Take a look at your to- do list and what are “Other People’s Agenda” items, or OPA, (sorry – not the thrilling of excitement you may hear at a Greek restaurant).  These items can be very time consuming and even drain some of your energy because you are not working on what you really want to complete for you. Enough is enough – it is time to take charge of your time and energy in a whole new way by setting some boundaries by valuing your time.

I have implemented strategies in my business that I know can really help you too. You can become more productive and focused and start seeing better results in your business. Some of these tips may seem simple but when used consistently have great impact by increasing your productivity.

5 Ways to Increase Your Productivity Today:

1. Email – Set aside specific times of day in which your check your email. If you check your email first thing in the morning, you are setting yourself up for a lengthy to do list of all the other things people need or want you to do. Remember you are in control - this is your business and your life. Do not check your email until you have had some physical activity, a good breakfast, and planned your day based on your priorities. For heaven’s sakes, turn off the email notifications, they are like bright shiny objects that distract you from what you are working on.
2. Telephone Calls – Keep an eye on the time you spend talking on the phone, you can easily get off on a side track conversation. Save non-profit generating phone calls for after business hours or allot them into your calendar in advance. When you are working and focused on a certain project, let your phone go to voicemail and check it when you take a break.
3. Meetings – Decide whether or not you need to meet someone in person for a meeting or is the meeting that you can discuss over the phone. A fifteen to twenty minute  phone call can save a lot of time in travel and meeting time.
4. On the Drive University – Do you have trouble finding time to learn and grow to further develop your business strategies? Listen to audio program in your vehicle so that you can learn and develop new ideas to implement into your business. A stale mind will produce the same results. Innovation and creativity are required for sustainability and growth in your business.
5. Track Your Time. Track your time for 30 minute increments for one week. You will be able to see where you are spending your time. Hopefully, it will be on revenue generating activities. A business without revenue is just a hobby.

BONUS TIP – Start your day with at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity. Not only is it good for your health, but you will get those creative juices flowing and pump up your energy for the day.

The time is now for you to focus and plan your day for you. At first you may even find this challenging as you will suddenly have much more time on your hands than you may know what to do with. Time you never thought you had. Use use your time wisely. Start thinking bigger about how much more you can accomplish and the results you can get when you have this extra time. Don’t get tied up with OPA!

Take charge of what is most pressing for you. Imagine yourself being more productive, enjoying greater happiness, and achieving bigger results. What are your priorities right now?

Time and time again, I have heard entrepreneurs say, “I am stuck in rut. I do not know what to do.” My first response is, “Stop doing what you are doing if you want things to change, otherwise you will continue to get what you are getting.” For heaven’s sake, “God does not make junk.” You need to shake off the dust and show off what your Momma gave you. Remember the lessons she taught you while bandaging your knee, refereeing sibling love, or encouraging you to get back up on your bike to try again. 

Running a home is very much like running a business and it needs care and attention just like you did. Your business is your baby and you will nurture and care for it just the same. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned from my mother that  have helped me be the business owner I am today.  I decided to write this blog and share it with you. Perhaps some of the lessons are the same. Happy Mother’s Day!

Dear Mom,

Thank you for all the lessons you have taught me about being a business owner from a very young age. I bet you were not sure if some of the lessons would stick as you probably repeated some of them at least 13 times. I know there were times when I was probably a little bit headstrong but you told me that that quality would serve me well someday.

You also remind me that my true wealth would be determined by the number of lives I have touched – each day I arise wondering, “Whose life can I touch today?” Each person whose life you touch becomes part of your family.

You have always taught me to stay true to my faith and what I value. Do make assumptions because you do not know what is happening beyond closed doors. Always be of service and try to leave things better that you left them. I may not have all the answers to all the questions but if take a moment I may realize I know someone or someone who knows someone who knows the answer. See things through to completion and even though I see something as being hard I always get through. Perseverance will help me see the end result.

Please, thank you, and your welcome are words to live by. Listen to what is being said. Offer an encouraging word. Education is never a waste. Clean up your messes. Be the best you can be at whatever it is you attempt to do.

Remember where you came from but remember to keep looking  forward or you will miss an opportunity. Be grateful for what you have as there will always be someone with less than you. Give back to your community. Love & give to others unconditionally for you will be rewarded.

Your family is precious. Make your choices wisely. Life is short. Create memories whenever you get the chance.

