She Troubleshoots | The Sample Box Idea...again

The Sample Box | The idea!

C'mon admit it...you love those little samples you get at Sam's club and that aisle in Walmart where all the samples live dontcha??
I know I do...I love the concept of sampling and trying things out. It's the perfect means for trying and seeing if you like something and for being adventurous without breaking the bank.
I've been secretly admiring these sample bits and the idea of trying things...

You've seen those samples box services right? How flipping amazing is this idea?
For just pennies a day, you get to try samples of amazing products, trying new things every single month!? Really...who thought of this idea...it's brilliant! Because I'm so curious about business and how it can provide prosperity in this economy the idea of a sampler service has always appealed to me...

My idea was always with the pet community because animals rock...and there are thousands of small pet-focused businesses out there, looking and reaching out to the pet parent community. I still love the idea...even after trying it and failing...

I still think it's a fabulous idea and am still looking for ways to get pet parents on board with this, and pet businesses in too.

So tell me what's your favorite sample? Is it shampoos and conditioners, make up, lip gloss and balms...or maybe spa products...let's here 'em!

Raising Two Boys 1 of Which is Strong Willed

So the struggle lately is being a single parent household in a normally two parent household.  Quick background on my parenting abilities. I was sure that God would bless me and my husband with girls. I know girls...I'm a girl...it made perfect sense.

Then came Lil W, not a girl...ok it's all good. I'll learn on the job and this will be fun. I was a tomboy as a little girl so this will work. Then 27 months later comes Lil A, which I was for sure was a girl...you get one of each right? Wrong...another boy. Ok...I've done it once this will work.

Fast forward 3 years, I'm a single parent because the Navy is leasing my hubby till later this year, and I'm near mental breakdown most nights. I have a very strong willed-old soul child and another who is hyper-sensitive...Wow my hands are full, full, full.

What do you do when you don't know what is 'normal' for boy behavior? What do you do when it seems like they don't listen to a word you say?

Well I pray a lot, and I email my husband alot. I realize that my job as their mom is a very important one, and I don't take that lightly...often times I think I take it too heavily. But all in all, I feel blessed to be their mom and blessed to have an outlet to share what I live through and experience.

What about you, are you a busy mama of strong-willed kiddos? Care to share your experiences or 'it's funny now' moments...

I know I'd like to hear 'em

She Troubleshoots | What's Your Next DIY Project?

Whenever I set out to do a project I get so stoked! But because of my mile a minute brain tweeking on anything shiny, colorful with a WOw-factor...I get side-tracked and before you know it my project has now become a forgotten memory.

So here's my question? How do you stay on track and what's your next big DIY project?

She Troubleshoots | Uptown Craftin'

To my core I'm a creator of things. If I don't know how it works I've been known to dismantle things and then re-assemble them again. From radios, to watches, to engines...it's always kind of been my thing. But it isn't until now that I'm starting to see how it may come all together. But more of that later, for now I wanted to share with you this beautiful bracelet I made.


I think because my hubby is deployed and I miss him to bits that I'm on this golden love kick. Guess that whole absence makes the heart grow fonder bit is true :) Thanks for stopping by, tell me what you think!

She Troubleshoots | Finding your Schtick

Uugh I've gone through this question over and over and over...I've done so much in my life and enjoy so many various things that nailing down that 1 thing that will be my calling...or you know my Schtick. I keep thinking...I'VE GOT IT...I'VE GOT IT!

So I go whole hog and pour myself into it...sometimes things work out sometimes not. I'm not quite sure what to take away from all of the experience except to just write about them.

So this post will be short. I'm on some kind of mission...a mission where I can truly allow my husband to retire once he retires from the Navy in 2015...he deserves that. All those sacrifices he's made for the good of our country...I at least can give him a truly retired lifestyle.

So as I figure that out... tell me what's your Schtick?
How did you figure it out?
When did you figure it out?

And what are you doing now that follows your Schtick?  I'd love to hear...cause it may just give me that extra push...so...share! :)

She Troubleshoots | Trophy-ish Wifey

If you've been following any of my blogs you'll know that I'm on a mission to be a hottie patottie for when my hubby returns from his Navy deployment mission.  I'm happy to report that officially 11 elle b's(um those are pounds in case you're wondering) have left the building...Yay Rah!

