On Thursday December 29th I attended Ms. Rizo's Curly Affair at Mojito's in Boston. Mojito's was packed with beautiful women celebrating our naturalness! I LOVE events like this! I couldn't stay for the entire event, but I was able to leave eye candy (jewelry of course) for event hostess Carolina.
I will be at Drea's event "My Natural Essence Natural Hair" on Saturday January 28th in Rhode Island. Check out Drea's FB page:
www.facebook.com/MyBeautifulNaturalEssence
Its New Years Eve and I am excited about the positive prospects for the New Year. I am thinking of resurrecting the collection, "A Temptress, A Siren, and a Goddess, but with a spin. Here's a look back of some designs in that collection.....Feel free to give me feedback on this collection.
Happy New Year and BE SAFE.....
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More & more women are discovering the unlimited income potential, flexibility & control that IS the direct selling industry. I think every woman should have a direct sales business....in whatever "floats her boat". For me, it's Cookie Lee. Along with unlimited income potential, flexibility & control, with Cookie Lee you can add FUN, AFFORDABLE, FRIENDSHIPS, GREAT VALUES , CHANGING STYLES & ATTAINABLE INCENTIVES LIKE TRIPS & A MERCEDES BENZ to that.
If this is something you would be interested in, please visit www.cookielee.biz/rojulinedixon.
Check out www.umoyadesigns.com and subscribe for updates on sales, free giveaways, new designs and UD news.
Like Us on FaceBook: facebook.com/umoya-designs
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/umoyadesigns
Email us: info@umoyadesigns.com
Call us: 774-275-3062
Do you think your debt problems are insurmontable? Listen and learn how this phenomenal author and entrepreneur Aleysha Proctor conquered her seventy thousand dollar debt demon. The fact is that wealthy women think, act and do things differently. Listen to the podcast online at Wealthy Radio
If you would like to learn how to manage your finances like a wealthy woman join the A Purse of Your Own Campaign to financial empower one million women.
Deborah Owens is a Wealth Coach and author of the critically acclaimed book A Purse of Your Own published by Simon and Schuster. She is host of Wealthy Lifestyle Radio on the NPR affilliate WEAA 88.9 FM. Listen online at Wealthy Radio WEAA 88.9FM
What makes a powerful business woman? Check her birthdate.
We are gracious and add the right about of seasoning to the business world ------ Cyndi C
RESOURCES FOR THE MATURE WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR
AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, is an organization that caters not only to retired female workers but also to older workers in general. AARP is a North American organization that caters to people over fifty and will help to provide information on pretty much anything that concerns older people such as health, investment and small business information, Medicare and where to find the best insurance.
There are however some sites that cater to the specific needs of the mature female and one of them is called WAHM. Work At Home Mothers is set up to provide support and advice to any female with children or grandchildren that has a vested interest in starting or continuing a home based business. This can range from financial backing without the discrimination hassle or just counseling for when things get too tough to handle on your own.
References
The coming wave of mature entrepreneurs Ted Riley
Anjana Ahuja, Ph.D for Psychology Today
Web MD 50 Great things about women after 50
Summer 2012 8-wk Paid Internship Applications
Bank of America High School Student Leaders Program
application deadline of January 25, 2012
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Student Leaders® Program is accepting applications for the 2012 program for students in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties that are current Juniors or Seniors in high school. We would like your help to spread the word about the Student Leaders Program, an exciting leadership opportunity, of which we are certain will be welcomed by your community partners, friends, neighbors and colleagues.
Since its inception in 2004, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program has recognized more than 1,600 exemplary high school juniors and seniors with a passion for improving their communities. The program helps students gain a greater understanding of how nonprofits create impact in the community and helps develop them as the next generation of community leaders through two components:
· A summer 2012 eight-week paid internship with selected nonprofit organizations designed to provide opportunities for the students to develop and apply leadership skills through hands-on work experience, while raising their awareness of community issues addressed by their Host Organization.
· A week-long all-expense paid Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., July 15-20. Conducted in partnership with the Close Up Foundation, the Summit introduces students to aspects of civic, social and business leadership and provides them with knowledge and skills they will use throughout their life to create positive community change.
