Just because there are some challenges in the market, doesn't mean people aren't selling or buying homes in metro Atlanta. Real estate deals in metro Atlanta are still being made every single day. Veda Wood, one of our resident experts and business celebrities, shares some inside information about her real estate success during this time which is still ripe with opportunities!

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I've discovered that many people are still confused about the difference between advertising, marketing and publicity. When it comes to positioning yourself as a business celebrity, knowing the difference between these three terms will be essential to your success.

Simply put, advertising uses various forms of media, i.e., print ads, radio, billboards, TV commercials, etc., to let people know who you are. In other words, advertising is about making you, your product, or service known to the public.

Publicity, on the other hand, is an act or device designed to attract public interest or public attention. It takes advertising a step further by bringing you, your products and services to life, via write-ups in newspapers/magazines, promotional giveaways, sponsorships, radio interviews, an article where someone else endorses you or your product, a spot on the six-o’clock news or CNN etc., which increases your name recognition, educates the public, and thereby helps to promote your brand. And marketing…it’s a combination of the two aforementioned functions in order to move your goods and services from producer to consumer.

So…when it comes to making a name for yourself/business and reaching potential customers, advertising and publicity are still a perfect blend! They hold hands like two people walking down a deserted street. Neither should let go of the hand of the other. If designed effectively and positioned correctly, advertising can leave a pleasant reminder for the consumer long after the publicity is gone.

Yes…like most things in life, your publicity train will eventually come to a slow pace and you’ll need to speed it up again. But advertising, with the right medium can last for years and years. Our publication has proven this point again and again. Consumers still call our office with editions as far back as the year 2000 looking for additional businesses to patronize. Imagine that...getting business from a publication printed eight years ago.

Now, that's the power of advertising!

Everyone knows that entertainment and business celebrities generate a lot of revenue. I believe all business owners who adopt the “celebrity model” can boost their businesses to the next financial level.

Jim Rohn, a titan in the speaking business once said, “No matter what goals you set in life, there will always be some simple things you must identify - and do - along the way.” For instance, if you want to lose weight, you’ll have to cut back on saturated fats and sugar - drink lots of water – exercise - and add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Do these things and, like magic, the pounds will begin to melt away. If you want to be a better spouse, you’ll need to spend more quality time with your mate and family - help out around the house - and be more respectful of your spouse’s time. If you accomplish each of these interim goals, you’ll reach the larger one, too.

Your business is no different. Setting and reaching a few simple interim goals can lead you to the larger one – a recognizable business that soars above all others in your field. Here are a few simple tips that can make a huge difference.

First of all, remember the words spoken by the famous actor, Don Cheadle: “… mediocrity is what’s rampant, but excellence is rare.” Always produce a quality product. If you’re sending emails, make sure your document is well written. If you’re printing T-shirts or publications, use top-notch images or photography. Your attention to detail speaks volumes about you and your business. Quality always beats quantity - and your prices can reflect your demonstrated expertise and concern for your clients. Just ask Porsche or Rolls Royce.

Secondly, if you advertise in print, spring for a full page or cover so that you’ll leave a large and lasting impression. Most business owners are satisfied with business cards or quarter-page ads. To achieve celebrity status for your business … a full page is a must and repetition is the key.

The third tip that can help you become a business celebrity is to fall in love with taking risks and though you may be afraid to step out into the unknown, do it anyway. You’ll separate your business from the rest of the pack when you take just one extra step. You don’t have to run an entire extra mile. Trust me, you can soar above the crowd by doing a little bit more. Most people would rather remain comfortable with where they are, rather than move forward. So … take a risk with one extra step and you’ll get some attention. Always remember, succeeding in business is all about taking risks.

My fourth tip for you is to promote your business as an expert source. You know your strong points. Accentuate those attributes. Write them down. Keep them in front of you when you're talking on the telephone. What makes you an expert? Why do they need your product or service? Develop a catchy slogan or jingle and make sure you have a great logo and website design.

Tip number five: stick to your niche. It is better to dig one deep well than many shallow ones. If you’re in the printing business, for example, set goals to increase your business progressively. You might start with your own printing press and progress to offering graphic design while planning to establish a full-service distribution company. As you add more services within your niche, your revenues will grow, allowing you to offer even more aligned services.

