If you’re finally ready to step up and Own Your Power and YOUR OWN BUSINESS, this course is for you! Release the shackles and start to build your dream business. It’s time!

This powerful 8-week program is based on the book Jack of All Trades, Master of None? and features private coaching from Simone Kelly. This personalized business development program will keep you focused on a progressive transformation of your business and also help you gain a new sense of balance and joy from working solely on your passion!

You’ll get the knowledge, tools, insight, and confidence to lead your company and create extraordinary results.

Who Should Sign Up:
-Anyone who has a full-time job and a side business and wants OUT of Corporate America!
-An entrepreneur who continues to seek new business opportunities, instead of capitalizing on the ones they already have.
-Anyone who is feeling overwhelmed with their business and not sure of what to do next.
-Someone who needs help in managing various projects, but thinks they can’t afford to hire anyone.

How You Will Benefit:
-Transform your vision and begin doing something you LOVE, which is aligned with your goal, and is not just a JOB.
-Learn how to think like a marketer…even if you don’t have a business background.
-Master the art of relationship building.
-Design ways to increase your productivity by incorporating “Me Time” rituals.
-Learn the value of duplicating yourself by building and effectively managing a volunteer or commission-based team.
-Unleash your creative spirit and use it to promote your business.

“Working with Simone Kelly-Brown is like a breath of fresh air. Prior to my eight-week coaching program with her I had no idea that there were other ways to develop my business and market my holistic therapy services. I am now hiring an intern to work for me, and I have a tried and true system in place for running my company so that I can delegate projects as well as manage my practice when traveling if needed. My client-base has expanded, and I am now creating new possibilities for leading large seminars, retreats, and holistic events including my music production, on a global scale. Simone truly loves what she does, and speaking with her always leaves me inspired, grateful, and able to take concrete steps towards extraordinary business success. Many Thanks!” Kena “Rohi” Custage, NYC Director, www.energyofbreath.com “My experience with Simone Kelly Brown’s 8 week course was life altering. Before I started the course, I felt like I was all over the place. I learned that you can get more things done in the course of a day if you plan it out correctly. I accomplished more than I ever thought I could in such a short period of time.  I’ve developed a newsletter, a slogan, a teleclass, just to name a few. I can see the success of my business coming to fruition! I appreciated the challenge and I now feel like I have structure. I may take the course again in the future! I highly recommend it.” Tamisa M. Covington Apropos “Charmed, I’m sure…” www.apropos-etiquette.com

What You’ll Learn:
Session 1: Diggin’ Deep
We will focus on your goals, core values, and fine-tune what you want to accomplish with your professional life. Diggin’ Deep allows you to look into your future and develop the story that you will transform into a reality. This session will help you reflect, re-energize and refocus!

Session 2: Are You a Jack?
We’ll discuss the main areas you excel in and design your business around it. In this session, you’ll learn how to focus on your core strengths and get rid of the excess. You will begin to sculpt a new mission statement for your company and we’ll lay the groundwork to get it to the next stage.

Session 3: Develop YOUR System
We will work on how to best design your company’s weekly, daily, and monthly procedures so that it runs smoothly and consistently. Observe and monitor your business’ progress as you communicate a clearer vision to your team and implement new systems that address your business frustrations.

Session 4: Have Them Remember You!
Understand the push buttons of your target audience and design new ways to be remembered with innovative strategies.

Session 5: Fine-Tune Your Customer Retention
Learn the effective techniques for customer service, feedback and following up with clients.

Session 6: Create Your Power Team!
Create a Power House Team! Team Building is all about picking the right people! Develop some low-cost creative ways to build your staff and how to keep them. Learn the value of duplicating yourself by building and effectively managing an intern or volunteer based team.

Session 7: Create Your Own Mini-Marketing Plan
Develop a short marketing plan to roll out the newest strategies that you have learned in prior sessions. We’ll design a six-month timeline together.

Session 8: Gots To Have Vision!
In this last session you will develop your vision even further and begin to evaluate your progress. We’ll also do the assessment you did in the beginning of the workshop to see how far you’ve come in the past 8 weeks. The goal is to keep you on the path that you’ve started and to encourage you to continue on the path of growth and development.

This course is normally $1,200 for the one-one-one coaching. The Discount to you if you register before January 15th is a savings over over $300!

You also have the option of just getting the online course that will include 2 mini-sessions with Simone. One in the beginning and one before your last class.

All students will receive a certificate of completion as well!

TUITION:

Full plan: Pay in full and save over $353! Normally $1200

Buy now for $847

Installment plan: (SAVE $300!)

One on One weekly calls for 8 Weeks: Deposit $149 to get started, then every two weeks (3 payments of $250)

Buy now with $149 Deposit

Online Course: is a One-time tuition payment of ONLY $149.

