Bri Clark's Blog, page 6

The Disabled Diaries Video #3: The Pot and the Kettle

Since my husband has become temporarily disabled I find that some of the things I say in jest that I'd probably eat him alive for if the tables were turned he laughs at. I guess my husband isn't as sensitive as I accused him of. LOL

Ever realized that about your relationship?


Bri Clark

Text briclark to 90210 to follow her blog by text.
Social Ghoster Marketing Strategist, Author, Speaker, Social Media/ Platform Consultant
 belleconsult.com


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My blog: Antibullying: It's Elementary Ya'll

Ladies and Lionesses: Part II

To read Ladies and Lionesses: Part I go here. 

 With that realization, she reinforces her lady camouflage and embraces her inner lioness. It is a general saying that a fool messes with a lioness protecting her young—for there is no more fearsome or intimidating creature. In society, the same knowledge applies. What really is a woman’s young? It is her offspring…her creation. Something she has invested her time, talents, energy, and emotions into. With that said, wouldn’t a project, a business, or even a fundraiser apply? Yes, indeed. The door opens and inside are six men ranging in age from midtwenties to late sixties all in varying shades of gray and black. Because saint’s forbid anyone wear anything with color and have a personality. Did I mention the “itfit” is a beautiful royal blue pencil skirt jacket combo with a daring red silk blouse underneath?As usual, she is the only woman. Because the lioness knows how to interpret the reactions of others, she concludes all appreciate her appearance. Then they quickly hide it. The proper reaction is a warm welcoming smile, under laced with just a tad of steel. Don’t want to release the lioness just yet. They’ve heard the rumors. That’s why there are six of them and one of you. Your welcome has caught them off guard. Your blue briefcase with silk zebra print interior makes them think you are oh so feminine and flighty. Shoulders and postures begin to relax. The first one being the man in the dark gray directly to the right of the window, after seeing him relax all follow suit. That’s their leader. That’s your target. A lioness uses all her talents to out maneuver an opponent. Her femininity is not a weakness. Her joy for colors is not a form of frippery. It’s simply just her. If someone decides to make false assumptions, it is more than fair to manipulate those misconceptions to her advantage. Introductions are made and the meeting begins. She causes confusion because her outward beauty and grace conflict with the prowess, ambition, and intelligence she executed during the presentation. However, it is now the end. She leaves offering them five minutes of privacy. Upon her return, the strategically hidden leader is now opposite her at the end table. His shoulders are back, he tries to hide his smile, his triumph. Already she knows that the answer is no. But upon seeing the narrowing, weary eyes of the other men it wasn’t unanimous. It’s time for the lioness to make her appearance. She listens stoic and relaxed. Something that throws the leader off completely, after he expresses his concerns and their grievances about going forward. He thanks her for her time and begins to stand not even having the curtsey to let her reply. Well that’s not acceptable. The lioness stands to her full height and insists they sit down. And oh yes she uses that tone of voice. You know the one that is a cross between a growl and a request. In a matter of minutes, she undermines every point that was made. Because that faithful assistant made sure, she was prepared. The lady will show her gratitude later. Because a lady takes care of her own and their loyalty is the best investment.Visibly uncomfortable and now aware that they are facing the “bitch of the boardroom” the men flounder. Scenting unsurety the lioness pounces with her most effective attack yet.Retreat. Having said her piece the lady begins to pack up. Again, they are floundering and can’t imagine she’s walking away from them! And she’s prepared to do just theat. Even though she’s invested so much into this deal she will always be willing to walk away. Because for a lioness no matter how much success she earns, how much respect she receives, she will always be “the bitch” and she doesn’t care. A lioness has to know when to let go of her creations. A man on the other hand has his own emotions. The most prominent of which is reputation. He just can’t be known as the one the bitch walked away from. Because that is what the rumors will say and the lioness knows that. Once again, the lioness manipulates all the resources around her. Even the use of her bad name. Indulge your lady and embrace your lioness for the two aren’t mutually exclusive and don’t have to be.



Bri Clark

Text briclark to 90210 to follow her blog by text.
Social Ghoster Marketing Strategist, Author, Speaker, Social Media/ Platform Consultant
 belleconsult.com


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My blog: Antibullying: It's Elementary Ya'll

How to use Mobile Marketing for Fiction Authors

With so many resources online for writers and authors on social media marketing, blogging, and book promotion it can be overwhelming. Not to mention how the need to know how to do it. With that said this video is one way a fiction author can use mobile marketing in their social media platform.

What ideas have you used or are planning on using?
Bri Clark

Text briclark to 90210 to follow her blog by text.
Social Ghoster Marketing Strategist, Author, Speaker, Social Media/ Platform Consultant
 belleconsult.com


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My blog: Antibullying: It's Elementary Ya'll

Disabled Diaries Video #2 Forcing Productivity

One of the benefits of working from home and having the kids and spouse out of the house was the "Me Time" I was able to sneak in. Sometimes I'd nap, watch a recorded show, or read. But with my hubby here a lot more I'm feeling like I'm not allowed to take that me tine. But it is forcing me to be way more productive.

