Author: TheJudith

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Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year

The holiday season is here and there’s no better time to express my deepest gratitude to all of you! Thank you for showering me with unwavering support throughout the year. My heart is full of joy and gratefulness. Above all my family and I send to you our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year!

As we count our blessings this festive season, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for being an integral part of my journey. For being my blessing! Your support has not only made this year fruitful, but it has also taught me the power of tribe and resilience.

To say thank you here is a YouTube Christmas Playlist for you to celebrate this season. It is a compilation of some of my favorite Christmas collaborations, concerts, and music over several years.

Reflecting on the Past Year

Looking back on this year nearly gone by, after releasing an album and book in 2022, I spent a lot of time working on behind the scenes items and producing the music tracks for my next project.

Judith Singing “Wonderful Counselor“

A couple of Rotary clubs invited me to speak and therefore, I made some great connections.

While I did release an EP, “Tears of the Past,” with five different mixes, I was more excited to bless my sweet friend by producing a special rendition of her favorite Hymn “Be Thou My Vision,” for her birthday. This classic yet timeless Hymn features her lovely and talented daughter on the lead vocals. It warmed my heart when she received it with tears of happiness.

Finally, I am excited to share that have recently been approved as an artist for a music sync licensing library. Shout out to Jere B for dropping the dime on this resource. I am in the process of loading my catalog into the library and should be done by the time you read this blog. Music Supervisors will now have access to my music for placement into film and TV. This is a HUGE dream of mine, and while my niche is specific, you never know where you will hear one of my productions next. It is humbling and exciting!

What’s Next in 2024

Coming in 2024, a first! A country music album from songs I have been hanging on to FOR YEARS. I mean I wrote one of the songs when I was a baby teenager. Consequently, this album will not be like anything I have ever done before. There are some really heart felt, tear-jerkers that anyone can relate to. One of the songs was inspired by the death of my friend, the same age as me, who died in 2021 from COVID. Naturally, some edgy, rock-country crossover’s are planned to showcase my military background and ardent patriotism. I have 13 songs planned and some of them are produced, ready for vocals. More to come folks!

Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year!

So without further fanfare, Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year to ya! My journey through 2023 would never have been as successful and fulfilling without your love and support. Your listening to LeBaker’s music, your passionate engagement on social media, and your heartfelt messages of encouragement are all the driving force behind every step I took last year. Your unwavering belief in me helps give me the strength to do what I am born for!

Wishing you Joy and Peace in the year ahead. As we bid farewell to 2023, let us welcome 2024 with hope and excitement. My prayer is that in the upcoming year, the Lord will shower you with endless blessings, abundant joy, and infinite possibilities. May you be uplifted by the company of loved ones and embrace each moment with gratitude and appreciation. Remember to live well, laugh often, and love much as you create countless memories to treasure.

Keep up the Support for this Small Business

    • Listen on your favorite streaming services, YouTube, and Rumble
    • Like, subscribe & follow LeBaker Music | Judith Baker on your favorite platform
    • Add a song to your playlist
    • Give my latest book, Bigger Than Me to someone for Christmas
    • Book me for your next speaking event or leadership training (I do remote training)
    • Be wary I will never private message you to ask you for money!

#LeBakerMusic, # Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #MerryChristmas #HappyNewYear #HappyHannukah #entremusician #musicianary

 

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Be Thou My Vision | Story Behind the Song

What do you give a really special friend that has everything for a milestone birthday? In short, a beautiful and classical rendition of her favorite, timeless Hymn,  Be Thou My Vision featuring her lovely and talented daughter as the Soloist.

History of Be Thou My Vision

To began, according to Irish tradition, around 433 AD, King Logaire of Tara (Ireland) decreed that no one was allowed to light any fires until a pagan festival began with the lighting of a fire on Slane Hill.  However, St. Patrick, a missionary in the area defied the king by lighting candles on the eve of Resurrection Day. Consequently, King Logaire was so impressed with St. Patrick’s devotion he left him alone and permitted him to continue his work as Ireland’s first Christian missionary (source: Perkins School of Theology).

Meanwhile, fast forward to a Monk named “Dallán Forgaill,”(530-598 AD) later Canonized, who wrote the Irish poem, “Rop tú mo Baile” (“Be Thou My Vision”). He wrote the poem in memory of and to honor St. Patrick’s devotion and contributions to the Irish. The poem is a prayer for protection based on Ephesians 6: 16-17.

