Volume 8, Issue 1 | January 2019

 
 Inside This Issue:
Inspiration and Contemplation ..................
Spirituality  ................................................ .....
People Making A Difference  ..... .................
General Computer Use/Technology ........
Pinterest
Email Marketing  .............. ............................
Website Development and Design ..........
 
 


"It surely is not wisdom and good judgement to keep a thing year after year that brings no appreciable returns and that does not cause the soul to grow and expand and radiate through the body as ever renewing health and youth." 

- Myrtle Fillmore, Co-founder of Unity

Happy New Year!

When I heard the aforementioned quote as I was being prepared for a New Year burning bowl ceremony, I was struck with how sensible a thought it was. So simple yet so empowering and inspiring.

And so, writing in the first month of the new year of 2019 (albeit it is almost over), I am doing so from a space and feeling of empowerment, renewal, and determination to not place limitations on my soul, my life, my business, my relationships - everything!

I feel enthusiasm ( en "in" + theos "god"), and am reminded of what the other co-founder of Unity, Charles Fillmore, said at the age of 93: "I fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and spring forth with a mighty faith to do the things that ought to be done by me!" Yes, I do. And, so it is!

On another note, if you've been a subscriber to my monthly e-newsletter for a while, you'll notice some changes in this issue. The look is different, and it marks a change in content now that I am back in my consulting business full-time: I'm including additional articles focused on software training (general computer use/technology), email marketing, and website design, the main services that I offer alongside coaching you in reflecting who you are in your business and marketing projects. I hope you enjoy it! Your input is always encouraged and welcomed.

Thanks for reading!

Blessings,

Joyce's signature
 


inspirationInspiration and Contemplation
From Buckminster Fuller

"Human beings are the only creatures on the planet that tell time and think they have to earn a living."

- Buckminster Fuller
spiritualitySpirituality
"You, Me, and Spirit" Project 

I have exciting news which I want to share with you, not just because of my enthusiasm, but also to stay accountable!

A number of lifetimes ago, part of my daily spiritual practice was to blog daily about Spirit (God, The Great Mystery, etc.) - and I did so for 598 days! I named the blog "You, Me, and Spirit."

During those years, I was married, I lived in the environs of the city of Phoenix and then we moved to Paradise, also known as, Sedona. My then-husband Roger, and I were forging a small business, striving to grow our consciousness, and be of service.
Many things have changed since those days, but Spirit is timeless and constant. I've decided that, while my writings are about ten years old, they still have plenty of relevance all these years later, and I have been inspired to share them in the form of an e-book (probably two volumes).  

So now I've added to my daily spiritual practice reviewing and editing at least one blog post per day. Yes, it could take a l-o-n-g time to publish at that rate, but (1) it's better than zero per day which is where I was at when I told myself "When I have a big chunk to time to work on it...", and (2) the fact that it's now a part of my daily spiritual practice as a means unto itself, it's meaningful. Still, I AM eager to get it published, and since I really do enjoy reading each post and pausing to be reminded of Spirit, it's easy to go through more than one per day. So, keep a look out around summertime to see an announcement of its publication.

And don't hesitate to ask me how the project is going, as it will bolster my commitment to myself and Spirit. In the meanwhile, if you'd like to read some short ones written during this month 10 (ten) years ago (!), click here.
peoplePeople Making a Difference
Giving One More Thing - A Kidney
 
The life work of David Simpson and his wife, Kathy Fletcher, has become pushing the boundaries of what it means to give to young people, many with dire life stories, who are just entering adulthood and are hungry or don't have a place to live or enough money for college or countless other needs.

They opened their home to dozens of young people. Then David learned he could give one more thing: a kidney. 

Read more about this couple who never takes the easy way out. 
General Computer Use/Technology
general_comp
Pinterest
 
I've been attending a number of business networking groups here in the East Valley of Phoenix, meeting new, interesting people, and broadening my knowledge.

Recently, I heard a presentation given by Renee M. Lamb, a job exit strategist, about Pinterest. I was surprised to learn that Pinterest is more than a social network - it's a huge visual search engine!

Pinterest users can upload, save, sort, and manage images -- known as pins -- and other media content (e.g., videos) through collections known as pinboards.

Its rapid growth has drawn businesses, especially retailers, to expand their presence on the site. Studies have shown it is more effective at driving sales than other forms of social media, as well as users spend more money on it than on Facebook.

Since Pinterest can be a powerful tool for business networking, you may consider using it for more than learning about the latest fashions, recipes, and arts and crafts. I know I am!
emailEmail Marketing
4 Email Marketing Goals to Set in the New Year
 
No matter what time of year it is, it's always a good idea to set marketing goals.
 
Setting goals makes it easier to measure the results of your different marketing activities, including your email marketing campaigns, and also provides the focus and motivation you need to stick with them.
 
As you prepare for the year ahead, take some time to think about the goals you'd like to achieve.


Here are four important goals to consider:
  1. Grow your email list
  2. Improve email open rates
  3. Increase email engagement
  4. Improve business results
60-Day Free Trial of Constant Contact
 
Use your trial to upload contacts, send email campaigns, and explore the different Plus Campaigns.
  • No credit card required to be entered!
  • 60 days to explore all the campaign types and features that Constant Contact has to offer.
  • Create as many campaigns as you want.
  • Try out all the different campaign types available - there's more than just email!
And, keep in mind that anything that you create during the trial will be available when you become a customer!

Sign up for your free 60-day Constant Contact trial using the link below
http://www.constantcontact.com/signup.jsp?pn=bizworksstudio or contact me at 928.301.7292.
websites
Websites and Coffee header

WordPress 5.0.3 Maintenance Release
It's now safe to go into the water!

WordPress 5.0 debuted in early December 2018, but my research suggested to sit tight for a little while, so I did. WordPress issued t he 5.0.3 release, which focused on fine-tuning the new block editor and fixing any major bugs or regressions, so I took the plunge! All is well.
 
To learn more, visit WordPress.org.

Workshops
Even if you're not sure you want to use WordPress or are planning to use a web developer for your new website (and it's not even me!!), acquiring some knowledge about website platforms, blogs, search engine optimization, metrics, etc. will help you feel empowered and able to hold an intelligent conversation with a web professional.

Below is my  February 2019 calendar of WordPress workshops. These workshops are hands-on: you will actually work in a real, live website and personally experience working with self-hosted WordPress.


"Intro to WordPress: First Steps"
$ 49-

Feb 06, 2019 | Wed | 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Feb 20, 2019 | Wed | 6:30 - 8:30 PM


"Intro to WordPress: Going Deeper"
$ 49-

Feb 18, 2019 | Mon | 10:00 AM - 12 Noon

Feb 27, 2019 | Wed | 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Workshops take place in Gilbert, AZ
(Val Vista Dr near Baseline Rd)


Space is limited to just 4 participants so that you can receive the attention you deserve. To learn more and/or to register , please visit the  Websites and Coffee website .

WordCamp Phoenix 2019
Now in its 10th year, WordCamp Phoenix 2019 is being held at the Phoenix Convention Center February 15 - 17. To learn more, visit  WordCamp Phoenix 2019 .

I trust the new year has started out for you with a vibrant, joyful noise! May it continue to be filled with abundance of all kinds.

Blessings,
Joyce's signature

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