You’ll get the course via email each week and must submit homework each week. You’ll have a weekly 20  minute question and answer group call with Coach Simone Kelly as well!

Buy now for only $149!  That’s only $18.62 a week!

Have questions? Call us TODAY to ENROLL  for the 8 Weeks to CEO Course at 877-545-7352. For more reviews on what clients had to say about their experience with us, please check out our success stories page.

Denise Nelson has multiple personalities…in a good way! She’s a voice-over actress who is also bilingual. I’ve heard her jump from young Spanish girl, to mature Jamaican lady,  to a British banker, and  to New York hip hop Radio personality within 5 minutes! 

Aside from being highly entertaining, she’s very talented and professional  and now she’s a member of The Give ‘n Take Network!

Do you have a podcast or radio show and need a professional intro or commercial that has someone else’s voice other than yours?

Do you need to add an audio clip on your site to capture people’s attention?

Would you like to record an article, ebook, or novel recorded a cd but don’t think your voice is the best fit or you just don’t have the time?

Try out our newest member, Denise Nelson who can help take your business and your promotions to the next level with the power of her VOICE!

Interested? Email her at denisenelsonvo@gmail.com
to find out her rates based on your project or contact Give ‘n Take!

NOT A MEMBER? JOIN FOR FREE and see our VIDEO HERE: www.giventakenetwork.org then call our team at 877-545-7352 and we can give you a walk through! Learn how to start bartering, to get help promoting what you have to offer so that you can get what you need in our barter exchange! By the way…  WE NOW HAVE  COSTA RICA Vacations, FACIALS, VOICE OVER ACTRESS, TIME MANAGEMENT COACHES, ACCOUNTANTS, PERSONAL ASSISTANTS,  LIFE COACHES, INTUITIVE READINGS, HAIR SALONS, REIKI, MASSAGE, VIDEO EDITING, AUDIO EDITING, GRAPHIC DESIGN  and much more on barter.

JOIN NOW: www.giventakenetwork.org

BARTER IS SO MUCH SMARTER!

 It’s two years later and of course it’s only gotten worse. Own Your Power Member, Tamisa Covington is an etiquette expert who has something to say about the addition to cell phones…Take a minute to check it out some definite cell phone no-nos.

Own Your Power,

Simone

Cell Phone-Schmell Phone, Stop the Mobile Madness!

By Tamisa Covington

I can’t believe after all these years (since 1973 when Motorola created the very first mobile phone) we don’t get that we are being rude with the incessant yammering on our mobile phones. Now, I live in the NYC Metropolitan area so, I have a pretty high tolerance for noise pollution.

It’s  beyond my comprehension why people don’t take a moment to turn their phone off or at least be courteous enough to put it on manner mode (vibrate). Am I the only person that cringes when you hear someone’s loud inappropriate ring-tone in a movie theater, at weddings, or even funerals? As if the Nicki Minaj’s SuperBass ringtone isn’t enough, you dare answer it and have an inappropriate conversation? Tisk, tisk… Shameful. I really don’t want to know the details about the argument you had with you husband regarding his mother or any other intimate things that are creeping me out, but of course now I’m forced to endure it because, you didn’t consider me or the others around you.

I’m sure we can all agree that life would be difficult without our mobile phones. If I ever misplaced mine you can bet that I would be reduced to a pile of ashes because, my mobile phone houses a bunch of important information that quite frankly I’m too lazy to memorize. At any rate, we should at least take the time to mind our manners and be serious about public cell phone use. As a side note, can we have our pre-teen and teenage counterparts take part in this movement for “Model Mobile Manners”?

Please, for the sanity of the folks who try really hard to be considerate, here are some rules of thumb:

1. Please observe the 10 foot rule if you must make or take a call out in public.  Make sure you have a 10 foot radius around you so, folks don’t have to hear the content of your conversation.
2. I don’t want to pick on anyone’s ringtone, (especially because I really like my Bollywood inspired one) but if you must use an unusual one, keep it at a barely audible volume. Otherwise you may choose to keep it on vibrate.
3. These are the following places you shouldn’t hold a conversation on your cell: an elevator (unless you are alone), trains or buses, restaurants,the theater, weddings, funerals, places of worship, in the doctor’s office, or in any enclosed spaces. Unless of course it is an emergent matter.
4. When driving, please remember to use your bluetooth or hands-free kit so as to not present a hazard to the other drivers on the road. Plus, in most states it’s illegal to not use a hands-free kit and if caught without one you can incur a hefty fine.
5. Do not, I repeat, do not answer your phone and have a conversation during a meeting with your boss and colleagues, interviewing for a job, etc. Unless you mention in the beginning that you are expecting an important phone call that you have to take. In which case if you receive the call, quietly excuse yourself from the meeting with minimal disruption.

