Archive for August 2013
Living in the Overflow with Trinisa Pitts
How do you expect to live in the overflow if you are not
doing what it takes to get there? Living in the overflow means you must keep
your head to the sky. Know when to make
the right choices and decisions. You must continue to dream big. You must believe that there is a higher power
that is willing to help you prosper in your purpose. That higher power is God! Don’t let your foolish pride get in the way
of a good thing. Trust in Him and watch
your return flow through those blessings.
Taking on the responsibility of being a business woman takes
courage. It takes determination, and it
takes motivation. You cannot say one day
“I have this great Ideal and I am going to make it happen” Then weeks go by and
you have not accomplished anything.
People are going to think you are nothing but smoke in a mirror. Once you think it you have to know in your
heart you want to produce it. Bring that
thing to life. When that smoke
disappears, and that mirror image clears up make sure that you have that vision
staring you right in your face.
How much do you want that “overflow” how can you make that
happen? It is going to take a lot of
patience. You must contemplate on making
the right decisions that will fit your business. You are going to be pulled in many directions
but you must know what is going to work for you and your business. What
works for this person may not work for you.
Pay attention to the inner voice inside of you. That higher power will let you know when to
say when or when to say move forward.
Don’t try to do it on your own.
Everything has a season and it may not be yours at that time.
Before I go I want to put a little flavor in your ear I want
to tell you about this little thing called “Faith” this substance is the key to
living in the overflow. You see once you plant your seed of faith you
have to water it and wait for it to grow.
Speak life over you business as you wait for that harvest to come. Invest and let God do the rest. He will surely bring forth a return for you.
Did you notice I said “wait” and I did not say “watch?” A
watched pot of water never boils. So
what I am telling you is that patience is another key to a successful business.
You must pay attention to what you have built!
I am not telling you not to.
Please don’t leave it unattended but what I am saying is have FAITH that
you have put all you can into this establishment and you have Faith that is
going to give you back the return that you prayed for.
Just know that if you built your business on a good foundation
than you will surely grow a good harvest.
It is when you think you are doing it by yourself that your return comes
back less than what you expected. So
what I am saying to you is that if you want to live in the overflow you must
keep your head to the sky. and trust and rely on that higher power to tell you
that it is your time to prosper towards your purpose.
Want Your Employees to Hear You? Start Speaking Their Language with Delmar Johnson
What
You Say May Not Be What's Heard
As a business owner, do you know how to effectively
communicate with your employee population? Since no two employees are exactly
alike, "cookie cutter" communication skills will not always get the
job done. Now, more than any other time in our economic landscape, the
workplace operates within a multi-generational employee environment.
Communication takes place constantly, whether it's effective or not. It is estimated that we spend 80% of
each day communicating in some way. The division of that time breaks down like
this:
Listening - 45%
Speaking - 30%
Reading - 16%
Writing - 9%
We are communicating every
time we interact with each other, and it's not always a verbal exchange. In
organizations, the importance of communication is often acknowledged through
statements, such as, "Our basic problem is communication" or, "I
just can't seem to communicate with him.”
It goes without saying (no pun intended!) that communication
with and among employees is the glue that keeps everyone working together, and
working together well. The difference
now is that a generational employee population demands that the way company
management once communicated must be changed to fit the current category of
employees. Not only does it balance the needs of the organization and the needs
of the employees, it helps to restore and maintain credibility.
Understanding generational communications is essential to
getting your point across. While a baby boomer, generational X and a millennial
may in fact have the same job title and responsibilities, each will most likely
relate to internal communications from management or fellow co-workers
differently. Baby boomers relate more to stability and prefer meeting settings;
while Generation X-ers are part of the tech advancement and flow better with a
direct approach; and yet, Millennials value individuality and are immersed in a
global environment. Millennials tend to be quite comfortable with the more
immediate form of communications like text, voicemails, and emails.
A
Little History in Getting Your Point Across
From the industrial revolution to the technological evolution
era, communicating has always come in different forms depending on the group
you’re talking to.
For a bit of historical perspective, let’s first define
“generational”. A generation is a subdivision of population grouped in time
intervals of approximately 18 - 20 years (Wikipedia). Each generation's culture
is shaped by its attitudes and beliefs formed by cultural shifts, influential
public personas, changes in technology and major events that occur during the
formative years of life.
As with parents who typically possess more wisdom than their
children, so does each "generation believe they are more intelligent than
the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it."
