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In business, marketing is the key to survival. Marketing takes a lot of planning, organizational skills, budget measures and timing. Proper planning and accountability measures will enable you to position your business for success.  To ensure maximum ROI (Return on Investment) of your marketing plan, these are 6 tips for a successful business:

1.   Update Your Marketing Plan

If you are planning to expand your business or wish to give it a directional turn, then it is important to update your existing marketing plan. With a well thought out marketing plan, it becomes easier for a business owner to systematically promote the company.

In addition, it is imperative that marketing collateral such as business cards, logo, signage and promotional material are in alignment with your overall message.

Updates to your plan should be based on careful assessment of the market, understanding the needs of the consumer and consideration to the objectives and outcomes of the plan.

2.   Create a Marketing Budget

Marketing is crucial for business success. For every marketing plan to reach its full potential, it is vital that a budget is in place.  Allocating too little capital can be a detriment to your future goals. For example, a new business that calculates start-up costs for business cards, logo, flyers, a website and custom shirts is a smart move.

In addition, a business owner should follow a goal-based budgeting plan; one that includes customer service initiatives, communication, and all prospecting activities.

3.   Implement a Marketing Campaign

A marketing campaign includes several activities carried out to accomplish a pre-planned goal; generally the promotion of a product or service.  To see how well a marketing campaign works, consider planning it as a 30-day or 90-day trial to avoid unforeseen losses. By running it for a short period allows you monitor the feasibility of the plan with your target market; set clear campaign objectives; and plan the outcomes accordingly.

Successful campaigns are carefully researched and centers on details and implementation, rather than on a single, big idea.

3 Memorable Marketing Campaigns:

1. “Just Do It” – Nike
2. “Where’s the Beef?” – Wendy’s
3. “Absolutely, Positively Overnight” – FedEx

4.   For Heaven’s Sake… Find FREE Marketing Opportunities

When you want to reduce your marketing budget, it is essential to take advantage of free marketing opportunities. With so much impetus being laid on web-based marketing services, you can find a multitude of free PR on the internet. There are numerous press release and article submission services, Google and Yahoo local listings, online directories and similar services to create company profiles and promotional opportunities.

5 FREE Offline & Online Services

• Social Media Networks - Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Foursquare, Google+
• Guest Blogging
• Customer referral program
• Public speaking
• Business Network Group – online and offline

5.   Ask For Referrals

Referrals… a powerful selling tool!  To be introduced to a potential client through a personal recommendation is GOLD! Asking your clients, associates, partners or consumers for referrals is a cost-effective way of expanding your network. People do business with those they know, like and trust. So, the best compliment you can earn is from those who like your product or services.

There are also fee based referral programs that provide extensive leads to specific consumer markets.

6.   Always… Always Follow Up!

Last but never the least, always follow up!  A follow up process is extremely important in securing business from new clients and in maintaining rapport with existing ones.

4 Easy Ways to Follow Up: 

• Send a thank you note
• Make a phone call
• Email a greeting card
• Mail a special gift

 In business, there are no guaranties for success; however, incorporating these 6 tips will significantly improve your chances of having a profitable company.

About Sylvia:  Sylvia Browder is a small business consultant, trainer and author. She is founder of National Association Women on the Rise, a virtual community for aspiring and established women entrepreneurs. She has served as an online volunteer SCORE counselor since 2004. For FREE weekly articles go to Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs, www.sylviabrowder.com.  Want to work with Sylvia? Go to, www.browderconsultinggroupllc.com. She can be contacted at info@browderconsultinggroupllc.com.

People are starting home based Hair Weave business due to this company by Rickey Johnson - Juniques Multi Cultural Connections Glendale, AZ -

The company: Micore International

Hello, I am an independent representative with Micore International (http://www.jussuccess.com )

623 455 6364

Hair Weave is a billion dollar industry. The demand for hair extensions and enhancements make up a large part of consumer purchase from the ethnic consumer. It is projected that there will  approximately 119.7 million ethnic consumers by 2014. 

Ironically,African-American women make up a large part of that consumption,yet, are not the providers of hair extension products.

The hair extension industry is made up of manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer, and consumer.

For decades, it has been very difficult to enter the hair business as a distributor or retailer, due to limited access to product and very high business start up  cost. The hair extension industry is not showing any signs of slowing down and actually creating product supply opportunities.

This growing Hair extension industry, has open the greatest opportunity for business expansion,for those who want to capture it.

One company answering that "opportunity call" is Micore International. This company provides a distributorship to anyone, who wants to offer hair extensions, to the retail public and save on their own personal purchase.  

For $19.95 a person can open their distributorship and be in business, that same day.

Micore International, also offer online training, for those who want to become skilled at this new and growing, hair extension business opportunity.

You are welcome to explore the opportunity Micore International is offering by viewing the Micore independent representative site at  http://www.jussuccess.com

623 455 6364

MICORE INTL LAUNCH HAPPENS THIS SUNDAY 17 MAR 2013

It catching national attention. Join in the fun!!!

Micore Intl "The Hair Company" Launches 17 Mar 2013

ITS OFFICIAL MICORE INTL LAUNCHES 17 MAR 2013 IN ATLANTA GA

Get involved now!!! Read all about it. Plus Special Training call Wed, 20 Feb 2013 8PM EST

Why just buy hair When you can start your hair business for $19.95

http://www.juniques.ws/weave

How to raise your prices without losing your clients

Eventually in your business you’ve probably considered or are forced to increase your fees or prices. And for many doing so without losing your most valuable clients/customers comes with a level of anxiety and perhaps fear.

