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Contact:
Paul Dennison
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Brain Gym And Me’s Unique Approach To Physical, Emotional And Spiritual Health

Finally, an all new and highly effective approach to the eternal quest for better body and mental health and freedom from the daily stressors that effect us all. Paul Dennison’s new book, Brain Gym and Me: Reclaiming the Pleasure of Learning delves into Dennison’s highly successful Brain Gym Program based on Educational Kinesiology - enhanced learning through movement. This movement-based system introduces enjoyable, easy-to-do physical activities to enhance people’s ability to learn, process information, and respond to the world in an ease-filled, effective way. Dennison’s Brain Gym program is currently in more than eighty countries and book sales have toppled over 415,000 during the past years.

Brain Gym was created to assist people in all facets of daily life, from the trainees of an insurance company preparing for the formidable exam, to the owner of a travel agency suffering financial losses each year in business, to children struggling with ADHD looking for an alternative to harmful medicines. Thus, the basis of the book can help corporate executives and educationally challenged children alike with the primary goal of better health and total body well being.

The lessons taught are profoundly simple, can be done anywhere, and work well for all ages. Dennison hopes to awaken his readers to an understanding of the interdependence of movement, learning, and brain development. The Brain Gym movements have been so effective that many schools across the world now offer Brain Gym in their classrooms, as more and more parents request it for their children.

Another benefit to the Brain Gym program is its effectiveness in dealing with stress. The Brain Gym focuses on methods for everyone to overcome the daily challenges of life and focus on how to overcome stress, restlessness, lack of coordination, and memory difficulty. As is outlined in the book, negative stress triggers the flight-or fight syndrome, flooding the body with hormones to ready it for instantaneous reaction. This can be successfully conquered by using the right steps. Just a few minutes of practicing the right Brain Gym and Me movement has proven positive impacts on stress reduction, goal setting, perceptual motor skills, reading, writing, remembering and even deep sleep.

The author, Paul E. Dennison, Ph.D., is a professional educator, a pioneer in the field of applied neuroscience and a world authority on cognitive skills and reading achievement. With a background in curriculum development and experiential psychology, Dennison conducted research at his learning centers into reading achievement and its relation to brain development. During the last twenty-five years, Dr. Dennison has taught workshops in movement-based learning in more than fifteen countries, being presented with numerous honors, including the Reading Excellence through the Arts (RETA) Award from the International Reading Association.

Brain Gym (ISBN #0-942143-11-6, 266 pages, Published 2006) allows the reader to turn reading challenges into astonishing successes and also achieve better mental and body health for all ages. Brain Gym and Me sells for $19.95, and is available at http://www.braingym.com or Amazon. Dr. Dennison is also available for workshop and speaking engagements, media events, and is interested in getting his book into major bookstores or educational outlets everywhere. Contact Publicist, Diana Ennen, at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com for details.

It was just over 10 years ago, in September of 1996, that authors Ellen Parlapiano and Patricia Cobe released their first Mompreneurs® book—catapulting work-at-home mothers into the spotlight, and coining and trademarking the catchy word “mompreneurs” to describe entrepreneurial moms. As work-at-home moms themselves (both were home-based writers/consultants raising young children), Parlapiano and Cobe decided to pen the book when they couldn’t find anything on the market addressing the special needs of mothers running businesses from home. “Wherever we went—whether to the playground or the supermarket—other moms would ask how we did it,” says Parlapiano. “So we decided to write our own how-to book about starting and running a business from a mother’s perspective.”

That first book, Mompreneurs®: A Mother’s Practical, Step-by-Step Guide to Work-at-Home Success (Perigee, 1996), caught the attention of the media, landing the authors on Oprah, Good Morning America and several other national shows. It also led to follow-up books and a five-year stint as featured Mompreneurs® experts on iVillage.com, where the authors dispensed home business advice.

