Networking to Grow Yourself and Your Business

Networking is defined in the Dictionary.com as:

–noun a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest: Working mothers in the community use networking to help themselves manage successfully.

Until recently I never really realized to what degree I have been living this definition. It seems as though my lifestyle has always been about networking. Everyday when I get out and about, chat on the phone or just simply walk my neighborhood, I am networking in one form or another. It’s so simple that we never really even realized that what we have been doing all these years is networking until someone in the professional world put a label on it.

As a business owner, I suppose I’ve always known the benefits of a more structured networking opportunities. Through the years, I’ve learned that it’s not necessary for me to pay annual membership dues to join a formal networking club. Nor do I have to succumb to the “old boys’ network” of civic and political networking. I had sampled such networking opportunities and found them to be old fashioned, expensive, regimented and somewhat limited. That is not at all what I was looking for in a networking group.

Remember the thrill you get from an amusement ride, that rush of adrenaline, the utter excitement. That is how I feel when I play an instrumental part in bringing together people who might otherwise be total strangers. Because I’m a business owner, it especially rewarding to network with other like-minded professional women.

I’m so grateful to have found The Joy of Connecting, a women networking group exclusively for women professionals and female business owners. This monthly experience has opened new doors for me with like-minded women professionals.

The Joy of Connecting is...

• a wonderful gathering for business owners, entrepreneurs, professional women and guests. Unlike other groups, there is no membership requirement.
• committed to spreading joy, support and genuine connections. We dedicate our open hearts to welcoming, nurturing, supporting and respecting women in all areas of their lives. This monthly gathering is different, rewarding and fun for all attendees!
• open to any women interested in building relationships, expanding her business, promoting a cause, or helping others grow! There will be only one women per company or business category present at each gathering.
• growing so feel free to invite your friends or forward this message to other women professionals, who also must register in advance. Registration information can be found at http://bit.ly/IpT0c.

Everyday I help others reconnect through healthy interactive play by sharing my business. This entrepreneurial spirit has awakened something deeper. Now, as a member of The Joy of Connecting, I am able to share the gifts of inspiration, collaboration and cooperation and link others who otherwise may have never met.

Last month was our “launch” gathering of The Joy of Connecting Saint Louis. Ten of us have embarked on a wonderful journey to healthy, happy and interactive lives in the Gateway City. There’s so much more room on our ship of dreams. Helping others is a GREAT feeling. Join us and enjoy the ride!

Gather Your Family and Join National Family Game Night on September 23

Each year I discover there are designated days to celebrate some of our favorite things. Most of us can recall any number of the national holidays as declared by an act of congress (Presidents Day, third Monday in February) or those made famous by the card companies (Grandparents Day, September 13). Did you know there is a National Pancake Day (February 24)? Ever hear of National Bring Teddy Bear to Work Day (October 14)? Tell the truth... Were you aware there is a National Honesty Day (April 30)?

The one lesser-known holiday that we will celebrate in our home next week is National Family Game Night. I’ve put a big party sticker on our master calendar where Wednesday, September 23, appears. This is a firm date for me, MDH, and our preschooler. We’ll turn off the television, play some fun party music, have homemade pizza and soda (a seldom-enjoyed beverage treat). I think we may even enjoy ice cream in waffle cones; by far the most requested dessert in our house.

After dinner, each of us will choose one or two of our favorite games to play. We have a large selection of board games, card games, party games, educational games – some are American classics (Monopoly), some are brand new (Picky Sticks). If I were to count, my guess is that we have over 100 games and other fun family activities from which to choose for our family game nights. All of our game choices are a lot of fun to play or they wouldn't be in our collection. In fact, most are 30-minute play solutions so it's quick, too! You probably have your own vault of family games. So take a few out and dust them off. If you want suggestions of our favorites, just ask. I'll send you a list.

You can enjoy your own family game night with or without a national holiday. Start your own family tradition with National Family Game Night on September 23. Then revisit the concept next week, or next month, and so on. Pick the frequency best suited for your family's schedule and make it a new habit to reconnect with the people you care most about through family game time!