Modern History of Be Thou My Vision

Since the original poem is from from “Slane,” it is common to title old hymns with the name of the place where they originated.  Hence the song is sometimes called by the name “Slane,” and you are likely to see that in a hymnal. Furthermore, “Be Thou My Vision,” today is reported to be one of the most popular Hymns in England.

In Summary, here is a brief timeline of how the Hymn became what is is today.

    • 1905 – “Mary Elizabeth Byrne” translates the Old Irish poem, into English as “Be Thou My Vision.“
    • 1909 – The Old Irish Folk song “With My Love on the Road,” which later becomes the melody, is published in “Old Irish Folk Music and Songs,” by “P. W. Joyce,” the original author is unknown.
    • 1912 – “Eleanor Hull” (1860-1935) rearranges the text into verses and publishes this in her “Poem Book of the Gael” compilation.
    • 1919 – The words and tune are first combined and harmonized by “Leopold L Dix” (1861-1935).
    • 1927 – “David Evans” creates a new version; and Erik Routley introduces it to the English Hymnal.

Be Thou My Vision Original Old Irish Gaelic Test

23 N 10, p. 95b.jpg
Oldest Surviving Manuscript of “Rop tú mo Baile,” Royal Irish Academy 23 N 10 (16th century), pp. 95

Listen to it here “Rop tú mo Baile.” Can you sing along in Old Irish Gaelic?

Watch LeBaker Musics Renditions of Be Thou My Vision on YouTube

Photo Credits : James and Judith Baker taken in ID, KS, MO, MT, ND, OR, SD, WA, and WV in 2021.

Be Thou My Vision | Public Domain | Arrangement © 2023, Judith Baker (ASCAP) | Publisher LeBaker Music (ASCAP) | All Rights Reserved

Would you like your own custom original song?
Contact Judith to schedule a free consultation

Find Judith’s Music  on all Video and Streaming Services

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#LeBaker Music, # Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #Be Thou My Vision #Hymn #Classic Traditional Hymn R#op tú mo Baile #With My Love on the Road

 

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Tears of the Past | Story Behind the Song

This song is born from a painful memory in my childhood. When I was very young I lost my first pet and experienced death for the first time. All these years later Tears of the Past bubbled up and provides the assurance and hope that one day death and pain will be no more.

Tears of the Past | Story Behind The Song

When I was at the innocent age of five- years-old my first pet, “Terry” a small cuddly terrier was hit by a car. I was inconsolable and found myself face-to-face with my first death. To this day I remember all the emotions I felt, betrayal confusion, bewilderment, and anger. To me this was not a natural event. The things we love shouldn’t die. It did not compute in my little brain that animals and people will all die, however this was my new reality.

The Word of God

My Mom tried everything she could to console me, she played my favorite songs on the piano, took me out to eat, took me to visit my Grandparents all to no avail. I was devastated. For some reason, I am not even sure why other than divine providence she introduced me to Revelation 21:4 where it says:

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (King James Version)

Healing my Tears of the Past

For me that verse was healing. Somehow at such a young age I got it – this world is flawed, thanks to choices my ancestors made and circumstances long beyond my control. Yet, in spite of it all, it gave me hope that one day God would make it all right and death would be no more. Oh how that motivated me to serve God way back then so I could live in a world where death is no more.

In “Tears of the Past,” You will also hear snippets of:

    • Psalm 56:8, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (New Living Translation); and
    • Revelation 5:12, “Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” (King James Version)

Tears of the Past | Production Notes

So how did Tears of the Past emerge musically? For you creatives out there it started with a snippet of a sample I found while I was working on my album “Roar.” I really liked it and saved the sample to circle back to when the timing was right.

As I was tinkering and being the creative I am, I created the Jam Mix first. The song reminded me so much of the tunes from the early 1990’s produced by “Jimmy Jam.” I decided to go with it instead of fight the direction the production was moving. After my producer and creative daughter “Zoey the White Lioness,” listened to it she said it reminded her of Miami Vice mashed up with Janet Jackson’s “If.” It was her idea to add the guitar and make a more rockier mix.

From there I couldn’t decide which of the two I wanted to release. Then a third mix the  extended “Vice Rock Mix,” emerged. This mix is my favorite. It is just a bit longer and has the guitar solo close out the song. So I released these three mixes and included the instrumental versions which really stand on their own with a completely different vibe. Amazingly, one song turned into a five song EP and my 6th project. What a blessing!

