W W W. K L E O P A W S . C O M 2 ELLESEANDCO.COM
YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU DO! If you are reading this, you’re probably an entrepreneur or some version thereof (side hustler, hobbyist, daydreamer, etc.). Make sure that you don’t get so caught up in what you do that you forget to “do you.” As an entrepreneur you may require some special considerations when it comes to managing the seemingly endless roles that you play, which on most days, warrant a bit of finesse to manage. In this issue we explore topics that are at the core of your daily lives, dating (How to be a Boss in Business, Make Money Moves, Entrepreneur Dating Tip), parenting (Make Money Moves While Being a Present Parent), and much more. We encourage you not to lose yourself in entrepernuership. Aside from what you do, remember that above all, you are , (insert your name here). If your business shut down tomorrow, you are still a , and (insert your roles here).
,
I know, I know! I’m basically asking you to write this message, but I really need for you to give this some thought and see YOURSELF. You are more than enough and don’t forget that. Should you strive to be the best entrepreneur? Absolutely! And we have some resources to help you to do just that (Money Blocks, 5 Tips for Sending Emails that Don’t Get Deleted and Sales, Marketing & Business Development. Remember, no matter what products/services you provide, you are not those things. Now, this is the place where I’m going to keep it with you. When you allow yourself to be defined by what you do, success becomes your only measuring stick. Too many of us allow our success or lack thereof to define us. I’ve lived in that place for far too long. I encourage you to pack your bags, slap a condemned sign on the door, leave that place immediately and never look back. Remember who you are, focus on being your best self and the success will follow.
Enisha Ligon-Garrett ELLESEANDCO.COM
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CONTENTS FEATURED 10 RATED PRETTY GIRL Virginia based makeup artist, Owner of Rated Pretty Girl Makeup Artistry. Enisha Ligon-Garrett
14 THE BUSINESS OF BEAUTY Explore the big business of beauty and how you can get started today. Enisha Ligon-Garrett
18 MONEY BLOCKS 11 common “Money Blocks” and how you can get over them. Takisha Artis
24 5 MYTHS THAT HAVE KEPT YOU FROM OPENING YOUR BRICK & MORTAR BOUTIQUE Stop dreaming and open the boutique of your dreams. Sonja Thompkins
26 KNOW YOUR NUMBERS Account for each dollar that cycles through your business. Terra Fontenot-Beard, MBA
32 10 BUSINESSES TO START FOR LESS THAN $150 10 ways to get your business started without breaking the bank. Danielle Pierce
36 THE BENFITS OF MAKING TIME FOR HOBBIES You can make time, even if it’s just 15 to 20 minutes a day. Briana Ross
38 ENTREPRENEUR DATING TIPS Simple tips to find love while you run your business. Atiya Goldsmith
SOCIAL MEDIA
GRAPHICS IN MINS
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CURATED BY ELLESE & CO
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I’M A GOALGETTER
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9-5 SIDE-HUSTLE
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BUSINESS LESSONS LEARNED FROM HUSTLE MAN
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BUILD YOUR LIST
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SEND EMAILS THAT DON’T GET DELETED
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COOL SIDE HUSTLES THAT LEAD TO COLD HARD CASH
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THE BOARD ROOM - SALES, MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
FIND YOUR SWEET SPOT
PASSIONS & SKILLS
FREE WORKBOOK
CLICK HERE
MARIA HARRIS Editor-At-Large Maria Harris is a copywriter and legal professional with a life-long passion for words. She has served as a copy editor for several national publications and is currently the Editor-at-Large for Ellese & Co. When she is not busy with words, you can find her at the local movie theater, as she is an avid movie buff.
CONTRIBUTORS TAKISHA ARTIS Senior Contributor Takisha Artis, a Lifestyle Influencer, CEO of Takisha’s Theory, a Lifestyle Elevation Firm specializing in financial-life coaching & personal development for women. With over 20 years in the financial industry, having seen the growing trend of women surpassing the six-figure mark, it be-came clear that they still struggled with financial confidence & believing they can attain wealth. It’s Takisha’s mission to position women to be their own wealth plan by shifting their mindset & creating money management strategies. www.takishastheory.com
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TERRA FONTENOT-BEARD, MBA Senior Contributor Terra, of Fontenot & Associates Solutions, LLC (FAS) is a small business located in Katy, Texas which helps entrepreneurs streamline operational processes and minimize business risks through the development of key business processes. With 10+ years of accounting and operational experience as a professional in Corporate America, she is passionate about using her skills and knowledge to improve the success rates for entrepreneurs and small business owners. www.fontenotsolutions.com
BRIANA ROSS Contributor Briana Ross is a self-published author and business coach. Briana is the owner of HelloBriana Consulting, where she teaches female entrepreneurs and business owners how to build memorable brands, create valuable content, and leverage time management. www.hellobrianaconsulting.com
SONJA THOMPKINS Contributor Sonja Thompkins is a business strategist who helps entrepreneurs start and grow their business offline in innovative ways such as pop-up shops, or as traditional brick & mortar locations. Sonja has helped dozens of clients create profitable niche brands that stand out in saturated industries and attract loyal customers. www.sincerelysonja.com
ATIYA GOLDSMITH Contributor Atiya Goldsmith is the creator of “Stop Corporate Shenanigans” which specializes in workplace empowerment through career readiness initiatives, networking opportunities, and relationship building. Atiya is also the co-host of a relationship podcast along side her husband titled “Relationship Realness” on Facebook.
THE LEGAL STUFF:
DANIELLE PIERCE Contributor Danielle is an author, highly regarded speaker, the founder of a highly specialized real estate consulting firm, creator of a super engaged Facebook group with almost 6,000 subscribers and a member of the Forbes Real Estate Council. Danielle’s online courses and group training programs teach aspiring business owners how to grow profitable six figure enterprises within the real estate industry and outside of sales. www.daniellepierce.com
The information contained in this publication is for informational purposes only and is subject to the terms and conditions found on www.elleseandco.com. Ellese & Co assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by the respective subject or contributor with no verification by us. Further, the opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its contributor and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Ellese & Co, therefore, we carry no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. All rights reserved copyright Ellese & Co 2019
Contact: hello@elleseandco.com www.elleseandco.com Advertising Inquiries partners@elleseandco.com 626.536.1227
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# C E O M I N D S E T
I’M A
GOAL GETTER! BY: ELLESE & CO
I’ve never been a person who’s defined by hitting goals. In fact, I’ve spent the first part of my life moving from one project to the next, just doing whatever felt right at the time, with little to no regard as to how I measured the success of my actions. However, in retrospect, not defining what winning looked like was a HUGE mistake! I’m sure that I’ve accomplished a ton of stuff, but since I did not have defined benchmarks, I didn’t know where to stop, evaluate and reset. I just kept pushing on, never taking the time to celebrate my accomplishments and eventually failing at the thing that I was once winning at. In the end, failing is all I remembered about the experience because I never identified the win.
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TRUTH MOMENT
Feeling unaccomplished when you are working your ass off is a miserable place. You begin to question and wonder why. “Why am I working crazy hours? Why haven’t I gone out with my friends in weeks? Why haven’t I done more with my life?” I was grinding it out, day in and day out, and it felt like I was doing it for nothing. If I’d sets goals… no, S.M.A.R.T. Goals, I would have known I was killing it! Once I decided it was all about the win and that I was no longer satisfied with just running the race for the sake of running it, goal setting became an essential part of my process. So what is a S.M.A.R.T. Goal? S.M.A.R.T is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound. By defining your goals using this framework, you will be able to set clear goals and measure their success.
