Stepping into Success

TRIPLE THREAT

TERRI J. VAUGHN ON CREATING FOR THE CULTURE

LEVEL UP NOW!

WHAT BLACK WOMEN IN BUSINESS NEED TO DO

MORE RESOURCES TO START AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Success Stepping into

SHANTEL JACKSON

MS.

06LEVEL UP

28 Things you need to do for your business NOW!

10STE PPING INTO SUCCESS

A candid conversation with inventor of Shoe Gummi, Shantel Jackson.

14MASTERPIECE MARRIAGE

Exclusive interview with Kristin and Montell Jordan on love, marriage and how to make it last.

22TRIPLE THREAT

Terri J. Vaughn’s mission to bring authentic stories to the screen as an actress, director and producer.

24BUILT TO SELL

5 Ways to prepare your business for a lucrative exit

THE SQUAD

MARIA HARRIS - Senior Editor

MUZIKSCRIBE - Managing Editor

STEPHANIE ROSA - Senior Art Director

NICHOLE MYLES - Senior Copy Editor

SHANICE WINFREY - Executive Manager

TANEZ HENDERSON - Production Manager

THE LEGAL STUFF: The information contained in this publication is for informational purposes only and is subject to the terms and conditions found on www.blackwomenmeanbusiness.com. Ellese & Co, the publisher of BWMB Magazine 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 or BWMB Magazine, therefore, we carry no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. All rights reserved copyright Ellese & Co 2023

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626.536.1227

FOUNDER From the desk of the

We all want to take steps in the right direction; it can be so disappointing when we don’t. For my years, a step in the wrong direction would cripple my confidence. What was I so afraid of? Failure. But only through my failures have I found success. I am not alone in this revelation. So many successful entrepreneurs found their success in what they believed at the time were failures. In retrospect, they were lessons. They were the path to success.

Success is guided by goals. Planning to succeed. Now don’t get too excited, this does not alleviate failure, it does however increase your chances of success.

Now, I know with this being the beginning of a new year many of us have a tendency to use the start of a new year as an opportunity to reflect on our lives and make changes. However, I also know that life doesn't always wait for the new year to make changes. That's why it's important to have a plan in place, so you can start taking action whenever you're ready.

This is a message that I learned the hard way. I used to work a high-pressure, six-figure job that left me feeling drained and unfulfilled. I knew that I needed to make a change, but I didn't know where to start. That's when I created the "plan, prepare, push" method.

I first started by planning my course of action. I made a list of where I wanted to be in all areas of my life, my strengths, weaknesses, and the steps I needed to take in order to make a change. I then prepared myself by gathering the necessary resources and learning as much as I could about how to grow my business, including courses and high-ticket coaching. But then it was time, I pushed myself to take action.

I can tell you that the push was not easy. It was scary and uncertain, but I knew I had to take the leap if I wanted to achieve my goals. And I am so glad I did.

I encourage all of you to take control of your life and make the changes you want to see. That is exactly what the ladies that are featured in this issue (Shantel Jackson, Stepping into Success and Terri J. Vaughn, Triple Threat) have done and continue do. They are not waiting for the new year.

Enisha Ligon-Garrett

LEVEL-UP

28 THINGS YOU NEED TO DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN 2023

Hey girl, are you ready to level-up in 2023? Because we are! As black women, we have so much to offer and limitless potential to achieve great things. But sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've compiled this list of 23 things you need to do in 2023 to help you reach new heights of success and happiness. Whether a working professional or an entrepreneur, these tips will help you stay focused, motivated, and on top of your game. So grab a pen and paper, and let's prepare to make 2023 our best year yet!

1 Define and set clear personal and professional goals for the year. Setting clear goals for yourself can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the year. Consider setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timebound (SMART) goals that align with your values and aspirations. Write them down and post them somewhere you can see them daily to keep yourself accountable.

2 Create a budget and financial plan to support personal and business growth. A budget and financial plan can ensure you have the resources you need to reach your goals, whether saving for a vacation or investing in your business. Create a budget that considers your income, expenses, and savings goals. Make sure to include some fun money to celebrate when you reach your milestones.

3 Identify and develop a support system, including mentors, coaches, and professional networks. A support system can be incredibly valuable in helping you achieve your goals. Identify potential mentors or coaches and professionals in your industry for networking opportunities.

4 Prioritize self-care and establish healthy habits for physical and mental well-being. Self-care is crucial for maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Self-care can take many forms, from getting enough sleep and exercise to practicing mindfulness and meditation. Set aside time for activities that make you feel good.