Click on an icon to hear “Tears of The Past” on these streaming services or visit your favorite streaming platform not listed here.

Add “Tears of the Past” to your playlist! I would be most honored.

Which mix do you like best? Do you download music? Purchase directly from LeBaker Music and support this Independent, Veteran Owned business.

  1. Tears of the Past (Jam Mix) Judith Baker Buy 3:28
  2. Tears of the Past (Vice Rock Mix) Judith Baker Buy 3:28
  3. Tears of the Past (Jam Mix) Instrumental Judith Baker Buy 3:28
  4. Tears of the Past (Vice Rock Mix) Instrumental Judith Baker Buy 3:28
  5. Tears of the Past (Vice Rock Mix) Extended Judith Baker Buy 4:25

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Lyrics

Verse 1

You keep every tear I cry
Every drop
That’s ever left my eyes
Stored in Your bottle
You wrote them down
When I cross over
I will wear a crown

Chorus:

I know there’ll be
No tears in heaven
For God will wipe them all away
They are tears of the past

Verse 2

I trust the words You say
One day
You will wipe
Every tear away
No more death
Mourning, pain or crying
The former things
Have all passed away

Chorus:

I know there’ll be
No tears in heaven
(I know there’ll be no tears)
For God will wipe them all away
(for God will wipe them all away)
(repeat)
They are tears of the past

Bridge:

Going to the land
Far beyond the horizon
Pain and sorrow gone
We shall live forever
Sing a song of praise
With the angel chorus
Worthy is the Lamb
Who was slain to save us
To receive power,
Riches, wisdom, strength,
Honor, glory
and blessing!

Chorus:

I know there’ll be
No tears in heaven
(I know there’ll be no tears)
For God will wipe them all away
(for God will wipe them all away)
(repeat)

Outro:

They are tears of the past

Tears of the Past – EP | © 2023, Judith Baker (ASCAP) | Publisher LeBaker Music (ASCAP) | All Rights Reserved

Would you like your own custom original song?
Contact Me to schedule a free consultation

Find Judith’s Music on all Video and Streaming Services

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#LeBaker Music, # Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #Tearsofthepast #Revelation21vs4 #veteranownedbusiness #digitaldownload

 

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4 Music Formats

If you have ever saved a song on your computer or phone you saved a digital music file. Maybe you wonder what exactly are all these digital music formats? In today’s digital world you probably haven’t given much thought to the various digital music files, you just want to listen to your jam. Whether you are looking for sound quality or trying to share your music in the most professional and efficient way, knowing a little bit about the formats can help you choose the best one. There are more than 4 music formats but for our purpose we will look at 4 of the most common music formats.

Lossy Compressed Files

Before we dive into the 4 music formats let’s define compression. Compression is the process of reducing the dynamic range of an audio file by removing some of the audio signal. This process decreases the size of the file and reduces the quality of the file. There is a “loss” from the original music file which is where the term “lossy” originates.

Compression can be used to soften an instrument that is too loud or curb frequencies that fall outside of the dynamic range. The change in lossy compressed music typically is not recognizable to most listeners. However, too much compression can be noticeable and make a final recording distort, sound muddy, or have a thin sound due to too much high frequency in the audio file.

mp3

Probably the most used format for music is mp3 which stands for “MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3.” Mp3 files are smaller than uncompressed files because during their creation frequencies that usually can’t be heard by the average listener are cut. Consequently, mp3 files are “lossy compressed” files. When a master file is sent for distribution, it may be changed to the mp3 music file format because this format is great for streaming when load speed is more important than quality. If you have streamed music you probably listened to mp3 files. The downside of mp3 files is their quality when compared to higher quality uncompressed files. If you need a higher quality of sound you may want to consider a different music format that retains the sound quality.

WMA

A lesser known format similar to mp3 is WMA or “Windows Media Audio” file. Developed exclusively by Microsoft for use with the windows media player. This format can be either lossy or lossless compression. The difference for lossless compression is this type of compression can be up to 70% smaller than a larger uncompressed files such as a WAV file. The reduced size makes WMA files a great option for storing music in a computer library. Further, lossless compression does not disrupt the audio quality as much as an mp3.

