Join me and a host of other remarkable women, at the first UP Woman Circle-Michigan, on Saturday, June 9th in Genesee County, near Flint, MI. This is an event you do not want to miss!

I have lined up an awesome panel of women of influence to pour into your life and to inspire you on your journey to the top in life and in business. Our experts have been handpicked to provide support and valuable information that will benefit your business and professional development.

Speakers and topics that will be presented on June 9th include:

DeLores Pressley, Motivational Speaker and Personal Power Expert
Topic: “Believe in the Power of YOU”

Jet Kilmer, President of Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce
Topic:”Stay in the Game”

Aisha Howard
Host/News Anchor of WNEM TV 5/Better Mid-Michigan
Topic: “Tapping Into Your Better

Walethia Aquil, CEO of Grace and Charm
UP Woman Leader
Topic: “How To Put Awesome Power Into Your Life”

This is an awesome line up! These women are taking the time to come and share nuggets that will ultimately shift your way of thinking about yourself, your career and how you do business as a woman.

Register today! If you register on or before May 20th, you can receive the Early Bird Special discounted rate. Don’t miss this opportunity to be among some great women leaders in the industry.

For more information and to register for this event please Click Here

Are you ready to discover ways to expand your brand?

Do you need help realizing your dream?

Are you ready to connect with other amazing women entrepreneurs?

Are you tired of struggling in your business?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above you do not want to miss this months special guest DeLores Pressley.

As part of “How to Win Friends and Influence People the Grace and Charm Way” Teleseminar Series 2012 I’m interviewing DeLores Pressley, the Creator of UP Woman™: Register today. Click here.

Meet DeLores Pressley
Keynote Speaker – Personal Power Expert – Confidence Coach – Author
With a client list that ranges from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies, DeLores has been teaching women around the globe how to tap into their personal power for over 20 years. Her story has been touted in Glamour, Washington Post, Black Enterprise, Success, Essence, Smart Business and Ebony. She is a frequent media guest and has been interviewed on America’s top rated shows; OPRAH and Entertainment Tonight.

Right now, think about your biggest business challenge or headache. Now imagine being in the right place to receive a mind-opening strategy or solution for overcoming this challenge.

Every professional can benefit from How to Win Friends and Influence People the Grace and Charm Way no matter where they are in their business growth.

Our teleseminars are offered the second Thursday each month from 12:00 -12:30 (Eastern Time) The teleseminars are complimentary, however registration is required.

This will be a pre-recored interview, you will receive your copy of the interview within a week of the call.

Click here to register for of all the How to Win Friends and Influence People the Grace and Charm Way Teleseminars Series for 2012 and register now for the rest of the year.  For questions or suggestions on at topic you would like featured, feel free to email us at: asktheexpert@graceandcharm.com

See you on the call.

With Grace and Charm,

You don’t want to miss this call. Be sure to register to receive your recording of this very insightful, rich content call.

1. Networking – In terms of networking, a conference can be a goldmine! This is the place where you are likely to meet key people in your field and can broaden your network of contacts. Take advantage of this. Make sure to get out there and speak to people. You never know, your next boss or business relationship could be right there in the room.

2. Business Cards – You want people to be able to reach out to you easily after the conference so be sure to bring an ample supply of business cards. The last thing you want is to make a great impression on someone and then not have a business card handy to give them.

3.Follow Up- After spending all that time networking at the event you don’t want to lose contact with those key people who have given you their business cards. Make sure to send them a short email letting them know that you enjoyed meeting them and that you hope to do business with them in the future.

4.Ask Questions- You want to get the most out of your conference so be sure to ask questions. This is a great way to clarify anything you don’t understand and will show the speaker and other attendees that you are interested in the presentation.

5. Take Notes- There will likely be a lot of information given at your conference and it may be nearly impossible to commit it all to memory. Be sure to bring a pen and paper so that you can take notes to refer to later.

6. Dining Etiquette- After you have done all your networking at the event, have impressed others with your knowledge and made some great contacts you don’t want to blow it at the dinner table. Remember your basic rules of dining etiquette while at the event.

