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For many business women with children summer represents opportunities to unwind and spend more time being mom. And with so many exciting summertime events it is easy to fill your calendar with activities that pull you in many directions. The good news is there is a way for mompreneurs to keep stress to a minimum and run a smooth business in the coming weeks.

One way is to find a healthy pace in your daily routine. As summer outings that spark your child's interest begin to surface realize that you can not attend them all. Involve older children in the planning process by allowing them to select a few events to add to the calendar each week.

Another way to balance your time is by considering what you want to achieve by summer's end. Plan ahead for summer vacation so that you are less likely to be distracted by overscheduling outings, events, and other "to-do's" that can rob you of time and productivity. Some things that will keep your business moving forward are:

• Pre-schedule recurring meetings. For example, if you regularly meet with your accountant for a mid-year tax review, schedule early to discuss moves you can make now to pay less taxes next year.
• Continue to monitor your company results. What measures are you tracking? Are you on schedule with meeting planned goals? If not, what is holding you back that you can work on before year end?
• Continuing forecasting and planning. Have you updated your budget? What about your three to five year business plan?

Finally, automate as much as possible. Consider small tweaks in your routine and put your business on autopilot. This allows you to get more done in less time. What parts of your business can get a boost from automation?

Every idea starts in the mind. With your imagination you can see what you want to create. You may not always start with all the tools you need to complete your project but you have just enough to get started. Even if you begin with your creativity which is the thoughts that you have combined with the skills that you were born with, you have a great starting place to launch your next idea. What happens with many people is they get so caught up in having to reach the biggest goals first that they forget how much fun it is to simply build in layers.

Taking some lessons from my six year old son, I learned that play is not only fun but it is satisfying. In observing other women business owners I have watched how they give up far too soon because they don’t have the right this or the proper that. That is what takes the air out of the balloon (so to speak). In other words, you start to limit what you can build because of what you do not readily have in your possession. As my son put it, "You have to keep building with what you have and then when the time comes you can always go out and get the rest of the pieces."

Being a grown up doesn’t mean that you have to lose your childhood imagination. What are the things that you enjoy working with most? For me, I enjoy working with my mind, reading, writing, and synthesizing things. I have always loved playing games like “I Spy” and “Hide-N-Go-Seek” because they allow me to investigate and put the pieces of a puzzle together with the clues that I already have. Even in my younger years I enjoyed asking questions, solving riddles, and in general, just figuring mysteries out. Putting this together with my love for math and business has lead me to create the company that is the perfect fit for me. My ideal venture is now giving me the chance to enjoy work that is challenging. It also stretches my imagination as I think about different ways to help clients come up with financial solutions. What's even better is that my work is fun to do.

One writer wrote that if you need an alarm clock to wake you up every morning then the goals that you have aren’t exciting enough. Are your goals keeping you motivated? Are you still committed and passionate about the work that you do each day?

If your work isn't as fun as playing with legos then I challenge you to find the fun in business again. In what ways can you use what you have to create something that you enjoy looking at and being a part of?

The Long Hard Road

Do you agree with the statement that black women are obsessed with hair? Is this so-called obession the reason why the industry makes billions? If not then...what is it? I believe that black women instinctively know that our hair can grow, and it does not always have to be genetics. We don't know how to take care of our hair or know what to use on our hair to get it to grow. The practice that

black people use to do especially women and little girls was wash our hair once a month. Because most of us, during those times were getting our hair pressed/hot combed, and that was once a month. We should paractice keeping our hair cleaner. Women with natural hair can wash twice a week. Women with relaxed should wash their hair once a week. After we would get our hair pressed/hotcombed then we would slather our hair with grease. Grease is a lubricant not a moisturizer it prevents moisture from entering into the hair shaft, thus making our hair dry even after using grease. We mis-take delicate hair for nappy or bad hair...it is neither one, it is just dry, and when we comb or brush it; it snaps and breaks (you can actually hear it). Black hair grows out in a coil, it has to go thru seven layers of scalp, because the scalp is so thick it causes it to coil. If you want your hair to grow with a more straighter texture you would have to shave your head and scrape your scalp. I have never known anyone personally that has done this procedure, but it is very true. Since most of us are not going to go thru the process of having our scalps scraped we have to learn how to take care of our hair to make it thrive and grow.

One of the first steps is using the right products. The prodcuts you use on your hair should be as natural as you can get them. I just read an article recently that most shampoos are nothing but detergent and chemicals that strips our hair of much needed moisture. The shampoo should have more plant based ingredients that helps the hair by relaxing it and making it soft.

