Mandy's Friends - Home

Starting in REI

2007-08-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

Well, off to another adventure, and this time I'm starting off on the right foot - talking with the right people and getting all my ducks in a row first.

"What adventure?" you ask.

"The adventure of real estate." I reply with a smile.

It's going to be a wild ride.

Cancun

2007-04-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

Of all the places I have ever been, Cancun is the most gorgeous of them all. The water is really that blue along the white sand on the beach and the water so warm, you could stay in there all day.

For four days (Apr. 25-29, 2007), I was in Cancun with my aunt and uncle as he was on a business trip and she and I went out touring during the day.

From the Mayan ruins towering over our heads to snorkeling with the tropical fish, I have never seen a more beautiful sight. It's definitely a place I will return to someday as not many places take my breath away - but this place certainly has.

Pic of Joe and Myself

2007-03-10T19:19:00.000-08:00

This is an updated picture of Joe (23) and I (22) together at our new job. It was taken only yesterday, so it's a fairly accurate representation of us.

You can also click on the picture for a larger view.

For those who know me, know I HATE having my picture being taken - so this is a rare treat. Taken by our photographer, co-worker, and friend, Tom, this was an on-the-spot photograph. So, this is us in our normal state. I hope you enjoy. :)

Happy Birthday

2007-02-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

A couple of shout out happy birthday's today are in order! Happy Birthday to Lisa, my b/f's sister, and big Happy Birthday to my own sister. :) Look forward to seeing you tomorrow, hun! <3

Who Reads Your Blog

2007-02-01T23:33:00.001-08:00

The interesting part about a blog is that anyone and everyone has access to it. People who you want to read it, people you don't want to read it, and many you may never even have met before. The openness of the internet blogging should make you very mindful of what you write (and perhaps more importantly) what you don't write online. This applies to anyone, the young (especially the young), the old and everyone in between. I certainly know I am mindful of what I write on this blog. ;)

Different Section

2007-01-30T17:37:00.000-08:00

I've decided that this is more of an entrepreneur thing, so go check out that section to find out more.

30 Day Plan

2007-01-27T11:09:00.000-08:00

So, instead of shooting the breeze and talking in theory, I've decided to challenge myself (and you!) to a 30 day plan. The rest of the year can seem far away and overwhelming to plan for. However, the next 30 days, the rest of this month & into next month, you can plan how to make the next 30 days more productivity (bigger picture for expanding) and less activity (busy work).

Whatever business you're in, there are things that can be outsourced and things you must do yourself. The biggest one I see that people do themselves is customer support and that is one that can definitely be outsourced. Whether you're starting up or in business already, we can make the next 30 days to be more productive to expand our business and focus on expanding it and less on the daily busy work.

Setting Up for a New Year

2007-01-12T05:18:00.001-08:00

The new year is a time for setting resolutions (and often breaking them a few months later!).

You should also look into resolutions of how you manage your own company. Read this article I found on it and take action to make yourself a better CEO this year.

Here’s my 2007 prediction:

You will make more money in 2007 on the Net than you have ever made in the past.

How?

By changing your perspective. This year, you will see yourself and act like the CEO of your own Virtual Real Estate Company.

Too often, you tackle problems as a web designer, an SEO, a programmer, a geek, a blogger, a content creator, a designer or a hacker. This is where you go wrong.

If you want to make the big bucks in 2007, you will have to see yourself and become CEO / President of your Internet Company. You are the Boss, the manager, the deal maker, and the head hancho.

As the President, your time is extremely valuable. As such, you need to automate every task that can be automated. This particular task will vary from company to company, but repetitive operations must be automated for you to free up more time to run your company. Throughout the day, you will be asking yourself “How can this task be automated?”

Every task that can be performed cheaply by someone else, should be. How much time do you waste per day on things that could be performed by someone for $500 per month? Stop and think about it: If you are performing a task that can be done by someone that normally makes $20 per day, how much money can you expect to make doing that same task? Create jobs, get employees, get contractors and free up your time for doing what needs to be done: running your virtual real estate company. You need low cost lackeys to do your low brainwork tasks. With every task, you will ask yourself “Can I outsource this task to someone else for less money than my time is worth?”

Unless you are heavy into PPC, you should not be checking your stats more than once per week. It’s a waste of your time. Let’s face it, if you got 46,000 uniques on one of your sites one day, 45,500 the next day and 47,000 the next, that doesn’t really matter. As the CEO, you don’t have time to waste looking at stats that simply don’t matter. Unless you are going to change your basic strategy, you are throwing away hours per week that could be spent on outsourcing, automation, and advertising.

This year you will focus your time on things that make you money. Throughout the day, you will be asking yourself “Is the task I’m doing right now going to make me more money?” If it’s not, you will think about how to eliminate that task from your routine to increase your productivity.

Finally, this year you will make a greater effort to surround yourself with winners. You will develop a network of like-minded individuals around you that know how to make money on the Web. You will have less time for people who waste your time and will make a greater effort to network with people who “get it.” Unlike in years past, this year you will actually make the effort to stay in contact with, do business with, and associate yourself with winners.

