We’d like to welcome new member Marsha Sims to the family. She’s the founder of Sort-It-Out which focuses on:

1.  Hands-on professional organizing services. She organizes files, offices, space, garages, kitchens, closets, etc.

2.  Clutter-free University – where she teaches online classes to help people get organized.

3.  Certification of Professional Organizers to be “client-focused” professional organizers.

How long in business Since 1992 (20 years this month!)

What exactly does your business do?

We help people get organized. We help them organize their space, their time, and their lives.

Any interesting facts you can share about your industry?

1.  Clutter is simply postponed decisions.

2.  We get more mail in a day than our parents got in a week; and we get more mail in a week than our grandparents got in a month!
Most popular problem you help people solve?

1.  Organizing their papers / files.  Papers are never going to stop coming in.

2.  Organizing their time.  We have more commitments today than ever.
Book You’d Recommend and why …

1.   Organizing Your Day by Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims

2.   Smart Office Organizing by Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims

… because these are books I’ve written to help people get organized.

How do you stay motivated?

I keep remembering how much I absolutely LOVE helping people.  My clients are grateful and they keep telling me that they appreciate my work.  My clients keep me motivated!

Biggest pet peeve in business?

1.     People who can’t listen.

2.     People who are quick to make assumptions about other people.
What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?

I created a Professional Organizers certification program to certify people to do what I do.

What’s a networking tip you use to help you gain and/or maintain your relationships?

1.   I do 90% listening.  I never try to push my card (or my agenda) on other people.  I ask about them and their work.

2.  I take along a book of before and after pictures so in case someone asks what I do, I say, “I am a professional organizer. I can show you better than I can tell you.”  Then I pull out my book and let the amazing pictures that tell the story of what I do.
It’s sadly time for your last meal on earth, what would it be?

Lasagna with lots of meat sauce and cheese (I’m a vegan)… with peach cobbler and banana pudding (I don’t eat sugar)… but it’s my last meal, so it’s okay.
Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results?

Yes.   I use Facebook groups for my students.
Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?

1.     Keynote speaker at an IAAP Conference

2.     Speaker at Black Enterprise’s “Women of Power” Summit

3.     Speaker at Odyssey Media’s Conference

4.     First TV interview

5.     Company profile appearing in COSTCO magazine

6.     First time appearing in Woman’s Day magazine, SELF magazine,  Better Homes and Gardens magazine

Wow… there are so many… and whe my first book was published!

What was your last barter and what was if for?

I bartered with my dentist and I organized his offices.

Who in your circle do you want to thank for helping you build your business?

1.     All of my clients, for teaching me everything I know.

2.     My three sons, for never giving me a problem and

3.     My organizing students and my certification students, for taking me to new vistas.
Get in contact with Marsha!

http://www.sortitout.net

http://www.clutterfreeuniversity.com

Marsha Sims

marshasims@sortitout.net

305-628-0075

Own Your Power,

Simone

Heidi is the founder of both  Redhead Marketing, Inc (www.RedhadMarketingInc.com) and EdenFlorist.com (www.EdenFlorist.com).
With Redhead Marketing, my goal is to Empower People Through Technology. I teach a full day blogging course, a six-part Internet Marketing Course and also have a variety of info products to support these two programs. In addition, I work with people who prefer to pay someone ELSE to do the work and design websites, and manage social media for clients in retail, construction, the arts and marine industries.

EdenFlorist.com is a 30+ year old company which was started in Pembroke Pines, Florida. After 31/2 years we had to move from our 650 square foot store to a 3,000 square foot location in Miamar. We moved to Davie 3 years ago and still serve all of Broward County and much of Dade and Palm Beach. We specialize in corporate events and weddings, as well as special occasion flowers and everyday gifts.

How long in business?:  5 years with Redhead Marketing (but I was teaching long before I formally established my company) AND 30+ years with Eden Florist.com.

What inspired you to start it? I was disilusioned with the way web designers worked with me and with many of my friends and wanted to learn simple things so I would not have to wait around for someone else to make a minor change to my site. With the help of my daughters (they taught me early on how to navigate software and learn basic html). They also taught me how to effectively add content to my own sites using Dreamweaver. Later on I learned Joomla by doing and now am an expert in WordPress design and maintenance.