Bri Clark

Text briclark to 90210 to follow her blog by text. Social Ghoster Marketing Strategist, Author, Speaker, Social Media/ Platform Consultant
belleconsult.com
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My blog: Antibullying: It's Elementary Ya'll

Ladies and Lionesses:Part I

The best place to start is to define a lady and a lioness. Bare in mind these definitions are not up to Wikipedia or Webster standards. In fact, the better explanation would be “according to the gospel of Bri.” And like the gospel I’ll use stories and metaphors.
In today’s world a lady is someone who has or can at least execute the allusion of self confidence. She knows herself so well that during that big meeting today she wants to look her best. So she pulls out “the itfit”. The “itfit” is the outfit that is used as a weapon of mass confidence construction. When she wears it her shoulders are pulled back. Her chest ,no matter the size, is flattering. Her hips, legs, and stomach are amazing. In short, the whole outer package is stunning. Internally because of the boost from the itfit (she produces more of that hormone that makes you feel better but I don’t know what it’s called) she is prepared. She feels confident and is ready to tackle this meeting.
On the way to the office she stops for a latte’. When she walks in her stiletto gel insoled heels people give her second glances…especially men. A smile appears making her even more beautiful. It’s not that she craves male attention. She’s not a slut. It’s the admiration that makes her smile.
People in general want to be admired. Physical admiration is the easiest and usually the first and fastest way to receive this attention. A lady smiles back to her audience but is careful to walk a line of respectful appreciation. It’s a thin sway of the hips between inviting wanted and unwanted attention.
Our lady has made it to the office. As she approaches the conference, her assistant informs her of last minute issues. Because she is a lady she nods, listens, then consoles her upset assistant who has been freaking out all morning waiting for her to get there. You see our lady left her phone on vibrate and has missed the calls.
A quick trip to her office, a couple of sent emails, and a rechecking of data she is sure that it can be fixed. On her way to the boardroom her smile is no longer applied. In fact, an involuntary scowl has formed between her eyebrows. The same areas she applies that super expensive cream to every night to prevent wrinkles. She quickly relaxes the muscles. Nevertheless, a chill creeps up her spine causing the hairs on the back of her nape to stand. A ball of pressure settles in her gut making her uneasy. Before she opens the door to the conference room, she stops and recognizes the signs…sees them for what they are.
Instinct.



Make sure to tune in next Wednesday for Part II of Ladies and Lionesses
 
Bri Clark

Text briclark to 90210 to follow her blog by text.
Social Ghoster Marketing Strategist, Author, Speaker, Social Media/ Platform Consultant
 belleconsult.com


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My blog: Antibullying: It's Elementary Ya'll

IMHO=Bless Your Heart: Isn't a License to be Rude

An experience lead to this post/ rant. Basically In my humble opinion (IMHO) can be the same as saying bless your heart. And neither cliche' is a license for being mean, rude, or pushy. Trust me I'm the queen of Bless your Heart. And I'm aslo guilty of being pushing, rude, and mean. All things I'm trying to work on. Which is why when someone tried to turn the tables on me and didn't accept my invitation to agree to disagree I had to vent.

What have your experiences with IMHO or Bless Ur Heart been?

Bri Clark

Text briclark to 90210 to follow her blog by text. Social Ghoster Marketing Strategist, Author, Speaker, Social Media/ Platform Consultant

belleconsult.com
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My blog: Antibullying: It's Elementary Ya'll

IMHB=Bless Your Heart: Isn't a License to be Rude

An experience lead to this post/ rant. Basically In my humble opinion (IMHO) can be the same as saying bless your heart. And neither cliche' is a license for being mean, rude, or pushy. Trust me I'm the queen of Bless your Heart. And I'm aslo guilty of being pushing, rude, and mean. All things I'm trying to work on. Which is why when someone tried to turn the tables on me and didn't accept my invitation to agree to disagree I had to vent.

What have your experiences with IMHO or Bless Ur Heart been?

Bri Clark

Text briclark to 90210 to follow her blog by text. Social Ghoster Marketing Strategist, Author, Speaker, Social Media/ Platform Consultant

belleconsult.com

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My blog: Antibullying: It's Elementary Ya'll

The Disabled Diaries: Lossing an Income

With my husband losing his job and unable to even seek other employment because at the time of his job loss we found out he had an injury leaving him temporarily disabled. I went to where I find relief blogging. This is the first video in the Disabled Diaries Series.

Have you experienced this? The loss of an income? Becoming disabled? Having a sudden change to your family structure? How did you cope?

Bri Clark

Text briclark to 90210 to follow my blog by text. Social Ghoster Marketing Strategist, Author, Speaker, Social Media/ Platform Consultant

belleconsult.com

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My blog: Antibullying: It's Elementary Ya'll

Are the Gatekeepers Desperate for Publicity

Photo credit http://sipseystreetirregulars.blogspo...


