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).

“At Second Glance is a real page turner! I laughed, I cried, and laughed some more as I felt a little connected to some of the characters and their situations. I highly recommend this fantastic novel by multi-talented author Simone Kelly Brown!” Tamisa Covington, NJ

That email she sent made me feel so good; it was an ego boost at first, but I have to admit, I felt guilty. I was mad at myself for not really writing or promoting it like I should have. Writing is really one of my first loves and my favorite form of expression. However, I have to admit, because it’s so much fun and like a hobby to me, I still have to force myself to promote my fiction work. It’s also not bad to have an extra revenue stream from doing things that you love. That is what ‘Owning Your Power’ is all about!

After I read Tamisa’s email, I looked at my book At Second Glance again. I started reading some of it , smiling, blushing, laughing and getting into the book as if I didn’t write it! It’s mind-blowing how new things can feel when you haven’t looked at it in a while. I was excited again about my work! I posted a link on my network, Facebook and Twitter about it and then a new order came from a member who lives in Japan about twenty minutes later! A few others ordered it in the next few days. I was pleasantly surprised to wake up in the morning to “You’ve Got Cash” emails from Paypal.

I began to wonder what was the “block” with this book in particular. It’s like deep down I still believed, “Oh, artists don’t really make any money. Who wants to be a starving writer? Not me! I’m a respectable business coach!” I’d tell myself,” You got real work to do, no time to be playing around writing fiction.”

However, as the law of attraction states, what you focus on expands.

What Tamisa’s little email did for me was make me revisit my second fiction novel that I’ve been picking up and putting down for the last few ~shivers~ years! I know if I really work on it, I could knock it out in about three months.

I keep hearing the faint whisper in my ear of my writing coach, Sophronia Scott telling me, “Respect your work.” Those were the words she uttered to me in a coaching session a few years ago to help me with procrastination with my first fiction book, At Second Glance. Those very words drove me to action to complete it, along with her amazing tips on re-writing your manuscript.

Just like I love to blog on lifestyle and business tips, host podcasts and events; my fiction writing is a part of my soul. It’s a part of me that I shouldn’t push to the side as a silly hobby. It’s my way of sharing my message, voicing my opinions, creating my own little universe of characters that help heal others, make people laugh and teach lessons.

So, enough about me. What have YOU been kicking to the curb? Maybe you think it’s just too much fun and it’s not going to bring in instant income, so why do it?

1. Really sit and remember to honor your passions, be true to yourself and respect your work. Carve out small chunks of time each week by creating focus days. Have specific days isolated for various tasks.

2. Get a coach to help in this area to increase your productivity.

3. Ask a friend to be an accountability partner that is aware of your goals and can help crack that whip on you. Set up weekly calls.

4. Join a network of like-minded people. Surround yourself with positive energy and influences.

5. Stop making excuses and worrying about what people will think or say. ~a-hem~ Yes, it’s one of my issues with my fiction books. Well, there are juicy sex scenes and all. My father almost passed out when he read a scene on my site. I did say I was a respectable holistic business coach, what if it gets out that I write like that? LOL. Oh…so sorry, I digress

6. Spend me time with yourself so that you can remember what your TRUE passions are. You know, in case you forgot or never made time to find one.

If you need a push, I’m here for you, as long as you give me a push back too.

You have a talent to share with the world, and believe me we’re waiting…

P.S.
You probably had no idea what an impact your funny little email had on me, but thanks again for encouraging me to respect my work again, Tamisa. Sophronia, I’m a forever grateful to you for doing what you do encouraging writers like myself to just do it, love it, commit to it, and of course…respect it!  ☺

Own Your Power,

Simone

Sometimes using a journal is better and safer than using your ‘real life friends’ for a therapy session. Well, you could lose them in the long run (if you are a constant complainer. LOL) No one likes to feel drained after they get off the phone with you, so go out and get a journal!

Okay, fellas reading this don’t start! Journaling is not just something little 12-year-old girls do when they want to babble about the cutest boy down the block. It’s an absolutely freeing exercise that allows you to be open and honest with yourself and explore your deepest feelings. Ladies, you might agree…a man who journals, is well…kinda sexy. ☺ He’s showing that he’s not afraid to get to know himself a bit better. That really goes for everyone. ~a-hem~When you journal, you are dedicating time to your self-improvement. A person who knows who they are is always appealing!