It hasn't been easy by any means and I've had to seriously cut back on my junk eating...uuuuuh love my junk eating. But I've had to do it since it gives me the results I'm searching for...and that's kind of the bottom line right. Do what works right?

So this isn't by any means a be all end all, and I'm certainly not a trained fitness gal. But this is what I've troubleshot that works for me.

1) Water: I try to just drink it all day long. I don't have a magic ounces per day formula...just drink it as much as your body will take.
--> Tip:  I put Crystal Light in some of my water for flavor purposes

2) Don't Stop: I have a low tolerance for caffeine and I'm not a big fan of how coffee tastes, but frequently throughout the day I lose steam...(probably b/c I'm up late working on business stuff) but I need energy. I sip on 5 hour Engergies through out my day...one bottle tends to last me all day. When I have energy I tend to not eat as much.

3) Very light or not much lunch: This is purely a personal preference. I actually don't encourage this but I'm being honest as to what works for me. I normally eat a decent breakfast, around 200-350 cal. Then a very light lunch like string cheese, and nuts or apples. Then a regular dinner, but not a big serving.

4) Burn: At night occasionally I'll do some squats, lunges, or stairs. Plus for my daily activities I'm doing alot of walking. Plus I try to never park in the common parking spaces if I can help it. The doors on my Camaro are huge, and I don't trust people to have common sense when parking next to me. Plus it allows me extra walking time

So that's what's been working for me. It's not perfect but it works..for me. I'm looking to try to lose 11 more before hubby gets back.
If you have a weird regimen that works for you please share it with me.

{She Troubleshoots} Hurricane Irene

Our weekend with the exception of a few hours on Sunday was spent trying to keep from going stir crazy. With myself and 2 boys and 1 dog...it was no easy task.  Not only do they continually want to fight and attack each other, they build up all kinds of energy that can only be released indoors...hence the video you can choose to check out below.

This is just a taste of life with 2 boys ages 6 and almost 4...enjoy or for warning!

{She Troubleshoots} Entrepreneur Style

My crew and I (read my 2 boys and I) designed  tees yesterday. It was a mommy and us project so as to 1) keep them busy for 45 minutes and 2) to let them explore their creativity a little.

Funny how their designs turned out..really expressses who they are, and I know they didn't mean for it to turn out that way..it just did.

As did mine as well...

the boys...

& Mommy

Yup that 'bout sums it up!

{She Troubleshoots} List Growth *Update*

I mentioned when I first launched this 'all inclusive' blog that I would share the things I've found to be useful..as I troubleshoot my way around things and find what works (for me) and what doesn't.

So in staying true to my wits, here is an update to my Mobile Advertising model. 2 days ago on the 18th I launched my very first mobile advertising campaign with 2 goals in mind.

1) to build my own subscriber list of eager mobile eager people
2) to see if I could somehow monetize it, while sharing some mobile juice with them

Well day one as you can see in the post before this one..after 1 Hour...just 1 hour I had 11 subscribers...and now after just 1 full day, I've doubled that list size! According to my Aweber account I'm now up to 22!

Now I get it 22 people isn't alot...but...you remember that old tale about if you double a penny for however many days how much would you have? Yeah its kinda like that...let's say I kept this up and doubled my subscriber list ever single day for 5 days..being modest...how many would that be?

Hmm...hold on a sec...Oh WOW...it's a HughNormous number! I know I won't see that crazy silly number...but the numbers are encouraging...When was the last time you ran a pay-per-click ad on Google, spent $7 and got 22 new member subscribers to your list??

I'm just sayin... This Flippin Rocks!

** I don't know if you wanna take a look at how I learned how to do it or not..but just in case ya do...CLICK HERE**

{She Troubleshoots} Mobile Advertising

What are your thoughts about mobile advertising? Have you considered it for your small business? Well why the heck not?

Here are your Top 5 reasons why Mobile Advertising should be on your radar!

1) It's a virtual smorgasborg of traffic for pennies....Literally pennies per click..you can't find a click like that anywhere else!

