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I fell quite a few times, but considering that I can now call myself a “work at home mom”, I think this bumpy flight has been well worth it. Even though I figured all this STUFF out for myself; I never wanted it to be that way. With or without a mentor, I’ve always believed in the value of having someone there to inspire you and guide you through your journey. No matter how different our visions are, the process is universal and the lessons learned by one can always teach many. That’s why I created the Black Business Women Online Social Network and why I write, teach and speak my philosophies on business to any sista with a dream. Every family, every culture, every successful business begins with giving people exchanging advice and helping the next generation turn their dreams into reality.
With my new free eBook, 'Get Your Business Straight', I wanted to go beyond my usual “this is how I did it” style of writing and show you how other women entrepreneurs of color do it every day. If you are an expert in your field, consider submitting a how-to article to both share your business with members and provide answers to the common questions newbie entrepreneurs have on this network and around the world.
To download a sneak peak of this eBook or to learn more about adding your article to this ebook, click here.
BBWO Founder,
LaShanda Henry
For teenagers and young adults coming up in today’s hip hop generation, You Got Next is a must read!
It deals with the teen related subjects of drugs, sex, peer pressure, goals and dreams, faith, surviving the streets and more! When itcomes to surviving the potholes and obstacles of the streets and growing up asan African American teenager, Kamal Imani knows what’s up and brings it to youwith real talk!
This is the perfect book to get the conversation started or to get you reflecting on your own life because You Got Next!
You Got Next also contains some of Kamal Imani’s poetic works.
Hello, all. My newest play, That Color Blind Kind of Love, has been accepted into the Midtown International Theatre Festival Short Subjects in New York at the end of this month and we are still casting for one particular character. Below is a synopsis of the piece as well as character breakdown. If you know of an actor (non-union) who might be interested in auditioning, please have them send their resume and headshot to the director, Gene Hughes, at genohug@yahoo.com.
Synopsis: Twyla and Sampson are kindred spirits that loved and searched for one another for over a century. It started in 1855 on a plantation in Virginia. Twyla was a beautiful 15 year old girl who worked in the Kitchen of the Bennett family, a wealthy sounthern tobacco family. Sampson was 19 years old. When his mother learns of their illicit love affair and the impending birth of their love chily, she sells Twyla to the highest bidder. Ninety years later (1935), Twyla and Sampson are reborn and find each other again, but the Racial Intergity Act of 1924 forbids miscegenation. They are both jailed and forced to divorce. It's 2009 and the kindred spirits have found one another again for the third time. Have things changed now? Will society and their families allow them to love another freely?
Theme: This play takes a deeper look at race and love in America. Can love
truly be colorblind? And is there a such thing as kindred spirits?
Characters to be cast:
Nell/Sara Bennett: Caucasian female 50 to 65+ matriarch of the Bennett tobacco
empire and the mother of Sampson. She will stop at nothing to get her way by any
means, as long as the family name remains in good standing in her circles.
If you are interested in coming to see the show, please visit https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/756845 for ticket information. The show dates are July 29, 31, and August 1. I appreciate any support you can give.
Rebekah
Rebekah L. Pierce, Author & Entrepreneur
www.rebekahpierce.synthasite.com
www.thegirlfriendconnection.yolasite.com
(804) 274-8976
Angels Press and Poetic Art Press Form Business Alliance and Strategic Partnership
at the 2nd Annual Writer’s Symposium, Atlanta, GA
Are you ready to make your dream of writing a book come true? Cathy Harris, Publisher, Angels Press will be joining Twana Bond-Jones, Publisher, Poetic Art Press who will be presenting the 2nd Annual Writer’s Symposium, Saturday, July 24, 2010 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5010 Old National Hwy., Atlanta, GA, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Angels Press was created in 2005 to educate, inform and empower the community to take control of their own lives through a series of empowerment lectures, seminars, workshops and consultations.
As a visibility and marketing expert, Cathy Harris realizes first-hand why forming a business alliance or strategic partnership with another business can not only provide more opportunities but it can provide major cross-marketing for both businesses. Therefore, these two black women publishers are coming together to educate, inform and empower the community in all phases of the writing industry.
At this event you will be able to celebrate the written word with other writers of all genres, literary agents, screenwriters, illustrators, publishers, film makers, and even reinvent yourself by starting your own writing business such as becoming an editor, proofreader, typesetter, copywriter, freelancer, syndicated columnist –just to name a few.
