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Do all roads lead to Twitter?

I woke up this morning, went through the routine of fussing at my daughter for turning on all the lights in the house, managed to get out on time and meet my usual carpool duty and returned home and with my usual excitement proceeded to log into my computer to start my day.

 

I switched on my laptop and logged into Twitter at approximately 7:40 a.m., normally the first networking site I sign in (to see what the latest news is in relation to all the current events, out with the old and in with the new President, the celebration participation around the world and to get marketing tips), the login went through on the first time because usually I make at least 2 attempts to sign in, however the sign in went well on the first attempt and all is good. Now I’ve been on Twitter for at least six months, and to my surprise there’s a message on the heading of my profile that reads, “This account is currently suspended and is being investigated due to strange activity. If we have suspended your account mistakenly, please let us know. See Suspended Accounts for more information,” in red at that, what’s that about?

 

My first emotion was that I felt I’d been kicked out of an exclusive “invitation only” club of A listers  and I’m now an outside. In the past six months I’d acquired over 200 followers (great since, I prefer quality followers over quantity).

 

I read the list of reasons for suspension and since I didn’t feel I met the criteria, I forwarded a request to the powers that be, for a suspension since the feeling of being removed from this network was bothering me.

 

I’ve been networking on social networks for about 1.5 years now and I have a clear understanding of the value of making your presence known online and the value of building relationships and what these relationships can offer you professional and personally. I’m at the end of my day now and to my surprise and I feel a certain freedom.

 

The suspension appears to been for the best mainly because in the past six months I haven’t accomplished any of my marketing goals, (which include making solid business contacts, making friends which should lead to constructive business growth), I’m not saying it’s due to Twitter but that it may not be the best platform for me to reach my goals.

 

Is there a timeframe to consider that determines when your participation in a network has run its course? I would think six months should be a good point to consider cutting my losses if not sooner.

 

I realized a valuable lesson about networking and that is to evaluate the network within at least six months to determine if there’s been measurable growth in any of my goals and decide if the substance I value as my contribution to the network being valued or appreciated?

 

Once I asked myself those questions, unavoidably for me the, answer is no. I once asked a question; do all roads lead to Twitter? Albeit this is an answer based on your goals and results, for me the answer is no, it does not.

 

Where will the road lead for you?

 

Lukeither Willingham, CEO
Lukeither Multimedia and Design
www.lukeithermd.com

Happy Birthday to ya! Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

I know it’s over two weeks into the New Year but still not to late to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I’m starting my New Years off with less attitude and lots of gratitude. Firstly, I’m grateful to serve a living God and I’m happy for the miracles and blessing I’ve received in the form of loving family, awesome friends and a beautiful and healthy children.

There’s a lot going on this month. Today is the birthday of slain civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and I could not miss the opportunity to acknowledge him and his contribution to the country and express my gratefulness.

Some may ask what does that have to do with technology, but it’s the brave at heart who has the vision and will to go against the main stream that opens the minds and allows others to believe in their dreams.

I could never have been a web designer/web master if it weren’t for Mr. King and I’d like to say to his family, your sacrifices and unselfishness of sharing your father has been an inspiration for me and the opportunity for a successful future.

Happy Birthday to ya! Happy Birthday to ya! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 

 

Most Wanted Electronics

If you’re at a loss for what to buy for your teen, husband or the special person in you life, here’s a list to get you started.

iPhone | Flatscreen | Garmin GPS | DVD Player | Macbook

Summary of Press Conference of President Elect Obama

I am focused on politics and the state of the economy like never before and in part due to my daughter’s interest in politics. In case anyone missed the Press Conference, here’s the summary.

 

Economic challenge requiring swift action.

 

The current President will remain in charge until 1/20/08..

 

Bush’s cabinet is keeping him fully informed.

 

After President Obama becomes active he will address all issues.

 

Immediate challenges for priority include:

 

Rescue plan for middle class.

 

Stimulus plan to jump start economic growth.

 

Spreading impact of the economy which requires a Global response.

 

Auto crisis/hardship (backbone of financial economy).

            Transition team to help.

 

Review governments laws to see what can be implemented within the law and evaluate any change necessary.

 

Set of policies to grow middle calls and grow the economy.

            Significant issues include: Clean energy, health, education.

 

He is not underestimating the task at hand; choices will be difficult; it won’t be quick or easy to dig ourselves out of the hole. America is strong and resilient if put aside politics.

 

 

Stimulus package will be the first thing he gets done if not done in the lame duck session.

 

            UPS just delivered a package for my daughter’s birthday so I just missed about 10 minutes of the speech.

 

 

Successor for the Senate seat (is Governor’s decision).

 

In Preparation for position as President what have you done?

 

Spoken with all former Presidents….all that is living, all had been gracious to provide help in the transaction process. Reread Lincoln’s writings.

 

A lot of focus on the type of Dog: Two criteria: Hypo-allergenic dog (due to Malia is allergic).

            Shelter dogs wont work due (they are mutts like me), won’t be in criteria.

 

Schools: Wife will make decisions after scouting out. In the future.

 

Intelligence briefing: no comment (skipped questions)

 

Tax for upper income citizen: net tax cut, provided for sub. Middle class tax cuts received by 90%, small business for economic growth. Obviously will continue to look at the data to see what is taking place. Provide tax relief and boost economy to grow from the bottom up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

President OBAMA

I woke up this morning very excited with butterflies in my stomach.  There’s lots of buzz and hoopla (parties and celebration) about this historic election process…even Rapper T.I. cast a vote for the first time.    

My daughter is disappointed that she can’t vote in this election, but she’ll have lot’s to celebrate since tomorrow’s her birthday and she’ll wakeup to find out whether or not her candidate is our next president.