Can we talk briefly about texting? Texting in front of others while they are trying to hold a conversation with you is considered rude. There are however a few exceptions. Most companies are moving forward with the latest technology and find it acceptable to text and email during business meetings. This is acceptable if this is the norm. If not, I would advise you put you mobile phone away until after the meeting.

Also, PLEASE don’t text and drive. I cannot emphasize this point enough. This has nothing at all to do with etiquette; it has to do with safety. For the safety of yourself, other drivers, and pedestrians, please refrain from texting while driving. If you absolutely have to text, pull over.

For more information about Tamisa Covington and to schedule your own Etiquette coaching session, contact her here: http://www.apropos-etiquette.com/index.html

Since 2007, Own Your Power Communications, Inc. has been hosting empowering retreats in Miami and conferences in NYC. Many of you have expressed an interest in coming but due to location, time, and/or financial constraints, you were not able to join us in our life-changing events. Well, I’m glad to be the bearer of GOOD NEWS!
We’ll save you some travel expenses, since we’re not doing a retreat this year because we’re bringing the RETREAT to you!

Sign up for only $29.00! Go here to find out about the upcoming teleclasses!

www.ownyourpower.biz/virtualretreat.html

Let me break it down for you …

I gathered up my own personal CIRCLE OF POWER…mentors and colleagues who are experts in the fields of personal development and entrepreneurship.

All of them are very successful at what they do and have a talented way of sharing their business models, concepts, stories of success and yes, even their mistakes.
We put together over 10 speakers and panel discussions where I dive deep in getting in their heads, picking their brains just for you! You’ll begin learning exactly what makes them tick and how we too can emulate them and get a taste of that magic they have! Register now to be a part of the next few weeks of inspiration!

Sign up for only $29.00! Go here to find out about the upcoming teleclasses!

www.ownyourpower.biz/virtualretreat.html

For Immediate Release:  

Contact: Debra Dixon, Light of Gold PR, Marketing, and Consulting LLC

E-mail: mediainquiries@lightofgoldpr.com, Phone: (646) 399-1678 – NY office or (404) 212-1643 – Atlanta office

Website: http://www.lightofgoldpr.com

MEDIA ADVISORY

The Own Your Power Biz Conference in NY features Keynote Speaker from Dr. Randal Pinkett “Season 4 Winner of the Apprentice” and other prominent business coaches To Empower Professionals To “Get Personal with Their Business Brand”

New York, NY – July 28, 2010 – The upcoming 2010 Own Your Power Biz Conference theme is “Getting Personal with Your Business”. The Own Your Power Biz Conference will be held on Saturday, September 18th from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at Columbia University’s Faculty House.  The Conference offers an exciting program chock full of powerful business and personal development workshops, prize drawings, complimentary coaching sessions, networking, entertainment, breakfast, lunch, and better yet….a low price point at only $99 for the Early Bird special, &169.00 Regular Registration.  The conference’s business and personal development workshops are designed to broaden your vision and bring clarity for your businesses future. This conference is only for those SERIOUS about increasing their profitability and living their best life!

The Keynote Speaker is Dr. Randal Pinkett, the Season 4 Winner of  Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice TV Show.  Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Dr. Pinkett’s Course, “ No-Money Down CEO”, engage in networking, and enjoy amazing entertainment by Grammy Nominee.

Attendees will receive expert advice from powerful motivational business coaches and a host of prominent speakers. The topics include ‘Authentically Yours, Publish Your Way to Success, There’s a Goldmine in Your Cell Phone, and other interesting topics to help professionals and small business owners empower themselves and grow their business.

Simone Kelly-Brown, Founder of the Own Your Power  Biz Conference says, “Our goal is to encourage people to take action, discover their purpose and take those important steps toward success.  Anyone who attends the Conference will leave with new contacts, new friends, and a game plan. The best part is that we’ll help you put it together!”

Participants also have the opportunity to showcase their business.  Vendor Tables are available for only $199.00.  All vendors will also receive a complimentary listing in the Own Your Power Resource Directory valued at $39.00 a year and will be featured in the print directory.

Attendees can register for only $99 with the early bird special until August 15^th. After the August 15^th the price will be only $169.  For Registration or Sponsorship for the Own Your Power Conference, go to www.ownyourpower.biz/conference or 877-545-7352.  The fee includes a full day of workshops, a Power Pack of gifts from sponsors, a delicious breakfast and lunch, a complimentary copy of Dr. Randall Pinkett’s “No Money Down CEO” Audio Business Course and much more.  .   

To schedule a media interview, e-mail mediainquiries@lightofgoldpr.com or call 646-399-1678.