Will they go to another competitor?
Will they begin to bad mouth me and tarnish my reputation?
Will they simply laugh at me and threaten to leave if I raise my prices another penny?

However at some point, especially if you offer time based services (charge by the hour), you’ll need to increase your fees, give yourself a raise and expand your business. We all have the same 24 hours a day it’s impossible if you are a solo entrepreneur to grow your biz without hiring new staff, or increasing fees.
So If you’re in that critical space where your palms are sweating, you’re staring at your bank account or an open email to your client where you have to break the news that you must raise your fees - here’s what you need to do and how to go about raising your prices.

1st. EVALUATE YOUR TOP CLIENT LIST. While all your clients/customers are important to you, those that consistently invest in your services are your Top clients. Evaluate the services you clearly offer to your top paying (or frequent paying) clients. What are they buying from you? What questions or issues do they seem to have that you may not be charging them for? What are they saying about your services right now? Often clients will hire you for what they think they need and then realize they need you for more.It’s up to you to be in the position of power to realize exactly what that is. There is hidden (profit) potential in those unspoken needs of your clients.

2nd TURN IT INTO A PACKAGE. Turn what they buy from you that is related to task/time (hourly) into packaged automated services. Ex. when I created Your Simple Bookkeeper, I created it as a monthly automated service to tackle bookkeeping task at a monthly recurring fee. This allowed me to package my “time driven” services and hire other bookkeepers to actually do the work so I could be available to offer higher end consulting services. Automating (or systemizing) your services and business is a common struggle for business owners as many like the control of knowing they did the work, however remember there are only 24 hours a day and you need most of them to work ON your business (more clients, partnerships, exposure) not IN. Your clients will appreciate your keen insight into entrepreneurship.

3rd MAKE IT SIMPLE. Create one sheets of those simple services you’re now automating or have created packages for. One sheets are literally that, a one sided designed document with your service or product description on it. It gives the reader all the information they NEED to know about what you offer to make a decision on hiring you. You can place your new automated time driven services on your website or "work with me" page. Ensure to include a payment link so potential customers can submit a payment (or if you need them to inquire first - a way for them to email you). Automate your hourly based services as much as possible. 

4th. SEND A LETTER. Send your existing clients a letter – written to them as specifically as possible (or call them, invite to coffee, etc) and explain to them that you are seeking to expand and offer more services to them and want to serve them in more ways. Having this personal touch goes along way. Like in #1 - getting to know your clients is important. You are in the position of power - you were hired to provide a solution and often that solution isn't in what you're being paid for, but in those consistent questions you're being asked that you're not charging for. Once you've realized that, and have now increased your fees. Compassionately talk to your clients, get them on board - you'll find that most are eager and ready to have you do more for them.

5th. MAKE IT COMPLIMENTARY. You may offer them the same services they are currently buying from you at a slightly higher fee (your new higher price) but you’ll offer 2 of your task driven services for “free” or “complimentary” Ex. YSB’s bookkeeping services are $75 an hour for most businesses. Our Small Business packages run form $150 a month to $1250 a month. At the $1250 level, bookkeeping becomes “complimentary” as the bulk of the services they are getting become more consultative in nature. 

There are countless other strategies that I’ll share in subsequent blog post about how to do this, but these 5 steps are great starters. The moral of the story is to not become self-victimized by fear of losing clients when it’s time to raise your fees. Do it with confidence, and be clear on WHY you’re doing it. You could lose some clients, but again you probably WILL open yourself to a new group of clients eager to pay your higher fee  .

Like this? Make sure you subscribe to this blog on the right…more goodies in store for those who do.

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Katrina M. Harrell is a Award-Winning Entrepreneur and Business Strategist and 3x Best-selling author. She trains and teaches women entrepreneurs how to create solid 6-figure and above business strategies focused on strategic pricing and marketing. She is co-author of "How She Got Free: A 5-step Spiritual Business Manual for Women Who Lead through Entrepreneurship". 

http://BusinessCreditAmerica.com Business credit America will soon be offering shelf corporations with store front addresses and commercial phone numbers. This program is designed to help clients that want a shelf corp but do not have an commercial address to go along with the shelf. Also, it gives the client a way to generate an income to pay back the loans they take out under the business and their personal credit.

Once the client shelf corp is completed and then they will have the opportunity to partner with the GCU GROUP, INC. and they be able to generate a income from $300.00 up to $900.00 a month GUARANTEED. The client will also make money by referring customers to us as well. Our referral fee pay out is on the business credit and the personal credit, so that give the client 3 different ways to make money with GCU GROUP INC.

Check out our other great services
2013 and Past Due Tax Preparation for Personal and Small Business Taxes
Business Credit Building with No Upfront Fee
Personal Credit Sweep
Personal Credit Repair
Bankruptcy Removal
Private Student Loan Removal
Guarantee Funding
Foreclosure Removal
Chex System Removal
Seasoned Trade Lines
Retirement Plan Transfer to your Corporation
Car Repossession Removal
Credit Card Charge off Removal
Free Net30 Account Reporting
Dun and Bradstreet File Review

We only ask that only motivated and serious clients inquire about this program. We do everything by contract.

http://GoodCreditUnion.com 1-800-652-7157

22 Jan 2013

Hello Community, May this information find you doing exceptionally well.