7. Dress appropriately- One sure way to lose your confidence and possibly your credibility is to show up at a formal affair in casual attire. To avoid this embarrassment it is best to check ahead of time with the event organizer or someone familiar with it to ensure that you are dressed appropriately.

8. Be on Time- Most conferences are packed with valuable information so showing up late may mean that you miss out on something. In addition, arriving a few minutes early allows you to mingle and possibly make important connections so it is in your best interest to make sure that you’re on time if not a little early.

9. Don’t use the Seats Next to You – At a conference you never know how significant the next person you meet may be to your career. Be sure you don’t use the seat next to you for your coat or briefcase. Sitting next to someone is a great way to start talking.

10. Be ‘On Duty’ At All Times- If you are attending an out of town conference and are staying at their designated hotel be sure to remember that even though you are not technically working after the conference is over your behavior still reflects on your employer and your career. Nothing will squash a business opportunity faster than the combination of having too much to drink and having colleagues there to witness it. Avoid the walk of shame into the office the next day and be on your best behavior.

Walethia helps you build a new kind of wealth, “Social Capital” by equipping professionals and other service providers with training in proper business decorum and protocol’s in a step by step system that is specific to getting results. Now you can
position yourself to never miss an opportunity due to fear, indecision, doubt, or lack of confidence. Learn how you can move from “Invisible to Impeccable”,contact Walethia today. Have an etiquette/image question email Walethia at:
info@graceandcharm.com, direct number 1- 810-334-5427 or 1-866-610-3746.

(04/03/12) – Prom season is just about here, and the search is on for the perfect dress.

“We have dresses, dresses, long dresses, short dresses, dresses from size zero to 26,” said Walethia Aquil.

And they’re all free. Signup is now underway for the “My Dreams Do Come True” organization’s third annual Prom Dress Giveaway.

“The economy is tough, and we can save a family $200-$500. That’s a huge savings. That can go toward a book for college, or the gas tank,” said Aquil, the organization’s director.

Personal shopping days will be held at the Ivy House on Robert T. Longway in Flint, beginning April 14, for any high school student needing a little help. Just make an appointment. Dresses are lightly worn, and in some cases, they’ve never been worn.

“Thank god for the community and some of the stores here. They support us and give us new dresses. We have shoes, jewelry and cosmetics, so we can really dress a girl from head to toe,” said Aquil.

In it’s first two years, the organization helped more than 200 girls. This year alone, they’re aiming for 500.

“I don’t [know] what they’re expectations are when they come here, but we exceed them. It brings tears to my eyes every year,” said My Dreams Do Come True Co-Director Danielle Green.

The prom dress giveaway is open to girls across Mid-Michigan. The only requirement is that they’re students in good standing and on track to graduate.

“Bring us a report card or bring us something from your counselor or your principal. We want you to graduate. That’s important. Prom is too, but this is the reward,” Aquil said.

For more information, call 810-732-2198.

Grace and Charm gives back to the community

Read about it here.

Walethia helps you build a new kind of wealth, “Social Capital” by equipping
professionals and other service providers  with training in proper  business decorum and protocol’s in a step by step system that is  specific to
getting results.  Now you can position yourself to never miss an opportunity due to fear, indecision, doubt, or lack of confidence.
Learn  how you can move from ‘Invisible to Impeccable’, visit Grace and Charm
today. Have an etiquette/image question email Walethia at:  info@graceandcharm.com,
direct number 1- 810-334-5427 or 1-866-610-3746.

Strategies to Position Yourself as an Expert You Can Implement Immediately for Results!

Grace and Charm Insight: “Everyday do at least one thing that puts you into the world more brilliantly, more attractively and more triumphantly than you were yesterday.” Walethia Aquil

Starting and growing a business is no easy task.  We as women have many roles.  As a seasoned entrepreneurs I’ve had many up and downs. Successes and failures, plenty of failures!

