A transformed level of communication is blooming in the form of social networking. President of the International Social Media Association Mari Smith explains, “We can be more intimate with our marketplace, customers and peers. Consumers are re-developing the expectation that companies are going to be more available and respond more quickly– that people are listening.”

Still, many business owners are apprehensive about using sites like Facebook, MySpace and especially the seemingly teen-driven Twitter because they fear it will alienate their older audience and prove a waste of time. The truth is that more and more people of all ages are joining these sites—for the past six months, the average number of sign-ups for Twitter was 6.5 million per month– and studies indicate only 11% are aged 12 to 17. Does that mean you should create a Twitter profile for your business? Not necessarily.

What’s Twitter all about?

Twitter allows users to broadcast 140-character messages, known as “tweets” that other users can subscribe to or “follow.” The service’s users range from publicity-seeking celebrities to family members sharing their schedules with each other. Many enterprising users have found ways to earn money and promote their business by tweeting info on products, services and upcoming events.

Twitter updates are 140 characters maximum. (To give you a frame of reference to how quick and to- the-point a typical ‘tweet’ is, this parenthetical message is 137 characters long.)

To determine if you should be promoting your business on Twitter, ask yourself the following questions:

Who is your audience?

Do the research. What percentage of your ideal clientbase is actively using Twitter? Yes- ‘Tweeting’ information on your products, upcoming events, etc. is an impactful and inexpensive way to keep clients aware of you and your brand—but only if they’re present and listening.

What is your goal?

Too many (or vague) goals and objectives can lead to confusion and wasted-time: It’s much easier to hit your target when you know where it is. Determine what specifically you want to accomplish by engaging customers and colleagues on Twitter. Try to identify one primary reason and a couple of secondary ones to focus on. If you do this, your Twitter marketing plan will be much clearer, including:

•    What you should ‘tweet’ about
•    Who you choose to follow and interact with
•    The type of keywords to track
•    The language you use to communicate with fans
•    The decision of whether you broadcast news, casually converse or both

Twitter is a playful and fun medium; there are many ways to express yourself and promote your business—but don’t forget to clearly define what you want to achieve.

Why is this activity more beneficial to your business than other marketing strategies?

There is no point in signing up for Twitter unless you’re going to use it. Just as you must set aside some time for answering e-mails, making phone calls, etc. you must also allow yourself time to post engaging and impactful tweets. Determine if you have the time available to dedicate to consistent communication with your followers– or if it would be better spent on other marketing endeavors.

If you’ve decided ‘tweeting’ is right for your business, Twitter has a great ‘Get Started’ guide for business owners using the site as a marketing tool. Twitter 101.

Also– Try to learn from the best. By researching how the most successful companies are using Twitter, you’ll recognize strategies and techniques that you can utilize in your social media plan. Check out the Twitter pages for Starbucks, Whole Foods and Tony Robbins.

You should also read through Bestselling Author and Marketing Expert Chris Brogan’s 50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Business for lots of great experience-based advice.

Social networking is growing– and may prove to be a transformed but powerful vehicle for authentic customer service– but before you go all-in promoting your business on a networking site, be sure to weigh the benefits and come up with a plan. The strongest Twitter pages are just like any other marketing campaign—designed to present relevant, valuable information to your audience and become their trusted resource—all while doing something creative and different.

Twitter Terms

DM: Stands for Direct Message. This is a private message sent to a particular Twitter user, not the entire “Twittersphere.”
Follow: On Twitter you can choose to “Follow” people so that their tweets will show up in your newsfeed.
Hashtag: a keyword or term preceded by a “#” symbol that is assigned so searchers can find all posts on that topic
Retweet: Taking a twitter message someone else has posted and rebroadcasting it to provide your followers with valuable and/or entertaining content.

For more information on the language of Twitter, go to http://twittonary.com/.

Among the most popular social networks used by survey respondents– including Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter, Change.org and YouTube—only Facebook and MySpace were used by nonprofits to generate $10,000 or more annually in fundraising revenue with just 1.2% of survey respondents falling into this category. Although this is a recently rising phenomenon, so far most nonprofits are bringing in less than $500 a year via their social networking profiles.

So why aren’t nonprofits thriving on social networking sites? The truth is they are; while they may not be multiplying their dollar intake, they are creating other powerful forms of support for their cause.

Though little direct fundraising happens on social networks, most members of the nonprofit community are becoming cognizant of their value as prospect generators. The power of social networks for non-profits is in engagement. Organizations can engage interest groups in further dialogue for their cause and track interest levels not by the amount of money received but by the number of contacts they create.

