Christian Mastermind Groups

Greetings Business Women of God!

Coming in 2012, Koinonia Business Women is starting Mastermind Groups for Christian business women. At this time, we are looking for leaders who would like to lead a group of approximately 6-12 women in their area for monthly mastermind sessions.

Interested in learning more? Please visit our Mastermind Group Leader FAQ page at www.KBWomen.com/leaderfaq.htm. This could be the opportunity you've been looking for and the resource that others have been praying for!

Not sure what a Mastermind Group is? Visit our Mastermind FAQ page here and read how it can benefit your business and growth: www.KBWomen.com/mastermindfaq.htm.

Marketing "MIATA"

by Krista Dunk

Marketing isn't always an easy task, and most of us need some help. I've made many marketing mistakes myself in the past! However, I have learned a few important tips lately. When it comes to marketing your business and services, think MIATA - Make It About Them Always. Focus on your potential clients rather than making your marketing and promotional materials all about you, or what you do.

Honestly, most people don't care that much about what you do. But, they do care about what they want or need right now. If your business solves a problem for them or meets their need, by all means promote that fact! When you take that approach, your customers will be more likely to investigate what you have to say.

Even in networking situations this can be achieved. Look at these two answer options when someone asks, "So, what do you do?"

1. "I am a sales rep for Fluffy Bunny Software, and I work with independent preschools." (Boring)
2. "I help busy preschool teachers with software that opens the imaginations and ignites the reading skills of their students." (Catchy for parents of preschoolers and teachers)

Marketing letter:

1. "I offer payroll services, monthly bookkeeping, tax tips and business forms for small businesses." (Yippee)
2. "I partner with small business owners by eliminating the burden of bookkeeping, tax prep and payroll while keeping it in trustworthy, experienced hands." (This appeals to me!)

Promoting a service:

1. "Learn about healthy eating for your whole family and positive self-care habits." (Do they need this? Yes. Do they want this? Not really.)
2. "Come see how you can loose weight, have less medical expenses, make simple healthy lifestyle changes, and prevent disease." (They want this!)

Many of you know this already, but it serves as a great reminder for us. From your elevator pitch to your website, brochures to ads, keep MIATA in mind. Focus on what they want, and how your service meets that need. Also, use wording that describes their greatest wants, not their greatest needs. For example, does someone want to loose weight? Yes. Do they want to change their eating habits? No. Will loosing weight require a change in eating habits? Yes, and you know this as the expert who can help them, but it does not appeal to them.

So, in conclusion, discuss their "want," as that is what will catch their eye. Also, don't fill your precious marketing space with info about you; "I can...me, me, me." Show that what you have to offer is all about them!

What is Prosperity?

As Christians in America, "prosperity" is a word that has been, at times, used and abused by some teachers and ministers. As people of faith, we have become wary of its mere mention. The reality is, prosperity is a Biblical term and prosperity is a God-ordained state of being (or not being). However, I want to share a new perspective on this topic - one you may not have realized before. It starts with this statement from Pastor Gregory Dickow:

“Redefine prosperity - Prosperity IS God’s presence in your life. Genesis 39:2 says the Lord was with Joseph, so he was a PROSPEROUS MAN.”

Does this strike you as it does me? God's presence is the definition of prosperity. When God's presence is with you, you are prosperous. When God's presence is with me, I am prosperous. Prosperity does have evidence in the natural realm as well, including provision, wisdom, a fullness of life, and favor, but it all starts with God's Spirit being present with us.

There are all kinds of prayers that we pray for blessings of various types; material goods, finances, children, relationships, healing, etc. God knows what we need and it is good to express the desires of our hearts with Him. But, let's take prayers for blessings a step further.

Psalm 119:135 says, "Bless me with Your presence." I believe we need to ask for more of God's presence by seeking, praying, worshipping, and reading the Word more. When His Spirit fills us up powerfully, daily, then our prosperity will know no bounds!

Jabez prayed to have his territory enlarged. If we want to also pray that same prayer, I believe our ability to love needs to be enlarged first. This comes through fellowship with God; His presence. As you can see, it's all working together!

Taken from the KBWomen *BLING* Newsletter. Sign up today at www.KBWomen.com.

Looking to Create a Business Website?

Hello Business Women of Faith!

Thank you for visiting us here at the KBWomen blog. Today, we're talking about business websites. Do you need one, but aren't sure where to start? I can help!