2) It's super easy to run multiple platforms for maximum results.  You can set up 3-4 platforms and expect to honestly see thousands of eyeballs looking (and clicking) your ad. All costing under $20!! $20?? Yup 20 bucks.

3) It's an excellent way to grow your subscriber list...to then gently market to. Once you see your subscriber list increase, you can then share you wealth with them. Let them know what you know, and share your insider tips and tricks on your specialty. It's then after you give them tons of free stuff you can then push some paid products...the system just works!

4) You can expect you list to grow everyday! Where else can you see results like that? Listen here, I've tried Google Adwords...and spent 100's and got 3 measley sign ups! Hogwash...I just spent $7 and got 11...now 11 isn't a whole lot but that was in an hour's time of running the campaign! Just 1 hour!

5) The sheer excitement of seeing real-time results is simply AMAZING! Never have I..Me seen results with such a platform.
I'm bubbling with excitement!

If you'd like to give Mobile Advertising a go, me and my team can help you out! Just shoot over to 7 Cities Mobile and we'll get you started!

{She Troubleshoots} Vacation/Staycation

It's not too often...well hardly never that I get a whole week by myself...no spouse (by Navy default) no boys (by Sister-in-law Yay). I cannot even tell you the last time this has happened...but anyway I'm trying my hardest to not stress over returning to work on Monday and just enjoy this.

Everyone knows that first day back to work after a glorious vacation is the Worst! But I'm putting in good effort to get things accomplished, breathe and enjoy this time.

So far I've gone to lunch at Gordon Biersch, my fave.

Had my very first pedicure...ever~ that was a nice experience.

Mowed the lawn..no hoopla there

Got to read a real book...wow that's a big one

And today I'll be having lunch with my good friend Amanda who happens to be an awesome Chiropractor.

Later today I'll be having dinner with my friends from Gel group...and later after that its...wait for it.....Janet Jackson!!! How sweet this vacation has been...now if I can just really enjoy the time and quit stressin' over going back to my 9-5 I'll be good.

But wouldn't it be nice if I could ditch my 9-5 and truly live a life that makes me feel like this all the time...without the time off part?

I hear it happens when you are doing things you're passionate about and truly enjoy...I'm working on that right now. I have a client I'm meeting with on Thursday to finish up her web design for her new business, and then following up with a potential new client with some mobile marketing assistance.

Guess the trick is to replicate this over and over and get into a groove...*sigh*...and I keep grindin'...

{She Troubleshoots} I love this!

In my former life I created jewelry...so because I still love it so, I always sweet-out when I find gems to drool for. Here are some beauties...go check them out and show them love...they deserve it!

Flashy Blue Moonstone Drop Earrings by
Sonjafive20 on Etsy

$55













Orchid Aqua Chalcedony
by BelleZamia
$21

Teal Rag Dress - I absolutely love this dress...perfect aqua accent around the neckline!
MellifluousCouture$67

Easily pair varying shades of blue together for a sweet summer flirty look, that can be pulled off by any willing fashionista.

What are your favorite summer color combos?

{She Troubleshoots} Quitting your 9-5

Wow such a powerful phrase..and just getting started...technically. To say I'm not employable wouldn't be totally true, as I've managed to keep my current 9-5 for just over a 1 and 4 months..but I'm already feeling the burn of making some other guy wealthy...and leaving me trading time for dollars.

Uugh...so I made the bold statement to quit my 9-5 by Christmas...yup I said it...Christmas.  My hubby retires from the Navy in approximately 4 years and 4 months...and I want him to finally be able to have a stress free work life. If he wants to be a Walmart greeter(even though you gotta be a senior citizen or have special needs for those cushy positions here in Va Beach) by goodness he should be able to.  But...in order for that to happen, mama's gotta be bringing home the turkey bacon and then some.  Our boys will still both be under the age of 11, so we still have a lot of rearing years to go...but for him; I want to give him real retirement at 41.