Most writers have a ‘creative side’ but Cathy Harris seminar at this event will highlight the ‘business side’ of a publishing or writing business. The topics will include: Top 6 Ways to Publish a Book; Top Ways to Open Your Own Publishing Company; Top Ways to Become a Ghostwriter & the Top Publishing and Writing Careers (Editors, Proofreaders, Typesetters, Copywriters, Freelance Writers, Syndicated Columnists, Newspapers, Magazines, Newsletters, etc.); Top Ways to Write a Business Plan for Your Publishing and Writing Career; Top Ways to Find Financing for Your Writing Business including Angel & Private Investors; Top FREE & Low Cost Marketing Tips for Your Writing Business; Top Ways to Use Books or Booklets to Advertise Your Services and Products and Move to the Next Level; Top Ways to Write a Book About Your Life or Industry including Banking, Financial, Mortgage, Education, etc.; Top Legal Aspects of Your Writing Business; Top Myths, Mistakes and Scams in the Publishing and Writing Industry; Top Ways to Get Students Ages 7 – 18 Started in the Writing Industry.
This event will be a great opportunity for anyone with good writing skills that is unemployed, seeking to supplement their own incomes or just seeking a career change.
For additional information contact Cathy Harris, Publisher, Angels Press at (770) 873-2072, email: info@angelspress.com, Atlanta, GA or Twana Bond-Jones, Publisher, Poetic Art Press, at (205) 936-9665,email: poeticartpress@yahoo.com, Birmingham, AL or go to www.nationalblackagendaonline.com/WritersSymposium.html or www.poartpress.com.com.
Join us on Your15Minutes Radio as we welcome Author Kimberly Bady (Authentically Me) Internet Marketing Guru - LaShanda Henry (Black Business Women Online) and Recording Artist Wendy McIntyre(The Anthem) Watch the Videohttp://ow.ly/29H6X
Debra wants you to look Good and feel Good all summer long. Have you seen her Earrings Collection? I just bought a pair myself, click here to see. Bianca wants to make sure your business is on point. She recently shared a great article 5 Steps to A Powerful Product Launch. She also posted 5 more, click here to review them. Malaika wants you to visit her website, M.STIVALI, Italian made luxury high heels, www.mstivali.com. Reminder: Social Media Money is now available online, find out how to use social networks to promote your business online. Click here for details. HOT TOPICS ON BBWO: (1) How to Start a Blog (2) 31 of the Best Business Books for Solo Entrepreneurs (3) Women of Color Guest Bloggers Wanted You Didn't know did you.... When you start a discussion or add a blog post to BBWO they get featured on our BBWO Fanpage. Be sure to check that page too, you'll see additional comments on your posts from our extended Facebook Family. This concludes the BBWO Thursday Broadcast. To have your news featured in next weeks email, click here. More to come | BBWO Founder | LaShanda Henry | @sistasense |
Living More Fully in Gratitude
-----------------------------------------------------
1. Be Grateful
2. Choose positive thoughts and feelings
3. Use positive words
4. Appreciate Yourself
5. Appreciate & Acknowledge others
Recommended reading:
Focus on the good stuff by Mike Robbins
You don't have to work at being in the high vibration that is natural to you, because it is natural to you. But you do have to stop holding the thoughts that cause you to lower your vibration. It's a matter of no longer giving your attention to things that don't allow your cork to float or don't allow you to vibrate in harmony with who you really are.
--- Abraham
Excerpted from the workshop in Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, April 19th, 1997 #496
Our Love,
Jerry and Esther Hicks
http://www.abraham-hicks.com
Do you dread going to work? Feel like you were made to something else with your life other than working for “the man?” Or is your hobby starting to pay you more than your day job? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then it’s time to move on and follow your purpose. But first, we must identify the risks and rewards of quitting your day job and becoming an entrepreneur. Finally, we will learn 10 key strategies for implementing your purpose because although entrepreneurship may be calling you, are you really ready for it?
Okay! Let’s be real, here. There are risks to quitting one’s job, but many are just plain myths that need debunking because they are preventing you from following your purpose. Here are the top five myths to reasons why not to quit your day job:
· I will have no Health Insurance
· I will lose or not have Retirement Funds
· I will be homeless
· I need thousands of dollars to start my business and to survive
· There is no security in entrepreneurship
Now here is reality. First, you can purchase private health insurance that may cost more, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Google health insurance options online such as www.ehealthinsurance.com or call your local insurance agency such as Nationwide Insurance or State Farm. Second, you can rollover your 401(k) plans or others into a ROTH IRA. Talk to your financial advisor/planner for more information as they are a resource that everyone should use to help make sound financial decisions like quitting one’s job. Third, your home can be protected through insurance and other special programs. Again, speak with your financial advisor/planner to learn about your options. Fourth and most pivotal to your success, is plan, plan, plan, budget, budget and here, again, is where your financial advisor/planner will come in handy. Are you beginning to see a pattern here? Visit your local Small Business Administration technology center or go to their website at www.sba.gov. They can provide you with a plethora of information on funding options and more. Finally, tomorrow is not promised to anyone. If you plan smartly and be clear about your objectives, quitting your job will not lead you to the unemployment line.
