Moana: Disney's still teaching life lessons!

It is no coincidence that today marks exactly 1 full year from my last post! It is #WINTENTIONALWEDNESDAY, so let's not talk about the losses or the unforeseen events of the last year that lead to my silence. What I want to discuss today is far more necessary than that! When I was a kid, Disney movies were always teaching me something. The Lion King taught me that family may not always have your best interest in mind. The Little Mermaid taught me never to sacrifice your voice for the affections of others. Beauty and the Beast taught me to always see the good in people even when their past has made them ugly. There are so many more, but let's dive right in! These are just a few of the lessons I learned from watching Moana (approximately 1 million times since my child found it on Netflix).

1. We are given our life mission before we know what life is.
2. We have our ancestors to guide us through our journey. We call it intuition.
3. We may be tempted to give up on our mission/vision/goals when things get tough, but we can't. People are relying on us to get it right!
4. We don't need special tools to complete the assignment. (Shiny isn't always a good thing LOL)
5. We will need to find our own strength to face the challenges of our journey, but those destined to help will always come when we need them!
6. We may have been chosen to fix a problem that we didn't create.
7. The reward of a completed mission is well worth the risks it took to get there.

What are some of your favorite Disney movie lessons?

Great Missions Reuire Great Minds

In 2016, you can hire a coach/mentor to teach you just about anything, prepare you for just about anything, or push you to become the best you possible! I've met and interacted with so many great coaches (Rochelle Ford-Wilson, Dr. Walter Sims, Aprille Franks-Hunt, Allyson Byrd, the list goes on and on) over the last 2 years, that it's literally become a goal of mine to see how many lives I can impact. I have just been a bit confused about how to impact those lives.

I know that I talk a lot about living on purpose and doing what God placed you on this Earth to do, but I must admit, it can be a challenge (especially if you don't know what that purpose is or if you have so many ideas that it's hard to narrow it down). Purposeful living has been a challenge for me in many ways, but the biggest challenge came from within! Yes, the greatest challenge that I've faced on my mission to live on purpose is my own SELF CONFIDENCE! "But Shanta, you're all over the internet doing stuff. How are you not confident?"

Let me break it down a bit. For about 6 years, I was in a relationship with a person who was mentally, spiritually, emotionally, financially, and lastly physically abusive. He was able to break down all of my defenses and implant these negative vibrations into my psyche that created a very volatile and negative co-dependency between us. Even though this month makes 3 years since I left that relationship, I am still dealing with the residue from staying so long in that negative environment!

Last week I made the decision to take my life ALL THE WAY back! I took a HUGE step in my life, and I hired a coach of my own! He's not just any coach, I hired a friend to keep it 100% real with me & share my life with! After everything that happened with my abuser, I was so ashamed and embarrassed which kept my confidence at those lower levels. Dr. Walter Sims is a PHENOMENAL mentor! He is helping me rebuild my self confidence, and be accountable & consistent with my business, vision, and message.

Going forward, you'll see a lot more posts about finances, entrepreneurship, and domestic abuse! It is my mission to help survivors become thrivers and live their best lives possible. Each of us has a purpose to fulfill. Some of our purposes are meant to reach a larger audience than others. In order to be as efficient and intentional with your purpose as possible, you need a coach! Every coach is not for every body, but when you're ready, the right coach for you will become apparent! And remember, someone is looking for that special gift that only you have!

Money Matters: Understanding the Equation

Once you've taken the time to discover where your money is coming from, where your money is going, and how your money is growing, you'll need to make a plan to get to where you need to go! This is where budget planning comes in handy! What are your top 5 financial goals? My goals are

1. Save for my son's college education (should he choose to go)
2. Save for retirement
3. Travel to at least 2 countries a year
4. Build a home
5. Build a strong empire/legacy to leave to my son

How can I achieve these  goals? I must set forth a realistic yet challenging budgeting and savings plan and know what options will get me to my goals in a way that truly suits my needs. The equation below is a very simplified way to understand your monetary goals:

Income = Expenses + Investments

 Although simple, if you understand what each component contributes and how to balance the equation, your financial goals are attainable.