5 Practice mindfulness and meditation to improve mental well-being. Mindfulness and meditation can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. Take some time each day to focus on your breathing and clearing your mind. This can be done through a guided meditation or a simple breathing exercise.

6 Stay current with industry trends and developments in the field. Staying current with industry trends and developments is essential for staying competitive and relevant in your field. Subscribe to relevant newsletters, attend industry events and conferences, and read professional publications.

7 Continue learning and expanding skills through education or training opportunities. Lifelong learning is essential for professional and personal growth. Look for opportunities to learn new skills through formal education or training programs, online courses, or workshops so that you stay current in your field and prepared for new opportunities for advancement.

8 Network and attend events to increase visibility and opportunities. Networking can be a great way to connect with other professionals in your industry, learn about new opportunities, and gain valuable insights. Attend conferences, trade shows, and networking events to meet new people and make valuable connections.

9 Embrace and leverage technology for personal and business growth. Technology is a powerful tool for personal and business growth. Stay updated with the latest tools and platforms, and learn how to use them effectively. From social media marketing to project management tools, technology can help you stay organized, increase productivity and grow your brand or business.

10 Build a personal brand and online presence to showcase professional work or business. Developing a strong personal brand can help you stand out in your field and increase visibility and opportunities. Create a professional online presence through your website or social media accounts, and use them to showcase your work, skills, and achievements.

11 Establish a strategy to promote your personal brand or business. Developing a strategy for promoting your personal brand or business can help increase visibility and attract new customers or clients. This can include tactics such as social media marketing, content marketing, or traditional advertising.

12 Set aside time for hobbies and interests. It's essential to make time for the things you enjoy doing. Whether it's reading, painting, or playing an instrument, set aside time each week to do something you love.

13 Travel to new places and take a vacation. Travel can be a great way to recharge and gain new perspectives. Plan a vacation or take a trip to a place you've never been before, and take the time to explore and experience new cultures.

14 Look for opportunities to volunteer or give back to the community. Giving back to the community can be a great way to make a difference in the world and feel good about yourself. Look for opportunities to volunteer your time and skills through local organizations or online platforms.

15 Plan regular date nights or outings with yourself, friends, and your significant other. Making time for the important people in your life is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Plan regular date nights or outings with your significant other, and make time for friends and family as well.

16 Create a plan for business expansion or scaling and diversifying income streams. Growing your business is a great way to increase income and achieve financial stability. Develop a plan for expanding or scaling your business, and look for ways to diversify your income streams.

17 Seek and apply for funding, grants, or other resources to support professional or business growth. Research funding and grant opportunities, and consider applying for those that align with your goals and business model. Additionally, look for other resources, such as networking events, workshops, and business accelerators, that can provide valuable support and guidance.

er through a journal or an app, and make sure to celebrate your achievements along the way. Whether it's a small win or a big accomplishment, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your successes.

clutter and organize your spaces, and add elements that make you feel good, like plants, candles, or artwork.

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Be the bigger person and make a concerted effort to repair broken relationships. Mending broken relationships can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Take the time to reach out to people you've had conflicts with, and make a concerted effort to repair your relationships.

19 Create a plan for work-life balance to maintain a healthy balance. Achieving a healthy work-life balance can be essential for maintaining your overall well-being. Create a plan for balancing your work and personal life, and set boundaries and stick to them.

20 Create a system for tracking progress and celebrating success. Tracking your progress and celebrating your successes will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. Create a system for tracking your progress, wheth-

21

Read more books. Reading is a great way to unwind and escape everyday life's stresses. It can also be a great way to learn new things and gain new perspectives. Set a goal to read several books this year, and set aside time each day or week to read. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or self-help books, choose something you'll enjoy reading.

22 Connect with your feminine energy. Connecting with your feminine energy can help you tap into your intuition, creativity and emotional intelligence. This can be done through practicing yoga, meditation, journaling, or any activity that allows you to tap into your feelings and emotions. Allow yourself to be in touch with your feelings, and let them guide you in your decision-making.

23 Cultivate a comfortable home and work environment. Your environment plays a significant role in your well-being. Make sure your home and work spaces are comfortable and conducive to productivity. Take the time to de-

24 Savor the moment by enjoying (breathing). Life can be hectic, and getting caught up in the 50/11 things you must do is easy. Remember to take a step back and savor the moment by enjoying the small things in life. Practice mindfulness and make a conscious effort to be present in the moment, whether through breathing exercises or simply taking a walk outside.