The greatest lesson I have learned is to always BELIEVE. Miracles happen – you just need to look for them. I thank God everyday for your living donor Alice and your kidney transplant over 12 1/2 years ago.

Thank you for showing me what it takes to be a successful business owner so I could share it with others.

Your loving daughter,

Debra

Let’s start off with – What does the term “value” mean to you? You may see value in content rich information, video tips, material items, and referrals. These suggestions all have value. Why? Because you and I give them value and importance. When a person has an emotional connection to what is important to them or provides value, money is secondary – it is the vehicle that gets the end to the means. The genuine value and experience your customer is looking for.

Do you want create more value for your customers? In order to do so, you must first value your gifts and talents and know that someone is waiting for your to share them. Secondly, discover what your customer values or deems as important. Thirdly, identify ways in which you can help support them in maintaining or achieving what is important to them. Fourthly, be a “Go-Giver” (Read Bob Burg and John David Mann’s Books – The Go-Giver and Go-Givers Sell More). Give to others freely because you want to serve others and help them achieve the results they desire. You do not have to break the bank to provide value to others. Give of your time, talents, and feedback. Finally, let your personality shine and just be you as you can not be authentic by trying to sell someone something.

People relate to the stories you share and the experience you create. Give them more than they paid for and show them you care. Value can be created many different ways: discussions and forums, tips and techniques, checklists, templates, referrals, and information just to name a few. The more people you create value for the more people you will have raving about you and the more people who will be interested in your products and services. People want value for their money. Are you ready to give it to them?

 How do create value for others and live rich from the inside out?

The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Ideaand Go-Givers Sell More . According to Burg and Mann, there are Five Laws of Stratospheric Success: Value, Compensation, Influence,  Authenticity, and Receptivity. For those of you who are wondering what stratospheric means, “stratospheric” means extremely high! Success beyond your wildest dreams! Would you like to learn how? 

Many lessons and concepts are shared through parable and real life examples with great content and food for thought. Making a difference in today’s world is all about creating value and these authors definitely resonated with me. If you want to experience stratospheric success, these 2 books are must read!

My greatest takeaways and how they apply to you are:

1. Create Value. If you focus on creating value for your prospects and customers, they will be your raving fans and tell others about you. Your focus needs to be, “How can I best serve?” or “How can I help you?” and doing so in such a fashion that you are not expecting anything in return but know that someday and someone will do the same for you.

2.  Meet People Where They are AT. People may find your product or service expensive. Show empathy and compassion by meeting them where they are at. Everyone does not define value in the same way. Avoid listing of all the features, they are important to you and not necessarily important to your customer. Start thinking of how your product or service aligns with what your customer values and believes in. Paraphase what they just said or objected to, “So you think this ___________ product (or service) is too expensive? Gain an understanding of where they are at and what value they would expect from paying the price of a product or service similar to yours. People want to know what is in it for them and that they will get value from doing business with you.

3.  No Pressure Sales. Basically, if they want to buy your product or service they will. Let your customer and prospect decide. Learn what your customer is looking for and why. You may even refer them to a competitor who specializes in what they are looking for. Who is best to serve your customer? They will remember how you helped them and tell others about you. Give them the option to walk away from the sale. Pressure only makes you look desperate for the sale! Maybe your product or service is not what is best for them. That’s okay – there is someone who is waiting for you to share it with them. 

4. Say Less, Communicate More. You may have heard the saying, “God gave you 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason.”  Listen to your customer and hear what their needs are. Often, we can be waiting for the pause in conversation to share our story and what we think would be a benefit to them without truly listening and hearing what is being said. You will learn many of your customers dreams and desires if you only listen.

5. Allow Yourself to Give and Receive Freely. I had someone drop a line on my Facebook page to say that Bob describes a situation of breathing out continuously. Imagine - breathing out continuously - at some point you will need to take a breathe. There is a flow to giving and receiving just like there is to breathing in and out. When someone gives to you or you give to someone else, allow yourself to both give and receive, acknowledge and appreciate the other person for the gift. A gift can be a compliment, a smile, a suggestions, or a material item. Be open to receiving because you are also getting!

There are so many more valuable sales nuggets in these books. These nuggets of information are not only good for sales but apply to all relationships in general. If you follow the Laws of Stratospheric Success, not only will you skyrocket your business but you will live Rich from the Inside Out!!