The downside is these files are hard to work with because they are exclusive to the Microsoft Windows OS platform. If you have these files on your computer you can convert them. There are many converters and file openers available online to help you do this. A converter I recommend is online-convert.com. You don’t have to download anything except your final converted file. The process is quick, does the job, and provides a free or paid option for those who want more features in the process.

Uncompressed Files

Before we talk about the last 2 of the 4 music formats WAV and AIFF. These files are the file of choice for sound engineers because they are an unaltered, true digital representation of produced music. There are no frequency changes or dynamic compression. Think of them as a “raw” file. Consequently, uncompressed files are large so be prepared to have ample storage space and higher computer processing speeds.

Uncompressed audio files are preferred for mastering the final version of a song. Since other effects and compression are added to prepare a song for a CD, or an upload to Spotify, Amazon, or iTunes. A clean, unaltered file is a must. In general, uncompressed files are the preferred output of professional audio production recordings. They are a sound engineer’s preference to mix. master, or send to streaming services.

WAV

As we mentioned above, this type of audio file retains it’s quality because it is uncompressed.  Waveform Audio File Format or WAV files are the go to in the studio for all stages in the recording process especially mixing and mastering. Remember WAV files are larger but they typically sound clearer and louder than compressed formats. One down side with WAV files is they do not hold metadata. Metadata is the info in the song file such as the artists, song name, album name, genre, etc. Streaming services, apps, and encoders all depend on metadata to properly categorize music so users can find their favorite artist or genre.

AIFF

Developed by Apple, Audio Interchange File Format or AIFF files in terms of quality are the same as WAV files. One beneficial difference with AIFF files is they can store metadata. Recording engineers and producers using Mac computers as their tools are familiar with AIFF audio files. If you are planning to play AIFF files on your phone most music apps can’t play this format. Originally developed to work with Apple software AIFF files are just like their counterpart, the Windows OS WAV file in terms of providing the highest quality possible in a final recording.

In Conclusion

When working with audio files there are more formats. We have examined 4 of the most common audio formats. If you receive a request for a audio file from a music engineer, ask that person what format they prefer. If they prefer an uncompressed format such as WAV or AIFF you will need to use a file sharing service. Uncompressed files are typically too large to send in an email. Lossy Compressed files can easily be shared with a link using any number of services where you can upload original music. For our LeBaker Music Catalog we chose to use this site as our repository. It is all a matter of preference.

Thank you for your time hopefully this blog has clarified some things about file formats for you. Get out there and #beextraordinary

News & Reminders

    1. Have You Heard our new project “Bigger Than Me?” Click here
    2. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the LeBaker Music – YouTube Channel
    3. Want to improve your entrepreneurial leadership skills? Click here!
    4. Stuck on what to give the person who has everything? How about their own original song, contact us we can help.

#LeBakerMusic, #Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #musicfiles #mp3s #fileformats #audiofiles #mp3vswav #AIFF #wav #mp3 #wma

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Happy Veterans Day

It is a great honor to wish all Veterans and their families a HAPPY VETERANS DAY! From our Veteran family to yours we have some fun and informative stuff in this blog for you!

    • A high-level view of the history of Veterans Day
    • What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day
    • Seven John Maxwell leadership tips for times of crisis
    • Resource links – including a link for Veterans Day discounts honoring our Vets
    • Last but not least the video of our original song “Freedoms Not Free”

Veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. We at LeBaker Music challenge everyone to show them love and support. That can range from something as simple as a shout out on social media or a thank you card. Some of them are dealing with mental trauma and physical disability that progress with age. They need help just like we all do when we go through traumatic and life altering situations. It is never to late to reach out!

Royal Connections

To understand how Veterans Day transpired we need to back up and briefly revisit the history of our world. The role European royalty plays in the turn-of-events leading to World War I (WWI) is astounding. In 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, ignited the smoldering spark of tension between European nations. Political instability erupted like a volcano about to explode. As a result, alliances solidified creating the “Allied Powers” and the “Central Powers.”

Notably one of the tragic aspects of this political outburst is the majority of the European rulers including the wife of the Archduke were all the offspring of Queen Victoria, so they were cousins of some degree. Furthermore, prior to the outbreak of WWI, Queen Victoria’s grandchildren served as (or had married) the kings and emperors of the German, Greek, Norwegian, Romanian, Russian, Swedish, Spanish and United Kingdom governments.

