<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504</id><updated>2012-02-27T08:48:53.852-08:00</updated><title type='text'>MELODY'service PR and Writing</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>64</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-7288081584448543269</id><published>2012-02-27T08:46:00.002-08:00</published><updated>2012-02-27T08:48:53.881-08:00</updated><title type='text'>No Romanciing Clients</title><content type='html'>A good friend ended up having an affair with the client and now he doesn't feel he should pay her.  Needless to say, this is putting a strain on the relationship.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;She moaned to me and I told her what I'm sharing with you:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Moral to that story: No matter how tempting.  Don't "co-mingle" with the client.  And if you are inclined to do so, understand that the downside could mean that you won't get paid.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Something to think about.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-7288081584448543269?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/7288081584448543269/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/02/no-romanciing-clients.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/7288081584448543269'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/7288081584448543269'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/02/no-romanciing-clients.html' title='No Romanciing Clients'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-557985675561401753</id><published>2012-02-07T02:56:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-02-07T03:02:16.131-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Read, Read, READ</title><content type='html'>In any business -- but especially in public relations -- you have to read every -- and anything you can get your hands on.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I read everything from The National Enquirer, to the Wall Street Journal, from Vibe to Sports Illustrated, from People to Fortune from Oprah to Essence.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;It's all about keeping abreast of trends, admiring writing styles -- and getting smarter at the same time.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;It also makes you more interesting and allows you to float in and out of different networks without fear of having to float out. If you have a smidgen of knowledge from reading, you will thrive and you might expand your knowledge, your network of friends and enhance your chances of getting new business. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-557985675561401753?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/557985675561401753/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/02/read-read-read.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/557985675561401753'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/557985675561401753'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/02/read-read-read.html' title='Read, Read, READ'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-3804021627230454717</id><published>2012-01-30T07:03:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-30T07:05:26.198-08:00</updated><title type='text'>End nicely</title><content type='html'>It's always important to end your relationships with grace.  I was at a party Saturday and bumped into a former client.  He hugged me and spoke so glowingly about me even though we decided to part after three years.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;This morning I got into the office and he'd called to give me some business.  So, I guess even in grace when losing a client, there's the possibility of working with them again.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;So...end nicely.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-3804021627230454717?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/3804021627230454717/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/01/end-nicely.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3804021627230454717'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3804021627230454717'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/01/end-nicely.html' title='End nicely'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-4612211361633596145</id><published>2012-01-23T05:48:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-23T05:53:02.818-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Do it for loyalty</title><content type='html'>An entrepreneur I admire asked me to write a story for a new publication that she's publishing. Payment is coming from another source.  When I found out the fee, I was stunned by how low it is and I told her.  She said she'd try to get more. Nonetheless, to impress her and to make her look good before these high-profile folks, I decided to go on and do it. This will be my entree to show her my work and commitment.  So, maybe that will be a first step toward bigger/better assignments.  However, I made it clear that I'm doing this for her and will not accept another assignment for such a low fee.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-4612211361633596145?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/4612211361633596145/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/01/do-it-for-loyalty.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4612211361633596145'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4612211361633596145'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/01/do-it-for-loyalty.html' title='Do it for loyalty'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-4254833039673037362</id><published>2012-01-16T13:15:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-16T13:19:02.156-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Even if you lost the account, the pitch will help with marketing</title><content type='html'>Last week, I pitched for new business before a stellar group of client representatives. I was compelling and explosive. Nonetheless,  I knew it was going to be a real challenge to land the account because I was up against two New York firms and folks are impressed with that.   So,  I used the opportunity of the presentation to acquaint everyone with my firm and added some extra zingers that would make us memorable.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;When I got the notice that MELODY'service didn't get the account, the letter indicated that the client was impressed and maybe they could use our services in the future.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;So, it wasn't a waste...particularly if we are called to do a la carte assignments.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-4254833039673037362?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/4254833039673037362/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/01/even-if-you-lost-account-pitch-will.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4254833039673037362'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4254833039673037362'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/01/even-if-you-lost-account-pitch-will.html' title='Even if you lost the account, the pitch will help with marketing'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-5530247200979936841</id><published>2012-01-09T06:52:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-09T06:58:51.405-08:00</updated><title type='text'>On volunteers</title><content type='html'>When you're being paid and volunteers are donating their time, you must be prepared to take over and to be patient.   This just happened over the weekend for a project I'm involved in for a client.  The client wanted me to use volunteers and, despite my concerns, I gave them assignments. &lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;However, many of them didn't complete their tasks.  Without chastising them or "reporting" them to the client, I picked up the slack and completed all of the jobs.  However, a frank discussion will follow on this but without alienating the volunteers.  They will be put in "non sensitive" assignments whose success does not hinge on their involvement.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-5530247200979936841?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/5530247200979936841/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/01/on-volunteers.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5530247200979936841'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5530247200979936841'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/01/on-volunteers.html' title='On volunteers'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-911905982279304731</id><published>2012-01-02T07:03:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-02T07:07:03.756-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Rest, Reflect, Regroup, Reboot</title><content type='html'>The first of the year is time for reflection.  Take the time on this holiday to rest.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tomorrow the workyear starts and today I'm resting, rebooting, regrouping and reflecting.  I plan to re-evaluate relationships and have already decided to sever ties with my realtor.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;But, it is definitely time to re-charge.  It's a NEW YEAR!  Bury 2011 and vow to begin anew.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;HAPPY NEW YEAR!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-911905982279304731?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/911905982279304731/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/01/rest-reflect-regroup-reboot.