A - ACHIEVABLE
The goal you are trying to accomplish needs to be realistic. It can be aggressive, but it should not be too far-fetched. If you are $50k in debt and you only make $40k a year, paying off your debit in one year is not going to happen unless you win the lottery or you get some other infusion of funds. A more realistic goal for someone with those financial constraints would be “I want to have a zero balance on the accounts for my Capital One Visa and Discover cards within 12 months”.
R - RELEVANT
You should make sure that your goals mean something to you. It should be something that you are willing to fight for. If you only have $1k in debt and your credit score is already 800, there will be minimal benefits to paying off your debt because, in all likelihood, it still won’t get you to a perfect 850 FICO score. A more relevant goal for someone in this financial condition might be
to invest 10% of their income in a business venture or another investment over the next 12 months.
T - TIMEBOUND
You could go on forever trying to accomplish a goal, but if you don’t have a defined target date, you will never stop to evaluate your success. Most people are not willing to commit to this, they say things like, “I will complete it soon” or “sometime in the near future”. You must commit to a firm date and, even if you don’t hit it, the deadline will force you to stop and regroup. The S.M.A.R.T. Goal framework is a great tool that provides clarity and focus, which will help you improve at goalsetting and will even have a huge impact on you achieving your goals. Remember, there is no substitute for good ole’ fashion HUSTLE, but Hustle S.M.A.R.T.!
Let’s breakdown the S.M.A.R.T. Goal framework.
S - SPECIFIC
Don’t be afraid to be detailed about what you want to accomplish. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get out of debt,” you should say, “I want to have a zero balance on my student loans, car, Capital One Visa and Discover accounts.” Being this specific leaves no ambiguity around what you are moving towards.
GRAB YOUR FREE COPY!
M - MEASURABLE
So let’s stick with the example given above. I am sure that you want to be out of debt sooner than later. Set milestones. Each month, calculate the percentage of debt that you have paid off thus far by recording the month-end balances on the respective accounts. If there is nothing to measure, you will not know if you are moving towards your goal.
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MEET JAYLYNN
Virginia based makeup artist, Owner of Rated Pretty Girl Makeup Artistry.
RATED
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Pretty
After receiving her M.A. in Journalism, Jaylynn developed her artistry skills, and almost instantaneously, her hobby transitioned into a career as a pro beauty specialist. Within months, she acquired her first celebrity client as well as her first cover of a magazine. Within her first year as a makeup artist, she provided makeup services for songstress Lalah Hathaway and BET's Sunday's Best finalist Alexis Spight. She was featured on Essence Magazine's website for top Instagram's Magic Makeover and had the opportunity to travel and serve as hiphop's icon Lil' Kim's makeup artist. Her momentum continued; she also appeared on Lifetime's Beyond the Spotlight, Season 1 Episode 2, where she worked with celebrity choreographer Laurie Anne Gibson, Creative Director for Fantasia Barino's tour. With the use of social media and word of mouth, Jaylynn has become one of the top bridal artists on the east coast. Her undeniable skills and marketing savvy lead her to service over 30 brides in a single year without collaborating with wedding vendors. Jaylynn has grown a national bridal clientele and service brides across the country. Brides confidently book and fly her around the country to deliver their vision for their dream wedding! Her skills have not gone unnoticed; she is also a two-time ACHI makeup artist of the year nominee for 2016 and 2017. Due to her high demands in the Hampton Roads area, she opened up the Rated Pretty Girl Beauty Bar in 2016 in Virginia Beach, allowing her to cater to more clients and provide the ultimate beauty experience. One year later, she established a second location in downtown Norfolk and opened up her Virginia Beach location to other makeup artists to better serve their clients with the same luxurious experience. As a self-taught makeup artist, Jaylynn understands the importance of catering to each client's personality. Whether clients request minimal or drama, she is known for her signature looks that achieve clean,
flawless faces. Ellese & Co had the pleasure of getting to know Jaylynn a little better. Check out the Q&A below.
What do you find to be the most challenging part about being a makeup artist, and how do you deal with it? The most challenging part is actually not
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grad. At that time, I had decided it was going to be the name of a show I was going to produce. Afterward, I went straight to grad school for television. I love production! One of my dreams is to produce a show based around entertainment and fashion. I didn't discover my makeup skills (on myself or anyone else) until after grad school. So when I became a makeup artist, I just referred back to Rated PG. People have always looked to me for fashion expertise. With working with my clients, it's something I realized I was already doing when helping them make decisions on their wedding look, styling them at their home after doing their makeup, or putting together branding photoshoots at my studio. Not only did I realize this was something my clients wanted me to assist them with, but I absolutely love doing it!
being a makeup artist but being a business owner. People mistakenly think makeup artists are doing this for fun or as a hobby, so oftentimes our field is undervalued. However, makeup is a necessity. Think about it, you can have on sweat pants and a baseball cap, but if your makeup is done, you still look presentable and complete. You're just giving sporty chic vibes, lol. How do I deal with it? I don't, lol. I don't waste time trying to explain why I am worth what I'm worth. I just share my value, and those who understand are my clients! How did you position yourself to attract high-end clients? When I went full time, I really had to decide who did I enjoy working for because you don't work for yourself to do things you don't enjoy doing. I knew, for my business, I wasn't interested in quantity. I had already worked for three years, literally
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doing any and everybody's makeup. So I invested in a business coach who immediately helped me see my business from a profitable perspective. I took classes from my favorite celebrity makeup artist, which elevated my artistry. I needed my aesthetic to not look like any other makeup artists in my area, but reflect the expensive-looking makeup you'd see on the red carpet, magazine covers, etc. These investments allowed me to charge more but work less, so I wouldn't get burnt out. However, with me charging more, the experience that I offer my clients goes over and above to support my value. Tell us about your new service. Have you always had an interest in being a stylist? Actually, I studied Fashion Merchandising in college; I minored in it. Rated Pretty Girl (Rated PG) was an aha moment that randomly came to me one day in under-
After EPICCON (www.epicinvegas.com) in April, and seeing so many women who shared with me their challenges with brand imaging, I feel like it's my duty to make sure everyday women look good from head to toe. The confidence they see in me, I want them to know it already exists in them, too. So yes, I am pivoting, but my clients started the momentum for me! Why is it so important that women know that looking their best is essential? I believe that for my clients, who are highly influential and professional women, the way they look is connected to their success! What are three things every girl boss should have in their closet? One bold print/pattern separate, It can be pants, skirt, blazer, dress. I don't care which item you choose, just have one! You should also have a pair of black strappy heels, and a red lipstick!
www.ratedprettygirl.com
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CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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THE BUSINESS OF
BEAUTY EXPLORE THE BIG BUCKS FUELED BY OUR NEED TO LOOK GOOD
BY: ENISHA LIGON-GARRETT
IT’S NO SECRET THAT MOST PEOPLE LIKE TO LOOK THEIR BEST AND ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR SUCH PRIVILEGE. IN FACT, ACCORDING TO FRANCHISEDIRECT.COM, HAIR SALONS (WHICH ARE JUST A SMALL SEGMENT OF THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY) ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN $42 BILLION IN REVENUE ANNUALLY. ELLESEANDCO.COM
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C O V E R
S T O R Y
I point out this seemingly random stat to illustrate the span of the beauty and personal care industry. Not to mention, as men take a greater interest in their personal appearance, th ey ’re spending more of their disposable income on personal grooming and stylish wardrobes too. This new segment coupled with the “Selfie Lifestyle” has expanded the market and provided steady growth in the beauty and personal care industry. Wondering how you can get a piece of the pie? If you are a beauty connoisseur or have
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skills that enhance one’s physical appearance, it’s time to put those skills to good use. Not sure where to begin? Beauty industry hopefuls have a plethora of opportunities. The possibilities for successful personal care businesses are endless.
