Renee's comments

I agree that a face is always great...but some people are camera shy, or like me, can never seem to find a picture that they are happy enough with to post.

I need to change my pic, but this is probably the best pic I have taken recently. I have yet to find another one that I can deal with.

What really gets me is when there is "nothing" where a pic should be. At least a logo is better than nothing.

Hi Dwayne: I love a sale...we all do. However, exploitation is exploitation...no matter how nicely you package it. If you look closely, you will see that this has nothing to do with the pay standards of these African countries...but everything to do with violence, greed, and what almost amounts to forced labor (slavery). Often the employees are not there by choice, but because they are tricked or even forced to work in this trade. They are controlled by fear and violence...so they work and keep their mouths shut. It is a truly sad situation. De Beers is aware of it and does nothing but prosper from it.

Justin....U R correct!! I am always willing to help a fellow Biznik'er!!!

Waiting for Justin to come to town so I can show him around too!

I am considering hosting an event this way....and also introducing some friends to Biznik soon. Hooray....!!!

Don't forget about Me, Justin. LOL

I swear...you are like a pinata just full of ideas!!

I have used Prosper and it is a great site. Who needs banks when we all have each other??? Awwww...... LOL

I do not buy diamonds! It saddens me when I see all of those Hollywood types and rappers with all of that stuff on them. I have never been to Africa, but would love to visit. I have known about DeBeers and the diamond trade for quite a long time and because of it, diamonds have been added to my personal list of boycotts.

Also, I totally agree that Djimon Hounsou was the LEAD actor in the movie. He is an awesome actor...one of my favorites. I was happy to see this movie made, however, it didn't seem to make too big of a difference. The actors and rappers still wear the "bling".

Another wonderful movie filmed in and about an African country recently is Hotel Rwanda...but again.....look at Darfur now. The movie was made, saddened some folks, and then they went back to their own lives.

Best to you Brian, RENEE

Hey Alton:

I am from Chicago too!! I would love to get a Biznik Happy Hour going out here, but as a somewhat newbie myself, I am not sure how. Maybe Lara can give us some tips and we can work on this together. I also know Tracy Wallace, so we can invite him (but I think he is busy all the way thru football season LOL). Anyway, let me know what ya think???

Welcome to Biznik and hope to hear from you!! RENEE

Wow...Congrats to MOM and Happy Birthday to her too.

I am grateful for having the best family in the world! I have a sweet and supportive husband, and I have an intelligent and awesome 13 year old son.

I home school my son and I work from home as a virtual assistant. It is so great to be able to be home, take care of my home, teach my son, and still bring in an income.

It is easy to tell that you are a wonderful influence on your children because I can tell how much you love and appreciate your mother. That is great!!

Nice to meet you and I wish you THE BEST!

Well, I am a type 7: enthusiast...but it is even with a type 2...probably because I am a woman, wife, and mother. I am sure you will agree that most women have some type 2 in them because we are raised to be caregivers and martyrs for our families. But....I think type 7 is totally ME.

I score a 7 equally on type 7 and type 2, but only a 2 or 3 on all the others. Does this mean I am not "balanced?" If so...I am sure my family will agree. LOL

Hello Jeff and welcome to Biznik. I am fairly new myself, but found everyone to be helpful, warm and very friendly. I have not found any new clients yet, but have made many contacts and have had a few inquiries about my services. I am sure you will love it here. Best of luck in your business and take care.

RENEE

I work (very) part-time at a local charity here in the Chicago area and I head up all of the fund raising and fund raisers. Without the help of local businesses and their generous donations of gift certificates, items, or even food, we would never be able to help the amount of families and individuals that we help. I think that donations are a win-win for the business and the charity. It is a great way to show your community that you care about the causes and also a wonderful way for the charities to make much needed funds.

Good for you!! I am sure you will be happy with this decision.

RENEE

Have you tried Melaleuca products? I used to be a representative, and I enjoyed the products very much. Too bad I am not a rep anymore because I would send you some free samples. Look up the website melaleuca.com and see how much safer and environmentally friendly they are than most brands. Also, the dish washing and laundry soaps work excellently.

RENEE

Hi Brian:

I am sorry that this posting may be a bit off topic, but I work closely with the building trades here in Chicago...so out of curiosity, how are the trades doing out there in Washington?

Secondly, we are in the process of finishing our home theatre my husband and I built and I am interested Lutron. Can you please provide me some information on the product and what are the costs of something like this?

Thank you and I wish you the best.

Hello Karen:

To me, wellness is a state of being physically and mentally relaxed. It is also the ability to get into a relaxed state when you are mentally or physically stressed. In order to find this lucrative "wellness" one must not neglect the body or the soul. It is more than vitamins, but also breathing, eating, and learning to forgive and move on.

Best of luck to you.

Brianna advised me to set up a myspace profile for my business. While I have used myspace in the past to meet up with old friends and to meet new friends, but never thought of it as a business tool. However, once I saw Brianna's profile, I realized that myspace could be used for more. My profile is new but it is a work in progress. I'll keep you updated on how well it works.

www.myspace.com/remotelyvirtual.com

Wow...40,000 people! That is awful. The economy is on shaky grounds right now. We too are having to tighten our belts. I hope we can get past this and move onto a better market soon.

The Colbert Report had a really funny take on this. If you haven't seen it, see if you can find August 21st episode on YouTube.

That is so exciting!!! Wish I was in the Seattle area so I could stop in and have a bite. I wish you the best.

OK...here is my "tagline"

I'm a Virtual Assistant: Your business is my JOB!