Income: all funds flowing into your bank account from all sources. This includes wages, money received from business activities, unexpected gifts, interest, etc

Expenses: all fixed or variable outflows (rent, electricity, water, etc)

Investments: all money moved strategically and intentionally to a separate account to gain interest credit and the interest added to this account

If you've never created a budget or need a coach to guide you along the path, Start Young Financial Group and finance coach Latasha Kinnard are the place to be and the person to know! You'll have access to resources and tools that will help you create your best budget and live your healthiest financial life possible! The Virtual Budget Box is a great option for beginners or anyone who just needs help putting it all together while the 90 Day Income to Empire Intensive Course is a great option for people who are looking for a hands on, one-on-one coaching to not only reach their financial goals, but to surpass them! Get started on your path to financial freedom today!

Happy New Year 2016!

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2016 already! 2015 was a blur, but so many amazing things happened! I gained a new family/business, my cousin survived a vicious put bull attack, my son turned 4, and I am becoming more and more the woman that I was designed to be!

This journey has not been without its lessons, so I want to share three important lessons that I am taking into 2016:

1) there are no shorcuts to success

• consistency and persistency are key
• plan, try, fail, repeat, SUCCESS

2) it's ok if people say "no"; everyone isn't meant to be a part of your business or our message

• know your target audience and market to them
• brand your business and stick to it
• you have to sell yourself on your vision everyday; stay motivated so the rejections can be fuel

3) self-development is business management; you need to constantly improve for your business to improve

• my challenge this year is to read 1 book per month (not very high, but last year...)
• do a self inventory at least once a quarter to measure your growth
• the better you develop and manage yourself, the easier it is to do it for your business

What are some lessons that you learned in 2015 that will make you even better in 2016?

Smart Money: How to Invest your Income Tax Refund

2016 is fast approaching which means income tax season is coming! If you are like many Americans who receive an income tax refund, you have already estimated your refund and you're anxiously awaiting W-2s! So while you are mapping out what you could potentially do with your refund (if you get one), make sure you prioritize. Put the most important things FIRST: life after tax season! There are several things you can do to maximize the use of your refund and position yourself for life after refund. Including (not limited to):

• invest in bonds
• invest in stocks
• pay your current bills up for 6 months
• buy & pay up your life/health insurance for a year or two
• start a business
• DO NOT buy or finance a vehicle, jewelry, anything from Aarons, Rent-a-Center, etc!

Let's focus on two options: business and insurance. In 2013, I received an income tax refund of $1,118 and started my natural product line. I invested those funds to start a business that I was passionate about without going into debt. Another great option is life insurance. Life insurance is a great investment tool to have in your portfolio (not term or whole life). When you receive your income tax refund, pay it up for year or two! No new "bills," and your life is covered!

Let's take a look at some numbers for me. I am a 25 year old female, no tobacco usage, with no medical issues, and I have not been prescribed any medications in several years (since a bad stomach flu in 2012). I also have a four year old son that I want to protect. Here are a few options available to cover me and my son for a year (these numbers are for 12/17/2015):

Foresters
Smart UL $250,000: $1,275.31
20 Year Term: $484.60

AIG
Elite Index II $250,000: $817.60
20 Year Term $250,000: $186.50

Mutual of Omaha
Guaranteed UL $250,000: $$1,144
20 Year Term $250,000: $452


These are just a few options that I have available. Keep in mind that permanent insurance is customizable, and the right agent will customize a protection plan that fits your needs and your budget. Stay tuned for more information about how to customize your life insurance to fit your needs and your budget. Be blessed!

~Shanta Wilkerson

***UPDATE***

Oh my goodness, I didn't realize that I'd allowed 3 months to pass by with out posting to my blog! What on Earth was I doing? Well, I'll let you know exactly what I was doing: building my knowledge of Finance! In the past three months, I've spent countless hours going back over what I learned in college and putting it with what I am experiencing in the field, and I have to say that I've learned so much since I became a licensed life, health, & annuities agent than I ever did in a classroom!

When I go out and talk to people, I get the opportunity to see real world scenarios (not the simplified examples that we get in textbooks!). I have the opportunity to see in real time what the stock market has done, is doing, and will do to the retirement plan for the working class (401(k)), and I see the inequality in financial services that the middle class and lower income Americans receive EVERY DAY!

