MMCA Marketplace

You WILL Succeed

Free Digital Image - #112

The Marketplace is a place to learn, find and explore.  Each week we will post a new image for you to use for your own personal use.  If your artwork is published you are eligible for a surprise package or if you blog about the artwork you created using our images you will have a chance for a surprise package.  That's right....

• If your artwork is published in print with the image being clearing featured and MMCA Marketplace (http://mmcamarketplace.typepad.com) is given credit in the publication, come back to this post and leave a comment with the name of the publication, issue and page we will find your artwork.  The Marketplace will send you a surprise package once we have verified the use of the image.

OR

• Make a blog post to include your artwork featuring our image and give the Marketplace credit for the image with a link to MMCA Marketplace (http://mmcamarketplace.typepad.com).  Come back to this post and leave a comment that includes a direct link to your blog post.  Once we have verified the use of the image your name will be included in the monthly drawing held on the 22nd for a surprise package.

• Make sure we have a way to contact you via email to request your mailing address.

To download, click on the image.  A new screen will open displaying the full sized image.  Right click and select "save as" to save the image to your computer.  You are welcome to incorporate the image into your own artwork for sale as well as re-size in your photo editing program to fit your needs.  The image may not be used for resell, digitally or in print as an individual image, collage sheets, transparencies, CD Collections, web or blog templates, digital scrap-booking kits and etc. 

We hope you enjoy this free digital image and look forward to seeing your creations!

In the Category Cloud, click "Free Digital Image" for previous futured images.

Image provided by Debbie Overton Designs LLC

Free Digital Image - #135

 

The Marketplace is a place to learn, find and explore.  Each week we will post a new image for you to use for your own personal use.  If your artwork is published you are eligible for a surprise package or if you blog about the artwork you created using our images you will have a chance for a surprise package.  That's right....

• If your artwork is published in print with the image being clearing featured and MMCA Marketplace (http://mmcamarketplace.typepad.com) is given credit in the publication, come back to this post and leave a comment with the name of the publication, issue and page we will find your artwork.  The Marketplace will send you a surprise package once we have verified the use of the image.

OR

• Make a blog post to include your artwork featuring our image and give the Marketplace credit for the image with a link to MMCA Marketplace (http://mmcamarketplace.typepad.com).  Come back to this post and leave a comment that includes a direct link to your blog post.  Once we have verified the use of the image your name will be included in the monthly drawing held on the 22nd for a surprise package.

• Make sure we have a way to contact you via email to request your mailing address.

To download, click on the image.  A new screen will open displaying the full sized image.  Right click and select "save as" to save the image to your computer.  You are welcome to incorporate the image into your own artwork for sale as well as re-size in your photo editing program to fit your needs.  The image may not be used for resell, digitally or in print as an individual image, collage sheets, transparencies, CD Collections, web or blog templates, digital scrap-booking kits and etc. 

We hope you enjoy this free digital image and look forward to seeing your creations!

In the Category Cloud, click "Free Digital Image" for previous futured images.

Image provided by Debbie Overton Designs LLC

Treats at the Marketplace

Looking for a unique one-of-a-kind special treat for yourself or someone special, visit the shops at the Marketplace.

 

 

Guest Interview with Sheri Gaynor

Artist, author, Feisty Female® and facilitator of women's dreams, Sheri Gaynor spent the first half of her life attempting—without much success—to walk the straight and narrow cultural path. As someone with an insatiable curiosity, she spent her early years trying on a lot of hats, trying desperately to make them fit—photojournalist, rubber stamp artist, t-shirt designer and psychotherapist, to name a few—attempting to figure out what she wanted to "BE" when she grew up. Her journey through addiction, depression and anxiety wasn't always an easy one and much was learned through the school of hard knocks; a formidable education. Little did she know that by walking that wide, crooked and creative road, she would find the trail to her authentic self and living the life of her dreams.

Sheri is the author of Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the life of your dreams through art. She is a Licensed Psychotherapist, a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist and owner of Feisty Females® Coaching and Consulting.

 

 

 

MP:  Sheri, can you tell us about Feisty Females?

Feisty Females is the name of my coaching and consulting company. It came about because I believe it takes a bit of Feisty spirit to be willing to reach for and step into what we want in life!

MP:  Your first book was published earlier this year.  How did “Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the life of your dreams through art” come to be?

Creative Awakenings came about after teaching workshops under different names for the last 10 years and one day I realized as some point I had a book as a result! This was my second book proposal to North Light. The first book got very close, but it was several years ago and still a bit "out of the box," for what they were doing at the time. I was disappointed, but did not give up. When I realized I had the premise for another book, I contacted my editor Tonia and gave her the pitch. She loved the idea, I wrote the proposal, and the timing was right this time. It was still a bit edgy for them, but after some hammering out with their marketing department and Tonia's amazing support, we made it work!