Beauty Industry Blogger Social Media Influencer Hair Salon Nail Salon Micro Blading Makeup Artist Celebrity Services Subscription Boxes Image Consultant Beauty Supplies Beauty Concierge Mobile Spa and Beauty Services Sauna Lounge Custom Wigs Fitness Center Personal Trainer Personal Care Spa Natural Hair Care Products
IF YOU’RE GOING INTO BUSINESS TO BE THE ONLY ONE WHO WILL PROVIDE SPECIFIC SERVICE AND THINK YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ANY COMPETITION THEN PERHAPS ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS NOT FOR YOU. I know what you’re thinking... there are hundreds of businesses that already offer these type of services. You are absolutely correct and hundreds more open up each day. If you are going into business to be the only one who will provide a specific type of service and think you will never have any competition, then perhaps entrepreneurship is not for you. While you may have opportunities to be the first one to introduce a product or service to the market, it is highly unlikely that you’ll be the only one doing so indefinitely. As an entrepreneur, you must give the consumer a reason to select and continue supporting your business. The businesses listed do not require a huge capital investment and are scalable to create lucrative enterprises. As an example, let’s just look at a small segment within the natural haircare market. As African-American women became more enthralled with the luxe and richness of their natural tresses, a new crop of hair care products, stylist and information providers sprung from what seemed like nowhere to support this movement. Only a few short years ago you could only find these products by going directly to the niche’ creators of them. Now, big-box retailers stock them by the dozens, offering leading brands such as Carol’s Daughter and SheaMoisture.
#1 SO HOW CAN YOU GET STARTED?
Not unlike any other business, you must first get clear on what you would like to
provide. There are “Riches in Niches.” More now, than ever people want products and services from people who are artisans of their craft. They would rather shop around and purchase from those who offer something special than purchase one size fits all products.
#2 STUDY THE INDUSTRY
Knowledge is key. In an interview we did with Pamela Booker of Koils by Nature,
ONLY A FEW SHORT YEARS AGO YOU COULD ONLY FIND THESE PRODUCTS BY GOING DIRECTLY TO THE NICHE’ CREATORS OF THEM. she told us that she studied vigorously before creating her product. She did more than just consult Uncle Google; she attended several conferences and read countless books, which she continues to revisit to stay on top of her knowledge of the industry. In today’s quick moving market, you need to become an expert in your craft and acquire strong skills in areas such as manufacturing, distribution, communication, branding, sales, marketing, SEO optimization, social media and website management or surround yourself with professionals who are experts in these areas. While you’re at it, continue
to cultivate your leadership skills. Remember, you can’t do this alone. As you build your team to scale your empire, you want to make sure that you are a leader that creates a culture that will foster a workforce that will carry you to the next level. “It’s about products, people and process.” Marcus Lemon
#3 SALES MATTER
Marc Cuban from Shark Tank famously said, “Without sales, you have nothing.” If you’re a natural salesperson, then you’re already ahead of the game. If sales aren’t your strong suit, now is the time to hire or partner with someone who can sell you the shirt off your own back. If not, get busy reading every book about sales that you can get your hands on and attend as many courses or conferences you can find to get your skills up. If all of this business start-up stuff feels overwhelming to you, don’t let that keep you on the sidelines. Consider a franchise. While you will still need many of the business skills that we discussed, you will be provided with a road-map to get started. Franchises are like having a business-in-a-box. Along with a proven track record, franchises provide a strong brand identity, initial and ongoing training, operational standards and marketing support. Don’t sleep on the beauty industry because it is rapidly growing and here to stay! Put your creative skills, moxie and know-how to good use. Set your own pace, build a loyal clientele, and experience the everyday joys of helping people enhance their beauty while making crazy cash. Lets contine this conversation in the Black Women Mean Business Community. visit www.elleseandco.com/group CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP
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Money BLOCKS Takisha Artis
11 COMMON MONEY BLOCKS & HOW YOU CAN GET OVER THEM
CLICK HERE FOR OUR INTERVIEW WITH
Financial empowerment starts with being responsible enough to educate yourself to create better spending habits, and to manage your money properly. Yet, I’m still saddened that most people don’t take control of their finances so that they can gain wealth and prosperity. Most people aren’t taught to handle money so we continue through life excessively spending, with limited savings, and feeling embarrassed and ashamed over our lack of money or mistakes. What’s even worse, you’re made to feel guilty for wanting to upgrade your financial situations once your realize the err of your ways. As someone who has lived paycheck to paycheck and filed bankruptcy, I know the details of this situation all too well. I prayed for help, and gratefully, my prayers were answered. Not in the form of more money, because let’s face it, I didn’t have the skills to handle more. My prayers were answered in the form of a new mindset, better spending habits, financial education, budgeting, and financial peace. I’ve had to endure some hard financial times to understand the
“
Takisha Artis
lessons. I’ve learned to save; I’ve learned to enjoy what money can afford me; I’ve learned to give; I’ve learned to manage; I’ve learned that wanting a better lifestyle is growth; and above all I’ve learned how to identify and deal with my Money Blocks. What’s a Money Block? A Money Block is a belief, thought pattern, or story that stops you from being able to make, save, spend, and manage money. It’s essentially, a financial obstacle that prevents you from enjoying a positive connection with money. HERE ARE 11 OF THE MOST COMMON MONEY BLOCKS: [ 1 ] Believing you can’t have it all Uncomfortable with receiving money. [ 2 ] Believing you have to settle - Free or discounted prices when you know they’re worth more. [ 3 ] Comparison - There’s someone already doing it, I can’t make what she does, feeling like a fraud or unqualified.
Most people aren’t taught to handle money so we continue through life excessively spending, with limited savings, and feeling embarrassed and ashamed over our lack of money or mistakes.
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things because you’re scared to give it your all. You might have read a couple of these and thought, that’s me. Yup, these blocks have probably been ingrained in you since childhood or what you’ve experienced or witnessed others go through.
SO NOW WHAT? HOW DO YOU GET OVER MONEY BLOCKS? ❶ Identify the block and how it applies to you. Why do you believe that (some memory to go with it)? Acknowledge that even if you believe in some of them, know that they are blocks put in place to protect you based on your beliefs. Now our subconscious believes them to be true.
