Yeah I said it. OVERWHELMED! Let's face it, we all deal with this at some point in our lives. Being overwhelmed or feeling overwhelmed. There are so many factors of building a business that can be overwhelming or seem like too much to handle. Here are 3 ways to keep yourself from being overwhelmed or get out of your overwhelm-ing-ness

Step 1- FOCUS

Step 2- FOCUS

Step 3- did I say, FOCUS?

Last week, my husband decided to purchase a new couch for our living room. We are moving into a new house soon but I didn't expect him to start buying furniture anytime soon! Anyhow, he starts sending me pictures of all of these couches and living room sets that he liked and thought I'd like and I almost threw my phone across the room! I appreciate him trying to take initiative, use his time off wisely, and make a purchase for our family, but the thought and process of choosing a couch set via text message pictures made me really overwhelmed and I couldn't handle it! There were so many pictures coming in, I had students in front of me (I'm a teacher by hobby :)), and I just couldn't FOCUS on what he was asking me. Eventually, I just asked him to find out what the return policy was, what their weekend hours were, and asked him to choose one he liked (If I don't like it, I can return it later).

Compare this to your business. If you are always looking at what others are doing, have so many business ideas that you start and stop on, then you are not FOCUSed. There's no way you could be successful with so many OTHER things going on. You need to chose. In my book, The Motivator (coming this summer!), I share that you should write down the actual hours you are going to work your business during the week and stick to them! Having a set amount of daily working hours will help you to not get so overwhelmed.

I mentioned earlier, "looking at what others are doing": If you were privileged enough to experience the twitter party this weekend, you saw or read information about so many different business people. Which was so cool to see. (Hat's off to LaShanda Henry of Black Business Women Online...mybbwo.com) However, if you are not FOCUSed in your business, still trying to figure out what services you're going to offer, then that might have been a little overwhelming for you. You were probably the one looking at everyone's website, getting ideas of what you want to do, then seeing someone else's website and seeing something ELSE you want to do, and eventually having too many ideas to choose from (don't get me wrong, it is always nice to check out other peoples websites to support them and refer people to them, but stay focused on what you are trying to do)!

Here are some things you need to do, in order to find your niche in business: First, you need to take the B.A.T. (Business Aptitude Test: determines what type of business would best for your personality type). This test will help you decide what you would most enjoy doing, if you could FIRE YOUR BOSS tomorrow! Second, you need to find a business coach ( I know a great one offering a FREE introductory consultation that can help, ME!). A business coach can help you create a business plan and hold you accountable for sticking to the plans. Once you have these two steps done, you will be on your way to success.

Remember the old saying, "time is money". So you are losing out when you are wasting time and distracted by other peoples websites and services You are losing out when you are wasting time and doing things in your free time OTHER than working your business. You are losing out when you are not FOCUSED on your goals for building a successful business. Remember, "when you are not focused, you fail".

See you at the top!

Tamara Garrison-Thomas

http://www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com/

garrisonprosperitysolutions@gmail.com

www.crazygood.com/refer/whywait

• Success Coaching
• Business Plan Writing Services
• Website/Blog Creation
• Network Marketing Business Services
• and introducing, PeopleWhoProsper.Com (coming soon!)

www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com

A few months ago, I went to a business meeting and it was very interesting. The featured presenter was there answering questions from prospects and he was taking 7-8 minutes to answer each of them! He would even get off track and lose focus of the question he was answering. And as I sat there, a bit annoyed by his tangents, I realized that ANYBODY can build a business! This guy literally makes MILLIONS of DOLLARS a year and all he does is just talk to people. He goes off on random bits of information, and gets so excited it seems he can't even breath but yet HE'S SO SUCCESSFUL! So, the key is to be yourself. Yes, we should study our business and know the "ins and outs", etc. But just being yourself and allowing people to relate with you is a huge factor in building a successful business.