Today, Cobe and Parlapiano offer support and advice at their own website, MompreneursOnline.com ( www.mompreneursonline.com ), which features message boards, articles, and a unique Mompreneurs® Marketplace showcasing mom-owned businesses. They are recognized by the media as the go-to experts when the topic is work-from-home moms. Last month, Parlapiano offered tips on The CBS Early Show’s three-part series about women entrepreneurs, which also highlighted two MompreneursOnline community members, Ester LaPollo of MamaAfrika (www.mamaafrika.com) and Kathie Papera of Lilypad Baby (www.lilypadbaby.com).

Mompreneur® Trends 2007

With their fingers on the pulse of the mompreneur® movement, the authors have noticed many exciting trends that will make it easier for today’s mothers to launch their own enterprises:

●Technology makes working from home easier than ever! “The Web provides a gateway to careers that were practically unheard of when we wrote our first book,” says Cobe, citing examples like e-tailing, personal coaching, online tutoring and virtual assistants (who provide office support services via the Web). Even lawyers, bankers, nurses, teachers and other professionals—who would have been hard-pressed to find work-at-home jobs in their specialties 10 years ago—are carving out all kinds of interesting career niches, without having to switch professions. Attorneys are running advocacy websites for special-ed students, travel specialists launch online agencies, former Spanish teachers help preschoolers become bilingual, and public policy experts run thriving consulting businesses. With high-tech tools like blogs and podcasts, mompreneurs are able to reach a wider audience without leaving the comfort of their homes.

●Mothers of invention are creating new niches. Today’s creative moms are inventing gadgets and safety products that solve problems they’ve discovered in their own family lives. For example, after running out of space to display her children’s artwork, Suzy Fanning, of Plymouth, Michigan, created MacKenzie Kids Art Files (www.mackenziekids.net), a smart storage and display system. The designer of the Stowers Swaddler swaddling blanket (www.stowersswaddler.com), was inspired by her own experience as a mom and a labor-delivery nurse to create a swaddling blanket with a pocket and Velcro closures. The Web makes it easy for enterprising moms to research patents, trademarks and other legalities with the click of a mouse.

●Moms want to make a difference. “We are seeing a big increase in cause-related companies—businesses with a social conscience,” says Parlapiano. For example, Mama Afrika (www.mamaafrika.com) is an online business that benefits African women and children. It was founded by Ester LaPollo, a Lompac, California mom who sells African crafts and specialties on her site, and donates a portion of her proceeds back to the African countries.

●Funding is easier to find. Though mompreneurs® still tend to rely on savings accounts and credit cards for start-up expenses, grants and low-interest loans are more accessible, if you know where to look. Great resources include: Count Me In (www.count-me-in.org) and Accion USA (www.accionusa.com). Also check local small business development centers and women’s networking groups to see if they can recommend potential lenders. The Make Mine a $Million Business® contest, sponsored by Count-Me-In and American Express Open helps moms grow their businesses through monetary support, mentoring, marketing and technology tools. (Enter at www.makemineamillion.org). One of the 2006 winners was Renee Wood, founder of The Comfort Company ( www.thecomfortcompany.net ), an online retailer of condolence gifts, and a charter member of MompreneursOnline.com. “It was so gratifying to watch Renee get the opportunity to take her business to that million dollar level,” says Cobe, who was in the audience cheering when Renee won.

●Work-from-home moms are now getting the respect they deserve! With about half a million moms running their own businesses, entrepreneurial mothers are finally being taken seriously by the “traditional” work world. Corporations often hire work-from-home moms as consultants, and mompreneurs® find they no longer have to keep motherhood a secret. Moms are on a mission to attain more family flexibility and have proven that they can successfully run a business and family under the same roof. They are confident and capable. “It’s not about opting out, it’s about creating new options,” says Parlapiano.

Most people are looking for happiness and long for that true feeling of success, peace and serenity. It’s what we all strive for in our fast paced lifestyle. “Being happy is a choice you face every day of your life. Laughter and a sense of humor will not only help you feel better, it will help you instantly shift to high positive energy and diffuse a stressful situation,” states Joanie Winberg in her book, Rising to the Top, A Guide to Self Development. And while we all know that happiness can help with stress, did you also know that it can be a decisive factor in your success, your rise to the top. The ability to reach all your goals and finally make the kind of money you always knew you were capable of making, lies in finding your happiness within.