In order to spread the word about the opportunities available you may forward this to many of your members, partners, and affiliates, in the manner appropriate for your organization (email, electronic newsletter, website, etc.). Please note the application deadline of January 25, 2012. We anticipate some really great applications so we encourage students to complete a thoughtful and well written application for consideration.
Posters are also available to help advertise the program. If you would like posters, please contact us and we will send them to you.
We appreciate your help to spread the word about the Bank of America Student Leaders Program. Students can apply for the program by going to www.bankofamerica.com/neistudentleaders
For more information on the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, please visit the website at http://www.bankofamerica.com/foundation/ or feel free to contact us.
Best,
Tiffany S. Douglas
Senior Vice President, Market Manager
Bank of America
THE WORLD ONLY CHANGES BECAUSE SOME BELIEVE
IT CAN.
Juniors and seniors: apply by January 25, 2012
If you're committed to making a positive impact in your community, Bank of America can help. Our Student Leaders® Program includes both a weeklong summit in Washington, D.C. and an eight-week paid summer internship at a local nonprofit. You'll connect with other community-minded students and experience how nonprofits, business and government can cooperate to improve communities.
Sincerely,
Bank of America
It hasn’t been a good couple of weeks and yesterday was the worst. I won’t get into details (keeping my rant for offline). What I will say is that I’ve been coming to terms with a few personal things which gave me time to reflect on the past year. The perfect place to start was with my business. I am writing this to help you not make the same mistakes I did or at least notice them ahead of time so you can nip them the butt quickly.
One of the biggest lessons I learned in the SistaSense Circle is that I needed to identify the problems and find a solution, then look at what’s working and figure out how to duplicate it. This is exactly what I did the other day. I am going to start with the things I did wrong in my business and how I started to correct them.
At the beginning of the year I didn’t have a clear focus of my target market. I was just open to work with anyone. At some point I settled on a target but it was the wrong one for me. So I had go back and look at every client I had and see who I have been work with. The majority of my work came from Bloggers and Soloprenurs (97% women). I got one problem down, now on to the next one – being Jane of all Trades. [Read entire post]
This year 2011 I thought I was dying after starting the year and my birthday off i called sitting on top of the world, things happen and I began to live and do things like joining #BBWO took this laptop and started to let go of my past and join the future of online businesses I did'nt know nothing about computers a year ago,smh thank God my family was there to help cheer me on,i've let go of the fear of failing and be ashamed of not knowing what the hell was I really going to do with the rest of my life, I love to talk so social network it is with other things to come, soo happy i'm not that scared chained up girl anymore, i'm all grown up taking over or joining social media networks, soo far the HONEYMOON has been GREAT, will continue my HONEYMOON ALL OF 2012, BYE BYE PAST I WON'T FORGET YOU BUT I'M HAPPILY MARRIED TO MY FUTURE NOW!! 1LOVE *wink*
Blogging for business (or blogging in general) can sometimes feel like a burden instead of a task for some small business owners. Since there always seems to be an ever increasing amount of “encouragement” to blog for business from entrepreneurs and marketers who are reaping the rewards from their blogging, for those who don’t consider themselves a writer, often feel stressed over the mere thought of having to blog on a regular basis.
The question then becomes a battle for those contemplating the responsibility:“Should I or should I not, blog for my business?”
That decision is totally up to you, of course…but in my opinion, I say: YES, You Should!
So, how can you blog for your business without it becoming an overwhelming chore when writing is not your forte?
You start by finding your unique voice, your style of communication. Blogging is all about communicating with others and sharing value. Think about how you conversate with your friends and family. Do you like to “paint a picture” when you are sharing with someone about your day? Do you often give facts and details about a situation? Are you very opinionated when you express yourself? Do you like to give your advice and help others through a dilemma?
Whatever way you communicate on a daily basis, is the same way you can communicate with your readers. Identifying your style of conversational flow is what gives you authority in your industry and the ability to stand out from everyone else in the blogosphere.
When you write using your unique voice, blogging becomes easier because you are being authentic to who you are as a person.
