4 Awesome (Free) Quote Pic Sites

Quote Pics. Those awesome, eye catching branding tools that are the hot thing in social media. You've seen them on Facebook, Pinterest,  and as Twitpics. Why are quote pics awesome? Because they're attention grabbers. And they are more likely to be shared than a regular status update on Facebook. More shares equals more exposure. More exposure equals more leads. And lets face it, we all need leads to make sales to pay the bills. So. You're probably wondering how you can make some of your own. Well have no fear. Here is a list of my favorite quote pic sites. These sites are easy to use and there's no sign up required.

1. Pinstamatic - The options on this site are kinda limited. But you can see how the quote will look in real time just by clicking the thumbnails above the text box where you enter the quote. Just make sure your quote isn't too long on this one. To save, just right click and save image as...

Sample pic:

2. Pro Writing Aid - More options than Pinstamatic. Just enter your quote and click the "Create Quote Images" button. If you don't like what's offered, just click the button to create more images. Don't make the quotes too long on this one either. The one quibble I have with this site is that every time you press the button, the previous quote pics go away. To save, just right click and save image as...

Sample pic:

3. Quote Pixel - Even more options. I like this one a little bit better than Pro Writing Aid because when you click the "Create Quote Pictures" button, new pics are added without taking away the previous ones. So if you press the button ten times, just scroll down the page to see the pics from when you pressed the button the first time. But overall, a very user friendly site. Some may view this as a downside, but every pic from QuotePixel has their url at the bottom. But hey, its free. To save, just right click and save image as...

Sample pic:

4. Behappy - Want a little bit more control? Behappy is the place for you. Super user friendly, this site offers you the chance to pick the font and background. They even give you a chance to add symbols. When you're down, just click the download button or just right click and save image as. Added bonus, you can make a Facebook cover as well

Sample pic:

Now if you're wondering where I get all my quotes from, my favorite quote site of all time is Brainyquote. They have hundreds, probably thousands of quotes sorted by topic or author.

So here is another reason I like these sites more than the other ones out there. Notice how on all of these pics my website is listed? Not every quote pic site has that capability. Think of it as a away to make more marketing dollar stretch a little bit further, especially when your quote pic gets shared or retweeted. So, do you have a favorite site you like to use? Drop your comments below!!!

Quote of the Week

If you want to change attitudes, start with a change in behavior.
William Glasser

How are you perceived? Are you a go getter? Are you a slacker? Are you a self starter? Are you the leader? Are you a good worker bee? Are you excellent? Are you average? When you meet someone for the first time, do you come across as engaging or off-putting? Once you are perceived a certain way, it can be difficult to change that perception. But it can be changed. 

The way to change the way you are seen be others is to change your behavior. Here's an example. I had a friend who worked in the IT industry. She was very smart, but very quiet. She had also been passed over several times for promotions. One day one of the team leads pulled her to the side and explained some things to her. The lead explained that she was getting passed over because the perception was that she was happy where she was. She was viewed as a hard worker, but not very aggressive in furthering her career. That was a life altering conversation for her. Soon after, she went to her manager and expressed her concerns. She began to speak up more in team meetings. Soon she was moving further up in the company. But notice that her behavior had to change before everything else started happening. SHE had to be the one to change before those around her changed how they saw her. So what are you doing to change the attitudes around you? 

3 Reasons You Need to Find a Niche

Many, many, moons ago when I was working on my Master's, one of my professors mentioned the importance in finding a niche. He said, "If you do nothing else, find a specialty, a niche. There are tons of therapists out there, and you want to be able to stand out in the crowd." He was right. People pay for expertise. They want to be able to find the right person to help them as quickly as possibly. For example, a person who suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder would probably want to see someone who specializes in treating that disorder due to certain techniques that are effective for treatment. Why would he waste time with someone who treats general conditions. So, here are some reasons why you need to find a niche

1. Jack of all trades is master of none - That is a true saying. You can be good at a lot of things, but what do you want to be known for? Do you want to be none as a good programmer, or as the best app developer in the biz? Focus on whatever niche you are passionate about, and become the best at it.