When it comes to social media, people have a difficult time managing all the ways they can promote their businesses. I help them come up with a managable, doable plan so they are not spending hours spinning their wheels

As for the florist, I know one of the things that flowers do is help console people. There have been numerous studies done about the emotional appeal of flowers. And people who understand how they heal, get people excited, make someone happy are our best customers. Flowers are also a great thank-you gift to give. They are living art and most people have a love or at least an appreciation for beautiful works of art. To paraphrase a famous quote: Flowers (art) imitates life. I believe that Flowers illustrate life.

How did you first hear about our network and why did you join? About 5 years ago I heard Simone speaking at an event and thought, this is fascinating. I should really be involved. After all, not only do I need things, I have things other people need.   It was only natural to be part of such a creative business program. As a result I have met and done business with many interesting and exceptional people.

Favorite Mentor and why? There are so many mentors that have come into my life, the first being my mother and second my grandmother. My mother taught me to never give up no matter how bad things got – especially on myself. My grandmother made me feel I could do anything I set out to do. Both were incredible influences in who I am today.

Book You’d Recommend and why? I read at least 2 books a month (sometimes more) and one of my favorite is The Emyth Revisted by Michael Gerber.  It is a great book for people who need a little push in business as well as for those who need a refresher.  The second book I’d recommend is The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. It is a parable about life and success and it is definitely worth reading. I read it an bought several copies to give to friends and colleagues.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around? Sometimes just going to work when things are bad is a bold move. One of the bold moves I took was to move my florist from a retail location to a warehouse. It was by far, the best move during a struggling economy. People don’t need flowers (not the same way that they do a roof over their head or food on the table).  When times are tough we give up those things that make us feel good just to survive. I am glad things are turning around. I have noticed in the past few months that more people are buying flowers “just because.”  It used to be a big part of our business which kept us busy when there were no holidays or ocassions.

What’s a networking tip you use to help you gain and/or maintain your relationships? The most important part of networking is IMHO follow up.  It’s easy to collect business cards or “friends” on social media. It’s not as easy to stay in contact. I have automated the process through my SendOutCards (www.SendoutCards.com/Heidi) account.  As a distributor, I have the opportunity to send cards at a discount, add people as often as I want, creating a powerful database AND I can share the opportunity with others. It has been a nice little income producer and more importantly helped me to stay in contact with people with just a few clicks of the mouse. Real cards delivered to people’s mailbox and I never have to lick a stamp!

Healthy meal that you enjoy? Thanksgiving Salad. I make it with Romaine lettuce, Spring Mix (if it looks good) orArugula and Spinach. I add craisins, pecans, honey roasted turkey, black olives, chick peas and my favorite dressing – balsamic vinegarette. Sometimes tomatoes and feta cheese too. I eat this 4-5 days a week for lunch.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around? Absolutely nothing! If I had not married my starter husband I would not have had the 3 beautiful daughters God blessed us with. If I had not gone into business for myself, I would not have met the thousands of amazing people who have graced me with their friendships and expertise.  Oh sure, I’ve made some BIG mistakes, all of them have been learning experiences that have made me a better wife, mother and business woman.  Thank God for imperfection!  It is the mistakes and challenges that I think make us all better human beings.

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?   There have been so many amazing moments it’s difficult to say. I have been on TV, won dozens of awards, even Produce my own magazine. I guess I’d have to say that my first exciting moment was when Vicki Coceano (Mayor of Miramar at the time) presented me with a proclamation naming June 26th as Heidi Richards Day. I was being installed as president of the Miramar-Pembroke Chamber of Commerce and she presented it while she was swearing me into office. It was and still is one of the most emotional times of my life.

Who in your circle do you want to thank for helping you build your business? Members of all the groups I belong to including local chambers of commerce, Women in Ecommerce, the American Busiess Women’s Association, Florida Speakers Association and the Florida Direct Marketing Association each were integral in my professional development, along with support and as referral sources. And of course, Simone Kelly Brown for always lifting others up, putting us in the spotlight and helping us to shine. Thank you so much for being you!

Learn more about Heidi Richards. Go to her sites here:

Redhead Marketing, Inc (www.RedhadMarketingInc.com) and EdenFlorist.com (www.EdenFlorist.com).