As a leader of your own life, you want to be able to wake up out of bed in the morning with passion and gusto. I have even heard people refer to this as, “What makes you want to shout “Hell Yeah!” in the morning?” In other words, what makes you say, YES!!!! I am ready for this day because I love what I am doing and the impact I am having on others.” This may not resonate for you if you are not a morning person, but maybe after your first cup of coffee and your eyes open a bit more – it just might. If the answer is not YES, then the answer must be NO!

You want to make decisions around what matters to you. What matters to the people you are serving? How can you help someone to be better as a person or achieve their goals? Are you “being the change” in the world you want to see? How can you make this day matter -every day counts! All the little things create bigger and great things!

Here are 10 things you can do today to live a richer life!

1. Identify 3 -5 of your most treasured values. Start making decisions based on the reasons why they are important to you. Align with others who have similar values. Are they the ones you would bring home to meet the family?
2. Call a friend or spend time with someone you have been meaning to catch up with just to let them know you were thinking of them. Let them know they matter!
3. Pick your child up from school and take them out for lunch.
4. Ensure the last words you say in a conversation are those that can stand the test of time. If you were never able to speak to someone again, would you be okay leaving your conversation or message the way you had?
5. Do the one thing you know you must do to transform your business in the next 30 days. Focus on a daily task for each of the day to support your mission.
6. Send a thank you card to someone who has impacted your life and tell them why.
7. Do something to make someone feel special or make their life easier. Compliment your spouse, co-worker, or child. Empty the dishwasher, hire a housekeeper for the day, take a friend for a leisurely lunch, or bake some cookies. Appreciation makes everyone feel good!
8. Balance your check book so you know what money is coming and going. When you have a clear picture or a handle on your finances – life gets easier. You can come up with ways to “trim the fat” and streamline your finances so you can plan your purchases not only get your needs met but also satisfy some of your wants.
9. Read a book on your subject topic, better yet pick up something that you have never looked at before such as fashion magazine, culinary magazine, or business magazine to stimulate your imagination and creativity. Consider listening to classical music, jazz, country, or pop rock to gain a different appreciation.  Look for the possibilities in what you do.
10. Live your day with focus, intention, and purpose. When spend time with others, ask yourself – How can I make this day matter to me and to you?

Make today count because you matter! How will you make today matter?

You must read to the very end to truly gain the understanding of the power of forgiveness and how it can impact your business and your life!

Remember to Be Rich from the Inside Out!

Do you have one foot stuck in the present and another foot stuck in the past? Have you ever wondered why you feel like you were reliving the movie “Ground Hog Day” where you wake up each day and the same things happen day after day? Do you catch yourself blaming others for your current situation? Many people have said “Yes.” at to at least one of these questions in their lifetime.

There are people who have been holding onto resentment and bitterness for years. Some people think revenge is the answer to justice and finding peace in their hearts. However, revenge only builds anger and hostility and has a risk of hurting others who may not even be involved in the situation. Really, what does revenge solve?

The power of forgiveness is one of the greatest virtues of mankind. Forgiveness gives you  a sense of freedom from pain, stress, and anxiety. It has been described as a weight being lifted from your shoulders. When you are able to forgive, you expand your opportunities and begin to see the possibilities of what is possible for you.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean you are giving power to another person. On the contrary, forgiveness is a choice to release the chains holding you back from developing deeper relationships, stronger partnerships, and celebrating personal fulfillment. In order to forgive, you must let go of the “story” you have been telling yourself about how you have been wronged, neglected, or abused. I am not saying you need to or will forget about what has happened to you but you do not have to carry the resentment into eternity. You end up hurting yourself more than hurting the person who wronged you.

Forgiveness begins with you! Who do you need to forgive so you can live a rich life?

3 Tips on How to Forgive:

1. Start with Forgiving Yourself. We are often harder on ourselves than we need to be.  Forgive yourself for not being where you think you should have been. If you were meant to be there you would have been. Forgive yourself for criticizing your body, your spouse, your parents, or even your children. Make a choice to change the way you speak about others and the words you use.
2. Understand how people work. People behave and act based on what they were taught or based on what they know. Blaming, complaining, or making excuses for why you are not presented with the opportunities that others have does not serve you. Parents are often blamed for their children childhood experiences. Your parents did the best they could with what they knew.
3. Quit rehashing the story. Each time you retell the story you have the potential to stir up unresolved emotions and thus relive the pain. You may have been replaying the scenario in your head over and over for days, years, and months. Does it make you feel better? Does it ease your pain?  This alone can be very exhausting and draining on your mind and body.