Here is an update on the progress of Micore Intl. 

This company is positioning itself to be a dominant force in the hair business.

The hair business is more than hair extensions!!!!

Get connected to Micore Intl now. Learn and Grow. Build yourself a successful income producing option with the Hair Business. 

At your service,

Rickey  ( go to my site and get more info at    http://www.jussuccess.com ) 

This email is for all of our Georgia Girls (ok Guys can come to) to let you know Micore' is starting to get Atlanta revved up again, in preparation for *LAUNCH*! (However this email is Company wide!)

Beginning TONIGHT, Micore' Atlanta has a consistent weekly meeting spot! Come out TONIGHT and meet International Hair Consultant Alix Moore and the Godfather of Micore' Averi Washington, leader of TEAM QUEST! Many other leaders will be in the house and many future leaders!

The facilitator of this event is Byron Reese....and Micore' International is proud to welcome Byron Reese as a new Hair Consultant! Byron has been one of the top hair brokers in Atlanta for years, even consistently selling dozens of kilos per month of Caviar Platinum hair....BEFORE Caviar Platinum existed!!!

Achal Jain joined forces with Derrick Alexander to provide his hair to Micore' exclusively, and CAVIAR PLATINUM was born!

Byron has thousands of clients and contacts in the hair business and has dedicated his corporate office headquarters to weekly TUESDAY meetings to WAKE ATLANTA BACK UP!

MEETING TONIGHT 7:00PM SHARP

Salon Deliveries: 3201 Atlanta Industrial Pkwy #206 Atlanta, Ga 30331

285 to Bankhead Hwy, then West. After Bolton Rd turn Right into the Industrial Bus Park

Soon floating meetings will start back up in different areas on other nights at hair salons, hotels, etc....to reach ALL of Atlanta!

WHY is Atlanta excited??? Because SO many things are happening at Micore' in 2013!

Southern Hair Superstar TONI LOVE has joined Micore' as Director of Micore' University! WOW

Atlanta Urban Cosmetic Giant Anita Bohannon of BOVANTI Cosmetics has joined forces with Micore' to introduce hair to their 30,000 customers and promote Micore' in up to 25 trade shows per year! WOW

NEW PRODUCT NEWS!

Micore' International is preparing to introduce a new HAIR GROWTH product to the world! The Cosmoceutical Research Center has developed an AMAZING product that stimulates real hair growth, which results in thicker, fuller hair! The only problem CRC had was marketing, until they found Micore'!

The President of CRC was Vice-President of Neutrogena for 15 years and developed T-Gel among other products. CRC formulates products for many known companies and brands, but the products they sell to Micore' will be exclusive! 

While we work on designing new packaging and a unique product name for Micore', we have been asked to help CRC with an inventory BLOWOUT SALE to sell off their existing product! (Normal retail for the Hair Growth product will be $300 for a 3-month supply, but the sale price will be $180! When you sell this you will make $45 at Retail (25%), plus the product VOLUME commissions from your downline Team!

Hair Loss is right behind Weight Loss as one of the number one phrases in search engines!

Soon you will be able to sell this hair growth product to dozens of customers of all ages, all races, and genders! Every Micore' rep should set a goal to get 10 customers on AUTOSHIP (1st month) and watch your residual income go through the roof!

HAIR is the same structure as SKIN and NAILS! CRC has products for all three! YES Micore' markets the BEST HAIR....but we'll also market the BEST HAIR-CARE and SKIN CARE and NAIL CARE products on the market!

Some of these products will be released at our official LAUNCH!

Many of you are asking "WHEN ARE WE GOING TO LAUNCH?"...and you should be asking. We have decided to have our Launch EVENT in March, and expect to select the venue/date this week.

The bottom line is you can only Launch an MLM company ONE TIME! There are no do-overs!

We want this event to be spectacular, with 1000 plus in the room! Where we will introduce a new website, new products, and new superstars....to thousands of NEW PROSPECTS!!!!

A Launch is not a "party" for the Members....it's to GO PUBLIC with the CONCEPT!

We are all excited about 2013 guys....and you should be too!

NOW GO TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN ATLANTA TO GET TO TONIGHT'S MEETING!

To your success!

Derrick Alexander, CEO

"As long as you're going to be thinking anyway, THINK BIG!"
Donald Trump

for additional information go to http://www.jussuccess.com

http://BusinessCreditAmerica.com 1-800-652-7157 Stop buying net30's and business credit services if you have bad credit.  hen you try to build up your business credit by purchasing net30's, trade lines, having corporate financials and taxes prepared as well as add ucc's to the company, you still are not guaranteed to get the funing you need to help your business.

Most banks and other lending instituions are insisting you do a personal guarantee or have enough assets to cover the loan.  Many of us, unfortunately don't have assets to cover the loan, however we can fix our personal credit to sign off for the loan.  

Good credit Union helps people all the time to fix their personal credit and help them obtain loans upto $50k in cash funding under their personal credit.  Business Credit America builds the client a 3 to 5 year old shelf corp and pair it up with their personal credit to get them up to $100k in cash funding.