About Us  

Own Your Power Communications (OYPC – http://www.ownyourpower.biz), has been empowering entrepreneurs to take their company and life’s dreams to the next level since 1996.  Owner and Founder, Simone Kelly-Brown is passionate about personal empowerment and encouraging professionals and business owners to OWN businesses and to pursue a holistic lifestyle. Simone has reached thousands with her advice and uses her talents best with various forms of media that include being an author, speaker, coach, and radio show personality. Through her programs under the OYP umbrella, Kelly-Brown helps professionals and entrepreneurs gain powerful results to help you own YOUR Power!  This conference is presented in partnership with C&G Enterprises (www.cgenterprisesonline.com).

TODAY’S DAILY OM!

Choose the words you speak with carefully as they are more powerful than you know.

Words carry energy and this gives language its power and its potential to heal or hurt. Most of us can remember a time that someone sent a word our way, and it stuck with us. It may have been the first time we received a truly accurate compliment, or the time a friend or sibling called us a name, but either way it stuck. This experience reminds us that what we say has weight and power and that being conscious means being aware of how we use words.

The more conscious we become, the more we deepen our relationship to the words we use so that we speak from a place of actually feeling what we are saying. We begin to recognize that words are not abstract, disconnected entities used only to convey meaning; they are powerful transmitters of feeling.

For the next few days, you might want to practice noticing how the words you say and hear affect your body and your emotional state. Notice how the different communication styles of the people in your life make you feel. Also, watch closely to see how your own words come out and what affect they have on the people around you. You may notice that when we speak quickly, without thinking, or rush to get our ideas across, our words don’t carry the same power as when we speak slowly and confidently, allowing those receiving our words time and space to take them in. When we carefully listen to others before we speak, our words have more integrity, and when we take time to center ourselves before speaking, we truly begin to harness the power of speech. Then our words can be intelligent messengers of healing and light, transmitting deep and positive feelings to those who receive them.

For more words of wisdom Check Out Daily Om!

Mobile phone communication gap? I know, sounds like an oxymoron, with our mini-computers, phones, video and conference meetings in the palm of our hands, one would think our communication would be at it’s most highest peak. You would think that our society would be ultimate communicators, right? However, I beg to differ. What made me really scratch my head was a simple observation at a poetry event that I attended recently.

The crowd was slowly forming waiting for the event to begin. The music was playing, and groups of so-called friends and couples sat together at the round tables sipping on their after-hour beverages. The setting was perfect to catch up on some ‘what’s happening in your life news’, the latest gossip, venting about your jerky boyfriend, or flirting with your date. Well, instead of talking to one another, I saw thumbs typing furiously away to their other friend, much more POPULAR FRIEND, you got it…their MOBILE PHONE.

I had no idea that it’s gotten this bad people. Yes, I’ll admit we’ve advanced with technology. There has been a serious shift in what we call normal related to cell phone activity. When we see someone shouting and gesticulating wildling walking down the street by themselves, we no longer assume they just escaped from a mental institution! We know, oh, he’s just an obnoxious jerk on his Blue tooth, arguing with someone. Normal everyday stuff, right?

However, I didn’t realize that we’ve gone this far. That it’s actually normal, not poor taste or bad manners anymore to be on a cell phone while in company of others. Oh no, not for a quick call to check in with the baby sitter or make sure your friends are on their way, but to surf, Tweet, Face Book, and God knows what else NON-STOP.

I chuckled as I observed the room of the poetry lounge and I mentioned it to my friends at my table who WERE actually talking to each other. We observed the room in awe. Almost every table was illuminated with flickering blue lights, people slouching in their chairs immersed in the LCD of their cells.

Of course, me being the nosey people-watcher that I am, had to ask. I thought, this will be an interesting blog post, so why not? I started making my rounds, since the show didn’t start yet. I told people they’d be featured in a blog, and all of them were more than willing to share. I first asked the popular Miami Poet, Lex, why he was on his phone texting and why does he think most people were doing it right now.

He said, “We’re trying to look busy, occupied. I’m usually just playing Bricks on my phone. Something to do.” Lo and behold he showed me his phone and he wasn’t lying! LOL Then, there were three girlfriends who came and barely spoke to each other. They sat in the corner, laughed for a few minutes and then dug in their purses to connect with their other friends on Facebook and Twitter. I asked them what they were doing that had them so involved with their phone when they had real live friends sitting next to them.

One giggled a bit embarrassed, “Oh, I was looking at Fandango trying to find some movies to go to with some other friends!”
Another said she was checking Facebook and Myspace.com.

Oh it was hilarious, they couldn’t see how strange it was? When I say not talking to each other, I am saying NO COMMUNICATION. They were just sitting together, not speaking. I just found it fascinating how people who were friends rather talk to their social networks than the flesh and blood sitting right next to them.
I went over to a few others. One sheepishly admitted she was looking for an after party to hit up. The last one I asked is the only one with a valid response. She was trying to help her lost friend find her way to the poetry spot by texting her directions.