Whether you are just beginning your entrepreneurial journey or you are a veteran you will find tips that will motivate you, inspire you, and encourage you.

What does it take to be a success in business?  It is not as complicated as some would have you believe.  I did not say it was easy, having a successful takes hard work and sacrifice.

Following are Grace and Charm Insights that I contribute to my success as an entrepreneur,wife, mother and grandmother.

1.  Practice Etiquette-You will be surprised how far the words, please, and thank you will take you. Practicing common courtesies will set you apart from the competition. In business, it could mean the difference of winning the contract or not, in your personal life it could make the difference in the type of people you attract.

2.  Take Care of Yourself-You can’t take care of anyone else until you take care of yourself.  You can’t be a good mother, wife, student, an effective business person without good health, nourish your body, get plenty of rest and sleep.

3.  Love Yourself-You have to love yourself before someone else will.  Be your own best friend.  Accept you for who you are.  Acknowledge your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

4.  Gain Control of Your Finances-Read, Read get a coach if need be.  There are plenty of books out that can help you understand finances..  Rich Dad-Poor Dad, Suze Orman. Being in control of your finances empowers you! Create your own economy!

5.  Create the Life You Want-Whatever you talk about most is what you attract.  Want to change your life, change your words.  Create a story board of the life you want, write it down, set goals.  You have what you say!

6.  Encourage Other Women-Be excited about the success of another sister, your time will come.  Strengthen each other, when one is hurt we all hurt.  The more you give the more you get in return.

7.  Be an Original-Each and every one of us is unique, we all have different talents and gifts.  Do you, embrace your uniqueness, share what you have with the world.  Hold true to your beliefs and values.

8.  Set The Standard-Always give and do your best.  You never know who is watching, You are either influencing or being influenced..

9. Tell the Truth and Keep Your Promises.-Integrity is a character trait  that is highly respected.  Do what you say and say what you do. Plain and simple, you don’t have to exaggerate, as a matter of fact under promise and overtly.

10.  Learn to toot your own horn-Toot your own horn and share your “brilliance.”  The world needs your gift.  When we see someone who is proud and their accomplishments and they share them with the world; we sometimes see that person as arrogant.   You can toot your own horn and still be humble.  When you don’t share your gifts with the world it can be detrimental to your career.

11. Become a philanthropist. Philanthropy is not limited to those who give great sums of money. Philanthropy as defined by The Free Online Dictionary is: deliberate affection for mankind, shown in contributions of money, property, or work for the benefit of others. I started an organization called My Dreams do Come True, our mission is to provide any girl who wants to attend her prom a dress, free of charge, that is how I give back to the community.

Please feel free to use this article in your newsletter, on your blog, or website.  However, the following byline must be included in its entirety and the article must not be edited in any form and must be presented exactly as it appears here.

About the author:
Walethia  Aquil, etiquette and image coach and creator of the “Grace and Charm Success System.”   She recently revealed the secret strategies all high achievers use to become more charming, persuasive and memorable.  The same techniques you can use to foster long term collaborative relationships with CEO’s clients,  investors, and other high profile  influencers.
To go deeper with how proper business etiquette and protocol’s and a polished image  can increase your net worth check out  “The Grace and Charm Success System.”

From the album: Wall PhotosBy DeLores PressleyBIG ANNOUNCEMENT! I am delighted to announce that Walethia Aquil of Grace and Charm is the first official UP Woman Leader. WooHoo!! She will host the first branch UP Woman Circle in Genesee County near Flint, MI on June 9th. I will be there, will you? Congratulations Walethia!!!

Who or what is an UP Woman?
An UP Woman is Undeniably Powerful. She is a woman who is significant, authentic, courageous, and intelligent. She is a leader and an advocate for others.
An UP Woman is loving, strong, phenomenal, and remarkable. She lives each and every day on a high, moving in a direction that is contrary to gravity; a higher place or position. No one can hold her down.
An Undeniably Powerful woman will…
Stand UP – for what she believes in; she’s a fierce advocate for others and does what she can to support her cause. She stands up for what is right. She believes in her own self-worth.  She has the courage to live her dreams.
Show UP – early (or at least on time!)
Woody Allen says, “80% of Success is Showing Up” and we couldn’t agree more. How do you show up to the world? Are you showing up the way you want to?

