Today is #WINtentionalWednesday!!!

Today is #WINtentionalWednesday, and I am so excited about it! One of the most important skills in life is the ability to set and reach your goals! Why? Because to successfully set and reach goals, you must be intentional about your personal development: What are my strengths? Weaknesses? How can I improve in my weak areas to maximize my impact and minimize the time it takes to reach my goals?


What are some dreams that you have for your life? What visions of yourself inspire you? Each of us has inside of us the propensity to dream and to create the life we choose! Personal development is the key that unlocks the door to our greatest experiences while consistency is the force that pushes that door open! Think about your life goals and visions for a few minutes. Do they seem lofty and frightening? Mine often do. That is when I remember that I can accomplish those goals with ease when I take calculated and INTENTIONAL steps towards them.

One of my dreams is to own a Maserati Ghibli Q4 (although those Teslas are quite appealing!!) With all of my current customizations, this car is well over $80,000. However I dice it, TODAY, this car is "slightly" out of my reach. Fortunately though for me, I know that by setting and reaching small goals and staying consistent with my stated intentions, I CAN own this car!

 Once again, really think about your goals, dreams, and visions for your life! Sit down with pen and paper and write down ALL of the tools that you currently have to get you there and then write down all of the tools you THINK you need to get you there. Now is where the work comes in! Find a way to utilize personal development to improve the skills you have and gain the skills that you need. This is your challenge. How do you intend to win today?

Current Events: Pause for the Cause(s)

This week millions of Americans celebrated independence day: black, white, brown, and albino, and then a few days later the news of two fatal police shootings shook the "entire nation," rather it should have. (Click here for the stories.) Once the news broke, it exposed the fractures and fault lines of America. #BlackLivesMatter was once again (and frustratingly so) the subject of discussion with sentiments ranging from "If they'd done... they'd still be alive" to "I don't understand why they keep doing this to us" and whole lot of in between!

While I agree that #BlackLivesMatter, I also know that this issue is deeper than race. It's much deeper than systematic oppression, and much deeper than police brutality. This is an issue of good versus evil, light versus dark, and heaven versus hell. If you disagree, think about this. You have a black friend in the LGBT community whose life was turned upside down after the shootings in Orlando. People were killed because of their sexual preference/identification. Take it even further and think about the possibility of another friend who is black, LGBT, and raised Islamic who is hated because of the actions of another radical extremist group!

Prejudice and categorization exists to create division, disdain, and a lack of trust within communities that, if we could ban together with a positive purpose, would become an unstoppable force for good. Don't let you absence from the groups being affected stop you from speaking. Don't allow your absence from a certain struggle cause you to belittle the struggle and rights of those in that struggle. We must all come together and learn to empathize with our fellow human being. We must realize that there is more at play than race.Think about this:

While we crusade for racial equality (which is a VERY worthy cause), the unseen hands that shape our country are pushing forward agendas that will take our rights away and have us stuck with no one to depend on but the very people that we are so prejudiced against.

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?

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

Customer Service Focus

Customer Service Focus

How often do you interact with a customer service professional (CSP)? Do you feel satisfied with the outcome? Do you feel like the company cares about you? Are you moved to continue to use their products/services?

I often interact with CSPs, and it is always an experience to remember (not always for the best reasons). Most recently, I attempted to order a textbook, and I keyed in my card number wrong (stumompreneur brain, oops!). I contacted the seller (BookWormUSA on AbeBooks), and they responded less than 24 hours later! They said, "Go ahead and place the order again, and we'll get it shipped to you asap." I placed a new order, and it was delivered to my door less than 72 hours later!!! I am still in awe! I made sure to e-mail them and tell them how pleased I am! I felt that they genuinely cared about their customers and were willing to go the extra mile just for me! I will DEFINITELY be ordering from them again next session!! Thank you Book Worm USA!

I was and still am very satisfied with the level of service that I received, and it really made me think about all the other customer service experiences that I have had. Not all experiences are this spectacular! As a CSP and business owner, I take great care in the way that I treat customers whether they are shopping with my company directly (Blessed Body Brand) or with a company that I represent. Here are my top 5 CSP practices to ensure that you always provide stellar customer service!

1. Show empathy.
2. Be prepared to listen.
3. Be confident.
4. Ask necessary questions.
5. Follow protocol.

Using these 5 simple techniques can ensure that you always provide the best quality of customer service that you possible can!