That's a big part of Internet Marketing as well. Although you're not meeting people face to face, they need to and want to like you before they decide to do business with you.  That's why it is important that you understand the concept of "branding" yourself. In a nutshell, you want people to be attracted to you. You should include photos on your website and offer training videos taped in your house so they can see you in your regular habitat. Give them ways to gain easy access to you. This makes people feel more comfortable with you and want to do business with you. Let's face it, we only have the friends we have today because something about them attracted us to them. Whether it was their personality or something they had to offer, that's the bottom line. Therefore, you have to do the same on your website to make people like you and want to do business with you! Market yourself on social network sites and leave your business cards with people you meet. Those simple things (to start) will help you get exposure to people that need your services.

Tamara Garrison-Thomas

www.garrisonproperitysolutions.com

www.crazygood.com/refer/whywait

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act ofcaring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. LeoBuscaglia

During this Christmas season many people stress themselves out and may become depressed due to their inability to provide what they wantfor their loved ones. Often times we allow this to be the season ofbeat down. Yes, I said that and what I mean is that you may beatyourself down because you’re unable to do better than you did last yearor you can’t get that special gift that you know your loved one desires.

Don’t feel bad it’s a human feeling, however, we are responsible for our actions. Are you responding this year the same way you respondedlast year? Are you allowing this season which is a season of giving tobecome a dreaded time of year? It is the season of giving not simplybecause of what we give but rather what God gave to us, “His gift” Hisonly Son Jesus Christ.

Don’t forget the true meaning of Christmas. It is a time that we as Christians celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Itis then and only then that you can remember and take to heart themessage in the above quote. There is power in the things that we deemvery small. Sure it’s good to give tangible gifts, however, in themidst of your busy endeavors to fulfill the wants of your loved onesdon’t forget passers by or that sister that was put on your heart whomay be going through this year because her loved one is no longer herethis Christmas. Place a phone call, send a card. If you see her atchurch take an extra minute to greet her with an endearing look intoher eye and embrace her with a hug. This can turn a life around.

Give the gift of Authentic caring this Christmas and always. That’s a gift worth giving.

Merry Christmas!

Robin aka The Empowerment Diva

Mentor,Coach,Trainer

Creator of Empowerment Success Songs

Author The Dynamic Power of Focus for The Unstoppable Woman - 2011

http://www.Authenticlifeempowerment.com

We are now in the middle of  January and have you begun working on your new year resolution?  I don't believe in resolutions. I think every day of your life you should try to change or do something different. You should always have new goals on a constant basis.

I will say this my new year has started slow,I am still trying to tie up loose ends from last year. I think by the middle of February I should be on the right track.

Now what did I learn from last year?

I learned that don't take everything for granted, things  and situations can stop or start without  your control or your doing.

We as business oriented people sometimes  can be too business and not enjoy what we do simply because we become so wrapped up in the bottom line. We forget what was all the hard work for.  I truly believe that we should not only have our own business because we don't want to work for others, but because we want to be happy in what we do through the   services or products we sell to others.

I understand that the bills are due employees have to paid, but without your hard work, your sleepless nights, and the many tears you have shed you would not be able to accomplish what you have now.

Maybe business is slow self-assure yourself that it will get better that is what I tell myself in all my situations, things will get better don't give up. You have a whole year to progress, change, reevaluate,create a bigger picture for yourself and your business.

So now that the party is over its time to get back to innovation, imagination, communication, motivation, education and do not leave out a great celebration.

Motivational quotes to inspire you!

"Let [abundance] flow through your thoughts, your actions, your words and your feelings. Let go of the doubts and fears that seem so real but which exist only because you keep them alive."

 
"Replace those doubts with beautiful, authentic dreams. Replace your fears with powerful, positive determination and the commitment to be your best."

 - Ralph Marston 

Motivational quotes to inspire you!

"As we increasingly master our perceptions, beliefs and thought/feeling patterns, we magnetically attract that which we most desire."

- Luanne Oakes

Motivational quotes to inspire you!

"Within you right now is the power to do things you never dreamed possible. This power becomes available to you just as soon as you can change your beliefs."

-- Maxwell Maltz

"Keep on going and the chances are you
will stumble on something, perhaps when
you are least expecting it. I have never
heard of anyone stumbling on something sitting
down." __Charles F. Kettering


I want you to do something for me right
now. Drop a piece of paper on the floor,
that's right drop it right beside you
on the floor.
Try to pick it up. Did you do it?
What's that in your hand? I said
try to pick it up. No, put it down and
try as hard as you can, I didn't say pick
it up I said try to pick it up. That piece
of paper is not going to get up by itself,
you've got to pick it up, however, you won't
pick it up by continuing to try you have to
simply pick it up.