An UP Woman never gives her power to someone else.
Step UP – be a team player. Volunteer to support your cause, be a mentor and offer your support to others. Don’t take the easy way out. An UP Woman steps up with a plan ready, willing, and able to help move herself and others to the next level.
Speak UP – to be heard. Are you using your voice? An UP Woman will tell everyone about her vision and dreams. She will ask for what she wants; never allowing fear to get in the way of what she wants.
Fill UP – by continually learning. An UP Woman knows she must enrich her mind by constantly filling it with knowledge. Knowledge is power.
Fire UP – by being a motivating and inspiring leader. Be courageous. Be authentic. Give back. An UP Woman inspires the woman in her life to be the best they can be, to follow their dreams, and work through fears that may hold them back. She leads by example to create more leaders.
Connect UP – to create meaningful relationships and leverage opportunities. Every woman needs to be connected. Connect with like-minded woman. Connect with a coach who guides you toward your goals. Connect with a mentor who is more experienced. Connect with a Higher Power — God, Universe — whatever or whomever that is for you personally.
Be a part of the UP Woman…
•    UP Woman Circles
•    UP Girl Business Circles
•    UP Woman Scholarships
•    UP Woman Leaders
•    UP Woman Gatherings, Conferences; local, regional, national and international
•    UP Woman Awards
•    UP Woman Membership Site
•    UP Woman Coaching
•    UP Confidence
•    UP Personal Worth
•    UP Relationships
•    UP Mentoring
•    UP Philanthropy
•    UP Education
•    UP Faith

To learn how you can become an UP Woman visit:  UP Woman

This months call in the series “How to Win Friends and Influence People the Grace and Charm Way.”

How to Grow Your Business Using LinkedIn to Connect with Your Ideal Client

Did you know the average income of LinkedIn users is higher than both Facebook & Twitter?
Here’s the breakdown for average user income for each of the social networking sites: 
Twitter – $58,000 
Facebook – $61,000 
LinkedIn – $ 109,000
So, the question is why aren’t you marketing on LinkedIn?

• LinkedIn gives you better access to the decision makers.
• Acquire new customers through online recommendation and word of mouth.
• Keep in touch with people who care most about your business.
• Build your industry network–online and in person.

On March 8, 2012 I’m interviewing Kristina Jaramillo.  The New York Times Calls Kristina Jaramillo a “Social Media Expert.”

Kristina is sharing her tips and strategies that helped her build a 6-figure income solely using LinkedIn and content marketing.

This is a pre-recored call, however you must register to receive the recording. Click here to reserve your recording.

With Grace and Charm,

Walethia

There are many take always from the death of Whitney Houston.  I myself have recommitted to my purpose, why am I still here?  It is only by the Grace of God!

I would like to share an article by Rachel Quilty, a Branding Expert.  How does your story end?

Brand Yourself like Whitney Houston

How does your story end?  Personal branding is about determining your Mission. Each one of us is called to help others in a unique way that only we have been chosen to do. You have a unique cause and a legacy that will result from the fulfilment of that cause.

With the death of Whitney Houston recently I was saddened by the incredible loss of life and the potential impact that Whitney could have again contributed to society, and especially to aspiring young singers.

You only have to tune in to the auditions for the many singing and talent reality shows to recognise the Whitney Houston’s songs are popular, challenging and inspiring.

I am often saddened when I see people lost. My definition of lost is living a life without purpose. As people we often focus on our selves, what we have, what we don’t have. Really our job while on this earth is to serve others. Think about the times that have really made you happy and complete, many of us will identify it was a time that we were helping others. We felt truly valuable and valued.