So how am I going to make this happen?
here's my hypothesis:

1) Make a clear plan as to how I'm going to grow and sustain my new venture 7 Cities Mobile. Where among a few things I'll be setting up complete mobile marketing solutions for local business owners.  Basically ridding them of their failing 'mailing list sign-up' debacle and awful email lists; and transitioning them into the new era of text message marketing and mobile commerce. Get's me all excited :)

2) Will be intensely building up Stick Me Designs and increasing brand awareness and community reach.  The company is sustaining and coming along nicely now it's time to kick it up a notch and really hit her home.  Bigger accounts, more community involvement and outreach.  See my latest stint HERE.

3) Taking an initiative to get my financials in order and under control.  This is gonna be a major overhaul...thankfully my hubby has a dog gone great financial head on his shoulders and he'll help me along the way..Thank God for him!

4) And finally...working on getting 'my-self' in order. I read an article today about Financial Freedom and it made some very good albeit scary points about wealth and what happens when you start to get a taste of it. I say scary because without working on ME I know I'll fall victim to many of these pitfalls. I'm owning up to that now, before the 'freedom' gets here.  It's so easy to get caught up in ...if I only had XYZ I'd be happier...or if I only lost 12 more elle b's I'll be happy. When really what needs to happen is be happy with you...really happy. It's tough...I know and I'm not sure how long it will take me to get to 'that' point...months...years...who knows. But I do know that as I journey there, my hope is that I'll appreciate the steps, and marvel in the outcome.

{She Troubleshoots} Bum Traffic Systems, Push-Button Blogging Softare, & All The $$$ You Care To Make!

I'm a tryer...I think it sort of goes along with me troubleshooting things and wanting to see how things work, wanting to see if I can make things happen.  When it comes to curiosity combine that with my troubleshooting acumen and well it occasionally is a recipe for disaster or genius!

To accomplish my goals to financially retire by age 45, I'm constantly seeking out ways to build up my streams of income. Through Stick Me Designs, 7 Cities Mobile and other smaller side ventures. So when I decide to give something a chance to impress me, I stomp in waiting for the great impression.  More times than not, I'm left with the taste of disappointment in my mouth.

Then I began thinking, what if I started sharing those little disappointment appetizers with my readers, but not as a reason to deter you, but more like insight. This first taste is from a 'system' I gave a try, to see if it could live up to its crazy, lure me in video that I watched and all the hype around it.

My friends, this idea just hit me like a slap in the face...let me digress for a second.  What if someone tried all these different blogging software, traffic mania, all the money you could ever want hyped up hooey and gave you the real scoop?


-->What if a blog actually shared with you, what they found to be true, false and untested...and didn't actually want you to buy that system in the end?  I could do that for you, because in all honesty I've tried, bought into, and believed so much crapola..that I'm a certified BS consultant.  

And now you can be one too! Listed below you'll find a few systems, softwares and push-button methods I've recently bought into, and requested my money back for.  I'll share with you the details why I thought it was a waste of money. The good parts about it, how much it set me back for (temporarily) and if I think it's possible to make money at.  It's just my opinion and if your situation is different from mine, some of these may be the goldmine you're searching for...but if you're like me where every single dollar counts you may agree with me on some points.

Either way I'd like to share...stay tuned!

{Digital Marketing} Taking Full Advantage of your Google Places Page

Just in case you've missed what has been happening right in your back yard with Google, here's a brief synopsis.
Actually let's take a quick step back and review the Google basics for a minute.
Let's look at some truths that we know for sure.

-> The best place to be on Google is in the center of the page, this is called the organic listings. People don't pay to be here...they're there because of a few things that Google has deemed important. Mainly backlinks, relevance, maturity (in terms of how long it's been around) and quality. For some getting anywhere near this coveted area on the first page above the fold has been promised over and over again...and never delivered upon. Especially if you're trying to get there for general popular keywords such as 'Dentist' or 'Dry Cleaners'...very difficult to achieve.
-> Being listed in the area on the far right hand side is known as the paid-listing area. These poor guys are paying for every single click that takes place there...in hopes of a sale or heck anything for that matter! Every single time a lookey-loo is curious... A click$...every single time someone by accident clicks... Another click$. Can it go without saying that managed in the

wrong hands or by a novice, money goes down a deep black drain in a matter of hours in some cases? It's not pretty friends...I say this from experience. As a marketer I find it a bit

necessary to give most avenues a good 'ole honest try...this one I have to report did absolutely Nothing for me..except spend money that I could have happily used elsewhere...with better results.

