One of our favorites by Wayne Dyer

http://bit.ly/agxi9T

In Memory of Robert Anthony Dusseau

Robert Anthony Dusseau
(January 23, 1983 – February 23, 2010)

Ishpeming- Robert Anthony Dusseau, age 27, Ishpeming resident, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2010.Robert was born January 23, 1983 in Lansing, MI to Ralph Alan & Ann Marie (Hallenbeck) Dusseau. He graduated from Clearview Regional High School in New Jersey and received his Bachelor of Science degree [...] http://bit.ly/cmMreQ

It may be near when it seems so far?

http://bit.ly/cFDk3m

What is the best way for a small business to utilize Facebook?

What can a company expect to benefit from Facebook?
There are many ways to utilize facebook. Creating a fan page is a must for a business, though a personal profile is going to be visited more and is much more dynamic. There are events, groups, discussion boards and more available on Facebook, as well as the [...] http://bit.ly/aOVphU

The InSights Group is saddened by the loss of a friend?

A friend of the InSights Group, Robert Dusseau, was tragically killed on Tuesday, February 23rd in Marquette, MI. Rob, age 27, was expecting his first child, due in April with his wife, Carly. He he was a gentle man, and a friend to many who will miss him dearly. 
Rob was a best friend and business partner to Sandi’s brother Tom in several [...] http://bit.ly/aiJhel

Robert Dusseau Memorial Fund

When:







Hosted By:

InSights Group

www.insights-group.com

810.623.5839

 

 

Register for this event now at :

http://ping.fm/kRccW



Event Details:

A friend of the InSights Group was tragically killed on Tuesday, February 23rd in Marquette, MI.

Rob, age 27, was expecting his first child, due in April with his wife. He he was a gentle man, and a friend to many who will miss him dearly. 

Rob was a business partner to Sandi's brother Tom in several ventures in including Lightning Software, the company that  was involved with the InSights Group from the begininning, originally developing the InSights Group first website.

A memorial fund has been set up for the family, and we would like to help with the collection of funds to help them in this difficult time.

Donations will be accepted here, any amount you would share will be appreciated. There is also a fund set up where donations can be made with Wells Fargo: account number: 1558703367.

 

"We are spiritual beings having a human experience." Wayne Dyer

We are saddened by these tragic events, yet celebrating that Rob has moved into a new place. Our thoughts are now to help the family who will soon be celebrating new life and remembering a dear gentle man.

 

With Hugs,

Sandi Maki

Allan Curtis

& the InSights Group family

http://tinyurl.com/yauhrm2

A poweful message about validation

http://bit.ly/aGGBF0

Determining what is right!

What is the process you go through  to determine what is right for you? Do you analyze a scenario to death before you act or do you just jump in and do it? In the world of business, you almost need to do both. There are times when immediate action is best but there are [...] http://bit.ly/cHE1yi

From Hell to Haiti: Presentation Slide Show by Local Photographer Victor J. Banta

Victor invited you to “From HELL to Haiti: Presentation Slide Show by Victor J. Banta” on Saturday, March 6 at 6:30pm.
Victor says, “Dear friends,
We hope that you can attend this sure to be interesting and moving presentation and slide show about humanitarian efforts in Haiti after the earthquake.
Sincerely,
Victor Banta and Nancy Malone”.
From HELL to Haiti: [...] http://bit.ly/bVo4yI

How can I share other companies information on my webpage or blog?

One of the best ways to share information about companies you know, like, or recommend is to do blog posts sharing the story and then linking over to the other company.
It is also a great idea to create a resource page for your customers who may be interested in related services. Do more than just [...] http://bit.ly/cQQNVG

Have you ever wondered what your face reveals about the way you think?

Face Reading Class with Lin Klassen

When: 10am – 11am EST Tuesday, February 23 2010

Where: InSights Group

READ ANY GOOD FACES LATELY?


What relationships do you have that depend primarily on face-to-face interaction? All of the important ones, and most casual ones as well. Face Reading has been practiced for over 3,000 years, and has been scientifically validated to [...] http://bit.ly/aGRYNM

What can I do to be found on the search engines?

There are several ways to increase your ability to be found with the major search engines.
You want to have a website that explains who you are and what you do.
Use a blog to increase the number of keywords that are updated on your site every day.
List your site in all of your social media profiles, [...] http://bit.ly/cEvxHl

Seth Godin?s Amazing Book Launch

Seth is creating a buzz. He took his newest book Linchpin, and launched in a new way using the internet as his primary method…Al and I were lucky enough to travel to NYC for his official launch earlier this week, and had advance copies pretty early. It’s a must read, you can check out what [...] http://bit.ly/9cdmV9

Is that fear or excitement?