[ 4 ] Excuses - People won’t pay my prices, my family doesn’t support my business, I don’t know how, or I have so many ideas. [ 5 ] Procrastination - Putting off making more money, not working towards the goals you set, or not working on your business. [ 6 ] Believing the worst You’re always waiting for the worst so you never enjoy what you have, you can’t make more or have more. [ 7 ] Surrounding yourself with negative people or those with a
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poverty mindset - They complain about money constantly, they don’t listen. [ 8 ] Believing you don’t deserve money - Uncomfortable with extra money or spending when you get to a certain amount. [ 9 ] Believing you need to be perfect to be successfulExcessive spending or giving to others but not yourself. [ 10 ] Fear of success - You start gaining traction but the moment it gets good you stop or slow down. [ 11 ] Fear of failure - You do a little or talk yourself out of
❷ Change your response to the money block. You’re going to have to retrain your mind so it doesn’t feel threatened so that you can get to the next financial level. ❸ Reframed pep talk. Taking a negative thought and belief and transform it into a more realistic positive thought. So let me break it down for you even more, this is what I realized when I coached myself on this. A. My procrastination on creating new products was a Money Block because I didn’t believe I could replace my current six figure salary by creating digital products. I was unmotivated, therefore,
I sabotaged my business by my lack of effort. B. I changed my responses. By not creating new products that I'd already outlined or thought of, but did nothing with, I was losing money. For example, if I didn’t create the $10.00 workbook, I was losing $300 a month, had I sold one a day. My procrastination was costing me $300 in lost sales for each month I didn’t take action. With notebooks full of ideas, it was a pivotal moment in my business in how much money I was leaving on the table. C. My new pep talk - "I am implementing new products my tribe wants immediately because procrastination leads to lost sales." Ki Working on your money habits and mindset will be an ongoing effort that you'll work on forever. At each new level of my income, I've had to shift my perspective from nothing, to surviving, to a little bit saved, to investing, and to more than enough. Blocks don't go away because you get more money, your mindset is still the same. You’ll just handle money as you've always done. To have different results, your actions must be different. Now is the time to dentify and work on your Money Blocks. Your future depends on it.
www.takishastheory.com
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M I N D S E T
THE 9-5 AKA
SIDE HUSTLE
What’s the number one reason most people get a side hustle? To earn money… right? Your side-hustle may not be your passion or even how you want to be introduced when you walk into the room.
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It’s Monday, and you are back at the Side Hustle. I call the 9-5 the side hustle because it’s just that thing that you do to earn money until your business consistently hits your financial benchmarks. Maybe you hate it, perhaps you tolerate it, or you might even love it. Either way, please stop hatin’ on your 9-5; it serves a distinct purpose. Furthermore, since you must be there (you need the money, insurance, etc.), why not make the best of it? It has more to offer than you may realize. Consider these three things the next time you feel like grabbing that cute little pen cup that your child made and never returning to your 9-5.
1. GET YOUR SKILLS UP
No matter what field you’re working in, you can always learn something that will benefit your business. Even if it’s how not to do things in your business. But, let’s take that one step further. Many organizations offer training outside of your immediate job function, tuition reimbursement, and other personal development opportunities. Sign up for as many as you can, especially if they are on your employer’s time/dime, and your manager is supportive of you taking advantage of them. I have a friend who used a $2,500 tuition reimbursement to enroll in a course to learn Adobe Photoshop and how to create basic websites. Less than a year later, she left her 9-5 and started a design firm
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR SIDE-HUSTLE EXIT CHECKLIST where she is now making over $150k a year.
2. STUDY MANAGERS AND EXECUTIVES
Depending on your position, you may have daily interactions with the executives and other people who make decisions that have a direct impact on the company. Study how they do business and interact with your coworkers, customers, vendors, and peers. Allow them to mentor you from afar or formally if that is something that your employer supports. The CEO of a company that I worked for really knew how to work a room. He always knew the right things to say, and his delivery was dynamic. He made me want to work for him. I drank all the Kool-Aid and believed in the vision that he outlined for the company. From that day forward, I decided that I wanted to have that kind of impact on people and that no matter what kind of business I started, I would learn to really connect with people and make lasting positive impressions.
3. WATCH THE MOVES THE COMPANY IS MAKING
This one can get a little grey ethically, so make sure that you stay on the right side of things (check out the Side Note). However, if you see, the company is focused on a specific trend, consider how that may impact your business.
A few months ago, I noticed my employer shifted their focus from customer service to the customer’s experience. It was no longer about a scripted white-glove, checkbox system when interacting with customers. It was all about creating a custom experience for each customer. I said to myself, if this is important enough that a multi-million dollar company is expending resources (money, human capital, time) on it, then I need to consider how I can incorporate this into my business. This caused me to change Ellese & Co’s on-boarding process. Before proposing long-term services, we now spend time getting to know what’s essential to our customers by hosting an in-person meeting within the first 30 days of engagement. This seemingly small change has allowed us to tailor our offerings to specifically address our customers’ current and long terms goals rather than just pushing our current offerings and specials on them. We would love to continue this conversation, join our Facebook Group, Black Women Mean Business. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP
SIDE NO T E When you are hired, you sign countless documents, most of which you pay little to no attention to. As an entrepreneur, some of the most important documents are those which address non-compete, other employment, and use of company property (which includes the use of their internet that you access every day to check on your business). In many companies, these policies are vague and buried in their employee handbook. Seek them out and get familiar with them. You don’t want to make a stupid mistake that ends up costing you money.
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5 Myths
That Have Kept You From Opening Your Brick & Mortar Boutique BY: SONJA THOMPKINS
Admit it. You have a deep longing to start your very own boutique business. Every time you imagine it, your brain becomes an instant virtual Pinterest board. I mean, how can you NOT get hyped up? There are beautiful clothes draping off endless amounts of polished racks. Jewelry bars stacked to the brim with shiny baubles that glisten like Christmas ornaments all year round. I bet you even have a signature scent in mind that’ll float through the air enticing passersby to stop and share their hard-earned coins with you on regular basis. And you… there you are, smiling with one arm outstretched to receive yet another form of payment and the other on your hip. Why? Because you’re killing the game! Yep, this is the life! Then, reality sets in and every time you set out online or in the real world to work towards making this boutique dream a reality, you get bombarded by the “rules” and cock-blocking misinformation that’s floating around out there. Well, today I’m busting some of the most common myths about what it RE-
ALLY takes to start a successful brick and mortar boutique.
You need to have a Business/Fashion degree to be successful. MYTH #1
It’s a misconception that most people have given far too much emphasis on formal education. We’ve been taught that obtaining a degree will prepare us for achieving our goals. Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with being educated (I highly recommend it), it doesn’t have to come from a formal setting like traditional college.
HERE’S THE TRUTH: According to
Forbes 400, many of the billionaire business owners in the world only have a high school diploma. That includes people like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft CEO Bill Gates. Sooo, yeah... enough said.
MYTH #2 Boutiques cost a lot of money to start and you need a business plan to get funding for your boutique.
FACT: You can start a stand-alone brick
and mortar boutique with as little as $4,000. If you put away $330 per month, for one year, you’ll have that capital in cash. It’s totally possible to begin a thriving clothing or accessories boutique with baby baller budgets. As for those who choose to take out a loan, conventional written business plans are like dinosaurs to commercial lenders and venture capitalists alike. Yes, people want to know what your ideas are, and if they are profitable. Yes, you should have a plan, but do people want to see pages and pages of boring text and numerical projections? According to ntrepreneur. com, the answer is a resounding NO. MYTH #3 Online boutiques are less expensive to start than a brick and mortar business.
THERE IS ZERO TRUTH TO THIS. You
can have a thriving brick and mortar boutique with the same or minimal overhead as having a successful online boutique. With online boutiques, it’s not as simple as throwing up some hot pics on Instagram. What if Instagram or Facebook shuts down like Myspace and Vine? Where’s your business? It’s gone too. So now, what’s the real cost of a well-designed and managed e-commerce site? These are things that can easily cost you several thousands to start and several hundreds to maintain yearly. MYTH #4 Online boutiques are easier to operate and make more money.