If you're running a full time business the time, effort and knowlege learning curve can be astronomical, not to mention time-consuming. You quickly find out why you do what you do...because you DON'T like to do This stuff! Lucky for you there are folks who do!
Let's talk about Google and what they're doing for your business...it's pretty darn nifty...and you should be excited! They have taken all the information they can find on your business and given you your very own spot in the Places Pages. But not just any spot my friends...the best spots in the house!
I'm talking right there under those silly paid advertisements at the top! They've even given you an opportunity to rank up towards the top with some regular maintenance, authentic reviews, pictures, videos and a thing called citations. Which is a another way to say other sites have something to say about you.
This is great news for you because:
*** The idea of the whole Places evolution is to better connect you with the enormous audience that is now searching for anything and everything online. If they're searching for a Optometrist and they're in the Hilltop area of Virginia Beach, Google will bring back (first) a few forgettable directories, and then viola...the Google Places businesses. If you have met the qualifications they specify...you're in!

You want to be in? But are lacking in the time to make it happen? Give 7 Cities Mobile a call to schedule your consultation.

Putting your Facebook activity in a cool hardcover book

I love, love love this idea! Because all of the activity you do on Facebook you will eventually lose. So why not have that activity put together in a beautifully bound book? I know right Awesome!

Here is the excerpt from SpringWise which spots new emerging ideas around the world. Love this site, which was also kind enough to feature me when I launched... ( no paid advertising here...just the good ole WOM)


Created in cooperation with creative agency Cosalux, Social Memories is a Facebook application that turns users’ Facebook activity into a hardcover book with 28 glossy pages.

Now in beta, Social Memories aims to give Facebook users a way to preserve their virtual lives in physical form. Users of the app, which is available in both German and English, begin by specifying the timeframe they’d like their book to cover. A minimum of 10 uploaded photos and 10 status updates since June 2009 are required. Social Memories then scans and analyzes that Facebook activity, reproducing photographs as well as creating a range of infographics revealing highlights and trends. With a customizable color scheme, the resulting book can then be viewed online for free. If users choose to order a professionally bound copy, the price is EUR 19 plus shipping; worldwide delivery is available.

 

{She Troubleshoots} Offering Mobile Marketing

It's no secret that everyone has a smart phone. And if you're one of these folks like I am, you keep it with you everywhere. Mine is by my bed while I sleep (even though I don't check it once I 'power down') it's with me all day, literally I take it with me and feel a little lost without it. Like how I forgot it on Thursday...don't ask me how but somehow I did...

I think it's pretty safe to say, me and my smart Google phone are inseparable..and when I get a text message I generally check it within a few minutes. How 'bout you?

Well how cool, awesome, fabulous would it be if you could market that service to small business owners in your local area? Or you can even just offer the text message service for them to handle...you still make a profit on commissions.

What do I mean? Well what if you could offer them a super easy, affordable way to broadcast deals, contests and polls to their audience? What if you could tell them that text messages have over a 95% open and read rate?? It'd be pretty sweet dontcha think?

Yup I thought so too. So after finding the perfect platform to launch this I jumped on it, and jumped in with 2 feet! I'm a Local Mobile Monopoly Agent and it's Awesome!

I'm offering text message marketing to all the local business owners here, and profiting by helping them reach their audience no matter where they are. It's an awesome gig and I enjoy connecting with the community here and helping them see real results in real time.  Every time a customer comes in to redeem their text blast...they know that's mobile marketing at work. And in turn know that my services are working for them, and all they're doing is shooting me an email or giving me a call with their broadcast request. Easy, Effective Fun!

Are you offering this service to you local market, or do you use this service let me here your results.

{She Troubleshoots} Launching Mobile Marketing

It's no secret that everyone has a smart phone. And if you're one of these folks like I am, you keep it with you everywhere. Mine is by my bed while I sleep (even though I don't check it once I 'power down') it's with me all day, literally I take it with me and feel a little lost without it. Like how I forgot it on Thursday...don't ask me how but somehow I did...

I think it's pretty safe to say, me and my smart Google phone are inseparable..and when I get a text message I generally check it within a few minutes. How 'bout you?