As a speaker and coach, Joanie Winberg’s passion is to provide practical solutions to living a happier life, everyday. She offers the following advice on how you can have more happiness and contentment in your life, each and every day.

The pursuit of happiness begins with the gift of laughter and learning to slow down and have fun. Taking just ten minutes a day can make a huge difference in your life. Not taking that 10 minutes a day to recharge your batteries and keep your energy tank on full, is like trying to run your car on empty; you are stuck, you can’t go anywhere, you have nothing left to give. Just ten minutes a day allows you to be the best you can be for your family, your business, and especially yourself. This can be ten minutes spent to connect with your loved ones, listen to your favorite music, or ten minutes just to go out and smell the roses (literally). Although, there are no right or wrong ways to do this, find what works for you, your style, your needs, and your schedule. Keep it simple so it feels more like a lifestyle change than a chore.

Many find peace and happiness in keeping a gratitude journal, writing down daily five things they are happy for. What works even better is to journal after you’ve listened to a motivational CD, such as the one found in Winberg’s 40 Days to a Happier Life Kit. When you listen to daily motivational messages, and then write how they can apply to your life, it gives you the power to do more, be more, and succeed in all you do.

It’s also important to celebrate and treasure your talents and strengths within. Make it a point to celebrate every step of the way, no matter how small, by doing something special for yourself. You know what treats make you feel good. For some it’s a rich chocolate dessert, for others a fresh vase of flowers to decorate the office. Whatever works for you, make it a point to do it for yourself on a regular basis.

You also need to rise above the self-doubt and lack of confidence to find your true magnificence. Think about your strengths and personality qualities and make a list. So often times we all focus on the negatives of what is wrong with us. Instead, focus on the positives and see how magnificent you truly are.

Another way to fulfill your pursuit of happiness is to give back. How great does it feel when you do something for someone else and expect nothing in return? How great does it feel to know that you are making a difference in the lives of others? Winberg can attest to the positive benefits and how by helping others, her life changes for the better too. She is more energized and more confident. Winberg has been making a difference with her weekly Happy Wednesday Motivational Boosts, her work for Habitat For Humanity, and most recently at Children’s Hospital in Boston. There she is helping to raise funds for their Music Therapy Program by donating proceeds from her book. It’s been proven that music therapy provides distraction, temporary pain relief, entertainment, and communication opportunities for non-verbal and verbal patients. These are important components of healing during hospitalization. The goal is to sell 1000 books to raise $10,000 and she’s determined to do it.

Think about what you can do to give back. Many fear doing this, as they just don’t know where to begin. It all begins with taking that first step; finding a charitable organization that is helping others, and then doing your part. The good thing is it doesn’t always take money; your time can be just as valuable. And as Winberg shows, your creativity can too. Think of ways that you can use your products or services to benefit others and then go out there and do it.

What else can help you in your pursuit of happiness? Many find that financial freedom and independence is important. Jim Rohn states in Rising to the Top, “A little phrase that philosophically and economically changed my life is, Profits are better than wages. Wages make you a living but profits make you a fortune. First do it yourself – learn how to do it yourself – then find a need someone has and get someone else to render that service, and then someone else and then someone else. Teach them the same, and the principles of economics and capitalism, and how to go from pennies to fortune are so simple.” Again, apply this to your life and your career and see how you can start making your fortune.

Winberg, as a professional coach and speaker/trainer can be instrumental in helping you achieve all your goals. Stop by her site at Happy Wednesday, http://www.happywednesday.com for additional information and to sign up for her weekly motivational boosts.

What does it take to be successful in this field? Ambition, personal drive, motivation, desire and perseverance are the forerunners. Without these, all the skills and experience in the world won’t enable you to succeed. However, combine those with your personal skills and experience, and you’ll have what it takes.

