Books-A-Million Book Signing: July 18th 2009

This past Saturday, I had a great book signing at the Books-A-Million on Steelcreek at Rivergate in Charlotte. It was a great time and many people stopped in to get their copy of Confessions and just to visit. Thanks to everyone who made it out to keep an introvert company!

Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

Why You Should Blog... and how Meg will present a presentation she wishes not to present but if for the oodles of business presenting garnishes

Don't get me wrong -- I like it when you read my blog too... but what I would like you to know is that there is significent value in writing a business blog instead of just reading them.

On Thursday, I am giving a 10-minute presentation on business blogging at my BNI chapter in Ballantyne (Charlotte, NC). Each week we meet and another member tells the group a little about what they do. This time, I am speaking specifically on blogging and why it is valuable for businesses. Here is a little preview:

BNI Presentation June 11, 2009

First I will talk about me -- and dazzle the audience with a few quick facts like the fact that I have a Bachelor's Degree in Theatrical Production Arts... and some of these other bullets:

· Toured once w/ Pop Cover Band: Nik and the Nice Guys
· Have held positions as a Master Carpenter, Statistical Analyst, Sales person for a sporting goods store, professional artist, event planner and fundraiser.
· Relocated to the Carolinas 2 years ago
· Wrote a book about business networking for Introverts
· In 2001 began work at a software company where I wrote proposals, white papers, requirements documents, and website content, business & marketing plans – sparking my love of business writing, then became VP of Marketing Web & SEO firm where I did sales
· I began writing more instructional (how-to) articles on SEO and web
· Wrote for the local Business Journal and Daily Newspaper Blog on community, networking and technology, did radio & TV as tech expert
· Gained recognition for my “Geek Speak” (translating nerd-talk into understandable terms for the less tech-savvy) Articles published in a local business magazine
· Currently I write e-newsletters, manage websites, do search engine consulting, copywriting and powerpoint presentations in addition to business blogging.

...all of which I am sure will get tons of "oos and ahs..." as clearly I am very interesting and have experienced a diverse set of experiences which make me uniquely qualified to blog...

Then I will dive right into the beauty of business Blogs... and will probably read the following paragraph, feel awkward about reading it and then try to make it sound like I am being extemporaneous and fail miserably. At which point I will make a self-deprecating remark and laughter will ensue.

...here is that paragraph:

Thanks to the internet and free (or inexpensive blogging tools), any individual business owner or small company can have the same technological impact as the Charlotte Observer or the New York Times, CNN or Oprah. Through your blog you can become known as an expert in your field, and become sought after as a vendor, speaker, partner and resource. Having a blog is the strongest and best platform for sharing your ideas, best practices and expertise with the world.

"Whoa... Awesome" I will say, tying to pep up the crowd I am starting to lose... and then quickly and ungracefully, as I stumble around the ill-placed tables I will hand out 10 index cards--well 11 actually as the first one will be labeled:

"Reasons you need to blog"

Then I will ask 10 lucky people to read these cleverly worded, and fantastic reasons to blog. Some of which were parceled from other sites and re-worded slightly, something I hope will be considered more a complement to the original authors, than seen as plageristic - for that is never my intent... oh yes... back to the reading of the cards:

1. Blogging demonstrates your true commitment and passion for your industry—and you really have to show your commitment over the long-haul. Most people won’t be able to maintain a business blog over long periods of time, but those who do so are rewarded in recognition and credibility. Posting often and consistency is the key!

2. More than 147 million Americans use the Internet

3. Increase your reach beyond your company, town, and industry with a blog since it can be read from multiple places through syndication. Links and email blasts.

4. Your work should be working for you, building your reputation—not just a bullet point on a resume. (A blog is proof of your brilliance and expertise!)

5. Even your old blog entries are valuable and will be read years later—your work will live on and bring you new business for years to come.

6. A blog can increase your website traffic with links in and traffic driven your site will gain ranking and popularity with the search engines. Even if no one ever reads it!

7. You can influence your industry by being a thought-leader and demonstrating positive, actionable ways to make change all while carving out a name for yourself.

8. A blog can help build your personal network, and enable incredible connections with the world around you, (something not possible prior to wide-spread use of the Internet)

9. Your job is changing, and you might want to be involved in the process of what your new job will include—at your current company, or beyond. What do you want to be?