Get on the phone, send out invitations, and gather the entire family together for National Family Game Night. Join in on the fun with us and the rest of the nation. After you experience your first National Family Game Night, tell us your stories. I’d love to hear about how you are enjoying game time with your loved ones.

Go play!

Playing the Game Mahjong Helps Persons with Dementia

Recently a study was conducted at the City University of Hong Kong to explore the effect of an activity treatment—Mahjong—on the cognitive functioning of persons with mild-to-moderate dementia. Mahjong is The participants in this study were male and female, medium age of 84 years old, and showing mild-to-moderate signs if dementia. After 16 weeks of playing Mahjong, these persons did in deed improve their cognitive functioning.

“Regardless of frequency of playing, Mahjong produced consistent gains across all cognitive performance measures. … The effects lasted after Mahjong had been withdrawn for a month, suggesting that constant practice is not necessary to achieve therapeutic effect once an initial threshold is attained.”

Those conducting this study concluded that “Mahjong is a viable treatment option for dementia.”

They go on to recommend this form of therapy for dementia patients at the various senior communities. “Because Mahjong therapy basically does not require professional supervision and can be implemented as widely as space allows at a given time, the potential benefits of integrating Mahjong into the daily routines of an institution are enormous vis-à-vis minimal, if any, cost to the institution.”

Do you know of any senior persons who may benefit from Mahjong play? If so, consider paying a visit to that person—with of Mahjong in tow—and challenging them to a game.

There are a great many resources on the web where you may purchase the traditional Mahjong gambling game for two to four players, as imported from Central China, in various decorative cases and ornate styles. The cost of these tile games varies from $55 to $100.

There is a variation of Mahjong solitaire on sale for just $32 this month only at SimplyFun. It is one of four games on sale, our gift to customers during the SimplyFun 5^th Birthday Bash. Now until August 31 you can purchase SimplyFun’s Turtlemania™, a high-quality fast-paced game, based on an ancient Chinese Mahjong game, for 1 or more players ages 6 and up. Best of all, you can play Turtlemania in only 10 minutes.

Turtlemania™, is a mixed up, race to the finish, speed and matching tile game not unlike those used in the study summarized above. Players race to dismantle 136 colorful and uniquely designed tiles by matching identical pairs as fast as you can. The more quickly you make matches, the more points you earn! Turtlemania normally sells for $49, but during SimplyFun’s birthday month it is only $32, a savings of $17!

Shop now at SimplyFun for Turtlemania and other fun original board games, card games, family games and party games, that offer 30-minute play solutions for the entire family.

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information, a service of the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, “An Exploratory Study of the Effect of Mahjong on the Cognitive Functioning of Persons with Dementia” © 2006.

Winds of Fortune: FamilyFun Toy of the Year Finalist!

This just in! FamilyFun magazine has notified us that Winds of Fortune has been named a finalist for their upcoming Toy of the Year Award! Finalists are expected to be listed in their November 2009 issue, with the top ten announced later.

This is great exposure for SimplyFun's newest game!

Two New Game Titles from SimplyFun

Original posted by W. Eric Martin on Jul 22, 2009 at 02:00 PM on Boardgamenews.com.

SimplyFun, the game publisher that employs [home-party] consultants to introduce its games to others, has released two new games: Head of the Herd and Winds of Fortune.

Head of the Herd, for three or more players, ages 8 and up, is a party game in the tradition of Quelf as players must follow the instructions on various cards each time while simultaneously avoiding what’s prohibited by the “Law of the Land” cards. Thus you might have to start your turn by bowing, then complete a task without using your thumbs and while having one hand on the table. Break the law, and you move closer to being eliminated from the game. Head of the Herd retails for $32.

Winds of Fortune, for 2-4 players ages 6 and up, is another entry in the gem-collecting category, but players do so by blowing on a straw to move a ship through a water-filled tray, collecting gems at the various ports they reach. While one player is imitating the North Wind, the others are rolling a die to try to stop her. Winds of Fortune retails for $34.

About SimplyFun

Based in Bellevue, WA, SimplyFun is a direct selling, home party plan company offering original, award-winning, play products for children, families, and adults. SimplyFun believes that play is absolutely essential to a happy, successful, and balanced life. SimplyFun is an active member of the Direct Selling Association. For more information on SimplyFun, its products or becoming a consultant, visit my website or call 314.640.6281.

