$99 Banners and Skyscrapers: Want to promote your business? For NAFE members, a banner or skyscraper ad in one issue of the NAFE E-Newsletter will cost you just $99.00. (Regular rate is $150.00.) Contact newsletter editor Paula Damiano to place your ad: paula.damiano@nafe.com. [Note: you must be an active NAFE member to receive this special rate.]

Career Action Plan for the New Year. If you've resolved to move your career forward into a new industry, occupation or level of responsibility in 2009, increase your chances of success with this three-part action plan focused on results. Click here to read more.

Paid Survey on Women’s Health. From the School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin: Women aged 40 to 60 years old who do not have any mobility problems; who can read and write English; who are online; and whose self-reported ethnic identity is Hispanic, non-Hispanic (N-H) White, N-H African American, or N-H Asian are invited to participate in an online survey regarding physical activity. Payment is a 10 dollar gift certificate per internet survey participant and 50 dollar gift certificate per online forum participant (only those who participate in the additional online forum for 6 months will be provided with this additional gift certificate). Click here for more information.

NAFE Discount on Whirlpool Products. Through a special arrangement with Whirlpool, NAFE members can reap big savings on Whirlpool appliances, accessories and other Whirlpool items. You and your family can purchase up to 12 products a year under the VIPLINK program and get substantial savings on everyday retail pricing. Go to the NAFE website to sign up for the discount program – just click on the Whirlpool banner at the top of the NAFE home page.

Robbie Motter, NAFE Regional Coordinator and founder of the For You local affiliates in southern California, invites all NAFE members and friends to the 5th Annual For You/NAFE Spring Fling Fundraising Luncheon on April 18th at the Ports O Call Restaurant, San Pedro, CA. For information on Silent Auction or goodie bag donations, vendor booth rental and general attendance, contact Robbie. Robbie says, “We will also be collecting toiletry and baby items that will be given to a women's homeless shelter.”

Congratulations to the Santa Clarita For You/NAFE network. The local NAFE affiliate and its director Carol Pilkington donated $1,000 to the Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley. This shelter was on the verge of closing because of lack of funds. Wonderful to see what can be done when people come together!

5 Tips on How to Manifest Your 2009 Goals

As you consider your goals for 2009, are you poised to do something different this year that really supports your success? This issue’s 5 Tips come from Visionary Expressions President Jacqueline Cherry, whose company focuses on the relationship between women’s empowerment and the development of an invaluable sisterhood.  Jackie invites you to join her biweekly Sunday evening teleconferences called “Sister to Sister, Let’s Talk,” which explore subjects relevant to women’s everyday lives. She and her colleague Noelle Elia are authoring a series of Sister to Sister, Let's Talk books, the first of which will be published in early 2009.

1. Identify your goals with clarity
This requires that we stop long enough to really think about what we specifically want to achieve. It is helpful to write down your goals and put them in a place where you will see them daily. The clearer you are about exactly what you desire, the more likely it is that you will manifest your desire.

2. Create attainable goals
If your marriage is on the rocks and you set your goal as “getting my marriage back on track”, you might continue to think about how to do that for several weeks or even months – because that goal is so broad. But if you set your goal as “I am going to find a counselor and invite my husband to join me in counseling,” that is a step you can take immediately. If you want to get in shape, e.g., make your goal specific: go to the gym 3 days a week for 1 month or pack a healthy lunch for work 3 days a week for 90 days.

3. Look at what might get in your way
What are you allowing to stop you? Take stock of your environment and know that you can choose to be in control of what influences you on a daily basis. Get support from people who are positive and believe in you. Choose not to engage in toxic dynamics with those who try to negate your goals.
       
4. Ask for help when you need it
Identify and ask a sister/friend for help, someone who is already where you want to be. If your goal is “to have less conflict with my teenage son”, think about who can help you. You may decide to call your cousin who has a great relationship with her children who are in their 20s, and ask for her input on how best to handle your relationship with your son. She has already weathered some of these storms and may have some great advice.

5. Keep your vision high
While it is important to set realistic goals, it is just as important not to underestimate what you are capable of. Surround yourself with those who see greatness in you. You will grow into their belief in you. Use all of your gifts when goal-setting and do not be afraid to dream big. The more you believe in yourself, the more that will become possible for your life.

What are YOUR views on life, love, the new year or the current economy? Let the world know what you really think. Connect with others; learn and share. Have YOU blogged today? Visit the NAFE blog page today.

Annemarie Kelly blogs about development strategies in “Ready for Success in the New Year?”

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NEW! Get a 25% discount on Quicken accounting products. View details in the “Banking, Finance & Money” section under Member Benefits on the NAFE website.