10. Over time, your blog will contain an increasingly rich and relevant wealth of information that will be a Google magnet. Thus, you will become more and more available to the customers you need to attract.

Then I will add in a couple witty and well written reasons that Blogs are great. I will also read these, but I will notice my time is getting short so I will paraphrase, smartly pointing the audience to this blog for the actual original paragraphs:

1 You can be a ROCK STAR by providing an unlimited amount of vital information in a single location. Because Web visitors are desperately seeking answers to their most pressing questions, you have the opportunity to provide just the right answers for your ideal target customers.

2 Blogs enable you to organize your information almost effortlessly to the benefit of your visitors by putting them into ‘categories.’

3 Unlike other social media tools, such as Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn, your blog is open to the entire world.

4 You can request visitors to register and offer them enticements such as a free e-book or eNewsletter – growing your prospect list while offering them beneficial information, (and positioning yourself as a subject-matter expert).

Then quickly I will point out the reasons to hire a Business Blogger... of course indicating that I would be an awesome choice for this...

Keeping up on writing your blogs and making sure that they are linked properly is a lot of work—often sometimes the internal marketing staff or small business owner is unable to do this while focusing on what they do best… run their business.

I provide a low-cost way to maintain a blog by:

· Creating all new content and posting regularly
· By supplementing your entries with keyword-rich and relevant posts
· By editing what you have written or modifying found articles in you voice.

Business Blogging has is a powerful tool for increasing traffic to a corporate site, informing the public, connecting with customers and sharing information in a casual and informative way. By utilizing a business blog writer, you can capture a pool or prospecting clients and fans, all while focusing on what you do best: Your Business.

Bow, smile, exit stage left.

Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

Auer Agency

PRESS RELEASE
October 18, 2008

Meghan Wier, Writing for the Web is pleased to announce an new media partnership with Auer Agency, Sports Marketing and Design located in Charlotte, NC.

Auer Agency delivers graphic design, marketing / advertising solutions and custom apparel design services. Primarily a sports marketing company, the Auer Agency can do everything from designing a jersey for your cycling team, a brochure promoting your sporting event or a logo for a new product or service, Auer Agency can help you realize the possibilities.


Meghan Wier
Author -- Writer -- Web Consultant

The Wells Fargo Wagon is a Coming Now...(?)

Stupid stupid musical theatre classes. I can't get this one out of my head. If you are living here in Charlotte this week... you know what I am talking about. If not... no worries, you need not stress about it--just enjoy the catchy tune and the interesting interpretation by what is clearly a bunch of theatre and film students with too much time on their hands.

Back to the point:

Is our money safe?

Will my friends have jobs?

Will the economy ever recover?

Here in Charlotte, we have been fairly insulated from the ups and downs of the housing market fall-out. That was until the mortgage crisis started closing banks. Charlotte has a disproportional number of people employed by banks. And while that has been good until now, I think that the next few months will be interesting. Feels a little like when Kodak started letting people go in Rochester.

All the more reason to be a professional blogger!

I have been working with Charlotte Smith on launching her new blog about dealing with weight and weight loss issues. Needless to say I am considering what I eat more and more these days. Charlotte is a life coach with a practical approach to helping people deal with emotional eating and life-long weight problems. She is, no doubt, a genius in her ability to get people to fully understand their food addictions and build healthy relationships with food.

Just the thought of that makes me crave potato chips and that yummy bacon dip sitting in my fridge. ---Lucky for me Charlotte would have no issue with that. She would just say "are you hungry?" and ask how I feel after eating that delicious snack. Of course I will probably feel bloated and icky and then just thinking about all that will be enough for me to make a nice salad for dinner instead. Bummer. Being a professional blogger has its pros: i.e. not being significantly affected by bank buy-outs and take-overs, and its cons: obsessing over radon mitigation, tooth enamel and wondering if I am really "hungry."

Other than that it was a absolutely BEAUTIFUL day in Charlotte with temps in the 80's and the sun filling the enormous Carolina sky. Can't beat that for October. Life is good.

(glad all my money in the stock market was gone during the last big drop.... none to lose, none to lose.)