I’d like to  introduce you all to one of my latest graduates of the 8 WEEKS TO CEO course that I teach! Her name is Kay Richardson and she’s the founder of Freedom To Be Me  { Embrace.Connect.Inspire}!  I am extremely proud of her because not only did she complete the course, she didn’t delay her dream and hit the ground running. She now has an amazing business and is living the live she deserves.

Find out why Kay loves what she does and if you can help her with her new business, please reach out and spread the word to support one of Own Your Power’s family members!

Own Your Power,

Coach Simone

Freedom to Be Me main service:

Freedom To Be Me offers an online community for African American  and women of color that are lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual. Freedom To Be Me encourages women to Embrace with who they are mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. They are able to Connect with other like-minded  women for support, obtain advice from our experts and find the Inspiration to live their best life.

What inspired you to start it?

I was inspired to launch Freedom To Be Me as an African American woman that embraces her love and attraction for women, I didn’t have a safe place to discuss challenges about my emotions, coming out, and feeling confident with my choice to embrace who I was. Creating this community for women to provide them with the opportunity to meet yearly for fun travel and retreats were placed on my heart

Any interesting facts that you can share about your industry?

Many women of color find it challenging to be true to who they are because of religion  or family members not being accepting and open that it affects them mentally and emotionally. They are looking for others that have faced challenges and have found a healthy state of being. They are seeking for upscale events with other like-minded professional women to network with. Freedom To Be Me, offers just that and more.

Most popular problem you help people solve?

Freedom To Be Me helps women work through the emotionally rollercoasters related to embracing who they are. We connect them with women through an online community that is safe and discrete to seek advice, support and empowerment. Inspire them to achieve personal goals related to professional growth and dreams of being an entrepreneur.

How did you first hear about our network and why did you join?

Simone was my coach and I learned about the network as an added client bonus!

Favorite Mentor and why?

Margaret Spence she is a successful small business owner that demonstrates resilience. Her ability as an author, speaker and consultant has given me an “I Can” attitude.

Book You’d Recommend and why?

Who Moved My Cheese-

We can’t become complacent and assume that things will always remain the same. We have to keep our eyes and ears open to change. We need to always have a backup plan for the future.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by surrounding myself with positive individuals, I read affirmations, and make time for myself. I greatest motivation is driven by the kind words that I receive by the impact that I have placed on someone’s life because of their interaction with me on or offline at FreedomToBeMe.com

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?

Showing my human side (emotions and fears), honest, and open with my readers. They enjoy being able to relate with my experiences. They enjoy that I provide a personal touch.

What’s a networking tip you use to help you gain and/or maintain your relationships?

Engage people and try to learn as much as you can about them. Ask how can I help you?

To find out more or to connect with Kay, go to her site Here: www.FreedomToBeMe.com

If you’d like to take the 8 Weeks to CEO course like Kay and turn your dream into a real functioning, money-making  business, let’s go! Register here…

BREAST CANCER…two words that almost everyone reading this has been affected by in some way. Your mother, aunt, sister, friend, or sadly, even yourself. I lost my warrior…my  mother, Velma Gordon-Kelly to this cancer back in 2006. She battled breast cancer for over eight years like a true shero and I admired how strong she was throughout it all. Throughout the chemotherapy, radiation, numerous drugs and their side-effects, she fought it out with a smile. She never wanted people to feel sorry for her and was determined to keep doing the same things as usual. The one thing my mom did that shocked a lot of people was keep it a secret, which many people were in shock and even upset at her funeral. I think it’s just because she was old fashion and didn’t want people to start worrying about her. However, what I think it good is to let people know so that you have more people praying for you and sending you good energy. You may also inspire others and help young women to prevent it to happening to them!

Today, I’d like to showcase three warriors who are a dear friends and members of the Own Your Power Community.  They are truly OWNING THEIR POWER and are examples of strong individuals we should all strive to be. Please check out what they are doing, give them a ‘virtual’ high-five of encouragement and if you can be so generous, even a donation to their cause.

It’s time to Pay it Forward….

Angela Darling, founder of Love Your Breasts.

