personal - Blogs - Black Business Women Online

Too busy to live?

Posted by Robin Tramble on March 15, 2009 at 8:30am

Are you too busy to live?Every year Americans die from a lack of proper management andcare for our health . I know you don't have time to take a 20minute walk at least 2 times per week. It's too much to take time toplan my meals so that I don't consume too much food with empty calories,or overwork your heart with saturated fats.....sure we only live onceand must enjoy ourselves with over indulgence with desserts, fats,carbohydrates, sodas, fries, burgers, alcohol and...need I say more?Read the following study done by HHS' Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC)...........Mortality for several leading causes of death declined in 1999,according to preliminary figures from HHS' Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC), released today by HHS SecretaryTommy G. ThompsonAt the same time, there were increases for other leading causes ofdeath, including septicemia (6.6 percent); hypertension (5 percent); chroniclower respiratory diseases (4 percent),and diabetes (3.3 percent).http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/releases/01news/declindea.htmOne thing that I wanted to point out was where it was said that most of the other leading causesof deaths mentioned were preventable.Are we too busy to live?"Good health is literally a walk away," Secretary Thompsonsaid. "You don't have to work up a big sweat at the gym or becomea long-distance runner. Just 30 minutes of walking a day, five days a week, can significantlyimprove your health. Playing with your kids in thebackyard for an hour each day can help the whole family stayhealthy."http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/releases/02news/physical_activity.htmWell, I don't know about you, but I'm not to busy too live."Don't bother me....I'm living!" That is my desirefor you that you will get busy living a super-charged empowered life of success "Spirit, soul and body."So what are you doing at least three timesper week for 20 - 30 minutes a day...... walking to good health...(or whatever form of exercise you choose)....living!Now I invite you to gain access to two free resources for stressed-lessliving http://budurl.com/64vd and toboost in your self esteem and confidence to realized a new empowered youhttp://budurl.com/wrm9 .To your best empowered life!Beloved I wish above all things that you would prosper and be in healtheven as your soul prospereth. 3 John 2

Empowerment Challenge

Posted by Robin Tramble on February 10, 2009 at 4:00am

My passion is empowering women to live their best life!You have everything within you to lead a dynamic and successful life in 2009. It will take a good system, connecting with the right people, resources and creating a positive environment to achieve this.I'd like to challenge you to select 3 empowering action steps that you will take this week to turbo-charge your plan for life empowerment.Empowerment is a choice. Choose life empowerment today for good success in life.Whether you're looking to enhance your relationship, improve your image and/or health, increase productivity in your business, career , ministry or on your job, or learn key strategies for effective financial fitness, the key is to take action!Do you dislike aspects of your life but feel hopeless to change them?Learn transformational principles and keys to an empowered life! It doesn't matter if you're a mompreneur, solopreneur, wahm or sahm, you can live your best empowered life.Take the challenge today!Looking for dynamic solutions for mindset shifts?I invite you to attend a transformational boot camp, featuring Marnie Pehrson, Felicia Slattery, Cathy Morenzie and Dr. Taffy Wagner.You can win a complimentary seat to Women's Life Empowerment Boot camp or Register todayhttp://tinyurl.com/84gj3m

Here's to your life empowerment!Robin G. Tramble

Let it go for effective personal development

Posted by Robin Tramble on December 14, 2008 at 4:33am

"Sometimes you've got to let everything go - purge yourself. If you areunhappy with anything - whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it.Because you'll find that when you're free, your true creativity, your trueself comes out."Tina TurnerEntertainerIn my coaching and mentoring sessions I use an assessment thatdeals with taking inventory of what you are tolerating. Whatever wetolerate we cannot change and if you look over your life you'll seethat there are certain things that have been there for 10, 15, maybe20 years and you look back and wonder why you allowed it to hangon for so long.Well, if you don't assess your life and really know what it isyou want and better than that what you don't want, you willlive a life of mediocrity.I challenge you today to take inventory of 3 things thatyou have been tolerating.Next note 1 - 2 actions you can take to minimize and eventuallystop tolerating the actions of that particular individual or other areayou are tolerating.Set your spirit free for creativity, to realize a new empowered you!If you'd like more information on the tolerationassessment that I spoke of, contact me.To your empowerment,RobinGet your free eBook 15 powerful tips towards boostingyour self esteem and confidenceBoost your self esteem and confidence and realizea new EMPOWERED You!http://tinyurl.com/6b4v2p