For example, when a nonprofit organization has its own Facebook page, they can use the “Causes” application to invite friends to publicize materials on their own profile. Individuals can add a virtual billboard to their profile page indicating their support. Camfed, a 501(3)c nonprofit organization working to provide education and opportunities to African women, has 321, 389 members on their Facebook Cause page at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/72910?m=5e8b17e0. The number of supporters increases every few minutes. Even if half this number invite five friends to the cause, that’s over eight million people who are now aware of this mission.

Note that while their overall donations amount to almost $130,000, Camfed is currently requesting donations to raise a mere $800 from their Facebook community for a specific project. Non-profits tend to focus on high-value donations but sites like Facebook and MySpace instead offer a large number of people the opportunity to donate small amounts and volunteer their time or spread the word.

The Humane Society is another great example of a nonprofit organization using social media to generate interest. Their profiles include videos, polls, blogs, and more. Explore their MySpace page at  http://www.myspace.com/thehumanesociety

Of those surveyed with no presence on social networks, 44.3% site a lack of expertise and 20.5% specified lack of budget as the reason. Just 13.1% indicated that they did not believe that having a presence on social networks was a good use of funds. Most nonprofits are aware of the power of social networking but feel that it takes a degree of skill and time to manage. They’re right. However, all signs indicate that this is not a fad and that new technologies will make it even easier to build a social network.

For now, many nonprofit organizations are using social networking to enhance their relationships with established connections and discover new supporters outside the traditional demographic. As Sean Parker, who helped create the Facebook Causes application insists, “If you can activate a group of people and get some of those people to replicate the process, you’ve got the basis for a movement.”

So what is ‘mastery’ really and how do we begin to achieve it?

George Leonard, Author of Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment–perhaps the most influential text on the concept– suggests that there are five keys to mastering a discipline and uses the words of some historical masters to elaborate:

• Surrender to Your Passion – “When you follow your bliss – the thing that truly electrifies you – four things automatically happen: 1. You put yourself in the path of good luck. 2. You meet the people you want to know. 3. Doors open where there weren’t doors before. And 4. Doors open for you that wouldn’t open for anybody else.” –Joseph Campbell, Author, The Hero with a Thousand Faces

• Practice, Practice, Practice – “I have not failed 700 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 700 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.”–Thomas Edison, Inventor

• Get a Guide – “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” –William Arthur Ward, Author, Fountains of Faith

• Visualize the Outcome – “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” –Michelangelo

• Play the Edge – “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –Mark Twain

Leonard defines mastery not as a goal to be achieved but as an acceptance– and even enjoyment– of the process of learning and growing in a skill. The truth is that the greatest business owners, teachers, artists, etc. would shy away from being referred to as “a master” since in many cases the more one studies and increases their expertise, the more they recognize how much there still is to learn.

In this sense, true mastery may always be elusive because it is constantly changing and evolving: a never stationary target. We may master the use of a particular skill or tool only to have a bigger and better version appear and we begin anew. A more accurate description of mastery as suggested by Leonard is total commitment to the practice of an art or discipline— with absolute dedication and preparation for mistakes and setbacks.

Running your own business is more about personal and professional growth than it is about spreadsheets and bank statements. However, to truly become successful, even the routine tasks must be mastered: Are you responding to e-mails in the most time efficient ways? Are your website policies a hindrance to your potential clients? Does the thought of doing a presentation in front of your colleagues still make you nervous?

There are so many components: the most important thing is to remember that success takes time. You have to chip away at the list and constantly re-learn all the rudiments with the latest tools and technology. You have to absolutely give yourself over to what you love.

Are you prepared to dedicate your time and energy to the achievement of extraordinary things? When actionable skills combine with passion for business, the result is nothing short of a masterpiece.

How do we identify and harness our truest talents to fully realize our potential– and build a high revenue business?

The easy answer is in a single word you’ve probably heard hundreds of times before. While “niche” began in English as “a physical opening intended to house something,” over time, its additional more metaphorical meanings took shape, including “a specialized area of business” or market niche.

Simply put, your niche is where you belong. It’s a position in an industry, market, interest group, etc. that is particularly well-suited to you, your talents and your business offerings. Your ideal niche is one where you are selling a specific, useful “something” to a particular group of people: you become the recognized provider of that product or service and focus all your marketing efforts on the most targeted (and potentially most profitable) audience available.