(George Orwell) Why is this important? Do you remember when Kennedy died
or when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon?
"Anything that is invented between the times when you
are 15 to 35 is new, revolutionary and exciting, and you can possibly get a
career in it,” writes late author Douglas Adams in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to
the Galaxy. But, he adds, “Anything invented after you are 35 is against the
natural order of things."
In America today, history is being made. At no other time
have four generations been documented
in the workplace together, at the same time. Instead of looking at that as a
bad thing or potential problem, instead as an employer, look upon it as a
challenging opportunity for growth. Improved and effective internal
communications have the capability of reducing confusion and creating a healthy
dialogue.
The speed of technology and a new world of work have forever
changed how we communicate with each other. These changes have altered how
employers get their mission, their goals and their messages across in a way
that’s clear to all employees, regardless of generation, to promote moving
forward in productivity and growth. Don't get stuck in yesteryear in how you
say what needs to be said.
________________
Delmar
Johnson
Founder &
CEO
Delmar
Johnson Enterprise
Motivational Moments : Beauty of a Thorn with Yvette Wilson Bentley
When I was younger, my
grandmother had a rose bush in her front yard. I had been warned not to
touch them, but one day I decided to disobey her and reach into the bush, only
to prick my finger on a thorn. Oh, it hurt, and oh how I cried from the
pain, especially when I saw blood coming from my finger! Of course, my
grandmother came to my rescue and bandaged my finger but not without scolding
me for disobeying her and warning me to keep my hands off the roses!
What I didn’t know then that I
know now is that the thorns on a rose represent divine order. The bloom
of a rose is beautiful, but the thorn of a rose produces pain. Thorns hurt us
yet, yet they humble us and humility keeps us right where we need to be – that
is the beauty of a thorn!
In 2012, Yvette self-published three inspirational/motivational books: Enhancing the Journey, Enhancing the Journey: The Journey Journal and Pebbles in the Sand. In addition, Yvette launched Words 2 Life LLC, which provides manuscript editing and formatting services for clients seeking to self-publish their works.Yvette is also an inspirational/motivational speaker who delivers messages that motivates, and encourages people in an arousing yet compassionate manner.
Bentley is currently writing her fourth book, a memoir about various accounts of her life, which is scheduled to be released in the winter of 2013. For more information visit www.ywilsonbentley.com
5 Ways to Prepare Your Mind for Success and Abundance with Kristie Kennedy
Have you secretly desired to experience wild and outrageous
success? What would having limitless possibilities at your fingertips mean to
you? How many individuals would be impacted as a result of you living large and
fully in charge? Are you cognizant of self-defeating thoughts that are
attributing to a cycle of failure? Are you willing to implement significant
change now in order to experience undeniable results later?
In the wise words of Socrates, “The unexamined life is not worth
living.” Every circumstance you have encountered from childhood to present has
shaped your thought patterns. Whether you are aware or not, the mindset greatly
impacts your capacity to believe, receive and achieve.
We often spend a great deal of time making executive decisions
that spring from an adolescent perception. How do we prepare for uncommon
success? The basic definition of prepare is to put in a proper state of mind or
to make ready before hand for a specific purpose, event or occasion. In order
to become that which has never before existed one must excavate old belief
systems and import a new conceptual framework to build upon.
If you were to be frank and honest, what state does your mind
currently reside in? Are you afraid of
success? Do you feel undeserving of a better life? Why has success eluded you?
How can you create a vastly different picture from the present moment? When you
are alone do you battle thoughts of frustration regarding the amount of energy
you seem to expend with little reward for your efforts?
We all have the potential to inhabit an extraordinary existence
if we dare to accept the notion that we have a divine right to abundant success
and are committed to all that it will require of us in the transformational
process.
Let’s look at five simple ways to prepare your mind to occupy a
new state of being:
1) Become a sponge constantly soaking up new
ideas to implement. Maximize every opportunity to learn ranging from radio
interviews, books, audio and video programs, attending conferences etc…
2) Create synergistic relationships with wealthy
minded individuals who are successfully thriving in their personal and
professional lives.
3) Write down well defined goals and set out to
accomplish short and long term desires on a daily basis.
4) Invest in professional coaching services based
upon your current needs. Focus on expanding not shrinking.
5) Act as if you already are and it already is.
Live from the future as you walk successfully in the moment!