How to Turn Your Financial Troubles Around

Posted by Blondie L. Clayton on November 16, 2008 at 2:04am

Money worries have many different voices: “How am I going to pay my phone bill? My lights are almost two months behind. The rent is due. What are we going to do about the mortgage? We don’t have money for football uniforms. No field trip. That cost money. No, you can’t have that, it cost more than what we have in our budget. They’re coming to take the furniture back; our payment is overdue. The kid needs her braces removed but the dentist won’t do it unless we pay the rest of the money we owe. I’ve lost my job. I’m sorry, honey, they have downsized my position. If I want to keep my job I will have to take a cut in pay. How can I afford these child support payments? I can’t take this any more. What are we going to do?”A mind that is cluttered with money worries may be flooded with one or two or all of these thoughts at one time or another. Maybe you were there once in your life, maybe not. Most people with financial troubles are anxious, confused, angry, harbor feelings of hopelessness, insecurity, and uncertainty about future financial outcomes. Consequently, this state of mind affects everything, including work performance.It’s time for a financial assessment. Is your trouble because you have maxed out your credit cards? Maybe you have more month than money. Do you have medical expenses? Are you sick and can’t work? Have you lost your job, or been downsized? Where did the shortage originate?Once you have assessed where the problem lie, then you can look at remedies. Money troubles in plain simple English are not enough money to cover your present lifestyle. The causes may or may not be within your control.When the funds are low, the logical answer would be to make more but what most people do is fret about it. Some spend more time worrying about what they don’t have while others add on a second job.Money troubles are not going to go away without something changing. Worry will not make up the deficit but initiating a plan of action will.Step IMake a list of all of your monthly household livingexpenses: mortgage, rent, utility bills, etc.Step IIList Your Debts (creditors you owe)Step IIIList your entertainmentStep IVList miscellaneous (lunch, coffee, snacks, etc.)Step VWrite in how much you pay on each. Total thatamount.Step VIList your sources of income (job, spouse, etc.). Takethe total from this and subtract it from what you spend onhousehold, debts and entertainment. If that figure showsyou are not covering your expenses, look back at yourexpenses; see what you can eliminate from entertainment.Make a list of other areas you are expending money,such as lunch, dry cleaning, hair cuts, etc.Try taking your lunch from home rather than buying lunch. The average lunch cost about $7.00. That $7.00 for five days comes to $35.00 a week, totaling $140.00 a month. Imagine if you, your wife and children spent the same amount weekly,that would amount to a partial mortgage or rental payment.Take a look at your Debt. Began to work from the smallest to the largest. Take the money you saved from not buying, let’s say lunch, and redirect the total amount towards paying off the smallest debt first.As you pay off each debt, take that money and add it to the next smallest debt, working your way to the largest, until you have eliminated your debt completely. While you are doing this, examine your household budget.Look at how to eliminate some of your other expenditures; for example, if you have a high cell phone bill, you might want to exchange that cell phone for one with a more fixed rate. Maybe instead of hiring a lawn service, you could cut the grass yourself. Perhaps you might visit Barber or cosmetology trade schools to obtain these services at a reduced rate.Look at what you are already doing first to find the extra money. If you still need more to make up the deficit, then you might look at your skills and talents: start a home-based business. It’s something you could do as a family.Money troubles can be conquered, if you are willing to take a few extra steps. Don’t look at the impossible debt mountain, began the climb one step at a time. And, yes, it is okay to reward yourself along the way but keep in mind where you are headed. Don’t overdo it. Once your debt is eliminated, don’t spend the excess money; instead, add it to your future savings options.Understand that paying your debts down will not take place overnight but if you are consistent it will happen.Blondie L. Clayton is a Realization Strategist™, Publishing Coach, Author of several books, Freelance Writer, hosts of several radio talk shows online. Download your free debt free starter kit at debtfree.print2publish.com

My Interview on BlogTalkRadio! Thank You Barbara Howard.