So how do we find our optimal business niche? In the case of many of those organizers, chances are their “calling” came naturally-or out of necessity. Consider the case of Elizabeth Hagen:

“In 1985 my husband and I had 4 children under the age of 5. We had toys with small pieces, clothes for each child, multi-piece Barbie outfits, health records times 4, not to mention the everyday mail, activities, and menus. This was as close to chaos as I wanted to be. I learned versatile organizing skills and reclaimed control. As family and friends saw the extraordinary change, they asked me to do the same for them…”

Elizabeth took a real-life situation and recognized the need for a solution. Through her action, she discovered her skill and enjoyment for organizing. Once she identified her core demographic, or niche market, she geared her marketing for them and established herself as an expert, thereby increasing awareness and demand for her services from a wider range of clients.

While finding your niche can require a great deal of research—both soul-searching and locating info on what markets are on the rise—you can get started by asking yourself a few simple questions:

What are your talents and skills?

Does your family always come to you when they have a tricky computer question? Have you heard the phrase “You should start a business!” countless times when you showcased something you’ve created or fixed someone’s problem? While you shouldn’t necessarily avoid a venture because you have little experience in that industry, keep in mind that it requires a great deal more hard work to learn a business before you start building it. You’ve got talents available to capitalize on right now.

What do you enjoy?

When asking yourself this question, the best place to start is with your hobbies. Building a business requires a lot of time, money and effort; when you truly enjoy what you do it becomes a great source of energy and inspiration, particularly during the (often difficult) process of laying down a foundation. It’s so important that what you sell and market interests you; trying to motivate yourself to sell something you have no interest in is exponentially harder than being involved in what you love.

What is there a need for?

Once you have identified your talents and interests, consider what’s needed in a particular industry. If you constantly come across the same problem when attempting to enjoy your hobbies, chances are others have encountered it as well. Are you always looking for certain supplies that seem difficult to find? Is their a particular task that is universally disliked and could potentially be outsourced? Mark Twain once wrote, “The secret of success is to find out where people are going and get there first.” Eventually someone is going to come up with a solution: why can’t it be you?

Chances are you have already asked yourself these questions if you have established a home or Internet-based business. Once you have identified what you want to offer, it’s time to market it the right way: your goal should be to become the recognized expert (the go-to person) for that product or service. If you put your name on your business card along with “Virtual Assistant, Coach, Author, Trainer & Graphic Designer” – while your list of skills may be impressive- it still comes off a bit overwhelming. You may come across as a renaissance man– or woman– instead of a specialist.

You have to identify your niche market so you know who to seek out as potential customers; the rest will come later.

1. Ready Responses

Responding to inquiries and repeated basic support requests via telephone and e-mail is a time-consuming task that can be eliminated or automated in a number of ways:

• Create an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page for your website and products. Web visitors who prefer to “help themselves” will find the answers to their questions without having to contact you directly.
• Create text templates that contain the answers to your most commonly asked email inquiries. When you receive a question, simply open your text file and copy and paste your pre-written answer into your email. You can then customize your message for each recipient.

2. Set it and Forget it

Most eCommerce tools offer a variety of ways for you to input information once and deliver it automatically at timed intervals, including:

• AutoResponders – Autoresponders are programmed to automatically send out a predetermined message when a web user completes an action on your site (make a purchase, register for your newsletter, etc.). You invest time and money once to set up the message and all you have to do is update your content from time to time to keep it fresh and relevant.
• Automated Withdrawals/Payments – Paying business-related bills each month can be a time-consuming chore. Most payment processing tools give you the option to set up your account and schedule payments. The money is directly withdrawn the same time each month and, as an added bonus, you never have to worry about late fees.
• Recurring Transactions- If you have monthly dues, membership fees, etc. for your services, you can set up automatic payments through your provider as requested by your clients. You take the hassle of making payments away from your customers, avoid the often distracting subject of money and save valuable time for yourself.

Both Ready Responses and Set it and Forget it tools can reduce the time and effort required to perform repetitive tasks. This kind of technology also reduces errors and by extension reduces costs. However, be sure to remember that it’s simply not possible (and not a good idea!) to automate all of your communications. There will always be customers who don’t want to read through your FAQ’s or who need to discuss each transaction. The fact remains that sometimes you really need a human to help you!

3. Distraction Deterrents

They may seem obvious but simply recognizing and altering certain online behaviors can give you more free time than you think.