25 Look the part and invest in your appearance. Investing in your appearance can help boost your confidence and make you feel good about yourself. A confidence boost can come from getting a new hairstyle, updating your wardrobe, or stepping up your beauty regimen. Taking the time to look your best will help you feel your best.

26 Embrace play and not taking everything so seriously. No one likes a Boring Betty. Embrace play and find ways to have fun, whether through hobbies, games, or even hanging out with friends. Life is too short to be serious all the time, and a little bit of play can help you stay balanced and refreshed.

27 Ask for support and be vulnerable. Surround yourself with people you trust and who support you. Don't be afraid to ask for help when needed, and don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Being vulnerable and asking for help can help you build stronger relationships and make real connections.

Rest and Realx. Rest and relaxation are essential for maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Set aside time each day or week for rest and relaxation. This can include taking a nap, meditating, or simply doing something you enjoy that allows you to unwind and de-stress. Making time to recharge

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and renew your energy will increase your productivity and, therefore, your bank account. Make sure to prioritize rest and relaxation in your schedule and make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

This is the year for you to take charge of your life and reach new heights of success. From setting clear goals to embracing technology and building a strong personal brand, these tips are designed to help you achieve your goals and live our best lives.

In your quest for greatness, remember to prioritize self-care, stay connected to your support system and never stop learning. With hard work and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. So go ahead, level-up and make this year your best year yet!

Want support in making this your best year ever?

Visit www.BWMBassociation .com for more information.

BONUS

Taking off the cape and ditching the Strong Black Woman Syndrome.

It's important to remember that it's okay not to have everything together all the time. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and ask for help when you need it. Ditch the idea of always having to be the "strong black woman" and instead focus on taking care of yourself and your own needs.

Set boundaries: Learn to say "no" to people and situations that don't serve you. Prioritize your own needs and well-being.

Seek support: Surround yourself with a supportive community of people who understand and validate your experiences.

Practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling.

"It's time to redefine what it means to be a strong Black woman. Strength is not about being invincible, it's about being able to ask for help when you need it."

- Yvette Nicole Brown, Emmy-nominated actress, writer, producer and host

Success Stepping into

The creative force behind the game-changing Shoe Gummi –Shantel Jackson's story of innovation and entrepreneurship.

As a woman, there's nothing quite like slipping on a pair of heels and feeling confident and sexy. But as anyone who's ever worn heels for an extended period knows, the situation's reality is often quite different. From blisters and sore feet to aching legs and backs, the price we pay for looking good can be high. But one woman is on a mission to change that.

Meet Shantel Jackson, a multi-passionate entrepreneur, and inventor who's shaking things up in the world of heels with her innovative product, Shoe Gummi. "We all have issues with wearing heels, being out, and our feet hurt," she says. "Date night, girls' night, an event, a party, just wanting to walk around and be cute in heels. Shoe Gummi solves many of our issues with not being able to wear our high heels for a longer period of time."

But how does Shoe Gummi work, exactly? "It tilts your foot in the shoe back slightly, so it alleviates some of that pressure and can redistribute it to some of your heel in some cases as well," Jackson explains. "With a lot of that pressure not on the balls of your feet, you're able to wear your high heels longer. It's a comfortable, easy-to-use product that can be applied to any shoe, and it last a lifetime.

It's a simple solution, but one that could make a big difference in the lives of women everywhere. Jackson herself has always been obsessed with heels and wears them day in and day out. "High heels are my thing," she says. "They make me feel good, and I love the way they make my body sit. It's like a thing amongst women. Like, 'Oh, I put these heels on. Oh, my a** looks better. Like, oh, it's sitting right.' It's really a thing."

But as much as she loves heels, Jackson also knows the pain and discomfort that can come with them, which is why she was determined to find a solution. "Just having my gummis on the bottom, and I'm not worrying about my feet; it just goes hand in hand with everything," she says. "Shoe Gummis are my lifestyle."

But Shoe Gummi isn't the only product that Jackson has created to make women's lives better. She's also the founder of Fancy Goods. This brand includes a line of luxury mink eyelashes, faux mink, premium synthetic lashes, and cosmetic headbands that help prevent make-up residue in your hairline and keep your edges dry while in the shower.

All of Jackson's products stand for comfort and wanting to be just who you are or being an extension of yourself. "Like even just with eyelashes," she says. "They're what we love to wear or use, but it's an extension of our beauty or enhances

what we already have, and I love that."