Well how cool, awesome, fabulous would it be if you could market that service to small business owners in your local area? Or you can even just offer the text message service for them to handle...you still make a profit on commissions.

What do I mean? Well what if you could offer them a super easy, affordable way to broadcast deals, contests and polls to their audience? What if you could tell them that text messages have over a 95% open and read rate?? It'd be pretty sweet dontcha think?

Yup I thought so too. So after finding the perfect platform to launch this I jumped on it, and jumped in with 2 feet! I'm a Local Mobile Monopoly Agent and it's Awesome!

I'm offering text message marketing to all the local business owners here, and profiting by helping them reach their audience no matter where they are. It's an awesome gig and I enjoy connecting with the community here and helping them see real results in real time.  Every time a customer comes in to redeem their text blast...they know that's mobile marketing at work. And in turn know that my services are working for them, and all they're doing is shooting me an email or giving me a call with their broadcast request. Easy, Effective Fun!

Are you offering this service to you local market, or do you use this service let me here your results.

{She Troubleshoots} This guy's got Talent...& not America's Got Talent type..the real deal!

P.S. Stick through his beginning shaningans..he really is good...I promise :) Is it his awesome dancing that made this video go viral? I'm not sure but I know I love a great dance video when I see one :) Enjoy!

{She Troubleshoots} 5 Swimsuits You Can Rock with Stretchmarks

I love my boys...but man between my genetic makeup, my very short torso...the stretch markers they left behind on my stomach is a travesty. And no amount of cocoa butter, or Palmers creme was gonna save my once smooth belly. --}Real Truth{-- Cocoa butter, Palmers and oils do not work...if you're genetically pre-disposed to get stretch marks! End of story that is all.

So while I've accepted that they'll never go away, I still like to wear cute stuff. And since I'm losing some elle b's while the hubby is deployed, and the boys love to be in the water...and we do live minutes

from the oc

ean...mama kinda has to done a swimsuit every now and again.

So here are a few I found that don't look like they should be on a 50's manneqin...and you'll actually want to wear..if you're like me and wanna hide some mommy flaws.

{She Troubleshoots} Stick Me Designs & the Hoot

In my other life I am the owner and designer behind Stick Me Designs. This allows me to do a few pretty cool things. 1) I get to be involved with some of the coolest folks around 2) I also get to bring a little bit of sunshine to their testing routines via my colorful diabetes clutch bags and accessories.

Launched back in 2007, Stick Me Designs is now one of the fastest growing diabetes accessories brands around...don't believe me ask my customers in Iceland, Australia, or you could look up a few in the UK too :) I'm pretty proud of my fledgling company and what it has meant to a few people out there.

Recently after listening to my fans, followers and awesome customers they decided that owl's are very cute and they wanted a clutch designed after them. Viola...introducing the 'Hoot' design. Finally available for immediate delivery.

Here are just a few comments from those who have snagged the newest deluxe clutch:

-->I received the deluxe clutch for my 6 year old daughter yesterday...the shipping time was faster than I had expected...thank you very much.  She was very excited when she saw the Pink Olive...her face was priceless! ,,,you "hit the nail on the head" with this design!!!  B.Evanchak


-->My daughter sent me your site.  I wish someone had made such  beautiful things back when my daughter got diabetes back in 1984. She really likes the look of this and asked me to buy it for one of her Christmas presents. But really it's a present to me to.  Even though she is 36 years old a mother of a child or even of a grown child always worries. Thank you so much! S. Miles


-->I wanted to send a quick note to let you know I've been loving my clutch.  I received it the day before I was leaving for a trip to London, and having everything in one brightly-colored clutch made that trip much easier.  But I'm still using it for day-to-day life, too.  I'm currently doing the D365 project on Flickr, and it was in my picture from Friday:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bdingsor/5867426587/

And also when I received it:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bdingsor/5789523257/in/photostream

Thank you again for making such a great product!

{She Troubleshoots} Local Mobile Monopoly

Anyone who knows me even a little tiny bit, knows that ultimately my goal is to allow my hubby the opportunity to be able to Really Retire after his time in service with the Navy..we're working on 16.5 years here my friends and the clock is a tickin'! He has sacrificed so much for our family, not to mention to serve our country that I want more than anything to give him a truly Retired lifestyle.

