I’m not one to forward on any of those emails that we all receive that promise good fortune if you send it to 3 friends etc. Quite frankly they annoy me most of the time. Occassionally I do get an email that I really enjoy or that I think has meaning that should be shared. And below is the copy of one I received this morning. So I thought I’d post it to my blog and let it be available to whoever wishes to read it;

At a fund-raising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: “When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?”

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. “I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.”

Then he told the following story:

Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, “Do you think they’ll let me play?” Shay’s father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

Shay’s father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, “We’re losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we’ll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.”

Shay struggled over to the team’s bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father’s joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay’s team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay’s team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn’t even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay’s life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman’s head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, “Shay, run to first! Run to first!” Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, “Run to second, run to second!” Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball … the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher’s intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman’s head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, “Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay”

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, “Run to third! Shay, run to third!”

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, “Shay, run home! Run home!” Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.

“That day”, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, “the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world”.

Shay didn’t make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

AND NOW A LITTLE FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY: We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate. The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.

If you’re thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you’re probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren’t the “appropriate” ones to receive this type of message. Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference. We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the “natural order of things.” So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice: Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?

A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it’s least fortunate amongst them.

May your day, be a Shay Day

Last year I attended Stuart Zadel’s Think and Grow Rich Seminars in Sydney. Twice in fact! I attended his very first event and had an amazing experience. It was a big wake up call for me and I learnt a lot from the 4 days that I attended (I even went to the additional more expensive 2 days that followed the main event).

If you’ve read the book Think and Grow Rich you’ll know what an amazing book it is and if you haven’t read it then you should. But you don’t need to have read the book to go to the Think and Grow Rich Seminars which Stuart is holding in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Brisbane in 2008.

Some of the speakers that I enjoyed last year were Daryl and Andrew  Grant, Matt and Amanda Clarkson, Paul Blackburn, Mal Emery, Dr John DeMartini, Tim Paulson and there were many others…in fact too many to name them all. Some of them are back for the 2008 events.

I highly recommend it to anyone that believes we all make our own luck and we can be and do anything that we set our minds to. Hearing the success stories of the speakers is very motivating and inspiring. The event offers lots of free information  that could make significant difference to many peoples lives and businesses.

The danger in these seminars is in the sales pitch from each of the speakers (generally at the end of each talk) where they have additional product and programs to sell. Some of the programs offered are fantastic and in most cases are a way for you to learn directly from the speaker and to implement the same system they have used to grow their wealth.

I’ve certainly bought a few of the packages and have no regrets. But beware, I do think that in most cases there is no point in spending money unless you are also willing to make time and effort committments as well. All of the speakers got where they are because they worked hard, at least initially and they remained committed throughout their rise to wealth.

So take your credit card only if you dare…..you’ll get plenty of great value for free. For more information and to register vsit www.webchameleon.com.au/intro/thinkandgrowrich

I expect 2008 to be a HUGE year for blogging. I encourage you to consider getting on board the blogging journey with my help.

With the launch of my own blog a couple of weeks ago I have been heavily engrossed in reading and researching everything on the topic.

It feels like my head is about to explode with all this info.

So rather than waste all this valuable knowledge I’ll be launching my own program to help you get started blogging and market your blog so that it brings you results that you desire. I’m just finalising details and will let you know as soon as I can.

PS I will be limiting numbers to ensure participants get exactly what they need from the program. It will be a focused program covering everything you need to get started and to market your blog confidently, quickly and easily.

 More details soon….

Thank you to readers who sent in the following wonderful feedback to my Online Marketing Report.

Hi Belinda, I really enjoy receiving your ezine, and now that they are fortnightly, all the better. I get so much information from your free downloads and recommendations, sometimes I print them out (naughty for the environment, I know) but then I can read them in bed. I loved all the stuff about SEO as it was perfect timing for my website going live next month. I am only halfway through reading “The Six Online Marketing Strategies for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners” and I am so greatful for all of your expertise and knowledge. What a great read. Thank You!!!! Julie Watson, Ezi Pix Photography

WOW! How fantastic - really loved your report on “Six Online Marketing Strategies for Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners” - we are so busy at the moment with our preparation for Valentine’s Day but once I got reading it I couldn’t stop until I had finished. Honestly, the information is so pertinent to all small businesses wanting to market on line - which is what “A Dozen Roses” is about to do. I passed it on to my husband to read and it was especially interesting for him too - as he is totally clueless when it comes to the internet and this report gave him a better understanding of what we are wanting to achieve with our on-line campaign. Thank-you very much! Plus, I love your newsletters too so please keep them coming. Nicky Mann, A Dozen Roses

Belinda, whenever I see the Web Chameleon Ezine pop up in my inbox I seem compelled to open it up before tending to other emails. I know that you will have new and constructive tips each and every time that I can put to good use straight away in my own small business. Easy to understand, informative, helpful & very friendly. It’s a great recipe. I look forward to each issue. Congratulations. Caroline O’Brien, The Australian Group Travel Company