Listen now to the (45 minute) KBWomen Radio Show for Monday, Nov. 8th, where Krista shares her thoughts and knowledge about creating a website.

Link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/11/08/kb-women-radio

Please share this broadcast with anyone you know who has business website questions. Enjoy your blessed week everyone.

Krista Dunk

www.KBWomen.com

Hello business women! I thought I would share a neworking/selling tip that my friend John Wheeler of www.BizNetCentral.com talked about recently:

When I used to oversee a sales force, I would teach them that the sales cycle had 4 steps:

1. Meet
2. Like
3. Trust
4. Do Business (get a referral or get paid)

Sending out a "Nice to Meet You," card is one great way to help speed the process of going from Meeting to Trusting.

Just another way to keep you top-of-mind in potential customers' minds, and show yourself as a considerate, friendly business person.

posted by Krista Dunk, www.KBWomen.com

Powerful Prayer for You

My friend and author Inez Reilly sent this to me recently, and with her permission, I'd like to share it with you as well.

Most Gracious God, my Father - I come to You, today, giving You all the honor and glory due Your name. Sovereign ruler of all of the heavens and earth, You sit high and You look low, forever concerning Yourself with Your creation. You own the cattle on a thousand hills, and You have stored up riches and possessions for Your children to inherit, if we just believe.

I make Your name great in the earth. I will always declare Your awesome wonders to all who will listen. You intend to manifest Your blessings and favor upon Your people, Your chosen ones - the apple of Your eye - You have us engraved on the palms of both Your hands, never to leave or forsake us. Your mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, and Your grace encompasses us, like a robe. You have crowned us with Your loving kindness and encamped us round about with ministering angels, like flames of fire.

It is by Your command that the sun rises and sets - You declare when the tide rolls in and goes out. At Your word, the moon shines brilliantly upon the earth - You are magnificent! You are awesome! You are marvelous! Everything You do is for our good, and I thank You for it all.
I come to You, Elohim, on behalf of my sister. I declare that Your greatness is made manifest in her life. I decree that Your glory will surround her, like a cloud, being evident to those around her. The ministry, You have called her to, is blessed. You have fallowed out the ground, therefore as she walks she prospers and increases - You have brought increase to those she has been allowed to plant and to those she has been allowed to water. She is a fruitful garden, with leaves upturned in worship.

Bless her with longstanding endurance like the palm tree - allow her to flourish and be continually verdant, like the evergreen. Let her words be soft and filled with power and beauty, like the rose. Touch her, with your love, and cause her to bow her heart in adoration as her face shines with your grace. Cause her to allow your Spirit to search her heart, her mind and her spirit, turning over every area to you, in submission to your will for her life.

Speak to her, on her bed, at night - greet her with your Presence when she awakes, in the morning - walk with her in the cool of the evening. Woo her, Adonai! Draw her to yourself and hold her close, when she cries out to you. Be fierce in your protectiveness, causing her peace as she walks through any valley - she shall fear no evil, because you are with her - comfort her, console her, build her up in her most holy faith.

Come into her situations, circumstances and her immediate personal space, as she communes with you. Let your Spirit surround her, on all sides, infusing her with power, might, strength and security. She is NEVER alone. Speak to her heart, right now. Make clear your plans for her "right now" season. Still her heart, so she can hear your whispers of direction. Light her way, as she leads those you have called her to lead. Help her to submit to whom you have called to mentor and lead her.

She is your daughter and you are her Father - blow your wind upon her, right now, in the name of Jesus and pull her onto your lap. Allow her to lay her head upon your bosom, to quiet her spirit. Lull her into the sweet sleep that you have designed for your beloved, at night - Refresh and revive her for the day's journey, in the morning. She is healed, by the stripes of Jesus - any sickness or disease that tries to attach itself to her, is trespassing and has no right. She is free, because Jesus, your Truth, has made her free. The enemy has no power over her, her ministry, her family or her friends - his assignment is loosed from her life and bound with the shackles, from heaven.

She will walk, daily, in the Light and power of your Love. I pray this and believe it to be done, according to the power you have given to me - by the name of your Son, Jesus - it is so - AMEN!!!

Posted by Krista Dunk, prayer by Inez Reilly of www.IAMsproperty.com

How is 'someday' working for you?

Have you ever thought that you could be living a life of passion, using more of the talents God blessed you with?

Or maybe you don't fully know what those talents are because you have been too busy taking care of others.

