Brett Brock's blog

Who is Muriel Joseph George?

 

Who is Muriel Joseph George?

People who collect art often do so because they are familiar with an artist's work and like what they see. If you're going to start a Josef Originals collection, it might be nice for you to know something about the person behind the collection, Muriel Joseph George. A jewelry designer from California, Muriel once used Lucite to make her jewelry. She named her company "Muriel of California."

During the second World War, people could not buy Lucite. Instead of letting that put her out of business, Muriel started crafting her jewelry out of ceramics and before long was creating figurines. Having a special affection for animals and children, she started molding her figurines after them. She also created angels and various other types of figurines.
After the war, Muriel began creating pottery in her home's basement. She then ordered labels for her special brand of figurines. A potential crisis occurred when Muriel received the labels, which had arrived misspelled with the name of Josef instead of Joseph; however, Muriel decided to use them anyway, which gave birth to Josef Originals.

However, the Japanese, Muriel learned, were creating and selling their own versions of her originals in the 1950s. This concerned the artist greatly as she didn't want people to think the inferior versions were, in fact, Josef Originals. She countered by making intricately detailed pieces, believing the intricacies of her newer pieces would be too difficult to copy. The problem with this solution, however, was that as the detail grew, so did the prices, meaning the average person could no longer afford them.

It was in the mid 1950s that Muriel met a man named George Good, who convinced her it would be best if her figurines were produced in Japan. The two soon went into business together and the company was renamed. Josef Originals became the George-Good Corporation. Wanting to oversee the manufacture of her figurines, Muriel went to Japan. Upon finding that the manufacture of her figurines met with her approval, she returned home, where she created even more designs. Soon, her art found its way back into the marketplace.

George Good bought Muriel's share of the corporation after she retired in the 1980s. Applause, Inc. bought the company from Good in 1985 and although they have not manufactured new pieces using the Josef Originals brand, they do have a line that copies Muriel's original pieces.

Those looking for Muriel's first pieces can identify them by the marking "M.J. George." Later pieces are marked by the name "Josef Originals," along with a "C" on the bottom. While there will be a sticker labeled "Japan," remember that Muriel chose to have her later pieces manufactured in Japan. Serious collectors may also benefit from a guide book, which shows pictures of the originals that Muriel created. Although it can be difficult for new collectors to identify authentic originals, seasoned collectors have learned how to spot an original from a fake.

To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here. We're your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls .

 

 

Why are Figurines so Special?

Why are people so drawn to the miniature likenesses of animals, people, buildings, and even the places that figurines depict? What is it that makes them so special? Figurines have been traced back to ancient civilizations, when they were made out of stone. No one is really sure what prompted people to start creating figurines; perhaps the art simply evolved from other forms of art and communication, such as cave drawings.

In many cultures, over the years, figurines have represented gods in spiritual rites and ceremonies. Some figurines had exclusive meaning, such as presenting a female with a figurine of a pregnant Venus was thought to bring the woman success in conceiving and bearing children. In fact, the majority of figurines depict females. Not surprisingly, women, far more so than men, are drawn to collect figurines.

More recent history notes that figurines are considered artwork, which is often placed upon a shelf or enclosed in a display cabinet to be looked upon and admired. Figurines also have found their way into games; such as the figurines depicted in the game of monopoly. Chess pieces are also crafted using figurines. Modern figurines are created using a variety of materials such as glass, wood, plastic, and porcelain. While most figurines serve as miniatures of something much larger, you can find them in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Figurines make wonderful gifts for any occasion and there are many people who collect them.

Collecting figurines has become easier and even more popular since the Internet made online shopping possible. Instead of poring over countless flea markets, antique stores, estate sales, and the like, collectors are able to find and purchase the pieces they are searching for almost instantly, and with much less effort. In fact, people who might not otherwise run across a Josef Originals collectible now have the ability to find just the piece they are looking for quickly and conveniently.

If you have considered collecting Josef figurines and want to purchase them online, here are some tips you may find useful. While you have the entirety of the Internet at your fingertips, serious collectors, and even those who are just beginning, find that guide books that list the pieces of a particular collection are an invaluable asset to have. This way, you can closely study the figurines and get to know which ones are a part of which collection. Furthermore, you can also study the books to get a feel for what the original pieces look like, as well as get to know how they are valued. Investing in a book of this kind can help you to weed out the wheat from the chaff when you start your collection.

To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here. We're your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls .

Self-Centeredness- A Symptom Of Thinking Small In Business Process ReengineeringConnections

Self-centeredness has become a staple of our modern society and causes grave concern in business process reengineering. Rare nowadays are situations where a person gives up on personal ambition to aid in the betterment of another individual. It does happen but at far less frequency than someone who looks out only for his or her personal interests.