In order to do that, I need to really starting cookin' that bacon...or in other words make that money honey! While Stick Me Designs plugs away and grows, I'm always on the hunt to share what I know, help others and get whoever is interested on board to the wonderful world of online media and marketing (I do have a degree in Marketing anyway:) So when I find something that looks promising I'm happy and eager to share...or let you in on my progress.

I recently like just today decided to give the Local Mobile Monopoly strategy a try. Why? Well because who isn't using a smart phone these days, texting, emailing and going online with their phones. But how many local mom and pop business owners do you know that are actually, fully taking advantage of this explosion of mobile technology. I can count on one hand here in Virginia Beach...it's not too many. Maybe the local radio stations and a bar or 2, but up till now the price point has been too outrageous to dive into for the local seen...Until now ... :) [Check that screen shot...already looks like something I'm excited to be a part of, crisp clean...and professional]

Not only is the members area of this strategy on point, but the training 50+ videos we're talking, and a free hosted website? Are you kiddin' me...and these guys are down to earth and real live people who are trustworthy from the start. Not only am I happy to share this with you..I wholeheartedly endorse it 100%.

Now I'll be using my {She Troubleshoots} to give you updates on how things are coming along for me, but if you wanna jump on this bandwagon...you better hurry because if another marketer secures your local market...you may just miss you ticket.

Cheers! and Please share your experiences too...I'd love to hear how you're doing too!~

{She Troubleshoots} A Tablet vs. a Nook?

My husband was sweet enough to buy me a Nook for Mother's day this year, and I love it so far....but the chic geek in me wants to tinkle with it and change it to a full fledged Android tablet...but the cautious mom in me says...hold on there partner. One false back slash and your Nook could be rendered utterly useless...

*sigh* So my question is if you've 'converted' your Nook and (voided your warranty) what do you think, was the task mildly easy or was it a 10+ on the geek-o-meter? I can't really see justifying purchasing a tablet at the moment, because I would simply be buying it just to whip it out and show...not reason enough at this point.

I love my Nook, and I don't want to destroy it because I want to tinker...although..hubby did buy the extended warranty against anything. Because truth be told...I'm rather destructive with my electronics. Maybe it's because I think I can fix it if it breaks..anyway, just wondering what all you techy types have to say.

Should I stick to keeping it a Nook...with restricted limited capabilities...or Go For it??? Thoughts?

{She Troubleshoots} Pinterest?

I'm a fan...but I'm still learning how to make it all come together. I've started...and I think that if I really get into it I'm gonna be addicted to it. Kind of like I was addicted to Twitter when I first started Tweeting.

But if you don't Pin, it's a beautiful way to share what you find online, with others. I love it because it's a great way to share your taste with others in a visual platform.

But I just wanted to share that with you. If you haven't 'briefly' skip on over to Pinterest...I say briefly because if you stay too long...you may never leave...You Have Been Warned.

{She Troubleshoots } Participating in Small Business Contests

So if you're in the small business world, or maybe if you're intrigued by winning a large contest. I'm always intrigued by contests. Maybe it's because I'm super very competitive. As a kid I hated to lose at anything. When the hubby and I used to have game night before we had the boys, I would get all crazy mad when he used to win consistently at Uno...yeah I know pretty sad.

But hey listen I'm honest. I hate to lose! So when I enter a contest for growing my small business and the call to action is votes...I immediately get uneasy. Because I don't like to solely rely on others for the sake of my goal. I get it in order to get where I'd like to be I'll have to rely on others more experience than me, or with my skills. This I'm fine with...but purely on people voting, or choosing to support me. It makes me nervous.

Case in point. I'd love to win this contest hosted by Pitney Bowes, for a small business communication makeover. While only 50% of their criteria is votes, here's my schtick...I have over 700 twitter followers, and over 500 facebook 'fans'...so why in sam's hades do I only have 91 votes???? Oh and if you voted for me...Big Thank you...and Hugs!..now go tell your friends to vote too! :)

Can someone please answer this for me? Uugh...anyway. I press on...I'm a fixer of things...I troubleshoot.