That’s how I know that 2007 will be your most profitable year ever.

The source may surprise you, as I stumbled upon this article by accident. Those who know me know SEO is a foreign language to me. However the color of your hat has nothing to do with this; so, go take some action, make better use of your time and OPT (Other People's Time - LEVERAGE!!!).

Laughter is the Best Medicine

2007-01-12T04:23:00.000-08:00

Wow, I haven't taken the time to just sit and laugh for awhile and I didn't even realize how much I missed it until I just did it.

This is one of may favorite videos I've found tonight and I'm happy to share it with you. A baby's laughter is the best medicine I've found to make me smile. All laughter and smiles are genuine and I love it.

Click Here to get your daily dose of laughter. Enjoy!

Merry XMas

2006-12-25T01:29:00.000-08:00

Merry XMas, everyone! May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmas's be white.

Eragon

2006-12-16T05:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, this was a pretty good movie. It went from Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings - and that pretty much sums it up. My sister, her friends, Joe and myself all went to the movie on opening night and it was a blast. A little short, but a good movie all-in-all.

Happy Birthday Mom & Gma

2006-12-13T22:20:00.000-08:00

December 10th is gma's birthday and the 13th is my mom's. What a wonderful month! I've finally got some pictures to show you of gma's birthday party! I hope you enjoy!

This was no quick cake and run. There were so many people here, and she knew everyone. All of these pictures can be clicked on to see larger images of them.

Kim, I'm not sure what you're doing there - hun. :P

Both young and old came, many I didn't know from the old country and many of her old friends. It was nice to meet them too.

After eating, Eric was our Master of Ceremonies for the night and talked about gma's life. He also introduced a 20 minute 'picture and sound show' (slide show) that Edie and family worked very hard on. Kudos to all who helped with pictures, info and sound - it was great.

After the slideshow, it was time for desert. Edie got a rare treat indeed. Finding a true Danish baker, she got this conjered up. The 0 (circular) shape is to represent when people's ages land on 10, 20, 30, 40, and most certainly 80. It was a real treat!

During desert, it's time again for talking and mingling. Here is my sister and grandma in a nice pose.

At the end of the day - when all has been said and done, it's your family that matters most (and the pictures that will be shown at your 80th birthday party). It was definitely nice to see everyone again.

Happy Birthday, Gma and Mom!

Spending Time with Family

2006-11-20T18:17:00.000-08:00

November is the time to remember and spend time with your family - and that's what I did today. Going home, I spent a nice day with my sister, mom and boyfriend as we ran around town and finally went out to eat at Famous Dave's. It's not a place for vegetarians, but if you're not - you should really check it out. It's a nice change from what's been going on from the rest of the week, that's for sure.

If You're Happy and You Know It...

2006-11-18T05:45:00.000-08:00

Clap Your Hands. *clap* *clap*

The thing is, too many people I know and from what news show on TV - around the world, not very many people seem to be happy. There is always some tradgey that strikes in some part of the world - whether it be natural or man-made.

The one thing in the world you want to be is happy - and it starts with this very question when you are very young "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Most people are asking what profession you want to be when you're older, but no matter the words that slip your tongue, the immediate reaction that comes from the heart is that you want to be happy.

So, listen to your gut reaction more often, less to your head, and think about what makes you happy - and smile. Guess what? You're happy!

Your very thoughts lead to your happiness or demise, and no one can control your thoughts but you. Put yourself in a happy place - and don't forget to laugh! Laughter is the universal medicine that transcends all language and time barriers - and you know what? Laughter makes you happy too. :)

So, be sure to clap along with us "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands! *CLAP!* *CLAP!*"

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-12T05:25:00.000-08:00

This month is the time for love and giving; so, remember to love yourself, family, and friends. Spend time with them and let them know how much you care. Give to those who are less fortunate - be sure to donate food and/or time to those in need. Be thankful for all the good things in your life. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Blog Neglect

2006-11-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I've updated this site. I'll be looking to pick it up again now and hope to keep you entertained with my little ramblings and life. :) Enjoy the ride!

Happy 4th of July

2006-07-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July, everyone in the USA! Well, maybe. If North Korea decides to play nice, we can all enjoy tonight. :)

Amazon.com

2006-06-28T03:34:00.000-07:00

I never thought of Amazon.com very much until I looked into ways to promote some of their products on my sites. The results were interesting.

Not only does Amazon.com have their own affiliate program (which is to be expected), but it seems that a whole industry has spawned from the creation of the easy creation of Amazon affiliate sites. The magnitude of this really boggled my mind.

In fact, some entire sites are based on this concept and have Google PR rating.
Example: DVDPulse.net from Associate O Matic

My suspicion of what's going to happen to 'the little guy/girl internet-marketer' are becoming more apparent as I'm reading "Internet Business Manifesto" and realizing that many, including myself, will have to stop working IN our business and start working ON our business.

New Yahoo Search

2006-06-26T05:13:00.000-07:00

This search style is in the beta stages for Yahoo. It caught my attention on the DP forums and thought it would be cool to share with you..

http://mindset.research.yahoo.com/search.php?p=shakespeare

It's not enough to be #1 in the SERP ranking anymore...