-Meg
Working Working Working
www.meghanwier.com


Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

...Come again another day

It seems I am suffering from poor planning. I stayed up late, got the bicycle down from the garage storage, pumped up the tires, carefully put the bike in the car, and collected the accouterment necessary for taking a nice ride.

The plan, such that it was, was to take my kid to school, park the car and then bicycle to my meetings this morning. It seemed reasonable: get exercise, save gas.

And yet mother nature had different plans. While I was more than willing to ride in the light sprinkle that greeted me as I pulled the car from the driveway this morning, I am rather adverse, and hardly dressed from cycling in a torrential downpour.

..and so the bike sits. As do I, in the car. Fortunately, my handy dandy laptop is here, and I have plenty of writing to do this morning, however, it seems that I will have to buy gasoline and go to the gym today… two things that I had not planned upon, but seem, rather necessary.

Things to report include a full schedule for the week, a new website nearly launched, a naughty dog, a kid who grew two inches over the weekend, a fortunate forgiveness of the bank for a minor miscalculation, a ridiculous price for gas, an abysmal stock market, and a rainy day.

Cheers.
m

Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

On a Muggy Wednesday...

I find myself with a perfectly good laptop, 10 minutes… and no internet access!! Sitting here in the muggy Charlotte September afternoon at the Baxter Starbucks, I seem unable to connect to Wifi. This is likely due to a lapse in re-loading my Starbucks gift card or something, however, the end result is that I am unable to procrastinate OR work. So as a compromise, I decided to catch you up on my comings and goings in word-doc format, to be posted on my blog as soon as I am re-hooked into the matrix, (or in reality, late at night before I turn off the computer for the night).

It has been a busy couple weeks. It has in fact been busy for as long as I can remember, but the last few weeks stand out just because of the amount of work and traveling I have been doing. Some of my very eager networking contacts have taken it upon themselves to introduce me with everyone they know. Consequently, I have had several meetings, virtual and the old fashioned way, and have acquired several new clients. This is good. However, now I need to WORK. Too bad I have no internet access with which to do that. Best laid plans…

The last couple weeks have included visits to Tampa FL and Lexington KY, and I fly off to Madison WI this Friday. Luckily airports are wonderfully inspirational places to write—and they often offer a level of wifi more conducive to my current accelerated need.

BNI tomorrow morning in Ballantyne: a good thing. Even better, I won’t have to immediately get in the car and drive 9 hours afterwards as I have done the last couple weeks. I will however have to work, and pack, but that is all doable, at least in theory.

My darling son, inspired by a recent trip to the Kentucky Horse Park has chosen a “horse” theme for his birthday. In all honestly, “Sponge Bob” was his first choice, but since I put the mommy-veto on that (what would the neighbor mommies think!?) I now have to come up with a pony to ride…. Yippee. Anyone know where I can rent a pony? So the next month or so I will be collecting cowboy memorabilia, and cheap horse-themed party favors. I would like to find some nice local horse barn (clean??) with a set-up conducive to kid’s parties, have the kids come, pet some horses, learn about how to put a saddle on, or brush a horse, take 3 turns around a circle on some old pony, eat some cake and then go home…seems reasonable right? (ug…I so could throw the best Sponge Bob party… too bad it is politically incorrect amongst the preschool parents).

A casual observation: it seems to be white-striped button-down shirt day at Starbucks… I am rather out-of-place in my green floral dress…. Hmmm. At least I am cool like them and have my laptop…

Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

Introverted Socializing--in Charlotte

I have been swamped with work, inundated with company, and generally dealing with "stuff" and once again my blog has suffered. In the lull, I got this nice comment which I reposted here:

Hi Meghan. I am an introvert and so is my boyfriend. We would like to
meet other people, but we get overwhelmed by extroverts. We live in Charlotte, too!, and I wondered if you knew any good places to meet like minded souls? --Thanks!Rebecca

I thought I would write out my answer in this regular section--answers to comments are sometimes lost in the shuffle, and also I think this is a great one, from which others may benefit.

Rebecca wants to meet other people but, like so many introvert... those extroverted people can be overwhelming. So how do you meet new people? Especially in a place like Charlotte, where so many people a "newcomers."