The systems in place are being re-written by a select few companies, and I am thankful that I partnered with one of them! I'll be talking a lot more about finance and many of the different ways to make your financial goals a reality! STAY TUNED!

~Shanta

Entrepreneurship: The Commission Decison

When talking to people about entrepreneurship in the network marketing industry and as an independent startup, the number one question is always about how and how much cash flow can be relied on. These questions are very valid! I am aware that bills don't pay themselves and creditors do not accept excuses or allow extensions while you're trying to figure things out.

I am an entrepreneur in the network marketing arena and in the start-up arena as well. There are three basic and very important skills that an individual needs to be aware of before making the journey to entrepreneurship and making the commission decision. Most Americans have an employee/guaranteed paycheck mindset, and due to the "commission" nature of entrepreneurship, you'll need to develop these skills to survive!

Coachability: You must be coachable. If you are a start-up entrepreneur, you will NEED a mentor. Read books, hire a coach, and focus on personal development. The more willing you are to learn and deflect to wise counsel, the better off you are in the long run. You will be able to learn without the critical mistakes that most entrepreneurs have made.

System: Follow a proven system! If you are a network marketing entrepreneur, FOLLOW THE SYSTEM THAT YOUR UPLINE TEACHES YOU! This will ensure that you can maximize your chances of having the same results that top earners in the company have achieved. Don't try to reinvent the wheel. Just implement the skills that you are learning from your mentor.

Effort: Do you put in the same effort when you're alone that you do when you're around others? I have to be honest here. I truly believe that the issue with the commission decision is hat most people don't work their hardest when no-one is looking! I believe that we have come to a place where individuals are goofing off and doing just the minimum for a guaranteed paycheck! As an entrepreneur, you will need to work harder than you've ever worked.You will need to be accountable to yourself and your family as well as your upline (if you're a network marketing entrepreneur).

If for any reason you can not master or practice these skills, you are set for a truly bumpy experience! Challenge yourself more so that when you step out into the market, you are ready for the chllenges that are sure to come!

~Shanta

How to start in business: LLC or Network Marketing

Let's talk business. There are many firms in the marketplace and in every industry that claim to be "just right" for you and everyone else, but if you are a business man or woman, you are very specific about what you are looking for in business and what you want to do. When it comes to starting a business from scratch, consider the following:

1. You are on your own. No one is there to help you figure things out. You are likely pioneering this business.
2. You accept all risk of failure or success. There is likely no system in place and every thing rests on your own actions. You are only accountable to yourself.

Of course it's not that simple, but these are two truths that I have found to be very relevant over the last six months. In a network marketing company, there are many other benefits Let's take a look at two I found in PHP.

1. I have a team. My marketing director and business partners all have my best interest at heart. They keep me focused on the system so that I can be successful.
2. I am accountable to others. My team keeps me honest! I can't waffle no matter what legitimate excuses come up in my personal life.

 Another thing to consider is that most network marketing firms are proven in their industry unlike an individual start up firm. In my recent Marketing course, we discussed branding. This YouTube video regarding social media marketing was one of the resources used for our last assignment. It may surprise you to know that 90% of consumers trust peer recommendations while only 14% trust advertisements! This is why network marketing, along with social media, are the wave of the future. As we become more "social" and interdependent, person to person recommendations are key to convincing the public that anything is worth their dollars!

Think about your life. I am passionate about healthy finances and healthy skin. Since I was not able to gain experience in the financial arena on my own, I decided to make my own experience. PHP is the vehicle that I am using to make that a reality. It's not for everybody, but there are many network marketing firms in the marketplace that can fit into anyone's passions and feed the need for entrepreneurship! Franchising is still entrepreneurship, and the skills that you learn will help you avoid costly mistakes when you step out on your own. Here are a few lists to get you started doing your research for the Network Marketing firm that fits your passions! I'll be talking more about PHP and why I am passionate about this firm in the coming weeks!