The next evening I was in a restaurant and I saw this “mobile communication gap” again. The avid text maniacs going to town. Two girls dining together, texting, calling, and not talking to each other. It’s a travesty people!

Now, the main question is why do we do this? Was it really like Lex said, to look important, busy, or cool? Or just because were in such a fast forward society we forget to live in the now and appreciate our moments as they come as opposed to living in the future. Ya know, looking for that after party or telling people how much fun were having on Facebook at the lounge “not talking to our friends.” If they ONLY knew the fun you were really having! Come on! The irony just kills me.

At the time of writing, my Blackberry vibrated and it was a Facebook alert saying that a client posted on my wall and few friends were digging some photos I posted. I checked it without hesitation, smiling at their responses. Oh nooooooo, don’t say it. They got me too!

Are we just little puppets controlled by the need to feel wanted, to feel important, and hey… to even show off a bit. It’s about LOOKING FABULOUS, LOOKING GOOD, FEELING APPRECIATED, FEELING LIKED and trust me we are all falling for it. It’s fun, but I think we need to find a balance between the digital world and the real world.

I remember in the early 90’s when email became more popular and we couldn’t wait for an email to come in. Now, the emails we crave are Facebook, Myspace, Twitter alerts to let us know we have a new comment, bulletin, note or message.

Don’t get me wrong. I love social networking and it’s a POWERFUL vehicle to help you get your name out there. It’s help me grow my businesses tremendously. I enjoy meeting new people from all walks of life and I especially enjoy meeting my Internet friends in the FLESH! All I’m saying is if you have REAL friends, which I’m hoping you do, cherish the moment you have with them IN PERSON.

Your poor friends have been feeling neglected. When you start sending Facebook messages to  your other friend in Canada, that seems like more fun RIGHT in front of them, they’re thinking, “What am I? Chop liver?” So, they pull out their cell to feel important as well and so the cycle begins. LOL Well, that’s just my theory!
Just remember to talk to your friends, listen to them, laugh with them and put your dang phone away just for a little. If you’re one of those FB/Twitter junkies or text maniacs, check yourself when you are sitting with a friend.
Let’s close this communication gap and bring it back to the basics. You know, when we actually talked to each other!

Own Your Power,

Simone

By Simone Kelly-Brown

I know from experience that getting out of your comfort zone and forcing yourself to JUST DO IT can take your career into an entirely new dimension! Out of those three areas I mentioned earlier, writing is my first love. It comes easily for me and is even a hobby. I write fiction books and poetry.

Networking—believe it or not—was something I absolutely dreaded! Just the simple fact that I had to make small talk with “strangers” was something I avoided at all costs. I’m sure I missed out on several new clients or business alliances, because of my fear of ‘getting out there’ and mingling in sometimes uncomfortable environments. Slowly but surely, I started forcing myself to attend a function at least once a month. I stopped asking people to introduce me to others and started to become brave enough to go up to people on my own. I beefed up my networking skills by going with a purpose and plenty of practice! A few years later, I started my own networking organization (The Give ‘N Take Network for Women) that has members across the United States!

And public speaking, oh boy…don’t even get me started! As a manager and then eventually a director in Corporate America, I couldn’t avoid it, but I absolutely wished I could lock myself in my office and hide. Meeting after meeting, conference call after conference call, I had to present ideas to upper management, discuss employee issues, and present results from various projects. With 5 or less people in the room, I was cool; but once the crowd was any bigger, my hands would sort of tremble, my voice would crack, and the beads of perspiration would form on my forehead. I know…very attractive, right? As talkative as I am one on one, public speaking and me didn’t mix.

I hate to admit it, but I even remember turning down speaking engagements when Gots To Have It started to take off. I just wanted to stay in my comfort zone, behind my computer monitor where I was safe from making a fool of myself. But after finally saying “yes” to my first panel discussion, I found out that I was actually making an impact by encouraging others with my story and advice. I enjoyed seeing the warm faces and reassuring smiles in the audience looking back at me and nodding their heads. I especially loved that they had no idea my knees were wobbling under my skirt and how my hands were shaking every time I took a sip of my water. The line of people waiting to speak to me after my presentations confirmed that I was doing the right thing! Five years later, I actually get paid to speak at universities and business groups. Who knew? I’ve learned many tips from picking the brains of successful professionals who were amazing at public speaking.

My favorites on being prepared are:

-Know who your audience is and speak their language

-Be yourself, it truly shows

-Write out your presentation

-Practice in the mirror

-Tape record yourself to hear what needs improvement

Photo: Jackie Robinson Scholars and Simone

I’m proud to say, my knees no longer wobble and now, you have to drag me off the mic!