• E-mail- While it can be tempting, unless you are waiting for an important message, try not to check your inbox every five minutes—or even once an hour. Chances are the communications coming in can be handled later in bulk rather than one at a time taking you away from your current project.
• Instant messages- While they can be useful for a quick meeting confirmation or clarification question, for the most part it is better to communicate via telephone quickly. It takes longer to have a conversation this way and can lead to confusion later since people usually don’t keep track of information exchanged over IM.

4. Go-to Gurus

Spending too much time maintaining your website, setting up a shopping cart, creating reports, updating your autoresponders, etc? Maybe the best way to free more time is to stop doing it all yourself. More and more virtual assistants are appearing on the scene with the skills to handle all the set-up for you so you have more free time.

Most importantly, remember: to be the most productive in your online business, you need be able to focus. Plan your work and then work your plan each day—and while you’re supporting clients, marketing your products and taking care of daily operations, don’t forget the other important areas of your life like family, friends, health, and hobbies. There will be times when one area occupies more attention, but always, always, always strive for balance!

During the past two decades philanthropy has become a subject of increasing interest — addressing human challenges and strengthening ties between global communites.  A powerful thought movement has led individuals and organizations to take action and improve the social and economic quality of living worldwide. When the bigger picture is in view, the inspired may seek to immediately change the world, or at least the lives of those across it.  Serving the global community is a noble and worthwhile mission but don’t forget those in need right in your own neighborhood.

The proverb “Charity begins at home,” doesn’t end with family and friends. Rather than (or in addition to) participating in global efforts, consider the individuals and groups in your own community who can benefit from your support “right here, right now.”

Many communites have a large number of nonprofit organizations that contribute significantly to the quality of life in that area. These include:

• Social service nonprofits who provide support to families and help individuals become productive members of society.

• Environmental organizations to ensure the health and preservation of all living things within the area.

• Cultural and historical programs to enrich the lives and learning of community members.

• Religious organizations who provide spiritual counsel and contribute significantly to philanthropic efforts.

The bad news is a lot of these local nonprofits aren’t doing so well. Funding cuts for these organizations can impact even the most necessary services– and of course, during times of economic turmoil when contributions are low, the need for these services becomes increasingly high. This holiday season, consider donating funds or time to the organizations that make your community a better place. The rewards are endless; not the least of which is witnessing first-hand what your good works have accomplished.

Why should you support local nonprofits?

• Your local nonprofits channel the funding they receive from your community back into the community.

• Your local nonprofits often have the work of ten people being completed by one or two.

• You local nonprofits’ budgets generally are not big.

• Usually members, volunteers and donors are especially passionate about what they can accomplish since it will directly affect members of their community.

• Most of all, these efforts are helping your community, your family and maybe even you.

Finding a local nonprofit to serve can be a difficult process. You want to make sure that the organization is established and has demonstrated some results based on your expectations. Here are some sites that can help you locate nonprofits in your area:

www.volunteermatch.org – Helps visitors find volunteering opportunities by location and interest

www.idealist.org – Interactive site where people and organizations can exchange resources and ideas and locate opportunities and support

www.handsonnetwork.org – Network of HandsOn Action Centers with projects and programs to equip and mobilize people who want to contribute to timely causes in their community

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to operating business in a manner that is actively aware of the social and environmental impact created by the business. Where CSR may have originally focused on charity as a vehicle to improve company image, now it reflects a broader commitment to improve the lives of all from employees to global communities through ethical day-to-day business practices and social responsibility in all areas of operation.

Other major companies like General Electric and Hewlett Packard have sought to integrate CSR in their day-to-day business over the past five years. And they’re not just doing it to protect our world or ease their conscience. Deborah Dunn, HP Senior Vice President for Global Citizenship explained in a 2006 report, “Some see this work as charity, philanthropy, or an allocation of resources…but to us, it is a vital investment in our future, essential to our top-line and bottom-line success.”

Due to rising concerns about the quality of living worldwide, consumers and clients are looking more and more to do business with socially-sound companies. A bad CSR image has led Wal-Mart to re-brand and re-haul their company. A good CSR image has enabled Ben & Jerry’s to sell relatively high-priced ice cream to more consumers. Those same advantages that big businesses receive from CSR efforts apply to small business owners and solo-entrepreneurs.

A good reputation makes it easier to engage partners, affiliates and other members of your community who will increase visibility and further marketing efforts. The most relevant and talented individuals want to work with great companies that are moral and ethical. The large pay-off here is that happy, engaged partners and employees contribute more to your business efforts and work harder. Shared passion for a cause unites you and your team and allows you to attract and retain the best clients and colleagues for your business.