MP:  Your book is written so that there are several options of putting your plan into action and working through the book.  Is there an advantage to doing the 1 year plan, versus the 1 month plan, and is that the plan you'd rather we used if we have the time, or does it matter in the long run?

Great question. I specifically gave the readers options that would fit best into their lifestyle. When I work with clients, I work to individualize their coaching support. People work in different ways. For some The Expedition, a 30-day Mini Visa is a good way to get started, for others, The Voyager, which is a 12-month commitment will give them the push they need to stay connected to their intentions and dreams. The Creative Awakenings Salon was created so readers could connect with others who are doing the process.

MP:  What was the biggest change you found in yourself and others, after following your plan?  And were the changes shown in both your personal life, as well as the art that you made?

In my clients, students and now the women in the online Salon, what I notice is that the EnVision process allows them to commit to themselves. It also reminds them to take baby steps toward their dreams. In my 20 years of practice I have seen some truly amazing things unfold in terms of people stating their intentions and then stepping into what they want. Yoga studios opening, books getting written, desires for publishing, etc. It's not the Law of Attraction per say, it's about our willingness to honor what's in the deepest place of our hearts, to listen if you will, to "what is calling you?" In my personal life what I see is that I am more willing to take risks. As I said in the book, at one time my life was riddled with fear, depression and anxiety. As I have worked the process these "issues," have decreased tremendously. Using the EnVision Art of Intention process allows me to have a visual representation, a Book of Dreams, that allows me to see the path I have walked. As a visual person, this is really important to me. It's also a way I can remember to celebrate the Milestones on my journey.

 

MP:  After writing Creative Awakenings, would you go through the sacrifices that it takes to have produced this brilliant work all over again?  Better yet, is there another book in the works that you can tell us about?

Yes I would! It was a wonderful experience and the response has been truly overwhelming. I am filled with so much gratitude for the lives the book have touched and the artists who took the risk to work with me on the project. There is another book in the simmering stages...maybe two! Oh no...did I actually write that???

MP:  A couple of friends plan to work through your book using the 1 year plan.  What if any suggestions would you give them as a group to keep on track, and are there any pitfalls or warning signs to watch out for, that could disrupt a group's success?

Another great question. As you know there are guidelines for forming your very own Dream Circle in the book. I think the most important piece of advice is to lay a strong foundation for your intentions as a group. It's great to devote the first meeting to items like the idea of commitment and expectations and what that means to each member of the group. Ideas like a regular once a month meeting times (I.E. First Monday of each month, etc), facilitators, confidentiality and supplies are other great conversation starters.

MP:  Like so many you wore many hats before finding your dream.  What gave you the drive to keep moving forward when so many settle or give up?

I never felt as if I was on the "wrong," path. Whatever I was doing at the time, somehow felt woven into the experience before it. It felt more like an evolution or unfolding of my life as it exists right now. Sure, there were times I was discouraged, like when I could not get a job on a daily paper when I was working as a photojournalist, but I think I have some inner compass, that keeps me pointed in the direction of my own True North. I was blessed to have a family that encouraged me to try things out. Many of us don't have that kind of support, so we need to find people who will encourage us and won't shut down our dreams!

MP:  What have you learned over the years that you wish you had known in the beginning?

Hmmmm... this is not something I think I have thought about, but here's one thing. I wish I had the courage to have taken more risks when I was younger. I was truly riddled with fear. The BIG WHAT IF's kept me captive. I call them the Venomous Toad Committee.  It was not meant to be for me and I what I know now is that I had to go through what I did in order to be right where I am in this moment, stronger and much more willing to trust the process. For most of us, I believe it's age and experience that bring this about.

MP:  What is one thing each of us can do to live our dreams through our art?

Depending on what your intention is around "living your dreams through art," this will vary for each person. If it's about reconnecting with your creative essence, find time to create AT LEAST once a week or try out Everyday Bliss which I talk about in the book. 20 minutes a day to do something that really rocks your world. If it's about creating a business, find someone who can guide you, who has walked the path before you and interview them, or ask them if they are willing to mentor you. Enclosed in the book is a Deck of Transformation with cards you can pull out that correspond to activities and guiding principles, to support you in living your dreams through art!

 

MP:  Tell everyone about the Creative Awakening’s Salon Community and how it will help us envision our dreams.