I met Angela over 8 years ago while waiting in line for a women’s event and we have been friends ever since. Instantly, I connected with her and when I found out what she did, I was even more intrigued. Helping breast cancer survivors is her mission and at the time I met her, my mother was still with us and battling breast cancer. She began to offer free advice and great health information to my mother. I saw first-hand how she helps women in the community and vowed to support her business even more. Please take a look at what Angela Darling is doing to empower others and learn why she loves what she does! Her website is: http://www.lybi.org/

Carol Dunlop, founder of www.optimumbodysculpting.com and staff member for Own Your Power Communications, Inc.

She is one of our very own fitness experts who coaches “Diet Victims” to lose weight and keep it off by learning how to create a healthy and nutritious diet, following a consistent workout plan and implementing positive lifestyle changes that really work!

Recently diagnosed with breast cancer, she is one of the strongest people  I know and is taking her experience and sharing it to empower others. She is currently in need of donations for her treatments. Read on and see if you can help!

“Man, I long for the days when I could go weeks, even months without seeing even one doctor. I’ve been healthy all my life and can almost count the number of times on my two hands that I’ve seen doctors for any reason. But now, all that has changed. Actually, everything changed on July 7, 2011. That’s the day that I found out that I have Breast Cancer. That was the day that changed my life, challenged my thoughts and put everything that I’ve worked for into a fog. How could I have breast cancer? There was NEVER any cancer of any sort in my family history and I’ve always worked very hard through exercise, eating right and affirming good health all my life. So how could this be?...”

Read full story here..

Rhonda Smith founder of Breast Cancer Partner

Breast Cancer Partner is a sanctuary for breast cancer survivors who are nearing the end of treatment or who are on their journey to recovery. We strive to support, inspire and empower survivors to live strong and healthy lives after treatment ends.

Our goal is to help shepherd survivors through the recovery process by providing information, resources, guidance and tools to effectively deal with life post-treatment. We recognize that in some cases life after treatment ends may be more challenging and difficult than while undergoing treatment.  We want to ensure that survivors don’t struggle unnecessarily through the recovery process.

Join her site and please forward to other survivors!

www.breastcancerpartner.com

]]> http://ownyourpower.biz/blog/2011/11/21/breast-cancer-sheros/feed/ 0 http://ownyourpower.biz/blog/2011/08/09/love-what-you-do-profiles-cee-cee-%e2%80%9cmrs-opportunity%e2%80%9d-caldwell-miller/ http://ownyourpower.biz/blog/2011/08/09/love-what-you-do-profiles-cee-cee-%e2%80%9cmrs-opportunity%e2%80%9d-caldwell-miller/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 03:32:52 +0000 Simone http://ownyourpower.biz/blog/?p=1940 Cee Cee “Mrs. Opportunity” Caldwell-Miller is the founder of  Diamond Enterprises International -A Healthier U Lifestyle Company. For the last five years, she’s focused on  personal and business development, coaching,  and consulting. Find out why this Own Your Power Member, loves what she does!

What inspired you to start it? My desire is to help people grow and prosper in business and in their lives.

What does your business do? We coach individuals and business in the following areas: health and wellness, life skills, entrepreneurship, and work-life balance. We consult with small business start-ups giving them the tools necessary to be successful in business. We offer various holistic modalities of care to individual clients such as: self-care, aromatherapy, relaxation/stress management, etc.

Any interesting facts you can share about your industry? Mostly  all millionaires have coaches!

Favorite Mentor? Jack Canfield

Book You’d Recommend and Why… Failing Forward by John Maxwell, once you learn what failure is and how to fail forward, you will know the answer to obtaining success in business and in life.

Biggest pet peeve in business?  Lack of personal contact due to technology. We are missing the personal touch.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around? I was honest with what I was skilled at and concentrate on that, and then I got help in the areas that were challenging.

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com? Success Stories and forum.

What’s a networking tip you use to help you gain and/or maintain your relationships?
When I meet someone, I work hard to have a balanced conversation. By learning something prominent about the person, it’s easier to remember them later.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around?
I would have a business plan from the start and I would not listen to the haters.

Who in your circle do you want to thank for helping you build your business? God first, and then my family.
Websites:

www.youngevityonline.com/wellnessdiva

www.diamondresources.yolasite.com

www.beyoungeo.com/ahealthieru

Contact Cee Cee!:

For more information or to schedule Cee Cee “Mrs. Opportunity” Caldwell-Miller” for your next company or business event/conference or for coaching, Email: ceeceespeaks@aol.com  or visit http://www.beingoodhealth.biz.