Now, as previously stated, you must plan smartly and be clear about your objectives. Quitting your day job is a big step, and one must not become caught up in the myths about the rewards of being your own boss. So, here are some myths about the rewards of quitting your day job.
· I don’t have to answer to anyone
· I can set my own hours and work when I want
· I have an idea that is going to make millions
· I can go on vacation when I want to
Stop right there! If these are the reasons you want to quit your day job, you and your family are in trouble. The reality to entrepreneurship is that you do have to answer to someone – YOUR CUSTOMERS/CLIENTS. Entrepreneurship is not an 8 hour job, but a 24 hour job. Most businesses, depending on the industry, do not see a profit for the first 2-5 years. And can you say TAXES, EMPLOYEES, MARKETING and RENT/LEASE FEES? Finally, who’s going to cover the shop when you are on vacation? Many entrepreneurs have not made that leap to business owner where the company can now function without the owner/founder’s presence. You are the sales clerk, janitor, cashier, secretary and CEO until the business has “arrived.”
The bottom line is that the decision to quit one’s job is very personal and subjective. It is not something that can necessarily be predicted as being the right thing or the wrong thing to do at the time of the decision-making process. But is something that can work to you and your family’s advantage if it fits in line with your purpose and with careful planning.
So, are you ready to turn in your resignation? Wait! I want to leave you with 10 key strategies for implementing your purpose before you take that leap of faith into entrepreneurship.
10 Key Strategies to Implementing Your Purpose
1. Create a list of the things you are good at and enjoy doing: What is your calling? Write down your vision
2. Create a list of pros and cons about your current job: Be real and not just make up excuses here. Perhaps you will find that you might not need to leave the job just yet, but can leverage a raise or a newly created position tailor-made for you.
3. Plan a long-term and short-term list of goals that relate to 1 & 2: Speak with a counselor at a local women’s business center to help with this.
4. Tell your Crying Angel Network or your business consultant/coach your ideas and goals: Get a fresh perspective from someone who is not your family or circle.
5. Before quit job, see if you can negotiate a part-time deal: Don’t leave until all avenues have been exhausted – keep a part-time job until income from purpose super cedes or matches income from job.
6. Research access to capital: Capital can come in many different forms such as friends, family, loans, and savings. Bottom line: you must have a money plan.
7. Live within your means: You should start a budget and have been living by it at least 3 months before quit your job, if possible. If not, call your financial advisor/planner immediately.
8. Network, Network, Network: You can use the traditional (i.e., BNI groups, workshops & seminars) and/or non-traditional (i.e., post office, birthday parties, grocery store), but you must learn how to network and use your net to work for you.
9. Talk to your spouse before you jump into the water: Get their support or understanding, if not both, because this decision will impact them for a long time to come. They need to know where they stand in all of this because they will be making sacrifices with you. This is not about just you.
10. Keep a sense of humor because you are going to need it: That’s right! Laughter is the remedy for insanity and depression, so keep laughing and enjoy the journey.
One of my favorite inspirational quotes says, “Ambition knows no obstacles” (Chinese Proverb). I want to add to that that ambition is a curse without careful planning. That is not to say that you will be able to plan everything out, but when the bumps come up - and they will - you, your company and your family will be better equipped to handle them.
~Copyright © 2010 Rebekah L. Pierce. Mrs. Pierce is the Founder and President of The Girlfriend Connection (formerly Average Girl Magazine LLC). She is also a playwright, former radio talk show host, motivational speaker, teacher, wife and mother. Visit www.thegirlfriendconnection.yolasite.com for more information.
Has anyone heard about the business opportunity offered at startupnation? They are collaborating with overstock.com's main store in order to provide a chance to expose your company and/or products to a massive targeted base and provide marketing and website traffic. Check out their website here:
http://www.startupnation.com/main-street-store/
I don't have all the details but thought it might be helpful to post the info.
Enjoy your weekend!
When I first started self-publishing and creating eBooks, I was all mixed up. I wanted to sell what I wanted to sell, whether people wanted to buy it or not *lol*. My hubby had a lot more experience in the retail industry than I did, so he kept telling me, “You can’t sell that one LaShanda, you have to sell the one that People Want to buy.” Being the stubborn gal that I can sometimes be, I stuck to my guns and pitched the Books I wanted to sell, until I bought a vendor table at the Harlem Book fair and got the biggest shock of my life!