Journaling is one of the best “Me Time Rituals” out there that will allow you to tap into your emotions and get to know yourself better. If you are a person that has been soooo “busy” that you can’t even remember what your dreams used to be, soooo busy that you have become a bill-paying- robot…it’s time, my friend. It’s time to inspire yourself and also analyze your life.

I know, I know..Heavy stuff, but trust me, if you never doodled your thoughts in a notebook before, there’s no time to start like now.

HOW DO I BEGIN?
The best time to journal is in the morning or night. You’ll know what works best with your schedule. I’m a morning person, so it’s a great way for me to start my day. I’ve made it such a habit that I actually feel off balanced if I don’t spend at least 15 minutes each morning journaling and meditating. It’s become apart of my every day just as showering and brushing my teeth. ☺

DO IT WHEN IT WORKS!
To Start Your Day:
• Journal about what you’d like to accomplish for the day
• How you feel?
• What’s bothering you?
• What your proud of?
• Write a few affirmations over and over: i.e.:
1. Life comes to me with ease, joy and abundance.
2. I’m happy and grateful for….
3. Anything I want is attainable, because I OWN my power! (my personal favorite) ☺

To End Your Day:
• Review the day’s events and share with your new best friend
• How do you feel?
• What are some things you’d like to do?
• Get anything off your chest, so you don’t take it out on the rest of us innocent bystanders. LOL

The Benefits of Journaling:
• Free Therapy! It’s an affordable method of self-therapy. It might feel crazy at first, but believe me it really feels good when you can release things. Think about how much happy people would be if we ALL did this?
• You can work through stressful events without letting it build up. One of the major benefits is that it’s great way to release negativity. A blank page in your journal is where you can let loose your rage, anger, disappointment with a person or situation and feel better one you get it all out. The paper might have deep  imprints from hard writing; but hey, better the paper than the person!
• Think though solutions to problems.
• Positive role-playing: Have fun and focus on your future. Write out creative stories as if they already happened.
Examples:
1. I’m so happy that my husband is now in my life. He’s so loving, affectionate and supportive… (You might be single now)
2. The business is booming! My accountant just showed me the numbers and we grossed $450,000 this year. Yahooooo! (You might just be launching your new business this year.)
3. I have a circle of supportive friends who are so much fun to be around. (Maybe you have toxic friends that drain your energy now.)

This connection with yourself will allow you to tap into your unconscious and connect with your inner spirit. The overall benefit is that it’s an investment in yourself. Taking time to focus on your personal development only makes you a better person. Journaling requires NO SKILL, NO WRITING BACKGROUND, and NO DEGREE. All you need is some paper and a pen so you can record your dreams, desires, and thoughts.

Tools Needed:
• Your favorite pen
• Notebook or Journal: Get a fancy one that represents you. Barnes and Nobles and Target have some very nice ones for about $10-15. My personal favorite is the Planahead brand from Wal-Mart for about $6. They are HUGE and last pretty long and I write A LOT! Lastly, you can go very basic and black and white 100 page composition notebook for $1.50 from the supermarket! It’s up to you…

Find the Time:
• Find a quiet place you write for 10-30 minutes each day.
• Attempt at least three pages a day. It doesn’t have to be eloquent or even grammatically correct. Your new best friend doesn’t care if you can’t spell either. Just write your heart and hey.. it’s okay to wine, rant, and babble.

Lastly and most importantly, remember to keep it in a safe place. Some people even carry it with them to work though out their day in case they need a “moment”. Again, it’s the best free therapy around!

Have loads of fun on your new writing adventures. You’ll thank me later! LOL

Own Your Power,

Simone

I received this in an email today and thought it was very interesting and wanted to share it with you all. Who knew how much you could learn about marketing via a political campaign, which are usually all but nasty. I’m very impressed with how they have promoted Obama and you have to give it to his team, because they’ve done a stellar job. You might not agree with everything that Steve Harrison has to say, (not really a Pro-Obama article), but he makes some very valid points regarding their marketing and use of the internet to gain an amazing following. Read on and take notes…You can apply many of Obama’s strategies to your business!

