Learning from a Master…Better Yet…A Mistress

Posted on January 4, 2013 by MarleneMB

My head is still spinning from the precious moments I spent with Conni Gordon. Conni is ninety-years young and has been a painter for most of her life. She is a gifted artist, author and speaker. Conni has taught folks like Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Larry King and recently Bonnie Hunt how to paint in one sitting. Besides being so talented, she is a wealth of information. She had such great marketing ideas for me to improve my marketing skills. Here is a video of Conni on the Bonnie Hunt Show (skip to 1:48).

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9G-h7z0ySTg]

Throughout her life, Conni has met many celebrities such as Picasso, danced with Robert Goulet and dated Tarzan! Wow! She has sold over 17 million of her books. Conni has spoken around the globe. But that is not what impressed me about Conni. Although, these are great accomplishments, I find Conni to be such a warm-hearted down-to-earth person. She is eager to teach others her craft. Conni also navigates her way around her iMAC like a pro! I hear there is a movie in the works about part of her life. Yet, one would never know it upon meeting her.

Conni is sweet and humble and giving. I asked her what keeps her going. She said the look on people’s faces when they realize that they CAN paint after stating that they have no ability to do so. She also donates her time to different charity organizations. Conni also teaches others how to improve their lives and pursue their dreams. I count myself to be blessed to meet this Wonder Woman and look forward to spending time with her again. Once again I feel like such a winner because I continue to meet people, like Conni Gordon.

Until next time…Keep Living a Diamond Life. Live a Life of Purpose!

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It’s How You Make Them Feel

Posted on December 29, 2012 by MarleneMB

I love ending the 2012 business year on a high note. I had that experience while attending the CEO Forum hosted by the South Florida Minority Supplier Diversity Council (SFMSDC.org) and GrowFL.com Tuesday, December 18, 2012. The purpose of the even was to encourage minority business owners in the growth of their business and share information that other successful minority CEOs have had in their businesses.

The keynote speaker was Charles P. Garcia. Mr. Garcia has a very impresses resume that spans starting, growing and eventually selling his company for a large profit; working for four presidents and now as a venture capitalist helping other minority and small business owners build their dreams. He was very energetic and dynamic in his storytelling of his various business experiences. He peppered his speech with humor as he related about growing his company; interviewing the different powerful folks for his book Leadership Lessons of the White House Fellows; and the life advices his grandfather and his mother gave him.

I especially liked the advice his mother gave him that is not what you have materially that makes you successful; it is how you make people feel and how you have impacted their lives. These are words we all can enact in our lives as we pursue our dreams and creating companies that will serve others. While I didn’t win the raffle of his books, I felt that I was a winner at this event. I intend to buy it to learn more from this author, orator and business savvy CEO. Thank you SFMSDC and GrowFL.com for ending my business year on a positive note. Thank you Charles P. Garcia for sharing your experiences with us.

Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose!

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South Florida Techies Party at ITPalooza

Posted on December 17, 2012 by MarleneMB

Last week Wednesday, 12/12/12, I had the good fortunate of attending one of the best techie events in South Florida, ITPalooza. It was held at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. The organizers of this event should be proud of themselves. I was impressed with the advertising of the event, the easy registration process, and the signage that guided me to the parking and to the main event building. The folks working the registration desks were very efficient and friendly.

Best of all I really thought the different workshops and vendors across many different disciplines of the technology world, catered to various background and skills attendees have or know. I was able to have great discussion of upcoming software applications and chat with vendors about network technology, cloud computing and much more. I met lots of new folks in locally and nationally. I also ran into some old colleagues that I have not seen in years.

So what’s the big deal? South Florida is on a mission to become known as a mecca for technology companies. By hosting events like ITPalooza, it sends a message that tech companies will be able to establish business here in the area and will be able to find talents to fill positions. It serves to attract higher paying jobs to the area; thus increases ability to provide better services and schools to the community.

On a selfish note, I’m a techno geek and love the ability to meet other geeks like myself. It doesn’t hurt when you add good food that is free to the mix! I give this event high marks and will definitely keep a watch out for the next one.

Until then…Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose!

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Ask And You Shall Receive

Posted on December 4, 2012 by MarleneMB

I love meeting new people. If I am standing in the grocery line, I will say hello to the person in front and behind me. I will randomly start up a conversation with someone. Why do I do it? Simple. People have a wealth of information to offer; if you just ask. Now, I’m not talking about prying into the person’s business. I am talking about life events or perhaps I may be puzzled about something and toss the question out there to see what answers I will get back.

Last night I took my friends who are visiting from Canada to mid-town Miami. It was exciting to see the preparation going on for the big art festival, Art Basel Miami. This event always has a VIP only night. We decided to sit at one of the trendy restaurant, the bar was more convenient for us to sit at the time. While there, a fellow walked up to order a drink. I noticed he had a badge on for the Art Show. I asked him about it and he said he is setting up his exhibit. He is one of the artists. Before long I found out he was from Connecticut and we struck up a conversation about the exhibit. I told him I blogged and would love to write an article about him.

I asked if he had any passes to the VIP event since one of my friends will be returning to Canada soon. He said he would get us passes. He returned with two passes that give us access for four people to the VIP event! My friends were quite impressed and told me that they love the way I am always observant and not afraid to speak with anyone. I thought then about the Biblical precept: “Ask and you shall receive.”

Live a Diamond Life. Live a Life of Purpose

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Cutting-edge Technology Resting on a Shaky Foundation

Posted on November 16, 2012 by MarleneMB

From the dawn of time, humans have used various methods to communicate: smoke signals, drums, messengers on foot and horseback, carrier pigeons, telegraphs, wired telephone, and today’s mobile phones and the Internet. We have always had the need to communicate with each other. Technology has improved the methods we use to communicate with each. Communication has become more convenient and effortless, generally. Unfortunately, today’s modern communication systems rely on a system that is flawed and have not had much improvement in the United States.

Yes, we have gone from the use of fires sites, to candles to kerosene lamps to electricity to provide us light, but the grids that transport electricity have fallen behind the improvements that our communication systems have experienced. We see how vulnerable our electrical grids are as seen in the power outages due to outdated equipment and network design. The damages that Hurricane turned Tropical Storm Sandy caused to the supply of power to the Northeast underscores this vulnerability of this antiquated system.

As a nation, we have become more reliant on access to electricity for most of our activities in our daily lives. We use electricity to cook our food, to wash our clothes, to secure and heat our homes, to power our electric cars, and to power our phones and computers. Electricity permeates our lives and we have become very dependent on this power source. It is amazing to me that the public is not demanding that the power companies improve the backbone of our power supply in this nation. Think of all the money that has been lost because of the delayed repairs of the services in Northeast. Imaging the billions of dollars that may have been lost with the inability of the stock market being down.

We are so concerned about securing our borders, and we should; however, we have lost sight of the great need to secure our electrical power grids by modernizing these systems and ensuring that they cannot be affected by certain natural and man-made events. This can lead to economical and security disasters. It is said one should build one’s house on solid ground and not on sinking sand. If we don’t improve our power grids, we run the risk of building our fancy communications systems not only on a shaky foundation but also on quicksand.

Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose!

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