And finally, network, network, network. Promote your brand image as often as you can. Attend trade shows, health fairs and other events. Talk about what you do with as many people as possible. Increase your web presence. Pitch a TV or radio show. Write a book or an e-book to establish yourself as an author and an expert in your field. In other words, find a way to serve more people.

Stay on this “celebrity model” course to brand your business and the public will be more likely to remember your organization when they need your product or service. And increased revenue? That’s a natural by-product of celebrity.

If you’re a tennis lover, you will absolutely love attending the Family Circle Cup in Charleston. It's the Family Circle Cup's 35th Anniversary, believe it or not.

For the past five or six years, my husband and I have made our voyage to Daniel Island to be spectators of this wonderful and exciting event. He’s been an avid tennis player since he was twelve years old, so this trip has become one of our traditions to celebrate his birthday.

Not only will you have an opportunity to see top players like Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Jelena Jankovic, Anna Chakvetadze and many others, you'll meet some wonderful people from all over the country. I even saw Alexandra Stevenson play this time around. The setting is very intimate so you’ll have a chance to get autographs, photographs, and even watch the tennis greats practice.

In addition to seeing all of the celebrities there, you’ve got to indulge in the food! You'll find comfort food all over the place. My favorite this year was the freshly popped kettle corn. After all of these years, it was my first time having it and I was immediately addicted.

The whole atmosphere is warm and inviting and I would encourage tennis fans to definitely check it out next year. Unfortunately, we could only stay a couple of days this time…duty called. By the way, Serena defeated Sharapova today.

Update: Serena won the title!

A native of Danbury, Connecticut, Melody Y. Cherry has provided professional legal services for the Metro-Atlanta community for over 16 years. Attorney Cherry received her undergraduate degree in 1988 from North Carolina State University and law degree from Loyola University in 1992.

Upon receiving her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University, Attorney Cherry worked for a well-known law firm that specialized in major personal injury and medical malpractice claims. For six years, she honed her skills as an exceptional negotiator and trial lawyer. Her professional focus is to serve clients who have been victimized by the carelessness of others.

In addition to maintaining a successful law practice, Attorney Cherry is also a real estate developer. Her greatest achievement, however, is her six-year-old daughter, Jaida Elise. Attorney Cherry’s office can be reached at 404.622.6611.

It's never too late to live the life you want! Though sometimes you must slightly alter your plan, there's still a way to achieve your goals. Ms. Tiffanie Davis, Intimate Details, LLC, reminds us that we can break free from fear. Today is YOUR day.  Let it be a brand new beginning to the life you know you can live as you walk in the sunshine of success!

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Don't know how much insurance you need to purchase? The worst thing that can happen is you find out you have "too little" insurance too late. Expert insurance agent, Ms. Sharon Mathis will explain the ins and outs of insurance and how to make sure you have what you need. We hope you stay safe on the road, but please don't wait until you have an accident to find out you are underinsured.

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It's never too late to get the smile you've always wanted. Dr. Karen Mills, President of Advantage Dental has been serving metro Atlanta since 1992. She is certified as Cobb County's Lumineers Dentist. Learn about Lumineers and find out how easy it is to get a Hollywood smile.

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Cheryl Cousins is an Interior Decorator, Certified Staging Professional and Nationally Certified Trainer for the Society of Decorating Professionals and the One Day Decorating Association. She is the owner of Interior Transformations, a full service decorating company which specializes in Interior Redesign and Real Estate Staging. Listen as she shares how easy and affordable it is to transform your home into a signature living space which reflects who you are! She has 15 years experience in this industry and believes passionately that everyone deserves to live beautifully.

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Learn from the People You Need to Know Experts and become healthier, wealthier and wiser!

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Lisa Nicole Cloud took time out of her busy schedule to share her inspirational journey with us.

Growing up with her mother, she learned what it takes to stay in the race and what to do when the market changes, seemingly overnight.

Lisa is the CEO of Elite Marketing Strategies. Her drive, tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit will definitely inspire you to make yourself your best investment, reach higher, and dream bigger dreams!

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Summer is on the way! Are you ready? Fitness expert, Tammie Leady can inspire you to reach your goal of having a leaner, stronger, healthier body. Listen as Tammie reminds us of the basics of taking care of our Temple...the only one we'll ever have in this life. So why not treat it well?

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