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/911905982279304731'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/911905982279304731'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2012/01/rest-reflect-regroup-reboot.html' title='Rest, Reflect, Regroup, Reboot'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-793394183368124171</id><published>2011-12-19T10:45:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-12-19T10:46:52.021-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Results!</title><content type='html'>It is so exhilarating to get results!  After many rejections, a compelling pitch got a "YES" from NBC5 for a client.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;And, when it's a major hit like NBC, all of the hard work and anguish and frustration make it worthwhile.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-793394183368124171?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/793394183368124171/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/12/results.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/793394183368124171'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/793394183368124171'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/12/results.html' title='Results!'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-769812904339930360</id><published>2011-12-12T07:04:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-12-12T07:08:25.155-08:00</updated><title type='text'>So, you didn't get the account</title><content type='html'>Always be gracious when you don't get the account.  I've gone from second place to first place on many occasions.  Why?  Oftentimes the "winner" over promises and the client discovers very quickly that the number one can't deliver.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Whether they call on you hinges on how you handled the rejection initially. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I always send a "Thank you for the opportunity" note and indicate that if something doesn't work out that you'll be glad to work with them.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;That type of graciousness is the door opener for when the first choice flames out.  And, it's the type of response that has helped MELODY'service get the account.  So, you can go from a bridesmaid to a bride with the correct and measured way of handling the initial "Sorry."&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Whoo Hoo!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-769812904339930360?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/769812904339930360/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/12/so-you-didnt-get-account.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/769812904339930360'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/769812904339930360'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/12/so-you-didnt-get-account.html' title='So, you didn&apos;t get the account'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-1382975291562154393</id><published>2011-12-05T08:10:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-12-05T08:13:59.600-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Sorry.  I don't do "free."</title><content type='html'>Recently, I sat down with a prospect who had a great vision. I was referred by someone I know and that is why I attended the meeting. He talked a loooooooong time about his strengths and of the promise of the project.  He hoped to use this project to launch his business.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div&gt;Then, it occurred to me that he didn't have the money to fund it and that he wanted me to be a partner in starting his business.  And, he "hoped" to get seed money for this.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;At that point, I tuned out.  After over 30 years in business, I just don't do free.  And, unless your last name is McDowell, there is no compelling reason for me to give free counsel and free time.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;So, that was a "pass."  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Sorry.  I don't do "free."&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-1382975291562154393?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/1382975291562154393/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/12/sorry-i-dont-do-free.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1382975291562154393'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1382975291562154393'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/12/sorry-i-dont-do-free.html' title='Sorry.  I don&apos;t do &quot;free.&quot;'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-3254628953086089692</id><published>2011-11-28T10:14:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2011-11-28T10:17:15.936-08:00</updated><title type='text'>If you turned something down, be brave: New Doors Open</title><content type='html'>If you have the courage to turn down a project to teach a lesson, then you should know that something better is on the horizon.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I recently grit my teeth and turned down a potentially-lucrative assignment because they had not been timely in getting information to me.  It would have paid well but, I feared that the unreliability would compromise my ability to generate results.  And, they would have blamed me.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Two days later, something better came along and I'm immersed in that project.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Stick to your guns.  Have the fortitude and the courage to turn something down.  Something better will come.  And, the clients you declined, will gain respect for you too.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-3254628953086089692?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/3254628953086089692/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/11/if-you-turned-something-down-be-brave.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3254628953086089692'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3254628953086089692'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/11/if-you-turned-something-down-be-brave.html' title='If you turned something down, be brave: New Doors Open'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-3842211870952720353</id><published>2011-11-21T10:03:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-11-21T10:07:22.948-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Deadlines</title><content type='html'>You must hold clients to deadlines...no matter what.  I am editor of a trade publication and clients must think this is produced magically.  Not so.  So, for the first time in 20 years, because they continue to fool around and get copy to me late, the publication will not be done.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I refuse to work Thanksgiving.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Some things are non-negotiable.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-3842211870952720353?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/3842211870952720353/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/11/deadlines.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3842211870952720353'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3842211870952720353'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/11/deadlines.html' title='Deadlines'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-8200514739034956975</id><published>2011-11-07T06:09:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-11-07T06:11:13.319-08:00</updated><title type='text'>When you get a comp ticket</title><content type='html'>I am often invited to events where I get a comp ticket.  However, it is important that you support the event by buying a raffle ticket, supporting the silent auction or paying in some way.  It shows your gratitude and support of the mission and it helps and uplifts the person who gave you the ticket.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-8200514739034956975?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/8200514739034956975/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/11/when-you-get-comp-ticket.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8200514739034956975'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8200514739034956975'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/11/when-you-get-comp-ticket.html' title='When you get a comp ticket'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-8770603582082909255</id><published>2011-10-31T06:57:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-10-31T07:00:31.314-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Ingratiating yourself to clients</title><content type='html'>I have a policy that when a relative of a client passes, I do the writing for free.  They don't know it but it's my way of providing comfort during a time of distress.  A client's wife died and asked me to help with writing the obituary and to be the liaison with the printer.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;While the work was time consuming, in the end I responded to the client's request for an invoice by saying that it was my way of providing comfort and that there would be no charge.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;He was so glad...and that made me special in his eyes -- particularly during a time of bereavement.   And the relationship was strengthened. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-8770603582082909255?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/8770603582082909255/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/10/ingratiating-yourself-to-clients.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8770603582082909255'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8770603582082909255'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/10/ingratiating-yourself-to-clients.html' title='Ingratiating yourself to clients'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-4527287188896531659</id><published>2011-10-24T06:31:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2011-10-24T06:34:16.541-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Great networking at...