Some clients don’t just prefer to do business with socially responsible companies; they insist on it. By not engaging in or promoting philanthropic efforts, you are losing that audience immediately. The benefits of corporate social responsibility are significant: from the direct effect on the environment and the community to the less tangible benefits to the business itself. A company that effectively practices social responsibility may achieve lower operating costs, increased customer loyalty, an improved brand image and ultimately more sales.

Here are some tips to implement an effective CSR plan:

Address all aspects of CSR: Businesses that donate funds or time to local charities but pollute the environment on a daily basis are not socially responsible. While they should be applauded for their contributions, it is important to be consistent and recognize every facet of ethical business. Remember: People, planet, then profits.

Have a CSR Marketing Plan: In order to capitalize on your philanthropic efforts, you need to perfect branding, messaging and marketing strategies and coordinate your partners and affiliates. Be sure to publish information on your efforts as much as possible. Social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter can create a following for your cause and drive traffic to your website.

Do the research: Many companies are finding that the upfront costs of implementing systems or practices that are good for the environment or their community creates long-term savings. The ethical choice can also be a cost-saving choice.

Take advantage of team/colleague volunteerism: Collaborative volunteer work not only supports a cause; it also promotes team-building and solidarity between you and other members of your team.

Align the cause with the business: This is not to say that if you sell food you have to stop world hunger. It is more important that the cause align with your client’s lifestyles and beliefs. By leveraging the emotional investment they have in certain causes, you will attract more ideal clients and demonstrate that you share their values.

Links:

www.csrwire.com

www.globalreporting.org

Yet many nonprofits are recognizing that, with the current economy, fundraising in 2009 might not measure up to that of previous years. While this is not the time for charities to panic, it is time for a more realistic and actionable approach to overcoming the financial lull. A well-thought out and strategic marketing plan can help nonprofits boost their donations this holiday season despite the recession. Here are some tips to maximize your efforts:

Acknowledge all supporters
A one-on-one thank-you message may have more impact than a blanket e-mail. However if there are just too many recipients, send a general message and reserve personalized communications for your major stakeholders, sponsors, and contributors. Consider including sponsor logos and company or individual names on your website or in e-mail marketing. For top-tier members, include their logo and a link to their website to provide them with premium exposure to your membership base.

Let donors know that their funds are being put to good use
Nothing moves your donors more than hearing a true story about an individual or group whose life has been changed by your efforts. Include compelling pictures of those you have helped to resonate with your audience as well as statistics to illustrate your success. Whether you are sending an e-mail, newsletter, or holiday card to commemorate the season, it’s important to personalize your supporter’s experience with gratitude and results.

Be as specific as possible about your needs this year
Some donors are more likely to give if they know what project or campaign their contribution will support. Give as much detail as you can about project objectives and how donations of money, goods, volunteer time, etc. will help you achieve your goal. Don’t make your supporters guess what you want from them: they will respond more eagerly if you are explicit about your needs!

Leverage your partnerships to reach target audiences
Consider asking board members, long-time supporters, colleagues, even family and friends if their business or organization would be willing to include a message about your charity in their holiday marketing.

Don’t forget that it’s gift-giving season
If your organization sells merchandise to raise funds, consider making a “Gift Recommendations” page on your website that your marketing references directly. Remember to include a suggestion that gift-givers make a donation in another person’s name or purchase a gift membership to your nonprofit.

Remind your audience their donation is tax deductible
Donors have less than two months to get those last donations in before next year’s tax season, so this is a call-to-action message. Your donors will also appreciate it if you make it hassle-free to collect the documentation they need for their returns.

When funds are short for everyone, it can be difficult to illicit the same level of donations achieved during past holiday seasons. Year-end holiday communications and the spirit of the season can combat the economic lull and ensure your supporters stay eager to give and engage in your mission.

The good news is there is an end in sight. According to a Campbell Rinker survey of 500 donors, only 32% were satisfied with the country’s economic direction last December. In summer of this year, that number was already up to 51%. While the survey indicates that few people expect to give more this year, the improving confidence in the economy bodes well for long-term fundraising efforts.

Overhead, also called indirect expenses, is essentially the cost of running a business. Without some overhead expenditure, businesses would not be able to function; yet overhead does not contribute directly to the generation of profits. The materials used to bring in money– such as products or brochures to increase donations to your non-profit– are direct expenses. Overhead, on the other hand, includes, for example, the cost of the rental space your company uses to do business. The desk you sit it while you work. Your utility bills and travel expenses.

