PRODUCTIVITY + HEALTH + PROGRESS

PRODUCTIVITY + HEALTH + PROGRESS

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I recently purchased a "new" car, and I've put quite a few miles on it! Not only are those miles on my car, they are also on my body! What happens when an individual does tremendous amounts of driving and spends hours in their car? Fatigue, exhaustion, and poor eating habits. My body is still recovering, but these are things that I must do in order to succeed in life & business. With this realization, I have challenged myself to do more, better!

Productivity is very important. With all of the driving and movement that I have been doing, there are other things that I did not get done! I didn't manage my time effectively and it caused me to be less productive over the last 27 days than I should have been (but family comes first!). Since I use Google for so much, I decided to start using the Google Calendar to help me stay on task. IT IS FANTASTIC!! I can map out  my day/week on Saturday evening before bed, and I receive notifications on my cell phone and my tablet. I get more done now that I have active alerts. I still love the Passion Planner for long-term goal setting, but I need something to alert me when it's time to shift activities.

Health is equally important for on-the-go entrepreneurs! I know that I need to have healthy eating options available! Most grocery stores sell individual fruit & yogurt or veggie trays and personal salads. No, you can't eat salad while driving, but there are also wraps in the deli that you can pick up. If you go to Publix, you can have a few made before you hit the road. Keep a cooler in your car with your treats. If you ride alone like I usually do, keep a smaller cooler on your passenger seat within reach for easy "snackcess!"

Don't try to defeat the road!!! When you feel your muscles getting stiff, pull off into a rest area and stretch. That five minutes of rejuvenation will save you a lot of physical pain and potential money when you finally arrive! Also, make sure that your vitamin B and Iron levels are within the normal range before your trip. Low iron along with poor eating habits, and lack of adequate rest was the cause of my extreme fatigue. I missed an epic symposium because I was unable to drive the 2 hours to get there. I actually checked myself into a Best Western and didn't wake up for about 4 hours (best sleep ever)!

PROGRESS: I recognize my shortcomings and how dangerous they have been for my body. I realize that I can not accomplish anything or raise my son if I am not here. It is very important to manage time effectively and take care of your body. I am mapping out my weekly/monthly schedule in Google Calender to ensure that I am able to do what I need to do, and I can reschedule anything that is not an immediate concern. Lets all be more productive and healthy from here on out!

~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

I am SUPER WOMAN (but geeze am I tired!)

I am SUPER WOMAN

(but geeze am I tired!)

 

 

The quote pictured above is the truest statement of the year! I am a self proclaimed Super Woman, and my kryptonite is trying to do EVERYTHING myself! I do not delegate well, and it causes me to do a bunch of things half well. While I do admit that I do the juggling act pretty well, I don't like the feeling of constant pressure and not being able to actually enjoy my efforts! I need BALANCE! I know many people can relate to this, and I think the following are key ways to get past your Super Woman/Man syndrome!

1. Delegate: Stop trying to do everything yourself! You are an intelligent woman/man, therefore you have other intelligent women/men around you. Let them help! Trust me, if it makes you less stressed, they will take your instruction and help willingly!
2. Prioritize: Make lists of all the things that need to be done and prioritize it. What things need to be done? What things need to be done by you? What things can be postponed? What things are completely unnecessary? When you finish this list you will see how much time you really have and how much time you've wasted!
3. Schedule: Get a good planner, and schedule your day. Best practice: Schedule your week Saturday night or make your schedule for the following day before bed (Schedule Monday on Sunday). This way, you are clear on what needs to be done the following day, and you are prepared for the inevitable "unexpected time expense!"
4. Set goals: The best way to hold yourself accountable is to set goals and put a definitive date on it! This is an area where I am weak. I procrastinate at times and it

These are things that I am implementing in my own life as well. The Passion Planner is an EXCELLENT tool with prioritizing, goal setting, delegation, and scheduling!! You may even be able to get it for free (like I did)! Even if you do pay for it, it is well worth the expense to have a planner that is so intuitive! I'm getting the bound version next year! Let's take this journey together! As I continue to shake off this Super Woman complex, I know it will make me more effective in every area of my life.

~Shanta

Prosperity Legacy,LLC on the Arise Network: Certifications, Clients & SOWs

Prosperity Legacy,LLC on the Arise Network: Certifications, Clients & SOWs

Congratulations! You have successful created your profile, passed the voice assessment & background check, completed your interview, and CSP 101! Now what? Now that you are certified, you can select a client opportunity. Opportunities will be listed on the portal. Once a class is filled, it will be removed from the portal. If you'd like to know how much an opportunity pays, contact your IBO and they will give you the information based on their revenue structure. For Prosperity Legacy, LLC, CSPs receive all bonuses offered by client and all wages minus the Prosperity Legacy fee of $10 or 5% each invoice period, whichever is higher as payment for our services to you. This amount is also subject to change without notice. This blog will be updated if that amount changes. Arise also charges a fee of $19.75 per invoice period once you are certified in a client course as payment for tech support services.