</title><content type='html'>OK.  Maybe not the most glamorous or appealing place for networking but....&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I went to the services for a high school chum last Saturday.  In addition to getting a chance to see some old friends, I also saw a lot of business prospects.  So, I ran to the car and got my business cards...and worked it like it was a networking event.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;And guess what!  It was!  I'm sure the deceased would be pleased to know that, in death, he was helping to make things happen.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I'm not saying that you should troll the newspapers for funerals but, if you have to attend one, make the most out of it.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-4527287188896531659?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/4527287188896531659/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/10/great-networking-at.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4527287188896531659'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4527287188896531659'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/10/great-networking-at.html' title='Great networking at...'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-5687855386454523461</id><published>2011-10-17T07:10:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-10-17T07:18:37.930-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Take a breath</title><content type='html'>Recently, I met with a client to open an account at a bank where I'm pitching for business.  She was completely "discombobulated" and had lost the papers I sent her that we were to sign.  I was completely exasperated.  Rather than roll my eyes, sigh or exhibit any type of disgust with this "carelessness," I did a mental count to ten and said:  "It's all right.  I will retrieve a new document and get it to you.  When would you like to meet again?"&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;She seemed totally relieved that I didn't go "off" but remained professional and pleasant.  I was looking at the long-term business prospects rather than the short term laxness on her part.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Did I mention that the drive was long to get to her and it was a beautiful day.  Now I can sigh and roll my eyes...but not in front of her.  Perhaps my generous spirit will reap some rewards.  If not, I was able to exercise restraint and patience and that is a personal reward.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-5687855386454523461?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/5687855386454523461/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/10/take-breath.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5687855386454523461'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5687855386454523461'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/10/take-breath.html' title='Take a breath'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-3491663311467071245</id><published>2011-10-10T09:08:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-10-10T09:14:30.818-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Presentations and Quotas</title><content type='html'>I gave a presentation on Saturday and only four folks showed up, although 40 were promised.  So.  I presented like there were 400 people there.  You can't punish those who made the effort by not giving your all.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;HOWEVER, I had to take the coordinator aside and advise her on how far off the mark she was and I gave her strategies on how to make sure members come...even on sunny days in October.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;•&lt;span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;provide an incentive - members compete for awards and attending this event could have &lt;span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;been positioned as an event that would go towards getting that end-of-year award&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;•&lt;span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;serve food and publicize that - OK.  Food is always an incentive&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;•&lt;span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;do follow up calls&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;•&lt;span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;raffle a prize for those who attend - announce that upfront&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;She asked me to come back.  I turned her offer down..for now.  After all, I sacrificed a balmy day in October and, based on that track record, I'm not apt to come any time soon.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Sorry&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-3491663311467071245?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/3491663311467071245/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/10/presentations-and-quotas.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3491663311467071245'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3491663311467071245'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/10/presentations-and-quotas.html' title='Presentations and Quotas'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-5833654363694760611</id><published>2011-09-26T08:51:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-09-26T08:54:39.794-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Broaden your horizon when you are in a city for work</title><content type='html'>MELODY'service recently did the Public Relations for Alpha Kappa Alpha's Public Policy Conference, which attracted coverage from Radio ONE, WHUR, the Washington Post and thegrio.com.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;While in the City, I took the opportunity to see the King Memorial.  But equally important, I visited the Newseum and got some rare insight into the broad historic spectrum of the news.  It was fascinating and made me appreciate the importance of going into a city and seeing all that it has to offer.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I was the ultimate beneficiary as my horizons were broadened and my perspective widened.   &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-5833654363694760611?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/5833654363694760611/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/09/broaden-your-horizon-when-you-are-in.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5833654363694760611'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5833654363694760611'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/09/broaden-your-horizon-when-you-are-in.html' title='Broaden your horizon when you are in a city for work'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-8382541479611965317</id><published>2011-09-12T07:58:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2011-09-12T08:01:00.293-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Hosting social events - an investment that pays dividends</title><content type='html'>On Labor Day, I hosted a Lunch on the Lawn and invited clients and media contacts.  It was an investment that will have long-term dividends and something that you should include in your marketing plan.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;And, I even had fun watching everyone else mingling and having a good time.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;And, mind you.  Even if they can't attend, the goodwill continues because you extended the invitation and found another way to reach out to prospects and clients.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;That's an all-around winner.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-8382541479611965317?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/8382541479611965317/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/09/hosting-social-events-investment-that.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8382541479611965317'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8382541479611965317'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/09/hosting-social-events-investment-that.html' title='Hosting social events - an investment that pays dividends'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-5446980514400171810</id><published>2011-08-29T07:10:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-08-29T07:14:32.076-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Taking a breather</title><content type='html'>While it's difficult to take a vacation without taking your Blackberry and laptop, perhaps you can modify your inclination to be in touch on weekend getaways.  Last weekend, I visited my niece and her husband in Michigan to celebrate my great nephew's 5th birthday. I had my Blackberry but left the laptop at home and put everyone on alert to stop me from working. They complied.  When I had the itch to get on the computer, my niece barred me from using hers.  In the end, I realized it could wait so I basked in the love of family and deferred work until I got home.  It was refreshing, fun and uplifting.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I need to do that more often.  You don't have to be wired all the time. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-5446980514400171810?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/5446980514400171810/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/08/taking-breather.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5446980514400171810'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5446980514400171810'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/08/taking-breather.html' title='Taking a breather'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-3984986287244509037</id><published>2011-08-22T08:35:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-08-22T08:37:48.352-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Cutting a client</title><content type='html'>Last week, I made the difficult decision to drop a client.  