++++++

(Note: This article originally appeared as part one
of a two-part series in my Book Marketing Update
print newsletter. For info go here now: http://www.MillionDollarAuthorClub.com/?10300

“Barack is worth millions now. It’s almost all based on
these two books. Being able to take your life story and
turn it into this incredibly lucrative franchise, it’s
a stunning fact.”
– Peter Osnos, former publisher of Times Books,
as quoted in the New York Times.

No matter which candidate you like (or dislike) in the
current presidential race, one thing is obvious: Barack
Obama is one heck of a marketer.

Think about it. Back in 2003, who would have thought
back then that today the Democratic nominee for the highest
office in the land would be someone who has yet to even
serve a full term in the Senate?

He’s never been a mayor, governor or corporate
executive. He’s never served in the military. He’s
never led a large organization. He’s never drafted a
landmark piece of legislation. Prior to now, he’d never
run a national campaign. And he even admits to having
used marijuana and cocaine!

Add to that a name like Barack Hussein Obama, and you
can see why back in 2003, he would have been considered
“most unlikely to succeed.” And that’s really the first
lesson to learn from Obama.

=> Lesson #1: Don’t let any perceived lack of
qualifications stop you.

I regularly talk with authors and experts who know
a lot about their fields and have great information
to share with others.

But many are held back by a belief they’re not
“qualified” simply because they’re not the world’s
leading authority on their topic.

Others stagnate for years because they don’t have a
particular degree (which usually most of their
prospects don’t even know exists).

You need to be competent at what you do, but the
fact is you don’t need to be the MOST accomplished,
MOST knowledgeable, MOST credentialed expert in your
field to be successful.

You do however need to be very good at marketing
yourself and your message. Rightly or wrongly,
marketing is more important than qualifications.

Think about it. Would you ever take relationship advice
from a former celibate monk, who then married, and
divorced?

Yet, John Gray has sold 40 million copies of
“Men Are From Mars Women Are from Venus” with that
background. People buy his message, not his resume. Same
thing with Obama.

Obama hasn’t let any apparent lack of qualifications
stand in the way of making himself a wealthy, best-
selling author (3 million copies in print to date) and
the Democratic nominee for the highest political office
in the land. You shouldn’t let any hole or flaw in your
resume stop you from getting where you want to go.

=> Lesson #2: Work at becoming a master storyteller–
especially when telling your own story.

People don’t care nearly as much about your credibility
as they do about your story and how you can help them.
Obama first intended to write a book about race
relations. He soon realized he could make his points
more profoundly by sharing them in the context of his
own life story.

In his first book, “Dreams From My Father,” he shares his
experiences and challenges of growing up as a biracial
child in two different cultures. He acknowledges using
composite characters, approximated dialogue, and even
taking events out of chronological order to make his
points through effective storytelling.

How about you? Are you making the most of your “before” and
“after” story?

Are you telling your own personal story about why you
do what you do in a way that connects with your
audience?

Are you telling stories which agitate people’s pain and
shows them how much they need what you provide?

This kind of effective storytelling is so important
that I devote a significant part of my Quantum Leap
Publicity & Marketing Program to helping my clients
simply tell their stories in a more memorable,
compelling way.

=> Lesson #3: Focus on building your mailing list.

When it came time to announce Joe Biden as his running
mate, instead of doing the standard press conference
type announcement, Obama used the pick as a way to
build his email mailing and text message contact list
by promising that those on his list would be the first
to know his choice.

It was a brilliant move because like any sharp
marketer, Obama knows “the money is in the list” and
everything else being equal, the more people on your
list the more you’ll sell.

By giving millions of people a compelling incentive to
sign up for his list, he’s able to stay in regular
touch with them and raise a lot more money than he
would otherwise.

=> Lesson #4: Whenever possible, meet the media face-
to-face.