Here are 4 Ways You Can Combat Stress When it Comes to Writing Blog Posts:
Tell a Story – Some people are natural story tellers, they have a unique gift to create a vivid picture of their experience when talking that you feel like you are right there with them. They can pull you in so deep you can almost feel and smell the atmosphere.
I love reading posts when the author can “suck” me into their world through their words. The key to effective storytelling in relation to your blog, is to be sure the story ties in to your topic.
Solve a Problem – I fall into this category (mostly). People who are very observant are able to recognize problems and offer solutions, if of course they have the solution. For example, this post is providing information and a solution for my readers who are struggling with blogging.
When it comes to my business and my blog, I strive to provide clear and easy to apply answers to help my readers gain a better understanding. Blogging to solve a problem(s) requires good listening skills.
Share How-To’s – Some people like to be definite and get straight to the point. If you are the one out of the group of your friends who is always saying, “what you NEED to do is….” you can be direct and factual in your writing.
Not everyone wants to hear a story behind the “what” and they “why”, they want to just know the “how” and that is a great flow for those logical thinkers.
Be Conversational – Do you have a natural ability to attract people to you simply “because”? Charismatic people are like a magnet and have a big personality that can take over and draw you in.
Many intellectuals have a keen perception of how things are and put their own spin on their beliefs and ideas which can interest those who enjoy seeing and learning things from a unique perspective.
When it comes to blogging for business, you must embrace your authenticity, and learn to be comfortable using your voice. When you are able to mesh your style of communication with your business expertise, you will attract loyal readers and create a unforgettable brand.
Want to learn more strategies and tips for effective business blogging and content marketing? Click Here Now!
I’d love to know your unique voice and communication style and how you apply it to your blogging. Share in the comments below:
Blogging for business (or blogging in general) can sometimes feel like a burden instead of a task for some small business owners. Since there always seems to be an ever increasing amount of “encouragement” to blog for business from entrepreneurs and marketers who are reaping the rewards from their blogging, for those who don’t consider themselves a writer, often feel stressed over the mere thought of having to blog on a regular basis.
The question then becomes a battle for those contemplating the responsibility:“Should I or should I not, blog for my business?”
That decision is totally up to you, of course…but in my opinion, I say: YES, You Should!
So, how can you blog for your business without it becoming an overwhelming chore when writing is not your forte?
You start by finding your unique voice, your style of communication. Blogging is all about communicating with others and sharing value. Think about how you conversate with your friends and family. Do you like to “paint a picture” when you are sharing with someone about your day? Do you often give facts and details about a situation? Are you very opinionated when you express yourself? Do you like to give your advice and help others through a dilemma?
Whatever way you communicate on a daily basis, is the same way you can communicate with your readers. Identifying your style of conversational flow is what gives you authority in your industry and the ability to stand out from everyone else in the blogosphere.
When you write using your unique voice, blogging becomes easier because you are being authentic to who you are as a person.
Here are 4 Ways You Can Combat Stress When it Comes to Writing Blog Posts:
Tell a Story – Some people are natural story tellers, they have a unique gift to create a vivid picture of their experience when talking that you feel like you are right there with them. They can pull you in so deep you can almost feel and smell the atmosphere.
I love reading posts when the author can “suck” me into their world through their words. The key to effective storytelling in relation to your blog, is to be sure the story ties in to your topic.
Solve a Problem – I fall into this category (mostly). People who are very observant are able to recognize problems and offer solutions, if of course they have the solution. For example, this post is providing information and a solution for my readers who are struggling with blogging.
When it comes to my business and my blog, I strive to provide clear and easy to apply answers to help my readers gain a better understanding. Blogging to solve a problem(s) requires good listening skills.
Share How-To’s – Some people like to be definite and get straight to the point. If you are the one out of the group of your friends who is always saying, “what you NEED to do is….” you can be direct and factual in your writing.
Not everyone wants to hear a story behind the “what” and they “why”, they want to just know the “how” and that is a great flow for those logical thinkers.
Be Conversational – Do you have a natural ability to attract people to you simply “because”? Charismatic people are like a magnet and have a big personality that can take over and draw you in.
Many intellectuals have a keen perception of how things are and put their own spin on their beliefs and ideas which can interest those who enjoy seeing and learning things from a unique perspective.
