Accepting My Faith

Posted on October 14, 2012 by MarleneMB

When I first started using Social Media to communicate with others, I committed to not speak much about sex, religion and politics. I am more of the nature of having an open mind and not wanting to offend others. Then, my pastor asked the congregation to make October 14, 2012 a day of prayer on Twitter. He said we should use the Hashtag #1000PRAYERS. At first, I thought to myself that goes against my Social Media beliefs.

As I thought about it during the week, I realize that my faith is a part of who I am. If I am befriending people or associating with others, then letting them know the “me” that I am should not be offensive to them. If they are offended by the fact that I pray for others or I am grateful for the many people and blessings in my life, maybe they shouldn’t be in my social circle. I am comfortable in my faith now, where I can say Namaste, Shalom, As-Salaam Alaykum or any other religious greeting without feeling less than a Christian.

My faith allows me to include others who may be different from me and this makes me stronger. My faith allows me to feel hope and give hope when there is no hope. My faith allows me to be tolerant other religious beliefs or non-beliefs. My faith allows me to accept people as they are and to see the potential in them all. My faith after all is Love.

Live a Diamond Life! A Life of Purpose!

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Don’t Forget to Live

Posted on October 13, 2012 by MarleneMB

One of my friends posted Julio Iglesias’ song “Me Olvide De Vivir” translation “I Forgot to Live.” Click to listen to the song. The song opens with:

“From running through life without brake
I forgot that life is lived one moment
In both want to be the first in everything
I forgot to live the small details.”

This song reminds me of a woman in her nineties who told me: “Pay attention to the details, Marlene. If you don’t it will come back to bite you.” We have to remember that life is to be lived. Sometimes I find myself running so fast, trying to do so much that I didn’t stop to appreciate what I have done and with whom I did it. I didn’t stop to smell the roses, and then I realize that they are now withered and dry.

Our life is finite, my dear hearts. Take the time to enjoy the moments: great, small and in between. Appreciate the people in your life, those who help to make your day a little brighter and happier. Strive to live with few regrets, better yet none at all. Don’t forget to live along the way. Live a life of intention and love.

Live a Diamond Life. A Life of Purpose.

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Share What You Know, It Will Bless You – Day 4 of 30-day #SMCSFBlogOff

Posted on October 11, 2012 by MarleneMB

Being in sales is not the easiest thing to do. Yet, I believe sometimes we make it harder than what it needs to be. If you ask most people, they don’t see themselves as sales people. As I have stated in the past, you come out of the womb selling. You sell your parents that you are cute enough to keep around. You sell them on feeding you every time you cried. During your childhood you probably sell them on giving you things that you wanted instead of what you needed. Still many people fear the sales arena.

In my opinion, it is because they are: afraid of rejection, think they might offend the person by asking for the business, or felt insecure about what they know regarding their products or services. I have found that I do well in sales when I share what I know about something without expecting anything in return. For instance, I sat next to a young lady in a meeting one day. I saw her using her cell phone and she was having an issue with it.

I introduced myself to her and asked her what type of phone she had and I started to show her different things that she could do with the phone. She was so pleased about what she learned and how the phone could help her be more efficient in her daily activities. This opened the door for me to ask her what she did for a living. To my surprise she was in a very high position in one of the company I was trying to get access to sell some of the products I was selling. She was very happy to set up an appointment for me to meet with the key decision maker.

This is the way that I have gotten access to many of my past deals. Simply by offering assistance and sharing what I know has brought me some of the clients I have, today. Bob Burg, the author of the book Go-Giver speaks about this extensively. You have to give in order to receive. Make your sales process easier by taking the time to give without any hidden agenda and you will be rewarded in the nicest way!

Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose!