MSN to Buy Out Yahoo!?

2006-05-09T01:18:00.001-07:00

Well, Microsoft is definitely looking up. First with Amazon.com and now talk of buying out Yahoo!.

Click Here to read more about it.

Microsoft is definitely looking to become a bigger player and gain more of the global internet market.

More Good News

2006-04-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

Two very good friend of mine just had a baby! Congratulations to Lucas and Patty Miller! That's so exciting!

Finally, Some Good News

2006-04-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

With all the bad things that happen in this world and the media letting everyone (and their monkey) know about it, it's finally good to see a site that's all about the good news in this world.

Click Here to read some good news for yourself today too. :)

What a Weekend

2006-03-27T22:15:00.000-08:00

That pretty much sums it up. What a weekend.

For past few days, I was in Phoenix at the Rich Dad headquarters and attending a purely educational seminar - learning mostly about REI, but a bit about Business, Paper Assets, and the Internet too. For the weekend, I had the pleasure of spending it with some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet.

I got to meet Robert Kiosaki HIMSELF and so many other people who are on that team and have written other books on my birthday (no one knew that) - the first night we were there. It was totally amazing and the best ever birthday present I could have ever had. The man who wrote the book and inspired it all. Unbelievable.

My head is still spinning from the REI jargon (thanks Les Gee, Spidey, and Russ for helping me out with that!) My head has been twisted around more in the past four days than any time during this entire year. I now realize that I've been thinking way too small.

A quick shout out and thank you to everyone to attended. Everyone brought something unique and valuable to the table and it made for a wonderful group of people.

Erin: Sometimes it takes a real woman to step up to the plate and make it happen. Thank you so much for everything, girlie. You are truely the best.

Russ: With a calm demenor, thank you for helping put together this event and running some Cashflow games and presenting. Congratulations on your success with the B&Bs. Your new baby will be truely fortunate to have such great parents like you.

Les Gee: Russ's (and my) favorite comment: "If it smells like pee, call Les Gee!" He'll tell you like it is and call you stoooopid with a smile. Thank you so much for having REST. It totally made me think outside the box I had put myself in and didn't even realize I was there. It's totally changed my inner bucket and the way I think about leverage. What a great guy.

RDPD HQ: Thank you so much for having us at your headquarters. It was very sweet of you to invite us in and get to spend time with all of you. We are definitely looking foward to next year.

JScottGecko: Or was it cecko? I'm not sure. *grin* Anyway, I'm with ya on the REI making your brain hurt (be careful of that gin!) My head is still spinning from the REI jargon too. You don't need to know that stuff though. You definitely have a great personality and congratulations on your success with internet. You made the biggestest difference for me in helping me think BIG when I do things online. Thank you so much for that.

Steve O.: Well, now we know you're not a girl (24tea)????, you love to dress 'resort casual', and your 'mystery wife' realy does exist. *grin* It's nice to know you dress the way you want and still do the big deals in the game.

SpideyMan: Spidey man, spidey man - does whatever a spidey can. *grin* Where's the suit, the mask and the web? Anyway, it was great to finally meet you after the two years of chatting. A man who knows a good deal when he sees it and takes immediate action. Well done!

CharmedAngel: Thanks for letting me crash with you for the weekend. It was really sweet of you. Your efforts will not have gone in vein as by the end of May, I will start looking into and doing deals (I'm doing some internet stuff first). It's definitely an exciting arena, but with all the REI jargon swimming it my head, it's going to take awhile to fish and sort it all out.

Kimberland: Where's my pic to put up of Kimber? Hehehe. Although I didn't get to chat with you for a long time, it was great getting to meet you and know that all sides of the CF quadrant were being fully represented.

BFLBob and BFLkiddo: What a wit. Oh my, what a great wit. You have the great talent of making anyone put a smile on. Glad to have you two here and see all of us grow with the new ways of Cashflow with playing with each other instead of against each other.

leonvdwalt: Coming from South Africa, your dedication to the Rich Dad philosophy is admirable. Thanks so much for taking pics (even one of JScott cleaning!!! *eek* Definitely looking forward to that one. *grin*) Looking foward to seeing how you're going with the franchise in South Africa.

jonleehacker: Good to know there was more than a couple IM people out there to save me from the migrane of the REI jargon. It was really great to meet you.

It's about 1 AM (and NO, I'm NOT getting up at 7) and I'm going to hit the sack. It's weird. Everyone that was there just seems so much more real now than they were just talking on the forums.

Thank you so much for everyone that helped make this possible and for everyone that came. It's truely made a difference in my life.

The Universe

2006-03-16T00:32:00.000-08:00

You've got your agenda.

I've got my agenda.

Umm... OK, so my agenda is your agenda.

You do have an agenda, Mandy. Right?

Dream on and dream big -

The Universe

Internet Product Reviews

2006-03-04T22:33:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that I'm in the Internet Marketing realm and for those who are looking to get started, I've put together a review site of the top internet marketing related products on the market today. Visit Internet-Product-Reviews.com for a guide on building your own websites, the tools the pros use and tips of the trade.