World War I

To provide perspective the Allied Powers included the countries: Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan and the United States. The “Central Powers” included Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire. Russia supported Serbia and it was a Serbian that murdered the Archduke and his wife. World War I began on July, 28, 1914 when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. It was a terrible, undiscriminating war taking the lives of 16 million soldiers and citizens abroad. In addition, the war lasted more than three-years.

The fighting roared and both sides dug long, deep, ditches called “trenches.” In the horrors of trenches soldiers fought and lived for weeks. Lack of sleep, infectious disease and the constant exposure to moisture caused “trench foot.” Many soldiers fought enduring the pain of “trench foot” as dead tissue spread across their feet while loud munitions continuously exploded. It’s no wonder the soldiers that survived the brutality of WWI returned to their homes “shell-shock.” We now refer to “shell-shock” as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.

History of Veterans Day

At the eleventh hour on November 11, 1918, the guns, cannons and fighting of WWI stopped. The Germans entered into “armistice.” November 11th initially became “Armistice day.” Armistice is a formal agreement for waring parties to enter as a  cease fire while negotiating peace.

As a side note, one interesting turn of events was the downfall of the Ottoman Empire due to their alignment with Germany. Because of the British victory in the battle of Beersheba, Britain gained possession of “Palestine.” Palestine, which included the Holy Land is the “State of Israel,” today. But that is a blog for another time.

Armistice Day was first celebrated in November of 1920. On June 4, 1926, the U.S Congress officially passed a resolution that yearly, November 11th be observed as “Armistice Day,” by Presidential proclamation. On May 13, 1938, by Congressional act, Armistice Day was declaimed a Federal Holiday.”

As we all are well aware WWI, nicknamed “the war to end all wars” by President Wilson was not the last war. The outcome of WWI, the “Treaty of Versailles,” became a major catalyst leading to World War II. By 1954, America found itself reeling from the stalemate of the Korean War and plunging into the Cold War. The Veterans of the later wars and conflicts lobbied to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day in honor and memory of all Veterans. Congress approved and President Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954. It is reported that the last surviving Veteran of the Civil War, a Union Army drummer-boy, Albert Woolson, who was 104-years old, celebrated along with Veterans of the Spanish-American War, and the Philippines War during this historical occasion.

Random Interesting Fact

The last American Veteran of World War I, Frank Woodruff Buckles died on February 27, 2018 at the age of 110. Frank was a leading advocate for creating the Washington D.C. World War I memorial monument.

Difference Between Memorial And Veterans Day

What are the major differences between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. It’s fairly simple, Veterans Day honors those living who served our country. Memorial Day honors those who sacrificed their lives for our country. You can celebrate Veterans Day by tagging a family member that has served in the military on social media or give them a call. You can celebrate Memorial Day by attending a memorial service at a National Cemetery, and/or observe at 3pm, on that Monday the National Moment of Remembrance.

Leadership Tips for Times of Crisis

What can we learn from the events of World War I. As a John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer and Coach, reflecting on the history in this blog drives home the point King Solomon made that there is nothing new under the sun. Just as it is in war, it is in business. Leaders rise because they choose to reflect instead of react. In war the wrong reaction will cost lives, in business the wrong reaction will cost money. When leaders are in crisis or the crisis is swirling around them here are seven questions John recommends from his teaching ‘How to Turn Adversity into Advantage.”

    1. What happened to me today?
    2. Did I learn anything about myself today?
    3. I need to hear myself say _____________.
    4. What must I do in this crisis?
    5. Can I use a crisis to become more relatable to others, explain how?
    6. How can being relatable to others be of benefit in times of crisis?
    7. What are the action steps I can take from the answers to these questions?

Freedoms Not Free

In conclusion, enjoy this original Patriotic song written, produced and recorded by “The Judith” and provided courtesy of LeBaker Music.

Resources

#LeBaker Music #Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #intentionalleadership #turnadversityintoopportunity #veteransday #Veterans #leadership #jmtdna

 

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3 Ways to Protect Your Privacy Online

In this blog we share with you 3 Ways to Protect Your Privacy Online. Unless you live out in the middle of nowhere, completely unplugged you are probably dependent the internet for your business. It may be any activity from banking, social media, streaming media or even looking up information in a web browser. In addition, smart devices, connected homes and even our cell phones, the very devices that keep us connected and entertained are dependent on online capabilities. Sadly, this creates the opportunity for cyber theft. Data breaches, phishing and ransomware are not anything you want to clean up after. Here are the 3 Ways to Protect Your Privacy Online.