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Turning Embarrassment into Exhilaration – Part 2

Posted on October 10, 2012 by MarleneMB

fashion-ave-samp-sale-pic — Fashion Avenue

Previously, I shared with you my Marilyn Monroe episode in the presence of my new director in Part 1. Part 2 also includes a wardrobe malfunction on my part in busy Manhattan on; you guessed it, Fashion Avenue! There I was, four months pregnant, so proud of myself that I still fit in my size 5/6 clothes. I was wearing a nice two-piece spring outfit that my aunt gave to me as a gift.

I took the shuttle train from Grand Central to Time Square, heading to the office. It was no different than any other morning. I ran up the staircase, holding my breath, trying not to breathe in the odeur de “New York subway station!” (If you’ve ever been in the belly of the beast of the New York subway system, you know what I mean. I can almost smell it now! But I digress.) I ran up the stairs with my pocketbook on one shoulder and my Steven Covey Appointment Planner in the other hand.

Then, to my surprise and embarrassment, the two buttons that was holding up the lovely skirt decided to part ways with the skirt. Next thing I know, my skirt was falling down to my ankles. I throw away the planner and grabbed for said skirt to hide my panty-hosed derriere! This couldn’t have happened at the worst time at the top of rush hour with thousands of people going by! I was mortified.

A man was opening his boutique and saw my dilemma. He rushed over to me and told me to get into the store. My pregnancy hormones went into overdrive and I busted out crying. The poor man did all he could to calm me down. Once I regained my composure I explained to him why my buttons flew off. I was still trying to wear my regular outfits because I didn’t like the ugly pregnancy clothes. He smiled at me and told me I can buy two outfits and 50% off each. I was so happy when I left his store I had my dignity firmly in tact again.

When I got to the office, my manager was waiting for me with a worried look on her face. She knew I was never late. I told her the whole story and of course she laughed so hard tears ran down her face. I know. I know. It could only happen to me! I did get two great outfits out of the ordeal, turning another embarrassment into exhilaration.

Live a Diamond Life! A Life of Purpose!

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Turning Embarrassment into Exhilaration – Part 1

Posted on October 9, 2012 by MarleneMB

Most of us have had an embarrassing event or two (or in my case, multiple). But have you had any of those turned into an exhilarating experience? Come with me on one of my most embarrassing moments in the heart of the Fashion District in New York City. I was a young, ambitious sales support representative (glorified name for customer service person) in Manhattan. I was working for MCI Telecommunications. This was an exciting time for me. My first month on the job I won a Sony 32 inch Trinitron TV just for doing my job. After a few months, I was one of the top producing support representatives in the office.

One day, I got in early in the morning and my direct manager (name withheld on purpose) approached me to let me know that the new Customer Support Director is coming in for a visit. She said she wanted me to take him out to one of my customers. Talk about just-in-time notice. She introduced me to him. I thought, cute, but not as cute as the Brit I was dating. As we travelled in the elevator, I briefed him that the client had some billing issues that I resolved and they were up for renewal on their contract. I will propose that they sign for another three years and double their commitment to $10K a month.

I felt so self-assured because I was wearing my conservative dress: black top with long sleeves and flowing skirt that reached mid-calf. My 3-inch black stiletto pumps accompanied this outfit. We went out the doors and rushed towards the street to hail a cab. At the very moment I ran across the subway grate, a train passed underneath. My skirt decided to re-enact the Marilyn Monroe scene with her dress blowing up all around her. Like Marilyn, I was not wearing a slip. (Thank goodness for clean underwear and no holes!!!!). You can just picture, my new director and me trying to hold down my skirt in the chaotic scene.

This was must have been an attention-getter, because a cabbie whisked in front of us and he said: “Need a cab.” Who knew my knight would show up in a yellow taxi and not in shining armor! We got to the appointment a few minutes late. I apologized to my contact and told her the entire episode. Needless to say, she laughed at my embarrassing moment. Not sure if it was my selling skills or that she felt bad for me, but she signed the contract! Now that’s turning embarrassment into exhilaration!

Until next time: Live a Diamond Life! A Life of Purpose!

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