Also, take into account the following: Are you ambitious, constantly striving for more fulfillments in life? Are you not fully satisfied until you’ve done your absolute best? If so, working from home is for you. There are no limitations. The more you put into the business, the more you’ll get out of it. You control your paycheck. Only you can determine what follows that dollar sign on your tax return each year.

Are you a self-starter? You alone are the one who will make this business a success or failure. The amount of time and energy you invest will determine just how successful you are with your business. Are you motivated enough to make things happen? In the beginning stages, a business will require a tremendous amount of hard work and long hours, often without immediate results. You need to be willing to invest that time and await the results with confidence.

Are you creative? Can you think of a new idea and within days make it a reality? What a joy it is to tap that inner imagination and create a new idea for your business. Whether it’s an effective advertising piece or a dazzling brochure for your clients, you have the power to make it work.

You should be self-motivated and enjoy working with others. Many of you will come from a 9-5 job and the general tendency is to cut loose with the extra freedom. No Boss-No Time Restraints-What fun! You have to discipline yourself right from the beginning not to get sidetracked watching soaps and sleeping in. After you are established, your workload won’t permit this anyway.

Working with different clients is a part of owning your own business. Remember, a satisfied client will tell other potential clients about your services. You need to possess the ability to make your clients feel confident and secure in your services and comfortable working with you.

You can’t fold under pressure. Owning your own business can be extremely stressful at times. There are no bosses to run to or co-workers to seek advice from. The computers will break, faxes will jam, clients will become too demanding and you must know how to handle the situation and stay calm. NEVER PANIC! Learn to take a deep breath, regain your composure and then solve the problem.

You should be organized and have a good understanding of the business you are going into. Many companies fail because they didn’t do their homework. Read as much as you can on home-based businesses before you get started. Research your area to determine the customers’ needs and the amount of competition.

You need to be able to say NO! Clients will take advantage of you if you don’t. You have to remain in control or you will find yourself working outrageous hours for little profit. Decide what hours you want to work and stick to that schedule.

Owning your own business can be an exciting and rewarding adventure. There is a tremendous feeling of accomplishment when you land your first client or make that first sale. It’s the kind of feeling that you just want to keep getting over and over again.

Excuses, Excuses

Just how badly do you want this? What’s holding you back? People present all kinds of excuses for why they shouldn’t start a home-based business. Fear is the most common. Fear of failure, fear of financial insecurity, fear of responsibility, and fear of change are the most frequently stated. Let’s look at these for a moment and see if they apply to you.

Fear of Failure: Most of us fear failure. It’s natural. Who wants to fail at anything? Besides, if you don’t try, you can’t fail, and you will not have to deal with those negative emotions. Successful entrepreneurs see failure as an opportunity. They believe that there is no such thing as failure, only lessons. You need to be able to learn from your past failures or, as I call them, “tries.” I consider it this way: “I tried it, it didn’t work, so I’ll try something else.” I give failure no power. One of our favorite clichés is, “I would rather regret something I did over something I didn’t do.”

You should learn valuable lessons from each of your mistakes. What did you do wrong that could be corrected next time? Never dwell on your mistakes. Solve the problem and plan a new course of action.

You can also prevent the risk of failure by being aware of why most home-based or small businesses fail and then guard against these things. The following are several reasons many businesses fail:

1. Lack of enthusiasm, motivation, dedication and drive
2. Lack of self-confidence
3. Lack of knowledge and expertise
4. Lack of management skills necessary to run a successful business
5. Lack of providing clients with quality and professional services
6. Lack of a professional attitude
7. Lack of a market for services

Remember that success takes time. Very few businesses are overnight successes. It takes work, rethinking of ideas and carrying out your plans. Think of success as a marathon, not a sprint.

Fear of Financial Insecurity: This is a valid concern for those leaving the security of a full-time job with a regular paycheck every week. There is no guarantee that every week you will make a certain amount of money. However, you can take steps that will enable you to make it through the slow times until your business is up and running. Don’t let your paycheck addiction seriously interfere with your dream of entrepreneurship. Keep in mind that you could be downsized, fired, laid off, let go, given the pink slip (you get my point) tomorrow, so take control of your future now!