The New York Times recently wrote a great article about
Obama’s rise and success as an author. It talks about
how, back in 1995, Barack Obama was totally unknown. He
contacted the publisher of N’Digo, a magazine aimed at
Chicago’s upscale black readers. and asked if he could
drop by.

Why? Because he wanted the publisher to review his
book. Like all great politicians, he knew the value of
meeting face-to-face.

Later, this same editor, who initially decided NOT to
review his book, became the first to run Obama on the
cover of her magazine.

That’s the kind of “good luck” that happens when you
stand out from the media’s daily barrage of emails,
press releases, faxes and phone calls by actually
pressing flesh.

=> Lesson #5: Be determined and pleasantly persistent.

Back in 1995, Barack Obama was relatively unknown and
trying to get whatever publicity he could.

So even though he wanted to meet the N’Digo book
reviewer, he ultimately failed to persuade her to
review his book. But here’s the key. He didn’t give up. He
persisted. “He would call me every week and say,
‘Did you read my book?’” the publisher told the New York
Times.

Let me ask you, do you have that kind of persistence?

In 20 years of helping authors sell more books, I’ve
discovered 95% of all authors give up way too quickly
and easily. They’re not determined and persistent.

But Million Dollar Authors are the ones who know how to
be pleasantly persistent. They’re not considered pests
because they’re always friendly, always patiently
staying in touch and continually giving the media some
new information or slant worth considering.

=> Lesson #6: Get feedback and act on it.

Most authors write a book and say, “I’m finished.”

But that’s not what Obama did. He did what Million
Dollar Authors do. He knew once his manuscript was
finished his real job had only just begun.

Obama sent several dozen drafts of his second book “The
Audacity of Hope” to friends, media, legislators and
followed up with them and asked them for feedback.

More importantly, he listened to what they had to say,
and made changes based on their feedback. If anyone
could have said, “I don’t have time” to do this, it
would be a first term senator. But he didn’t.

Like most Million Dollar Authors, he knows this
concerted effort to solicit feedback and make changes
to the manuscript is the key to creating a book that
connects with people’s hearts.

It’s also the key to writing a book that others
recommend to their friends. No wonder Obama’s message
of “Change” has been so on target. He’s a good
listener, and he adapts to feedback he receives.

One last thought. John McCain’s campaign has been
stunned by Obama’s success at fundraising and
campaigning. To date, they have been seriously
outmarketed and don’t know what to do about it.

They remind me of unsuccessful authors who complain
that they’re more qualified and have better material
than others who are more famous and established.

Resist the temptation to dismiss others as simply being
“great speakers” or “good marketers.” Instead, watch
them and learn. Because if you’re really serious about
making a difference, you need to realize you’re not in
the publishing game. You’re in the marketing game. Barack
Obama knows it … do you?

By Steve Harrison

Check out my videos here as MOLI followed me around as I worked from home. You’ll see my son, has a special appearance (yes, my kitten… Shadow…you animals lovers know what time it is!) LOL

You can also hear my latest podcasts in the Small Business center here! 

Click the volume to turn up…

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

2. What do your find most rewarding about your career?

The heartfelt responses that I get daily from women thanking me for helping or touching them in some way is definitely the most rewarding part of my career.

3. What have been your major obstacles and how did you overcome them?

Major obstacles that I’ve had to face were and still are people telling me “no” or “you can’t do this”. However, I’ve overcome them by ignoring them and doing what my heart and soul leads me to do.

4. What advice, if any, do you have to offer women about defining their own beauty?

Simply, believe in your beauty! Because if you believe it, they’ll believe it! Remember how the world responds to you is up to you! So nourish your spirit, play up your assets and enjoy being you!

5. How do you relax, or spend your down time?

Reading good books and sleep!

To get to know Alicia a little better, here are her responses to a few random questions:

· Zodiac Sign – Libra

· Who/What inspires you? Music & people

· What turns you on? Giving and receiving pleasure

· What turns you off? Disrespect

· What motto do you live by? Live Pretty!

Jolie is all about beauty, wellness, empowerment, fashion, and celebrities. Pick up your issue of the latest Jolie at your local newstand or visit them online here for your own subscription: http://www.jolielivepretty.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.