In a for-profit business, overhead can be a serious problem. If a retail store selling clothing pays a great deal for a premium location, it must charge high prices for its stock. Customers may not be inclined to pay those prices since they see no reason for the products to be so expensive. In this situation, the store may be forced to slash prices, which could mean that it barely meets its operating expenses. Carefully determining what the overhead will be is a crucial step in setting up a for-profit venture.

In non-profit organizations, however, overhead can become even more complicated. CEO of Do Something Nancy Lublin, in her article “Good vs. Evil” discusses how “overhead is seen as the devil of the not-for-profit world” and why this can be a misconception. Of course, your benefactors want to know that the funds they donate to your organization are going directly to the causes you support; not to pay your electric bills. And yet your non-profit needs some of that money to function, right?

In an article advising us about charitable giving, “5 Tips on How to Stretch Your Charitable Dollars” published by the AP and picked up by the New York Times and other newspapers, overhead is emphasized:

“Tip #2: EXAMINE CHARITIES CLOSELY. Do the same due diligence on your donations that you would your investments or your business. Pay especially close attention to the overhead. Anything above 9 to 14 percent is out of line and signifies that too much money goes to staff or office space and not enough to the beneficiaries, according to Stephanie Risa Stein, managing director of New York-based Philanthropic Capital Advisors LLC.”

Do we place too much emphasis on that percentage number? Are non-profits that donate 95% necessarily making more of a difference than those that donate 85% or less? Lublin says no: “Low overhead doesn’t necessarily mean an organization is awesome at fighting poverty, or that its turnover is low and its people productive. And it certainly doesn’t guarantee that the group is spending wisely.”

Instead, donors should be encouraged to look at how successful an organization is at accomplishing their mission. Yes, you should still let all investors and benefactors know what percentage of their donation goes directly to your cause. But rather than stress over whether you can function on 10% of your proceeds, think about how to let your audience know who you’ve helped and how. Spend time (and money) creating a resilient foundation and reputation for your organization and that little number will fade into the background.

Lublin uses a case study from her own organization:

“Last year, we spent nearly $200,000 overhauling our website, from the content management system to the architecture to the design. No one likes such expenses on the books: they smell like overhead. But our site no longer crashes, traffic has doubled and we even won a Webby award.”

The old adage “You have to spend money to make money” (or in this case “raise money”) applies. You want your non-profit to be viewed by potential donors and volunteers as a trustworthy, established and professional organization. To create that reputation, you need a stable base and continuous maintenance. Don’t live in fear of overhead. Any organization that spends unreasonably can’t demonstrate real results anyway. Behind every great non-profit, there are rental fees and bills to pay. So stop obsessing about indirect expenses. Keep changing the world- one electric bill at a time.

When not eating meat was a semiconscious/part time decision it wasn’t hard, at all. Then, we saw Food Inc. (a most see for every person on the planet), coupled with a yoga retreat where we had a vegan/vegetarian chef cook for us all weekend (if I only had a personal chef) and well –it went from semi to, “I will no longer eat four legged creatures.” I know, the poor fish….oh, well. I love the Ahai what can I say.

The no eating four legged creature part of the journey has been a tad bit harder. It is amazing how you can’t get an In and Out burger out of your head, when you say, “no more”. Why is this, well damn it, they are just that good. Now, when I just have to have something from In and Out – the good news is French fries and milkshakes are still Ok (not good for me, but ok). You can also get a grilled cheese at in and Out and it is very tasty (I recommend animal style with extra cheese).

However, I have a question for all you vegetarians out there – how do we deal with no more bacon? Is it really a world worth living if there is no bacon? I have purchased some substitutes and have not tried them, yet. I will keep you posted on future writings.

Also, can I just say, I almost had to stop watching Diners Drive-ins and Dives, because it is starting to make this very hard for me. The Mexican place in Salt Lake City – please it looks amazing. I almost cried when he went to Memphis and did Gus’s Fried Chicken (where the daily board says, “daily special, chicken”). Also, rendezvous for Ribs…my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Finally, I have one musing is pepperoni really a meat? True story, I have a very smart friend and she will remain nameless (….) who is a diehard vegetarian. We were talking about the trials and tribulations of this lifestyle when she confessed that she had eaten pepperoni pizza for years, because, she never thought about pepperoni as being a meat…..after we changed our pants after peeing in them from laughter. We ponder the question – is it meat?? The verdict is still out.

I am still new to this journey and I feel compelled to chronicle this, as my hope is, I am not alone.

Until next month – Textured Vegetable Protein for all and to all a good night!