From a business process perspective, humans make decisions about the actions that they take. Before taking an action, one's mind processes multiple inputs about a given situation as part of the decision-making process. If the inputs into the mind are limited, than a particular decision may be made that is not an optimal one. For instance, failing to think outside one's individual role within an organization may lead that person to provide short-sighted input in a business process reengineering effort. Such input, when given in the absence of the larger context can be harmful if not undermine the entire process.

Even outside of business you can take almost any wrongdoing that you can think of and put it through this systems thinking filter. Embezzlement, bullying, lying, stealing, cheating, etc all make the grade for self-centered acts. The bully who beats up another child does so to make him or herself feel good without regard to the impact on the other child. Embezzlement stuffs the pockets of the embezzler to the detriment of the organization from which money was taken.

What if the bully was able to consciously visualize that there is an impact on the life of the child that he or she is bullying? What if an embezzler actually thought about the ramifications to the organization from which cash was siphoned away from? The ability to think at a higher level about a situation (systems thinking) has the possibility to change the inputs that are sent into the brain of an individual.

By changing inputs, there is at least a chance that behavior might change as well. I won't go so far as to claim that systems thinking will fix everything in this world or in your company. In fact, many people and employees think systemically yet those inputs to the decision-making process do not stop bad decisions from being made. However, systems thinking is a skill that when activated can assure that at least the right inputs are present in the mind. By activating systems thinking in the mind of an individual, we can begin to make a difference in one individual at a time and in one business process reengineering effort at a time.

Dr. Brad Semp is a business process reengineering expert and a sought after speaker, coach and consultant for entrepreneurs and corporations on Design for Action (DfA) techniques. Download his popular free report titled the "Action Inaction Syndrome" where he challenges you to transform the way that you design your actions and shows you how to produce more results with less effort and in a shorter amount of time. Visit http://BradSemp.com

How To Use LinkedIn- Getting Involved With Groups

LinkedIn is more than one massive community. One you learn how to use LinkedIn it will become apparent that it actually consists of many smaller communities and you can be a part of more than one of them. One of the ways LinkedIn makes these manageable, targeted communities possible is by allowing for groups. 

Groups are collections of people with shared interests. When one is part of a group, he or she is provided with a number of ways to interact directly with other group members. This includes sharing news, getting involved in discussions and other valuable networking tools.

LinkedIn members are allowed to build up to ten groups of their own. They can be a member of fifty total groups. That may sound like a lot, but the numbers aren't as big as you might think. Some groups can be very niche specific and may be incredibly valuable even if they're not consistently busy. Some disciplines may have scores of different groups that cover the same terrain. You do need to choose wisely when creating or joining LinkedIn groups.

The real value of a group doesn't stem from merely watching the discussions of others. It comes from being actively involved. This is a key point to keep in mind as you learn how to use LinkedIn. Passive learning isn't necessarily a bad idea, but it doesn't pack the networking punch of being a contributing member of the group. Whether you build your own group or join an existing one, make a point of staying involved. Share interesting news and important ideas. Answer questions posed by group members when you can. Engage in the dialog. Remember, the word "social" is part of "social networking" for a reason.

If you do opt to create a group of your own, prepare yourself. You're not just responsible for setting things up. You're also going to be "in charge" of recruiting new members, establishing group policies and promoting the group elsewhere. While that isn't necessarily complicated or incredibly difficult, it does require a time commitment and you need to be willing to handle the responsibilities properly if you want your group to thrive.

New LinkedIn participants will probably want to dip their toes into the group water by joining established groups. That will familiarize them with the way things work and what groups can really accomplish. As time goes on, one may see a justification for a new group and should then seize the opportunity.

If you're not involved with groups on LinkedIn, you're probably just using the service as a little more than a personal resume. That's not the best way to use the service. The social networking doesn't take place on the top level. It happens in vibrant, high-quality groups. Find them. Join them. Make them. Use them. Taking action is the best way to learn how to use LinkedIn and it is also the best way to network on LinkedIn.

Download your free LinkedIn Strategy Cashmap that shows you the step-by-step strategy of how to use LinkedIn and to leverage this important social platform to grow your business. Visit Cashmap.com to download your free Strategy Cashmap now.

 

How To Use LinkedIn- Obtaining Recommendations

A pat on the back always feels good, but learning how to use LinkedIn to collect recommendations is more than a matter of affirmation. It is also a means by which you can develop a strong reputation and the kind of credibility that will improve your networking and your business. You want other LinkedIn members to recommend you. Their favorable reviews will have a great deal of impact.