GETTING OVER PUBLIC SPEAKING JITTERS

Getting out of your comfort zone means you must be willing to grow; and most of the time that is a very uncomfortable feeling.
One of the universal fears most people face is the fear of Public Speaking. Sweaty palms, jittering teeth, upset stomach and nervous twitches are some of the ways this fear manifests itself. The good news is: anyone can overcome this fear if they are willing to step out of their comfort zone!

Below are a few practical ways to conquer fears of Public Speaking:

1. Think of Public Speaking as a conversation with a group of people. When you have conversations, your words flow naturally. You aren’t nervous, and people can feel your natural passion in regards to what you are saying. If you think of the audience as a group of your friends you can release some of your anxieties.

2. Before making a presentation it is imperative that you properly research your subject so your thoughts can flow with ease. No one likes to feel like they are being lectured to in a presentation. It is much more pleasant to feel like the person in front of the room is sharing useful information/advice that would make for good conversation later.

3. It is important to prepare an outline of your presentation to give your listeners a proper introduction, body and conclusion of your thoughts. An outline shouldn’t be used to read from, but as a summary of the main thoughts you will share. With enough practice you will become very familiar with your presentation so that you won’t need to read your outline. You will be able to just occasionally look at it in order to keep on track.

4. You must know your audience. For instance, you probably wouldn’t want to present a medical lecture to group of photographers. Researching your audience helps you to prepare a presentation that will be of interest to them. This will also help you to feel as if you have a connection with your audience.

5. It is only through consistent practice that you are able to overcome your fears. Start off with practicing your Public Speaking today! Practice presenting as much as possible by introducing yourself at networking functions, testifying in church, presenting at staff meetings, etc. Remember practice will make you more confident. Confidence is what makes you not as concerned about other people’s acceptance of your presentation because you have done your homework.


Remember, no one knows what you are going to say before you open your mouth. If you make a mistake no one will know except you. The mere fact that you had the courage to come out of your comfort zone and stand in front of a group of people makes you successful. It’s all in how you choose to approach things in life…either to seek to conquer or to be defeated.

I wish you continued success on your life’s journey.


Stacie N.C. Grant

Stacie is the NYC Event Manager of Give ‘N Take Network and founder of C&G Enterprises in 1994 as a motivational speaker. Since then C&G has developed into three main entities: The C&G Youth Scholars Program, C&G Professional Event Coordinators, & C&G Technology Support. She has also published various motivational articles and is a prominent motivational speaker/lecturer/trainer. View her site online:http://www.cgenterprisesonline.com/.

RESOURCES TO GET YOU MOVIN’:

Fear of Public Speaking

• http://ezinearticles.com/?Making-Communication-Effective:-4-Language-Filters&id=163112
• http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Tame-Speaking-Butterflies&id=162340
• http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Trouble-With-PowerPoint&id=158508
• http://ezinearticles.com/?Public-Speakers!-What-Face-Do-You-Want-to-Present-to-Your-Audience?&id=157118
• http://ezinearticles.com/?To-Overcome-Fear-of-Public-Speaking,-You-need-to-Understand-the-Underlying-Causes&id=156190

Links to Speaker Clubs/Coaches

• www.toastmasters.org
• http://www.presentationtrainers.com/
• http://careerplanning.about.com/blny3.htm

WRITING TO GET AHEAD

Yes, writing can be hard. Writing to promote your business can be even harder. Some of the worst writing I’ve ever seen has included the tight, joyless, airless copy that a businessperson has put up on their website, in a press release, or in a brochure describing their work or services. Usually this kind of writing is gripped in fear! The good news, though, is that improving your writing can be fun! You let loose, let go, and don’t be afraid to show your true colors. Here are a few tips on how to do that:

1. Find examples of marketing materials from other businesses that you like and study it. You may find it in the most unlikely places, like your junk mail pile! When an ad makes you want to buy, figure out why. What kind of verbs does the copy use? What kind of descriptors?
2. When you sit down to write, don’t agonize over your work for hours and hours. Give yourself a time limit. Work for only an hour and pour out your heart with NO EDITING. Don’t worry about being flip, silly, or un-businesslike.
3. Pretend that you’re writing for someone else who you think is the absolute best at what they do and you want to totally RAVE about them. Sometimes we hold back because we don’t want to toot our own horns, but it’s the best thing you can do for your writing.
4. Take a break and leave the copy alone for a few hours. Use the time to think about whether you’ve held anything back for fear. If you have, ask yourself, “Is this fear valid?” and “Is having this fear worth sacrificing being the best I can be for my business?” Ideally, of course, the answer is no!
5. Go back and write down what you’ve held back and put it in. Remember, nothing is written in stone. You can always test what you’ve done. If it doesn’t work, change it. But don’t let the doubt keep you from moving forward.