Kristie Kennedy, Women's
Empowerment Speaker and Entrepreneurial Leadership Coach provides simple
success strategies to overcome everyday challenges, internal conflicts and
confidence killers www.kristiekennedy.com
Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained with Trinisa Pitts
How much are you willing to invest in yourself to make this
thing happen? Are you ready for your vision?
Let’s talk about investing your time to equal your success. I am going to start off by saying “Anything
worth having at all is worth working for and waiting for. Now my old school girl Betty Wright said that
in her song “No Pain, No Gain’” But she was talking about a man. I am talking about in this industry of women entrepreneurs. We have to get ready to be ridiculed, to be
looked down on and you know the haters are going to hate but we must stand tall
and know that we are going to make this thing happen.
Now let’s meditate for a moment on the word “INVEST” To
invest means to commit (money or capital) in order to gain a
financial return. This is not the only
way to invest, you must invest TIME. I ask you “how much are you willing
to invest in your future? By now you
should be answering this question with “all the free time that I have because I
truly and sincerely want to make this work”
I want to ask you a few more questions: How far are you willing to go and at what
cost? When I say that I mean we must
stay professional, positive and keep our morals. Never lower your standards. I mean are you willing to ask for help? Are you willing to go that extra mile and do
what needs to be done? Put in that extra
time at a seminar, or in training. Are you willing to take risk? Will your vision cause you to have to
travel? Are you in a position to do
so? These are all valid questions that
will help you to trouble shoot before you find yourself at a crossroad or
roadblock.
Any decision that you make you must be open to the feedback
that you will receive. Learn how to
accept criticism, and use that as a learning tool for you next venture out of
the gate. That is what I mean when I say
nothing ventured nothing gained. You
have to venture out. Don’t always to the
traditional route. Everyone is doing
that. Look to get different results
every time you branch out. This means you
are gaining ground. We have to know that
everything is not going to be easy; as a matter of fact we are going to fail a
lot of times. But we have to have Faith
in God when we fall and we must get up and keep pressing our way, never lose
sight of your vision. Your vision is
your success level.
I want to motivate you to get out there and make some Mind
Blowing Decisions. Why do I say that, because
one of those decisions is going to truly just blow your mind and others
too? You are going to look up one day
and say to yourself “How did I get from there to here? “ You are going to look
back and say Wow!!! I am really proud
of how far I have come. So for the new
comers let’s brainstorm and think outside of the box, and if you are seasoned
in the industry: Shake it up a bit. Try
something new!
You only get a once in a lifetime opportunity to shine. If you see that you have the ability to make
it happen then reach for the sky.
Write that book, put that clothing line out there, go in the studio and
sing your heart out make that CD. Start
that business. Make yourself known to
the world. Market yourself. Let people
get tired of seeing your face. It might even
encourage them to make some mind blowing decisions of their own.
So I want to leave you with this word of advice. Tell yourself that you can make it, and Make
that thing happen! On this Journey
Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained.
ARE YOU HANGING OUT IN THE RIGHT PLACES with LaTasha West
You’ve
joined several Facebook and LinkedIn groups, you are following hundreds of
people on twitter, and your inbox is full of invitations to networking events, so
why isn’t your phone ringing?
The key to successful networking and business building is connecting
with the right people. It is not so much about the quantity as it is about the
quality that makes the difference. As a budding business owner you should know
who you are trying to talk to, who do you need to get in front of in order to
get your package in the correct hands?
If you are new to business or if your business has been open for some
time yet you are not making quality connections, you may need to rethink how
you are spending your time and resources.
When networking for business you should have a goal. Setting
a goal, allows you to develop your strategy. Once you have a goal and strategy,
you can then implement a plan. Before you conduct any networking make sure the
activity lines up with your plan. Ask yourself does it make sense for you to
spend your energy on that particular form of networking.
If you are promoting women’s workout gear, a room full of
men is most likely not your target audience.
The same thought process applies to networking both on and offline. Your
audience may not be on Facebook, blogging could be a better way to reach your
crowd. Review the results from your networking efforts; have you made any
legitimate business relationships? If you answered no, it’s time to change your
platform.
8 steps to taking an active role in your networking:
1. Know who you are trying to reach
2. Be strategic with your networking efforts
3. Set a goal
4. Develop a plan to reach the right people
5. Implement the plan
6. Make connections with the right people
7. Cultivate relationships
8. Grow your business
There’s Opportunity in Your Purpose with Tieshena Davis
When you think of your life’s purpose and how
valuable it is, you might also consider all of the things that could devour its
health and longevity. Think about that. Now transition this thought to your
business. What is your business purpose and value? What jeopardizes its health
and sustainability? Often as business owners we depart from this way of
thinking, but being able to quickly recognize this “slip” will help you “fall”
back into place. Staying focused on the
purpose of having a business will ultimately keep you focused on
accomplishing your goals. Don’t be your own threat or limit your business from
its fullest potential due to poor alignment. Take the time out to “check
yourself” before you wreck yourself and miss opportunities that are in plain sight.