This is a great resource with simple information for the beginner. For some time now, I have held the belief that “online marketing” was daunting and complicated, but after reading this guide, I’m confident that I can tackle online marketing projects on my own, and I now have a better understanding of how and when an expert can help. I’ll definitely be recommending this guide to friends and colleagues! Melissa Dunlop, Virtual Sanity

Belinda, I was so pleased to receive your latest report today. As you know Sentry Networks is in the construction stage of our website. I am responsible for writing the website content and the direction you have provided is highly beneficial. Thank you so much for your help. Learning from you through your workshops, newsletters and your comprehensive reports has added to my skills base while greatly increasing my confidence in presenting Sentry Networks services online. I look forward to letting you know when we have finally gone live and sharing what we do with you too! Sherynne Smith,  Sentry Networks

Six Online Marketing Strategies for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners; now available as a Free Bonus at  www.webchameleon.com.au

I welcome further feedback. So please if you have read the report and found it helpful tell me what you liked about it and leave a comment below. It’s easy and you do not need to register and you can include a link to your website.

I’m pleased to be a contributor to this Gold Book from Wonderful Web Women which was released yesterday. You can download a copy of this fantastic publication titled The Law Of Attraction In Action for 2008 from me today!

To download your free copy go to webchameleon.com.au/wwwgoldbook

Have you ever wondered why, given the same opportunities, some people create amazing success while the rest see no change in their lives at all? What do they do that everyone else doesn’t? What do they know?

I have found 2 things that set these people apart. The good news is, once you know how, you can apply the same skills and attract amazing success into your own life too.

2 Things That Make a Difference

1. Every one of these successful people is a Master Of The Secret - also know as The Law of Attraction. Sometimes they don’t even realise this themselves!

2. They all take action

There is so much opportunity in the world but until you understand how The Law of Attraction works and have some action steps that actually work, you will not attract the success (however YOU define it) you deserve. I can help you.

My Gift To You The Law Of Attraction In Action 265 pages of inspiration with over 100 practical action steps you can use today to attract success. Valued at $47

Here are just a few of the things you will discover:

Original articles from 37 successful women from countries as diverse as Australia, The USA, Singapore, France and New Zealand.
Techniques to discover what is holding back your success and how to change that.
Simple steps to tap into your creativity and think outside the square
Powerful steps to stop you wasting time and keep you focused on attracting success
Master the one ability that will make or break your business - something that women are naturally talented in!
HUNDREDS of action steps to grow your business, get more customers and turn them into raving fans who build your business for you.
Practical ways to impact on the future by teaching children about the Law of Attraction, success and money
Tap into your passion and build a business around the “ordinary”
Create vitality and energy in your life and have FUN
Attract health and love into your life

Every one of these articles focuses on ACTION, and to make it easy for you, every article finishes with a series of actions you can take today to start attracting success in your life. So what are you waiting for?

Thousand of Dollars of Gifts

Every one of the contributors to this book has gifted you further help. Many of the gifts offered here are only available because you have taken the time to read this book. Gifts range from free courses, books, generous discounts to complementary coaching and memberships. I urge you to take action and make the most of the gifts offered you. After all, the path those gifts take you on might very well be the reason this book has come into your life

To download your free copy go to webchameleon.com.au/wwwgoldbook

I’ve been invited to speak at the next WIN Group. WIN Group is a small local networking group on the Central Coast which I joined in 2007.

About The WIN Group
WIN is a group of women in business who meet once a month to discuss ideas and offer support and encouragement to one another.

Membership is limited to twenty-five women. This allows an open discussion forum at the member-only round table meetings, with plenty of time for each individual to raise concerns they are having and offer assistance to others. The forum also offers the group the opportunity to hear guest speakers that will benefit them personally and professionally.

WIN is made up of women who own or co-own their own business and have done so for longer than twelve months. Each third meeting, members can invite guests who are already running a business. A guest speaker will address these meetings.

Every quarter the WIN Group holds an open night where guests are invited to come along and hear from a guest speaker and so in February I’ll be the guest speaker on my favourite topic - Online Marketing.

This is my promo of what I will be covering:

Is your website working as effectively for your business as it could be? With millions of websites online, can your prospects easily find yours? And is your website helping you to increase sales & profits and build relationships with your prospects and clients?

Come along and learn how to say yes to these questions and more. We’ll be covering how to make the most of your online presence to promote your business, get more leads, and build relationships with your customers and prospects.

Our guest speaker Belinda Jackson of Web Chameleon provides Website & Email Marketing Services and Solutions to her clients throughout NSW, and the World. With a background including over 14 years experience in graphic design, IT and Marketing - a perfect blend to place her where she is today - helping business owners market themselves through online technology.