The Solution: Create eBooks that People WANT or NEED to Buy
At the time all I wanted to do was sell my educational guide for Black Parents and Students, but all everybody else wanted was my cute, children’s book! Of course you know the hubby gave me the “I told you so look!” And that’s when it hit me! Whether you are selling print books or eBooks, you have to sell what people want to buy, NOT what you want to sell.
At the Harlem Book fair I realized that people wanted to buy my African American Children’s Book, that was the definitely the best seller of the bunch. On the flip side, online, people really want to buy my how-to eBooks for Entrepreneurs. Many entrepreneurs want and need to know what I know, which is why my eBook sales continue to increase every month.
The Question: How do you increase your eBook Sales?
If you really want to know how to create eBooks that sell, I suggest reading the one eBook that tells it all, “Desperate Buyers Only” by Alexis Dawes. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw that this eBook was $77, but I grit my teeth and bought it because I NEEDED to hear what Alexis had to say and honestly, my purchase is a testament to her point. When you cater to desperate buyers, people who have problems that you can really fix, they are the easiest people to sell to because Need and Desire trump price every time.
Trust me when I say, simply knowing that you need to sell to desperate buyers, is not enough. In order to understand the system behind steady and increased eBook Sales, you have to read the book, “Desperate Buyers Only”. While you are reading, you feel like Alexis is taking you by the hand and giving you an all access, step by step understanding of how eBook Sales and Internet Marketing actually work.
As soon as you start, on the very first page, Alexis jumps into the how and why of creating eBooks that sell. She breaks down how you can:
- Find a Profitable Topic and a Target Audience who wants to Buy what You are Selling
- She Details Her Own Sales Copy, so you can see how to write down your pitch
- She goes over pricing and how you can charge big bucks for Free content
- She shows you how to research your topic and really connect with your buyers
- Plus her system can truly be applied to any Internet Marketing System, not just selling eBooks
Related Article by SistaSense: How to Create eBooks Online
Additional Tip: Use E-Junkie for ebook delivery and your affiliate program. It all ties into PayPal (or other payment processors) and it’s only $5 a month.
Have you ever felt alone, discouraged, down, drained, helpless, or lost? I would assume that we would all answer yes to that question.
As an entrepreneur, have you ever wished that there was someplace where you could go and connect with like-minded women of color, who are going through your same struggles, and at the same time, can share advice and wisdom with you about how they overcame those same struggles?
Have you ever needed a step-by-step toolkit for starting and growing your business online, reaching your target customers, and building a successful and profitable business?
Well, BBWO meets all your needs as a black business women online!! It's not just a place to connect, build fruitful relationships, get inspired, encouraged, and motivated, but, it's also a place that will teach you how to build and grow a successful business online! What else could I, a black business woman and entrepreneur ask for? The only thing that's missing is some free food! lol
And hold on a moment, let me express my feelings towards LaShanda Henry, whom I've never even met.....You are fabulous, you are elegant, you are classy, you are a wonderful Mom and wife, you are blessed, you are a blessing, you are knowledgeable, you are unselfish, you are savvy, you are a gift to all of us on BBWO.
Okay, I could go on, but, that's basically why I love BBWO. I couldn't leave all that as a comment, so I decided to write a blog post instead.
Be blessed lovely BBWO ladies! Be encouraged, stay focused, and put God first!
Meet the "First Family of Education" in England. They are black.
Peter and Paula Imafidon, 9-year-old twins from Waltham Forest in northeast London, are a part of the highest-achieving clan in the history of Great Britain education. The two youngest siblings are about to make British history as the youngest students to ever enter high school. They astounded veteran experts of academia when they became the youngest to ever pass the University of Cambridge’s advanced mathematics exam. That's on top of the fact they have set world records when they passed the A/AS-level math papers.Click here to continue reading.
Research shows that the average person only sends out about 10 cards per year. However the same average person has the needto send out about 70 cards per year. And if you're a business owner, you need to stay in front of yourclients and potential customers in an effort to keep you top of mind when theyhave a need for your product or service.
So why don’t they send them?
* Its inconvenient to buy the card, write on it, post it.
* It takes time, which people often don’t have.
* It’s expensive
* And people forget or don’t get around to it!
If there was a system that was
* simple to use- (all you need is youcomputer)
* cost effective
* time efficient and
* wouldn’t let you forget.
Would you be interested?
Then you can become a Send Out Cards user and distributor of this great product.
In addition to having personal access to this great product you can market this to others and earn a great income on apart-time or full-time basis.