Top 100 Global Direct Selling Companies 2015

Network Marketing Central 

~Shanta

GOOD BYE TAX SEASON: An Ode to Entrepreneurship

GOOD BYE TAX SEASON

An Ode to Entrepreneurship

 

Every year, millions of Americans file their taxes. This year and last year I spent some time in the offices of H&R Block as an income tax professional, and I must say that it is very educational. I learn so much every year and discover exactly how much variation there is in this country.

 

Normally, I have W-2 income and rarely any schedule C income (self employment) unless I am doing my own. There is a HUGE lack of entrepreneurship where I currently live and at times it makes me feel out of place, but the interaction is what keeps me going back! Truck drivers, school teacher, security guards, and all the rest all have a very interesting story to tell, and taxes tells it all.

 

These people work hard for every dime that they receive from their wages, but many of them are living below their potential. There are so many people that I meet who are "just getting by" and ready for a change. They want to experience the thrill of being their own boss, but the fear of change holds so many people in place.

 

We are taught, trained, & conditioned to get an education and join the workforce. We are taught that when we work hard for others, it will pay off with a large paycheck, a big house, new car, and the perfect environment to raise our families, but today I challenge that thought! We are not meant to work all day every day until we die. Other nations have a much better view of work than we do (think siestas)! What if you could live the American dream on your own terms? I'M TELLING YOU THAT IT'S POSSIBLE!

 

This new opportunity that I have discovered has truly opened my eyes to the reality that I can live the life that I want without breaking my back on someone else's behalf. It has also taught me that I did not need to go to college, and if I had listened to my mother in high school, I would be $90,000+ lighter in the debt department! Network marketing companies are a great option for those seeking to make a change but are not sure how to start. I know when you hear "network marketing" you may automatically be turned off, but let me explain.

 

Anytime you make a major purchase, you verify it with others. That means you look at reviews, you ask the people currently in the neighborhood, or you may even consult your parents or other trusted advisors for their opinion. We do it daily, for free! There exist in this world a number of companies that utilize this network marketing framework to build relationships and income for the dedicated individuals who can see the vision and bring it to life.

 

I've been an entrepreneur since 2013, and there was no system in place when I started. However, with my current opportunity, there is a system in place, there is no monthly purchase requirement, and I can get the experience and education that I thought college would give me for a much lower cost!! The company I am referring to is People Helping People. This opportunity is exciting because I have a team, I have a system, and my team is AWESOME!! They are there when I need them, and I believe in the vision of the company! If you are interested in making a change, let me know. PHO may not be the change for you, but you can find the company that provides you just the change that you are looking for! I'M TELLING YOU THAT IT'S POSSIBLE!

~Shanta

Blessed Body Brand

Blessed Body Brand is a health and wellness company that currently carries a line of all-natural personal care products including soaps, lip balms, bath salts, & more! We are a lifestyle brand that promotes use and knowledge of healthy living alternatives, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge with you and learning from you as well!

BBB started in April of 2013 with 3 products: lip balm, Shea butter, and coconut oil, and a vision to create high quality personal care products for the entire family! Today we offer handcrafted cold and hot process soaps featuring essential oils, clays, and botanicals, lip balms (our flagship recipe and a new recipe!), bath salts, hair & body oils, and our newest product SOLID LOTION BARS!

We've got big plans to expand even more in the coming months and years to include a line of all-natural hair care products for kinky/curly hair including shampoo, conditioner, hair pomade, etc, deodorant, toothpaste, bath bombs, and all-natural household cleaning supplies! The possibilities are endless and the future is looking very bright! Stay tuned for even more details on our current and upcoming products. Also, follow Blessed Body Brand on Facebook for the most up-to-date information! Thanks for reading :)

Shanta

Are you thinking about starting a business in 2015?

Don't overthink it. Get ready to research! Start with the SBA website. Get familiar with the information and steps that are listed there. The website is MASSIVE! Take time to browse, read, and bookmark articles particular to your situation. There is so much information available to you for FREE! Also, get a few books geared to your intended industry. I purchased the Crafty Superstar by Grace Dobush (pictures below), and there is a newer updated version available now! Research tax laws in your county and state. Some states require you to file a Business Privilege and/or use Tax within 2.5 months of filing your business formation documents. When you start your business, you are considered a sole proprietorship and all income is personal income. You can elect to change your business status at any time to an LLC, partnership, or corporation by filing paperwork within your county/state, but be aware of the implicaions of changing your status. You will also need to file for a FEIN once your election changes.