Avoid these (5)
opportunity-crashing mistakes:
1. Depending
on others to birth your vision
Your
vision has been assigned directly to you to birth. Although a well-qualified
team can help you deliver, monitor and nurture your baby; they can’t help you
birth it for you. Don’t sabotage your opportunities by depending on others to
birth your vision. Do the work!
5. Poor planning
Organize
your thoughts and devise a plan for your business activities. Planning yields
measurable results, while making impulsive decisions yields unknown results.
Remember that you're in business to embrace growth and eliminate
stagnation. Don’t plan to fail!
2. Frivolous spending
The
ultimate goal to having a business is to make a profit. Making unnecessary
purchases or using your financial resources ineffectively will put you in the
red before you see the color green. Let
every dollar make cents!
3. Procrastination
Each
day, minute and second is an opportunity to manifest your purpose. Procrastinating
on executing your next step not only hinders your growth, but puts you at risks
of losing valuable relationships. Clients need immediate solutions and when you
don’t respond quick enough, oh well consider that opportunity lost. Don’t drop the ball!
4. Having a “know it all”
attitude
Unless
you are yielding multi-millions each year, having a “you can’t tell me nothing,
I’m the expert, this is what I do” attitude will dissolve potential
opportunities before they form. Your actions will show what you know. Instead
of saying that you know it all, show that you’re willing to learn more. Even
millionaires will tell you that they don’t know everything. Perfection is a
constant craft. Be a never-ending
learner!
You’ve just “strengthened your opportunity intelligence™”!
Tieshena is the Founder & President of Siva Resolutions Management Group™, a business consultancy firm and Purposely Created Publishing, an independent boutique publishing company. With over 15+ years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies such as Marriott International, ARAMARK, Sodexho, Morrison Management Specialist and local non-profit organizations, Tieshena will apply her management expertise and highly-effective strategies for you to leverage opportunities and resources. She has a proven track record of helping business owners to improve their bottom line as she merges leadership, strategic planning and efficiency techniques to help others become successful. Visit online at www.SivaResolutions.com / www.TieshenaInspires.com.
Entrepreneurship is OH SO SEXY! (but it ain’t easy) with LaTasha West
I sign
my own checks and I love how that feels. In this rough economy many people are
finding creative ways to make ends meet and entrepreneurship is all the
rave. Ask any entrepreneur if their job
is easy and you will continuously hear NO! You will probably hear that this is
the hardest task that they have ever taken on.
They have stayed up many nights wondering how in the world they were
going to get things done, how they were going to make that light bill payment,
second guessing if they made the right choice, and the list goes on. That
sounds terrible right? Well ask them if they would trade entrepreneurship for a
steady paycheck again and you will again continuously hear NO!
You know why? Entrepreneurship is sexy! There is something
about putting all those broken pieces to together to make a complete puzzle
that makes you feel like a million bucks. Add to that the joy of unlimited
income potential, flexible scheduling and the ability to be as creative as you
want you have a winning combination.
If you are considering taking the plunge, know that starting
a business requires a lot of work and even more guts. Entrepreneurship is not
for the weak.
I know you are
probably thinking that doesn’t sound so sexy to me, well look at it like this:
Yesterday I decided I was going to take a trip to visit my
family, yes midweek- I did not have to call up a boss or manager. I got in my
car, grabbed my phone and laptop and I was on the road to visit my family.
I decided I wanted to earn more money- I developed a new
income stream to offer to current and future clients and I gave myself a raise!
I needed more challenging work- I designed a new program
coaching program which allows me to push myself and my clients further in
business.
The list continues. Over the last couple of years, I have
realized that not only do most entrepreneurs love being in control of their own
destiny, they would not trade it if given then choice. Making your own path is
sexier than any other job that I can think of, how about you?
LaTasha West is an
entrepreneur, speaker and certified small business development coach. To learn
more visit www.latashawest.com.