Austin Szelkowski is going to be a face to watch! Check out this inspirational message, and take a look at his blog. Great stuff!

http://bit.ly/ccvib8

Meeting incredible new friends this weekend?

including Neal E Boyd, winner of America’s Got Talent. Wow, what a presence!

http://bit.ly/aJiVNF

Facebook Friday Tip: Subscribe to email updates from this blog?

Enter your email address:




Delivered by FeedBurner

http://bit.ly/9tqAZ2

How do you keep personal social media separate from business?

This will depend on your mission for participating in social media. If you are an entrepreneur, your social media sites should reflect you as one person, with different interests. Your personal and your business life are probably overlapping anyway, so your social media presence will too. Share some glimpses of your personality in your posts, [...] http://bit.ly/d8s07w

How many opportunities do you miss?

When we allow our all important adult brain to rule us, we automatically strap on blinders. These filters that we view life through (previous experiences, habits, associations with people, upbringing, etc.), don’t allow us to see so many bits of inspiration/creativity and opportunity that surrounds us. How do you recognize these filters?
The beginning of recognition [...] http://bit.ly/cgMiIN

Twitteriffic tuesday tip

Todays twitter tip is regarding the amount of promotion of your business that you should do utilizing twitter. The best thing you could do for yourself is give way more than you take. Plan on sharing 80% to 90% of your tweets without promoting your business. Find relevent info regarding your business but not necessarily [...] http://bit.ly/atsCYm

Incredible Video about Social Media

Incredible Video about Social Media.
http://bit.ly/9fwubJ

Have you read Googled?

This book helps understand the sometimes mystical or magical intenet presence “Google”. Read Ken Auletta’s story of Google, it’s a must read book recommendation from InSights!
 
 
Here is a link to a very interesting post about language and computers, specifically Google.
http://bit.ly/bFDut0

Ready, Set, Ship

How long does it take you get ready to launch a new idea, product or service? Everyone processes information differently based on their world view, personality, etc. How do you process?
Understanding how you process will determine how you ship(launch) ideas. Great Artists in each of their fields are the best shippers. They get launched before [...] http://bit.ly/bTlBXd

How would you run a marathon without training?

I have been asked many times since running my marathon, how I did it. Well let me share my story.
I’m 42 years old, average build, average athletic ability, and I’m in average shape. So nothing to out of the ordinary. I don’t live a sedintary life so at least I have that going for [...] http://bit.ly/cpKBB8

Another test

Delete after loading. Just a test to see if I can upload a bigger file…
Maid with the Flaxen Hair
http://bit.ly/clBE0P

Face Reading with Lin Klaassen

When:

Tuesday, March 23, 2010 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (ET)



Where:

InSights Group
7187 Grand River Rd.
Brighton, MI 48114





Hosted By:

InSights Group

www.insights-group.com

810.623.5839

 

 

Register for this event now at :

http://facereadingwithlin-rss.eventbrite.com



Event Details:

Special Offer: For InSights Group Members and fans

Time to set yourself ahead of your competitors?   Time to improve your personal and business relationships? Tuesday, March  23 9 Am-5 Pm   Who hasn't said to himself, at least once in his life,   life would be so much easier if it weren't for all the people I have to deal with? ---------------------------------------------------------------- The foundation of success lies in understanding ourselves and others, then adapting our behavior to meet diverse needs. Whether you are the manager or employee, husband or wife, salesperson or customer, developing the skill of quickly identifying how someone else prefers to be treated yields priceless benefits. One of these people will trust his instincts One of these people will need reassurance One of these people is looking for value One of these people cynical by nature One of these people makes emotional decisions How valuable would it be to have these insights at a glance ????????   Communication is the name of the game and the message is written all over the human face.  Face reading has been used for over 3,000 years and has been scientifically validated to 92% accuracy       Date: March 23 Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Location: InSights Group 7187 Grand River, Brighton, MI 48114   Limited to 25 students to ensure maximum learning potential Pre-Registration is required. Questions: Contact Lin Klaassen 586- 773-4230 FaceReadingbyLin@aol.com               Lin Klaassen ........ is recognized as one of the top 5 Face Readers in the United States.   Perhaps you have seen on her FOX TV or CBC Canada's "Gill Deacon Show" or our local cable channel.   She has been featured in both the Detroit News and Free Press.     She lectures internationally,  presents workshops and serves as a business, and jury consultant.   Check out her website    http://www.facereadingbylin.com        COST :$150.00   PRE-REGISTATION IS REQUIRED: InSights Group Members  $125.00     Face Reading By Lin http://www.facereadingbylin.com 586-773-4230

http://tinyurl.com/yln68ux

Special Marketing Workshop Thursday, 2/18

Want more cost effective marketing?
Feb. 18th We’ll be there…will you?
I’ve got something real quick I think you will really appreciate
that I share with you right away.
Ron Cates is flying into town on Thursday Feb 18th to give a one time only SE Michigan presentation:
 The Power of Email Marketing Workshop
 But this is no ordinary “workshop”
 If you’re [...] http://bit.ly/b6cCfK

Facebook Friday Tip

Here is another Facebook Friday tip…
Visit emailideas.com and create your signature calling card…use this on all of your outgoing emails and make it easy for people to find you!

