The new platform is exciting but, it has become a double edge sword!  How in the world can I possibly start an article about a sword?  CremeMagnolia began as a community to promote and market women owned businesses, up close and personal.  We succeeded in that today CremeMagnolia is now ranked just over 1 million in terms of website traffic worldwide.  While that may not sound significant – a Google search using the word “business” results in 1,700,000,000 (that’s 1.7 BILLION) – by narrowing my search to “women in business” Google returned 108,000,000 (108 MILLION) results.  So you see where I’m going here.  However, this article isn’t about sounding the horn and banging the drums, it’s about looking at where we are and where we can be.

Probably the most exciting about our new community is the ability for each Partner to control her content, easily interact with other partners, and in so doing provide herself with additional presence and exposure.  Further, as we move into the future, our current community will grow with us and provide for fewer “growing pains.”  All that said, the community launched but is far from finished.  In the coming weeks you will see design changes on our home page to highlight our Partners, Artists, Relevant Topics, Tools, Pets, Featured Interviews & Downloadable Podcasts.

The most difficult part of my “driving the boat” is keeping all the “wants” in check with the “needs!”  As is often my way, when something starts to gain momentum I run like a banshee to make it better and often learn to regret my whirling dervish!  One such case hit me in the face this morning as it occurred to me that simply because it’s “there” doesn’t necessarily mean everyone knows where “there” is.  Bear with me as I explain a very important aspect of our new Community.

When we changed platforms it was necessary that we move a mountain of material from one database to another.  The first compulsory action by each partner is to sign in and create a password.  What I failed to explain is this is only step ONE. Creating a username and password gives visitors, Partners and casual guests’ access to the Community.   The object is to allow guests to visit our community without necessarily becoming a Partner, which comes with more responsibility but more benefits.  The SECOND compulsory step for every existing Partner is to create a profile. Both of these steps can be easily accomplished using videos and walk-throughs designed to make the process simple (see below for a list of these links).  It was physically impossible for us to enter profile information for each Partner and if you haven’t yet completed a profile please do so immediately as you are not showing up on CremeMagnolia.  All the information, articles, blogs etc., which you contributed on the old site now reside on the new site (in various group categories) – which makes your information searchable once you have created your profile.  The fact that you are receiving this newsletter does NOT guarantee you have already completed steps one and two above – newsletters are generated from a completely separate database and program.

As I began to experience the grandeur of our new Community with its technological abilities, in retrospect I took my eye off the original mission of CremeMagnolia.  Adding a plethora of new programs without the manpower or resources to do so serves no one.   With the Whirling Dervish lesson learned, I’m back on target and our focus and mission is to grow CremeMagnolia by helping our Partners market and promote their companies.  Weekly we will feature one Partner in our newsletter and on our home page.  With a minimal commitment of time, our featured Partner will have her ad placed on the home page and the newsletter; and either an article submitted by the Partner or an interview available as a downloadable podcast.  Our newsletter now has an astounding 70% open rate … so being featured in the Magnolia Wire is a very good thing.  In return for the free advertising Featured Partners must participate in the community, its group discussions, and blogs.  Free really isn’t free but you have to admit, if you’re promoting yourself anyway, CremeMagnolia is a wonderful place to do it!

Now down to the real business.  What can I do for you?  We want to know what you need to make your business grow.  What can the community do better?  We’ve created a new group called “How can I help you?” and we really want to hear what you think.  This is a place where you can vent, comment, criticize, or contribute ideas that will help us all.  If we don’t hear from you, then we must be doing everything perfect.

Have a wonderful week! Karen

Video Links:

This week’s walk-through: How to register on the CremeMagnolia website

Previous Video’s and Walk-throughs:

• How to edit your Profile Page
• How to Add Friends on the CremeMagnolia site
• How to send a Private Message on the CremeMagnolia site

Karen R. Vowell-Mager, Founder & Publisher

There comes a time in every business-woman’s life when she realizes that her body, mind and business demands are not always in sync. Such was the case November fourth when I found myself in the back of an ambulance; an inconvenient interruption to my work-day! I am a model for successful women; not quite 60 but well beyond 50, impressive resume, Poster Woman – accomplished – now in the control of an Emergency Medical Technician. Not one of my finer moments.

Having done so well at demonstrating the facade of strength, I’ve fashioned an image for myself; if within my power “It” whatever “It” is, can and will be accomplished. Maturity should have taught me there are things I cannot do. Prior to the now infamous ambulance (more…)

It is the rare exception that I post a complete reprint of the CremeMagnolia Wire Newsletter. On further thought I felt it important to let our visitors – who are not necessarily subscribers know where we are going and what’s happening with our CremeMagnolia Community. Since the beginning of CremeMagnolia in late 2008, IT- Our Community has become a haven and source for marketing and promotion for women in business, particularly Business Women Paying it Forward. In that vein I opted to reprint the first Newsletter of 2010.

REPRINT FROM THE MAGNOLIA WIRE NEWSLETTER, JANUARY 15, 2010

Karen Mager, Founder & Publisher, CremeMagnolia

Happy New Year and what a YEAR it promises to be! This is my first communication for the New Year and my brain is moving faster than my fingers! First let me say how thrilled I am to announce big things going on at CremeMagnolia – all designed to increase your business in 2010!

Our community has grown far beyond my expectations and the mission to help women in business is even more steadfast than I thought possible. We are an (more…)

To make a long story short, years ago I was a blond from the Magnolia state (Mississippi) who sold art under a pseudo name.  I’ve always loved the name, and well, it best describes me.

What’s in a Name?
CremeMagnolia has Partnered with experts and emerging experts – read all about them in our Magnolia Partners section.  Feel free to contact our Partners, check out their websites & blogs and best of (more…)

Today is a great day to start Christmas shopping at some of the best online stores.  Here are the CremeMagnolia picks for family, business associates or YOU!  We look for the best deals for the CremeMagnolia Community!

Zappos Gift Cards make great gifts this holiday season!

Limited Time Offer – Get Your First 3 Months at Audible for $7.49/month!

Visit The CremeMagnolia Amazon Store!
You can choose from several products, or click on the Amazon Logo and access the entire Amazon Site!

Help keep CremeMagnolia an open and Free site by shopping with our advertisers.  We will continue to look for the very best products, services and prices.