GET UP with Trinisa Pitts
GET UP
I know you have heard this before but this is a true
statement. “Your Strength is in your
Struggle” Think about it. If you didn’t
go through what you went through how would you know how strong you were? Don’t take that knock down personally get up
and fight back. You were only knocked
down not knocked out. Where is that
inner strength that God has given you?
Have you been hit hard enough that you are ready to use your ammunition
to fight back? Let’s see your bounce
back. GET UP!
In my first Collaboration “Chronicles of a Walk With Christ”
The first title for my chapter that I came up with was “throughout my Struggle
I Still Kept My Stride” I had to cut my title short to “I Still Kept My Stride”
But it was just as powerful. It had the
same meaning. Well it is those struggles
that got me where I am today! It was
those struggles that made me bounce back!
It was me getting up that I can truly say I am a living witness that my
Struggles made me stronger. I got
up.
When I say that you have been knocked down I DON’T mean in a
fight, I mean in spirits, I mean in character. We have found ourselves at a
point in our lives that we were not sure if we had the strength to fight anymore. Well I am here to tell you to GET UP! Stop having that pity party and do something
about your situation. Let’s focus on
Building your character and spirits back up.
If it is a job that you don’t have,
let me tell you that the technology has made it so much easier for
everyone in today’s society. You don’t
even have to leave your house to put in for a position. Just GET UP and go to your computer. Some of us even have phones that you can use
to apply for jobs lying in your bed.
There is no excuse. Get UP! The
only thing that is asked of you is to get experience.
In the Bible it says people perish because of the lack of
knowledge, well the same thing is true in this world. People are perishing because of the lack of
experience. What can you do about that
GET UP! Go take courses. If you don’t have a car sign on to your
computer and take some free computer based training. I will say it again there is no excuse. Get moving towards your destiny. Make a better life for yourself. Get UP.
I remember years ago when I first started looking for jobs I
had to hit the pavement, each and every
day. The job search started early in the
morning, not this afternoon, and evening job searching the web stuff. I remember going up and down the Streets of
Central New York Putting in applications at different office buildings. Going
in different offices downtown asking were they hiring. I also remember catching the Central bus
from hospital to hospital putting in applications. As I talk about it I was determined and eager
to work just as I am now. That is
because I never gave up hope on being the best at whatever my vision was.
Remember in order to
move forward you have to have a vision.
You must have a plan. Put that
plan in action. What can your experience
do for you and how far can it take you.
Ask yourself these questions.
Where am I trying to go? What am
I trying to reach for? If you keep
focusing on that journey it will become clearer to you. That your worst days
are behind you and your Best days are in front of you so once again I will tell
you to GET UP because your strength is in your Struggle.
A Woman’s World with Kristie Kennedy
A Woman’s
World
In this intricate space of limitless creativity, multitasking
and all things beautiful, A Woman’s World is spectacular
in motion. We give untiringly and often find ourselves tucked away in a quiet
corner seeking a single moment of solace. Men try to figure out how to keep
pace, a feat they may never achieve. What makes this an amazing place to
inhabit is the bond of strength that knits our hearts together through
priceless experiences we collectively share as a whole.
Our society has led us to believe that it is acceptable to
criticize, scandalize and ostracize one another. There is nothing honorable
about belittling someone in order to appear superior in stature. We are all cut
from the same fabric of femininity and must learn how to celebrate our unique
differences.
It is no secret that you are a mighty force to be reckoned
with and yet it is the very thing that prevents you from connecting on a deeper
level with others. Permit your shield of armor to fall completely to the ground
as you embrace a moment to be vulnerable, delicate and tender as a budding
rose. Refuse to allow the thorns of life to make you bitter, instead choose to
rise above the pain that binds.
How do you show up in your world as a woman? Have you taken
time to assess the valuable qualities that possess? Are you rehearsing old
wounds, mistakes and disappointments of the past? Do you constantly second
guess your best efforts? When was the last time tears filled your eyes with
gratitude for every battle won? If you continue to dwell in the den of
yesterday, how will you ever behold the fields of your future?
A Woman’s World was created to be as peaceful as a meadows
stream, where heavy hearts may rest and daring souls are unleashed to
dream. A Woman’s World, is a puzzle that
even the most brilliant minds have yet to figure out. A Woman’s World is
designed to cultivate champions of faith not cowards of doubt. A Woman’s World
must be governed by attentive detail and loving care. A Woman’s World is a magnificent mountain of
possibilities in a tumultuous sea of insecurities. A Woman’s World is like no
other and what an amazing work of art when we unite as one in unstoppable
locomotion.