In this session, Belinda will explore:

How to make your website work for you
How to optimize your website for Search Engines & get more visitors
How to convert website visitors into customers
Build Relationships and Grow your business using Email Marketing

So if you are a women in business on the Central Coast we would love to see you there.

For more information contact me.

Six Online Marketing Strategies for Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners!

That’s the name of the New Free Report I’ve written and just released to my newsletter list today. It will soon be a FREE bonus to new subscribers to my email newsletter. I am working on the new opt-in page which should go live next week at the Web Chameleon website. 

About the Report:I believe that the internet offers huge opportunity to small business and solo entrepreneurs. It can often be a struggle to understand what’s important so this report covers what I feel are the top strategies Entrepreneurs and Business Owners need to be aware of. Topics covered within the report include;

1. Strategy 1: An Effective Website
2. Strategy 2: Words that Sell! Website Copywriting
3. Strategy 3: SEO Search Engine Optimisation
4. Strategy 4: Capture Leads & Grow your Database
5. Strategy 5: Email Marketing
6. Strategy 6: Embrace Web 2.0 & Blogging

The last twelve months I have spent a small fortune on furthering my education and buying into packages from experts in Online Marketing.  I’ve attended all the big Internet Marketing seminars in Sydney, and at each and every one I parted with some cash to buy product!

Throughout 2007 I worked with numerous mentors and coaches, both in person and through pre-prepared materials.  A lot of what I learnt I already knew ???? So why did I need to “learn” it again ???? I am just starting to get my head around it now and I think that it’s got more to do with me not acknowledging my own strengths and knowledge than anything else.

By the end of 2007 I was getting quite overwhelmed by the abundance of information and ideas that I had bought into or that were being sent my way. Deciding who and what to follow was driving me silently insane. And then I had an A’ha moment when I realised that I need to trust my own stuff more and start implementing things MY WAY and teaching others as well. I don’t need to follow one mentor or coach, I can roll all that I learn and all that I already know into my way of doing things.

So for 2008 I have put a lot of thought into defining exactly who my mentors & coaches will be. I truly believe that we all need these people in our lives; people to teach us new skills, keep us working efficiently and to make us accountable.

Do you know what the difference is between a mentor & a coach? I found this description awhile back and I think it’s fitting (I can’t recall where I found it so I am unable to link a reference to it here): A mentor imparts instruction, wisdom, and opportunities to a junior. A coach does not teach or give advice, but empowers the individual to make their own wise choices through asking questions.

So implementation seems to be a key ingredient for my 2008 plans! And on a quieter note, so is spreading my message and mentoring or coaching others to my way of Online Marketing (more on that later :)).

It’s amazing how we all forget how many things we actually get right each year and we forget to congratulate ourselves on a job well done! Although I’m not working this week (ha!) I am focusing on some bigger picture stuff like business planning and marketing for 2008.

I have a list of about a billion things I want to get done in 2008.

Before I continue I thought it was time I gave myself a pat on the back for all my hard work to date.  Us Solo Entrepreneur’s often forget to congratulate ourselves on the achievements along the way.

2007 was a good year for me, as I:

1. Almost tripled my business income in 2007, compared to 06

2. Increased my client base 300%

3. My newsletter subscribers list grew by over 500% (if you’re not on my list sign up at www.webchameleon.com.au)

As Solo Entrepreneurs we need to be thankful to those who support us, and thankful to our own skills and the fact that we are running our own business! We need to congratulate ourselves when we reach a goal or achieve something great.

It’s great to look forward, but it’s also great to acknowledge where we have been and enjoy where we are.

I came across this website - http://www.storyofstuff.com/ just a few weeks ago and I think its a brilliant overview of how commercialism affects all of us.

As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, do consumers ever wonder what happens to their stuff from holidays past? “The Story of Stuff” is a new short film released online, that takes viewers on a provocative tour of our consumer-driven culture — from resource extraction to iPod incineration — exposing the real costs of this use-it and lose-it approach to stuff.

Throughout the 20-minute film, activist Annie Leonard, the film’s narrator and an expert on the materials economy, examines the social, environmental and global costs of extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. The film features Leonard delivering a rapid-fire, often humorous and always engaging story about “all our stuff — where it comes from and where it goes when we throw it away.

I personally feel we all need to be aware of this, and perhaps put a little more thought into our purchases and whether we really need all this stuff, even if it is “on sale”. Take a look at the Story of Stuff and let me know what you think.

The website is also a great example of Web 2.0, and using interactive media to get attention. A website that includes animation, video and audio is a great example of what’s possible with websites today, and how much easier it is to get attention if you embrace these technologies to showcase what you have to offer.

This year I plan to get into Web 2.0 in a big way both for my own business and for my clients through educating small business owners and solo entrepreneurs on how it’s all done and how they can best take advantage of these fantastic online technologies to market their business.