As a Send Out Cards Distributor there are several ways to earn income"
Customer Direct Sales Profits: You will have a card bank of cards where your retail customer will shop. The customer paysyou directly and for the use of the system.
2. Retail profits from wholesale and retail purchases are credited to your account. Volume commissions are paid on thepoints that are sold.
3. Coaching Bonus from New Distributor accounts (paid weekly basis)
4. Coaching Bonus from New Distributor accounts (paid weekly) when someone in your group purchases the EntrepreneurPkg Plus and you provide them coaching. And if there is coaching done in yourdownline, you can receive a bonus per coaching session.
5. Treat em Right Seminar Bonus (paid weekly) You will receive a bonus when reps in your group attend this seminar.
6. 7-level Volume Bonus: paid on the greeting cards that are sold in your entire group (paid monthly)
7. Leadership Volume Bonus: this is paid on greeting cards sold on unlimited levels within your group.
You can take advantage of this new trend and have your own business at home by working with Send Out Cards. Check it out.
Stop by my website http://www.sendoutcards.com/80793 andwatch the Send Out Cards Opportunity video- click option #1 and then take thetime to experience the system by sending a card on me- option#2 or contact mefor more information.
Thank you and as always have a blessed day.
I've had a series of good and bad feelings/things happen to me within a 1 1/2 week span. The big picture: My husband has gone to Barbados for a month to visit his family. I, to tell you the truth, was having mixed feelings about the separation; but, believe me when I tell you, I was ready for the separation. Well, low and behold, we couldn't connect for the first few days he was gone, because he'd call when I am just getting in, the house is a mess, my head space was just not right. I didn't want to speak to him. Then we'd speak and argue. One day, on my way to work, I was listening to gospel music and was feeling God's presence. To make a long story shorter, let me tell you, I have never had a great feeling come over me before. I felt great that day. The next morning, I had another argument with my husband, went to work, listening to my gospel music, and then...my car started feeling funny. I started praying because I know, I am not going to know what to do. I did make it to the gas station, where I eventually broke down. I cried in front of strangers and my boss. I was in a place where I didn't want to be. As people have now seen me at a low point whereas people are used to seeing me at a higher point. I made it through that day. I am now driving my husbands truck till he comes home to fix my van (yes, I drive a van not a car). So, a few days later, I am on my way to work, listening to HE WANTS IT ALL TODAY over and over; and realizing I have time to go and buy breakfast and I heard something say fast. I am like what, fast, naw, you must be kidding me. But then I said, I wonder if this is God talking to me and he wants to do something to me. I am no church goer but I was brought up in church and have heard somethings. I just thank God I was at a point that I could recognize what was going on, how many things have I missed because I didn't listen. Anyway, I was like dang, I can't not eat all day, but I am up for a challenge. I sought out guidance from some of my church going friends on how I can do this thing and inquired how long should I do it. Well, one of those great friends said, "Fast 3 days from 6am - 6pm" I was like, I can do that.
Please visit my blog "We are More Prepared for the Changes to Come" and visit my YouTube channel for "My Prayer" which came about on Day 1 of my fast.
Today is my day 3.
Before day 1: It was the evening when I was on FB and a friend posted the fact that they were listening to He wants it all for the 5th time. I was like what is that, let me find it. He didn't post the link so I listened and posted the link for others to easily find it.
Day 1: While listening to the above mentioned song, I was told to fast. During this day, I received confirmation.
Day 2: I met like-minded people that I have been seeking for so long. You know how you are needing to surround yourself with like-minded people so that you can grow. I got that. As I write this, the tears are pouring. I have asked God for years for help, cursed him for giving me this gift. The gift I have is to empower women and the reason that I can't do it myself is that it is a whole package. It is hard to explain right now, but I recognized that my gift is just a part of something bigger. Last night, I met 2 not 1, but 2 women that are so much like me. It was a surreal situation. My prayers were answered.
Day 3: I am on the last day of my fast and have been compelled to share this story with you.
Thank you!
BBWO FOUNDER
LaShanda Henry
Click here to leave comment about BBWO on our Facebook page.
I again received a blog post from Dante Lee Ceo of Diversity Media Group. His blog post, often short and sweet are also packed full of practical business ideas and tips.
This latest blog post doesn't disappoint. He offers practical and immediate tips on how simplicity is always the best practice when selling services online.
Check out his blog post here:
http://www.dantelee.com/2010/07/why-90-of-people-i-market-to-buy-what.html
Be empowered.
Katrina
MillerCoors has announced it's 2010 Business Plan competition and the grand prize is $100,000
Check out this blog post from Dante Lee for further details.