Add her as a friend on Own Your Power’s Community here!

Tarrey Torae

Main service/product?

I am a Singer/Songwriter and Activist.

How long in business?

I’ve been singing 12 years professionally, but have been singing in the shower my whole life!

What inspired you to start it?

I heard a good speaker one time say “the way to find happiness is to do the thing that makes you feel good…” So, at that point, I realized that my happiest moment of the day was when I was singing. I loved music and I decided to pursue it.  I stepped out on faith and started creating, and told any and everyone that I could find who would listen.  I took a second job to finance and record my first album then never looked back!  I love music!  It’s my happiness!

What does your business do?

I create music that speaks to life as I have lived, witnessed, and imagined it to be.  I try to teach through song lessons of healthy love experience – particularly – love for self, love for others, and love for the community.

Any interesting fact(s) you can share about your industry?

Well, it’s a “dog eat dog” world and not the easiest moment always in the music industry; so I believe that it is not always about talent, but about work ethic and to whom you connect through your work ethic.  The most interesting fact about my industry is that it’s probably the only industry that connects to all facets of life.  It’s the soundtrack to life!  Imagine a movie with songs or music to enhance the emotion of a scene.

Most popular problem you help people solve?

I am a creative person who doesn’t believe in the power of fear, and if anything, I have tried to share that with as many people as possible.  The most popular problem that I encounter is people not living their dreams and helping them to see that they are the only one in their Own Way! So by sharing what I do, I contribute to helping a person move forward.

Favorite mentor?

My favorite mentors are my husband, parents, and brothers.

Book you’d recommend and why?

I love the book, “Embraced by the Light,” by Betty J. Eadie.

How do you stay motivated?

I try to stay motivated by remembering why I sing in the first place.  I started my music journey to find happiness, and in turn, found freedom.  When I remember that, motivation is easy.  Other than that, I try to surround myself with stable, positive people who are pursuing something that they love as well.  The biggest point in motivation is removing your own selfish thoughts from the big equation and staying focused on the prize.  It really has nothing to do with you and everything to do with God assigning you to your task.

Biggest pet peeve in business? (i.e.: Talking on cell in meeting, smacking gum, canceling last min, etc.)

My biggest pet peeve is working with someone who doesn’t respect good business.   When a person says “This is my lane” and you find out they aren’t even off the sidewalk. It drives me bananas, because it wastes your time and theirs.  If everyone would stay in their lane and complete work as promised then we’d be in a better world.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?

When I decided not to pursue a traditional record deal, life became easier.  I got out the box and decided to do my own thing in spite of anyone’s opinion.  The boldness in that move 12 years ago was that I was the only one doing it like that in my peer group.  I made my own lane and invited people to my experience.

What’s a networking tip you use to help you gain and/or maintain your relationships?

Something that I have learned in networking is that listening to the other party is imperative.  You should try to connect with them in a human way and not just for what you can get from them. People are powerful and beautiful and can enhance your life if you listen.  There is nothing worse than speaking and networking with someone who is only concerned about their own points and what they need from you!  That stinks.  I do think that we miss something important when we don’t listen.

What’s a unique talent that you have that might surprise us?

Most people don’t know that I tap dance professionally, I sew and design clothes, and I love politics.

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results?

Yes, social networking is one thing in place that helped me secure a nice paying singing gig/tour.  When my contact information had changed and someone had recommended me for the job, that was the vehicle they used to find me.   Results at its finest!

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?

Hands down, the most exciting moment for me was when I performed and competed on the Apollo TV Show.  I was so proud to tell my folks to turn on their television.  I had been watching that show since I was a little girl!

What was your last barter and what was if for?

My last barter was a hairstyle for an Advertising Mention in a show.  I got to rock my new hairdo and they were mentioned and introduced to over 800 people.

What’s in your CD player/iPod right now?

J. Ivy, Pharoahe Monche, Raekwon, Marsha Ambrosius, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Rachel Farrell, Tina Marie, Bilal, The Roots, Common, and me, Tarrey Torae!

Who in your circle do you want to thank for helping you build your business?

J. Ivy, my parents, in-laws, my friends, and my music listeners!

Add Tarrey as a friend!