It's also important to spend some time on the FDA website if you are going into the product industry like Blessed Body Brand. You need to know what you can and can not say on your labels, website, or in person regarding the efficacy of your finished goods. Insurance is important as you begin to sell, but I didn't make the investment until I was sure I was going to be able to sustain a business. The Indie Beauty Network is awesome, so I'm a member there!!! I have insurance through the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild because at the time they didn't offer just a membership, and I need their online storefront (a decision that I would gladly make again). I'm still working out of my kitchen, but I am looking to expand. Keep in mind the following information as you begin the process of starting your venture on the business side:

1. Your business will direct your needs. Don't rent a storefront just yet!
2. Focus your product offerings when you're just starting off.
3. Know what is and is not allowed to be sold in your state. Some states are stricter than others when it comes to the personal care industry.
4. As you grow and your customers begin to make requests, then you can expand, but to ensure you minimize startup debt, stay focused. I learned this the hard way!
5. There's a lot of research involved.
6.  KEEP A NOTEBOOK HANDY! I advise writing things down in a notebook if that helps you to retain information better. You may also create a Word or OneNote file with all of your findings and ideas. This will help keep you focused, motivated, and accountable.

There's s much more that I can say, but I'll save that for the next post. Happy venturing!

ISBN: 978-1440320378

ISBN: 978-1600613203

Happy New Year: 2015

WOW! I can't believe that 2014 is already done! It brings to mind the plans and goals I started it with. Have I accomplished what I set out to do? Did I get sidetracked? Was I successful? The answer for me: How can you tell? I always have a vision for my life. I have plenty of ideas, and plenty of dreams. However, the mistake that I have made nearly every year: not writing them down and holding myself accountable for reaching each goal/milestone! This year, I'M READY! This year I am equipped with a vision board and a MAP (master action plan)!

My vision board is a challenge for me to be bolder, to focus, to kick fear in the face, and stop chasing my dreams. The challenge this year is to CAPTURE MY VISIONS!!! You should join me! Take out paper and pen, go to the dollar tree and buy a foam poster board, and start making a list of what you want in your life. On your poster board, print or cut out pictures from a magazine of items that you want and paste them there. Start living on purpose with purpose. I learned that last lesson from a group of very wise women.

In my MAP, are all the things that I want for myself professionally: the direction that I want to take my businesses in. I have so many ideas that I will be executing this year! I am so excited to start the process of sharing each milestone with you!! This is phenomenal guys!!

Another lesson that I am learning: Make room in the physical realm for what is in store for you in the spiritual realm. Prepare your physical home to receive all the good that the Universe has in store for you. Stop blocking your growth! From this day forward, DO NOT HOLD YOURSELF BACK!! Reach out and grab everything that is in reserve for you! Make the decision that 2015 is the start of your greatest you! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Education: MBA Entrepreneurship and Managing Innovation

On March 4th, I started my MBA program with Benedictine University online. There were several reasons that I chose this concentration, but most importantly I chose this option because I want a formal education on entrepreneurship. I started with the basics, of course, but I was finally able to take one of my concentration courses in entrepreneurship. I am very excited! The course sessions are 8 weeks long and run consecutively minus a short break for winter and summer.

Here's an excerpt from the Entrepreneurship course syllabus:

Course Description

This course deals with new venture management, examining entrepreneurial personalities, managing creativity, and establishing a successful enterprise.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, each student will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process.
• Assess the feasibility of new business concepts and ideas.
• Explain and analyze new business venture management principles including opportunity recognition, market assessment, and financial planning.
• Formulate a plan to identify resources and skills needed to grow a new venture business.
• Analyze various exit strategies for new business ventures.
• Create business plans for development and financing of new business ventures.

The weekly discussion posts were a great way to help me see other opinions and expand my thinking on the various subjects while the written assignments gave great opportunities for constructive feedback to help me improve my thoughts and processes. We also had a group project in this course. We chose to focus on developing a mobile app to search for lowest price textbooks and supplemental materials for graduate and undergraduate students. That was a challenge for me as I have no experience in mobile app development. However, it was a challenge that I now appreciate. We were also encouraged to create a business plan of our own or tweak an existing business plan, and this is what I will be working on continuously.