Released & Ready: Look Beyond The Mirror with Keisha Rivers-Shorty
Note 2 Self: Look beyond the mirror to see the vision of yourself that others see of you. ~KARS
Part of the key to truly becoming released and ready is to look beyond the vision of yourself that you see in the mirror and to look at yourself as others see you. Far too often, when we consider anything having to do with ourselves, we always look at situations from our perspective--that means that if it has anything to do with us, we automatically bring our "baggage" with it and factor in our own set of assumptions, background knowledge and back story into the equation.
But all that does in most cases is complicate things--because to be quite honest--most times, when people are dealing with us, they're only dealing with us based on the situation and the circumstances at hand. No one is bringing into play what happened last year, last month or last week. No one is considering any of our past issues, failures, or shortcomings.
Any of those things that are coming into play whenever we deal with people are things that we bring to the situation. (Unless of course we've dealt with a person before and things haven't gone well in the past. For the sake of this piece, I'm talking about a clean slate.)
Many times when we enter a new situation, we immediately self-sabotage it because we bring all of these issues, insecurities and preconceived notions of things that can potentially go wrong--instead of walking into it thinking about all of the possibilities of what can go right.
Try this exercise.
First, look in the mirror and immediately say out loud all of the things that come to mind to describe yourself. Write down your responses.
Secondly, close your eyes and think about yourself in a setting where you are in your "element"--on your "A" game and being successful at what you are meant to do--whatever that may be. With this picture in mind, immediately say out loud all of the things that come to mind to describe yourself. Now write down your responses.
Now compare the two sets of responses. What do you notice about the way that you described yourself when looking at yourself in the mirror? What do you notice about the words you used to describe yourself in your "element" and being successful?
______________________________
What this exercise points out is that sometimes we need to step outside of ourselves to really see ourselves--both good points and not so good points. It's always better to gain another perspective when gaining new insights and determining the best way to approach personal and professional growth and development.
The key to becoming released and ready is to understand that you can't continue to remain "stuck" in your own perspective and trapped in your insecurities if you want to become ready to fuel your passion, align with your purpose and build your legacy. Sometimes you have to look beyond the mirror. You just might be pleasantly surprised at what you discover.
Keisha A. Rivers Shorty is a strategist, consultant, speaker and author. She wears two hats-as the founder and Executive Director of The KARS Institute for Learning & Collaboration, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide training, resources and support to nonprofits, community organizations, churches, schools and small businesses--and also the founder and managing consultant of The KARS Group, LTD, which specializes in providing personal and professional strategic development services to small businesses, organizations and individuals. Ms. Rivers Shorty is a grant writer, adjunct instructor, former foundation executive director, educator and administrator. She is a motivational and inspirational speaker and published author. She is currently launching her women's tour "Released & Ready!" in summer 2013 which helps women to fuel their passion, align with their purpose and build their legacy. Find out more about Keisha at www.releasedandready.com or www.karsgroup.com or find her on facebook.
3 WAYS THAT A BOOKKEEPING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS THRIVE with Aradia Knight
3 ways that a bookkeeping firm can help
your business thrive..
Most small business owners don’t think much about accounting
beyond Tax Time. But the truth is, accounting and bookkeeping for your small
businesses needs to be a priority all year round, not only on April 15. Part of
what we try to help clients understand is that small business bookkeeping is a
strategic asset for your business that goes beyond taxes and numbers on the
balance sheet. Here are a few ways that hiring a bookkeeping firm can help your
business thrive and stay competitive during Tax season and beyond.
·
Focus on what the business owner does
best: Like many professional services, small business bookkeeping
firms make it possible for the business owner to outsource a complex and
challenging task. When you hire a bookkeeping service for your small business,
you give yourself more time in your day to focus on your core business
operations. Instead of puzzling over your balance sheet and financial
statements, you can get professional expertise to manage the fine details while
you can spend more time closing deals, meeting with customers, coaching your
team, and thinking strategically about how to take your business to the next
level.
·
Stay on top of regulatory
requirements and audits: Depending on what industry you’re
in, there might be various regulatory requirements (federal, state and local)
that affect how you can do business, how you hire, train and manage employees,
and how you report your business activities to maintain compliance and maintain
any relevant certifications in good standing. Hiring a bookkeeping firm makes
it easier to manage the many complex details that go with managing employees,
whether it’s for compliance with employment laws, managing employee benefits,
or minimizing your business’s tax liability at the end of the fiscal year. Any
business owner can be subject to an audit by the IRS, so getting professional
bookkeeping services can help you avoid any unnecessary stress and confusion if
the IRS selects you for a tax audit.
