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<!--Generated by Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/) on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:17:22 GMT--><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><title>articles</title><subtitle>articles</subtitle><id>http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/</id><link rel="alternate" type="application/xhtml+xml" href="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/"/><link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/atom.xml"/><updated>2011-08-09T00:49:09Z</updated><generator uri="http://www.squarespace.com/" version="Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)">Squarespace</generator><entry><title>Don't Say THAT!!! How to Improve Your Image by Keeping Your Mouth Closed.</title><id>http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/8/8/dont-say-that-how-to-improve-your-image-by-keeping-your-mout.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/8/8/dont-say-that-how-to-improve-your-image-by-keeping-your-mout.html"/><author><name>A.Michelle Blakely</name></author><published>2011-08-09T00:47:31Z</published><updated>2011-08-09T00:47:31Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>One thing I realized during my 9-5 career is that the things you don&rsquo;t say can oftentimes be way more powerful than the things you do say.</p>
<p>I remember telling my boss, the VP of Sales, a story about a how another VP of Sales in a past job took a huge account that I had landed away from me and transferred it to a senior rep because he felt I couldn&rsquo;t handle it. I told this story as a way to prove that I was capable of bringing in big accounts. But as I told it,&nbsp;and as I watched the expressions and body language of my boss, I realized that what I was really doing was instilling doubt in his mind of my abilities to effectively manage a large account. If another person in his position had made that call, then maybe there was some validity to it. <a href="http://biznik.com/articles/dont-say-that-how-to-improve-your-image-by-keeping-your-mouth-closed?utm_source=articles&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=2011-08-03">Read more</a></p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Top 10 online scams...</title><id>http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/7/25/top-10-online-scams.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/7/25/top-10-online-scams.html"/><author><name>A.Michelle Blakely</name></author><published>2011-07-25T23:37:50Z</published><updated>2011-07-25T23:37:50Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bbb.org/top-online-scams"> <img src="http://www.bbb.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/top-online-scams.png" border="0" alt="Top Online Scams [Infographic]" width="575" height="1000" /></a> <br /> <a href="http://www.bbb.org/top-online-scams">Top Online Scams [Infographic] </a> compliments of   <a href="http://www.bbb.org">Better Business Bureau</a></p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Concessions could be a sign of desperation</title><id>http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/6/14/concessions-could-be-a-sign-of-desperation.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/6/14/concessions-could-be-a-sign-of-desperation.html"/><author><name>A.Michelle Blakely</name></author><published>2011-06-14T15:15:53Z</published><updated>2011-06-14T15:15:53Z</updated><summary type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[Having a database full of disposable clients will always lead to a disposable business. Have you resorted to desperate marketing tactics that have resulted in you taking every client you can get? Are you the one who never says, “no” to a potential client’s request, even when it’s beyond your scope of work? Most small business fold due to undercapitalization, lack of business acumen and doing too much for too many.]]></summary></entry><entry><title>Can you pay off $30,000 in debt in 365 days?</title><category term="a.michelle blakeley"/><category term="deborah owens"/><category term="simplicity mastered"/><category term="women and finance"/><id>http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/5/23/can-you-pay-off-30000-in-debt-in-365-days.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/5/23/can-you-pay-off-30000-in-debt-in-365-days.html"/><author><name>A.Michelle Blakely</name></author><published>2011-05-24T01:48:24Z</published><updated>2011-05-24T01:48:24Z</updated><summary type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[How did five women pay off $30,000 in debt and jumpstart their savings in less than a year? Find out in author and wealth coach Deborah Owens new book, A Purse of Your Own. Owens shares her dynamic campaign to empower one million women with financial literacy. The Baltimore based radio talk show host and sought after public speaker helps transform women's lives as they take control of their finances.]]></summary></entry><entry><title>Don’t just organize your office, organize your business</title><category term="a.michelle blakeley"/><category term="brand consistency"/><category term="business practices"/><category term="business therapy"/><category term="micro business"/><category term="organization"/><category term="simplicity mastered"/><category term="small business advice"/><category term="small business best practices"/><category term="small business challenges"/><category term="small business organization"/><category term="small business start-up"/><category term="small business tips"/><category term="time management"/><category term="to-do lists"/><id>http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/3/28/dont-just-organize-your-office-organize-your-business.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/3/28/dont-just-organize-your-office-organize-your-business.html"/><author><name>A.Michelle Blakely</name></author><published>2011-03-29T06:17:46Z</published><updated>2011-03-29T06:17:46Z</updated><summary type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[Organizing your business is just as important as organizing your office. Establishing functional systems, maintaining your business image online and off; and streamlining your processes is just as important as clearing your desk and getting that pile of filing done. Here are quick and easy ways to keep your business organized:...]]></summary></entry><entry><title>Pipelines, People, Places and Prices</title><id>http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/2/1/pipelines-people-places-and-prices.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/2/1/pipelines-people-places-and-prices.html"/><author><name>A.Michelle Blakely</name></author><published>2011-02-01T21:00:00Z</published><updated>2011-02-01T21:00:00Z</updated><summary type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[The 4 P’s of keeping your business activities in balance: pipelines, people, places and prices. Each one of these P’s require your consistent and careful attention. Without a filled pipeline, you will constantly be looking for new clients. Without connecting with people, no one will know or care who you are. Without visiting the right places, you could miss exciting opportunities and you could experience monotony. Without appropriate pricing you could be losing money and/or clients.]]></summary></entry><entry><title>Are questions the answer to better business decisions?