Forgiveness is everyone’s business. If you want to truly be happy – you must learn to forgive yourself and others.

LET FORGIVENESS start today! I want to tell you about one of the most incredible endeavours I have heard of called Project Forgive. Project Forgive has gone viral (It has been featured in Inc. magazine) and we need to continue to share this message around the world. Imagine what life would be life every person took responsibility for their actions and forgave someone who wronged them. What would the world look like? Would there be peace instead of war? Would enemies become reunited long lost friends?

Project Forgive is being produced by 6 time Emmy Award winner, Shawne Duperon and her business partner, Teresa de Grobois. You can be the hero in your story by summoning the courage to share a lesson in forgiveness. There is also an opportunity to back this campaign by making a pledge to make a difference by supporting the filming of this documentary. Their goal is to raise $100, 000 by April 23, 2012. They are already 75% there but they could still use your help. Please share this blog and link with others so together we can spread a message of FORGIVENESS.

Forgiveness will change your life!!!

To Learn How You Can Support Project Forgive – Click Here Now!

There are lessons and content to blog about and share with you.  I discovered to 3 hidden “gems” from the Titanic movie to share with you:

1. Make it Count. You already know that life is precious and time is a commodity so make every action, thought, and word count. Do not withhold your passion, your message, or the love and the value you bring to others. Challenges do arise. Choose a positive attitude and be grateful for each experience and interaction you have. You are making a difference.
2. Only You Can Save Yourself – No One Else Can Save You. If you want things to happen in your business or your life, you are the one who must take full responsibility to make it happen. You cannot wait for the knight on the white horse to come rescue you or wait to be discovered by a celebrity who will promote your product or service. You need to build your relationships, focus on what you want, and go after it.
3. Trust Yourself – You Already Know…  & You Will Fly!!! When you trust your instincts and follow your intuition, you can make decisions that feel right . You already know what you have to do. You already know what feels right in your heart and gut. Make time to listen and follow through on your ideas. Take action!

What do you know you must do to increase your ROI, or return on investment in your business, your relationships, or your health? What are you waiting for? Your passion is waiting for YOU! Let Your HEART Go On!

Admiring others and wanting to create your own design is great but it comes to a rapid halt when you start saying phrases like this, “Oh, but look what she is doing.”, “I will never be able to be that successful.”, or even “She doesn’t  have kids, so she has the time.” Do not fool yourself for one second. Let’s take a look at those phrases:

1. “Oh, but look at what she is doing.”  Look at what she is doing and think about the following because you can learn from it not just envy it. Whatever it is she focuses on she got the results for. Continue to focus on what you want and you will get the results you want or better – your way. You are also looking at one moment in time but not the sleepless nights and roadblocks or obstacles that she has faced. You may not want all the other things that came with the package.
2. “I will never be able to be that successful.” First of all, define what success means to you. Success has many different meanings – money, happiness, having a family, memories, and personal fulfillment. You can be a success where you are by making the choice to be successful. What you believe, you will ultimately receive!
3. “She doesn’t have kids, so she has the time.” Kids or no kids – it comes down to basic time management and making your business have priority time and your family having priority time. There are many mompreneurs out in the world making a difference. There are many mothers who are authors who get up early to write their books – one paragraph at a time. Drop the excuses – you can do it! Your Way! 

The timing of your success and accomplishments always show up at the right time for you. There is a reason you  defined success may not have arrived yet.

1. You have not clearly defined what success means to you so you do not know what it will look like for you. You could be already there.
2. The Universe or God is still aligning people, meetings, lessons, and circumstances to make everything fall into place.
3. You have not taken any action yet toward your goals and dreams. They are not going to fall into your lap or arrive in your mailbox. As the saying goes, you cannot win a lottery, if you do not buy a ticket.” YOU need to take action.

I challenge you to make a list of what you have accomplished in the past 60 days. Focus on your end game and what you desire for you because it is only available for you. Focus – has been one of the greatest keys to my success! The power of focus will change everything! Listen to what you are saying – “Do you really what the package or the moment?” You are going to shine – keep the momentum and stay on track. The comparison trap is nothing but an accident waiting to happen. Keep your eyes on the road ahead! 