I understand many of us have been taught it's not necessary to use your personal credit to get funding under the business, however due to new rules and regulations with the financial institutions things have changed.  I try to encourage people to fix their personal credit first because they will be able to have access to many other opportunities.  They can buy a car with no money down, pay lower interest rates on loans for mortgages, and personal loans.

This Tax season fix your personal credit first and you'll have access to money all year long.

Check out our other great services
2013 and Past Due Tax Preparation for Personal and Small Business Taxes
Business Credit Building with No Upfront Fee
Personal Credit Sweep
Personal Credit Repair
Bankruptcy Removal
Private Student Loan Removal
Guarantee Funding
Foreclosure Removal
Chex System Removal
Seasoned Trade Lines
Retirement Plan Transfer to your Corporation
Car Repossession Removal
Credit Card Charge off Removal
Free Net30 Account Reporting
Dun and Bradstreet File Review

http://GoodCreditUnion.com 1-800-652-7157

Some of you expressed that you're looking to bring on some help so you can focus on growing your business. Today's vlog shares some insights for your consideration: Hire, Delegate, Reclaim Your Time

Yup! I quit Garrison Prosperity Solutions, Busy925.com, EVERYTHING! Ok. No not really but I have felt this way before. Haven't you? Maybe on your job, in your life or in business. You get that feeling of frustration, worthlessness or failure and just want to quit. Give up. Move on to something else or maybe even nothing at all. You get tired of kissing your boss' butt, of the incoming bills, mortgage payments or even trying to find customers and attract people to your company. It all just gets to be too much sometimes. I completely understand this feeling BUT the people that get through it are the ones that become inspiring success stories. I was even more reminded of this today from my Pastor who just so happens to also be my Father-in-Love.

In being the first Sunday of 2013, he preached on the subject of having a Fresh S.T.A.R.T.:

S- Stop making excuses - Excuses of being overwhelmed, sick, tired, having no money, working too much, working too hard, feeling like what you're doing is not enough or not generating results you want or expected, not knowing where to begin or how to move on. Stop the excuses.

T- Take inventory of your life - (This is my explanation) Create three lists:

1. What in your life, job, business is working?
2. What in your life, job, business is NOT working?
3. What would you like to do differently or add to your life, job, or business?

After doing so, take the "NOT working list" and THROW IT AWAY! STOP DOING THE THINGS THAT ARE NOT PRODUCING THE RESULTS YOU WANT. Especially if you've been doing them for a while and they STILL aren't WORKING.

A- Act in faith - Take the "WORKING" and "TO DO DIFFERENTLY" list and start working on them. Keep doing the things that are working well for you. But for the things that you want to do differently, step out in faith and do them. Praying that the end result will be successful. Even if it is not, praying all will be done as it should be.

R- Re-focus your thoughts - Even though it is not the first of the year anymore, you can still make resolutions, or revamp your resolutions. Gather yourself and get back on track. FOCUS!

T- Trust God - PERIOD. He will make sure everything will go as it should.

Psalm 118:8 “It is better  to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the  LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

So sure, have your frustration, feelings of worthlessness and failure but don't quit and don't give up. Commit to a Fresh S.T.A.R.T., it will all be worth it!

Tamara Garrison-Thomas

http://www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com

http://www.busy925.com

http://www.BeFamousOnline2.info

http://www.join-tha-revolution.com

http://www.businesscreditamerica.com/ 1-800-652-7157 In this video, I explain, why many businesses fail.

Many people imagine having a business already exstablished just like a full grown plant.  However, they don't full understand that they must do the following steps in order to see it grow to its full maturity.  Lets look at how you grow a plant. You pour the dirt, plant the seed, your water it often so it won't die. So basically you have to take time to nourish the business just like a plant.

There are specific reasons a businesses fail.  It starts with money.  Most people will borrow from their retirement plan or 401k, they borrow from their friends, family and relatives, the borrow from their saving and credit card.  

Now they've dumped all this money into a business that sells tangible products.  When they need money to restock they have no one to fund their business.  Another reason many businesses fail is because of the market they are trying to cater to may not be responding to their product.  For instance you can not stick a Louis Vuitton store in the hood, because people making between 25k to 35k don't have the means to buy 1k purses.  

Another reason many businesses fail is because of their product.  Most people sell a product because of the trend and it's making money now. However if you learn to do what you love and make that a product then you'll have less competition.  Especially if you further your education on that product.  Stop doing thing because it's trendy and making money now educatte your self on what it is you love to do and you'll always make money in your market.  

I get calls from a lot of people that want to get into real estate however they know very little about real estate investing.  They have very little knowledge  about buying a property and what is it going to take to get that property back on the mark to get a good rate of return.  Now with wall street buying residentual real estate from the banks for pennies on the dollar it better to focus on buying commercial real estate..  You get about 5 or 6 partners together and buy a strip mall and rent it out to people that are starting new business.  

I hope this video was informative to someone, thank you.