My next course started today, and I am very excited! This new course focuses on technology and innovation in business!! I am enjoying the learning platform and my instructors & classmates are amazing! Education is power!

Stumompreneurs Unite Part 2

Stumompreneurs (student, mother, entrepreneurs) are individuals who attend higher education institutions, run businesses, and raise a child or children simultaneously! We are a group of active and highly motivated individuals! As a stumompreneur time management is of the utmost importance (I know because I still struggle with it!!). We have to multitask and be able to do at least 3 things at once, but how can we manage to do all this highly important, life altering, necessary... STUFF! We must PRIORITIZE!

Yesterday we discussed the most important job of the stumompreneur, MOM. Today we will address the other two important facets of ourselves.

ENTREPRENEUR: Your business is your baby, and if it's a start-up... it's a newborn and requires constant care! Like a child, it takes several years to be able to stand up and pee on it's own and remember to lift the seat or wipe it off as it were. You have to be consistent here as well. Know your industry. Know who's prominent in your industry. Read about your industry. Talk about your industry. If you are a product creator, make some great products and market your products. If you offer services, tell the world and market you! Don't be cheap! You're in business to make an impact on the world and make money. This effort keeps you away from your family. That time can't be recovered, and it's expensive! Charge what you're worth and charge for your time. Knowing your industry will be a HUGE help here!

STUDENT: As a student striving for a post secondary or post baccalaureate degree, you have to be motivated and passionate about what you're studying! If you are studying an area that is directly related to your business or business goals, you are in the money! You can multitask and complete business and student assignments at the same time! Know your course schedule. I am attending Benedictine University online, and I know that the week begins on Monday. Initial discussion posts are due Wednesday. Written assignments are due on Sunday along with discussion responses. I also know at the beginning of each week how much reading, research, and studying that I need to do so that I can budget that time in as well.

Stumompreneurs Unite Part 1

Stumompreneurs (student, mother, entrepreneurs) are individuals who attend higher education institutions, run businesses, and raise a child or children simultaneously! We are a group of active and highly motivated individuals! As a stumompreneur time management is of the utmost importance (I know because I still struggle with it!!). We have to multitask and be able to do at least 3 things at once, but how can we manage to do all this highly important, life altering, necessary... STUFF! We must PRIORITIZE!

MOM: Our first priority is to family: our children, our spouses, and ourselves! Individuals outside of your household are not included into this category for consideration. Set a schedule. I know, it is so cliche and darn near impossible, but it will save you a lot of time and tension! I have a three-year-old son and a four-year-old niece. They are both currently home-schooled, so scheduling is of the essence! Be consistent with your schedule. Know what activities are coming up and make them a regular part of your week/month so that your schedule is not derailed. This includes Barnes & Noble story time, library outings, days at the park/zoo/gardens, whatever you want to do with your children.

Do not neglect spending quality time with your husband/wife!! This is not just about sex, although in marriage this area should not be left unattended without cause. Do things with your spouse: talk to each other with everything turned off, hold hands, kiss, do things that remind you why you fell in love with each other (especially if that includes watching anime and playing Sonic on Sega Genesis!!). Set a schedule for this. Scheduling does not make you a bad mother/wife! It makes you a superhero!

Spend time with your entire family as well. Children need to see mom and dad interacting happily with love and care! Again, turn off the world and enjoy each other. Most importantly, DO NOT NEGLECT YOURSELF! Self-care is the only way to stay sane and keep moving! Soak in the tub while your husband watches the kids, read a book, paint your nails, eat snacks ALONE, exercise, play music and dance around (my favorite), do absolutely nothing while the house is quiet at nap time, and most importantly CLEANING UP DOES NOT COUNT AS SELF-CARE! Do something exclusively for you!

Friends and other relatives are very important, but not more important than your family. After all, they are the reason you have this title and chose to do the work that you do. Stay tuned for part 2 where discuss our titles of student and entrepreneur.