Another step to getting your hair to grow is to use more protective hair styles...meaning more up hairdos (visit http://mybbwo.com/profile/Fatima311 she has nice hair accessories for your hair for up-dos) if you have long hair or short hair cover your hair with a cute stylish hair coverings. You will be suprised at how well this protecitve process works for your hair. Before going to bed at night you should stroke your hair with a natural hair brush and tie it up with a silk cap. Do not retire to bed without tying your hair this is so damageing and drying to the hair. During the day for long or short hair you should wear a stylish covering on the hair or up-dos to protect it from being damaged by the element's of nature such as wind, cold weather, and the sun. Try not to wear your hair down because when you do this it causes you to comb your hair too often. This tugging and pulling on the hair is not good for it...so try to wear the hair covered or more in up-dos. I am speaking to women who have natural or relaxed hair you both can use the same process to get your hair under control.

I know that I keep saying this over and over and over again...Moisture, Moisture, Moisture our hair need Moisture. Our hair has to be infused with Moisture. It also needs to be groomed and conditioned with natural grooming comb and brushed day and night. Plastic combs and bushes should not be the grooming tools of choice. We should spend time and money on ourselves,

because we deserve the best, to look and feel our best from head to toe. If you would like to purchase your natural comb and brush visit http://lifeisabsolute.blogspot.com and order yours today. Please leave a comment.

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I recently saw and commented on a discussion on facebook that was about advice one would give to an aspiring. There was only one responder and the very first thing they said was they would tell them to do what they are passionate about. For years I have heard this said to me and have even spewed this venomous rhetoric out myself. Yes I said it, I think starting a business based on your passion is a the worse decision you can make! As you may see or start to notice with my blogs, I’m not a negative Sue, no not by far, what I am is a thriving entrepreneur with big plans and ideas, and frustrated with the lack of honesty I see in blogs, and amongst business coaches. I’m the girlfriend that will support you in all you do, but if you start looking a hot mess and you’re not going anywhere, I’m the one who will tell you just that, the truth but always in love. Having started, succeeded and failed at businesses, I have made a vow that I will be honest about my journey and help others as I go along. I will become a student of entrepreneurship and respect it as it should, to not fling the word around without regard like work shoes but recognize it for the force it is to completely transform the very way we look at life. I’m not a guru (yet) but what I am is just like you. I’ve had some great successes in my business and I’ve even started a business that failed so fast I didn’t even get to officially launch it! I’m an accountant, small business consultant and entrepreneur. To be successful we must take the textbook fluff out and get down to real work and I’m committed to that. Now that I’ve gotten off my soap box, (I do feel better) the point of this article is to tell you why passion does not a successful business make.

I received an article in my email from Inc.com, the main topic was about digital footprint but in the margin was “Is your Passion turning your business into a Job” and I was confirmed, I’m not the only one who thinks this way! In summary, the article states that turning passion into a business can basically make you miserable. Instead, be passionate about the business you are in!

Quick example, I will use my bookkeeping business. I love bookkeeping and accounting, I love business; I am passionate about business and have a natural instinct for it. It’s something I know I will retire doing. When I first started bookkeeping, I started consulting and bookkeeping and doing accounting all because I was good at it and I loved it! Then I realized that I was the business, I was all over the place and although I managed to replace my corporate salary, I wasn’t really going anywhere. I started to loath it, get annoyed when clients called me ten times a day, hated the fact that I couldn’t take a vacation because there was no one to do the work or answer the calls the way my clients were accustomed to. I had created a job that I started to hate. I soon realized that even if I hired employees, what my clients wanted was ME, they bought ME, my passion, my drive, my knowledge. I realized that I didn’t want another job; I wanted freedom so I basically closed that accounting business, which bore my surname, and created another one that has no glimpse of my name anywhere. I found scope with my new business and am working on a model for my business, a process that is independent of me where I can hire anyone with a bookkeeping background to provide the same level of service I would myself. Now my business is about the overall vision and process and systems that I put into place that in which I am passionate about. I’m respecting what entrepreneurship truly is, it’s about innovation, growth and systems, not about hobbies.

What I say to you?

1. Be Honest about your Ultimate Goal. If you really love making shea body butters, great, keep doing it! If you love selling it, that’s even better, but be real about your overall goal. Do you just want to have some extra pocket change? Do you want to be self-employed and simply replace your full-time job with this job? Or do you want to be among the ranks of Lisa Price or Nadine Thompson, or Dawn Fitch of Pooka and have a thriving business that is bigger than you? Think long and hard about this one b/c this will set the course. Self-employed and Entrepreneur are NOT synonyms.