</title><category term="a.michelle blakeley"/><category term="black business women"/><category term="business advice"/><category term="business opportunity"/><category term="business planning"/><category term="business plans"/><category term="business therapy"/><category term="micro business therapy"/><category term="new business"/><category term="simplicity mastered"/><category term="small business"/><category term="small business best practices"/><category term="small business challenges"/><category term="small business development"/><category term="small business growth"/><category term="small business help"/><category term="small business start-up"/><category term="women entrepreneurs"/><id>http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/1/24/are-questions-the-answer-to-better-business-decisions.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/1/24/are-questions-the-answer-to-better-business-decisions.html"/><author><name>A.Michelle Blakely</name></author><published>2011-01-24T16:00:00Z</published><updated>2011-01-24T16:00:00Z</updated><summary type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[Critical thinking is an essential business skill for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Questions are the building blocks to critical thinking. When you ask questions, your mind almost immediately focuses on finding the answer or solution. Questions cause the mind to think. Daily fire-fighting and interruptions decreases your ability to stop and ask profound questions that could correct small business mistakes and  produce results.]]></summary></entry><entry><title>Change is not as easy as you think</title><category term="a.michelle blakeley"/><category term="black business women"/><category term="business advice"/><category term="business opportunity"/><category term="business planning"/><category term="business plans"/><category term="business stress"/><category term="business therapy"/><category term="micro business therapy"/><category term="new business"/><category term="simplicity mastered"/><category term="small business"/><category term="small business best practices"/><category term="small business challenges"/><category term="small business development"/><category term="small business help"/><category term="small business start-up"/><category term="women entrepreneurs"/><id>http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/1/18/change-is-not-as-easy-as-you-think.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/1/18/change-is-not-as-easy-as-you-think.html"/><author><name>A.Michelle Blakely</name></author><published>2011-01-18T15:00:17Z</published><updated>2011-01-18T15:00:17Z</updated><summary type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[Progress should be every small business owner’s objective whether it be increased sales, establishing expertise, brand recognition, organization, functional systems, etc. The list could go on. With a new year, brings excitement, motivation and aspirations. However, it also brings new challenges, anxiety, uncertainty and soon, overwhelm.]]></summary></entry><entry><title>5 Social media myths that cause missed opportunities</title><category term="a.michelle blakeley"/><category term="black business women"/><category term="business advice"/><category term="business opportunity"/><category term="business planning"/><category term="business plans"/><category term="business therapy"/><category term="micro business therapy"/><category term="new business"/><category term="simplicity mastered"/><category term="small business"/><category term="small business best practices"/><category term="small business development"/><category term="small business growth"/><category term="start-up"/><category term="women entrepreneurs"/><category term="women entrepreneurs"/><id>http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/1/11/5-social-media-myths-that-cause-missed-opportunities.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/1/11/5-social-media-myths-that-cause-missed-opportunities.html"/><author><name>A.Michelle Blakely</name></author><published>2011-01-11T15:00:00Z</published><updated>2011-01-11T15:00:00Z</updated><summary type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[Social networking is a common time trap for many small business owners. Although we recognize the importance of getting out and meeting people and networking, you do have to be mindful of the real purpose of networking – to put you in close or closer proximity to your ideal clients. Don't be discouraged by your lack of social media skills and don't be presumptuous in thinking social media is a cure-all. Here are some important myths to keep in mind when it comes to incorporating social media into your marketing efforts...]]></summary></entry><entry><title>9 Reasons why you should work with a Micro Business Therapist</title><id>http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/1/4/9-reasons-why-you-should-work-with-a-micro-business-therapis.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/2011/1/4/9-reasons-why-you-should-work-with-a-micro-business-therapis.html"/><author><name>A.Michelle Blakely</name></author><published>2011-01-04T18:00:33Z</published><updated>2011-01-04T18:00:33Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>If you find yourself overworked, overwhelmed and not succeeding, here are 9 reasons why you should consider working with a Micro Business Therapist:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 200px;" src="http://www.amichelleblakeley.com/storage/business%20growth.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1293927577321" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Honesty</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Energy and focus</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Power and purpose</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Creativity and resourcefulness</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Break through your limitations</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Make better business decisions</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Smart, practical and cost-effective solutions</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Proven results</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>More time with your family</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Micro Business Therapy is creating a whole new kind of savvy small business owner. Individuals who are self-empowered, confident, focused and determined. <span style="color: #1d1d1d;">Micro Business Therapy helps clients analyze every aspect of their business and facilitates changes that allows their business to move forward and prosper. By reviewing every part of your operations, you can get clear on what is working and what is not. Your business strategies should focus on understanding your purpose, how to position your brand in front your ideal clients, implementing social media tactics that work for you, forming a functional and effective work system and developing an appropriate plan of action to implement realistic goals.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d1d1d;">Need help creating a business that works for YOU? Be sure to check out&nbsp;</span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.simplicitymastered.com/">Micro Business Therapy</a></span><span style="color: #1d1d1d;">&nbsp;for additional information and support. Need help now, let's talk about it! Share your comments and questions below or feel free to Skype me: amichelleblakeley or email me at </span><span style="color: #1d1d1d;"><a href="mailto:info@simplicitymastered.com"><span style="color: #1d1d1d;">info@simplicitymastered.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #1d1d1d;">&nbsp;Did you enjoy this article?&nbsp;Subscribe to <a href="feed://www.amichelleblakeley.com/articles/rss.xml">Simplicity Mastered</a>&nbsp;RSS and never miss a post!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d1d1d;"><br /></span></p>]]></content></entry></feed>