Believe it or not that's
what many of us are doing with our lives.
We leave ourselves an out by using the ever-popular
words "I'll try." If you really want to go
somewhere you've never been, do something
you've never done and receive something you've
never received, as the previous exercise
demonstrated trying is not enough.

If you want to turbo charge down the
road of success, eliminate those two
words. Did you know it is a subtle form
of procrastination. If you know that you
are unable to honor a request simply say
that. Otherwise let your yes, be yes and
your no….. that's right be no.

Start speaking in the now! Go ahead contact
the college today and tell them "I'm
completing my degree, what steps do I take
to continue with (input name of college or
university). Next time your Father God requests
more time with you, don't reply "Lord, you know
I'm trying." Yes, He does and this is why He
continues to draw you, He's saying, "just do it!"

Prosperity entails more than material things
it is a state of mind. If you're going to realize
prosperity "spirit, soul and body" you must
stop trying and do it NOW. Look at it like
this, imagine Father God listening to the
many prayers that we His children send up
and He hears one special urgent plea from you,
He knows it's been 3 months and you're running
out of time but He simply replies with a sigh…..
Yes, my love I hear you, I'll try to get to you
soon. (smile) Somehow a statement that
includes the word try is not as convincing
as I'll get to you soon.
That's just not good enough is it? Well, don't
settle for any less for yourself.

When's the last time you embraced the word of
God? Stop trying, and just do it! Your life
depends on it.

This book of the law shall not depart out of
thy mouth; but you shall meditate therein day
and night, that thou mayest observe to do
according to all that is written therein:
for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
Joshua 1:8

Stop trying. "Just do it!"

Robin

The Authentic Life Empowerment Mentor,Coach,Trainer and Public Speaker

http://www.Authenticlifeempowerment.com

Motivational quotes to inspire you!

"As you begin to take action toward the fulfillment of your goals and dreams, you must realize that not every action will be perfect. Not every action will produce the desired result. Not every action will work. Making mistakes, getting it almost right, and experimenting to... see what happens are all part of the process of eventually getting it right."

- Jack Canfield

Here are some important things that you should remember about competition:

1) No One is Perfect. Your competition makes mistakes, and runs into problems, issues, and obstacles, just like you do.

2) There’s Room Enough For All Of Us To Be Successful. Don’t believe for one minute that the success of someone else, somehowcompromises your potential to be successful. This is simply not true.

3) What God Has For You, Is For You. No one can take it away from you. It’s all a part of a greater plan and purpose foryour life. No one can steal it from you, and only you can fulfill yourlife’s purpose.

4) Stay focused on your core vision/mission/passion, and you will always stand out from your competition. Why? Because you’re busy being the best that you can be.

If you’re an entrepreneur, and wondering how you can stand out from your competitors, or simply be competitive with companies or individualswho may have more resources than you do, remember these tips:

- Offer High value

-Offer great customer service

-Solve an existing problem

-Offer solutions and/or convenience to your customers in a unique way.

-Be accessible.

Remember, Competition is Nothing.

Are you getting ready to get ready?

I’m sure that several of you have heard this expression before. Today was the first time that I used it myself. As soon as the words departed my lips I knew that I needed to take my own advice.

I was speaking to a prospective student over the phone. The woman on the phone, was one that I’d spoken with several times in the last year. Every few months she calls the school, asks when classes will be starting. Sometimes she even makes an appointment to come in and complete some part of the enrollment process. Most times though, she would call back a day or two later with some excuse. “Too busy. I need to look for a part time job. I need to wait until the kids are on vacation. I need to wait until the kids are back in school.” So, this time when I saw her name come up on the caller id on my desk I answered, “Hi, Jane Doe, are still getting ready to get ready?”

We all have something that we keep putting off. Something that could really change our lives if only we could get started. When I started to look at my list of “dreams deferred,” writing was on the top of that list. I have been researching blogs. Reading other people’s blogs downloading ebooks on how to write them, but kept putting it off. I even told myself that I needed to wait until I reviewed some grammar books and I bought a few of those too. But then, the lights came on. I was using the excuses to cover up my fear. I was getting ready to get ready and in the mean time not a single thing was getting done.