 

 
























 

 
























 
 

http://bit.ly/bPOb1J

What does it take to stay in business?

I’ve been reflecting recently upon my years as a business owner and I’ve come to these conclusions:
1) Fear paralyzes business, not economies
2) Changing business climates force personal growth
3) Ego hurts growth
4) Don’t quit at the bottom, wait till you are on top.
5) Forget competition, stay creative
6) Enjoy the process
http://bit.ly/9uhRcX

audio test

This is a test of the new audio player plugin.
How does this look?
http://bit.ly/92HWh8

When are you planning on growing up?

I was recently asked by my 5 year old daughter, “Dad, what do you want to be when you grow up?”. Well that question has been on my mind ever since. I’ve been self employed for so long now that I don’t even think I’m employable. In that case I don’t think I will ever [...] http://bit.ly/ddki64

CHANGE Happens

GOODBYE, WORLD!
Well, not really.
Change is coming to the http://ping.fm/pmKgP
We are moving to a new server!
It can take time for these changes to propagate, so you might see two different websites for a while. (You’ll know when you are on the new server when you do NOT see this notice.) Any posts or comments added after 10:30 PM [...] http://bit.ly/cqkxTy

Where happiness is located?

Tom Harris shares the secret of where to find happiness. Enjoy!

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Another twitter tuesday tip

If you are looking to build a local twitter following, I recommend that you use Twellow . Twellow is a yellow pages of sorts for twitter users. Once at the site sign up for your free account. Next click the twellowhood tab which will show you a world map. Click through until you are [...] http://bit.ly/9y3ArX

Social Media Explained, and how to use it for your business

When:

Friday, February 19, 2010 at 9:00 AM - Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 11:00 AM (ET)



Where:

Launch Pad (Coworking Facility)
643 Magazine Street
Suite 102
New Orleans, LA 70130





Hosted By:

InSights Group

www.insights-group.com

810.623.5839

 

 

Register for this event now at :

http://ping.fm/34Rfx



Event Details:

Social Media Strategy

Everywhere we turn, we hear that social media has become an important force in business marketing, which is very true. Money goes where people go, and people are going to social media sites.

Having an account in a social media platform (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) is not the same as having a social media “strategy”, and having a strategy is essential for success.

Allan Curtis and Sandi Maki have a common sense approach to integrating social media into a business marketing plan, and would love to help you define, develop, implement and maintain a successful strategy.

The process begins with setting some social media goals, and incorporating the best elements of what is available in the social media world today, with the ability to grow and change tomorrow. A successful strategy can be developed utilizing your existing web presence, and gaining the maximum amount of traction by adding the most important social media elements to your marketing mix.

Sandi Maki and Allan Curtis are co-founders of the InSights Group, an amazing collaborative learning organization. Without traditional funding, a marketing or advertising budget they used organic marketing strategies and social media to grow the InSights Group. Creating the roadmap as they went, learning and growing on the way, they’ve found what works in the world of social media. The social media strategies taught at the InSights Group were developed as a part of those experiences, and they’ll be sharing some of what they have learned with you.

 

Here is the location of the event:

Launch Pad
643 Magazine St. – Suite 102
New Orleans, LA 70130

Telephone: 504-267-9111 (for directions only)

 

For questions about the event contact:

InSights Group: 810-623-5839 or Sandi Maki 248-798-0239

Allan Curtis

Al is your philosophy guy. No one does a better job with big picture to relatable story concepts designed to liven lively hoods, make a statement and find the mojo in your motivation. He’s a sought after speaker on creativity, organic marketing and social media. His life’s dreams include reading 10,000 books, holding his breath for 3 minutes, and running a marathon. He’s checked two of the last three items off his list. Ask him how it feels to have accomplished them!

As the Orator of the InSights Group, Al faces daily philosophical responsibility. Shouldering this responsibility well, Al’s aptitude for listening and storytelling earn him a place of reverence in the minds and hearts of the community. Al believes the storyteller given the floor should lift and audience up out of their seats. Take them by the hand on a journey, and return the audience to their seats at the end of the story.