If you’re having trouble jumping into being fearless, think about this: the more fearless you are, the more you can experiment, play and have fun with your business, and the more successful you will be. Isn’t that why you created your own business in the first place?

Author and Writing Coach Sophfronia Scott is “The Book Sistah” TM. Get her FREE REPORT, “The 5 Big Mistakes Most Writers Make When Trying to Get Published” and her FREE online writing and publishing tips at http://www.TheBookSistah.com

RESOURCES TO GET YOU MOVIN’:

How to use writing for your business

• http://ezinearticles.com/?Less-is-More:-Editing-Your-Business-Writing&id=143666

• http://www.ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Write-More-Powerful-Business-Letters&id=1841
• http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Write-Powerful-Articles-to-Promote-Your-Expertise-and-Your-Business&id=107633

NETWORKING WITH A PLAN:

I moved to New Jersey a few years ago, and I have made so many new friends and new customers by using the following five techniques. Networking can be rewarding in many ways. The social rewards of making new friends and associates are long lasting. The business rewards of making new customers and helping others with your own business contacts is vital to all of our businesses.

1. 3-Foot Rule: anyone you are within 3 feet of, you start a conversation with them

2. Saying Hello: this one word has made me so much money. You may find it uncomfortable to start conversations with strangers, but try it anyway.

3. Listen to the person you are networking with. You may find that you can fulfill a need or solve a problem with your business, product or your contacts.

4. Be prepared to talk about yourself, your business or your product. Give a brief explanation of who you are and what you do.

5. Follow-up: exchange business cards and always follow-up with contacts that you make while networking. Follow-up is key.


Fadila Gathers, FG Marketing, LLC

Stacie N.C. Grant
Stacie N.C. Grant is definitely someone I would refer to as a super woman. And she does it all with a smile. You would never know just how much this woman can handle, but she’s an example of a person who loves what she does and enjoys helping others and I admire her a great deal.

As an expert in CELEBRATION, since she’s an event planner, who better to profile for this month’s topic? Not only does she run her business C and G Enterprises along with her husband Andrew Grant, she also is Give ‘n Take’s New York event manager, a wife and a mother of two. Talk about a busy woman, eh? Let’s hear from Superwoman on how she stays motivated to do it all!

Why did you start you business?

I realized that having a job solely in charge of my financial destiny was an
uncomfortable feeling. It became very frustrating giving 200% to an employer
and not feeling adequately compensated. While working hard has never been a
problem for me, I wanted to put that same energy into creating a financial
legacy for my family.

What are the biggest joys you get from owning your power and calling the
shots?

The biggest joy is to be able to have the flexibility I need in order to be
there for my children. Additionally it is a wonderful experience building my
company with my husband and visualizing how many lives we will touch through
our services. It’s also a plumb pleasing pleasure not to have to report to a
miserable boss/supervisor .

If you could escape from the daily grind for one week, where would you go
and what would you do?

If I could escape for a week, I would go with my husband (minus children
to an exclusive boutique resort in Jamaica, W.I. or Sedona, Arizona and have
a spa treatment each day and then alternate between curling up with a good
book/magazine and watching a great movie each night. I might even be
adventurous enough to try parasailing or water skiing.

Celebrations are sometimes forgotten in the business world, what would you
suggest a business can do to create a LOW COST launch party or anniversary
party for their business?

One of the most cost effective ways to create a LOW COST launch party or
anniversary party is to host such an event in a facility looking to gain
publicity and offer them free promotion through your event in exchange for
their free rental space. If you choose a day of the week when their normal
traffic is low, they might be more willing to entertain such a proposal.
You can also do the same with vendors you consistently work with and barter
services like Catering & DJ Entertainment which would enhance your event.
Lastly, you can save on favors and/or gift bags by having everyone in your
business network contribute samples to be included. Believe it or not,
hiring a professional event planner could save you both time and money with
organizing your event in the long run.

What advice could you give to up and coming event planners who want to get
in the business?

My advice to up and coming event planners who want to get in the business
would be the following:
1. Do your research as to what area you want to specialize in.
2. Join a Professional Association to begin networking and receive
educational resources. Suggested organizations: www.mpiweb.com /
www.ises.com/ www.ncbmp.com /www.bridalassn.com
3. Gain experience by volunteering work for family and friends.
4. Request an internship or apprenticeship with an experienced Planner.
5. Keep the faith, as the old adage goes…”Rome wasn’t built in a day!”

‘

To get in contact with Stacie, her website is:
 http://www.cgenterprisesonline.com/

FAME…I Wanna Live Forever!

I know you will be humming that Fame song for the rest of the day. (Don’t you just hate when I do that?) LOL! The song is so perfect for this month’ s topic.