STOP GETTING READY TO GET READY!

While you were reading this, your list of excuses probably started to go through your mind. You probably thought of at least 5 things that you’ve been putting off because of fear. The vacation you’ve never taken. That dance class you thought about. The classes you were going to start. The novel you said you’d write. Write them all down. Find the one thing on that list that really scares you. The one with the most “legitimate,” excuses and do that one first.

I did. I finally stopped getting ready to get ready and I started writing this blog.

If you have been in business for a while you are likely to run into periods of burnout. You will recognize it when you see it because it is where creativity takes a nose dive and your get up and go seems to leave without letting you know. I have worked with lots of women business owners and there is a common thread that weaves many of them together. Here are a few quick observations on how people with the business blahs have managed to get the wind back in their sail.

Re-evaluate

One of the things that I notice among those going through periods of burn out is a lack of clear focus in not knowing which way to go. If you ever find yourself feeling that way take some time to re-evaluate and ask yourself what it is about your company that you most enjoy right now. Many times when you’re stuck it’s that roadblock that has your feet feeling like led and unable to move. Brainstorm with others about the direction of your company. You may simply need someone to help break that cement up with you so that you can get moving again.

Another thing that you can do if you are thinking, “Hey, this is my business. I want it to succeed but I don’t have the motivation." is to ask yourself “What are the obstacles that you are facing in your business today that keeps you from seeing the forest from the trees?”

Re-connect

Next, reconnect with exactly why you are in business in the first place. Be honest with yourself. If it’s something that you are really passionate about then connect with that passion again. Maybe it’s not passion at all but the use of a skill that is helping you to temporarily make ends meet. Be honest about that, too, because when you can do that then you can move on to creating a game plan and designing a company that is successful. After all, the goal is to own a company that you can wake up to and say that I am proud to own this business.

Re-structure

Perhaps there is something in the business that you do not want to do. Think of how you can change that. Maybe it is certain aspects of the business that you don’t like to handle. How can you eventually get away from those tasks and create a pre-exit plan where you are doing what you love versus working in your business? Begin mapping it out today so that in the end when you set sail again you will do so knowing that you did it your way!

And if part of the fatigue in running your business comes from overwhelm in financial management and poor cash flows then I invite you to sign up for my newsletter at www.tbsusa.com where you will receive tips and access to resources that will help guide you in a more profitable direction.

Okay so let us break this down so we can understand where we are and where we need to be in our businesses and our lives!

Titus 3

Doing What is Good

¹Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ²to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

OK, this really means that you need to listen to your supervisors, abide by the law and respect each other. Stop acting like you don't know what to do in certain situations. Showing humilty means to be respectful of others regardless of how they treat you.

³At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. ⁸This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

There was a time when we didn't know any better. When we decided to get our lives right and come in right standing with God, He forgave us of all of our sins, washing us clean. So, with the Holy Spirit within us we have to walk the walk and talk the talk. What does that mean for business and life? It means that won't be lying or cheating customers. We will always have great customer service (no longer is GOOD an option) and we will continuously put God first so that HE gets the glory. (stop worrying about what you can get from God, you're already blessed so walk in that FIRST!) We also can't hate on another that may be in the same industry as ourselves. We must be fair cordial and not backbiting.

⁹But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. ¹⁰Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. ¹¹You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

No need to keep sharing the same helpful information with a person. If they dont understand where they are NOT and you have tried over and over (twice), then leave it be. They will see, one day, that you were trying to steer them in the right direction. One thing we know, as business women, is, starting a business is not easy, marketing is not easy and getting funding sure is not easy!

Final Remarks

¹²As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. ¹³Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. ¹⁴Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

¹⁵Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.

Verse 14 is very essential here. It is the best bet of what is to come for your life. If you do what is good, not cheating the system or others around you, you will live a productive life. PRODUCTIVE LIFE. With a productive life comes a prosperous life. Everything has to be in the will of God...did you know that putting HIM directly in your life and your business gives you a running start over the women of the world?

Bless you business women...let's get it!!

Dana Marie