Certification courses are usually 4 weeks (some are longer/shorter based on client needs) and run 4 hrs per day Monday through Friday. There is usually a morning course (9-1 EST), an evening class (7-10 EST), and occasionally an afternoon class (2-6 EST). Select the course that fits your schedule best. Please be advised that all courses have a no absence policy. If you must miss a class for any reason, please contact your instructor first! Depending on your participation in the course and your progress on self-paced work, your instructor may be able to discuss waiving the missed course with the client. We all have emergencies, and they don't announce themselves! After contacting your instructor, please contact Prosperity Legacy for documentation purposes. Most certification courses are similar: instructor led portion, self paced homework, mock calls for certification, and a nesting period for call taking.

Once you complete your certification course and pass your certification and nesting phase, you will be awarded an initial Statement of Work (SOW) with the client that outlines your rights, responsibilities, and revenue. The initial SOW is usually 2-3 months, and clients are generally a little more forgiving during this time; however, once your contract is renewed, you will be held to the same standards as seasoned CSPs. Your SOW will outline how many hours the client expects you to work weekly and any weekend work requirements that they may have. For example, you may be required to work 20 hours a week including two hours on Saturday or Sunday. You can schedule those 20 hours however you'd like as long as you service 20 hours and two hours are on the weekend.

Each client also has other performance metrics that are tracked and your performance will be reviewed. While you are working from home and are in charge of your schedule, you are still a contractor for whichever client you select and of Prosperity Legacy, LLC. These metrics are discussed in your certification course as well as your Statement of Work (SOW) contract. Be sure to read and review your SOW once received as this is only a small portion of the information contained in your SOW. Have questions? Please e-mail your questions to shanta@prosperitylegacyllc.com with subject "More Info-Arise Blog."

Shanta

Prosperity Legacy,LLC on the Arise Network: Is "Arise" a real company?

Prosperity Legacy,LLC on the Arise Network: Is "Arise" a real company?

I get this question a lot more than I thought I would! When introducing individuals to the work-from-home world, if they aren't entrepreneurial, they are a bit hesitant. When you tell them they have to pay for the opportunity before making any money, they are screeching to a halt and running for the exit! While it is true the Arise process does require an initial investment ($141-$300, except during specials). It is also true that that investment can and will be made back within the first few weeks of servicing your first contract. They also offer specials on the required CSP 101 course from time to time. Just stay tuned in to the Arise Virtual Solutions Facebook page and watch for the discounts to be posted! I've seen it offered for $5 (regularly $99)!!! Also, military men, women, and spouses can usually get this class for free!

Now that you know that this is a "real" company, let me tell you a little more. I started working with Arise in 2013 later went on to become my own IBO (Independent Business Owner). What this means is that I started as a CSP (Customer Service Professional) and promoted myself to the owner and "boss" of my own firm. Since this was something I was always interested in, it was as simple as filing LLC paperwork with my state and local offices & the IRS and filling out the required forms with Arise. If this is what you're interested in, we'll discuss forming an LLC in a different blog!

How to become a CSP:

1. Visit Arise and create your profile. This step is free and takes literally 5 minutes.
2. When you reach the question:Were you referred by an Independent Business or Current Client Support Professional, select Yes and enter my IBO ID (64377), and proceed to the next step. (If you are military do not follow this step. Select military in the "How did you hear about Arise drop down menu and proceed to the next step.)
3. Complete the Voice Assessment. This assessment checks for diction and clarity in your voice as well as your listening skills.
4. After the voice assessment, complete the background check. The background check is currently an out-of-pocket cost of $12.95 (price is subject to change without notice, and I will update th is blog to reflect any changes.)
5. Once your background check is complete, you will need to complete the basic orientation course, CSP 101. This course is regularly $99. Any specials will be posted on the Arise Facebook page.
6. Now that you've successfully set up your profile and passed all preliminary steps, it's time to select a client. Client courses range in price from $29-$179. Hours can range from 24/7 to 7am - 4 am EST. It really all depends on what your needs are. These are all real companies with real requirements that must be met in order to maintain your contract or statement of work with them (more on SOWs later).
7. For a more in depth view of the set-up and getting started process, Arise has created a "How-to" guide that has all the information that you need. Just visit Start to Work from Home with Arise and take a look around.

It is your choice which IBO you'd like to work with. It is also my choice to decide which CSPs to work with. If you are interested in working with Prosperity Legacy, LLC, please send an email with the subject "More Info-Arise Blog" to shanta@prosperitylegacyllc.com for an initial interview. Complete your profile and get started! If during our meeting you do not feel that you are a good fit for this IBO, you can also visit the IBO Directory or search through IBOs on the portal after setting up your profile.

Shanta