Check out our other great services.
2013 and Past Due Tax Preparation for Personal and Small Business Taxes
Business Credit Building with No Upfront Fee
Personal Credit Sweep
Personal Credit Repair
Bankruptcy Removal
Private Student Loan Removal
Guarantee Funding
Foreclosure Removal
Chex System Removal
Seasoned Trade Lines
Retirement Plan Transfer to your Corporation
Car Repossession Removal
Credit Card Charge off Removal
Free Net30 Account Reporting
Dun and Bradstreet File Review

http://GoodCreditUnion.com 1-800-652-7157

People are starting home based Hair Weave business due to this company

by Rickey Johnson - Juniques Multi Cultural Connections- 9 Jan 2013

The company; Micore International

Hello, I am an independent consultant with Micore International (http://www.jussuccess.com )

Hair Weave is a billion dollar industry. The demand for hair extensions and enhancements make
up a large part of consumer purchase from the ethnic consumer. It is projected that there will approximately 119.7 million ethnic consumers by 2014.

Ironically,African-American women
make up a large part of that consumption,yet, are not the providers of hair extension products.

( visit http://www.jussuccess.com to view company and product)

The hair extension industry is made up of manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer, and consumer.

For decades, it has been very difficult to enter the hair business as a distributor or retailer,
due to limited access to product and very high business start up cost. The hair extension industry
is not showing any signs of slowing down and actually creating product supply opportunities.

This growing Hair extension industry, has open the greatest opportunity for business expansion,for those who want to capture it.

One company answering that "opportunity call" is
Micore International. This company provides distributorships to anyone who want to offer
hair extensions to the retail public and save on their own personal purchase.

For $19.95 a person can open their distributorship and be in business, that same day.

( visit http://www.jussuccess.com to view company and product)

Micore International also offer online training for those who want to become skilled at this new and growing hair enhancement and replacement opportunity.

You are welcome to explore the opportunity Micore International is offering by
viewing the micore international independent distributor site at http://www.jussuccess.com

call 623-455-6364

http://www.goodcreditunion.com/ 1-800-652-7157 This is a clients file that allowed us to use it as a testimonial video.  This is not a cpn file.  This individual only had a childsupport case showing on his credit.  We added 5 Authorize User to his account to get him in the 700's due to the fact we had applied for several credit cards and a loan.  This individual was approved for a Amex card, a $5k discover card and a $4100.00 citi card.

Check our our other great services.
2013 and Past Due Tax Preparation for Personal and Small Business Taxes
Business Credit Building with No Upfront Fee
Personal Credit Sweep
Personal Credit Repair
Bankruptcy Removal
Private Student Loan Removal
Guarantee Funding
Foreclosure Removal
Chex System Removal
Seasoned Trade Lines
Retirement Plan Transfer to your Corporation
Car Repossession Removal
Credit Card Charge off Removal
Free Net30 Account Reporting
Dun and Bradstreet File Review

http://BusinessCreditAmerica.com 1-800-652-7157

http://www.goodcreditunion.com/ Good Credit Union has a new financing program to help you pay to get your personal credit repaired. You pay 1/3 down up front and we financed the rest.

Once your personal credit is repaired you pay the remaining balance. It usually takes 45 to 60 days to repair a tipical file. We remove bankruptcies, private student loans, car repossessions, judgements, liens (other than tax liens), short sales, late pays, inquiries, charege offs, and check systems.

There no reason you should be walking around with bad credit. With good credit you pay less money and lower interest rates on a car loan, mortgage, private loans.

If we're willing to invest in you, why not take advantage of a great opportunity to have perfect again.

As you are aware that Business Credit America no longer charges upfront fees to help you build your business. We only charge you when we get you the funding for your business.

Check out our other great services
2013 and Past Due Tax Preparation for Personal and Small Business Taxes
Business Credit Building with No Upfront Fee
Personal Credit Sweep
Personal Credit Repair
Bankruptcy Removal
Private Student Loan Removal
Guarantee Funding
Foreclosure Removal
Chex System Removal
Seasoned Trade Lines
Retirement Plan Transfer to your Corporation
Car Repossession Removal
Credit Card Charge off Removal
Free Net30 Account Reporting
Dun and Bradstreet File Review
http://www.businesscreditamerica.com/index.html 1-800-652-7157

People Who Prosper is pleased to announce our new segment, A Day in the Life of... Series.  In addition to featuring successful business persons, we will be featuring work-from-home business owners, chronicling a typical day in their life. This segment is to help those CURIOUS and perhaps INTERESTED in a career change. 

Our first A Day in the Life of… feature entrepreneur is Shakirah Karim. She is a Seacret Agent by day..and by night. Shakirah is a successful distributor with Seacret Direct. Seacret Direct started about two years ago, branching off of their kiosks in malls. Shakirah and her partner Felipe have jumped right in and are steadily moving up the ranks. 007 couldn’t touch her as she rises to the top in this company.  So, watch your back as you read A Day in the Life of…Shakirah Karim, Seacret Agent. 

1. What do you do and how long have you been self-employed ?

My background is in public relations/Marketing and I'm currently a partner in a few small businesses. I've been self-employed as a network marketer for 6 years and for the past 2 years my main focus has been as a SEACRET Agent, an independent partner within the community of Seacret: an established retail brand now converted into a network business model. 