Shanta

HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR IN 2015

There are many ways to become a successful entrepreneur, but most would agree that there are a few keys that are universal. We'll take a look at two today 1) define your market 2) refine your products. It is very important once you make the decision to go into business that you know who you are going to be serving and what specific products you are offering.

When you know your market, you can choose the best pricing and marketing strategies to reach the most people while encouraging sales. Knowing your market will also keep you from getting caught up in fads, trends, or suggestions for new products or services
from well meaning family and friends. You will only create products and services that cater to your current and potential customers that will generate revenue for your business.

Refining your products can be a long journey, but if you define your niche before you begin it saves so much time and money later, trust me!

Always remember:

1. You are IN BUSINESS to create relationships and revenue!
2. Your time/products/services are not free, so limit the amount of freebies that you give away by only giving them to potential and established customers.
3. Create products/services that you personally believe in!
4. Know your products/services and what you have to offer to potential customers.
5. KICK THE FEAR HABIT! Fear of failure will hold you back from reaching your success. You'll never know what you could have done or could have been if you had not started or tried.

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!

Manifesto!

Every entrepreneur should have a manifesto! A manifesto, as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary, is a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer. Your manifesto should be a continuation of your businesses vision, mission, and values with a personal component to help your business become accessible to potential customers. I'm working on my company manifesto, and so far I'm pleased. It is a document that can be updated to reflect your company's growth and development over time, but you should always keep a copy of your first manifesto to mark your growth.

Your manifesto can be fun and engaging or serious and intellectual. Whatever you choose, make sure that your manifesto reflects the core of your business. I've drafted a few manifestos over the last few months. Our first and latest manifesto drafts are below.Take a moment to read and review them and let us know what you think. Then write your own manifesto. You can even write a manifesto for your personal life! With 2015 right around the corner, it may help you define who you are and where you want to take yourself during the year!

 Draft 1:When I wake up in the morning, the very first thought in my mind is: "Just 30 more minutes...." and after that, I roll out of bed and get to work, usually. My heart glows when I create a product or offer a service that customers love, and my heart breaks when I realize that I can't do everything at the same time *sigh* My customers are my life force. More than anything else I care about helping them live their best life possible! In my world, creativity (and innovation) is an absolute necessity. Innovation is always a fabulous idea. Mediocrity is overrated and stagnation is a definite NO! Fantasizing about Shea butter is totally reasonable. Striving for my goals is a must, but at the end of the day, my sn is all that really matters. When I die, I want to be remembered as a person who changed the world by positively influencing the people around me and who inspires others to dream, plan, and build too. ~Shanta

Draft 2: Everyday is an opportunity to be successful! My family, my relatives and my customers, keep me motivated to work at top capacity. My heart glows when i am able to deliver a product or service that a customer loves and needs. I experience heartbreak every time I try to take on too many projects at once and some or all don't turn out right. More than anything else, I care about helping families live their best life possible! In my world, creativity, innovation, and motivation are must haves. Innovation is always a phenomenal idea! Mediocrity is overrated and stagnation is DEATH! Fantasizing about Shea butter and soap is totally reasonable. Striving for and achieving my goals is a must, but at the end of the day, my baby boy is all that really matters. When I die, I want to be remembered as a person who conquered the world by positively influencing families and individuals to take a chance on themselves and build a future that is better than the past and present. Remember me as a woman who built companies to inspire others to dream, plan, and build too. ~Shanta
  

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.

VISION

I started this year in a dark place mentally and emotionally. Life was not going where I wanted it to. I had to move in with my mom. I didn't have a bed. All of my possessions were stuffed in boxes in the den, and I was empty. One day, I sat down and thought about it. I hated where I was... HATED IT! I knew if I stayed in that mental space I would be miserable and everyone around me would be miserable too! I decided then to create a vision. I chose to create my vision around my business and my son (my personal life was not even a thought at the time) and remember why I started this company in the first place.

I had been going through a lot trying to define my businesses and my dreams over the last 18 months. I went through a spot of hell last year with my ex-fiancee and father of my child and it really ripped me a part. My business was the last piece of me to survive that relationship. I had to pull myself together the best I could to finish undergrad and raise our son, so it is necessary that this business not only survives, but that it thrives and changes lives and lives beyond me!!!

From that moment, I made my vision (a successful lasting legacy for my son, my niece, and my family) the focal point of my life. I'd be lying if I said that it just happens and everyday is full of passion and happiness, but I have a vision of where I want my life to be. My vision is expanding and growing daily. Parts of the vision are being realized in ways that I never dreamed possible, and it's all because I decided to not only change my focal point but to create my focal point.