2. Stand out in a crowd - When companies are looking to staff projects, they are typically looking for specific skill sets. And let's face it, the economy is pretty bad, so companies can afford to be picky. they are looking for someone who can walk in and get the job done on time and under budget. So when you submit your resume or proposal to be a consultant on that project, what can you show that makes you stand out from the crowd? For example, there are many software developers out there. But if a company is looking for someone who is a LAMP expert, and you don't fit the bill, you won't get the call.

3. Increased income potential - I know, I know. You think that if you focus on a niche, that you won't have as many opportunities. Not true. Having a niche actually can increase your chance for opportunities. If you are a consultant and are seen as the leading expert in your niche, then you can negotiate from a position of strength. And that's always a good position to be in. Here's another way to look at it. If the niche you have mastered is in demand, and there are a limited supply of people available in your niche, prices increase. If you don't have a particular niche, and what you do in general is available in high supply, prices decrease. See how that works?

Now that you know the reasons to find a niche, what are you going to do going forward? Start with some research. What are the in demand skills in your profession? Identify your passion. What excites you about doing what you do? Finally, identify your target market. What segment of the population needs your services? Need some assistance with identifying your niche? Seek help. I can be reached at truechangelifecoach@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Image courtesy of Master isolated images at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Knowing When to Fire a Client

A business thrives on attracting and maintaining clients. But every once in awhile, you come across a bad client. You know the one. Never satisfied. Never listens. Pays late or not at all. Don’t get me wrong. As much as possible keep the customer happy. But there are times when you and the client are not a good fit. That’s ok. If you have a quality product or service, then there will be other clients who will appreciate your work. So don’t get into a tug of war with a client who is not right for you. Let them go. But also give a referral to someone who may better suit their needs. That’s just good customer service. In the meantime, here are a 3 signs that will let you know it may be time to fire a client.

1. They are overly rude or critical: Even though they are coming to you for a product or service, you are still a human being, not a doormat. However, never be rude in return. You are a professional. Be very polite and say, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can continue to assist you. I wish you well.”

2. They show a lack of commitment: Lack of commitment can include being habitually late or showing up unprepared to conduct business. This is especially true if you work in the services industry. Time is money. Your time is valuable. Don’t waste it on someone who is not putting in the same effort you are.

3. They pay late or not at all: You’re in the business of making money. If your client isn’t paying you, why are they your client? You have bills, too. If a check bounces, never take another one from that client unless it’s a cashier’s check.

Remember: you are not for every client and not every client is for you. Don’t be ashamed to walk away. But walk away the right way. Always remain professional, and if possible, refer to another provider. Until next time!

Procrastination Kills

Procrastinate - To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness. To postpone or delay needlessly. From the Latin procrastinare. Pro - forward, crastinus - of tomorrow. 

What are you putting off until tomorrow? Are you waiting until the right time to start your own business? Get married? Have children? What's stopping you from pursuing your dreams now? You are. You are listening to that voice in your head that says, "You're not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough." Take control of the voice in your head. Start telling yourself you are good enough. You are smart enough. You are pretty enough. 

I used to work in nursing homes. I can't tell you how many times I sat across from a patient who regrets waiting too long. They got trapped in the belief that there is always tomorrow. Some waited too long to settle down. Some waited too long to have children. Others never pursued their dreams because life got in the way. Newsflash...Life always gets in the way. You will always have that bill that needs to get paid. Kids need braces. The car breaks down. You lose your job. Things happen. Don't let that be an excuse to keep procrastinating. Get off your butt and get to work. Start laying the groundwork today so you can get that promotion, or start your own business. Stop thinking you have to know everything to get started. We live in a world of Google, Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. If you don't know something, trust me someone has a blog or video about it. And you can probably reach out to them on Facebook or Twitter. 

Remember that you only have 6 months left in 2013. It's time to stop procrastinating and take one step forward. And continue stepping until you reach your goal. 


Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net