One of the most difficult things you will be required to do is to remain on purpose and to tackle those issues and distractions that take us away from our purpose. They can be a host of different things such as self doubt, procrastination, depression, addiction, rescuing others and over nurturing. List is endless.

So the question I pose to you is: What’s Your Cause? What’s Your Legacy?
I have been reading Passion @ Work by Shivani, and was challenged when in the first chapter she asks, “Have you a Funeral Plan? What does it look like?” I often pose the question to clients about what their eulogy will contain.  What will others say about you at your funeral?  Shivani takes the issue to the next level and asks you to consider who will be there? What will they say? How will they react to your death?

With the passing of Whitney Houston, I deeply consider this insight and my life.

Will people mourn your passing? A significant loss to humanity because of the impact you made? Or will it be a quiet passing and hardly a tear shed because potential impact was never shared with others? Will it be large or will it be small? Will it be a celebration of a life lived large or a life half lived?
At the end of your life you will ask yourself these types of questions:
Did you make a difference?
Did you matter?
How were you significant to others?
How did you leave your mark?
How will you change a life?
What did you do that only you could achieve?

At the heart of personal branding is discovering your life purpose. Was Oprah’s brand the result of her identifying her calling and her platform and growing it? Absolutely.
Will Harry Potter and the story of a single broke mother who persisted with her dream to write his story remain an incredible brand long after the story is finished? Absolutely.

You have so much potential. Take a step into the adventure that should be your life too. Discover how you can build a brand like Oprah, JK Rowling, Warren Buffet and Bill Gates. Learn how to discover, build and position your personal brand to live a truly memorable life when you grab your copy of Brand Yourself.

While Whitney Houston’s story has ended, may be too soon. The fact remains that a generation heard and was moved by her voice.  Her voice has faded but the memory remains of her beauty and the often difficult life of celebrity highlighted in the movie, Body Guard and the reality show, Being Bobby Brown.

I am moved by the memories her songs invoke and I am sad that so much potential, promotion and further opportunities were lost due to her inability to conquer her drug addiction that drew her away from her calling and platform. Despite the incredible success of her singing career we see a women still craving love, struggling with self doubt and self worth issues and losing the battle of self will to addiction.
Here are some interesting facts about Whitney that tell of a remarkable life incomplete:

• Born into Gospel Royalty, her mother Cissy Houston, was a gospel star. Dionne Warwick, her cousin, and  Aretha Franklin was her God mother.
• Begun performing in Church as a soloist at age 11.
• Won six Grammy awards included one for record of the year – for a cover of Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You, and another for album of the year for The Bodyguard.
• 1987 – Released the album Whitney. She becomes the first female to debut at No 1 on the Billboard charts. The album includes hits I Wanna Dance With Somebody and Didn’t We Almost Have It All
• 1991 – Sings the Star Spangled Banner at the Superbowl. It is so popular it is released as a single and shoots to No 1 on the charts.
• After 9/11 the song becomes the first benefit song for victims.
• 1992 – Stars in the Bodyguard with Kevin Costner. I Will Always Love You becomes her biggest hit. The movie grosses more than $400 mill
• 1992- Marries bad boy singer Bobby Brown and descends into life fueled with drugs.
• 1993 – Gives birth to daughter Bobbi Kristina
• 1998 – Whitney was a strong opponent of South Africa’s apartheid rule and lobby’s for the release of Nelson Mandela with a benefit concert in London.
• 2000 – Sold over 170 million records before descending into a very public battle with substance abuse.
• 2001 onwards – Drugs continue to impact on Houston’s career ; concerts and appearances are canceled
• 2005- Viewers are stunned at the shocking contents of the reality show Being Bobby Brown exposing Houston’s habits and unhappy marriage.
• 2007 – Divorces Bobby Brown
• 2010 – In an interview with Oprah Winfrey she said by the time The Preacher’s Wife was released, “(doing drugs) was an everyday thing. I wasn’t happy by that point in time. I was losing myself.”
• 2012 -Dies on the eve of the 54th Grammy Awards. Stars offer many tributes to Houston personally and within the Awards Cermony, including:
• Kelly Rowland said Houston embraced and encouraged young female performers. “We lost our hero … I hope she knows how much she impacted, not just music, but the world.”
• Billy ray Cyrus said Houston “sang the backdrop of our lives”. “She really was the soundtrack of a lot of the emotions and storylines and different moments that we went through. She’s been singing the songs that we all were living.”
• Mariah Carey wrote, “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend … She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.”
• 2012 – Jennifer Hudson sings a Whitney Houston medley at the Grammy Awards as a tribute.