The answer to where, depends a lot on your lifestyle. If you are single or even married but young and child-less you can usually grab a friend, (or not) and go to a coffee shop and maybe strike up a conversation with someone in line. This sometimes works, sometimes not--but at least there is no strange discomfort because either they leave or sit alone--and it is just coffee - so it is not a big deal. And... there are always new people coming in!

Along the same lines, I know that sometimes groups will meet in the evenings at bookstores for a "game night." People bring old board or card games (Monopoly, UNO, scrabble, chess, etc.) and sit in their little "cafes" or side tables. I am not sure if there is a group here that meets regularly or not - but I always loves this idea. Usually they meet on a Friday or Saturday night--when the outgoing types were out drinking and listening to loud music all squished together on a dance floor. The introverts I know felt like they got to "go out" but they also met new people in a relaxed, laid back place. If there isn't a group like this already - I recommend starting one. I will even see if I can host something like this when I do book signings starting in Oct/Nov.

My next idea is Craigslist. There is a section for "platonic" relationships and I have looked at this a few times. Now, a word of warning: like all "online meeting" be careful. There are definitely people who will misrepresent themselves. But I met one of my very good friends here in Charlotte on Craigslist.

Another great place to meet other introverts is in your neighborhood. Now here it helps to have an extroverted kid on this one--I have to admit. My 4-year-old on a recent walk, took it upon himself to introduce us to a family up the street who where playing. They have two boys near his age and instantly we had commonality...the primary building block for relationship. Now we get together regularly. If you don't have an introverted pre-schooler on hand--I find that an annoyingly extroverted best friend is helpful. They usually make a point of meeting your neighbors before you do, and as long as you aren't overly freaked out--you might as well take advantage of the opening.

If you are a small business owner, or in sales, I recommend a group like BNI. There are groups all over the country, and the agenda lends itself to an introvert's comfort level while exposing them to several new people. The benefits are two-fold since this group is designed to help your business grow, but it also allows you to make many great contacts...and friends.

Other than that, I will sometimes use the "buddy method"--increasing my circle by inviting someone I know to invite a friend over for drinks, or dessert. Sometimes we meet out as well - again at a coffee shop, or a Panera Bread. Easy and casual is the way to go on this.

One last suggestion, especially if you have kids, is to go to Blakeney on Friday and Saturday nights in the summer. They have a free "concert" of sorts with local musicians. The place is always packed, but since it is outside, it isn't overly uncomfortable. This is a good place to bring the kids since you can let them play on the playground or run around in the open grass area. The restaurants there serve wine and beer, you can grab ice cream, or Starbucks. The perfect place to meet people, or hang out with new friends. I know a bunch of plaza's in town do this, but Blakeney is the only one I know of with a little park too.

Those are just a few ideas I have for meeting people for introverts--but the best advice I can give is to keep at it. As adults it gets more difficult to connect and become friends, but the rewards are so worth it. Friendships are profoundly fulfilling--and I wish you all the best of luck.

-Meg

Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

I am a Charlottean...

I have lived in Charlotte now a year and a half. And while many have called Charlotte home for longer, I know few who have called it home their whole lives. In fact, Charlotte is a city of newcomers.

...But now I am official, and here is how I know:

1) I drove through the city this week to get to a meeting. I had another meeting on the other side of town. I had been to neither of these places before..and yet... I was able to drive to my meetings, without to aid of a map or GPS, or navigator, and arrive on time, and move to the next appointments with speed, efficiency and having never considered myself "lost." Something rare for me to this point.
---it is like I live here!

2) I walked into two different places this week, where someone I knew was there--and they recognized me--and we didn't pre-arrange the meeting. We were just there at the same time! Meaning, I know enough people to "run into them." Very cool.

3) I finally broke down and got a local phone number! Now, in the interest of full disclosure, my number is technically a South Carolina number. Because technically I live in SC. However, from my house, I can literally see the state border, so I feel that I can accurately call Charlotte home... even if it is really only a close neighbor. But to me, it is close enough.

I am so happy to call Charlotte home now. The weather is lovely, the people are friendly, the economy is strong and this is a positive optimistic place. I feel in so many ways that Charlotte has always been for me, even if I didn't know it. And now I am official.