Have two or three months of money in reserve to help you through the first few months. This alleviates the stress of having to make money NOW! Many start a business on a part-time basis and continue working their full-time jobs to keep money coming in and to build their client base. However, let this stop you from starting a business. After being in business now for 20 years and seeing so many businesses succeed, I know many who have made it without this extra money.

Fear of Responsibility: Many are frightened by the role of sole responsibility. They like the option of going to someone else when a crisis hits and having that person solve the problem. With everything falling on their shoulders, they fear they can’t handle the stress. Advance planning is the key here. When you start your business, have a good back-up plan in effect. Then when a crisis hits, you immediately know what to do. After the first few crisis situations, you learn to remain calm and solve problems with little effort.

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Diana Ennen is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and the author of Corel WordPerfect Office Ready Virtual Assistant Solution Pack (http://www.corel.com), and Virtual Assistant – The Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA & workbook. She is also the publisher of the children’s book, Zip, Burp, and Hula and fiction thriller, Sledgehammer. Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.

Margate, FL (February 2007) Business opportunities are everywhere today. You can work at home doing anything from selling the latest and greatest kitchen tools to being the personal assistant virtually to authors, businesses, and anyone who needs more assistance in running their business. Most entrepreneurs look for a business that offers them not only financial security and independence, but also pride in the work they will be doing. That’s one of the reasons that the Virtual Assistant Industry is growing in leads and bounds. Today, former secretaries, administrative assistants, word processors, and legal or medical transcriptionsists, are turning in the 9 to 5 to work at home. There’s never been a better time to succeed.

Diana Ennen has been working at home since 1985. Ennen was among one of the pioneers in the work at home industry when starting her word processing business specializing in legal and medical transcription. In 1996 Ennen wrote her first book, Words From Home: Start, Run and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business. (http://www.wordsfromhome.com) Ennen’s book, which was recently updated, has enabled thousands to succeed in their own business. Ennen states, “Most just need the proper tools to succeed. Learning how to find clients who want your services as well as determining the right price to charge, can be the decisive factor in a successful business. The key to success is doing it right the first time and avoiding costly mistakes.”

In the late 1990s, came the advent of the Virtual Assistant Industry. That’s when word processors determined that not only could they work from home, but they would work at home globally. Ennen’s second book, Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA was born and written with another true Industry Leader Kelly Poelker. This book paved the way to being a successful VA and it also helped thousands start their business. The recent addition of their accompanying Workbook helped even more to give the virtual assistant everything they needed to get started or revamp their existing business.

Ennen provides the following tips to be successful in your own virtual assistant/word processing business:

1) Determine your rates to make a good profit and continue to modify those rates throughout the years as your skills increase and your benefits to clients grow. Today’s virtual assistants make between $30.00 and $100+ an hour depending on their specialty, location, and skills. Clients are willing to pay these rates because the benefits they receive not only make them more money, but also ensure a smoother running business.

2) The planning and development stage is just as important as landing that first client or getting the next one. You need both a business plan and a marketing plan, and most importantly, you need to review these constantly to see how you can improve upon them. A well laid out plan, followed up by aggressive action steps, will ensure your success as an entrepreneur, solo-preneur, or va-preneur.

3) Integrity. To be successful today, a business owner needs to be trusted. A client needs to know that when they have work to be done, it will be done in the most professional manner possible. Clients need to know that you will be there for them when they need you. Build that confidence right from the beginning.

4) Another important factor in the success of a home-based business is having the proper tools. Ennen’s recent book, Corel WordPerfect OfficeReady Virtual Assistant Solution Pack (http://www.corel.com) offers not only a detailed 81 page e-book, but over 70 templates of start-up forms needed to operate a successful business. These include: a contract, marketing letters, daily operational procedure forms, sample brochures, etc. Everything one needs to get started and keep successful is included.

So if you’re ready to take the plunge and really take your business to the next level, or finally take the road home and work from home, stop by Virtual Word Publishing today. http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and find out how you can start your own business.