Networking and Word of Mouth
I come from the old school style of promotion and networking – for you youngsters ie post internet it was called word of mouth. What people did is this- My father had his own heating and A/C Business which he started in 1948. He holds the oldest license in the State of GA. for that business. He is now 85 years young and still even after all these years gets phone calls from grandchildren and greatgrandchildren of his old customers who started out with him all those many years ago. My Dad never placed an ad in the paper, never had an ad in the phone book and never paid for an ad on the TV in fact for years we didn’t even own a TV. What he did have was his work ethic, his word and is business cards. He carried those three things with him everywhere he went. He handed out his business cards to people in the grocery store, at church, in the dime store. People he was standing in line with.
His cards have traveled many miles in many places from south of Atlanta to as far north of Atlanta you can get without being out of the state. He worked on everything from water heaters- to gas heaters to floor furnaces to the new fangled water pump – computer units. His profession has spanned four generations. He stood by his product and his service. His reputation was one of impeccable stature. His business grew because he was known and when someone needed the job done they were told to call my Dad.
My point is this. I have embraced the internet made it my friend. I know how to promote and market myself and my work. However, that being said, my grounding came from my Dad and my Mom who taught me old school. The handshake, the face to face, the “I know somebody”. They taught me how to carry my self in such a way that when I shake a hand or hand out my card it means something. It not just a motion I go through- It is personal! When I market on the internet it is personal – I am not just a faceless name trying to peddle my craft. I believe in my readers and I believe in my craft. That was not learned on the net. That was taught to me at the feet of my Dad and Mom.
That brings me to my next point. I belong to a networking group of women that meets once a month somewhere in Port St. Lucie. We meet for several reasons. One is to share our expertise whatever it may be. Two is to network with others to share their expertise- in other words we market each other. We learn about each other on a personal and professional level. We bond as women and as professionals. Then we enhance that by using the technology of the internet. We have the best of both worlds.
Contrary to popular belief- the internet does not take the place of old school. It will inhibit your ability to really shine if you do not get out in the real world. The internet is not – I repeat is not the real world. It is a curtain that we have learned to hide behind because most of us are not comfortable with who we are or what we have to sale. So we use the internet as our escape.
The internet should only be a tool to help us to succeed. Not the means. Nothing takes the place of that warm handshake that eye to eye contact. That excitement when we talk about our craft face to face. There is no emotion on the internet. IT is just a dumb grey box.
I am so grateful for the old school experience. So grateful that my parents taught me how to deal with people from the time I was five years old and had to answer the business phone. I am so grateful that I had to learn to put aside my shyness of strangers and to put my hand out to shake a strangers and introduce myself. It has helped to mold me into the success I am today.
People want to see the person behind the curtain. They want to interact with the person they are doing business with. They are tired as I am of pressing buttons and talking to a machine. They want to talk to a real person.
I have made so many wonderful friends both professionally and personally in Networkers for Women. They have not only been there for me professionally but personally as well. It would not have happened had it not been face to face- sitting down and talking- having lunch- sharing ideas- thoughts and feelings.
Yes, the internet is a great tool- it is not the only tool nor is it a personal tool- Old School is still the best foundation for success. The internet just enhances it. Remember that the next time you want to make a contact – face to face or a phone call is so much more personal and much more impressionable. Remember you can only make one great first impression anything after that is secondary. Why not make it the best it can be. A firm handshake and a direct look in the eye.
My latest Radio Interview
Last Sunday night I was interviewed on Final Cut Radio. It was a fun filled and interesting interview. The hour flew by. We didn’t discuss half of the things on our list. But we did get in my book Dream Catcher Failure Was Never an Option as well as the stalker I had. An artist knows they have arrived when they get a stalker. Go to this link and listen http://finalcutradio.com/?p=105 if you missed the show.
Yes, I will be on the Radio Again This Sunday Night Tune In
This Sunday Evening at 7:45PM I will once again be on the radio. Be sure and tune in as you never know what I will wind up discussing. It can be anything from my books to my stalker to my fans to my haters – nothing is off limits. The beauty of technology is you can listen in the comfort of your easy chair because it is all on the internet. It should be an hour of laughter and fun. So come on by and join us. I know Christopher will have a chat room open for all you questions. Can’t wait to see you there.