Fish! Catch the Energy & Release the Potential

On a recent trip to my local Rescue Mission thrift shop, I visited the book section in search of some golden goodies! My son, who is very... adventurous, wandered ahead of me trailing behind his Nana and picked up a book with a fish on the cover. He had to show it to me and to Nana. He thought that it was a book for him, but God used my little adventurer to lead me to this book! The idea behind the book is quite simple: If people love what they do, they will do it well & this is how. I decided that at $1, this book couldn't be a bad investment. Today, I was able to make my $1 investment count. I read the book in about an hour and a half with several interruptions.

There are four main principles to understand to make the workplace work.

• Choose a positive attitude
• Play
• Be present
• Make their day

The first principle can seem the most difficult for some people; however, when we choose our attitude, we create our own success. When we don't choose our attitude or we are reactive to what happens around us, we choose not to be in control of our success. Joyce Meyer calls this the "Battlefield of the Mind" and she has extensive teachings o the subject as well.

The second principle is something that is somewhat difficult for mos adults. We are taught to grow up and act like mature adults. This implies walking around in gray suits and driving gray cars and living a gray life fr most people. This takes a lot of the fun out of our lives. Since we can spend 40 hours or more working in this environment it can cause us to have a deficit in energy and enthusiasm for the work that we do. In the book Fish!, they discussed the importance of play at the Pike Place Fish Market. The workers there created a fun and playful environment where they sold fish and made memories by playing lively interactive fish games with the crowd (you gotta read the book). These games not only made the work fun, but more enjoyable for the employees.

Be present is the third principle. This is a tough one as well. Being present means being unavailable for certain things in order to make the most of other things, such as family. Set a time and place for working. At the close of business, close the business side of your life and choose to be present with your family and loved ones. Don't be too pressed to work all the time. Providing for your family is not more important than the time you spend with them. The last thing that we want is for our careers to provide more for our families than we do. DO NOT WORK AT THE RISK OF RELATIONSHIPS! Family time is more important than anything else. Nurture these relationships first.

Finally is the principle of making their day. This principle is simply the act of making yourself memorable to your customers, making memories with your family, and creating experiences that create a longing for another interaction with you or your company.

For me, the first and third principles are difficult. I have the attitude battle within myself everyday! I choose to stunt my growth every time I choose not to think positively and plan positively. Being present is also difficult for me as a single working mother. I have the full responsibility of providing for, teaching, nurturing, grooming, and the overall development of myself, my child, and my business. There is no one else to do it for me the way that I want it done.

I can ask my family and friends (a blog of a different title), but I seldom do. In fact, I take on all of these responsibilities myself. This lack of delegation makes me a little bit absentminded, exhausted, and ultimately busy all the time! I do not like it. I genuinely need to do a better job of sticking to my business hours and spend more time being present in my home and in my son's life and developing our relationship. He'll only be my baby boy for a few more years, and I want to maximize this time!

If you have read this blog and you are an entrepreneur, let me tell you simply why this book and these principles apply to us. We are the workplace. We are the energy. We are the problem and the solution. When you take on the responsibility of business ownership, your business takes on the tone that you set for it and the personality that you give it. You are the only entity that can create a change in your company. For a more in depth view of these four topics and to see how they were implemented to turn a "toxic energy dump" into the most coveted department of "First Guarantee Financial", pick up the book and read it!

The Sea Gull or the Lion Cub?

Disney movies are some of my favorite films of all time! I love the complex simplicity of the characters and how each movie leaves you with a very important image of life and a lesson to boot! Recently, I've been thinking about leadership and knowledge. In the movie The Little Mermaid, Ariel was told a whole lot of misinformation about life on the surface! This info made her look ridiculous when she finally became a human, such as a fork is called a dingle hopper and that it is used to comb the hair! How embarrassing was that!

Let's not forget young Simba in the Lion King who was so thoroughly terrified by the things he thought he did that he couldn't begin to think about taking his place in the animal kingdom as the Lion King. He ran away from the responsibility of his lineage up until the moment he found out that he was not the cause of his father's death. These two characters and others represent two very important principles in Entrepreneurship: knowledge and timing.