Manage Email Safely

Don’t open email attachments. While companies are educating employees about what to look for cyber criminals are getting craftier. With todays tools it is easy to replicate a company’s logo and font to make an email look legitimate. As a result, by opening one of these nefarious attachments you just launched a virus on your computer. Next that virus can infect the entire network extending beyond you. You can protect yourself by deleting the email. If you work for a company that has a security or privacy department make sure you inform them as well so they can get ahead of the attempt to sabotage your infrastructure or steal data.

Weekly Free Images - The Shutterstock Blog

Don’t provide your personal information in an email. According to INFOSEC, in 2016, employees at the University of Kansas were tricked by a “Phishing” attack. Initially the email requesting employees update their information seemed legitimate. As a result, three employees that updated their payroll information gave attackers enough personal data to steal their paycheck by diverting their direct deposits. When in doubt do your research, in this case contact your payroll department. A good rule of thumb is if you are asked for a social security number, bank information, or your personal demographics this is probably an attempt to steal your information. Criminals are even holding data hostage and demanding a ransom which is known as “ransomware.” Even if the request appears to be authentic, from the IRS or your bank, you should never send this type of information in an email to protect your privacy.

Have A Company Policy

Years ago assets were seen as more tangible things. In our modern world today, data is now an important asset and must be treated as such. Protecting yourself and your data is the lock on the door that keeps cyber criminals at bay. Make sure you have a clear company policy. Additionally, train your employees about the policy. Who do they contact when they receive a suspicious email?

Like it or not depending on where you are located there are now regulations that require privacy policies. These requirements are meant to safeguard data for both you and your customers. The Better Business Bureau has a template and guidelines to help you get started.

Get A VPN

3 Ways to Protect Your Privacy OnlineWhat is a VPN? VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network.” I have to be honest when some random initials showed up as a user in one of my Microsoft products I was done. By the way Microsoft was just breached again so sure, I changed my passwords but this time I took it a step further and got a VPN.

The benefit of a VPN is online privacy and anonymity by masking your internet protocol or IP. Every device that connects to the internet has a unique identifier that is called an IP address. When you visit a site on Google and Chrome they track all your activity. Surely you don’t think it is magic that you can do a search for “Red Shoes,” and then for the next month all of the adds you run across on Google are for “Red Shoes.” Your habits are tracked with cookies. Furthermore, your internet service provider can see all you browsing history. Chances are they are selling this information.

Encrypt and Scramble

Here is where a VPN can give you peace of mind. Using encryption a VPN scrambles the data when it is sent out over the network rendering the data unreadable. This can really come in handy on your smart devices when you are using a public Wi-Fi connection. Your web activity is scrambled and your IP address is cloaked because the IP address that shows up is the VPN IP address. Yes friends, that search engine like Google is now tracking the VPN not you keeping your online activity private. So no creepy BIG Tech company tracking me when I am banking online, I can do without that.

Here is what a VPN will hide:

    • Your devices
    • What you do on a website
    • Where your physically located
    • When your are streaming
    • Your IP address and location
    • Your browsing history – the sites you visit

A VPN is not hard to install. We went with Express VPN. Consequently because we have a lot of devices we wanted our Network to have VPN. Our smartphones are protected which we love especially on an unsecured Wi-Fi network. Bye bye nosy cyber neighbors. Check out this blog from Express VPN providing 21 ways to protect yourself online.

Next blog – I will be sharing more about a VPN and things you didn’t know you needed until you need them.

#LeBaker Music, #Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #VPN #privacy #protectyourselfonline

 

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Managing Your Christmas Card List

When you run a business the Holidays is an important time to recognize and remember faithful clientele. I have to admit, the daunting task of sending Christmas cards is not one I enjoy. To be transparent it is the time that I struggle with. In this blog I have a suggestion for managing your Christmas card list.

As a result over the years, I have missed opportunities to share Holiday cheer and deepen my client relationships. However, I found a tool I fell in love with called “Postable.” So before I share this tool with all of you I have to share some of the companies that like me use Postable. How about well known outfits like The New York Times, Lifehacker and Martha Stewart Weddings. I am in love with this service and I use it for all of the cards I mail to customers, friends and family!