·
Identify business opportunities: Perhaps the biggest benefit of hiring
a professional bookkeeping service is that it can help you uncover
opportunities for your business. With an expert business accountant taking a
broad view of your business, you can find out what works, and what needs to
improve. Keep your accounts receivable and accounts payable in order. Find out
where you’re making the most money each month, and identify less profitable
customers or categories so you know where to allocate your focus and your
resources. Hiring an outsourced bookkeeping specialist can be one of the best
ways to get a clearer picture of what is happening in your business, as well as
looking into the future with financial modeling and forecasting to help you
decide how to pursue the right opportunities at the right time.
There’s a lot more to bookkeeping than doing your taxes. With the
right outsourced bookkeeping firm, you might find that your company will be
better organized, better prepared, and more profitable than ever before.
Aidara,
Inc. is an online bookkeeping service serving
businesses all over the U.S.. The Aidara team provides support for tax planning,
monthly business bookkeeping, and consulting.
MOTIVATION with Julie Holloway
MOTIVATION
I've been wanting to write since Monday but the week has been so busy.
Facebook friend: I would love to know how you have the motivation....
Me: I have crazy motivation because I PROMISE I will never work for another crAzy boss in my LIFE>>>>> many negative experiences on my last job has driven me this far. I will not stop, I will not quit. I made a promise to myself to NEVER LOOK BACK.
Many positive experiences with my studying of art since I was very young and in art school to studying marketing for the past six years drives me. I am fueled and 100% motivated to help other entrepreneurs do the same (break out of the shackles of an empty job and break into something they truly LOVE). I simply can't turn this motivation OFF!!! It's on 24/7.
It took a few years to put all of this together, while I worked 15/16 hour days on a job that I hated, I spent about 80% of those hours dreaming about how to make my dream come to life, about how to turn my graphic design hobby into a hustle, about how I could feed my family based off of something that I love so much, which is ART while also sharing the excitement of owning a business with my hubby and children! There ya have it, that is my MOTIVATION!
It is on my heart to day to encourage you to stay MOTIVATED and most of all, to trust your vision! I have seen many entrepreneurs start, stop, start, stop and before you know it a year has gone by and they have started and stopped their business ten times! I find that could be because of lack of knowledge or resource, or lack of passion, and most often, lack of motivation. As a graphic designer, I have encountered and design a few hundred logos in the past five years. Nothing makes my heart happier than seeing a motivated, determined, hustling entrepreneur ready to make their dream a reality. Often I see them from the beginning because branding is one of the first steps on their journey. But quite often, I do run into clients that are hesitant, procrastinating, fearful of making the next goal, or taking the next step. I am here to stop that. I desire to help them remain motivated and excited about their futures
Here are some of my tips for remaining MOTIVATED at all times:
- Create your vision. Whether you write it down, create it on a vision board or record it in a video, be sure to concretely describe what your vision is for yourself, so that you have something to remain focused on.
- Seek help and support. Us entrepreneurs have BIG visions, and often many going at one time. The most important lesson that I have learned in the past few years is to seek help, ask for help, seek resources from friends and colleagues. Do not try to act out your entire vision by yourself. Why? You will get burned out! You will make mistakes. You may lose clientele because you do not have enough stamina or hours in the week to fulfill your duties. If you need resources, check with other entrepreneurs who are successful, seek assistance from the small business associations around you, or even refer towww.sba.gov. There are numerous people, places and things that can support your journey.
- Create balance. As one of my favorite mentors says, “you cannot pour from an empty cup” you must fill your cup first before pouring into your business and into others. Seek a balance in your life from running your business, working (if you work), spending time with family and friends, and spending time alone, so that you can focus on your dreams. If you are out of balance, most likely you might crash (google “entrepreneurial crashes” and you’ll find out what I mean by this).
- Celebrate your milestones. One way I have learned to keep my motivation cup flowing is to celebrate the milestones in my business, in my school endeavors, and in my home. There is nothing more joyous than celebrating an occasion or experience that you have just overcome or endured. If you hit a milestone, or a great achievement in your business, you deserve to celebrate it. Share the excitement with others, share it on social media, share it on your blog, share it in your networking groups. It’s very important to your success to know that you are making things happen, even in strides, and even when life seems a bit tough!