If you have ever said, "Someday I will listen to my heart and follow it," if your amazing potential is just sitting there, waiting for 'someday,' this is for you.

Thursday (today), August 5th, at 4:30pm Pacific/7:30pm Eastern, listen in as KBWomen co-founder Tammy Redmon discusses the upcoming Living Your Vision retreat.

Simply call: 712-432-0075, code 133903# and listen in to this free, 30-min telecall.

www.KBWomen.com/lyv.htm

Starting Your Own Business

Starting Your Own Business, by Diana Kohn

Do you ever feel God is tapping you on the shoulder? Maybe He is pushing you in a direction you are scared to go. Eventually He starts to yell out to you.

He is calling you, do you hear Him?

It can be scary to follow the path He has laid out for you. It can be especially scary when it involves starting a business.

How do you start? Where do you start? Is there anyone to help you?
As a business owner myself I understand the mixed feelings of starting a business. It’s scary and exciting. It’s daunting and thrilling. Its great risk, yet possibly great reward. If you enter a new business with the right intentions, with the heart to help, and following God's plan the odds are in your favor.

How do you start? Make a list. Below are some of the things you may need to add to your list. List out each task you need to start your business. Each day knock one or two things from your list. As you cross things from the list new items will be added. Before you know it all your items are checked off and you are a business owner.

· Get a business license
· Get business cards
· Join a networking group
· Set up your accounting

Where do you start? Start with organization’s like Koinonia Business Women. The whole purpose of an organization like KBWomen is to help you. This group was designed to help educate women. They are here to promote you. Take advantage of all the information they have to offer.

Is there anyone to help you? There are many professionals that have owned businesses for many years. The information they have is priceless. Our business FLAIR was designed to help business owners develop the tools they need to grow. We are here to support you and your business. We will enhance the skills you already have, to help build your business. From walking into your first networking meeting to making the final sales, FLAIR will be there with you.
FLAIR will help you with:

· Networking with FLAIR
· Branding with FLAIR
· Sales with FLAIR

Education and support are key to the success of your new venture. Sit down. Make your list. Get ready to start your journey. If you are following the right path, the doors will open and the customers will walk in.

Article by Diana Kohn. Diana Kohn is a member of Koinonia Business Women. She is the co-founder of FLAIR. You can reach her at 206-353-1003 or http://www.businesswithflair.com/

From Mommy to Mom to Mother

My own Mom just sent me this heart-warming, and all-too-true message (author is unknown). I thought I would share this inspiration with you - to the business women with children.

MOTHERS:
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; They don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up....
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' And get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother........

The Images of Mother:
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't know everything!
14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn't have a clue.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom...

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from within her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

http://www.kbwomen.com/

Idea Validation & Business Sandbox Concepts

In my latest quest for business wisdom, I came across two new concepts that really got me thinking. Maybe the business terms below are not new to you, but they are to me. Let me share these with you:

New Concept #1: "Idea Validation" for business ideas
Very helpful link: http://www.sramanamitra.com/clarify-your-story-excerpt/

New Concept #2: The Business Idea or New Product "Sandbox"
No link here, unless I can link to my husband's IT industry brain!

I suppose I can't say that idea validation is a new concept to me - just a new term for an old issue that we all deal with as business people. Tammy and I always joke that we have I.D.D. - Idea Distraction Disorder! As idea people, we have a challenge; validating these new ideas to figure out if, in fact, they will land as great opportunities or if they should keep flying by.

Brainstorming and masterminding sessions are great ways to solicit feedback from others on business ideas and plans. Other ways include researching the market, surveying potential customers and prayer. As Godly women, we realize that God ideas are the ones that should move forward, not just good ideas!

Apparently "the sandbox" idea has been around for a long time in the technology industry. My husband and his co-workers use "the sandbox" concept when they are working on a new product launch or have a new system or tool. The sandbox is where they meet (usually virtually) to "play" with stuff to see what works and what doesn't. I love that image of adults coming to a sandbox, sitting down and testing things out and experimenting. Build it up, work with it, reshape it, move it around, tear it down, etc.

How can you use the sandbox concept in your business or career? What do you need to test out or play with and allow others to interact with? Actually, I can clearly see how these two concepts can work together quite nicely. Bring new ideas to a sandbox and watch how they transform.