When it comes to blogging for business, you must embrace your authenticity, and learn to be comfortable using your voice. When you are able to mesh your style of communication with your business expertise, you will attract loyal readers and create a unforgettable brand.
Want to learn more strategies and tips for effective business blogging and content marketing? Click Here Now!
I’d love to know your unique voice and communication style and how you apply it to your blogging. Share in the comments below:
"Feel like you're running on a Hamster's
wheel and getting nowhere?"
Join me for my Power Executive Call Free....
Empowered to Manifest Your Best Year Ever!
This is my Christmas and New Year's Gift To You...
Tuesday, December 27 at 2:00 PM PST
And More!
Click here to learn more and secure your VIP access.
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.
The other part of this, is that 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. We want to hear your story. Why did you decide to go into business for yourself?
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, PeopleWhoProsperTV, and over 16,000 people on youtube!
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.
(New scholarships posted everyday)
Students Seeking Education by Experiencing Academic America. (S.E.A.)
a Houston, Texas based mentoring program for high school students,
students at-risk, and college bound student, wanting to attend an
Historically Black College / University, (H.B.C.U.)
S.E.A will post a scholarship for minority students each day. If you are a high school, junior, senior or a transferring college student, these scholarships are for you!
FREE MONEY! We all know through life there is nothing Free;
you have to apply to receive this money.
Your cost is - time!
The time it takes to fill out the scholarship application.
Look for the S.E.A. blog each day, highlighting a new scholarship listing 2011/2012
SCHOLARSHIP OF THE DAY
12-26-2011
TEXAS AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE
The Dallas Foundation/Dr. Dan J. and Patricia S. Pickard Scholarship
The Dr. Dan J. and Patricia S. Pickard Scholarship Fund was established at the Dallas Foundation in 2004 to assist African-American male students in Dallas County. Dr. Pickard was an optometrist and founder of the Pickard eye clinic. He believed that if you did something nice for someone and they do something nice for someone else, you can affect the lives of many people. The Scholarship Fund is his way of "passing it on".
AWARD INFORMATION
Award Amount: $1,000 - $2,000
Number of Awards: 1 - 2
Application Deadline: April 1, 2012
Available to Class Level: Freshmen
Renewability: Renewable
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Minimum GPA Required: 2.5
Ethnicity/Heritage: African-American/Black
Residency: Texas
Gender: Male Student
Religious Affiliation: None specified
Location of College: State of Texas
Area of Study: None specified
Financial need analysis is required
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR
Organization: Program Associate The Dallas Foundation
900 Jackson Street, Suite 705
Dallas, TX 75202
Telephone: (214) 741-9898
Fax: (214) 741-9848
E-mail: scholarships@dallasfoundation.org
Visit S.E.A.
Website: WWW.SSEEAA.COM
(For more information scan with you Smartphone)
On the Eve of Christmas I have a few things to share for those of you who are still on your holiday business grind...
LaShanda Henry
p.s. Use the code XMAS11 to get an extra $10 off the SistaSense Closeout including 40+ audio sessions on ebooks, youtube, affiliate sales, information entrepreneurship, creating your own social network and more.
Fa la la la la! I've got the holiday spirit, so you know what time it is... every year I do a special holiday closeout with my latest money and marketing ebooks, audio and video series. It's been YEARS since I did a $27 close out, so I thought I would bring that back PLUS this year I have decided to include a few freebie gifts and also host a Holiday gift exchange on Black Business Women Online.
The success of your business depends on the company you keep. I hope that I have been good company this year. All the best.
Happy Holidays! -LaShanda Henry
You've heard it all already: What are your goals for 2012? Be sure to write down your plan and strategies for 2012... That is all fine and dandy. And actually activities you should be doing but the bottom line is if you don't know why you're doing them then you're not going to achieve anything in 2012. Sorry to be blunt but let's be real. If you haven't gotten past your excuses for why you haven't done anything in 2011, you're not going to do anything in 2012. Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. You know, those excuses you come up with when you're telling people why your business plans haven't moved past just a mere idea, for example:
1. " Oh yeah girl, I want to start a basket-weaving business but I am looking for business loans" (Don't have money)
This excuse MAY apply if you're trying to open a mall or restaurant chain. But if you are starting a small business, that will mostly be web-based then this is NOT a good excuse. There are so many FREE sources out there that will get you up and running with a website, social networking sites, and ways to market, in no time. The most you would need (besides getting the basket weaving materials) would be $50-$200 MAX (And if you don't have $50 to spare, to start your business, then you absolutely need to start your business!). You would definitely need to buy a domain name ($15 more or less), and perhaps a website host (but not needed at first) and then design everything on your own. This is all something you can do if you free up an evening after work. So that excuse is...ALL FRESH OUT!