FACT: It truly depends on your WHY. Do
you want a boutique because you love putting together outfits, and working in-
timately with customers? You may want a brick and mortar location so that you can have personal contact with your clients to give them that type of attention and feed your creative self. Maybe you enjoy merchandising and decorating your store most of all. If creating window displays and crafting cool props that turn lookers into buyers is your cup of tea, then brick and mortar it is! This is why I spend so much time helping my clients get clear on the Who, What and Why of their boutique goals. You won’t be happy either way if your business model doesn’t match your goals. MYTH #5 I need a location in the best part of town to make a lot of money.
NOPE! This isn’t even half way true.
What you do need is to know where your ideal customer lives, shops, and is willing to travel. You could be in the most exclusive part of town, paying a premium to be there and miss out on major coins. It’s not about where you are, it’s about where your ideal customer is and is willing to go. These are just a few of the things I hear and see that are keeping ambitious people like yourself stuck from actually getting the doors to their brick & mortar boutique open. It’s amazing what can happen when you have a clear plan, direction and accountability from someone who’s been right where you are.
www.brickandmortarmaven.com
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M O N E Y
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS LET’S MAKE ACCOUNTING YOUR BFF? BY: TERRA FONTENOT-BEARD, MBA
Well, maybe this blog will not make you snuggle up with an Accounting book at night and call it your BFF but I will go for making you and accounting two close friends. Close friends because you can depend on Accounting to give you answers and never let you down. As a BFF, you need it in your life to ensure your business can and will grow to be successful. There are millions of small business owners and startup entrepreneurs who are masters at creating products and services and winning over customers. However, many of them
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are weak in understanding the accounting area of the business. To be effective in grasping the concept of accounting, I find it useful to understand some of the commonly used terminology. Essentially, accounting is about managing debits and credits. Those debits and credit are recorded and managed by the business owner, consultant or bookkeeper of the business, mainly to ensure money is coming into the bank and expenses are being paid timely.
The American Accounting Association (AAA) defines accounting as “the process of identifying, measuring and communicating economic information to permit informed judgement and decision by users of the information.” The basic formula to accounting is: Assets = Liabilities + Equity (Owner’s equity) Knowing the basics equation, outlined above, will assist in the understanding of accounting account types.
of income that are earned whenever the business provides a service or sells a product. EXPENSES are the cost associated with running the business, including bills. When managing your business, these definitions will be used quite frequently especially if you have hired a consultant or bookkeeping to manage the accounting area of your business. Let’s say your current business is a hair professional in a
cord total earned revenues of $175. However, to an accountant or bookkeeper they are also concerned with how much it cost (expenses) the Salon owner to make the two conditioners she sold for $10 each and how much was it to purchase the comb and hair sprays. Understanding this information gives the true net revenue amount of how much the Salon owner made for her one day of work. The takeaway here, is to remember it takes more than developing marketing techniques and creating new products and
BASIC ACCOUNTING FORMULAS ASSETS = LIABILITIES + EQUITY (OWNER’S EQUITY) EQUAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
EQUITY
EQUAL
There are different types of accounts in which debits and credits are tracked in accounting. Let’s define some of them. ASSETS are financially measurable resources that a company owns. Some examples of those are cash, supplies, property and equipment. While reputation may be important to an entrepreneur and valuable when it comes to gaining new customers, it is not measurable thus not accounted for as an asset in the business. LIABILITIES are the financial obligations of the company, basically debt. Every business will have it but the key here is keeping track of it accurately. EQUITY is the dollar value of the company’s worth. REVENUES are the dollar amounts
Salon and at the end of the day your analyzing how much you made for the day.
Your records show: The owner of the salon may generally re-
Sales Client A Client B Product Sale $10 (each) Product Sale $5 each Product Sale $10 each
services to manage a business. As a business owner, your accounting processes and methods used to analyze should be your BFF in the business because without it, you can never know where it stands or how healthy or unhealthy it is.
Description Hair Hair Conditioner (hand-made) Comb Hair spray
Count 1 1 2
Amount $60 $60 $20
1 2
$5 $20
If you are ready to streamline your processes and protect your business, visit our website to schedule your consultation. www. fontenotsolutions.com
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BUSINESS LESSONS FROM “HUSTLE MAN” (THE GUY SELLING STUFF OUT OF THE TRUNK OF HIS CAR IN THE PARKING LOT)
We all know that guy who sells goods in the parking lot of your favorite hair salon, corner store or food place. BY: ENISHA LIGON-GARRETT 28 ELLESEANDCO.COM
You can act bougie if you want to, but we have all purchased something or another from him at some point. As I noticed my favorite oil and incense was running low, I started thinking about Hustle Man’s amazing entrepreneurial skills. Think about it, he is the ultimate small business; he runs a lean operation, is on the cutting edge of trends and is a master marketer. A day with him would be worth as much as a Wharton B-School education that will cost you over $100k and years of your life. I am certain he has a wealth of knowledge about how to run a business. Here are my biggest takeaways from Hustle Man.
KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER None of us have a lot of money to waste on inventory or on offering services that no one wants to purchase. Take the time to get to know your customer so that you can create irresistible offers or stock up on items that will fly off your shelves. Hustle Man knows that when he is selling at the hair salons, his trunk needs to be filled with sundresses, good handbags (no one is buying the obvious knockoffs any more) and fly accessories. However, if he is selling at another location, that crowd may prefer oils, incenses and DVDs.
HUSTLE YOUR HEART OUT Rain, sleet, snow or shine, Hustle Man is there. Even better, he is there with what you need. If it’s raining, he’s got umbrellas; if it’s cold, he’s got gloves; if it’s sunny, he’s got sunglasses. He’s moving quickly through the parking lot, greeting each car as they arrive; letting them
know what he has to offer in a signature cadence… “I got them CDs, DVDs, pretty dresses.” He works sun up to sundown or until his inventory is depleted. What holidays? Everyday he’s hustlin. So the next time that you see Hustle Man in the parking lot, take a few minutes to admire and congratulate him on his business acumen because he can run a business with the best of them.
PRO TIP
Make it easy for your customers to pay by accepting multiple forms of payment. Even if you are not in a brick and mortar or internet environment, you should be able to accept credit cards. People might have a few bucks on them, but you don’t want their lack of access to cash to prevent them from buying from you.
MAKE A DEAL Let’s just keep it , I’m more willing to splurge on payday, especially if it’s a good deal. So, when you know your customers are likely to have a little something extra on them, make them an offer they can’t refuse. If you already have them interested, offer an up sale or another product/service and if there’s enough profit margin in the sale, offer a 2 for 1 or 3 for 2 deal to them.
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THE BOARD ROOM
SALES, MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Have you ever wondered why there are so many departments in large companies (Legal, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Business Development and Operations)? It’s because each of them play a distinct role in the success of the company while trying to accomplish the same organizational goals. Each department is responsible for specific tasks and have unique expertise in their respective disciplines. If you’re thinking that you don’t need to consider certain aspects of your business separately because you are a small business or you don’t have different people to fill each role, then you need to rethink your approach for your long-term business success. Looking at every aspect of your business on its own merit will allow you to quickly pivot to address deficiencies and
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capitalize on the things that are working well. Some departments have clear functions (HR, Finance, etc.), but the lines between Sales, Marketing and Business Development are often blurred. However, if you take the time to think about them separately, you will better understand how each of them contribute to your business success and help you identify the areas where you are crushing it as well as the ones you need to improve. In simple terms, Marketing creates brand awareness and generates leads; Business Development turns leads into prospects, as well as identifies new sources from which to generate leads; and Sales closes the deal. Let’s look at each of them a little closer.