Please comment and let us know your thoughts!

by Krista Dunk, http://www.kbwomen.com/ http://kbwa.memberlodge.com/

Connection + Collaboration = Growth

So far, February has been a great month of collaboration with other business women of faith and partnering with other organizations. Over the past year, my opinion of connecting and collaborating in business with others has changed significantly. Collaboration chases the scarcity mindset and competitive spirits away. It allows God to work through relationships, setting up a framework for joint success. When we are collaborating with other people for good, we are actually collaborating with God and His purposes too.

In my estimation, without connection and collaboration, growth comes extremely slowly, if at all. Think about it;

• Without our connection to God's Spirit, we do not grow in Godly things.
• Being disconnected from people damages relationships and stunts our learning curve in life.
• In business, relying on our own understanding and not using mentors or other experts can lead to a collapse.
• Without proper support, anything in life is at risk of breaking down.

In your life and business, who are you connecting and collaborating with? Are these connections and collaborative efforts leading to the kind of growth you want for your future? Do these relationships have a foundation of faith in God?

Next week, something is coming to help all of us "Connect, Collaborate & Grow." Please seriously consider joining us in the Koinonia Business Women's Association (KBWA). Frankly, the community needs you and you need the community. No one of us alone has all the answers, but joined together, and with God's direction, we WILL see God's power working through us in amazing ways.

As one of my mentors says, "Life is a team sport." It's time to rise up and build; build ourselves, build up others and build God's Kingdom. Now that's my idea of worthwhile, effective collaboration!

~Krista Dunk, http://www.kbwomen.com

What Season is Your Business In?

I don't know about you, but here in the Pacific Northwest, it seems like Springtime already. Unseasonably warm weather has been hanging around for weeks, and my Italian prune tree has decided to send out its' leaves this week. Later this month, it's also my birthday, which makes me another year older and closer to new seasons of life. Not to mention that with all that's happening with KBWomen right now, it feels like a season of tending tender plants after the seeding time is done.

Can you relate? What season are you, or is your business, in? Imagine this scene in your mind:

You are a farmer with 10 acres of farmland. Your house is on the first acre, near the road, then behind that, is 9 acres of garden. Right now, the garden needs much preparation; weeds, rocks, grass, sticks, and vines have taken over. After weeks of removing the old gunk and turning the soil with some new fertilizer, you look out from your porch and see the rich, dark soil ready for seeds. Seeding takes time, and you have to have a sound plan to ensure a good harvest.

You push seed after seed into the ground, carefully aligning each row. Finally, seeding is complete. You take your position in the rocking chair on the porch and wait. Much effort and work is done, for now. Although there is zero evidence that anything is happening, you have hope for your harvest. Each day you water, and wait. Water and wait.

A couple weeks later, you wake up, go out to the porch and see signs of life. Small, green shoots have come up sporadically. It's very exciting! About a week after that, you survey the field to see that it is completely covered in fresh, green plants bursting up everywhere. Something big is on the way. Are you ready?

As we know through the Bible, our life in the spiritual realm matches this natural process. That goes the same for our businesses as well. I'd like to share some commentary that goes along with the story above. Here goes:

• Too many times, we try to plant something new before we prepare our soil. Get rid of the old gunk (bad habits, negative actions and emotions, unhealthy relationships, etc.) and turn the soil (renew our minds) and add fertilizer (new wisdom) first.
• Leaving a cleaned-up field idle invites the weeds to grow again. Quickly replace the gunk with intentionally planted seeds.
• Have a plan when planting, otherwise your harvest will be a jumbled up mishmash. Probably not what you'd enjoy.
• Waiting takes great faith. Don't walk away from your field prematurely.
• Signs of life is the evidence of things hoped for, but not time for slacking off.
• Seeing a huge, coming harvest can be intimidating. Plan ahead for an overflow of blessing so that you are ready to receive it.
• Good stewardship in small things qualifies you for more. Increase your capacity.
• We can all use a little (or a lot) of help during this process from wise mentors and those willing to co-labor with us! As one of my mentors says, life is a team sport.

Be intentional about what is happening in your fields - relationship fields, business fields, spiritual fields, physical fields. Plant, tend and harvest with purpose!

Krista Dunk, www.KBWomen.com

KBWomen Radio Joins CWA Network

Special Announcement! KBWomen Radio is back...and will be joining forces with the CWA Radio Network on Blog Talk Radio. Learn more about the CWA Network by clicking the picture below! Stay tuned for show times and more details.

http://www.kbwomen.com/

Layers of Vision

All of us have layers of vision for our future. What layer level are you working on right now? Let me explain more about what I'm talking about with this story...