It was past due.  This client would rewrite all releases, consult others about my advice and wanted to direct the PR campaign.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Since he was second guessing me, I told him to let them do the PR.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Sometimes you have to take a stand.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-3984986287244509037?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/3984986287244509037/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/08/cutting-client.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3984986287244509037'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3984986287244509037'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/08/cutting-client.html' title='Cutting a client'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-5800261113882755861</id><published>2011-08-08T06:38:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-08-08T06:40:48.942-07:00</updated><title type='text'>NABJ - Great networking</title><content type='html'>Try to attend as many professional conferences as possible.  I attended the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Philly last week.  Met some great contacts who will help when I begin promoting the Public Policy Conference.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Considering attending the Black Public Relations Society Conference in Milwaukee in October.  I'm not good at networking and need to get better. These conferences bring the net out in me and you meet great contacts and good friends.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-5800261113882755861?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/5800261113882755861/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/08/nabj-great-networking.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5800261113882755861'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5800261113882755861'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/08/nabj-great-networking.html' title='NABJ - Great networking'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-5248442390366340884</id><published>2011-08-01T10:34:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-08-01T10:37:03.213-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Off to NABJ</title><content type='html'>Leaving for the National Association of Black Journalists convention on Wednesday.  Very important tip:  These are great events for making valuable contacts with like-minded audiences.  And, if you have connected with someone, it makes it easier to get your articles printed/aired/blogged/mentioned/buzzed about.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I've been going to NABJ for five years, except for the year it was in Chicago for UNITY.  This is the audience that is sensitive to what my clients are seeking for exposure.  I'm going with tons of cards and eager to make new connections.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-5248442390366340884?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/5248442390366340884/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/08/off-to-nabj.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5248442390366340884'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5248442390366340884'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/08/off-to-nabj.html' title='Off to NABJ'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-7715932048372929323</id><published>2011-07-11T12:59:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-07-11T13:01:30.350-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Trying to get out of town</title><content type='html'>There must be a secret to getting out of town effortlessly.  I have to be in Atlanta for Leadership where I'll be working for tomorrow  and I'm leaving tomorrow.  Seems like I'm not doing this in the right way as I feel pressed and harried.  I need someone to provide tips on how to make this less stressful.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-7715932048372929323?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/7715932048372929323/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/07/trying-to-get-out-of-town.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/7715932048372929323'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/7715932048372929323'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/07/trying-to-get-out-of-town.html' title='Trying to get out of town'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-840235546903486965</id><published>2011-07-04T07:22:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-07-04T07:26:07.451-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Treat volunteers</title><content type='html'>Great tip:&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;As head of a group of volunteers, and the paid consultant, I always take my team out to dinner during days-long promotions.  They count on it and keeps them inspired.  Naturally, I give out a lot of compliments to the team during these dinners.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;They work hard for no money so, at the very least, they should receive a dazzling meal..and I provide it.  It's always in a room at a high-end venue and I get staff to  set aside space/room for a large group to provide privacy, more opportunity to network and less noise so everyone can hear the "luv."&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-840235546903486965?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/840235546903486965/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/07/treat-volunteers.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/840235546903486965'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/840235546903486965'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/07/treat-volunteers.html' title='Treat volunteers'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-8387426348974515687</id><published>2011-06-27T08:59:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-06-27T09:01:14.160-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Volunteers</title><content type='html'>OK.  When folks donate time and talent, you have to create a small cushion for them.  However, if they say they will deliver something by a certain time, then the deadline comes and goes...and comes and goes again, you have to step in and do the assignment.  Then, thank the Volunteers for their service, put them over something that is not crucial or time sensitive, then proceed to do the job yourself.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-8387426348974515687?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/8387426348974515687/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/06/volunteers.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8387426348974515687'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8387426348974515687'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/06/volunteers.html' title='Volunteers'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-4221682288836077196</id><published>2011-06-20T07:36:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-06-20T07:56:34.469-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Balance in Events</title><content type='html'>When you have an event that is sponsored by a corporation but the event is designed to provide visibility for community-based products and services, make sure to strike a proper balance.  Having the Corporate booths drown out the grassroots informational kiosks does not bode well for your event.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;It appears like the corporations are using the power of their money to try to penetrate their message with larger booths, greater visibility and better locations.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Try to achieve a balance.  Otherwise, there will be resentment, bad mouthing of your event and your brand and loss of goodwill.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-4221682288836077196?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/4221682288836077196/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/06/balance-in-events.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4221682288836077196'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4221682288836077196'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/06/balance-in-events.html' title='Balance in Events'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-2448944802362862640</id><published>2011-06-06T10:50:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-06-06T10:51:40.762-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Outreaching to Atlanta</title><content type='html'>I started 90 days out trying to penetrate the Atlanta media market.  That accommodates any glitches, can't reach folks, those who are gone.  It also allows me to establish a connection with reporters that will yield (hopefully) print exposure when AKA gets to Atlanta.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;But I'm working it.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-2448944802362862640?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/2448944802362862640/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/06/outreaching-to-atlanta.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/2448944802362862640'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/2448944802362862640'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/06/outreaching-to-atlanta.html' title='Outreaching to Atlanta'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-1368805495633704770</id><published>2011-05-30T05:54:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-05-30T06:03:31.829-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Funeral program books</title><content type='html'>I love recreating the lives of the dearly departed for their funeral booklets.  