With his gift of communication, Al has his hands full — handling new concept origination and explanation detail, ensuring every experience runs smoothly. Lucky for InSights, Al’s artistry also graces the building and creates the ambient décor that co-working enthusiasts enjoy.

As if that isn’t enough, Allan has been a featured persona of a national brand campaign (can you hear me now?) and can currently be found on Amazon.com explaining social media, organic marketing and blogging.

With over twenty years experience as a backyard water recreation creationist, designer and artistic water shaper, he has worked with bringing images to life.

A graduate of Northern Michigan University after exploring artistic and creative studies he finds himself with a degree focus of physics and math. Al resides in a 100+ year old farm house surrounded by an old west village complete with an old mill mine shaft and pond. His family, complete with three daughters, enjoys antique auctioning, downhill skiing, slurpee drinking and marble collecting.

Allan Curtis:
Orator of the InSights Group
Social Media Strategist
Organic Marketing Trainer
Twitter Coach

Contact Allan:
At the Office: 810-623-5839
On the Road: 248-798-0236

Drop him an electronic note here

Connect with Allan via Social Media

 

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Allan Curtis on Facebook

Sandi Maki

This is Sandi’s favorite year ever. Okay, every year is her favorite year ever. Sandi shares a jump in with both feet commitment in everything that she does. Her willingness to jump, dive or parachute in has helped inspire the movement of mountains. This attention to intention has won her the hearts of the enthusiast community and some really cool day trips.

Prior to InSights, Sandi has brokered domestic domicile deals, labored in the backyard water recreation industry, typed, planned, strategized and accounted her way around an office.

As if she isn’t already having enough fun, Sandi has been the voice for various companies ads and promotion (talking comes naturally and the voice was a gift). She’s been a featured persona of a national brand campaign (can you hear me now?) and can currently be found on Amazon.com explaining social media, organic marketing and blogging.

Sandi’s formative years were spent growing up above bridge in Northern Michigan. Loving the southern accent she picked up for a time, y’all can relate to her sometimes southern belle style of summertime denim and flip-flops and effective delivery of any message by saying it with a smile.

After hours Sandi can be found at most neighborhood middle school sporting events with her daughter, an amazing and wonderful gift, and her delightful and inspiring son. Her favorite things include Toby Keith, Irish accents, tropical islands and chocolate and peanut butter used in combination.

Sandi Maki
First Lady of the InSights Group
Social Media Strategist
Organic Marketing Trainer
Marketing Idea Maker

Contact Sandi:
At the Office: 810-623-5839
On the Road: 248-798-0239

Drop her an electronic note here

Connect with Sandi via Social Media

 

http://tinyurl.com/ydw82je

What does it take to be a Linchpin?

Linchpin: GaryVee from Seth Godin on Vimeo.
http://bit.ly/cfYdWn

Social Media Philosophy...Start HERE

When:

Monday, February 15, 2010 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)



Where:

InSights Group
7187 Grand River Rd.
Brighton, MI 48114





Hosted By:

InSights Group

www.insights-group.com

810.623.5839

 

 

Register for this event now at :

http://ping.fm/1CPY0



Event Details:

Now that you have seen our introductory seminar to social media, I'll bet you feel overwhelmed, maybe even paralyzed. Well, you don't have to stay that way. We'll be offering the Social Media Philosophy class, the very first place to start your strategy, at no charge to you as a thank you for attending the social media explained event.

There will be some homework for you to do before you attend. When you sign up we'll send you out some questions that will help you get started in the process. This is for you, to help you figure out  "why" social media needs to be a part of your marketing plan.

We'll see you soon.

http://tinyurl.com/yesxfql

How do you sparkle in this moment?

“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake.” ~Marie Beyon Ray
http://bit.ly/9OQUFJ

Subscribe

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Enter your email address:




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http://bit.ly/bgmg3b

How genuine are you Really?

Just because we think that we are perceived in a certain way, it doesn’t mean we are. More often than not, our view of ourself doesn’t exactly match the view others have of us. If we don’t recognize this, just think of the damage we can do!
Now lets think about this from the Socal Media [...] http://bit.ly/bXn9wT

Business Motivator Tom Harris

Tom Harris discusses the Goodness Index and how we can each do our simple part to raise the world’s level.

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Delivered by FeedBurner

http://bit.ly/99zkmB

Is your idea worth spreading?

Seth Godin, as always, is on track.
Click here for Random Rules for Ideas Worth Spreading
http://bit.ly/du9N9I

Here?s the best part of our NYC trip?