Jackson's journey as an entrepreneur has not been without its challenges, but she's learned some valuable money lessons along the way. "One of the biggest money lessons is getting into a certain aspect

of the business before it's time," she says. "Sometimes you're not going to know that until you do it, but then it's a learning lesson."

Despite the occasional costly setback, Jackson is determined to keep pushing forward and creating products that improve women's lives. "I'm constantly learning and growing," she says. "But I know that the more I put in, the more I'll get out of it."

Jackson is not just an entrepreneur; she's also a trailblazer for black women in the field of patents. In 2020, only 22 out of 9,096 patents granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office listed a black woman as the inventor or co-inventor, according to a National Women's Business Council report. Jackson is among the few black women who have received a patent, joining the ranks of other black women inventors like Madam C.J. Walker, who patented a line of hair care products for

black women in the early 1900s, and Patricia Bath, who invented the Laserphaco Probe, a medical device that uses lasers to remove cataracts from the eyes. With the success of Shoe Gummi, Jackson is already making a huge impact.

So the next time you slip on a pair of heels and start to feel the familiar aches and pains, remember Shoe Gummi, Fancy Goods, and all the other products that Jackson has created to make your experi-

ence more comfortable and empowering. And don't be afraid to take a lesson from her and pursue your ideas and passions, no matter how daunting they may seem.

To learn more about Shantel Jackson www.shoegummi.com www.instagram.com/missjackson

"I'm constantly learning and growing, but I know that the more I put in, the more I'll get out of it."

Make a MasterpieceMarriage

Montell and Kristin Jordan's Mission to Empower Couples

When it comes to power couples, Montell and Kristin Jordan are not your typical Hollywood duo. With a long-standing marriage for the past 25 years, the Jordans have continually proven that lasting love is possible. They have built a solid foundational relationship that has withstood the tests of time and are also on a mission to help other couples do the same.

In this exclusive interview, the Jordans graciously share their journey, challenges, and the key principles that have helped them remain strong. The couple’s mes-

sage is simple: marriage is not easy but well worth the effort. As Kristin put it, “Marriage is the best thing that can happen to you, and it’s the hardest thing that can happen to you.”

The Jordans’ message resonates with people from all walks of life, and they work with a diverse demographic, including businesspeople, athletes, and entertainers.

“Our message is not just for couples who are struggling, it’s for anyone who wants to take their marriage to the next level,” says Montell emphatically.

For the Jordans, the key to a successful marriage is communication. “Communication is the foundation of everything,” Montell wholeheartedly believes. “It’s not just about talking; it’s about listening. You have to listen to your spouse and be willing to understand where they’re coming from.”

Their faith is also another key principle in their marriage. “We believe that God is at the center of our relationship,” Kristin confesses. “Our faith has been the glue that has held us together through the ups and downs.”

The Jordans’ commitment to each other and their faith has led them to start their very own ministry, Master Peace Church. The virtual ministry aims to create a safe space for couples to come together and share their experiences and provide resources and tools to help them build stronger healthier marriages.

“A lot of people draw their line in the sand that if this is what happens, then I’m out. We’ve learned that most people, or a lot of people, go into marriage with an exit strategy rather than an eternal strategy,” explains Montell with conviction.

“We’re just trying to come together as kind of spiritual strategists to bring a biblical application to allow marriages, especially black marriages, which are extremely important.”

Their ministry is also unique in that it is focused on building community. Kristin expounds, “We want to create a safe space for couples to come together and share their experiences. We believe that we are stronger together, and that we can all learn from each other.”

The couple’s passionate commitment to each other and their ministry is inspiring. They believe that every marriage can be a masterpiece, and they are proof that any marriage can withstand the test of time with hard work, continued faith, and a commitment to masterful communication.

For the Jordans, the key to balancing life is prioritization. “By definition, balancing is giving something equal value to something else,” offers Montell. Reiterating, he breaks it down even further, “Even when it comes to career and marriage, if it comes to marriage and parenting, if I’m trying to balance the kids with my wife, that’s out of order. I don’t

have to prioritize because our kids, they know mommy and me come first. Even if you were here first, mommy and me still come first. Because some things are meant to be prioritized, which makes it easier to balance.”

In conclusion, Montell Jordan emphasizes the importance of not letting external validation dictate one’s sense of self-worth. “For that couple or person in the relationship or friendship, even if somebody’s getting more exposure, just understand those 8,000 people that’s liking and following or the 100,000 people that’s liking or ten, whatever, that doesn’t matter,” Montell theorizes. “What I would say to you is don’t let the people who know you the least define you the most.”