2. How did you find your business and what made you decide to become self-employed?

I was introduced to SEACRET by a few close friends. They had been inspired by products and had come up with a new concept that would redefine the Seacret brand. They developed a system where instead of chasing people at the mall through high pressured kiosk sales, they could WOW them in the comforts of their own home. Today, with still less than 30,000 agents within the entire company (US, Canada, Mexico, South Korea) and more international capabilities there is so much more growth we're going to experience and those that take action and position themselves  now while we're doing less than $5 million a month will be reaping the many rewards once we reach $100 million mark! 

3. What are your daily success, productive, personal development and/or family routines? Explain a day in your life: Morning. Afternoon. Evening.

My daily routine consists of waking up, walking my dog, reading a few pages of the Bible. Then I spend 30-45 minutes doing personal development, I just finished reading Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude by Napolean Hill and I've just started reading The Leader Within by John C Maxwell. I try to make it to the gym at least 4 times in the week. I make sure I start my day off right and continue to working on myself inside and out. Creating good habits like these help you develop in business and in other areas of your life. The remainder of my day consists of a mixture of sharing the products with new people and helping new agents launch their business and helping them with their WOW parties.  I work Seacret on a full-time basis so I will have 1-2 WOW parties a day. The majority of people who work with us are on a part-time basis, doing maybe 1 WOW party a week. I'm on a leadership hunt, we're less than 25,000 agents, the top money earners coming out of Seacret haven't even heard of this opportunity yet. 

4. What are the biggest challenges in your business operations?

The biggest challenge that I face would have to be MINDSET. It's something that we all struggle with not only in business, in our faith, in our life. What's interesting, is it’s also the only thing we have control over. I can't control what others are going to do or not do. But I can control how I feel, how I react and what action I take. I continue to work on keeping a positive forward thinking mindset. For the first time I've found a passion and purpose in what I’m doing and I’m confident on where it will take me and my family. Never forgetting where I've come from, I'm focused on where I'm going and how many people I can take with me. 

5. What keeps you motivated to work from home or stay self-employed and not get an everyday J.O.B.?

I'm motivated by the future of this company. Seacret was a $800 Million powerhouse and to be a part of that moving over to the relationship marketing space has been amazing. What motivates me is that fact that we have WOW products that shows results, it's sold in over 40 countries, and has only been open for less than 2 years. The timing of the company has made me want to work even harder. There's no other industry that can provide me unlimited income potential and time freedom. And with Seacret I've been able to help other people realize their goals and dreams as well, because it's not just what you do in your life but how many other people you can effect as well.

6. What advice would you give to someone looking to be self-employed?

What I love about this business is that it's meant to be built part-time. You should be working full-time on your job and part-time on your fortune (your business). I think self-employment is the key to freedom. Having a part-time home based business that pays can give the average person choices. If you find the right venture and follow a proven system that part-time business could do anything from cover the bills to pay for that vacation or even completely transform your life financially. Once the income from your part-time business outweighs your full-time income you have reached freedom. Then you are in a position to choose where you want to spend your time. When deciding to start/open a business do your research, find something that will give you exponential return. With respect to network marketing if you want to build true leverage invest in a venture where there's still an opportunity for growth and not in a company that has an already well established distribution. Mark Twain once said that success was simple: "Find out where everyone is going and then get there first."

Website: www.seacretdirect.com/deadsea
Email: kirahjoy@hotmail.com

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If you would be interested in being feature in our A Day in the Life of.... Series, please email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com with a synopsis of your journey to working at home.

GPS is looking for People Who Prosper OR anyone that is successful, considers themselves successful, or on their way to success!

We are looking to feature and introduce people who are up and coming in their business or already there! PeopleWhoProsper.com is a place that features business owners and shares their stories with someone who just might be able to relate. Believe it or not, sometimes it helps to stay motivated when you hear other people's stories, and this is our goal: Not only to feature successful prosperous people, but to help keep others MOTIVATED.

So, WHAT ARE YOU SCARED OF? We want you to tell US about YOU. It's easy for anyone to be a fan of your website, blog, Facebook page, or twitter. But PeopleWhoProsper.com is a place for you to challenge yourself and put yourself out there. We give you a chance to brag about yourself! Because let's face it, if you can't talk about you, then who else will? Tell us about your business and services and how long you've been in business. Why did you decide to go into business for yourself? We want to hear your story.

I am challenging you today to step out and tell others about you! Here's all you have to do: Email with subject line PeopleWhoProsper to tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Include your business name, website and a synopsis of "your story". After getting in touch with you, you will be sent a series of questions about yourself, your business and/or services. After you return the answered questions, you will then be featured on GarrisonProsperitySolutions.com and PeopleWhoProsper.com getting exposure to over 1,000 visitors.

So, take the first step today and tell us about yourself! You never know who will need to hear your story OR need your services!

Deuteronomy 8:18: But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

If you’re a serious minded Black Business Woman, I’m sure that when you saw the term Business-Savvy Barrier in the title of this post, you raised your eyebrows and thought, “What the what?” But the numbers representing our success and progress compared to women in other races are startling. Black women business owners have come a long way in the past 20 years, but we still have a way to go.

Despite the growth of Black women entrepreneurs, there are multiple challenges, specifically regarding the income disparity experienced in the entrepreneurial sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, although Black female business ownership is up 59% since 2002, we only generate a little more than 3% of the gross sales receipts of the $1.2 billion dollars of all women-owned small business firms.