Last night, I was talking with a good friend about her goals and dreams for her future. Let's call her Deborah. Deborah is a great, single lady who is believing God for her first home and a Godly husband who shares her heart for the Lord and children. I also know she also has an amazing dream to own a B&B for ministry sabbaticals.

She was expressing her frustration to me about how she is feeling that her B&B dream seems unreachable right now. She was comparing her current "small" vision of home and family with my current vision for the national expansion of KBWomen. Here is what I told her.

"Deborah, everyone has layers of vision. You can't start at the huge, global plan at first. Right now, you're at the setting up relationships and home layer. Once that layer is established, you can move to the next layer level, then the next. There are layers of vision."

Don't get me wrong, I'm not at all saying that a single lady has to get married before she can move forward with God-given vision, or buy a home. However, this is a big desire of Deborah's heart. This is her focus right now, therefore meaning that is the next layer to pursue. In fact, she wants her dream of the B&B is to be shared with her future husband.

Think about how societies evolve. At the basic level, they are focused on finding food and shelter. Once that layer is established, they can move on to specializing in crafts or building community structures. Then financial systems and government, then higher learning, etc. Layers build upon layers. Once a layer is established and stable, the next one builds upon it.

What layer are you working on right now? What layer is next? Do not despise small beginnings. Small beginnings are just a place where you can prove yourself a good steward, ready for the next layer to arrive!

~Krista

http://www.kbwomen.com/

Do You Have Prayer In Action?

Do you have prayer in action? I have an interesting thought for you today - Prayer alone is limited. Does that mess with your theology? It might, until you understand what I mean through these examples below:

Example 1: Misty has credit card debt that she badly wants to get rid of. It is weighing on her mind and puts a strain on her marriage relationship. Misty prays about her finances and to become debt-free. Misty has 2 options.

#1 - Pray, yet continue with the same spending habits and remain at the same financial knowledge level.

#2 - Pray, and take action that supports her prayers - learn, get wisdom, budget, stop using credit cards for unnecessary purchases.

Example 2: Susan is a new business owner. She has a opened a mini-spa with nail, hair, massage, and facial services. She needs new clients and sales. Susan has 2 options.

#1 - Pray, and hang out at her new office waiting for clients to walk in or call.

#2 - Pray, and make some calls, attend networking meetings, send out marketing postcards, and/or create a coupon for new customers and email it out to all her contacts.

Get the picture? Prayer is definitely a crucial part of our stewardship. We each need to not only pray, but have the corresponding action that supports those prayers. This is true for all areas of our lives, including our businesses, our marriages, raising children, finances, ministries, etc.

We do our part diligently, and then let God do the rest!

Posted by Krista Dunk

www.KBWomen.com

Want Some *BLING*?

Yes! Get some BLING in your inbox twice a month. Koinonia Business Women has our free newsletter for business women of faith, which we lovingly call *BLING* (partially because of the nice acronym we created, but also just because we really like blingy stuff :-).

Building

Leading

Inspiring, &

Nurturing

Godly Businesswomen

When you subscribe, you will also receive a great, free eBook called, "Faith in Business Inspirational Quotes." Our next edition comes out this Tuesday, so sign up quick! Professional Christians, business owners, coaches, independent consultants, managers and executives, and aspiring entrepreneurs will enjoy what *BLING* has to offer.

Also, we have advertising opportunities in *BLING* for those who would like to advertise their business, products or services to other Christian women in business around the country.

SIGN UP for BLING NOW

Have a wonderful week! You are blessed and highly favored, so live a life worthy of Jesus' sacrifice.

~Krista

www.KBWomen.com

Greetings!

Did you hear about our new, free eBook for all *BLING* newsletter subscribers? Yes, it's true! Last week, we distributed a free eBook called "Faith in Business Inspirational Quotes" to each person who receives our email newsletter, which comes out twice a month.

The "Faith in Business Inspirational Quotes" eBook was a great project. For about 3 weeks, we collected original quotes from other faith-based business people. We would like to thank each person who contributed to the eBook, and who has shared wisdom with its readers.

Here is more good news - From now on, everyone who signs up to receive *BLING* will automatically be able to download our quotes eBook, free! If you are a Godly woman in business, *BLING* is for you. We share articles, links, tips, inspiration, and feature members. If you are interested, visit www.KBWomen.com now to sign up for our newsletter.