You do not want to go fishing for compliments, though. While there are times when it may be okay to ask someone you know particularly well and with whom you are especially comfortable for a recommendation, it is generally considered bad form to beg for a "thumbs up" from your connections.

So, how do you get a recommendation if you are not going to ask directly?

You could just wait for them to happen. If you build up a number of professional connections, some of them will have good things to say about you and may be motivated to give you a nod of approval on their own accord.

That is not really the most efficient way of making something happen, though. Let us be honest. We are all busy people and the motivation to offer someone a LinkedIn recommendation usually is not strong enough to break through our packed schedules, even if we happen to be among the world's most generous people. You do not want to put your reputation development on hold as you wait with your fingers crossed for that "random act of kindness".

The better route involves a little quid quo pro. This is how to use LinkedIn in a more powerful manner. If you give someone else a positive recommendation, there is a very good chance they will reciprocate. Look at your connections. Isolate those with the strongest reputation and/or the most "pull" in your niche. Provide those folks with recommendations. Before you know it, you will start getting notifications from LinkedIn that they have recommended you, too.

There is another advantage to offering those recommendations. Your willingness to vouch for others shows others that you really are involved with your connections and builds your credibility. It also gets you noticed when others see the profiles of those you have recommended.

As you do this, keep one thing in mind. Honesty and authenticity are wildly important in the world of social networking. You do not want to start recommending people without good cause in hopes of getting a kind word in return. Your recommendation may lead someone to engage with another LinkedIn member. Remember, you are vouching for them. Do not make claims with which you are not wholly comfortable. Others may act in reliance on your words. Offer recommendations when and where they are due and you will receive them in that same spirit.

Follow these steps and adapt them as you learn how to use LinkedIn in the most effective manner to gather awesome recommendations for your LinkedIn profile.


Download your free LinkedIn Strategy Cashmap that shows you the step-by-step strategy of how to use LinkedIn and to leverage this important social platform to grow your business. Visit Cashmap to download your free Strategy Cashmap now.

 

How To Use LinkedIn- Understanding LinkedIn Connections

So, you've set up an account at LinkedIn and you've configured a strong profile. Now what? You need to learn how to use LinkedIn and start making connections with all of the great people who use this site. You also should learn how to use LinkedIn to become a part of the various ongoing conversations and all of the great networking opportunities people are always discussing.

Don't worry. It's not as bad as you might think. In fact, LinkedIn makes it incredibly easy for you to get the connection ball rolling.

Assuming you didn't materialize overnight, you have an email account. Maybe you have two or three. You've emailed a number of friends, colleagues and acquaintances from those accounts. These are people you already know and some of them are undoubtedly a part of LinkedIn. They're a great place to start building your network.

LinkedIn makes that dead simple. They'll pore through your email accounts (with your permission) and they'll find every address that's linked to an existing LinkedIn account. You'll then have the option to invite them to connect with you. You can run the check on more than one email account, too, allowing you to reach out to anyone with whom you've emailed on a professional level.

LinkedIn will create a small "form letter" asking for a connection, but we don't recommend you use it. Instead, take a few seconds to create personalized requests. That's going to increase the number of people who respond by a significant margin. It's also going to start the kind of networking conversations that make LinkedIn so valuable. Once you have that first batch of connections in place, you can start expanding your reach.

One of the easiest ways to do that is by searching within LinkedIn for other members with whom you'd like to connect. If you have a particular person or company in mind, you can search for the name. If you're looking on a subject matter level, you can search based on keyword. This is a great way to start meeting new people in your field right off the bat.

There are a number of ways to increase the number of LinkedIn connections you have after you get things moving. The first step is making those first few connections. Your email account and the search function make that easy. We'll discuss some of those advanced strategies at another point. You may also want to invest in a smart blueprint that provides a systematic approach to increasing your LinkedIn connections. That's a great shortcut to get the most from the service.

You may be alone for a few moments, but it won't last. Follow these simple steps to learn how to use LinkedIn and before you know it you will be connected!


Download your free LinkedIn Strategy Cashmap that shows you the step-by-step strategy of how to use LinkedIn and to leverage this important social platform to grow your business. Visit Cashmap to download your free Strategy Cashmap now.

Tips for Collecting Figurines Online

It's easy and fun to collect figurines. You can amass quite a collection of figurines without even leaving your home. That's because all you need is a computer and an Internet connection to find and purchase your favorite figurines online. The beauty of collecting figurines online is that you can find just about any kind of figurine you want so even if you have already started a figurine collection, you should not have any problem adding to it by shopping online.