Meet Postable

Postable is a one-stop kind of place. You simply pick a card, type your message, and then Postable will print, stamp, and mail the cards for you! Not to mention the paper they use is 100% recycled. They use realistic handwriting fonts that give people a more personalized experience. Best of all no hidden pricing and volume discounts!

The benefit for you is no more shopping for the right card, loosing addresses, forgetting to send cards for important events and spending precious HOURS from start to finish just to send your cards. You can even upload your own design for those of you who want to add a creative flair or business branded materials.

This service is a no brainer for me because the one resource I never have enough of is time. Already have an address list in a spreadsheet – upload it! There is a card for any occasion and a REMIDER service. No matter the occasion for sending a card, Postable will print, stuff, stamp, address and mail all of your cards directly to everyone for you. Can you say snail mail heaven! Oh it gets better, take advantage of the automated service meaning you can schedule all of your birthday cards for your friends, customers, church members, or anyone in advance!

Special Offer – Save Some Money When You Sign Up

From my business to your business, use this unique Postable code MRUCIWU7C4 when you place your first order of $20 or more and you will receive $5 off. So what are you waiting for, in this quarantined time where we all need more human connection. What better way than a personalized Holiday greeting to make someone’s day and show you care.

#LeBakerMusic #Beextraordinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #holidaycards #businesstool #postable #snailmail

 

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Freedoms Not Free | Story Behind Song

Freedom's Not Free | Story Behind Song

After writing two songs for other family members, I didn’t want to leave one of them out. “Ride” was written for my sister and “Funky Animals” was written for her youngest son. My sister’s eldest son, an aspiring Marine and ardent, conservative patriot was my target audience.

I had the luxury of asking the other two what they wanted in their song but I wanted the song for this young man to be a surprise for his High School Graduation. Knowing he likes his scream-o, metal music on sonic boom, I decided to take my creative juices in a completely different direction. I knew the song had to have attitude and metal. It was a new sound for me vocally and quite challenging to deviate from my more common vocal nuances.

For Which It Stands

Freedom's Not Free | Story Behind SongThis is the inspiration for this song. My nephew is a very outspoken person when it comes to what he believes. We have had many conversations about how some Americans take Freedom for granted. As a Veteran myself, I have strong feelings about burning the very flag I served to defend, and taking a knee when the National Anthem is presented, a song I often proudly sing. Do what ever you feel you need to do but don’t try to take my constitutional rights away. Yes, conversations like this.

I thought about these conversations with him. Besides, this kid has spent several summers with us so I think I know where he stands on these issues. As the lyrics evolved, I realized I was writing the song for myself just as much as I was writing the song for him. I am proud to have served this Nation, and I would do it again to protect Freedom. The freedom we all have and should never take for granted. After all “I have my reasons I push the limits.”

Shout out to all the Veterans who have served or who are currently serving. Thank you for your sacrifice and commitment.

Learn More

Read about your Constitutional Rights here
Check out wallbuilders.com to learn the history of our American Heritage.

 

Check out our video for “Freedom’s Not Free”

 

“Freedoms Not Free” Lyrics

Verse 1
I – have my reasons
I – push the limits
Writing – history for
My home – of liberty

Chorus 1
Don’t you judge me, don’t you hate me
Freedom’s not free, Freedom’s not free
This is my time, my legacy
Freedom’s not free, Freedom’s not free

Verse 2
You – have the answers
But you – take for granted
Honor – Integrity
Sacrifice – loyalty

Chorus 2
Don’t you judge me, don’t you hate me
Freedom’s not free, Freedom’s not free
This is my time, my legacy
Freedom’s not free, Freedom’s not free

Don’t burn my flag with supremacy
Freedom’s not free, Freedom’s not free
Face the battle, the treachery
Freedom’s not free, Freedom’s not free

Bridge
(Guitar Solo)

Verse 3
I – swear to protect
I – have to defend
From our enemies
Fighting – victory

Chorus 3
Don’t you judge me, don’t you hate me
Freedom’s not free, Freedom’s not free
This is my time, my legacy
Freedom’s not free, Freedom’s not free

End Tag
To keep my rights from being taken
Freedom’s not free, Freedom’s not free
I got to fight for what is sacred
Freedom’s not free, Freedom’s not free[/lgc_column]

Freedoms Not Free © 2018 Judith Baker (ASCAP) | Publisher LeBaker Music (ASCAP) | Music, Lyrics, Background Vocals, Production and Sound Recording by Judith Baker | All Rights Reserved
Would you like your own custom original song?
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Key Leadership Qualities

Key Leadership Qualities

The Key Leadership Qualities It Takes to Be a BOSS… A Woman Entrepreneur in Business Today: How You Can Apply Leadership Principles and Use Them to become an Entrepreneur.