These are the demographics of the top three women-owned small business firms by race: White (72%); black (12%); and Asian (7%). While there are approximately 388,759 more Black women business owners than Asian women, they generate $51 million dollars more in annual gross sales receipts. Conversely, Black men with small businesses earn an average of $103,310 annually, compared to Black women business owners who earn an annual average of $43,000. This is disturbing and ladies, we must do better!

This suggests that Black men are somehow more successful in charting their ascent up the business ladder, being their own bosses, and spearheading their own economic futures. This may also indicate that Black female entrepreneurs have significant hurdles to overcome outside the corporate setting without access to capital, economic resources, angel investors, and eminent business advisors with “real-world” experience to help navigate the rough business terrain.

This should be an eye-opener for Black women business owners collectively. If, as the data indicates, we are struggling with disparity in gross sales receipts, what will it take to change the numbers? How can we enhance our Earning Power? I’ve already pointed out several barriers that we must overcome, but there are also other major obstacles such as lack of market expansion. Studies have also shown that Black women tend to network and sell to “our own people”, because we perceive that they are most interested in our products and services. But by far, the most substantial hurdle has to do with being Business-Savvy.

Is the research pointing to a legitimate short-coming? Is there a Business-Savvy Barrier for Black women entrepreneurs? Strong Business Acumen (the term I prefer) involves having solid business management skills such as, financial acumen, driving strategy and innovation, critical thinking, and the ability to build strategic relationships. This goes beyond technical skill and the depth of knowledge that you may have regarding your industry. So, for Black women, the missing element of the success and financial profitability equation is Business Acumen.

Black women have brilliant business ideas, but we have to shift our focus to learning how to become “Masters in Business Acumen”. Our businesses have the potential to get us a much bigger piece of the revenue pie. So how can Black women bridge the financial gap and greatly enhance our gross receipts over the next several years? Here are four steps that I suggest:

1. Become More Business-Savvy: This means cultivate a deeper understanding of the business behind your business. From a business portfolio perspective, you must be cognizant of the primary functions that impact the bottom-line of your small business: Cash Flow (i.e. days of cash on hand and speed of cash generation), Customers (acquiring, serving and retaining them), Growth (achieved through new or enhanced products or services, reaching new customers, or moving into new markets), and Return (as a function of margin and velocity).
2. Develop Financial Acumen: Don’t relegate this to a bookkeeper and then glance at the numbers when you get your reports. You must learn how to interpret the story that the numbers tell and take the appropriate action (strategic and/or tactical) in response to that story. This means knowing exactly what your company's financial numbers mean and their implications.
3. Constantly Focus on Business Strategy: The business arena is all about change, all the time, no matter what industry you’re in—and that's more evident now than ever before. Your business strategy must do three things effectively: gain customer preference, create a sustainable competitive advantage, and leave money in the bank. To avoid the red zone of failure or to move from just breaking even, you must operate more strategically.
4. Understand the Power of Positioning: Whether you are a new business owner or seasoned, you wear the mantle of a business leader. Innovation and strategy within your business will be driven by your great ideas and your ability to execute and implement those ideas. Understand your current position in the marketplace, see where your industry is heading and then take a LEAD position – get in the front of the line and deliver!

To know how closely you fit in the statistics, ask yourself this question: Based upon your tax return from 2011, would your accountant say that you have a “business” or a “hobby”? I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.

I have a new virtual service coming on October 16, 2012 that can help you enhance your Business Acumen.  Take a look at this e-Brochure to learn more.  If you are serious about becoming a Business-Savvy Black Woman and want to increase your earning potential, the MBA Center for Women can help you! If you would like more information or want to sign-up for the MBACW mailing list, please visit http://www.moniquestoner.com/the-mba-center-for-women/. The MBACW website and virtual training services can be previewed live on October 9, 2012 at www.mbacenterforwomen.com.

Shop Small Business Saturday with the following Women in Business:

On Saturday, November 24, small businesses across the country will participate in “Small Business Saturday. This event was started by American Express as a way for small businesses to promote their services.

In celebration of shopping local and supporting small businesses, the following women owned small businesses and member of National Association of Women on the Rise, is sharing the following promotions:

Shop with... Melanie Rae

Business Name: Guided Business Plan

Website: GuidedBusinessPlan.com

Promotion: 2 for 1 Special--Grab an accountability partner and LAUNCH OR GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH A STRATEGIC PLAN! You and a friend, colleague or family member can attend a webinar or join the GUIDED Business Launch Help Desk for the price of one. Our classes will help you identify ways to increase profitable relationships and streamline your sales process. Expires December 5, 2012. Email: info@guidedbusinessplan.com

Shop with... Sylvia Browder

Business Name:National Association of Women on the Rise

Website: www.nawomenrise.com

Promotion: Social Media Package... Need to get the word out? We can help! Simply craft your message and we will blast it to NAWR's entire social media community of almost 10,000 dedicated and influential fans and followers. This package includes:

• 2 Facebook posts,
• 5 Twitter posts, @SylviaBrowder & @NAWOMENRISE
• 1 LinkedIn post,
• 1 Broadcast Message to NAWR’s community
• Your Logo Permanently placed on NAWR’s Pinterest board.