MARKETING The Marketing department is responsible for creating customer awareness of the business’ products and services and their overall mission. The Marketing department creates the strategy for outreach and coordinates the production of the promotional materials. Its primary goal is to create brand awareness and affinity to establish the brand’s position in the market place. This message may be communicated through various mediums which may include, TV and print advertisements, direct mail, social media, videos and live events.
SALES If you are in the Sales department, your #1 responsibility is to sell! Upsell, future sell, cross sell, just sell. The goal of your daily interaction with customers is to ultimately get the customer to sign on the dotted line. Most people would believe that Sales is the most important department in any given company and I must agree. Not for the reason you’re thinking (because this department closes the sale and generates revenue); it’s the most important department because these individuals interact with the customer at the time which they dread the most. All customers know it’s coming; however, there is still a certain level of tension when you ask for the sale. Having top notch sales professionals who seamlessly close the deal will dramatically increase your conversion rate and contribute to repeat business and ultimately your bottom line.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT This is where Sales and Marketing meet. Business Development identifies opportunities across segments of the organization and establishes relationships with strategic partners and customers to
expand the company’s reach and gains the trust of customers. In many organizations, the Business Development department picks up where these respective departments leave off. For example, Marketing makes a prospective customer aware of your products and services. Business Development may step in and court this customer with a personal phone call or an invite to an event. They then hand them off to Sales, where the deal is closed. Once the prospect becomes a customer, Business Development may reach out again to prep the upsell or manage retention. As you can see, the lines between the
duties of these respective departments can get blurred. As organizations push to become leaner, you may have one person responsible for all of these functions. However, we wanted to point out the distinct differences between these roles. Even if you are responsible for all of these functions, you should be clear about what hat you’re wearing at any given time. Knowing your current objective (role) will help you better execute the task because you are clear on the desired outcome. Remember, each of these departments are equally important to the business cycle and a balanced focus will position your business for long term success.
F O U N D A T I O N
10 STEPS TO START YOUR BUSINESS FOR LESS THAN $150 BUCKS
TODAY
Ready to launch your business, but not sure where to start? Even if you’re on a limited budget, here’s 10 ways to get your business started without breaking the bank. Danielle Pierce
1
COMPLETE A BUSINESS PLAN.
Unless you are looking for funding from a bank or investor, you don’t need a long-form business plan. Two thoughtful pages will do. If you need a template, send me an email at info@ daniellepierce.com.
2
GET IN FORMATION. Be legal, even if you might not be ready to
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formally incorporate your business. Set up a sole proprietorship and file for a DBA (Doing Business As). This can be done through your Secretary of State in most states or through your local municipalities. Not to mention the process can even be completed online, which means you can do it RIGHT NOW!
3
LOOK THE PART. Don’t make your home address public. You should es-
tablish a business address using a business incubator which usually cost between $35-$75 per month. A PO Box is also a good option. You can get one at your local post office or UPS store.
4
BUILD YOUR LIST. Get started
with email marketing by building your customer list using MailChimp. It’s free for up to 2,000 subscribers, so there is no excuse.
WOMEN, WEALTH & REAL ESTATE: THE BOOK
$
to the next level for FREE and really impress your audience. It’s also a great tool to capture customer testimonial videos.
8
STOP THE SCROLL. Professional
graphics are a must to grab the attention of your customers. Create an account with canva.com for FREE and create designs like you have years of graphic design experience.
9
BOOST. You cannot depend on friends
and family to sustain your business (although their support is appreciated). Run a weekly Facebook ad campaign (fees start as low as $5) to promote your business, gain followers or market upcoming events.
10
EXTRA RESOURCES. Create an
account on fiverr.com. You can find just about any service you need for a great price. You can even create a promo video for around $20! You can also use Fiverr for services such as website design (around a $100), graphic design and other simple tasks.
5
GO SOCIAL. Sign up for an ac-
count with HootSuite to start social media marketing. This is ideal for those still working a 9 to 5 as Hootsuite allows you to schedule posts. You can also use Facebook Creator Studio for free.
6
HOMEBASE.
Having a professional website helps build instant
credibility. Sign up for an account with wix.com or Squarespace.com and build a basic 4-page website. These platforms have great templates that are drag and drop, so no design experience is needed.
7
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION. Video is King right now.
While this checklist is designed for brand new business owners or those that have yet to launch their business, it is a great reminder of the basics for any business. Although not ideal, it is very common for new entrepreneurs to handle all facets of their business (graphic design, social media marketing, accounting, etc.). However, as your business grows and you become a financially stable company, you will need to build a team of professionals to help you with things like graphic design, marketing, and financial reporting. Your ultimate goal is to create an environment where you RUN the business as opposed to working in the trenches on a day to day basis.
www.daniellepierce.com
To create professional videos, download the Magisto app. Take your videos
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BUILD YOUR LIST FOUR EASY STEPS TO ACQUIRE YOUR BEST ASSET C U R AT E D B Y: E L L E S E & C O
I love social media just as much as the next person. These platforms give us an unprecedented opportunity to build and grow our businesses with little to no investment (although you can supercharge your growth with paid ads, but that’s another story) by simply putting out great content and being consistent. You don’t own these platforms. In fact, you’re not even renting them, since they are free. This, in turn means that you have little to no rights when it comes to your use of them. So, picture this (based on a true story), you‘ve spent years building your community of rav-
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ing Facebook Fans. They “like” and “share” everything you post. Over 75% of the traffic to your website is from link clicks originated from Facebook. One day, you wake up to find out that your access has been revoked. Now, you have no way to tell all the people who followed you on Facebook about the amazing blog you just posted on your website, which by the way, was sponsored by an advertiser that you’ve been trying to land for months. So basically, your post goes unread. The advertiser has demanded their money back and vows to tell everyone that you’re a fraud because you’ve ruined their product launch. Your reputation is now ruined, which
could possibly put you out of business. I am not sure I have a lot of advice for what you would do once this crisis has occurred. But, what you can do is implement a strategy that will ensure your business is not at the mercy of someone else’s platform in which you have no rights or control over.
SOLUTION: BUILD YOUR LIST!
I know that everyone is talking about building your list right now and rightfully so. In the long run, this will be one of your most valuable assets. Having a way to contact
recommend MailChimp, if you are just getting started, because they have free plans for up to 2k subscribers (some features are not available in the free plans) and it’s pretty easy to learn. However, if you want to segment your list, which I highly suggest, go with ConvertKit. Plans start at $29 per month for up to 1k subscribers. SMS (Short Message Service) aka Text Messages: While email reigns supreme for 1x1 contact with your customers, it finally has a formidable challenger with SMS. As we adopt more of a “mobile first” mindset, most people have become more comfortable with businesses contacting them via text messages. According to Trumpia, a leading provider of SMS services, “SMS is the most immediate marketing channel available to marketers. Ninety-seven percent of text messages are opened and read and most are read within 3 minutes of delivery.” With open rates like this, all businesses should consider how they can integrate SMS into their communication strategy because SMS is the future of communication.
STEP 2
COLLECT CONTACT INFORMATION Add contact captures to your website to collect emails and phone numbers. To add the contact capture, work with your web professional, or if you are using Wordpress, it’s pretty simple to add with the use of plugins and YouTube tutorials. Suggested placements for such captures are, pop-ups, sidebars, headers and above the fold on the homepage.