The Third in the Series is Coming When Fates Collide – Arm Candy
Yep, it is coming the third in the When Fates Collide Series. This adventure takes Alex and Hope along with the rest of the cast of characters to St. Marteen in the Caribbean. This time they have to pick up not one but two of their quarry. But the fun doesn’t stop there. They enlist the help of some friends of theirs out of Key West. The one and only Lola and her sidekicks Vicky Lane and Penelope.
You only thought that you laughed out loud when you read the first two – this one will leave you breathless.
I Just Want to Say Thank You!
The last two days have been interesting to say the least. With that said I want to say a big thank you to several groups of people. First thank you to all of you who have stood by me while dealing with someone who for lack of a better work has an agenda. This person has gone to everyone of my books on Amazon and made statements that relate to the books in no way what so ever. Second she contacted other reviewers who posted reviews on my books. I did a rebuttal as is my right, to my site. This person was hoping to start a firestorm of I don’t know what. The only thing it has done is drive up my numbers for my site. Thank you for that.
For those of you who think differently – understand this is my site, I pay for it. I choose or not choose the content. If I choose to post a rebuttal to a review again that is my right. You exercised your right to write the review in the first place. It was my choice to post my rebuttal here. The only difference is I also choose to use my name. My philosophy is if you have the balls to post a review then at least have the balls to post your name and not stand behind initials, a made up name or the ever popular anonymous. When I see that I see someone that has something to hide.
As I have stated before I do not write any of my books especially my true crime like any other writer. It is not for everyone. That being said, if you don’t like it- fine get your money back. But understand- that if I don’t appreciate your take on it – I also have the right to state it. One person just told me that basically deal with it. No, I don’t think so. Opinions are two way streets- everyone has one. I am entitled to mine just as you are entitled to yours. So don’t whine to me or blast me when I do a rebuttal. You put yourself out there when you posted your review.
The messages I have received, the stuff that has been posted on Amazon the last two days is childish and has absolutely nothing to do with my craft. For someone to post what was posted and to try to stir up a firestorm is almost laughable.
Those of us who write for a living know how hard it is. We know what it takes to make it. I have been threatened by the best. Believe me this isn’t it. I will continue to write and sell books. I will continue to have readers.
Those who continue their quest of destruction – you only hurt yourself. The last I heard this is still America. I still have the right to post my opinion. If you can not stand the heat please stay out of my kitchen. If a review is posted that I take issue with I will continue to rebutt it. Get over it. Sending me nasty messages, trying to post ugly comments and going to other people will not change that. But please keep trying the more you hit this site the more it goes up thank you.
To those of you who know me know that I do not suffer fools lightly. I have no patience for them and I refuse to attend to their behavior. When it comes to those things that I am passionate about and feel strongly about I will fight to the death for them. You also know that I am usually very tolerant. You also know that when I have had enough. I am almost to that point.
Today I received a note from a publisher who was appalled at this person’s behavior. I am sure that if this publisher had seen everything they would still be shaking their head.
That being said, I guess I have finally arrived. I have a stalker- not the first time. My second husband taught me well. He was the best at stalking. This stalker is trying to engage others to that level. Do yourselves a big favor don’t be drawn into her web. You all are better than that. Understand you have your opinion I have mine. Deal with it. That is pretty much what you have said to me.
I will continue to post what I choose on this site as I said before it is my site. I pay for it. Just as you will continue to do whatever it is you do.
This is my public service announcement you are now free to move about the country.
For those of You Who Know Me Know Better
I found this on my Amazon page this morning! This was after a night of being Harassed all night by this person known here as Sannis Maqee her real name is Ina Goodling. Those of you who know me know that I do not suffer fools lightly. I also do not make threats like this and neither does anyone I know. This woman is a danger to herself and probably others. She was not happy because early last year she posted a review on one of my books. It was not a nice review and when I posted it her on my blog using her name which is what she used. She took offense. I do not know what her problem is- however for her to make a statement like this proves to me that she is not stable.