Are you blogging right now? May I ask why not? Some of the reasons I have heard all range from:”I do not having enough time”, “I am not even on Facebook yet how can I blog?” , or “What should I blog about? First of all, a blog is short for “weblog”. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, the definition is “a blog is a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, and comments”. Some people refer to it as a online diary.

What Does a Blog DO?

In business, as an entrepreneur, writer, or an author, a blog is a powerful tool for connecting with people, building relationships, sharing great content that people can learn from or relate to, and a way for people to get to know you. A blog can help build that know, like, and trust factor. It is not a sales venue to “Say here buy my product!”  However, it can be a way to review a product or service. I have been to event where people have come up to me and said I am your Facebook friend and I read your blog – “Thanks for the great tips and inspiration. Your messages  always seem to come at the right time.” 

What Can I Blog About?

People all have their own preference as to what they would talk about in person. Remember this is the internet age, you want to post information that you are willing to have out in cyberspace forever and you would even show or say to your mother – otherwise it does not belong out there. Blogs do not have to be long but it can vary in length depending on the depth of information. People want to learn, relate to, and be entertained. Think about what you look up on the internet – you may be looking for ways to build your business and get more clients all the way to stay productive while working at home or parenting the terrible twos. Information is everywhere.

Topics You Can Blog About:

1. Tips and Techniques that can improve our lives or business=- related to your business. They are the “how to” articles with instructions and words of wisdom. Each tip or technique can be its own blog post.
2. Lessons learned and reflected on “what not to do” and “what you should be doing”
3. Introduce a new product or service – without saying BUY THIS! Tell us more about the product or services and what it can do for us
4. Share content from an event.  Blog about a seminar or conference you went to. Share a picture. 2-3 messages you may have learned. 
5. Write a book or article review. I know you are committed to life long learning – share what you liked about your latest read and how it has impacted your perspective.
6. Promote a colleague, a coach, or a member of your team and share what you have learned from them.
7. The best of the best…create a listing of your top articles, books, or resources.

These topics are just of few to get you started but there are many! WordPress and Blogger are great places to start blogging. Do your research and learn more about blogging and how it can work for you. You can get started in no time with little to no expense!!!

Did you know your the content from your blog posts can be used to create an e-books, books, future articles, or even a product?

Start thinking big to achieve big ladies!

Your mindset is one of most powerful tools of your success. The money mindset is the mindset of believing in your worth and what you deserve as an individual. When you do not believe in yourself, you do not believe you have what it takes to attract money or lifestyle you deserve. Listen to the way you talk to yourself when you think about taking a risk of any kind. Some phrases you may hear might sound a little like this:

• “Do you remember the last time you tried something like this? You screwed up.”
• “I don’t know if you can do this. You do not know enough to make this successful.”
• “What will people say, if what you say you want to do doesn’t work out.”

Do any of these resonate with you? If so, it is time to over-ride these messages with positive ones. Let’s reframe them right now :

• “You may not have did as well last time but you sure learned a few things you can apply this time.”
• “I can do some research on the internet to see what other people have done in my situation.”
• “I have been told before – What other people think about me is none of my business!” (unknown)

There is a cost to you not knowing your worth. It has been said many times, “If you only knew your potential, you would astound yourself.” Not knowing is stopping you from living a life of passion and abundance driven by purpose. You may  be reluctant to take risks because of what you do not know or take a risk based on peer pressure and emotion rather than following your intuition and regret it later.

“Risk is not knowing what you are doing” – Warren Buffet

People who are afraid to take risks usually lack knowledge or experience. Although money may play a factor, it is not what holds them back. It is the fear! Think about the first time you  rode a bike. Did you just start pedaling and away you went? If so, good on you! For most of us, it took a few times of trial and error to balance and coordinate ourselves to get moving. Did you notice if you stopped pedaling you might fall off your bike? What happens when you stop moving and doing what you need to do to look after you business and your life? There is no movement, momentum, or mission. You come to a dead stop.

Your time to shine is now. What is it costing you to “Not to Know”?

• How much fun you could have with your family and friends?
• How much you could accomplish?
• How much money you could accumulate?
• How much money you could share with others?
• How larger could you expand your product line or service delivery?
• How many more people you could serve?
• What legacy you could leave behind?
• How much richer you would feel know that you can do it?
• What type of vacations could you go on?