It is a skill set that makes the survivors feel uplifted as the memories of their loved one are vibrantly and lovingly depicted.  I've done several of these and am amazed by the gratitude the family feels.  My tribute to my Dad was so lovingly done until I'm getting requests for them. I'm glad I had extras printed.  Even relatives are asking for extras and they were given extras. Credit to Demis Printing - Bill Demis owner -- for the wonderful and artistic interpretation he created in designing and printing the program.  Forget the standard template of when you were baptized and that type of "ordinary write-up."  Give it life and love. If you're a past or current client, it's done for free.  If not, it's done with understanding.  We recapture their life vividly, passionately and lovingly.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-1368805495633704770?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/1368805495633704770/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/05/funeral-program-books.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1368805495633704770'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1368805495633704770'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/05/funeral-program-books.html' title='Funeral program books'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-7260795072049949733</id><published>2011-05-23T10:22:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2011-05-23T10:23:35.073-07:00</updated><title type='text'>An executor</title><content type='html'>Being an executor for my Dad's estate has created a whole new skill set for me.  I'm learning as I'm going and it's an awesome responsibility.  I miss my Dad though and would love to have him back to help me on this journey.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;If you're in line to be an executor, begin learning now while your loved ones are ALIVE.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-7260795072049949733?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/7260795072049949733/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/05/executor.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/7260795072049949733'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/7260795072049949733'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/05/executor.html' title='An executor'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-5696870089735225931</id><published>2011-05-16T07:50:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-05-16T07:51:55.638-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Paying tribute to my dad</title><content type='html'>Rather than use the template of the funeral home's obituary style, I wrote my own tribute to my dad, which was better, more personal and more poignant.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-5696870089735225931?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/5696870089735225931/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/05/paying-tribute-to-my-dad.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5696870089735225931'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5696870089735225931'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/05/paying-tribute-to-my-dad.html' title='Paying tribute to my dad'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-720263091314996308</id><published>2011-05-09T07:48:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-05-09T07:49:21.851-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Readying for death</title><content type='html'>Last week, I saw that my dad was failing and I began the contours of his obituary.  He died the next day.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;While it is not pleasant, this is something I should have had poised and ready.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-720263091314996308?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/720263091314996308/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/05/readying-for-death.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/720263091314996308'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/720263091314996308'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/05/readying-for-death.html' title='Readying for death'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-3295028908500937403</id><published>2011-05-02T08:10:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-05-02T08:13:13.166-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Donald - a case of a slam dunk</title><content type='html'>The capture of Osama bin Laden after Donald Trump's charges only heightens why this was a petty issue.  A great primer in PR and how a earth-shaking news event can quash silly news from carnival barkers.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-3295028908500937403?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/3295028908500937403/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/05/donald-case-of-slam-dunk.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3295028908500937403'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3295028908500937403'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/05/donald-case-of-slam-dunk.html' title='The Donald - a case of a slam dunk'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-6853707412226852691</id><published>2011-04-25T09:55:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-04-25T09:57:54.251-07:00</updated><title type='text'>CBOF - OVER!</title><content type='html'>The Chicago Business Opportunity Fair was a wonderful success.  Kudos to WCIU for sending such a wonderful team to the Fair for interviews with minority firms and corporations.  PHEW!  Allstate was interviewed so that should satisfy them.  And the interview went well and the piece was well produced.  I also give credit to WCIU for entrusting an intern with the interview and assignment.  She was awesome and even handled pressure with poise when an interviewer ran off, accidentally, with the microphone still affixed to his collar.  She didn't panic and, despite the lost time, was able to get all of her interviews.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-6853707412226852691?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/6853707412226852691/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/04/cbof-over.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/6853707412226852691'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/6853707412226852691'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/04/cbof-over.html' title='CBOF - OVER!'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-8682071792000526005</id><published>2011-04-04T11:33:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2011-04-04T11:35:49.181-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Be kind and humble</title><content type='html'>Kindness pays.  Went to Lexington and was picked up at the airport. Saw a fellow AKA and gave her a ride as well.  She didn't know I was a VIP but she showed up in my workshop and was taken aback.  She said I should have told her I was a VSG (Very Special Guest.)  My humility impressed her.  I could have boasted but she found out through another route when I was introduced.  She gave me the loudest applause.  There's a lesson in there somewhere.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-8682071792000526005?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/8682071792000526005/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/04/be-kind-and-humble.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8682071792000526005'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8682071792000526005'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/04/be-kind-and-humble.html' title='Be kind and humble'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-6295337861473979207</id><published>2011-03-21T07:09:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-03-21T07:12:06.949-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Support your friends/associates</title><content type='html'>Attended Emilie McKendall's launch of her television show, "Emilie and Friends."  It is a TV version of her popular radio show.  First guest was Tom Burrell, author of the insightful book Brainwashed.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon that was both educational and informative.  It was great to see new friends and to hear the provocative interchange.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Emilie McKendall is one of my favorite folks from forever.  I had a lot to do Saturday but was there for my friend.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-6295337861473979207?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/6295337861473979207/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/03/support-your-friendsassociates.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/6295337861473979207'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/6295337861473979207'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/03/support-your-friendsassociates.html' title='Support your friends/associates'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-4407511684339466243</id><published>2011-03-14T12:50:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-03-14T12:52:31.401-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Great week in Birmingham - BE PREPARED</title><content type='html'>Always be prepared!  Went to Birmingham to ASSIST with a workshop and the person who was supposed to do it was unprepared.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I had to step in and talk for 90 minutes -- OFF THE CUFF!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Everyone enjoyed it but I was sweating bullets.  But I know my stuff and pulled it off. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Moral to that story:  BE PREPARED -- you never know when you'll have to step up.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-4407511684339466243?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/4407511684339466243/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/03/great-week-in-birmingham-be-prepared.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4407511684339466243'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4407511684339466243'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/03/great-week-in-birmingham-be-prepared.html' title='Great week in Birmingham - BE PREPARED'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-4177612827165125266</id><published>2011-03-07T07:01:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-03-07T07:04:33.503-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Networking</title><content type='html'>Attending a networking function at a local club tonight and going to the Publicity Club of Chicago luncheon on Wednesday.  Remember to incorporate networking into your business MO.  And, occasionally review the organizations you support.  Determine if there's a Return on Investment.&lt;div&gt;If not, drop it and channel your money to something else.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Review events, organizations and folks you support every six months and make those determinations.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-4177612827165125266?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/4177612827165125266/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/03/networking.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4177612827165125266'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4177612827165125266'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/03/networking.html' title='Networking'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-1761556696898229397</id><published>2011-02-21T07:50:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-02-21T07:52:53.388-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Who to Pay First...and fast</title><content type='html'>Always pay your auto mechanic, plumber, snow removal service and handyman FIRST and FAST.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;During that monster snowstorm when folks couldn't get out of their houses, I moved around and was able to get to the office with no problem because I pay my snow remover...first and fast. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;On that day, it reaped dividends.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-1761556696898229397?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/1761556696898229397/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/02/who-to-pay-firstand-fast.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1761556696898229397'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1761556696898229397'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/02/who-to-pay-firstand-fast.html' title='Who to Pay First...and fast'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-448993065959061941</id><published>2011-02-14T10:11:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-02-14T10:13:07.534-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Rest and Relaxation</title><content type='html'>Just back from St. Maarten.  What a way to recharge, relax and reboot.  Now I'm ready to conquer the world refreshed and revitalized.  But, first, must catch up on the e-mails, snail mails and voice mails.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I'm tired from all of that!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-448993065959061941?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/448993065959061941/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/02/rest-and-relaxation.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/448993065959061941'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/448993065959061941'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/02/rest-and-relaxation.html' title='Rest and Relaxation'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-503714275460679612</id><published>2011-01-24T10:41:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2011-01-24T10:43:13.929-08:00</updated><title type='text'>A success!</title><content type='html'>The PR effort in Little Rock was beyond awesome.  We hit every newspaper, every radio station and every TV station.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The high point was a lengthy article in the Arkansas Democrat that had photos of the Sorors and then a skip page for more and a picture of the International President.  We've sent that all over the world.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;It just doesn't get any better than that.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Testimony to the power of preparation and the pitch.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-503714275460679612?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/503714275460679612/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/01/success.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/503714275460679612'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/503714275460679612'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/01/success.html' title='A success!'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-5505634774102482530</id><published>2011-01-03T08:46:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2011-01-03T08:48:00.680-08:00</updated><title type='text'>PR for Founders' Day</title><content type='html'>Ten days away and the PR team has gotten an appearance on an NBC affiliate for Alpha Kappa Alpha's president, Carolyn House Stewart, a radio show and an interview on the local black newspaper.  We expect tons more once the pink and green hits Little Rock.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-5505634774102482530?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/5505634774102482530/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/01/pr-for-founders-day.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5505634774102482530'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5505634774102482530'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2011/01/pr-for-founders-day.html' title='PR for Founders&apos; Day'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-1982849536080877472</id><published>2010-12-27T09:21:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-12-27T09:25:48.384-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Still working</title><content type='html'>When you're in business, you lose track of holidays.  What's that?  Of course, Christmas is a biggie.  Use the down time to catch up on projects, plan ahead and to de stress.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-1982849536080877472?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/1982849536080877472/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/12/still-working.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1982849536080877472'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1982849536080877472'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/12/still-working.html' title='Still working'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-5437094179139315361</id><published>2010-12-13T07:21:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-12-13T07:24:24.260-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Breaks are needed</title><content type='html'>Just got back from Mexico.  So important to have breaks...even though I brought the laptop.  But, it's better to be on the beach than behind a desk working like a Trojan.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;But take the lap top to keep the e-mails under control.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-5437094179139315361?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/5437094179139315361/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/12/breaks-are-needed.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5437094179139315361'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5437094179139315361'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/12/breaks-are-needed.html' title='Breaks are needed'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-4960232300684728418</id><published>2010-11-29T08:47:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-29T08:48:16.035-08:00</updated><title type='text'>PR for Founders' Day</title><content type='html'>First meeting with team charged with handling PR for Founders' Day in Little Rock for AKA.  I'm busy making contacts, working the list and pinning down the possibilities.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-4960232300684728418?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/4960232300684728418/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/pr-for-founders-day.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4960232300684728418'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4960232300684728418'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/pr-for-founders-day.html' title='PR for Founders&apos; Day'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-3916779244348617950</id><published>2010-11-21T06:29:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-21T06:32:11.552-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Chat Daddy's party</title><content type='html'>Always support those who support you.  Chat Daddy has come to every party of mine and I was honored to drive to the North side, endure the parking drama and all that goes with getting out, in order to be there for his birthday.  I also supported his call to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, since he's recovered from Leukemia.  Plus, Dad suffers from Lymphoma and the cause is close to my heart.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-3916779244348617950?