This has been one of the most joyous pieces of writing this book. For most of us, the creative process happens in a vacuum. whether it's painting, journaling, scrap booking, graphic design or writing. I created the Salon as a way for readers to connect with one another and cheer one another on with Dream Spirit! I had no idea if anyone would find their way to the community or if anyone would be interested. I kept hearing the mantra we all know, "If you build it, they will come." I decided to trust that voice!  I ask members how they found the Salon and when the first person came in that said, "Through the book," I actually cried. It worked! We now have a beautiful global community and there are new things on the horizon.

You can join us in the Salon at http://creataiveawakenings.ning.com.

Thank you so much everyone for joining Debbie and I for this interview. She's an AWESOME woman and it's been great getting to know her!

Sheri Gaynor, lcsw, reat
Owner: Feisty Females.com
Author: Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the life of your dreams through art
Personal and Professional Transformational Coaching and Psychotherapy
Tel: 970-618-0561
Email: sheri@sherigaynor.com

Web: http://www.sherigaynor.com
Book: http://sherigaynor.typepad.com/livingourdreams/news.html
Blog: http://sherigaynor.typepad.com/livingourdreams/
Monthly Newsletter: http://www.feistyfemalescoaching.co/newsletter.htm
Creative Awakenings Salon: http://creativeawakenings.ning.com/

Sheri, thank you for being so generous with your time and art.  If you enjoyed our interview with Sheri, please leave a comment to let her know you appreciate the time she took to share with us.

Images courtesy of Sheri.

Free Digital Image - #124

The Marketplace is a place to learn, find and explore.  Each week we will post a new image for you to use for your own personal use.  If your artwork is published you are eligible for a surprise package or if you blog about the artwork you created using our images you will have a chance for a surprise package.  That's right....

• If your artwork is published in print with the image being clearing featured and MMCA Marketplace (http://mmcamarketplace.typepad.com) is given credit in the publication, come back to this post and leave a comment with the name of the publication, issue and page we will find your artwork.  The Marketplace will send you a surprise package once we have verified the use of the image.

OR

• Make a blog post to include your artwork featuring our image and give the Marketplace credit for the image with a link to MMCA Marketplace (http://mmcamarketplace.typepad.com).  Come back to this post and leave a comment that includes a direct link to your blog post.  Once we have verified the use of the image your name will be included in the monthly drawing held on the 22nd for a surprise package.

• Make sure we have a way to contact you via email to request your mailing address.

To download, click on the image.  A new screen will open displaying the full sized image.  Right click and select "save as" to save the image to your computer.  You are welcome to incorporate the image into your own artwork for sale as well as re-size in your photo editing program to fit your needs.  The image may not be used for resell, digitally or in print as an individual image, collage sheets, transparencies, CD Collections, web or blog templates, digital scrap-booking kits and etc. 

We hope you enjoy this free digital image and look forward to seeing your creations!

In the Category Cloud, click "Free Digital Image" for previous futured images.

Image provided by Debbie Overton Designs LLC

Roxi Designs Wine Bottle Necklace

Marketplace member Roxanne Mendoza's stunning wine bottle necklace is listed at thisnext.com under the 'hostess + wine' category!

Check it out here!

If you would like to see Roxanne add these to her Marketplace shop leave her a comment letting her know.

Congratulations Roxanne on the feature!  Well deserved!

Visit Roxanne's MP Shop here!

Lucky Number Three

Congratulations Robin McCoy!

The winner of Kelly's e-Book, Small Business Blogging Blueprint was chosen using Random.org!   Kelly will be in touch with you soon.

Thank you to each of you leaving a comment.  We hope to address each of your marketing challenges soon so please continue to leave them under the Interview post with Kelly!

Guest Interview with Kelly Watson with eBook Giveaway!

Today we invite you to join us for an interview with Kelly Watson of Womenwise Marketing.  Kelly is a copywriter and marketing consultant who specializes in marketing to women. She recently launched an e-book titled “Small Business Blogging Blueprints,” available for sale on her website at WomenwiseMarketing.com along with other resources for women in business.

In conjunction with our interview and the release of her new eBook Kelly is giving away a copy to one of our readers.  More on how you can win a free copy of Kelly's eBook at the end of our interview. 

MP:  Tell us about Womenwise Marketing.

I started Womenwise Marketing about a year ago, when I was looking for a copywriting “niche” I could feel passionate about. Reflecting on my own experiences in marketing, I remembered how it brought out many insecurities that kept me from promoting my business effectively. I also realized that few resources exist to help myself and other women deal with these insecurities. I wanted to make these resources readily available, so I created a blog, newsletter and podcast all devoted to helping women market themselves successfully.

MP:  Why focus on women?