I am sure you could add to the list but I think you know what I am getting at. I am not going to leave you without giving you some how to’s!

• Be an engaged learner. Ask questions and talk to people who have done what you want to do. People do want to help people succeed. Why not you? 
• Learn what you need to learn to make things happen. Spend at least 15-20 minutes a day reading and learning about an area you wish to gain more knowledge or comfort in. Have you ever noticed the more you know the less the risk it feels like?
• Invest in yourself. Yes, this not refers to targeted books or magazines but seminars or conference, too. Here’s the thing – you must apply what you learn. It is a tragedy to learn a concept that would improve an area of your life and not to take action.
• Trust your instincts. Even though you do not know as much as you could, if you take time to listen to yourself – you already know what a good choice is and a bad choice is. Become aware of how you feel or your body reacts when you sense something is off track.
• Take action. I know this is not the first time you have heard me say this - 

“Do not let your biggest regret in life be that you never took action” – Debra Kasowski

Let’s face it! You are in business to serve others and make money in the process.

Start moving in the direction of your dreams, build momentum, and live your mission!

Be Rich from the Inside OUT!

Here are my 3 tips for being a leader in your own life:

Start taking responsibility for your life.When I say responsibility, I mean OWN your life. Ditch the excuses, complaints, and blaming others for why you feel hard done by. You can make decisions and choices based on what you control. You can either do something about it or do nothing – either way you have made a choice. For every excuse, complaint, or blaming statement, take note of what it is you can do to change the way it makes you feel. Can you ask for clarification, help, or even express your concerns or feelings to a person who you feel has wronged you? Remember people can only give what they know to be true based on where they are on their own life’s journey.

“When you blame others, you give up your power to change.”  ~Author Unknown

Build people up. We often see the strengths of others better than they see their strengths in themselves. Let people know their strengths when you see them. Think of ways you can help them develop their strengths or hone their skills even more. Perhaps you have come across a great book or article they need to read – share it with them. The more you help others the more they will want to help and champion you.

Do the things that great leaders do- stretch out and grow their comfort zones. Challenge yourself daily to do your very best each day. Set daily goals and reflect on your achievement at the end of the day. Many people will take the road that was well traveled but those who wish to grow and become better with try new things, learn from the mistakes, and persist even when the going gets tough. Each action taken creates a momentum to bigger and greater things.

Your success depends on consistent action. Each action creates a spark of momentum. Momentum is unstoppable unless you quit. Quitting is one of the greatest failures when you are pursuing something you truly want. Keep taking action and choose to LEAD and live rich from the inside out!

It completely blows me away to hear that so many people feel that they have no control in what happen’s in their lives and how they become prey to their own decisions and choose to become a victim in their own lives. Sharma creatively demonstrates how leaders who are truly leaders do not rely on their titles to make a difference in the lives of others. In fact, each person has an impact in making a difference in the lives of others by living up to their greatness. The character Blake Davis is befriended by Tommy Flinn and spends one day visiting four mentors who completely transform his life from one of despair and disillusion to a life of promise and hope. These four powerful conversations are not with people parading their successes and wealth but people who live each day to become better people and teach others to do the same by being leaders in their own lives. People who truly reap what they sow! If you want to live victoriously, you need to get this book. You are important and every thing you do matters!

This book is one of the must-reads that you will want to share with your colleagues, business partners, customers, and friends. Give a hand up to those who need to realize their potential and step into their greatness. Start being a leader!

For my birthday, I planned a Hollywood Birthday Gala Fundraiser for the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer. We had a red carpet, paparazzi and photo booth (BMP – Trevor Boller Photography) , Marilyn Munroe, and Oscar Cut-Outs. There was a fashion show by CapriceWest Consignment Store and Princess Florence Handbags & More display. Derks Formal Wear sponsored the men in my life with tuxedos! Incredible sponsorship and support! 

Everyone was a celebrity as they walked the red carpet.

I are extremely grateful for all the donations, support, and all of those who came to celebrate that  night – WE SOLD OUT! 

There was a brief moment in time I second guess whether or not I should even host the party. Maybe there was too little time!

When I started planning the event, I had people telling me the following:

• Do you think people will come?
• Do you think people will pay to come to your birthday?
• Do you really think you can do it?