- Don’t talk about it, be about it. You are your brand! Share your vision with the world. If you are in business you have to be your own brand ambassador everywhere you go. Keep making connections, keep seeking out new opportunities, keep shining your bright and passion-filled spirit with the world, and everything you need will come back to you. Do not just “talk” about what you are going to do in your business, DO IT! BE IT! ACHIEVE IT, because you can!
We encourage you to fully unleash the entrepreneur within you and stay on your course. Stay MOTIVATED because these are your dreams!
The Entrepreneur Within You is an inspirational business anthology comprised of a collection of experiences from 18 entrepreneurs. The book not only informs the readers of how their path to business ownership began but it is inclusive of diverse, encouraging scenarios; ways that aspiring entrepreneurs can accomplish their goals and obstacles. The experiences that our writers display about how they have overcome and conquered while pursuing their passions will motivate all who are moved to turn its pages! We fulfilled our destiny by allowing real entrepreneurs a platform to share their story and pass on the dream of owning your own, and no longer waiting in the wing!
Learn more about The Entrepreneur Within You at www.TEWyou.com. Join our weekly radio show on Wednesdays at 11:30am Central Time at www.blogtalkradio.com/TEWradio.
The mission of TEW is to empower, equip and inspire entrepreneurs nationwide.
Julie M. Holloway of JMH Cre8ive Solutions and Author of The Entrepreneur Within You (book) is a native of Chicago, IL where she currently resides with her husband Darnell and two children, Jasmine and D.J. Holloway is a gifted graphic and web designer, artist and marketing professional. Holloway’s signature quote is “half the battle of being an entrepreneur is loving the battle of being an entrepreneur.” Contact her at info@JMHCre8ive.com or visit online at www.JMHCre8ive.com and www.TheEntrepreneurWithin.orgStop Looking for Validation with Trinisa Pitts
I am going to say this loud and clear STOP LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO
VALIDATE WHAT YOU ARE DOING! Period! Looking for approval from man is
going to hinder your growth. Let me tell you why. You can be going
that extra mile and if the people you are waiting for to tell you that you are
doing a good job doesn’t tell you what you want to hear? It will
give you a sense of insecurity. Insecurity can lead to you giving
up. We don’t ever want to give up. Giving up is a sign of
weakness. We are built to take a licking and keep on ticking as the old
Timex watch commercials use to say. Use non validation as
motivation. Don’t let this stop you. Keep putting one foot in front of the
other and walk towards your vision with pride and strength.
Your idea of success is unique and made just for you. Do not
let anyone Validate or chose what is best for you and your Business. Stir
up the Gift that God has placed in you; make that thing work for you.
Keep your determination and focus on what lies ahead. We must remember
that not everyone is going to be able to travel you journey with you, some may
have to take the back seat and some will just get left behind all
together. So remember what works for you may not be what works for them.
As they say if you are rowing in a boat with others make sure everyone is
rowing the same way and not poking holes in the bottom of it while your back is
turned. Know your circle.
You must validate yourself, encourage yourself, believe in
yourself and keep moving in order to receive that special acknowledgement from
God not Man. Find out what is special and unique about yourself and then
make that thing work for you. Signify yourself to be different and treat
yourself as such. Stand out in the crowd.
Last but not least looking for validation and not getting it can
truly hurt you. Don’t let your foolish pride get in the way of your
moving forward. ALL you need is Faith in God and to believe that you can
do that exact thing that you are pushing accomplish. In Hebrews 11:1 it
reads now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen. That is a powerful verse. The only person that can give
you validation for what you are trying to reach for is God. He sees your
efforts and He will bless you according to your diligent work on trying to
reach for that thing that you cannot see. If you think about it that is
why others cannot validate you. They cannot see where you are trying to
go. So again I tell you STOP LOOKING FOR OTHERS TO VALIDATE YOU!
You have all the validation you need. You have faith in God and you
believe in yourself. Make it happen!
Trinisa M.Pitts, Author -Writer - Poet - Motivational Speaker,
She is an Independent Columnist and a native of Syracuse, NY. Most importantly
she is A Woman of GOD. She started her childhood dream of becoming a
writer in 2011, with her first contribution in Chronicles of a Walk with
Christ. Her words of encouragement to her readers: Never give up on your
dreams. Always reach for your goals. Push forward and past your adversaries. In
everything you do, do it to the best of your ability and don't let anyone tell
you that you are not worthy. Contact her at www.trinisampitts.com or
ptrinisamichelle@aol.com.