1. Know that you know what you're talking about. With the prevalence of the internet, it is easy to share and receive information. Any individual can create a platform and start "sharing knowledge" on just about any subject but not all are correct. You should be well read and current on issues in your field/industry so that your information is true and accurate. You don't have to wait until you feel like an expert to start your business. You just need to have verifiable, accurate data. There are so many resources available once you make that initial step, and you will always fail every opportunity that you don't take. Don't be a sea gull!
2. Don't waste time. Wasting time in business is like not healthy. You can accomplish something, but not much and not usually of quality. Also, you can cause yourself delays and unnecessary hardships when you put off doing things that need to be done like calling customers, responding to e-mails, making products, or marketing. You have a vision and a reason for being in business. Don't let your moment pass you by. Conditions are rarely ever perfect for starting a business, but you should never let your personal fears or inadequacies stop you. You have something great to offer the world if you just believe in yourself enough. Take the time to believe in yourself or no one else will.

Determination and the Entrepreneur

Tonight, I am up late. I have a group project due next week, and it's on an industry that I know absolutely nothing about: mobile apps! On top of that I am working on new products for our Blessed Body Brand product line. Plus, my child insists on trying to cuddle up with me instead of going to sleep! I could just turn everything off and snuggle up with my cuddle bug, but I must secure his future! I must tap into my determination well and finish this research for my group project and for my new products!!

Determination is a trait that all entrepreneurs must possess in infinite quantities. Being in business for yourself requires several hours of effort before any profits are realized! Most people would reject that proposition without any questions especially if entrepreneurship were the only thing that they were attempting to do at the time. I, however, am attending graduate school, raising a family, building a business, and attempting to date (a blog for another day!) My plate is full at all times, but it's necessary! I wouldn't have it any other way.

As an entrepreneur, it is important to balance work life and home life even though at times they can occur in the same space. Create a vision board and a creative space in your home. If you don't have a home office, take a corner and create your VISION BOARD in your kitchen or bedroom! Make it stand out so that you can see it everyday and be accountable to yourself for getting things done. After all, it's your baby. Nobody is going to nurture and develop it like you! STAY FOCUSED, STAY HUNGRY, STAY DETERMINED! This is what you were put on this Earth to do, do it and make it effective!

Merriam-Webster's definition of determination

de·ter·mi·na·tion

noun \di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən\
: a quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult
: the act of finding out or calculating something

: the act of officially deciding something

Entrepreneurship is...

An entrepreneur, as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary, is one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise. I take that definition and add one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise, devotes countless hours of life in research and development before any profits emerge, one who sacrifices time with family and friends, one who is laughed at and questioned for his or her unexplainable passion for a vision that no one else can see, one who is consumed with their success and the success of those that they love, one who is incapable of being happy or successful living the normal mundane life that comes with a predictable and steady paycheck, but who is determined to see a thing through to the end and reap the rewards and benefits of his or her dedication and hard work in all of its various forms.

Becoming an entrepreneur is not for everyone. Some people just have brilliant ideas, and that's ok. That's why partnerships exist. Some people have brilliant ideas and courage to take on impossible tasks and only accept victory. You have to be slightly insane to make this work because it will not be easy. There are many roads to entrepreneurship, but from what I've seen and heard, the journey's are very similar. My road to entrepreneurship started as a child. I've always done things my own way. I've always been a "boss" or bossy according to my brothers.

It wasn't difficult for me to get tired of the rat trap and tap out! I started my first job at Hungry Howies on October 2, 2007, and the last day that I worked for someone else's establishment was June 26, 2014 when I finalized my documents to become my own Independent Business Owner with Arise Virtual Solutions. I've held positions in four companies: Hungry Howies, Bojangles, Office Max, various schools and departments of UAB, H&R Block, and Marathon Solutions Group, LLC. My employment at Office Max is what truly showed me that I was not built for traditional employment! The hours were decent, but the pay was ridiculous and the demands were very high.

As an entrepreneur, you'll discover that you work the hardest when you work for yourself, but the pay and benefits are much better. I remember the day I made my first sale. I felt like I had made a million dollars even though the sale itself was less than $20 bucks. As I continue to build this company and build my brand image, I only hope to bring my passion and my vision along every step of the way and never forget my humble beginnings because that is my true entrepreneurial vision of success.