Anyone who is in the publishing industry, anyone who has a pinky toe in this pond, has heard or will hear about Simon and Schuster launch of a self-publishing division, powered by that company of questionable practices, ethics, services…etc. Author Solutions.
Why would I say that about Author Solutions? Well it could be because industry gladiators out there to support and protect writers like Writer Beware have been sharing information about them for a while. Or it could be the personal experiences that people have shared with me. However, I won’t broadcast on my blog because they asked me not to.
But I think the real kicker is Google.
When you Google anything at the end of the first page Google will present you with a handy set of other phrases built around what you just searched for. Now since Google is the largest search engine in the world it’s got a decent little reputation right.
When I Googled “Author Solutions” these are, the suggested phrases presented me with.  [image error]Let’s look at the first two suggestions.
Author Solutions Complaints
Author Solutions Scam
I mean really? Does Penguin (Who bought Author Solutions to begin with.)do a background  check on their purchases? Yes that’s exactly the first thing that jumped to my mind. I’m a marketing strategist. This is how my mind works. If you want to hear more details about this contraversial deal. And the joke of services vs prices they are providing I’d go here.David Gaughran is a favorite for me when it comes to investigated and intellegient info on the publishing world.
But that’s not what this post is about.
The question I’m posing is this. Are the former Gatekeepers, The Big 6, New Yorks publishing houses, so desperate for PR that they knowingly bought then created a product around a company that is known to be shady?
I mean these are successful, intelligent corporations. With people with amazing college educations and lawyers where even involved. Don’t lawyers investigate this stuff? Aren’t they supposed to out for the best interest of their client?
Hell, I bet Penguin does a background check on their employees. Wouldn’t they do that for a company they bought?
The answer my friends is…I don’t know.
My gut says yes. That common sense says yes. But often times when you get into the corporate and business world common sense is lost to statistics and pretty pie charts.
With that said I can’t help but think that they had to have some idea about Author Solutions bad online rep. And if that’s the case are they so desperate for publicity, to get their hand into the self publishing world, that they just took a chance?
What do you think?
Text briclark to 90210 to follow her blog by text. 



Bri Clark
Social Ghoster Marketing Strategist, Author, Speaker, Social Media/ Platform Consultant
belleconsult.com

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Sass is Class Blog Google ain’t Granny

Google ain’t Granny

If you are an American, you most likely found yourself off work, frantically cooking, gorging yourself, or traveling to gorge yourself. Basically we were celebrating Thanksgiving. Personally, as in years before my little family and I find ourselves with just us. After a decade of marriage where grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, and cousins would routinely invade our home at every holiday or even hint of a holiday we found this year that it wasn’t great.
Ham and sweet ham gravy is my husband’s specialty. And for the past years living far away from relatives, we have had ham on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yes ham on Thanksgiving. This year we opted to deep fry a turkey, make our own pumpkin pies, (yes I bought frozen or store made pies) and really throw down. Fast forward to the night before where the deep fryer didn’t work out and we were scrambling trying to figure out a plan to cook all we needed to cook in one oven that seemed to be shrinking by the hour.
We need a plan. What can we prep? What can be cook early but still be good hours later? Where did my inherent gut instinct turn to…
Phone call #1 to Granny: Granny isn’t home. She isn’t answering her cell either.
Phone call #2 to Moma: Mom is busy with the festivities back home and isnt’ much of a multitasker. So no help there.
Phone call #3 to BFF: Even with 9 kids and a husband out of town answers are found. Thank you BFF!
Day of Thanksgiving!
The pumpkin pies are a little runny…do they just need to set? Does the turkey go in a bag? Can we put the stuffing inside the turkey? If we do is it still considered dressing.
Phone call #1Granny: She answers. All questions are easily answered and apparently the pies have to cook longer when the oven is also shoved to the brim with other food. There is talk of upcoming plans and finally she asks the pertinent question. The question that spawned this post. “You know all about that old internet. Why didn’t you just Goggle it?”

That’s when I realized Google just ain’t Granny. When it comes to knowledge needed from a source that can be trusted implicitly, like say the huge dinner family is expecting, Granny trumps Google everytime.

Why is that? What instinct makes us create this way?
As I considered that I thought of Kristen Lamb. She is friend and colleague I respect on many levels. In a conversation we share once she talked about how we as a people are so overwhelmed with information we are going back to a Tribe mentality. As in a small close connection of people we trust. Just like in days before telegraph, railways, and printing presses.
So there you have. Google may be the biggest search engine in the world. And you can even speak what you want to it now. But it still ain’t Granny.

Bri Clark

Text briclark to 90210 to follow her blog by text. Social Ghoster Marketing Strategist, Author, Speaker, Social Media/ Platform Consultant
belleconsult.com
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My blog: Antibullying: It's Elementary Ya'll