Jump the Q! And Brand Yourself for a life of purpose! Your personal brand should reflect your abilities and potential. Rachel Quilty, Personal Brand Strategist, known as ‘the Authority’ on personal branding and author of must- have book ‘Brand Yourself’. Go to http://www.JumptheQ.com.au for FREE strategic branding  tips. Rachel encourages Jump the Q clients to think strategically when developing a personal brand to get that job offer, gain that promotion or win that client.

Jump the Q assists you to strategically and systematically leverage your professional profile and build your personal brand to become the authority in your industry. Get your free personal branding tactics and tips at http://www.brandyourselfblueprint.com

We assist you to develop your Personal Brand Strategy by:
- Discovering your purpose.
- Designing your best personal brand.
- Devising a personal marketing plan.
- Developing your Signature Brand.

Copyright permission: You have permission to use this article by respecting the copyright by publishing the entire article as it is with no changes and by agreeing to include the above reference at the end of the article, or where you quote the author in which case please include the authors name and company name. In the event you wish to use any or all of this content please advise Jump the Q.

1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Walethia Aquil
Phone: 810-732-2198
Email: walethia@graceandcharm.com
URL: http://www.graceandcharm.com

Announcing the Who’s Who Among Women in E-commerce for 2012

Walethia Aquil, CEO of Grace and Charm and the Creator of the Grace and Charm Success System named among The Top 100 Women in E-Commence.

Fort Lauderdale, FL(Tuesday, February 7, 2012). WE Magazine for Women and Women in Ecommerce are excited to announce the list of 100 Women in Ecommerce for 2012. These accomplished women are as different as their professions and ages (from early 20’s to late 60’s). These 100 Women in EcommerceTM represent their industries and professions as artists, astrologers, authors, internet marketers, photographers, coaches, consultants, manufacturers, clothing designers, inventors, event planners, personal trainers and everything in between. Some of the women have been in business for more than 20 years and others as few as two years. And what does each of these women have in common? They all promote their products and services on the Internet. Successfully.

According the Heidi Richards Mooney, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, “The women WE chose are considered to top in their respective professions and industries. Some are household names and some are known to a small niche of business owners and people they serve. Some were suggested to us by our readers and others we have been following online for years. We are delighted to showcase Walethia Aquil to our readers and the world as the 2012 Who’s Who Among Women in Ecommerce for 2012.”

Walethia Aquil is a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington.  Walethia  helps you build a new kind of wealth,“Social Capital” by equipping professionals and other service providers with training in proper business decorum and protocols in a step by step system that is specific to getting results in a competitive marketplace that gets results.

Now you can position yourself to never miss an opportunity due to fear, indecision, doubt, or lack confidence.  Learn how you can move from ‘Invisible to Impeccable’, visit Grace and Charm today.  Have an image or etiquette question email Walethia at: info@graceandcharm.com, direct number 1-810-334-5427 or 1-866-610-3746.

You can read more about these women in our latest issue:
About WE Magazine for Women: WE Magazine is published by The Women in EcommerceTM an organization that has been helping women do MORE business on the WEB since 2001. To contact the publisher, write Heidi Richards Mooney at P.O. Box 550856 ~ Fort Lauderdale, FL 33355-0856, call her at 1-954-625-6606 or visit: www.wemagazineforwomen.com.
Contact Heidi Richards Mooney, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief www.WEMagazineforwomen.com

heidi@WEMagazineforWomen.com 954-625-6606