To get more information, see past issues and sign up for our *BLING* newsletter for Christian women in business, visit this link.

Blessings to you!

Calling All Business Women Leaders

Hello Friends,
We are re-posting this information, with new details. Enjoy!

2010 holds exciting things for the Koinonia Business Women's organization. You may have heard about a few things already, but I want to let you in on one segment of our plans.

Starting in February, local chapters of Koinonia Business Women (officially called "KBWomen Chapters") will start in several cities around the country. Tammy and I have run an Olympia group meeting for the past 16 months! It's time to offer this same networking and learning opportunity to other women of faith in other areas.

Would you like to be a Chapter Leader and start a KBWomen Chapter in your city?
We are looking for spiritually mature women with business ownership experience to lead chapters. Chapters have a monthly meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of each month for 90 minutes. In these meetings, Christian business women come together for:

• Networking
• Building Relationships
• Getting Leads
• Support
• Prayer
• Encouragement
• Business Skill Discussions
• Idea Sharing
• To get more information about what KBWomen offers

If this sounds interesting to you, and you believe other women in your area would enjoy attending with other like-minded women of faith, please consider becoming a Chapter Leader. Leaders will have special benefits, and free membership in our organization (membership system opens March 1st). Leaders also have a special application process to be sure that this is a "best fit" for everyone.

To view the FAQ pages about leadership, membership benefits and chapter meetings, please visit this link. We look forward to meeting you!

Posted by Krista Dunk
www.KBWomen.com

Making Effective New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year to you!

I can remember the movie called "2010" from when I was in 6th grade (I'm totally dating myself now). 2010 was so far away at that time, that it didn't seem real. Well, reality is slapping me in the face today for sure!

Actually, I look forward to 2010. I have positive expectations about it, including knowing that Koinonia Business Women has some very exciting things happening this year. We're making plans for membership and more chapters, as well as mastermind groups for Christian business owners, etc. Planning is something business owners need to learn to love!

That reminds me of making New Year's resolutions. Today is the day! From weight loss and financial goals, to kicking bad habits, thousands of people are motivating themselves to make changes this year. Here is a thought God revealed to me last week about New Year's resolutions. Many people make them, just for fun. Others take them seriously, for about the first 10 days or so. A rare person will make them stick.

According to the dictionary definition of resolution, it means to reach a firm decision, to clear up, to deal with successfully, to find an answer, etc. Part of the word itself is "solve." Somehow, the concept of New Year's resolutions is fluffy, not resolute at all! It's like a game or a fad - something to do for fun.

If you have something you are resolute about, here's what you can do to ensure your resolutions will be successful!

• Identify a problem or an area of under-performance.
• Figure out how to solve it. Pray.
• Make a decision to do it.
• Move forward with actions that support the decision.
• Create habits to reinforce the desired outcome.
• Gain confidence in your decision making ability and resolve.

Too many things remain unresolved in our lives. Our minds love it when we make a firm decision about something. Firm decisions allow our minds to work towards a specific goal without doubt, wavering emotions, nervous tension, or competing ideas interfering.

You can do it! Be resolute! Move forward into 2010 and know God is for you, and with you.

Posted by Krista Dunk www.kbwomen.com

Photos for Marketing Materials

Now that this Christmas season is complete and our minds are planning for 2010, many of us are contemplating how we will represent our business brands well in the coming year. If you own or run a small business, or any size business for that matter, you no doubt have a need for high quality printed marketing materials and online graphics.

Since many of us are not professional photographers or artists, we need resources for finding great photographs and graphic clips! Let me give you our secret spots where we find really neat items at free or really inexpensive prices:

http://www.sxc.hu/
http://www.dreamstime.com/

DreamsTime offers the best selection, with really high quality images. If we buy a stock photo, it's never more than about $3.75. Check them out using the button above. You can view all their photo options before purchasing. Some images are even free!

Here is an important tip: When you purchase a stock photo, you need to know how you will be using it first. If you will use it on a printed item, such as a brochure, postcard, flier, poster, etc., always purchase the 300 dpi version of it. If you will only be using it on the web, you can get away with the 72 dpi version if you'd like. You can get the 72 dpi versions starting at only $1.25 each!

Finding just the right photo or graphic for what you are trying to convey is vital. It can make all the difference in the message you are sending to potential customers.

We hope this is helpful! Blessings to you.

www.KBWomen.com