STEP 3
DEVELOP A STRATEGY FOR CONTACT COLLECTION
your customers through a method that you control will help you sleep at night. The possibilities are endless when you have a responsive list. You can even get into list segmentation and tailor your communications to meet your clients’ specific interests, clicks and buying patterns. So how is this done? I’m so glad you asked!
STEP 1
CHOOSE A METHOD OF DELIVERY
Email: There are several email service providers out there, so be sure to do your homework. Choose one that has the features you need for where your business is right now, or for the next 12 months. There’s no reason to pay for features you’re not using. You can always switch to a provider that offers more advanced features later. I would
There is increasing competition for your customers’ contact information. Therefore, people have become a little more selective about who they are willing to give it to. Asking them to sign up for your newsletter probably won’t cut it. Create a lead magnet (an ethical bribe in the form of a coupon, access to a document or other exclusive content) to entice people to part with their email and phone number.
STEP 4
DRIVE TRAFFIC TO YOUR CONTACT CAPTURE Whether it’s a pop-up on your website or an opt-in for a lead magnet, you should direct people to give you their contact information. You can drive traffic through social media posts, videos, paid advertising and good ole’ word of mouth. By collecting their contact information, you not only have a way to stay connected with your audience, you have captured their attention. Social media sites are very noisy. Therefore, it’s much harder to cultivate a relationship and get sales directly from those platforms. When someone is reading your text or email, you have a better chance of sealing the deal.
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THE BENEFITS OF MAKING TIME FOR
HOBBIES
W
e often get so busy with our everyday lives that we forget about doing something that we actually enjoy. From going to work every day, running businesses, catering to our families, they can all be overwhelming. With all of that, we may feel like we don’t have time to give to our hobbies. I am here to inform you today, that you can make time, even if it’s just 15 to 20 minutes a day. It’s something, and every little bit counts. Here are four reasons why you should make time for your hobbies.
Briana Ross
that point to change your habits. Catch up on a book you’ve been wanting to read, journal for 15 minutes about how your day is going, or get a few squats in. The possibilities are endless. Taking a break to do something you actually want to do, will help you refocus.
3
We all have to grow in order to get anywhere in life. Whether it’s personal growth or professional growth, growth
1
Making time for your hobbies allow for you to rejuvenate so you can get the things that are less pleasurable done. Believe it or not, there is productivity in leisure time. People who are overwhelmed and find it difficult to keep up with their commitments are usually neglecting themselves. Making time for your hobbies is part of self-care; so, it’s important to do things that make you feel good. You have to keep your body and mind in top shape so you can be on your “A” game at all times.
2
Hobbies prevent burnout. After doing the same thing over and over again, even machines get burned out if they do not get proper maintenance. You definitely do not have the capabilities of a machine, so what do you think will happen to you? You must take breaks! Taking breaks allow your brain to rest and refocus. Burnouts take a huge toll on your mind and body, and they can leave you very weak. Don’t wait until you get to
is the key to accomplishing your goals and dreams. No matter what your hobbies are, I guarantee they will help you grow in some way, shape or form. Growth is crucial, and is often quite uncomfortable. However, making time for your hobbies may make the uncomfortable times much more bearable. For example, one of my hobbies is working out. I remember I hated working out, but once I built a routine, it became something I couldn’t live without. Not only did working out change my body, but it also taught me mental disci-
pline; something I did not have before.
4
Spending time on your hobbies gives you new perspective. When I am writing, which is one of my hobbies, I get deep into thought. It gives me a chance to really think about the topic. It is at this time that I get answers to my problems or the obstacles that I am facing. I think about what is in front of me and consider how others may feel. I always say, “life is all about your perspective.” Things may not always go as planned, but when you shift your perspective and view the positive in the situation, it will allow you to expand your mind and have a better understanding of how the universe works. Whether you like to write, read, crochet, sew or workout, allow the time you spend on your hobbies to help you dive deeper into your thoughts. Time spent on your hobbies can also be very relaxing. Taking time to relax will allow you to think more clearly, and you may even find some of the answers you have been seeking. Spending more time on yourself also translates into more productivity in every aspect of your life. When you neglect to take care of yourself, it just doesn’t work out in the long run. Growth and renewal are essential to accomplishing everything. Having a hobby is about investing in you and you should always be willing to invest in you.
www.hellobrianaconsulting.com
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L I F E S T Y L E
AT I YA G O L D S M I T H – “ S T O P C O R P O R AT E S H E N A N I G A N S ”
ENTREPRENEUR DATING TIPS SIMPLE TIPS TO FIND LOVE WHILE RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS
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W
ow! I can’t believe we are at the end of 2019. I’m sure some of you may be thinking the same thing. You may also be thinking about all of the things that you still want to accomplish this year such as buying a home, increasing your revenue, or even finding the love of your life. For people who work in corporate settings where they may meet dozens or even hundreds of colleagues, they may be able to find love easier since over 50% of relationships begin at work. But what if you are part of one of the fastest growing demographics, Black Female Entrepreneurs, and do not work in a corporate setting on a daily basis? What do you do? Keep reading as I share my Do’s and Don’ts of dating and finding love as a entrepreneur.
DO’S
BE OPEN TO DATING SOMEONE WHO HAS A LESSER PAY GRADE THAN YOU. “Think like a Man,” a blockbuster movie a few years ago, starred Taraji P. Henson, who played an executive that thought she needed to find a spouse who held a similar status as hers. She dated an executive, played by Morris Chestnut, only to find out that he only talked about himself and his life, never interested in taking the time to focus on her and her life. Her other love interest, an aspiring chef, played by Michael Ealy, who had a not so impressive salary, catered to her needs and went through extreme measures to create special moments for her regardless of what his status or income level. Remember, someone who loves and cherishes you is far more important than their status or income, for that matter. BE OPEN TO DATING OUTSIDE OF YOUR RACE. I read in a magazine that many black women are still uncomfortable dating outside of their race, which substantially limits their prospects. To give you some inspiration, watch the movie called “Something New” starring Sanaa Lathan, where she falls in love with a Caucasian male despite the
objections from her family and friends. ATTEND MORE SOCIAL EVENTS. I know, I know. You do not have time to attend events because you are busy working long hours building your empire. Well I am sure you have heard the saying “All work and no play…” well you know the rest. You don’t have to be in a club or at a social event, every weekend like you are in your early 20s, but do make a commitment to attend one or two social events monthly to increase your chances of meeting new people. VISIT DIFFERENT PLACES OF WORSHIP TO MEET NEW PEOPLE. In your home place of worship, you may know everyone there already as well as who they have previously dated, which could be awkward. Visiting a friend or family member’s place of worship will expose you to meeting new people. While you’re there be sure to pray for yourself, your business and the spouse of your dreams. Who knows, your potential spouse could be there praying to meet you as well. Look at GOD, won’t he do it!