It's Child's Play!

It’s Back to School, but This Year’s Most Important Lessons Will Be Learned at Home:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states the most important life skills for children to become successful and happy adults are most likely gained in a home where parents and children spend time together in play.*

Here’s what the AAP says about play:

The Trend: Less Free Time

“Currently, many schoolchildren are given less free time and fewer physical outlets at school… This trend may have implications for the social and emotional development of children and adolescents.”

The Solution: Togetherness at Home

“Children are most likely to gain essential traits… within a home in which parents and children have time to be together.”

The Best Interaction: Downtime and Play

“Some of the best interactions occur during downtime–just talking, preparing meals together, and working on a hobby or art project, playing sports together, or being fully immersed in child-centered play.”

*Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, “The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development,” January 2007

SimplyFun 5th Birthday Specials: Last 2 Days for Birthday Week - Request a Catalog

In August, SimplyFun celebrates our 5th birthday and you get the great gifts! SimplyFun's August Birthday Bash promotions are summarized below and game collection suggestions are listed based are these current promotions...

Birthday Week Specials
These specials are good August 3 – 9 Only! PS I can still take your order; putting in a party Tuesday.
Shop now at www.lewy.simplyfun.com. Then email your selections to socdirector@yahoo.com in order to take advantage of SimplyFun's August Birthday Bash offers, as these promotions are only offered when placed on a party order.

Everyday Fun Boredom Buster Ring – ONLY $5!! (No minimum purchase required. This promo was announced to SimplyFun followers on Twitter. I'm extending this promotion to my blog followers.)

Spend $50 or more and purchase one of the following for ONLY $5:
Drive, Somethin' Fishy, or Zing.

August Birthday Month Promotions
Save on these great items now through the August 31:
Turtlemania (tabletop verson of Mahjong) $32 (save $17)
Adventures of Riley: Penguin Rescue $22 (save $10)
Kayak Chaos $19 (save $9)
Tibbar’s Everyday Big Board $17 ( save $7)

Birthday Week is a fabulous way to take advantage of these great games and fun products at drastic savings! Here are a few suggestions for your family or any gift-giving occaions to get the most for your money.

Suggestion 1 Save
Purchase Turtlemania and Kayak Chaos = $51 $26
Then purchase Drive, Somethin' Fishy or Zing = 5 12
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Suggestion 1 Total Savings for 3 Great Games! $56 $38

Suggestion 2 Save
Purchase Turtlemania, Boredom Busters and Tibbar's Everyday Big Board = $54 $28
Then purchase Drive, Somethin' Fishy or Zing = 5 12
-------- -------
Suggestion 2 Total Savings for 4 Great Products! $59 $40

Suggestion 3 Save
Purchase Little Hands/Big Smiles Value Set (4 educational puzzles: Huey,
Lady Bug, Clock & Addition), Boredom Busters & Tibbar's Everyday Big Board = $51 $23
Then purchase Drive, Somethin' Fishy or Zing = 5 12
-------- -------
Suggestion 3 Total Savings for 7 Great Products! $54 $35


Shop now at www.lewy.simplyfun.com. Then email your selections in order to take advantage of SimplyFun's August Birthday Bash offers, as these promotions are only offered when placed on a party order.

Feel free to share this promotion with your fun and games loving family and friends. They'll appreciate your thoughfulness and you'll feel good about spreading the mission!

Wish list too long? I do have a few more August dates open so you can continue to celebrate SimplyFun's birthday all month long. You earn all the gifts in FREE games and other fun products. Just invite your family and friends over for some fun game play. I'll do the rest! You've never experienced a party like this before. SimplyFun is like no other company with an important mission and unique, original and heirloom quality products. Let's chat soon!

Can't decide now? Looking for holiday gift ideas? Do you want a catalog for paging through to help you decide? Send an email to socdirector@yahoo.com with REQUEST CATALOG in the subject line. Include your complete street address and I'll send you our latest SimplyFun catalog. hanks so much for your interest in SimplyFun and promoting the importance of play!