So what, they are not on the cover of Time, Vanity Fair, Cosmo, or Essence. They might not have the paparazzi hiding behind their bathroom door trying to get that million dollar nudie shot, but they are still stars in the eyes of many!

I’m talking about the phenomenon of the local celebrity. The little guy who still shines brighter than the Average Joe. There is something that draws us to these people. It’ s their passion, their personalities, it’ s what they do. The local celebrity could be a financial expert, doctor, politician, motivational speaker, pastor, or business guru. What is it that gives him or her that star quality? And is it possible for you to attain that magical twinkle in your eye as well?

Well, in this issue you’ll learn you don’t have to dance on top of cars to get the attention you deserve. (For the older folks who remember the Fame Movie, you remember that don’t you?)

1. Know your target market and have them feel comfortable with you! Understand what they need and want so that you can give it to them and THEN some. Having a “story” is extremely important as well, in many cases people want to identify with you. Maybe you accomplished something they are trying to and you are their inspiration. Tell them about it. Don’ t be shy. If you were in an abusive relationship, WRITE ABOUT IT, talk about it.

If you just overcame a serious illness and found ways to overcome it by changing your diet, SHARE IT! If you were in debt and now you’re a big BALLER, tell ‘em how you got there! FIND THEIR PROBLEM AND HELP THEM SOLVE IT! We love information– heck you’ re getting some right now aren’t ya?

2. Do Something that Counts!

Being fabulous is cute, but what are you doing for your community that makes people remember you? Host an event, volunteer; speak on topics that will uplift those in your area.

3. Continue to Build Up Your Fan Base:

Collect contact info like it’s nobodies business. Every event that you have or attend, you should be collecting names, e-mails, and mailing addresses. Don’t walk away missing out on potentially new clients, customers, followers, fans, etc.

For those in the music industry for example, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to a show and then realized they didn’t’ even have anyone collecting email addresses or business cards. It’s a wasted opportunity! You need to stay in contact with these folks who could later come to another show and buy your CD online!

4. Get out the house and WORK THAT ROOM BABY!

Learn how to find interesting networking events online. Go where your target market is, not necessarily where your peers are. Read this article titled Work That Room, Baby for more info and simple tips to make networking easier for you.

5. Do local cable, TV, or even get your own Internet Radio Show! Start researching cable access shows in your area by calling your local cable company. Cable is very inexpensive and many folks are shocked when they find out the rates!

Why not start your own Internet Radio show by going here for more info: http://radio.about.com/od/createinternetradio/a/aa100604a.htm?terms=internet+radio+show

I sat down with a Give ‘N Take attendee Jude Gorgopa, Founder of Clout Et Cetera, Inc. to ask her what she thought about the topic since she is an expert in getting clout. She had these points to add to the list.

6. Have Authentic Personal Style:

Becoming a local celebrity is a lot easier than you may think! Having star quality is more a matter of over-all impression than actual looks so having a knockout first impression is one giant step to stardom. What message is your image sending? Before you even open your mouth, you need to have a positive and memorable impact on people. Having authentic personal style can give you the clout to open doors to places that would otherwise remain locked or take years to enter. It’s amazing how charm, grace, and confidence can get you to the front of the line. You don’t have to be rich or wear expensive clothes. It’s all in how you work it! That’s star quality.

7. Keep yourself in front of people!

Speak at events, participate in fundraising, go to networking events, get cards printed and hand them out and make sure to take advantage of photo ops and auditions. There’s no room for fear! Get known for being the professional and wonderful person that you are. It’s a hard fact that even if someone is really interested in you, they will rarely call you back. You must keep on top of your contacts and constantly develop new ones, focusing on those that will help you get to where you want to go. The most important advice is to be kind to everyone on your way up, from the receptionists to the doormen to the assistants, because you never know who you’ll meet on the way down!

8. Anyone can develop a signature style.

It takes time and it takes courage, but it can be done. Finding yourself as a person has a lot to do with finding your personal style as the whole process is to basically bring the inward outward. It’s not enough to get a makeover when the old attitudes are still attached. It’s like putting fresh icing on a stale cake. If you’re going through a major transition in your life and exploring new options, you’re feeling lost and confused or just plain bored, it helps to have a coach on hand to help direct you to your goals and the image to go along with them.

Jude L. Gorgopa, author, motivational speaker, life/career coach, total image consultant, and trainer is the President/Founder of Clout Et Cetera, Inc., an image and lifestyle resource for individuals, groups, and businesses that can change your attitude, your career, and your life.

Look out for her upcoming book, ‘The Fundamentals of Clout: Volume One. A Woman’s Portable Guide to the Power of Personal Style’ is now available from our website.

A percentage of the sale price will be donated to charity. For more information on services and events, please visit us @ http://www.cloutetcetera.com or e-mail jude@cloutetc.com.