DON’TS
DON’T DATE YOUR EMPLOYEES. Besides the fact that it is unprofessional, if things to do not work out, you will have to continue to see each other. Also, you can also set your-
case, you definitely need to speak up. Don’t complain about the quality of their choices. If you are used to purchasing front row seats at concerts, but your date could only afford the balcony section, don’t degrade
BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR, YOU ARE PROBABLY USE TO HANDLING MOST THINGS ON YOUR OWN. self up for potential litigation if you ever have to discipline or terminate that employee. They may accuse you of being disgruntled because of the break up or even sexual harassment. I strongly encourage you not to date your employees. DON’T BE OPPOSED TO ALLOWING YOUR DATE TO MAKE ALL OF THE PLANS. Being an entrepreneur, you are probably used to handling most things on your own. It is okay to not be in “Boss Mode” all of the time and allow someone else to take the lead. Regardless of what your date plans, be open to trying their suggestions unless of course they want to take you to a seafood restaurant, and you’re allergic to shell fish. In that
their efforts. Instead, relax, enjoy the show and sing those Beyoncé notes like nobody is watching. DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY ONLINE DATING SITES. We know that there are a lot of crazy people online who are not being there true and authentic selves. Despite that, according to www. statisticbrain.com, close to 50 million people have used online dating sites to find love. The stats also show that 17 to 20 percent of the connections resulted in long term relationships and even marriage. One of those successful relationships could be you if you do a little research of your own to see if creating a profile on one of the sites is right for you.
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5 TIPS FOR SENDING EMAILS THAT DON’T GET DELETED C U R AT E D B Y: E L L E S E & C O
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A
s an Entrepreneur, your livelihood is built on results. These days so much of that building happens in your inbox. Despite what you may heard, email is still "king." This is ev ident by the sheer volume of emails you receive, which is why it's critical that you implement these tips to ensure your emails don’t hit the trash bin before the are read.
needed, give them the “Cliff Notes” version. No one has time to read a novel via email.
Here are a few tips to help ensure your emails dont get deleted.
❸ KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL
❶ CLEAR SUBJECT LINE
I don’t know about you, but I like to know what I’m getting myself into before I open an email. The subject line helps me understand just that. It should be an accurate reflection of the contents of the email. Therefore, you should never leave the subject line blank. Not only will your email most likely be overlooked, it may also be flagged as spam. You should also limit the number of words in your subject line. There is no need for complete sentences. Use dashes and parentheses to help with the flow of your words. Finally, if you are making a request or if an action is required, the subject line should indicate such. EXAMPLES: Request for Conference Speakers — DUE MAY 5 Potential Collaboration (Branding Webinar) – Deadline MAY 15 ACTION REQUIRED - Design Services (Logo Needed by 5/15)
❷ BE CLEAR AND CONCISE
Stick to the subject and use as few words as possible in the body of your email. Ask for what you need, a decision, information, an action, etc., just be concise. It should be crystal clear as to why you are contacting the recipient. If background information is
In the event a long email is required, take the time to format it. Use headings and formatting tools such as bullets, colors, bold, italics, and/or underlining to convey your message.
Don’t send business emails from your personal email account (i.e. calihotgirl45@yahoo.com). If you don’t already have a professional domain (which all businesses should), take the time to purchase the domain and set up a G-Suite account with your name or business name.
❹ DON’T BE TOO LAID BACK
“Hey Girl, Hey,” may be acceptable for writing to a friend or on social media; however, in business, it is totally inappropriate and unprofessional. Requests, collaborations, etc., are serious business and you most likely don’t know the recipient well enough to be so casual with them.
❺ DOUBLE CHECK YOUR WORK
This goes without saying, we all make mistakes, but don’t be sloppy. Excessive typos, all caps, or all lower case letters can lead to an unprofessional impression of you or that you may be a spammer. While some of these things may seem super simple, I can’t even count the number of emails that I have received where people get these things wrong. Before sending an email, just think about the type of email you would want to receive; what would impress you? Don’t let your important proposal fall on deaf ears simply because you failed to package it properly.
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E N T R E P R E N U E R S H I P
Technology has changed the game. Side hustles have become a way of life. Wondering how you can get in the game? We got you! Check out our round-up of seven of the most lucrative, low-investment, online side hustles that can put some real cash in your pocket.
E-COMMERCE & DROP SHIPPING
Curated by: Ellese & Co
The basic idea behind a drop shipping e-commerce business is that you are a virtual middleman. It’s an affordable way into the e-commerce arena because you don’t need to stock inventory or ship anything yourself. You simply find a great wholesaler (like AliExpress, Printful, etc.) set-up a website, market and sell the hell out of the products and then have the orders filled and shipped through a fulfilment center. Sites like eBay and Amazon are great selling places to set up shop if you don’t have your own website. Shopify is also a good option since there are site add-ons that can help you facilitate drop shipping.
WORK AS A VA (VIRTUAL ASSISTANT)
Small business owners, solo entrepreneurs, and busy executives all have one thing in common – they’re wearing multiple hats and juggling lots of balls in the air. That’s where the services of a Virtual Assistant come in hand. You provide simple services like answering calls, doing online research, booking travel, and managing social media accounts. Clients love it because they get the on-demand help they need without having the overhead of a full-time employee. You’ll love it because it lets you work for multiple clients on easy-to-perform tasks with very little startup costs.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Affiliate Marketing is something akin to virtual drop shipping minus the physical products. You can use your existing blog, website, or e-newsletter to promote the products and services of other businesses. You’re assigned a link embedded with
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a unique code. Anytime anyone clicks on that link and makes a purchase, you get a percentage of that sale. The key to making Affiliate Marketing profitable is to sign up for the right kind of affiliate programs and then to put the offer in front of the right people. Most people choose companies who serve the same niche market they serve without it being direct competition.
BLOGGING
Find a topic you’re passionate about and start blogging. You can make money in a plethora of ways through your platform. Blogging doesn’t require a lot of technical skills or startup costs, but it can pay off big if it’s done correctly. To get started you need to build a steady following of subscribers to your blog. Once that is done, advertisers like Google AdSense and affiliate marketers alike will happily flock to your blog to advertise. You’ll get paid by sharing regularly updated, useful content that engages your readers, and by using effective calls to action that compel your readers to make purchases.
INFORMATION PRODUCTS
Information products are a great way to make passive income. They include things such as ebooks, white papers, and workbooks. Write, edit and publish them once, then sell them on sites like Amazon, GumRoad or on your own website. Information products can also include things like pre-recorded webinars, audio books, and e-courses, which are incredibly profitable. People will happily pay for useful, engaging content that teaches them how to do (you fill-in-the-blank). Make the e-course downloadable or deliver them on a platform like Teachable and you’ll make money even while you sleep.
BECOME AN INFLUENCER
If you’ve built a strong social media following, you can use it to build a lucrative side hustle as an online pied piper.
People will pay you to mention, share, or outright promote their products and services to your loyal following. Influencers make money by becoming affiliate marketers, obtaining sponsorships, and through traditional advertising. So, if you’ve already built a large, engaged social media following, and are willing to be a spokesperson for brands looking to build their influence, this can be seriously profitable.
OFFER GIGS ON FIVERR & UPWORK
Are you a writer, artist, or social media junkie? If so, assess your skills and abilities to determine what you can do for $5. People make a good living selling resumes, press releases, graphic design, book covers, accounting, sketching – just about anything, via Fiverr and Upwork. The trick to making Fiverr or Upwork side hustles profitable is to make sure whatever you offer is something that doesn’t take much of your time or
effort. You can offer small gigs to introduce your services on either platform for as little as $5, and then increase your prices as you build your repertoire and then you’ll start making some real money. The best thing about these side hustles are that they only have one limitation – you. As long as you’re willing to do the hustle part and invest some time and/or money into marketing, these online side gigs can help you earn money 24/7. The real key to an effective, long-lasting side hustle is to create a good product or service; identify your ideal client; and then find ways to get in their face. If done right, some of these side hustles are like CrockPot cooking. Some work upfront, then you can set it and forget it. You may have to stir it from time to time, and may even have to add a little spice, but the real work has already been done at the beginning.
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