The Jordans’ commitment to each other, their family, and their community is a true testament to the power of love and the importance of purpose and communication in achieving complete success.

For more info:

www.montellandkristin.com

FULL INTERVIEW ON BWMB

Don't let the people who know you the least define you the most.

LOVE,BUSINESS, MARRIAGE

Couples who are both entrepreneurs, who run a business together, or whose spouse leads a business endeavor often face unique challenges when balancing life, love, and work. On the one hand, working together can bring couples closer together and create a strong sense of partnership and teamwork.

It can also put a strain on the relationship if boundaries and expectations are not clearly established and defined. Due to some challenges we faced as married couples, we wanted to share our personal experiences and provide valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the often-difficult terrain of Love, Business & Marriage. We want other couples to feel less alone if they are experiencing similar struggles and get a glimpse into how we worked through those issues. Although the challenges seem pretty common and our stories unique, the intersection of all three can be quite complex. What we have discovered led to understand

ing, compromise, peace, connection, purpose, and happiness through trials and tribulations. There’s no magic wand to wave, but we hope our stories give other couples a sense of validation, understanding, and inspiration.

Overall, managing love, business, and marriage can be a challenging task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Love, Business, and Marriage is to be released in February 2023. Special thank you to Rey Bermudez for the book’s foreword, editor Heather Asiyanbi, and the couples who were transparent and vulnerable enough to share a deep piece of their love and business story. We have worked with over 50+ women in authorship and added men to the fold in our couples book collaboration project.

To learn more about Tamara and this project, visit: www.theceowife.com

TAMARA MITCHELL

Featured couples from left to right:

TEAM SIMMONS - Dr. Sh'nai and Pastor Taiwan Simmons

TEAM ALSTON - Catherine and Reginald Alston Jr.

TEAM DAVIS - Joe and Tamara Davis

TEAM MCDOUGALD - Tangie and Kyle McDougald

TEAM WOFFORD - Lashonda and Travis Wofford

DAVIS is a 10x bestselling and award winning author, speaker, and Wifepreneur. She is the mastermind behind TM Davis Enterprise LLC, an empowerment company that teaches women how to turn their stories into the success that creates fuller, richer lives for themselves and their families.

But Tamara’s work is beyond booksshe is here to live out her assignment to help women envision big dreams for their lives and push past the fear to make it come true.

TRUST ISSUES

OVERCOMING SELF-DOUBT: HOW WOMEN CAN BUILD TRUST IN THEIR DECISION-MAKING ABILITIES"

I was having a conversation with a colleague about a business decision I was mulling over. I was struggling with which way to go. I was weighing the pros and cons. I was getting advice. I was doing all the things except… trusting myself. That’s when I realized that I have trust issues. With myself! So I started to ask myself why.

Women have long been underrepresented in the business world, and as a result, we may sometimes struggle with selfdoubt and a lack of confidence when it comes to making important decisions. However, it is important for us to trust ourselves and our abilities when it comes to making good business decisions. Here are some reasons why:

1. Women bring a unique perspective to the table. Women often approach problems and challenges from a different perspective than men, and this diversity of thought can lead to more creative and effective solutions. By trusting in their own abilities and viewpoints, women can contribute valuable insights to their organizations.

2. Confidence is contagious. When women demonstrate confidence in their own abilities, it can inspire others to have confidence in them as well. This can help women gain the support and respect of their colleagues, which is essential for success in the business world.

3. Fear of failure can hold us back. It is natural to be afraid of making mistakes, but it is important to remember that failure is a natural part of the learning and growth process. By trusting in themselves and their decision-making abilities, women can take risks and learn from their mistakes, rather than allowing fear to hold them back.

4. Women have proven their worth. Despite the many challenges and barriers that women have faced in the business world, they have consistently proven their worth and capabilities. From successful entrepreneurs to top executives, women have made significant contributions to the business world and have earned their place at the decision-making table.

Whether it's in our personal life or in our businesses, the feeling of self-doubt can be overwhelming and can hold you back from reaching your full potential. As women, we are often taught to second-guess ourselves and to not fully trust our instincts. Society has instilled in us the belief that we are not as capable as men when it comes to decision-making. But, let me tell you, this could not be further from the truth.

As a woman in a leadership position, I know the pressure and the feeling of imposter syndrome that comes with making big decisions. But, I've learned that the key to overcoming this self-doubt is to trust ourselves and our abilities. We must learn to silence the negative voices in our heads and have confidence in the decisions that we make.