I get hate mail- we all do as writers. But this is absurd- She has no clue -
Reviews Written by
Sannis Maqee “Sannis Maqee”
(Iowa)
| Show: Most recent reviews Most recent comments | Page: 1 |
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This review is from: Alex and Hope Mardi Gras Bound A Morgan and Harrington Mystery (When Fates Collide) (Kindle Edition)
I am not kidding! Be careful what you say about her, or the same may happen to you. She posted horrible things about me using my real name on her blog for all the world to see, and then she didn’t even tell me about it. I discovered it myself over a YEAR later. When I tried confronting her on her blog, she deleted my posts and had some of her male followers send me death threats on Facebook. |
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This review is from: When Fates Collide (n/a) (Kindle Edition)
I am not kidding! Be careful what you say about her, or the same may happen to you. She posted horrible things about me using my real name on her blog for all the world to see, and then she didn’t even tell me about it. I discovered it myself over a YEAR later. When I tried confronting her on her blog, she deleted my posts and had some of her male followers send me death threats on Facebook. |
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This review is from: Tangled Minds (Paperback)
I am not kidding! Be careful what you say about her, or the same may happen to you. She posted horrible things about me using my real name on her blog for all the world to see, and then she didn’t even tell me about it. I discovered it myself over a YEAR later. When I tried confronting her on her blog, she deleted my posts and had some of her male followers send me death threats on Facebook. |
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This review is from: Stan’s Story: A Touch of Love (Paperback)
I am not kidding! All because I wrote a negative review on one of her books. Be careful what you say about her, or the same may happen to you. She posted horrible things about me using my real name on her blog for all the world to see, and then she didn’t even tell me about it. I discovered it myself over a YEAR later. When I tried confronting her on her blog, she deleted my posts and had some of her male followers send me death threats on Facebook. |
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This review is from: A Voice from the Grave (Paperback)
I’m not kidding! Be careful what you say about her, or the same may happen to you. She posted horrible things about me using my real name on her blog for all the world to see, and then she didn’t even tell me about it. I discovered it myself over a YEAR later. When I tried confronting her on her blog, she deleted my posts and had some of her male followers send me death threats on Facebook. |
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This review is from: Blood Alley (A Short Story) (Kindle Edition)
I am not kidding! Be careful what you say about her, or the same may happen to you. She posted horrible things about me using my real name on her blog for all the world to see, and then she didn’t even tell me about it. I discovered it myself over a YEAR later. When I tried confronting her on her blog, she deleted my posts and had some of her male followers send me death threats on Facebook. |
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This review is from: A Voice from the Grave (Kindle Edition)
Be careful what you say about her, or the same may happen to you! I’m not the only reviewer she’s smeared on her public blog. She posted horrible things about me using my real name on her blog for all the world to see, and then she didn’t even tell me about it. I discovered it myself over a YEAR later. When I tried confronting her on her blog, she deleted my posts and had some of her male followers send me death threats on Facebook. |
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
This review is from: Silent Scream (Paperback)
Be careful what you say about her, or the same may happen to you. She posted horrible things about me using my real name on her blog for all the world to see, and then she didn’t even tell me about it. I discovered it myself over a YEAR later. When I tried confronting her on her blog, she deleted my posts and had some of her male followers send me death threats on Facebook. [...] |
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This review is from: The Pink Canary (Paperback)
Be careful what you say about her, or the same may happen to you. She posted horrible things about me using my real name on her blog for all the world to see, and then she didn’t even tell me about it. I discovered it myself a YEAR later. When I tried confronting her on her blog, she deleted my posts and had some of her male followers send me death threats on Facebook. [...] |
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Debi DeSantos Has Done it Again- She has Made the Perfect Cover for My Book
Yep it is coming!!!! The exciting third in the when Fates Collide Series is in the oven – The wicked Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc and I are again taking Alex Morgan and Hope Harrington and their merry band of misfits in on the hunt again. This time in St. Maarten an island in the Caribbean. This time Hope is going to be Arm Candy. You must read the first two and The Pink Canary to catch up with all the players in the thigh slapping- rib hugging comedy as Alex and Hope get their man and woman. There are two new Characters which show up in Arm Canay that are from The Pink Canary a stand alone.





