So here is the rest with our undercover video footage from NYC. We recently travelled there to meet with Gary Vaynerchuk and Seth Godin. As we were ready to leave town, we figured a final stop at the Empire State Building was in order, so we go the car out of the parking garage and [...] http://bit.ly/aqvj5L

InSights Gallery Open House and Networking Mixer

When:

Thursday, February 04, 2010 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (ET)



Where:

InSights Group
7187 Grand River Rd.
Brighton, MI 48114





Hosted By:

InSights Group

www.insights-group.com

810.623.5839

 

 

Register for this event now at :

http://ping.fm/IlEa6



Event Details:

Join us on Thursday, February 4th, from 6pm-9pm for an art gallery open house and networking mixer.

 

This event is brought to you by the Enthusiastic: Betsy Rackliffe / 248.854.2729,        betsy@designbybetsy.com, www.designbybetsy.com,                                     http://ping.fm/mSoY2

 "Informal conversation is probably the oldest mechanism by which opinions on products and brands are developed, expressed, and spread." - Johan Arndt

So, join us for some "informal conversation" at

Art Community Open House and Mixer for the Gallery of Sights

Where different types of artists showcase their work and groups different people get to know each other better.

Celebrate the Opening Night of "Art in Your Work" featuring different professions and the art they create everyday for people.

Also displaying their work to the community --- Abstract Photography, Nature Photography, Watercolor Photography, Weaving, Jewelry, and Acrylic Paintings

Open to the public with snacks and refreshments available.

When: Thursday February 4, 2010 6:oopm - 9:oopm
Location: 7187 Grand River Road; Brighton, MI
Questions: Call Betsy @ 248.854.2729

There is always room for more artists. Please call for more information

http://tinyurl.com/ylm47o2

Twitter Tip Tuesday

Todays tip has to do with auto following systems. Many of us have looked for the magic bullet to create large follower numbers rapidly. For those who are still looking, I’d just give up and get down to business and build it organically and put out good content. Twitter has really cracked down on the [...] http://bit.ly/aBXSJ9

Seth Godin, amazing in person and via the internet

His talks are worth watching! We enjoyed an incredible day with Seth in New York City in January, and want to share this with you today. Enjoy!

Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library, Springfield, NJ and Seth Godin in NYC  Amazing people we are privileged to know!
http://bit.ly/9t77Iw

Social Media I February 4th, 2010

When:

Thursday, February 04, 2010 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (ET)



Where:

InSights Group
7187 Grand River Rd.
Brighton, MI 48114





Hosted By:

InSights Group

www.insights-group.com

810.623.5839

 

 

Register for this event now at :

http://socialmedia1february2010-rss.eventbrite.com



Event Details:

Everywhere we turn, we hear that social media has become an important force in business marketing, which is very true. Money goes where people go, and people are going to social media sites.

Having an account in a social media platform (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) is not the same as having a social media "strategy", and having a strategy is essential for success.

Are you using social media to promote your business? Do you need to know how to create a Facebook, Linked In, Twitter or Blog strategy?

Are you using social media to promote your business? Do you have a LinkedIn account because once someone sent you an email to join? Do you have a Facebook account? Are you using it to connect with family and friends, or are you harnessing the power to promote and grow your business? Twitter? What's that all about?

We will cover each of the three top social media sites that you should be using for business in this three hour workshop.

Learn more about the power of the LinkedIn system. How can you use it to further your business connections? Discover how to use the answers forum, and work the system through first, secon, and third level connections to meet and grow your sphere of influence. How can you reach 10million users? We'll show you how.

Learn how to use Facebook for business. What to do, what not to do, and cool tips and tricks will be discovered. Did you know that Facebook is the number one growing business tool for business promotion. We'll show you the keys for the best proven promotion strategies online. Better yet, we'll help you set up some specific ideas for your business, that you can start to use right away!

Is Tweeting right for you? Absolutely. Let's discuss your Twitter campaign and get you noticed, both locally and nationally as you share the word about what you are doing, right here, right now!

These are MUST KNOW practices for anyone who is looking for business growth and success. We'll help you get your profiles working for you, 24/7, and help you make the most of your online experience.

ANYONE at ANY experience level is welcome. We will cover everything from beginning basics to advanced user strategy. 

COST:  $40

We offer a 100% money back guarantee. If at the end of class you don't feel it was worth your money, you don't pay. It's as simple as that.

See you in class! Please, RSVP. Seats fill up quickly, and we want to make sure you get one!

http://tinyurl.com/ykmv63u

Hmmm?

“Many people have ideas on how others should change; few people have ideas on how they should change.” — Leo Tolstoy
http://bit.ly/b5MOjd