Posted by Elana Pruitt on September 21, 2008 at 10:04pm

In case you missed my Friday evening BlogTalkRadio interview a few weeks ago, you can catch up and take a listen. Just visit Diary of a Personal Shopper. The player is smack-dab on my homepage. Convenience and courtesy are my middle names...Enjoy! Please provide me with feedback if you wish. The lovely Barbara Howard will be featuring me, the 'Good Girl Gone Shopping,' mid-October."Peace, love, and cute shoes!"~ Elana*P.S. You will finally learn what I really think about Gwen when you listen in.

Entrepreneur of the Week – Tammy Hamilton, Brown Sugar Chic Boutique

Posted by Alive Inc & ALIVE Magazine on September 20, 2008 at 12:30pm

Brown Sugar Chic BoutiqueFor Those That KnowBrown Sugar Chic Boutique provides its clients with a unique buying experience. To the women of distinction, Brown Sugar Chic Boutique brings class, creativity, femininity, and fun to women of all ages and sizes. Brown Sugar Chic Boutique orders no more than 6 of any item carried. This ensures exclusivity to its clients. BSCB carries apparel, handbags, shoes and accessories.CEO & Owner, Tammy Hamilton, recently added a new service to the Brown Sugar Chic Boutique roster. BSCB now offers its clients image consulting and personal shopping services.To read more visit http://www.alivemagonline.com/entrepreneur_highlights.

A "Prescription for Peace" Tee by Gold Saturn...Soooo CUTE!

Posted by Elana Pruitt on August 31, 2008 at 5:36pm

Check out my tips on wearing this tee from morning to evening. Maybe now it's time to add some creativity to your wardrobe while making a statement. And what better statement, right?Check out what designer David Jon Acosta had to say about this tee on Diary of a Personal Shopper!Cheers,Elana

USED Book Giveaways for My Vintage and Thrift-Store Lovin' Sistas

Posted by Elana Pruitt on August 4, 2008 at 2:21pm

"I said that exclusive book reviews are coming, right? Well, here is my numero uno. While yes, you can see I have tons of books in the works. You're probably thinking, Why can't she just read one at a time like a normal person? Well two reasons: I'm not normal, and I like to skip around based on my mood and interest at that moment.Soooooo, my recent fave is called The Joys of Much Too Much by Bonnie Fuller. I am apparently late jumping on the bandwagon with this book -- it was published in '06 (I know, two years ago isn't too behind.).Here are a few reasons why I bought this book:"...READ MORE about how you can win my book, which was written by a magazine and media mogul who worked her way to the top!Oh, and if you have some chick lits, celeb bios, or deep novels you would recommend, please contact me and I will mention that you were the one who recommended it.Cheers!Elana

The Importance of Personal and Professional Branding

Posted by Alecia D. on July 21, 2008 at 12:39am

In today's business world, every Tina, Debra, and Suzie is an entrepreneur. With the convenience and accessibility of the internet, it's never been easier to carve out a business presence on the world wide web. With that said, there has to be something that sets those super-successful businesses apart from the mediocre ones. What's that thing? Branding.Branding is the ongoing development of the perceived value of an individual or business, in relation to its competitors, as viewed by an audience -and whether you have a small startup or a mega-franchise or are simply trying to market yourself, branding should be at the forefront of your mind.There are two main types of branding- personal and professional- and both types are extremely crucial in the success of an individual or business. Here are some tips that can apply to the development of both types of branding.Image should not be contradictory- you cannot market yourself or your business as one thing but speak, dress, and act as another. It's important that you stay true to who you are and what you want to portray. As long as you are honest with yourself and others, it won't be difficult to maintain consistency in branding your business and/or yourself.Brand should be easily accessible and identifiable- if you google your name or your business' name what would you find? If there is any information there at all, is it accurate and consistent? If you are less than satisfied with the results, be sure to do what you can to correct it. There are plenty of articles out there that help you figure out how to successfully use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to build your personal and professional brand.Be consistent in your brand development- you cannot expect to build or change your brand overnight. Branding is an ongoing process that should be taken seriously and given much thought. Create a daily, weekly, or monthly block of time for you to focus on branding. Once you find a method (or methods) that work for you, stick with them and monitor how effective they are.Be careful where you leave your footprint (mouse-print)- although the internet is a great tool to build your business and your brand, it can also prove to be a place where images are destroyed. Pay attention to the pictures you let circulate, the comments you leave on others' blogs, and the social networks you become a member of. With the click of a mouse, anyone can learn all about how you spent Spring Break '07 in Cancun. If it fits into your image and brand, then there's no problem. But if it doesn't, it can put a damper on the way others see you.Personal and Professional branding, if used correctly, can really give you the competitive edge as you grow your business. It's important that you take the time to carefully develop and maintain a brand that will prove to be a positive addition on your journey to success.

I Got Myself a New Handbag...FINALLY!

Posted by Elana Pruitt on July 14, 2008 at 11:40pm

So what do you think? I couldn't resist this Kathy Van Zeeland black Rock n' Roll bag. What do YOU look for in a bag?Visit Diary of a Personal Shopper to see my criteria before this affordable purchase.Cheers,Elana

Kelly Laws - the Brain Behind 'Makeup on the Go' - Fills Void in Beauty Industry!

Posted by Elana Pruitt on July 6, 2008 at 6:28pm

An excerpt from my newest blog post on Diary of a Personal Shopper:

"...I have met someone who also believes in providing personalized luxury on a budget. Everyone deserves A-list pampering here and there, and I'm proud to say that Kelly Laws, owner of 'Makeup on the Go' has your best interest in mind. After all, the motto of her company is: 'We travel to Make You Beautiful.'"
Check out Kelly's 'Makeup to Go' services!Cheers!Elana, a.k.a 'Good Girl Gone Shopping'

Personal Development Plan-We All Need To Have One

Posted by Monique Hawkins on June 8, 2008 at 3:03pm

As women entrepreneurs, we all know how crucial it is to work on ourselves in the area of personal development.We all see people who are very successful in the same business that we are in, yet we seem to be stuck and struggling. I myself know what this is like. The problem is not the business, but in ourselves.The truth is, all of us need a personal development plan; a plan that we work on day in and day out. While we may not seen results right away, consistent action will bring positive results.Have you ever considered doing a 30 Day Mental Cleanse?You might be asking what are we talking about? Too often we let things into our minds that should not be there and it hinders our progress. The best way to get your mind focused is to clean it up with what it should have. Think of it like rebooting your hard drive.We have found this process to be more effective when people can do this together and share the result. What are you going to get? By joining this 30-day cleanse, we will send you ebook(s) to read and have weekly calls associated with this specific 30-day mental cleanse to assist you along the way. All that is required by you is your commitment to doing the program. If you are ready to become the right kind of person, then complete the form below. You will be sent the full instructions and Michael & Linda will keep in touch with you by email as well as myself and on the weekly calls.If this is something that interests you, go to http://www.30daycleanse.com/All of this personal development training is free and will be a tremendous asset to your personal development plan.Let me know if you join up.I wish you success,Monique540-858-2885Skype: Monique371mentormonique@gmail.com

Bootleg Publishers Exist, how to tell the difference!

Posted by ZLS Publishing, LLC on April 23, 2008 at 3:52pm

Hey again everyone,It’s your girl QP here to talk to you about Secret #4: Bootleg Publishers exist, how to tell the difference!As a member of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists, Writers Network) my boss gets monthly alerts on publishing companies going out of business, or just doing unethical things and are being sued. Every month there seems to be at least 6 publishers going out of business because of complaints from writers who have sent their manuscripts, sent money to be published, that sort of crazy thing.So, that has lead me to disclose this secret which sadly but not surprisingly, most writers don’t know: everything with publisher at the end of it does not make it a publisher. Here’s how you tell:Clue #1: If they ask for money when sending your manuscript they are bootleg. A legitimate publisher won’t and doesn’t need to be paid just to read your story.Clue #2: If they advertise in the back of a magazine, they are bootleg.Clue #3: If they request $3.00 for postage, shipping and handling for a response to your manuscript, they are bootleg.Clue #4: If they aren’t a member of any professional publishing organizations such as SPAWN, SPANNET, or PMA to name a few, they are bootleg.Clue #5: If they don’t have a website, they are bootleg.Clue #6: If they have email that looks like this: publisher@yahoo.com, publisher@gmail.com, publisher@aol.com, they are bootleg. Legitimate publishing compannies have company branded email:contact@zlspublishing.com.Clue #7: If you are presented with a 5 page publishing contract, they are bootlegged. The average publishing contract is at a minimum 10 pages long.Clue #8: If your book cover looks like the outside of a cereal box, they are bootleg.Clue #9: If you have to pay for all your books, including the “free ones”, they are bootleg.Clue #10: If you are paid in royalties of IOU’s, they are bootleg.Clue #11: If anytime you call the phone number for them and all you ever get is an answering machine or service, they are bootleg.Clue #12: If the only software they have to develop your manuscript into a book is MS word, they are bootleg. Legitimate publishers have top of the line publishing software. My boss has ADOBE CS3, which is the latest in publishing software.Clue #13: If you can’t find them on myspace, facebook, or gather, they are bootleg. Legitimate publishers understand the need and use for consumers to find them on all outlets. My boss in on all three and even SImon and Schuster is on Gather.When deciding to send out your manuscript to a publishing company, make sure you contact them first, talk to someone, ask if they have a website, a myspace page, a gather page, a facebook page, ask for their mailing address, office address, company email address, verify no money needs to be sent in order to hear a response or when you are sending your manuscript.Clue #14: If when you call them up, asking for these things and they are reluctant to give it to you, they are bootleg.Writer BEWARE!Until Publishing Secret #5QP Signing Out!

Your Book Isn't A Book Until It's Published!

Posted by ZLS Publishing, LLC on April 23, 2008 at 3:49pm

Welcome back,This week’s secret is a continuation from last week’s silly conversation with the caller. (If you need a recap, go to Secret #1)Writers have this crazy idea that they’ve written a book that deserves to be published. No! You’ve written a manuscript, a manuscript of a book hopefully to be published! In the publishing industry, contrary to popular belief they do not consider your book, a book until it is published! That thing you call a book is called a manuscript! At weekly meetings it’s Manuscript #205 or Manuscript BOW or whatever!In the publishing industry, a book is considered final. What you have written is not! It has yet to go through the final editing phase, if any editing at all! It has yet to have a cover designed for it; the book size decided; how it will be marketed, or who will print it. And we are missing the all important task of deciding who will publish it.My boss hates when people tell her they’ve written a book and when she asks who wrote it or where can she get it because it sounds good, they reply by telling her they wrote it, it’s not yet in stores, and that they are looking for a publisher. She always responds, “So, you’ve written a manuscript?” Not knowing what she’s talking about, they look at her funny eyed.So what do you do?Change your language, but more importantly, change your way of thinking!Remember, you have 7 seconds to make an impression. When you approach a publisher either in person or via writing, approach as follows:“I’ve written a potential book”“I’ve got a book idea, I’d love to pitch to you”“I’ve written a manuscript about xyz”Let’s repeat this again: You have 7 seconds to make a good impression. Approaching your potential boss correctly determines your next step career wise. it is the same for approaching a publisher. Remember, they get approached 500 times a day, mainly by clueless writers. Approaching them correctly is the difference between them actually taking your manuscript to read it or politely (and even in some cases) unpolitely, saying ”Thank you, but no thank you!”Let’s recap: Your book is not a book until it is published! We all know that’s your baby, but just like welfare doesn’t consider your baby a baby until it is born, the publishing industry doesn’t consider your book a book until it is published!Sounds harsh! I know, but I told you that the truth was going to hurt!Until Secret #3QP Signing Out!

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