----} My troubleshooting{----

I decide to keep entering other contests, that don't necessarily involve my 'friends' to vote. I've also entered a contest hosted by Daily Candy...which if you know anything about is a super swell website dedicated to bringing a huge mass of loyal readers neat, indie businesses. I want In!

{She Troubleshoots} Tires & Nails

Funny how life has a way of throwing nails at you. If you would have known me for the past 5 years you would know that in addition to having a liking to faster-than-average cars I also have a tendency to blow tires, blow engines, blow transmissions and clutches... Don't know how these un-forseen circumstances seem to follow me...because I'm a fine driver. Stop...Stop...Stop it. I know what you're saying....it's me not the cars...or the tires...

WHATEVER... seriously anyway...today proved to be no different...my 2010 Camaro while I love it to bits, it has already had to undergo major automotive surgery. (read rebuilt engine..w/ only 22k miles) and now today after I just replaced both of my back tires last week to the tune of $500...I stop in today because I hear a loud rhythmic noise as I drive....you guessed it..a big fat....honkin Screw!!!! (Note: this isn't the actual screw..I forgot to take a picture of the 'real' tire and screw....I know..I know)

Uuugh...luckily I'm in good with my friendly Colonial GM dealership, and they got me all repaired and on my way in no time!

My Troubleshooting strategy today...Let Go & Let God...before I would have had a remaining ruined day...but I took a breath..prayed and took heart knowing He's got this :)

{She Troubleshoots: Laughter} iPhone users I love ya....but this made me laugh my cheeks off

Excuse the harsh f-bombs later..but this is funny as schtick!

{She Troubleshoots} Kicking press releases to the curb

When I launched Stick Me Designs back in 2007, I was fired up and ready to take over the world. I had dabbled with writing press releases and knew that if I could work up a great release that all I had to do was get it out 'there'. While in all honesty I cannot deny the few website hits, and maybe a couple hundred dollars in sales...the honest truth was that my $1000+ dollars spent in sending out my release was futile.

Not only did I not get my investment back...but it discouraged me and dimmed my fire a bit. But after experiencing that I now realize that it was all in the delivery...

--} Here's why you should kick mass press releases to the curb{--

Media outlets, editors and blog authors are hammered with 'junk' every day all day. Your

press release all dolled up and pretty is more than likely gonna end up in the delete file, or better yet the trash. Save the send button, the stamp and the effort with mass mailings of your release.

--} Troubleshoot: Instead get the name of a contact where you'd like to pitch. Find a relevant and timely manner to pitch your products or services. If your product is friendly to mother earth, promote a 'gift with a cause'. Or maybe your product is great for expecting mothers, pitch your product or service as the perfect baby showers gift idea.

Think specific for the outlet, and timely for upcoming seasons or events. The more you can focus on each outle

t the better your chances for actually getting the attention of time-strapped media outlets. Make it as easy as pie to contact you, look you up and ultimately make a decision to share you with their audience.

What about you how have you troubleshot your way into the media? Let me hear your surefires...

Welcome to ST!

Oh how many blogs have I started..abandoned and gave up on? Let me count the many... Through it all I've learned a few things.

1) write about what you love, know or can fanatically learn about

2) don't write or blog for money (at least at the start) for me, it has to be about something more..and my goal is to eventually pay the bills?

3) I like to share the things I see, think of, find and learn about in my daily travels.

4) You may not think your life is worth writing about or what you know, but you never know who will be touched in some way by that little nugget or morsel that you share. You may not know who you'll make laugh, or connect with out in the world. It's worth the shot...

And as for me, I'll be sharing a whole gaggle of things. My brain runs on so many bits of life that I stopped trying to can it up and package it. Rather I'd prefer to just brain dump it all out there, and see what comes back from it.

You're a part of it..just because you're reading. And then again you never know what you'll find.

I. Fix. Things. Whether it's a helicopter, a computer, a copier, or just lending a helpful ear...It's what I know, and now it's what I'll share.

I'm a Fixer...

I fix things.
I've come to realize that it's what I do...it's what I've been doing for over 15 years.
It's only recently that I've come to accept it and stop trying to be anything and everything.