There have been lots of reports of mishaps at the polls but it doesn’t seem to be having much effect on citizens’ determination to make sure their voices will be heard and their votes are gonna bring a change. YES WE CAN!!

As a Nation the county has taken some huge steps back and we are all ready for the change.

There are a lot of important issues that the next President will need to resolve, including, but not limited to how soon to bring the troops home, decent jobs for everyone who wants to work, affordable education.

At a time where there’s only one (1) African American Governor and one (1) Senator, (Senator Obama), Barack Obama has proven that African American’s have the potential to rise above the skepticism to become president, a vision even the founding fathers couldn’t see. The Republicans have been focusing on the “lack of experience” that Senator Obama will bring to the White House when in reality people are looking to him to bring hope and change.

 

It dosen’t take a genius to figure out that Senator Obama brings his own special gifts, skills, ability to unite people. Obama a.k.a. bridge builder, who he is a mix of cultures, although he doesn’t carry many states in the south per Bernice Martin, which were the states her father (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr), gave his life for.

 

Change, Hope, YES WE CAN!!

 

 

Just received the update!!

 

President Obama

Could your next design earn billions of $$

I stumbled upon the story or Mr. Dior and didn’t actually grasp the concept of how it applies to designers and or artists, until I went back to check out the details in the story. 

“Forty years ago, Mr. Dior worked as a graphic designer at Sandgren & Murtha, a New York City-based marketing company. In 1968, Major League Baseball commissioned the agency to design an original logo.”

Dior’s simple ”silhouetted batter” logo took on a life of it’s on and took a company struggling to remain in the public eye during a dire time in history, to become a billion $$ empire.  

Artists and designers are often undervalued for their skills and it’s important as artists to realize the value our skills and talents bring to the table. 

I found alot of weight and value in this message and how it relates to my own abilities. So when you’re contemplating charging pennies on the dollar to get the account, don’t undervalue your skills and talents, remember this story and how this simple “logo was between $10,000 and $25,000″  gave this organization the boost to become a billion dollar empire.

 ”Industry tracker “Licensing Letter” estimates revenue of MLB-licensed goods to be $3.3 billion in 2007.”  For the full story visit The Wall Street Journal.

Making money as a Freelance designer

There’s so much going on in my life, I’m living in Atlanta now and I love all the opportunities here to network,  the professional African Americans I’m meeting, and  the wonderful school system form my daughter.  On a personal level, things are progressing better than I could have dare dreamed.

On the other hand things for Lukeither Multimedia and Design aren’t going as well, I have 2.5 clients which is better than I had in Tampa, but doesn’t quite cover all the bills.

I’m extremely happy starting my new career as an entrepreneur, however, there are many challenges daily that require several skills to include, organization, communication and confidence. Being in business for myself requires me to constantly multitask, switch rolls from designer, marketer, customer service, trainer and manager.

I can confidently say that my education, experience and training allow me to handle these challenges effectively and in a timely manner. 

My focus at this point is to create a balance in these responsibilities that will create a lucrative payday.

There are steps necessary to be successful and that is to get the name of my business out there and the services I offer as a designer.

Strategy is important so constant networking,  participation in design forums to sharpen my design skills and share my knowledge and resouces, one I signed up with today is Your Design Forum.

Also, register my skills and information with one of the onlin outsourcing networks at: MyTino.

Sell images at istockphoto.

Well, off I go to make it happen.

 

Shopping PayPal or Google Checkout

After getting numerous requests from small business owners for the best solution for a DIY shoppping cart, I did a little further research about shopping carts on the two that were given to me by my internet resource and mentor, Chris Morgan of http://cmorgansweb.us/?Monthly_Freebies.

I located some information that I feel will provide insight to my clients as well as others about ecommerce solutions and I wanted to share it.

You can use only PayPal on eBay, but should you check out Google’s new shopping method when doing other business online? Both services are secure, but PayPal offers more features, such as helping you shop around the world.

By Elsa Wenzel (July 17, 2006)

 

Since Google Checkout launched last month, many tongues wagged that it would slaughter PayPal. Yet these digital payment services are different beasts that cater to different needs. Both provide a secure way to shop, with policies that refund your money in case of fraud. Overall, however, we prefer the many features of the veteran service, PayPal.

Google Checkout simply serves as a holding place for your credit or debit card information. It allows you to log in to a single Google username to shop, while hiding your valuable data and e-mail address from merchants. If you’re selling stuff on a Web site, you can cut and paste some code that lets visitors shop via Google Checkout, which takes a small cut of your sales.

PayPal’s fine print is more complicated than Google Checkout’s, but PayPal offers a wider variety of services for shoppers and businesses–particularly small ones–to exchange funds. Only PayPal lets shoppers transfer money to or from bank accounts in addition to credit and debit cards, and you can use it to wire money to other people without requiring them to get a paid account. And PayPal is the only way to go if you’re shopping around the world. Your financial details remain hidden from stores, but sellers might see your e-mail address.

The Google Checkout shopping cart icon will likely be popping up more frequently within text ads when you Google all sorts of subjects that can be bought or sold. However, PayPal’s user base is 100 million strong, while Google Checkout is just getting off its feet. Only PayPal can be used to bid on or list auctions at eBay, which owns the service. And thousands of merchants are already PayPal-enabled, while Google is still building partnerships with sellers. Check out the features at CNET.com.

 

Some women like it fast…and I’m one of them, are you?

In the US in 2006, according to professor Kang, about 70% of all women in the US went online, 67% of them made online purchases, and this is expected to increase to 74% by 2010.

She notes women 55 and older have increased their online purchases by more than 120% during the last several years. “You will soon notice a similar kind of trend elsewhere, especially in places where broadband penetration rate is high,” she says.

Click on the link to get additional information