At the STATION.  You’re ENCOURAGED to click the tab at the top of the homepage here and SIGN UP at the STATION.  Read more about the vision & mission and become part of the soon-to-be-”giant” community of women who want to connect in a warm, inviting and friendly atmosphere!  Or simply click this link:  http://www.affiliatedwomen.ning.com/.  As the ole’ expression goes. . . “y’all come!”

 Have a pleasant evening with much tenderness from those about whom you care deeply!

Linda, a fellow journeyer

Last week we talked about “online vs offline” networking, and asked the question whether online connections would eventually replace face 2 face.  I think we decided that would never happen.

This week, I want to compare & contrast ‘leads’ and ‘referrals’.  Most of us know exactly what a lead is. 

We’re at a meeting and someone hands us a business card (either their own or that of another) and says “get in touch with him/her”.  Well, okay.  But “him/her” doesn’t know you and doesn’t have a clue what you want or why you’re making the contact.  You have no data to assist you in making a quality contact that leads to a real connection. . . let alone the beginnings of a personal/professional relationship.

Dear friends - that’s a ‘lead’ and following up on it isn’t much different than making a ‘cold call’.  I don’t know anyone who likes cold calling! 

 Today’s CONNECTION STATION blog post gives great tips for turning a ‘cold-call’ lead into a qualified referral with the added bonus of beginning a quality relationship as well. 

 To READ more. . . SIGN UP at the STATION.  Here at the “tab” on the homepage or by clicking on http://www.affiliatedwomen.ning.com. 

You won’t want to miss my thoughts on this important matter.

Linda, a fellow journeyer

A moped or tractor-trailer? 

As usual I was in a hurry and the tractor-trailer in front of me was slowing me down.  It held huge lawn care equipment.  As I fussed & fumed toward 30th Street, we both passed a fellow on a moped with a wire cart attached that held a small lawn mower & a few hand tools.

I was struck by the metaphor that each represented!  In fact, I chuckled out loud.  “Well, if that isn’t a metaphor for life passions & purposes!”

Want to know how I viewed that happening as a perfect metaphor for our 2nd half of the journey life?  SIGN ON at the STATION. . .  click the tab “CONNECTION STATION” at the top of this page or click on http://www.affiliatedwomen.ning.com/.  Either way, you’ll be part of a growing community of women who have much to offer & where the atmosphere is warm, inviting and encouraging.

Have a pleasant day!

Linda, a fellow journeyer

Not as bad as the Texas coast; but certainly more than we’re used to in Indiana. Yes, the wind blew - trees fell; windows shattered, roofs blown off. It was not a usual Sunday in September!

In our little corner of the world, we experienced the rage of Hurricane IKE as it roared through Indiana on its way east. As I sat in front of the computer doing my usual Sunday chores, I heard a strange sound. . . like wires flapping against the house. “Never mind, nothing to worry about,” I thought. Well that was until I went downstairs for a ‘break’ and glanced out the back door window!

There it was! Half the neighbor’s tree laying squarely across the driveway between our new fence and garage. “Eek,” I yelled.

 Continue by SIGNING UP at the CONNECTION STATION or click at http://www.affiliatedwomen.ning.com/.

Have an awesome sunny Monday with loads of awesome blessings.

Linda, a fellow journeyer

Yes, I know - that phrase is a company’s marketing slogan (don’t remember the company name). And it’s a great one!

When I hear it, I think of relationships. Relationships that over the years have ‘kept giving’ to me - and hopefully to each other. I think of the warmth of family. . . children & grandchildren. I think fondly of friends who’ve been a part of my life since high school.

And I think of the relationship we are privileged to have with our Heavenly Papa! I think how that relationship changes lives. . . changes our attitude and perspective on life in general. Mainly how it changes the way we see ourselves and others.

 You can read the rest of today’s ‘chat’ at the CONNECTION STATION.  Simply return to our “homepage” & ‘click’ the ‘tab’ entitled CONNECTION STATION to SIGN ON.

Or click on this link: http://www.affiliatedwomen.ning.com/ to join us!

Have an awesome day with much love & great joys.

Linda, a fellow journeyer

As most know, a monster storm is bearing down on the Gulf Coast of the USA. . . not NOLA this time, but the entire coast of TX.  Folks are being prepared. . . some leaving, some “hunkering down”.  And then the ‘waiting’.  The waiting until it rolls in, dumps and then rolls out!

For me it’s a metaphor for much of our life experiences. . .whether in our personal or professional life.  The “storms” may be different depending upon where they ‘hit’; but they roll in, dump and then roll out.  We can ‘evacuate’ or ‘hunker down’.

Which is it for you? 

You can read the ‘rest of the story’ at the CONNECTION STATION by signing in at our homepage tab “Connection Station” or click http://www.affiliatedwomen.ning.com/.  Either way, we welcome you and any comments you want to make.

Have an awesome day,

Linda, a fellow journeyer