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/3916779244348617950/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/chat-daddys-party.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3916779244348617950'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/3916779244348617950'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/chat-daddys-party.html' title='Chat Daddy&apos;s party'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-52485831424409267</id><published>2010-11-19T17:52:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-19T17:53:23.483-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Chicago's Minority Business</title><content type='html'>Put issue to bed of Chicago's Minority Business, the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council's newspaper.  Thanks to Cynthia Jordan for her deft management of the project by keeping on deadline and on point.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-52485831424409267?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/52485831424409267/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/chicagos-minority-business.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/52485831424409267'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/52485831424409267'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/chicagos-minority-business.html' title='Chicago&apos;s Minority Business'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-6230610291699976372</id><published>2010-11-15T07:50:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-15T07:51:15.854-08:00</updated><title type='text'>New week</title><content type='html'>Always great to get off to a great start for the week.  It is not quite 10AM and I've proofed two publications.  Lovin' it!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-6230610291699976372?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/6230610291699976372/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-week.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/6230610291699976372'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/6230610291699976372'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-week.html' title='New week'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-7089669117192195166</id><published>2010-11-14T16:10:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-14T16:11:40.931-08:00</updated><title type='text'>RIO Directory</title><content type='html'>Working on the Directory for the new team of Region Information Officers for Alpha Kappa Alpha. So exhilarating to see a concept go from an idea to a publication.  The ultimate high.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-7089669117192195166?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/7089669117192195166/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/rio-directory.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/7089669117192195166'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/7089669117192195166'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/rio-directory.html' title='RIO Directory'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-8062676924083859279</id><published>2010-11-13T03:19:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-13T03:21:06.199-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Chicago's Minority Business Newspaper</title><content type='html'>Despite the PR, the promotions and the special events, my foundational love is writing and editing.  That's why I continue to enjoy editing and editorially coordinating &lt;b&gt;Chicago's Minority Business &lt;/b&gt;newspaper.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-8062676924083859279?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/8062676924083859279/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/chicagos-minority-business-newspaper.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8062676924083859279'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8062676924083859279'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/chicagos-minority-business-newspaper.html' title='Chicago&apos;s Minority Business Newspaper'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-2461663461069258847</id><published>2010-11-07T19:17:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-07T19:18:47.815-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Breaks are good</title><content type='html'>When attending a conference in a new city, make time to see the sights...break away from the action.  You'll return refreshed and ready to ready to be re-engaged.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-2461663461069258847?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/2461663461069258847/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/breaks-are-good.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/2461663461069258847'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/2461663461069258847'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/breaks-are-good.html' title='Breaks are good'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-6628525088428496823</id><published>2010-11-01T06:57:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2010-11-01T06:58:42.510-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The SHOWCASE</title><content type='html'>Had a great time at the SHOWCASE.  The entertainment was fun, the crowd was huge and the atmosphere was electric.  I even engaged in "People Watching" as I gawked at the guys in the pink leather zoot suits and the women in their leopard ensembles with all their ASSets showing.  But it was fun and the talent was superb.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-6628525088428496823?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/6628525088428496823/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/showcase.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/6628525088428496823'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/6628525088428496823'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/11/showcase.html' title='The SHOWCASE'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-587469409119676220</id><published>2010-10-31T05:50:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-10-31T05:52:01.491-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Showcase</title><content type='html'>Helping to promote the SHOWCASE of young stars at Mr. G's on 87th and Ashland today. A rare opportunity to see these emerging artists before they become superstars.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-587469409119676220?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/587469409119676220/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/showcase.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/587469409119676220'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/587469409119676220'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/showcase.html' title='Showcase'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-5759246674914679336</id><published>2010-10-30T04:30:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-10-30T04:31:39.409-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Alpha Kappa Alpha</title><content type='html'>Been very involved fielding calls surrounding Alpha Kappa Alpha. In full crisis mode.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-5759246674914679336?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/5759246674914679336/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/alpha-kappa-alpha.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5759246674914679336'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/5759246674914679336'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/alpha-kappa-alpha.html' title='Alpha Kappa Alpha'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-8178636206958552785</id><published>2010-10-29T13:31:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-10-29T13:32:15.951-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Chicago's Minority Business</title><content type='html'>Starting the next issue of Chicago's Minority Business, trade publication of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council. Been doing this for over 23 years and it combined my best talents: writing and editing.  If you have submissions, send them here.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-8178636206958552785?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/8178636206958552785/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/chicagos-minority-business.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8178636206958552785'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/8178636206958552785'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/chicagos-minority-business.html' title='Chicago&apos;s Minority Business'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-1124923052375887396</id><published>2010-10-25T07:42:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-10-25T07:45:10.704-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Chicago MSDC Newspaper</title><content type='html'>I'm writing/editing providing editorial coordination for the next issue of Chicago's Minority Business, a trade publication of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Corporation.  Been doing this since nearly the start. This one will be on the next Chicago Business Opportunity Fair.  Got news that is fitting for the issue?  Contact me.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-1124923052375887396?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/1124923052375887396/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/chicago-msdc-newspaper.