You can begin your online search for figurines by going to your favorite search engine and typing in the brand or type of figurines you collect or want to begin collecting. For example, collectors of Josef Dolls may type in "Josef Dolls" or "Josef Originals" or "Josef of California." If you are searching for a particular Josef Original figurine, enter that information into the search engine as well. While some collectors actually enjoy hunting their collectibles at flea markets and garage sales, others would rather use the convenience the Internet offers to add to their collection.

A great tip for online shoppers who collect Josef Originals is to purchase a book that lists all of the figurines the designer has created. This way, you can see what your options are and if you are just starting your collection, you will have an idea of which figurines you want to search for to add to your collection. This guide book will also come in especially handy so that you can tell which figurines are truly originals so that you don't get scammed and accidently buy a fake. In addition, the guide book will show you how to ascertain the condition of the figurines, which has a big impact on their value
.
You'll soon discover that the number of figurines you can find online is astronomical. It can be easy to get carried away, especially when it looks like you've found a great deal on a figurine you've been looking for. However, it's important to keep your wits about you so that you don't spend more than you should or end up with inferior figurines. It's important to establish a budget ahead of time and stick to it; above all, don't go into debt for your hobby. It may be helpful to make a list of the figurines you are searching for and then when you find them, compare the price among websites, including the shipping. Also, be aware of any return policy the buyer may have. You want to have a recourse in case your figurine is broken when it arrives. You can have a great time collecting figurines online if you just use common sense and stick to your budget.

To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here. We're your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls .

Wedding Dolls Make Great Wedding Gifts

There are Many Reasons to Collect Josef Dolls. People collect Josef Dolls for many reasons. Collectors are a special breed of people and no two collectors are exactly alike. One of the reasons for collecting Josef Dolls is because they elicit fond memories of the past.

Holding on to special memories of the past is important for many people, especially in today's fast paced world. Caring for a collection of Josef Dolls may bring back special memories of the past for the owner, especially memories of special times and special people in the life of the owner.

Because Josef Dolls has old and rare pieces that are hard to find, collecting them presents a challenge to some collectors, which is another reason people opt to collect the lovely pieces. Some people thrill to the hunt and the challenge of finding rare pieces and will commit much of their spare time to doing so. Many collectors spend their weekends searching flea markets, garage sales, estate sales, and antique shops for Josef collectibles.

Some people get started collecting Josef Dolls after inheriting a collection from someone else. By adding dolls to the collection, the person feels connected to the loved one that left them the original Josef Doll collection. They may feel as if they are continuing something their loved one started.

If you don't have the time, money, or energy to search for rare Josef Dolls to add to your collection, you might just purchase one or two pieces a year. Some people mark special holidays, such as Christmas or birthdays by adding to their Josef Dolls collection.

This way, you can still foster a collection but you won't be spending a lot of time or money on it.
If you are just getting started collecting Josef Dolls, don't feel pressured to buy expensive display cabinets or to add to your collection too fast. Collecting Josef Dolls is an enjoyable hobby that you can pursue at your own pace. Your personal taste, budget, time, and other factors will guide you as to which collections you will choose and how many of the collectibles you will eventually own. Do some research as you start your hobby so you will know which pieces are available to collect. Take it slow and enjoy your new hobby!

To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here. We're your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls .

 

Wedding Dolls Are excellent Wedding Gifts

Wedding Dolls Make Great Wedding Gifts

If you know someone who is getting married, the wedding dolls by Josef make a great gift. Let them top the cake or give them individually; they are sure to be special keepsakes forever more. A gift that will be proudly displayed, the porcelain collectibles will be treasured forever.

Each of the Bride and Groom dolls are seven and a half inches tall. The groom sports a black tuxedo and gazes adoringly at his bride. The bride is wearing a wedding dress of white and holds a pink rose bouquet. The dress and ribbons on the bouquet are trimmed in gold. Completing the ensemble is a long, white veil, which flows down the back of the bride. A masterful creation, any bride and groom will be happy to receive this wedding doll set.

The Ring Bearer and Flower Girl dolls are also available. Wearing a blue suit with black shoes, the Ring Bearer holds a pink pillow trimmed in gold. The Flower Girl wears a lovely white dress adorned with pink flowers. She proudly holds a basket of flower petals. More than three inches tall, this set is a perfect accompaniment to the Bride and Groom wedding doll set.

Both of the sets make great cake toppers or they can be wrapped and presented to the bride and groom. However they receive these lovely gifts, they will serve to mark the happy day for years to come. The Josef Wedding Dolls will look great in any display cabinet in the bride and groom's home and will serve as a happy reminder of a very special day.

You can purchase both of the sets together or separately, although when you purchase the Bride and Groom along with the Ring Bearer and Flower Girl dolls, you can save a lot of money. Whether you purchase one or both sets, they are sure to make great gifts for any bride and groom.


To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here. We're your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls .