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The B.I.G. Business Conference Is Seeking Trainers and Coaches!

You are invited to attend tonight's  ‘Call For Trainers’ Information Session to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

RSVP Here: https://fk149.infusionsoft.com/go/trinfo/smitchell/

During this session we will provide information on how your participation in the B.I.G. Business Conference as a trainer/coach will help you:

1. Generate revenue while working within your passion – helping others learn. A compensation plan will be provided for all coaches and trainers.
2. Elevate your brand and position yourself as an expert in your niche and the small business community.
.....And More!

Click here to get more details and to R.S.V.P. for the Information Session: https://fk149.infusionsoft.com/go/trinfo/smitchell/

I recently did some random surveys, where I ask people questions about budgeting.  Budgeting is a necessary evil but no one wants to do it and I couldn’t figure out why?  Because it’s a very simple process.  I even share some simple steps in my post titled How To Create a Budget in 3 Easy Steps.  So I said to myself, “when in doubt – ask.”  So I asked people everywhere I come in contact with, friends and family, clients and social media connections, these three questions:

• What frustrates you about budgeting?
• What challenges do you face with budgeting?
• What would make budgeting easier?

I received a lot of different responses.  One response was even “trying to get my husband on board.”  I had to laughed at that one.  Wouldn’t you know sometimes I have that same problem.  So I asked around and the most common responses I got were: Not having enough money; Having to create the budget; and Sticking to the budget.

Well let me tell you that last one resonates with me in a big way.  When I graduated college and started getting a real paycheck I moved out of my parents house within six months.  And I haven’t been back yet! One of things I realized very quickly was I needed to make sure all my bills for paid before I could spend money on what I wanted to.  I already knew I had a shopping problem.  Big secret right? So I created a budget for each paycheck.  I would budget six to eight months at a time so I would know when I would have the money to go holiday shopping or shopping for myself, on trips and even which months I could make lump sum payments to get out of debt.  This little schedule was great .  In fact, I still use it to this day.

As time went on, I could never figure out why I didn’t have enough money.  Then I would get a new job with a higher salary but the same thing would happen.  It was years before I realized that I was good at creating a budget but I sucked at following the budget.

So to help you avoid or to stop having the same problems I had, here are solutions to the top three responses.

1. Not having enough money. This is a terrible excuse.  You don’t have enough money because you don’t have a budget to begin with.  You need to create a budget so that you can know where you need to spend money, including saving or paying yourself first.  Whether you are getting paid $5,000 a week or $5,000 a month, you need to ensure that all your costs are covered.  And if all your costs are not covered, that’s when you will know it’s time to ask for that raise or move on to other things.  But my guess, you will be just fine when you see all of the unnecessary things you spend your hard earned dollars on.  It’s just going to take  a little self control.
2. Having to create the budget.  Not sure why people have such a hard time with this one.  If you do, then you are definitely over thinking things.  Here is the link again for How To Create a Budget in 3 Easy Steps.  Doesn’t matter if you’re doing a budget for a business or for your household, the same rules apply.  The only difference is for a household, you may not need to budget a full year.  Six months will do just fine.
3. Sticking to the budget.  Now this I get.  It’s the shiny toy syndrome.  Every time you see something shiny and new you just have to have it, right? WRONG? You don’t need to be a walking model with all the hottest clothing trends.  And you don’t need to buy a new cell phone every time they come out with a new version.  You need to develop a system for tracking your costs.  A system you can stick to.  And try and make it fun.  Enlist a friend, turn it into a game or reward yourself.  When you have a prize waiting for you, you are more inclined to follow through.

Now it’s your turn. What frustrates you about budgeting? What challenges do you face with budgeting? What would make budgeting easier?

As posted on Denene Millner's "My Brown Baby" on November 5, 2012. See full post here.

Author: Akilah S. Richards

How is it that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, our percentage of business ownership as black women in the U.S. is up 59 percent since 2002, yet we make up a mere 3 percent  of the $1.2 billion dollars in sales from women-owned businesses?

Unjust systems and long-standing, deliberately placed hurdles aside, many of us are learning to maneuver this new era of social impact through technology, and leveraging our skills with our passions to the tune of thriving businesses and comfortable lifestyles.

But on the real, the numbers of us who hoist sails on sinking ships with unstable businesses far surpass the number of financially and emotionally stable black women business owners.

Certainly, we do not lack access to the resources or the brainpower it takes to excel in business—so what’s the deal?

Business and Life Strategist Katrina M. Harrell and I have got a theory about these troubling truths.  It might ruffle your feathers a bit, but perhaps that’s a necessary part of your growth and ours.

The theory: Black women in business have been B.I.T.C.H.ing up, big time!

Yes, we BITCH up!  We get scared.  We stop trusting ourselves.  We take the shortcuts and we prioritize popularity over business ownership.  Many of us, myself included, spent years building a “popular brand”, without focusing on operating a business.

The results: High visibility, but low income.  Some success, but no real fulfillment.

I was a slave to the very thing I had built.  But thankfully, I got free.

READ MORE HERE...POWERFUL READ.

VLS is truly excited with the growth and support of our affiliate partners since we officially started in mid 2010. Putting all the elements together for a good recipe as a real estate service and referral provider has been an awesome experience, and we know that the best is yet to come in real estate leasing for us!!!

As we all know real estate leasing is HOTTER than ever. What are the predictions for commercial and residential leasing for 2011? Rents will continue to increase in prime markets and remain steady in areas where there are more vacancies. 

Commercial Office Leasing:
Office Leasing activity will remain strong in 2011, especially as entrepreneurs, small businesses and companies begin to grow and expand their employment levels. The vacancy rate for office space will decline in the range of 1 to 1.5 percent and virtual office services will increase tremendously.

Residential Leasing:
The demographic trends are changing from longtime renters buying to longtime home owners renting. It's all about choice!

Baby Boomers are renting their homes to downsize or move to warmer climates, but not necessarily buying a second home, but renting by choice without having the hassle of owning.   

On the flip side longtime renters are going for the "American Dream" of home ownership. There are alot of great deals and incentive programs for first time homebuyers to purchase by choice.

I would say this is a good look for real estate leasing in 2011!!!

Lin Gordon
Virtual Leasing Solutions

1. Develop a Visibility Strategy. Be seen and be heard. It used to said that– “it’s who you know”, but in this new economy, it’s “who knows you” that matters. To accomplish this strategy, create a blog for your business, use social media such as Twitter and Facebook but don’t forget about affinity groups like LinkedIn and Ning. Create a profile and get active on these sites.
   
2. Be Known for Something. Become a thought leader. Define your strengths. What comes natural to you? What are you good at? What makes you think “I can’t wait to do that again?” Determine whatever it is and become a known leader in that area.
3. Decide Your Style. Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean it’s right for you. When it comes to marketing your business online, there are so many ways to do this. There’s social media, article-writing, press releases, blogs, etc. and so on. Don’t try to do it all. Test them out, then decide what’s right for you and go with that.
4. Manage Your Time. Outsource what you don’t have time to do yourself. A tool like HootSuite is a real time-saver when it comes to posting to your social media accounts. Another way to save time is to hire a virtual assistant or outsource company to handle administrative or marketing tasks you don’t have time to do yourself.
5. Monitor Your Brand. You can measure how well your brand ranks online by using sites like Klout.com and OnlineCalculator.com. These sites will let you know how strong your online brand is currently and give you some tips to leverage your online clout.

Mother’s Day is coming up and everyone is getting ready for their weekendwith that special woman in their life.. Why not let Tastefully Simplehelp you preparefor that day? Need an idea for a meal? Or perhaps dessert? Don’t forgetour tastygifts that are already dressed up in pretty boxes.

Starting today I will be having a Virtual HostParty to celebrate Mother’s Day. Here are the details:

Too busy to host or attend a partythis time of the year?? Well, how about being a part of my virtual mysteryhost party!!!

What is a virtual mystery host party?I'm glad you asked. Here's how a virtual mysteryhost party works. Everyone invitedto the 'party' that places an order through 12:00pm(noon) on April 26th is considered a guest. At the end of the partyon April 26th, one of the guests will be chosen as the mysteryhost and will receive all the host benefitsof this virtual party. Thismeans that just by stocking up on your favorites, you could receive FREEproducts of your choice (visit www.tastefullysimple.com/web/kstevenson)

to view a complete listing of our products)

You must call me, or email me your order. NO WEBSITE orders are valid!!!I take cash, check (make checks payable to Kimberlee Stevenson), andcreditcards (master card, visa, discover, amex).

For your protection you can email me your order and I can call you to getyour credit card information if you like.

Increase your chances to win...

* Everyone who orders by 12:00pm on April 26th receives 1 entry.
* If your order is over $25 (before tax and shipping), you receive 2entries.

* If your order is over $50 (before tax and shipping), you will receive 5entries and you are eligible for a half price drink bucket!
* If you have an order from a friend or family member in addition toyourorder, you receive an extra entry.(let me know who you referred)
* If you schedule a party in June, July or August youreceive 10 entries.
* If you are interested in becoming a consultant and schedule time todiscussthe opportunity or refer someone who does, you receive a free BountifulBeerBread and 5 entries.