Website (s):

www.TarreyToraeMusic.com

www.Twitter.com/TarreyTorae

Lacey has been apart of the Own Your Power family for many years. She’s a perfect example of one who gives back to the community and who inspires and uplifts the NEXT GENERATION.  Since 2002, she’s been the founder of Sisters’ Sanctuary. Find out why she loves what she does!

What does your business do?
Heal the generation gap between younger and older women of color. Teach self love.

Most popular problem you help people solve?
Discord in the lives of women and teen girls comes from being out of integrity with oneself and a lack of self-worth.
I teach woman and girls how to love, honor, and celebrate themselves. I teach them how to practice self-love.

How do you stay motivated?
I stay in contact with people who inspire me. Staying connected to my Source also keeps me motivated.

Biggest pet peeve in business?
I hate when people show you excitement and are not really ready to receive your service once you submit a proposal.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?
Partnering with Jill Scott.

One thing that you would change if you could?
Learning how to invite help and organize a team for my business.

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com?
Success Stories.

What’s a unique talent that you have that might surprise us?
I’d make a great clown. I am also a party starter. I love enjoying myself fully and completely, and that gets the party started.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around?
Learning how to ask for help and trusting that I will receive it!

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?
I’m always shining! Lots though, BET, Radio One, Clear Channel….

What’s in your CD player/iPod right now?
Donnie -Colored Section.
Ebony Bones… I love her!

If you could have superpowers, what would you want?
I would want to be a Jumper. I would love to jump from place to place around the world. I would also love to be an invisible fly on the wall … to hear different conversations and see various acts as if I were not there.

Website (s):
www.teen-girl-self-esteem.com
twitter.com/QueenCelebrateU
youtube.com/sisterssanctuary

Add her as a friend!

Laron Henderson, President of  Just Be Social! enjoys assisting clients with building  their brands through the use of social media with sites like Facebook and Twitter. Laron says, ” My business teaches people how to promote themselves online. It’s not about you and your business, but it’s about building relationship and giving value to others.”   Find out why he LOVES WHAT HE DOES!

What inspired you to start it?
Being involved with network marketing I was looking for other ways to promote my business besides chasing friends, family and complete strangers on the street. I then found a system online that teaches you how to brand yourself online as opposed to your business.

Any interesting fact you can share about your industry?
Facebook has over 500 million users now. There’s a lot of potential to market on there if used properly.

Book You’d Recommend and why:
The Greatest Secret In The World by Og Mandino. This is not just a book. It’s a book of scrolls that will take you a year to read. It’s all about mind transformation. You read the scrolls 3 times a day, once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once at night out loud. You don’t move on to the next scroll until you have done each one so.

How do you stay motivated?
By following people who are where I want to be and have what I want. Motivational books, mp3’s, and just listening to them for inspiration.

Biggest pet peeve in business?
People who only want to market and promote their business without first trying to get to know me. Those who are always telling how great and wonderful their business without trying to find out if I have an interest in what they are doing.

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com? (networking, barter, success stories, etc..)
I like seeing all the new members and learning about  what everyone does.

What’s a networking tip you use to help you gain and/or maintain your relationships?
Always try to give value, give as much value as possible and try to understand what the other person needs. It’s not always about you.

What’s a unique talent that you have that might surprise us?
I like to write poetry when I can think of something to write.

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results?
I join groups and just try to connect with people. I’m still learning so this is a process to find out what works and what doesn’t.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around?
I would not have procrastinated so much about trying to achieve my dreams.

What’s in your cd player/ipod right now?
Everything from 2pac to Jay-Z. I’m a big hip hop fan mostly older stuff. I recently downloaded a program called 10k Per Month Attraction Marketing System by Cedrick Harris. It’s a great motivational and tip program for network marketers that want to build their business.

If you could have superpowers, what would you want?
The ability to read minds. I could know exactly what everyone wants.

Who in your circle do you want to thank for helping you build your business?
Simone Kelly-Brown for always encouraging me even though I don’t do as much as I should she always encourages me. Larry Beacham who was the first person I personally have known to build a successful MLM business without just telling me, he’s done it.

Learn more about about Laron by adding him as a friend. Or email him at  laron225@gmail.com.

Carol Dunlop is the trainer and coach you want on your side when working on living a healthy lifestyle. Find out why she loves what she does!