Key Leadership QualitiesThis book, the first in a series for Entrepreneurial minded women, discusses the key leadership qualities Women need to start or run a business. It is for Women who are asking questions, just like I was. Inside the contents of this book, you will find solutions to the problems that Women who are Entrepreneurs often encounter.

Have you been asking questions such as…

    • How do I break down the barriers?
    • Do I have the right mindset to run my own business?
    • How can I make it as an Entrepreneur?
    • How can I improve my leadership style to benefit my business?
    • Who has been there, and done that as a woman and how can I learn from her?

It All Started When

I have long dreamed of being an entrepreneur, after all, it is in my blood. But how do you do that and work a 9-5 traditional job? After much prayer & contemplation, I believed that I had to figure that out. There is so much I have yet to contribute to our world. My business had to be born for me to stay sane. I had to get it out by sharing my creative talents and encouraging spirit with the world.

Likewise, I had to stop worrying about “what if no one likes my baby.” I am over that! For all those that may not like my contributions to the world, there are most likely more who DO like my contributions to the world. I had to face the reality that my 9-5 is never going to fill that void my creative and entrepreneurial soul craves. Just because I work a 9-5 job, to be transparent, did not mean I can’t start my creative journey and step into my calling. So I did it! I took the plunge and created LeBaker Music in 2018. The doors continue to open. God sent me to a new employer that celebrates every success I am blessed with and encourages me to work and thrive in both worlds.

“The only way to survive is to create opportunity, rather than to wait for it to come to you” – Judith Baker

If I Did It You Can Do It Also

For me the urge of entrepreneurship called from deep within. “It is a very hard signal to ignore. First, you start thinking about your concept incessantly. Then, it can start to feel like your current job, business, or life path is less interesting by the day. The idea to create your vision brews strong in your head, and it starts to feel like your only option is to make your idea a reality.” Judith Baker

Challenges And Hurdles

Key Leadership QualitiesStarting your own business is not an easy task. Many women find it challenging and often feel like they’re not being taken seriously. It is easy to second guess do I even have the key leadership qualities it takes to walk this road. When hurdles and rough spots come your way. Remember your business is like growing a tree not a flower. It’s going to take time. ”In business we need to prepare and plan for overcoming hurdles.” Instead of avoiding and dreading the “hurdles.”

Why not find a productive way to plan for them? Not only does this build confidence but you are more likely to succeed in the business world. For example, you make music and you want to license it for film and TV. You do the research and submit your song to a music supervisor and they reject it because “It wasn’t they were looking for.” It’s okay to be disappointed but don’t let it hold you back! Find another music supervisor and be persistent or foster a relationship and learn what that music supervisor typically is looking for. Consequently, go write the next song to fit that mold. There are always options. Just don’t quit! Keep writing!

Time Management

Here is an extra tip from my journey. Time management is probably the most important thing for me. You must be very intentional about how you spend your time. Watching hours of T.V. is a rare treat for me. To protect my time on the weekends, I pay someone to clean our house and I am rarely on social media outside of marketing my business. You are going to have to be disciplined and determine for yourself where you can carve out time to work on your baby, your entrepreneurial dream. 

On the other side, you also must have balance and spend time on the things and with the people most important to you. Everyone is different and every journey is not the same. What I am saying here is look at your day, the activities you participate in and figure out where can you carve out an hour or even 30 minutes. Plan what your going to do during that time so you are not sitting somewhere fixated on the wrong items and setting yourself up to see your dream remain a dream. When I finally set goals for myself and followed up with the actionable steps it was going to take to complete the goals, I could then concentrate on what to do in the time I had carved out.

The Take Away

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” ~ Albert Einstein.

My challenge to you is simple and from the last page of my book.

“Go, be extraordinary, and kick-start your business.” Reach your potential by learning from other leading ladies. Embrace the mindset needed to lead your entrepreneurial business like a boss.”

Call For Help

Don’t forget to help others along the way. And, speaking of help, If you read my book I would be very grateful for a review on Amazon.

To comply with the Federal Trade Commission of the United States we are required to disclose that we are Amazon affiliates and may earn a commission.