Anyone who’s seen “Mad Men” knows that advertising and marketing are traditionally male-dominated industries. And those male-created marketing techniques don’t always resonate with women, whether they’re responding to TV ads or trying to market their own businesses. 

Women not only grow up with a different set of social expectations, but they have different brain compositions that affect their values, behavior and decisions. It’s about time marketing reflected this.

MP:  You have a book in the works. Can you tell us more about it?

After coming up with the idea of Womenwise Marketing, my first goal was to create a book that would explore why so many women have trouble marketing themselves, and offer ways to make it fun and effective. I spent a year collecting research and interviewing women from all walks of life.

After hearing horror stories about the current state of the publishing world, however, I decided to take a year for speaking and leading workshops before I pursue it further.  Now that the heavy research is done, I feel it’s time to get feedback and gather success stories from women who use the material before making it available in book form.

MP:  What’s one of the biggest mistakes women make when marketing?

They don’t value their services enough. They also have a hard time closing the sale, and charging what they’re really worth. There’s a great book titled “Women Don’t Ask,” by Linda Babcock and Sarah Laschever, that explores these issues in greater detail. Basically, we allow our self-worth to get mixed up in our work, making it hard to put ourselves in a situation where someone might say “no.”

MP:  How can we change this?

I struggle with this myself, though I’ve gotten better. Self-awareness is the first step: simply notice the times you hesitate to ask for a sale or charge a fair price. Then work on taking small steps outside your comfort zone. It’s also a matter of confidence, and being mindful of the negative self-talk that ultimately sabotages your financial success.

MP:  What’s the number one thing anyone can do to take their business to the next level?

Create and nurture relationships. It’s not only important to business, but it comes naturally for many women. One person may be comfortable attending local networking groups, while another person does most of her relationship-building by phone or internet. There are so many tools to help us keep in touch, we just need to make the time to do it.

I schedule reminders in my e-mail program to contact a client if I haven’t talked to her in a few months and see if I can offer any help. While I don’t do it simply to generate new business, it often comes back to benefit me.

MP:  What about social networking – how much do we really need?

It’s a great marketing tool, but it can be addicting. I recommend that people try the big three: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. LinkedIn takes very little time to maintain; all you have to do is create a profile and add people to your network. Twitter can be the most time-consuming: people usually expect you to update your account at least once a day.

Once you’ve tested the waters, you should be able to tell what social network will benefit you most. Perhaps you enjoy Facebook but not Twitter. Great! Just delete your Twitter account and start budgeting some Facebook time into your schedule. The key word is budgeting: you don’t want to go overboard, but you don’t want to disappear for months at a time. Ten minutes a day is usually all you need to reap social media’s benefits.

MP:  What one piece of advice would you give to someone running their own online business?

Keep forging those connections! It can get lonely sitting in front of a computer all day, and when you go through a rough patch, as all business owners do, it becomes easy to get discouraged. But when you talk to other women in business, you quickly realize that you’re not alone … and you may get some great insights into problems, too. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel! Just be sure to provide value on your end of the relationship, and you’ll be amazed at how generous others are with their time and expertise.

 

If you would like to have a chance to win a free copy of Kelly's eBook, leave a comment to this interview telling Kelly your biggest marketing challenge. 

The giveaway ends at 12 Noon EST on Tuesday, October 13, 2009. After a random drawing, the winner will be announced here later that afternoon.  

EDITED 12:05 EST 10/13/09:  COMMENTS ARE CLOSED FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF KELLY'S E-BOOK!   WE WILL ANNOUNCE THE WINNER SHORTLY.

HOWEVER YOU ARE WELCOME TO CONTINUE TO LEAVE COMMENTS TO LET KELLY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU ENJOYED THE INTERVIEW AND SHARE YOUR MARKETING CHALLENGES.  WE HOPE TO ADDRESS EACH OF OUR CHALLENGES AT A LATER DATE!

If you enjoyed our interview with Kelly, please leave a comment to let her know you appreciate the time she took to share with us.

To learn more about Kelly and her business visit Womenwise Marketing.

Kelly thank you for the interview and offering our readers a chance to win your new eBook!

_____________________________

Congratulations Robin McCoy!

The winner of Kelly's e-Book, Small Business Blogging Blueprint was chosen using Random.org!   Kelly will be in touch with you soon.

 

eBook Giveaway!

Later today our special guest interview with Kelly Watson of Womenwise Marketing will be giving away a copy of her newly released "Small Business Blogging Blueprint” eBook.  Check back to see how you can enter the drawing to receive this great eBook!  Kelly's interview is scheduled to post around 4pm EST.  See you then!