Main service/product:

Weight loss and exercise programs, supplements and unique exercise equipment you can use anywhere

Most popular problem you help people solve?

To sort through all the confusing information about weight loss and dieting and learn what works for them and their bodies

How do you stay motivated?

This is an easy question, my client’s successes inspire me to continue on and recreate their success in others

Biggest pet peeve in business?

The media always putting out confusing information like “Eat Low Carbs, “No Fat Foods are best,” or follow this diet or that diet. People get so confused that they just stop doing anything. That makes it worse for them to trust the real sources of great information.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?

I started my “Fit4Life Radio Show” without any prior knowledge of doing any type of radio broadcasting. The reason it works so well is that when people hear that you have a radio show, they instantly feel that you are credible and an expert in what you are talking about.

One thing that you would change if you could?

Having a mentor who could guide me through all the ups and downs of getting this fitness business off the ground.

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com?

The Groups segment. You can connect to so many like-minded people there, plus find people you otherwise wouldn’t connect with.

What’s a unique talent that you have that might surprise us?

I love to sew and knit, they help me to relax.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around?

I would create an advisory board first thing. I have seen companies that have them and they give you a great sounding board for your ideas and help you stay on track.

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?

When 8-Time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney asked me to be on his advisory board for his radio show

Add Carol as a friend on OWN YOUR POWER’S COMMUNITY  http://ownyourpower.ning.com/profile/CarolDunlop

Website (s):

www.optimumbodysculpting.com

www.facebook.com/bodysculpterfan

www.twitter.com/bodysculpter

 As the founder of Oshun’s Touch for the last 5 years, she helps to promote optimum health and wellness through holistic modalities. Get to know Deena and learn why she LOVES what she does!

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Any interesting fact(s) you can share about your industry?

Alternative medicine is one of the fastest growing and diverse industries in the nation. Holistic medicine is gaining support from in the medical community as a complementary treatment for cancer and HIV/AIDS patients, as well as a wide range of other illnesses and diseases.

Most popular problem you help people solve?

People usually seek my services when they are feeling out of balance emotionally, mentally, and/or physically. I help them understand the importance of taking responsibility for their health and then give them tools to begin the process.

What year did you kiss corporate America goodbye and why do you hope to never go back?

I left corporate for good 10 years ago, I will never go back, because working for myself is more mentally and emotionally rewarding.

How do you stay motivated?

My love for what I do and my sincere desire to be a service to others in their quest for health and well-being keeps me motivated.

Biggest pet peeve in business? Cancellations are the worst aspect of any service driven business, but especially in small businesses. And, when people don’t come into an interview unprepared, are unprofessional or under dressed it drives me crazy.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?

Enrolling in college to get my degree in occupational sciences and my licensure in massage therapy has been the best move I have made in my career.

One thing that you would change if you could?

If I had it to do over, I would have gone to a holistic college years ago.

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com? Networking is my favorite, but I also like the lifestyle section. I hope to have more available time to spend networking in the future.

What’s a unique talent that you have that might surprise us?

I happen to be a good textile artist and actually have a degree in design.

It’s sadly time for your last meal on earth…what would it be?

Oysters on the half shell, salmon stuffed w/lobster and crab meat, grilled asparagus, broccoli rabe, honey/orange glazed sweet potatoes, green salad, garlic bread, crème bruelee, chocolate granache, and a bottle of pinot noir.

Have you used social networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results?

Yes I have used social networking to promote wellness and to make new business contacts. I have made several new business contacts, met many people with interest in holistic health, and have gained a couple of new clients.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around?

My biggest mistake was underestimating my personal power.

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine? Whenever I am made aware of the role that I have played in helping someone feel better about themselves — in body, mind and spirit — it is an exciting moment.

What was your last barter and what was if for? (i.e.: printing for business consulting, a dress for a hairstyle)

My last barter was a Reiki treatment for production of my meditation CD.

What’s in your CD player/iPod right now?

Natasha atlas, belly dance music.

If you could have superpowers, what would you want?

The power to instill unconditional love in the heart and soul of men and women all over the world.

Website(s):

www.myspace.com/oshunstouch

www.facebook.com/deenacollins.oshunstouch

Contact info:

Deena Collins CEO founder Oshuns Touch

917.513.9493 e/m oshunstouch@gmail.com