2. Learn about business. You know what you do, so learn about "business". If you are still undecided, seek the counsel of books, articles, networking sites, etc on the subject of starting a business. Sites like Bnet.com, Inc.com, Black enterprise.com and Michael Gerber’s E-myth revisited, are great places to start. Notice I didn’t say go to your local SCORE? No, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with SCORE, I think it’s an awesome tool for aspiring entrepreneurs. What I’m saying is don’t let that be your first and only stop. Research. Research. Research

3. Don’t go at it alone. Find you a coach, a model or depending on your business, consider a partner. Why? If you decided you want this business to be one that stands on its own feet without you, you’re talking about systems and processes. Having someone to help you with this is very important. Whether it’s your husband, a close confident you trust, a business coach, or a partner.

In a nutshell, doing what you are passionate about is a great thing, but be honest about what the ultimate goal is when doing so. Not everyone wants to be an entrepreneur and it’s ok, some of you will read this and go “I know people who have turned hobbies into thriving businesses and do well” I agree with you, what I’m saying is just be honest about your ultimate goal. You want to avoid being burnt out or eventually loathing the very thing you used to love so much!

Be Empowered…

Katrina

Two questions that I get asked frequently by new entrepreneurs are “What is an advisory team?” and “Who advises you?” The topics usually come up in the course of business planning sessions where I ask entrepreneurs to list individuals that they would like to have on their dream team. This is an important part of any business plan and strengthens companies for a number of reasons.

• Insight. First, there is a proverb that says “Wisdom is found in a multitude of counsel.” This suggests that it makes good sense to seek the advice of others who can maturely guide you in getting the results that you want to achieve. Advisors possess wisdom that comes from having insight into a particular area which will help you plan and implement successful business strategies.

• Accountability. Next, when it comes to advice whose is the first that you normally trust? It’s probably your own, right? After all, if you cannot trust your own instincts, then who can you trust? But listening solely to your own opinions at all times produces biased results. Because humans are creatures of habit they tend to do things that are within their comfort zone. That is not the way to build a sustainable business. Instead aim to create a team of advisors that will help you push the limits, come up with new ideas, and hold you accountable for reaching them.

• Diversification. Finally, advisory teams are there to support your success by providing their expertise. Build a team from diverse industries so that you receive a holistic view of business The areas that you want to cover are law, accounting, banking, insurance, finance, marketing, and management. Look for someone with experience in each of the following professions and you will have a solid foundation to create a sustainable business.

If you are unsure where to find the ideal people to fill advisory vacancies I suggest starting by contacting other business owners that you know and trust. If you network regularly in small business forums pay attention to what’s being said and by whom. Many times you can glean great information just by listening to the wisdom that’s right at your finger tips. You can also speak with a business banker. Since they work with professionals on a regular basis they can refer you to reputable resources. Most will have contacts that you can look into to see if they are a good fit for your company. Finally, if none of these sources produce any leads remember to try out your local Chamber of Commerce where a host of industry specific professionals meet and network.

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BE FASHION - A feminine-inspired online clothing boutique with one only rule- no pants allowed.

New York, NY - September, 3, 2009 – BE FASHION is a women's online clothing boutique that launched in the spring of 2009. After being directly affected by the turbulent economy and having to explore alternative methods to make a living, Barbara Codner, CEO/Founder of BE FASHION, combined her love of clothing and lady-like approach to create an online boutique that encourages women to dress impeccably, purposely choosing not to sell pants on her site. Ms. Codner explained, "I want to take fashion back to a time when women dressed like ladies."

BE FASHION was completely self-financed by Barbara; she did not seek help from lenders or investors. Despite having her MBA, Barbara was having a difficult time finding quality work in NYC. With no job, ends to meet and a closet full of clothes; she decided to put her clothes up for auction on EBay. Her clothing was an instant hit, and Barbara realized she had an eye for fashion and a penchant for what sells. She took her profits from the auctions and invested them into her online venture. When developing her boutique, Barbara had an important goal; she wanted BE FASHION to reflect her views about fashion while encouraging women to explore their own personal style.

BE FASHION offers ultra-feminine, moderately priced women’s clothing and handbags. Styles range from designer day and evening dresses such as Suzi Chin priced at $100 or less to designer evening dresses and gowns such as JS Boutique which are priced 20%-50% less than most department stores, with some other discounted items available. Special sections on the site include a line of vintage-inspired pieces as well as genuine leather handbags.

For more information about BE FASHION, please contact:

Barbara Codner

BE FASHION

461 Central Park West

Suite 1E

New York, NY 10025

(347) 879-0822

be@befashiononline.com

www.befashiononline.com