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1124923052375887396'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1124923052375887396'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/chicago-msdc-newspaper.html' title='Chicago MSDC Newspaper'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-4167157353305695868</id><published>2010-10-24T05:04:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-10-24T05:07:31.409-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Money Smart Week</title><content type='html'>Went to a Money Smart Week event in Gary, Indiana. It had spotty attendance but I got some great ideas from the event because they had free lunch, raffles after each workshop that kept folks there until the end. It looked lively and had great speakers. With a few adjustments, this can be a success!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-4167157353305695868?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/4167157353305695868/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/money-smart-week.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4167157353305695868'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4167157353305695868'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/money-smart-week.html' title='Money Smart Week'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-18558357203364866</id><published>2010-10-23T12:39:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-10-23T12:48:33.772-07:00</updated><title type='text'>CD Release Party - Seven Phenomenal Talents Featured</title><content type='html'>&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "&gt;Music lovers have a rare opportunity to savor the unique talent of seven of America’s most dynamic performers when they come together to entertain Chicago fans during a once-in-a-lifetime all-day experience. The seven, who are each on the cusp of becoming global megastars, will gather at Mr. G’s Supper Club at 1547 W. 87th Street on Sunday October 31 beginning at 4PM. The breakout stars who will perform until 9PM are David Hudson, Lady &amp;amp; Lee, (Wril), Jeannie Holliday, Theo Huff, MC Zulu and Paschan.&lt;br /&gt;The seven represent a fusion of the best of every musical genre: rock, soul, gospel, funk, blues, jazz, dancehall and hip hop. They combine high energy with sultry sexuality, theatrics with soulful crooning. This mix of performance styles promises to make October 31 and evening of delight that will appeal to every musical appetite.&lt;br /&gt;Music video producers will film them and give the public a chance to experience the magic of these performances, which is bound to go platinum based on early reviews by executives in the musical industry. Tickets are $25 for the five-hour program and can be purchased by logging on to smokecityproductions.com or sourcemusicgroup.com.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-18558357203364866?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/18558357203364866/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/cd-release-party-seven-phenomenal.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/18558357203364866'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/18558357203364866'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/cd-release-party-seven-phenomenal.html' title='CD Release Party - Seven Phenomenal Talents Featured'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-6205101505077115215</id><published>2010-10-22T08:55:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-10-22T08:56:36.818-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Asthma Initiative - A success</title><content type='html'>AKA's Asthma Management and Prevention Initiative in Tampa was a huge success.  The ABC affiliate came as well as the major newspaper.  We've gotten a lot of national press as well.  The Sorors in Tampa did an awesome job of coordinating since I couldn't be there.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-6205101505077115215?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/6205101505077115215/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/asthma-initiative-success.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/6205101505077115215'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/6205101505077115215'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/asthma-initiative-success.html' title='Asthma Initiative - A success'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-1977273461078755261</id><published>2010-10-18T10:04:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-10-18T10:05:33.310-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Exciting new project</title><content type='html'>A dynamic septet of up-and-coming stars will be performing at a CD Release party on Sunday, October 31 at Mr. G's Supper Club beginning at 4PM until 9PM.  All of these superstars are headed for stardom and it could be their last intimate appearance (and inexpensive one) before hitting the big time.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-1977273461078755261?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/1977273461078755261/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/exciting-new-project.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1977273461078755261'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1977273461078755261'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/exciting-new-project.html' title='Exciting new project'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-2369694891313842758</id><published>2010-10-17T07:38:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-10-17T07:42:42.151-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Alpha Kappa Alpha's Asthma Awareness Initiative</title><content type='html'>Project I'm excited about:  Alpha Kappa Alpha is launching its Asthma Management and Prevention Initiative on October 20 in Tampa.  Asthma CAN BE MANAGED and our battalion of passionate members will fan out to nearly 1000 chapters worldwide to spread the word on how the nearly 6 million asthmatic children under age 15 can lead productive lives..play sports, have fun.   We're working with subsidiaries of National Institutes of Health so we have high props behind it. It'll be one of AKA's programmatic focuses for the next four years under new international president and attorney Carolyn House Stewart.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-2369694891313842758?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/2369694891313842758/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/alpha-kappa-alphas-asthma-awareness.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/2369694891313842758'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/2369694891313842758'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/alpha-kappa-alphas-asthma-awareness.html' title='Alpha Kappa Alpha&apos;s Asthma Awareness Initiative'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-4150417543336885718</id><published>2010-10-16T05:56:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-10-16T05:57:46.151-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Stealth Tool for Staying Organized</title><content type='html'>Since I've been in business, I've depended upon/relied on the tickler file for staying organized.  It's a MUST HAVE in your entrepreneurial arsenal.  Nearly 30 years in business, I credit the Tickler File as my lifeline.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-4150417543336885718?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/4150417543336885718/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/stealth-tool-for-staying-organized.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4150417543336885718'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/4150417543336885718'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/stealth-tool-for-staying-organized.html' title='Stealth Tool for Staying Organized'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-7439059036404650658</id><published>2010-10-15T04:59:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-10-15T05:02:04.414-07:00</updated><title type='text'>I'm BAAAAACCCCKKKK!</title><content type='html'>Hi!&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I'm dedicated to maintaining this blog so, stay tuned for new posts.  Went to Publicity Club of Chicago and learned new tricks and tools.  But the important part is that I'm going to share information and newsy nuggets.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Stay tuned!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-7439059036404650658?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/7439059036404650658/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/im-baaaaacccckkkk.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/7439059036404650658'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/7439059036404650658'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2010/10/im-baaaaacccckkkk.html' title='I&apos;m BAAAAACCCCKKKK!'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130705577158031504.post-1086452329815119013</id><published>2009-04-17T10:57:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-17T10:58:07.552-07:00</updated><title type='text'>I've got a blog</title><content type='html'>This is Melody McDowell of MELODY'service and this is my first entry in my blog.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Welcome to Melodyland.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/130705577158031504-1086452329815119013?l=melodyservice.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/feeds/1086452329815119013/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2009/04/ive-got-blog.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1086452329815119013'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/130705577158031504/posts/default/1086452329815119013'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://melodyservice.blogspot.com/2009/04/ive-got-blog.html' title='I&apos;ve got a blog'/><author><name>melodyservice</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02833066067823493762</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kWFSd3_Vlk/TxSTB0lgZ5I/AAAAAAAAABs/_ePNwWrBqug/s220/melodyweb.jpeg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