---on unrelated/related business--- I am looking forward to working with Fred from Mouse and Man on a website face-lift. Fred Sexton is a member of my new Ballantyne BNI group and I am most impressed with his level of expertise and business sense. So look for my new look soon.

Fred will also be working on Matrelaw.com - a website for Charlotte area real estate attorney Gail Matre & Attorneys. This site will highlight Matre Law's firm and their strong commitment to affordable, high-quality real estate legal assistance. Matre Law is located in Mint Hill, North Carolina, but, like me, do business in both North and South Carolina. I am excited about this new Charlotte site, because it really will celebrate all that is right with Matre Law -- not your average attorneys, that is sure--something I can personally attest to. Congratulations to Matre Law, for your partnership with Fred from Mouse and Man, and I look forward to seeing that awesome site.

I am blogging a lot these days about Charlotte, the Charlotte economy and real estate. It is very educational, and I do enjoy learning from the pros at Southern Winds--they really know their business, and let me tell you... no one has told them that we are in a market slow-down! They are working like gang-busters, selling homes in Charlotte and the surrounding area. Those guys have Charlotte's real estate market moving.

Just another reason to be glad I am a Charlottean. Everything is alive...

Happy Thursday to all. Don't forget to comment!




Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

Good Morning Charlotte

The mornings don't seem to have started right anymore unless I get to enjoy a few minutes outside sipping my tea and going through my email. This is such a silly guilty pleasure--making a quick breakfast for my son and then slipping outside to the patio while he eats and watches 30 minutes of mind-numbing, but gloriously distracticting morning programming.

I find that I am developing new habits. Good ones. Like waking up early to spend this time breathing in the cool morning air and listening to the birds sing to eachother.

The hustle and bustle of the day--the doctor's appointments, impersonation of a taxi, important phone calls, and meetings will all begin soon enough, but for now I have found a little piece of spiriuality, or meditation, or just peace and quiet--and it is wonderful.

Today I meet with a guy who works for a company who sends out mass text messages... sort-of the new flavor of spam. And I am sure he would not appreciate that description, because in reality there are many useful applications for quickly and inexpensively letting people know what tonight's dinner specials are, or how many tickets are left for the game, or which American Idol to vote for. Apres the meeting I am sure I will have a new-found appreciation for all that texting can do and likely try to convince all of you of the same. Maybe even texting you messages such as "buy Meg's book" or "Are you an Introvert? Find out today at www......." But all the same, I may just send you an old fashioned and way-more personal email. Kids these days I tell you, with their fancy technology. Doesn't anyone believe in email anymore?

On another note I may wander off to the bookstore and buy a copy of 4-Hour Work Week - since I think it was actually written about me. But I will find out and report back after a thorough read. Perhaps he doesn't mean "billed hours" (as I certainly work many more) and probably doesn't count parental responsibilities into "work" which we all know would be incorrect... however, I am fortunate to be able to enjoy a truncated, semi-retirement, situation as an author and writer, (and I may have to add "blogger" since blogging seems not to be considered "writing" in some circles, and if one where to read this entry as a sample, I could see their point).

Oh dear, I am rambling again. Tea is gone. 7:30 is here. It is time to get the taxi packed and the day started.

Good Morning Charlotte.
Meghan Wier


Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

fog

The day started out cool and lovely, after another night of thick, uncompromising, and wholly unnecessary despair. I sat outside and drank my morning cup of hot tea and listened to the ramblings of weekend news radio. I even worked on my freelance writing invoices in between surfing the Web and reading up on the real news and the un-real as well. The weather turned from perfect to a heavy rain storm sometime after lunch and my lazy hazy day became even more glorious as I was unable to do any yard work in the downpour, so I enjoyed the men's tennis finals at Wimbledon. I am no fan of tennis, but it was a very engaging match and the perfect excuse for not doing the inside chores that called out for attention.

They have been ignored yet again. Perhaps tomorrow they will learn to sing a louder song or a more compelling tune...

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. The 4-day weekend and my current inability to sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time, day or night, has made my mind an interesting place as of late. Thoughts of my paternal grandparents have monopolized my late evenings for a fortnight. I can speculate why, as family, holidays and good-byes weigh heavily on the mind of one who has spent so much time considering lineage, but it has been interesting to revisit these memories as I lay awake at night, so many years after they left this mortal coil.