Cost: $79

Shop with... Sheila Hawkins

Business Name:Third Eye Group

Website: www.thirdeyegroup.net

Promotion: Start your new year off right. No matter what you want to do, where you want to go you can't do it without a plan. Get the step-by-step simple process, tools & direction you need to create your detailed plan with P3 (Power Planning Package). 50% off!! Get all the details here http://bit.ly/PwrPln

Shop with... Dr. Taffy Wagner

Business Name: Money Talk Matters, LLC

Website: http://www.mybenefitsplus.com/twagner

Promotion: Save up to 80% on Your families medical needs for only $49.95 per month

http://BusinessCreditAmerica.com CPN (Credit Profile Number) to Help Rebuild Personal Credit

In this video,  I talk about How to obtain a CPN (Credit Profile Number) to help rebuild your  personal credit

Questions I answer.
1. How to get a CPN (Credit Profile Number)?
2. How to make sure a CPN is good?
3. Is a CPN Legal?
4. What Laws allow you to use a CPN?
5. Who is currently using a CPN?
6. Where can I get a CPN?

Learn more about CPNs and the law.

Bush v. Lancaster Bureau of Police, (E.D. Pa. Aug. 28, 2008) (concluding that "Plaintiff cannot state a claim under [42 U.S.C. § 1983] for a violation of subsection (b) of section 7 of the Privacy Act" because "[u]pon review of the th[e] statutory language, the court cannot conclude that Congress created an 'unambiguously conferred right'" for individuals).

Stoianoff v. Comm'r of the Dep't of Motor Vehicles, 12 F. App'x 33, 35 (2d Cir. 2001)

Claugus v. Roosevelt Island Hous. Mgmt. Corp., (S.D.N.Y. Apr. 29, 1999)

42 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2)(C)(i))

42 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2)(C)(ii)

42 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2)(C)(iii)

Dittman v. Cal., 191 F.3d 1020, 1026 (9th Cir. 1999)

Schmitt v. City of Detroit, 395 F.3d 327, 329-30 (6th Cir. 2005)

Schwier v. Cox, 340 F.3d 1284, 1292 (11th Cir. 2003)

Lawson v. Shelby County, Tenn., 211 F.3d 311, 335 (6th Cir. 2000)

Ingerman v. Del. River Port Auth., 630 F. Supp. 2d 426, 445 (D.N.J. 2009)

Szymecki v. Norfolk (E.D. Va. Sept. 11, 2008)

Contact us http://BusinessCreditAmerica.com 1-888-821-6408x2 http://GoodCreditUnion.com

Introducing Trish Nolen, owner of Becoming products.  In 2009, Trish was laid off and found herself searching for her calling and purpose in life. In doing so, she began to live a healthy and organic life, also wearing her hair naturally (no chemicals or dyes). When using products for her hair she discovered she did not like the results and began creating her own products using ingredients from her kitchen. She began sharing the hair products with friends and family, eventually realizing she had created her own hair product line.  Trish has already began to get orders for her products, offering hair yogurt and conditioner.  Trish shares more about her story, hair care products and what motivates her in her interview. Enjoy! 

1. Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

I hail from the tiny town of Hanford, Ca. I am a single mom of two beautiful children, a boy and a girl.
I have struggled to provide for them over the years working jobs here and there, but never really having enough. I have had to collect money from welfare at times, been on unemployment, and so on and so forth. I believe it was in the summer of 2009, after being laid off, that I realized that I needed a major change. I begin to search for God, which led me to seek out my purpose. I realized that I was very interested in natural health, organic living, and things of this nature. It was now the summer of 2010, and I decided to no longer relax my hair and go natural. I dove into the natural communities, loving my sistas who were paving the way. I learned that I could create my own products in my own kitchen that worked better for my hair than a lot of products in the local beauty stores, and the best part was that my products didn’t have harsh chemicals. I was amazed, and I became illuminated. I had found a passion and soon realized that others were searching for natural affordable products as well. This is how my business was birthed.

2. What made you want to start a business and what is your mission?

My mission now is to educate others. First, to embrace our God-given hair, and also to honor our temples with a healthy and whole lifestyle. I love creating a product that is natural, that will enhance hair and skin, without jeopardizing our health with harsh chemicals.

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business?

My children have been my inspiration. They depend on me, and I know that I must keep going, even when it gets tough.  I want to make sure that I provide for them a life of prosperity, not a life of poverty. 

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it's important to have one?

God placed an amazing man in my life in 2008. He has mentored me. He freely gives me business advice, corrects me, encourages me, and challenges me to be better daily. His name is Antranik, and I am very blessed to have him on my team. I honor him. It is very important to have a mentor. This person has already made the mistakes and if you embrace them, they add much value and insight to your dreams. 

5. What would you tell someone who wants to get involved in your line of business but doesn't know how to get started?

My advice for anyone who wants to pursue a business in the natural hair product line would be to always put God first, obtain information, study people's wants and needs, and ask plenty of questions. 

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit?  

Is to first know that your desires are heaven-sent, embrace your passion, and step out on faith and go for it. If you do your best, God always does the rest. Mistakes will be made, but never give up. Create a dream team with talented people, humble yourself, and always honor those who have gone before you and paved the way.

I want to thank Trish for sharing her story and business with us. She is a fine example of  how believing in yourself can help achieve anything. For more info on "Becoming" visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/Intensions. You can also visit Trish’s website at http://www.becomingnatural.weebly.com.  

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Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.