As I heard the chatter, my head began to spin. I had this idea in my head since I had a Hollywood 10th Birthday Party for my daughter a few years ago. We had so much fun; I thought I want a celebration just like that. Thankfully, I spoke to my web designer, Roger MacRae . In a short conversation, he reminded me of why I do things differently and how long it usually takes me to put together an event. In my mind, I could not understand why people would not want to come. Mindset plays a huge part of success – you need to believe!!! They did – not only to celebrate my birthday but to celebrate a cause in a positive atmosphere that created an unforgettable experience. So it got me thinking – brainstorming!

Lessons I had learned over the years that affect your business and even your life that relate to :

1. Relationships are the cornerstone of your life. What happens when you do not water or prune a garden of weeds? It withers and becomes lifeless and dies- so too, do you relationships if you do not nurture them.  You must tend to them and watch them grow regularly. 

TIP #1: You must have a regular presence online and offline and provide value (articles, quotes, or special reports) to the people in your network. Ezine, e-newsletters, direct mail, Facebook, Twitter, and phone calls are a few ways in which you can provide value and be the PRESENT to others.

     2.  Celebrate and help others live to their highest potential. You probably have met people that have so much going for them that they are totally oblivious to some of the skills and talents they possess. They are usually the people who say, “Oh, it’s nothing – I was just playing around.” We often see in others more than what they see in themselves. Remember when you support others in their dreams, they will also champion yours.

TIP #2: Provide testimonials or recommendations for others to use on their website or LinkedIn. Not only are you helping another people “stretch” into who they are meant to be but you are also being noted as the one providing it. If you know, like, and trust their work – let others know. Commenting on blog posts, Facebook messages, Tweets also helps build a rapport and increases your visibility. Would you want that?

    3.  Surround yourself with people who build you up and not the ones who break you down. 

TIP #3: Choose to surround yourself with like-minded people who help you stretch and grow, support you, and encourage you to go after your dreams. You need to focus on what you truly want and learn to stay away from those bright shiny objects that take you off course.

  4. Share your dreams with others. 

TIP #4: Let people you trust know about what your latest projects are and some of your goals or dreams. People cannot support you if they do not know what you need. People will be excited to support your dreams. Watch you dream explode into something bigger than you ever thought.

5. Try new things! Plan an event, host a blog talk radio show, start a membership and create a community, or create a vlog (Video Blog)!

TIP #5: Video is one of the most powerful tools in sharing your message with the world. Helps with your Google search rankings too. I was excited to watch video birthday messages on my Facebook Timeline. They mademy day even more memorable because people did some thing different – they stood out from the crowd! It  was inexpensive, timely, and had impact! By the way, I love reading every message. Make sure you wish your Facebook friends a Happy Birthday on their big day!

Stay focussed on what you want and be true to yourself. You already possess what you need to succeed! 

My motto is “Do not let your greatest regret be that you never took action.” Seize the day! You only have one life to love!

I had the opportunity to interview ” The Results Lady” Michelle Scism of Decisive Minds for The Millionaire Woman Club. I found this great video of her sharing her expertise. She has incredible ideas about blogging and how you can use your content and share it with others in so many ways.

 Go ahead and find out for yourself! What do you do to increase your visibility online?

Be Rich from the Inside Out!

Why do you proclaim to be different? What is your philosphy?

Sustainability is key for any entrepreneur. Those who succeed live by their WHY. What they do and how they do things is because they start with WHY instead of the other way around. Think about why you use a PC versus a MAC or visa versa, you drive a Ford versus a Chevy, or use Colgate versus Crest. Is it because of their marketing, innovation, style, or philosphy? Each business owner is a leader in sharing WHY they do what they do. According to Sinek, you attract customers or followers who believe in what you believe, your WHY. You must be clear on what your WHY is.

Here are 3 of my tips in helping you find your WHY:

1. Discover Your Purpose:  What is your purpose in starting a business or doing what you currently do? What do you get excited about?
2. Desired Feedback: What so you want others to say about you? What results do you want people to have?
3. Destined for Success: How are you helping others? What are solutions do you bring to the marketplace or in life? How many people need your product and service? Why do they?

Now if you add you WHY to your marketing and message you are sure to attract those customers and followers who align with your mission. Take action and live rich from the inside out! I highly recommend – Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

I would love to learn your WHY!