2. "I want to start a wood-carving business but girl, my boo would not support me!" (Family/spouse are not supportive)
This can be difficult to handle but you have to distinguish what type of support you're "not" getting. If you have family members telling you, "you will fail" and that "you are not capable of starting a business on your own", then unfortunately, you may need to excuse some people from your life. Or at least, not share with them what you're doing because that is negative energy.
On the other hand, you might have people who don't say those things but won't buy your products, attend business meetings with you, or want to hear all you go through. THAT'S OK! You're in business for yourself, so do it yourself. Once you're laughing to the bank, they'll want to hear all about what you did and you can decide how much information you want to share then. :) This is not being mean or discounting anyone's opinion, but the biggest part about starting a business is exuding your self-confidence. With confidence comes a responsibility of doing what you are motivated to do, REGARDLESS of what others say. You are going to have people talk about you, you are going to have some failures, but if you focus on your motivation and goals you WILL be prosperous. You cannot care about what others think or what they may say. Even if they think this is just another one of your "crazy" ideas or something you've never tried before. Step out on faith and do what you gotta do! So this excuse is...ALL FRESH OUT!
3. "I want to start a calligraphy writing business but I"m scared, girl!" (Being afraid)
Congratulations! At least you're admitting it now. :) Surprisingly, this is not a rare excuse to have. Starting a new business is a new venture. Anything new, can be scary at times. So it's completely understandable if you are afraid. Some people are afraid of what is needed to start a business, some people are afraid of the outcome of having a business, and some people are afraid of the success they can attain from a business. That is all apart of human nature which is why you must have faith and be motivated to accomplish more than the average person. You won't know what you're capable of until you try. Remember, "Do not be afraid... for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught" Proverbs 3:25-26. Now this excuse is..ALL FRESH OUT!
4. "I want to start an iron sculpting business but I don't know where I'd begin!" (Don't know what to do/lack of education/unaware of competition)
This will require some work on your part. In order to know what to do, you will have to research, read, and talk to some people with experience. That is not hard to do if you focus on the goals you are trying to accomplish in your business. Get books about starting the type of business you're interested in and read it in sections. Don't start at the beginning if you don't need it. Go to the chapters that are relevant to you.
Luckily with starting your own business, you don't necessarily need an MBA to run one (although, more education never hurts), but you definitely need to read more about what you need and talk to people with some experience. If you don't know anyone with experience then Black Business Women Online and TheCEOmamma Network are great resources to reach out to knowledgeable women, that are willing to help.
Most importantly, you must be aware of your competition. Who else has successful iron sculpting, calligraphy, or basket-weaving businesses online? What types of specials are they offering? What type of newsletters or perks do they offer their customers on Facebook or Twitter? You must be aware of these companies so you know what to do and what not to do. You can't be like others, but by observing the competition you can get more ideas and perhaps build a successful competitive company. So this is excuse is...ALL FRESH OUT.
There are a lot of resources that will help you get rid of all these excuses. Stop going around talking about what you want to do and actually DO it! 2012 is the year. You've had these ideas for a while now is the time to do something with them. Be different from others around you that are stuck in the same "talk about it, but NOT about it" mentality. Make 2012 a year of checking goals OFF of your list as ACCOMPLISHED! You can do it, you just have to stay focused and motivated. Write down your goals for 2012 for your business and then institute a plan.
If you need help with manifesting your business ideas and dreams, this may help. The GPS Plan includes a business plan and schedule, domain name, website, getting you started, and more! This deal is ALMOST free. I want you to start 2012 out right! Contact me for more details at tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Tamara Garrison-Thomas