My grandfather had a small basement workshop area, that was entered from the garage of his Upstate New York home. It was dark, cool and moist, and I remember the stairs and the smell and the feelings of being in that place. He had a neat and frugal organization, which struck me--and is an odd thing to recall, as I was less than ten, perhaps even younger. But yet I hold that in my consciousness. To have gone down there in that private sanctuary would have been a special thing, as it was rare, and so for me that memory is especially joyful.

The other memory invading my near-slumber is of Grandpa Bud's last hug and the well-wishes he gave as we left before moving briefly to Belgium. This too is a joyful memory despite the fact that it is my final one of my grandfather. He died a few months later while we were still away. But I will forever remember that hug, the wonderful words and the wave as we drove away. I wish that all people were able to have such great memories of the goodbye.

Not everyone gets to say goodbye. And my missed goodbyes are painful and raw. And for some reason these are the things infiltrating the dark of night and causing the daytime fog. Tonight I am hoping to banish these grey monsters and replace them with the little pink ones. The pink lovelies of hellos, and the warmth of a good night's sleep.

Perhaps tomorrow the fog will lift and my brain will again function, if but a bit, and I will be able to focus on the important things like life coaching, dental health, party planning and real estate.

...no wonder my brain is favoring the fog.

Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

Friday

It has been a while since I felt like I really needed a weekend... but as I sit here this evening reflecting on the week--I am glad that tomorrow is Saturday, and I have no plans to go anywhere in particular. Sleeping-in sounds like a wonderful idea and I am looking forward to enjoying a sunny Charlotte afternoon with my feet in the kiddie pool.

Some exciting projects are coming down the proverbial funnel over the next few weeks and I am very excited about the prospects of working with some amazing new clients on their corporate blogs.

I have been working a fair amount this week on Charlotte-related SEO. The search engine optimization community in Charlotte is very good, and I am happy to have such competent competition in getting top placement for my clients--keeps things interesting! I am always happy to talk about SEO, and welcome your comments here or via email if you are clever enough to follow a couple links to get my contact info (putting it online just one more time makes things just WAY too easy and my spam filter is working over-time these days). In the last month, I have had the pleasure of talking to two different groups about how to better maximize their message through good SEO techniques. Good stuff. I love those smaller groups who are excited about using technology to take business to the next level (cliche terminology, I know, but I am only working on half my cylinders tonight--hence the need for the weekend).

Speaking of small groups -- or rather the dislike of large ones due to my introvertedness... (bad segway, sorry)... Sourcebooks has posted my book on their website. I will no doubt be soliciting reviews through the site as soon as the book is ready, so brace yourself for my burst of forced-extrovert-neediness but until then I request your links, your love and your wishes of luck. Oh and click on that link every now and then to see then updates.

On a personal note, we have my cousins in from Rochester, and my sister coming in for the 4th - so it will be a great holiday week filled with family, as it should be.


Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

Full Day in Meg-land.

Today was one of those day where I did a lot--house stuff, personal stuff, friend stuff, family stuff. No real work stuff yet, but it still could happen... maybe. I seem like I have been trying to sit down and get work stuff done all day, and it it just not happening.

The one personal thing that I did not do was my morning papers/blog. I woke up early enough to do it, but instead used the time to do laundry and last night's dishes and vacuum. There is something therapeutic about that and so I can't be too hard on myself. It is sort-of like when you make your bed before you clean your room -- it just sets the tone. And you can't call your room clean without making the bed. So for me, I needed to deal with the physical clutter before I dealt w/ the mental stuff...And clearly there is a lot up there today!

So now the house is clean and I can blog (if that makes any sense...)

I need to polish up the BNI presentation on blogging for business tonight, but I am pretty happy about where I ended up with that.

Other work to do, including the book stuff is to catch up on my blogs. Some of that I can do tomorrow at a doctor's appt (gotta use that time in the waiting room for something) and between meetings.

But tonight I need to work on the couple local Charlotte blogs. I have a lot to get done, and I best be getting to it...but wait! Now I have to go give my kid a bath... ah, the best laid plans.

Perhaps I will make it back to the desk in a couple hours.

Perhaps.


Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

Charlotte Real Estate

I am beginning to wish I had payed more attention in my economics classes...then I wouldn't have to spend so much time as an adult trying to catch up and figure out how to manage the money I have and the investments that I wish to make.

The house across the street from me is still for sale. There are several on my street that are available, all relatively new, but the one across the street in brand new - the last in the development to be built and ready for a good family to move in.

The Charlotte real estate market is strong - in fact growing when most are in serious decline, but that doesn't stop me from wishing someone will move in across the street. It is such a nice house, and it being empty is doing nothing for my biggest investment... my own house.

That said, I know that Charlotte's market is relatively strong and the house will sell. In all likelihood, the builder will offer a great deal to get someone in there, and the new owner will be really fortunate to have such a nice home at a good price.

Charlotte, NC and the surrounding area continues to offer a great quality of living at an affordable cost. While I was not aware of this when I chose to move to Charlotte a year and a half ago, Charlotte is a huge magnet for newcomers, and has maintained a strong economy, despite the recent downturn nationally. A recent report that I read said that there were over 2,009 residential sales during the month of March and that the average sales price was $233,648. -- and that is a good percentage of the average asking price of $245,237. However, given that the newcomers are moving from less economically healthy areas of the country, we are now seeing that the average time a home spent on the market has risen to 130 days....

So I guess with that statistic, that the house across the street may not sell for another month or so. And that I suppose is OK. I just would love to see someone fun with a couple kids in that house. Summer is Charlotte is great, and it would be wonderful to share that with another neighbor-family.

So...any of you out there thinking of moving to Charlotte? -- there is a great house across the street--and you will have WONDERFUL neighbors!

Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

Charlotte, NC

Where am I? I get asked that all the time. It seems that no one is really sure where I live.

Specifically -- I live in Indian Land, near Fort Mill, in South Carolina, near Charlotte North Carolina. It is a place in between and sort-of and nearby. But it is a beautiful, thriving, growing place.

I have been trying to get all my friends to move here. I know it is not likely -- but I want to share with them the happiness I have had since I moved here. Now some of it is the location, and some of it is the "change of scenery" -- but this is a really special part of the world.

I am trying to put together a Charlotte Community information page on my site -- so I am soliciting ideas. Feel free to comment on great places and businesses in Charlotte (and vicinity) and let me know what you think!

-- on a personal note: it was a good day, albeit not as productive as yesterday, but then... how could it be!

Friends

In my exploration of friendships & relationships, I have thought a lot lately about how one begins, maintains, and even ends friendships.

Today an old friend asked me how my "friend-making" was going. I am in a new town (been here a year) and I have made a real effort to get out and meet people in the last few weeks. But still I had considered my attempts to have been unfruitful at worst and slow-going at best.

Then I told my old friend about the playgroup I had gone to, where I met three new moms, (and their 62 kids...ok it was like 10 kids...but it was still nuts), and the business networking meeting I had attended, where I met 30 new people, and how I had set 1-on-1's up for this coming week with several of them...and then about the new friend I visited this week with the brand new baby. Then I told her about going to breakfast with a couple we hadn't seen in a couple years who lived near out new home, and the old friend who was driving in from Chapel Hill today to hang out.

I guess I do have friends -- new and old (literally!) It is a great feeling to think of my new home here in Charlotte as home, and the new people in my life as friends. Friendships new, growing, evolving--it is a very fulfilling thing indeed!

Career Choices

I should have become a professional painter. It is one of those things that I really enjoy.

Painting is a process, and a commitment. The commitment to the color--although that can usually be changed--but also to the process. You can't effectively paint a room unless you have several hours to give to it--and most of the time, you need 2 good days.

I have made the commitment to a beautiful shade of light green for my master bathroom. It has been nearly a year since we moved into the new house near Charlotte, and my bathroom is one of the last rooms in the house that hasn't gotten a coat of paint.

So tomorrow I will be procrastinating on the writing I should do, and the laundry that has piled up, and the other household things that are meant to be done on the weekend. And yet, the chore of painting is a pure joy for me -- something I am really good at, and I love to do.

---and then Monday I will have to find another reason to procrastinate doing me writing, laundry and other household things...