One way to do this is by educating ourselves and gaining knowledge in the areas where we lack confidence. For example, if you're in a leadership position and lack confidence in your financial decision-making abil-

ities, take a course or seek advice from a financial expert. By gaining knowledge and understanding in a specific area, you'll be able to make more informed decisions, which will increase your confidence.

It's also important to surround ourselves with a support system of people who believe in us and our abilities. This can be a group of friends, family members, or colleagues who will support and encourage us. Having a support system can be a great way to combat self-doubt and get a different perspective on a decision that you're unsure about.

One of the most important things we can do to gain confidence in our decision-making abilities is to practice self-compassion. It's important to remember that we are all human and we all make mistakes. When we make a mistake, it's important to be kind to ourselves and to learn from the experience. This can be difficult, especially if the mistake was a big one, but it's important to remember that mistakes are a part of the learning process.

Another way to gain confidence in decision-making is through gathering data and analytics. By having access to data and analytics, you'll be able to make informed decisions based on facts and figures, rather than just gut feelings. This can be especially helpful when it comes to making financial or business decisions.

It's also important to seek advice from mentors and experts. By talking to people who have more experience and knowledge than you do, you'll be able to gain insight and perspective on a decision that you're unsure about. This can be especially helpful when it comes to career decisions.

Lastly, learning from past experiences can be a great way to gain confidence in decision-making. Reflecting on past experiences,

whether they were positive or negative, can provide valuable lessons for future decision-making.

Now, you might be thinking, all this sounds great in theory, but how do I put it into practice? One way to start is by setting small goals for yourself. For example, if you're unsure about a decision that you need to make, set a goal to gather more information before making a final decision. This will help you to feel more confident in the decision that you make.

Hey, as women, it's time for us to break the mold and trust ourselves and our abilities.

We must educate ourselves, surround ourselves with a support system, practice self-compassion, gather data and analytics, seek advice from mentors and experts, and learn from past experiences. Remember, we are capable and strong women who can make great decisions. Let's take control of our lives and careers, and make the decisions that will shape our future. We must believe in ourselves and trust our instincts, even if society tells us otherwise. It's time to take charge of our own lives and make the decisions that will lead us to success and fulfillment. Let's not let self-doubt hold us back any longer, it's time to trust ourselves and make the bold decisions that will shape our future.

CARLA ERSKIN

is the founder and CEO of Bossingly® a company that provides marketing automation, delegation services, and personal development coaching to Black women-owned small businesses. With a focus on simplicity and balance, using the Automate, Delegate, Elevate Framework™, the team at Bossingly help entrepreneurs organize their businesses, reclaim their time, and create lives that bring financial stability and a healthy work-life balance.

For more info: www.bossingly.com

Terri J. Vaughn’s mission to bring authentic stories to the screen as actress, director and producer

You don't often come across a woman who embodies the phrase "triple threat," but Terri J. Vaughn is most certainly one of them. Terri's talent and versatility knows no bounds, from her breakout role as Lovita Alizé Jenkins-Robinson on the Steve Harvey Show to her recent stints as an actress and director on various hit television series. But perhaps the most impressive aspect of her career is her unwavering dedication to using her platform to amplify Black voices in the entertainment industry.

"When I first started out, I was told that my voice didn't sound like a Black person's voice," Terri recalls. "And that just lit a fire under me and my creative partner, Cass Secrets Beatles. We knew that we had to create shows for ourselves, and nobody was

going to be able to tell us what our voice was because it was our voice." And thus, Nina Holiday Entertainment was born.

Through her production company, Terri has been able to bring a plethora of authentic, Black stories to the small screen. From her work on Bounce TV's Johnson to Ava DuVernay's Cherish the Day, Terri's productions are a shining example of the power of representation and the importance of diverse perspectives in media.

But it's not just behind the camera where Terri is making waves. Her recent performances on Bounce TV's First Wives Club and Kingdom Business have once again reminded us of her undeniable acting chops. "I love both [acting and directing] so much,

and I don't want to stop doing either," Terri says. "I feel so fortunate to have been able to work on three different television series in the past year and to be currently prepping for a show that I'm directing. It's been a really exciting time for me."

When asked about the transition from acting to directing, Terri is quick to note that she doesn't see it as a transition at all. "I just included it," she explains. "I do it all now." And her team is equally as impressive as her resume. "My family is my team, for sure," Terri says. "I have a very supportive husband and understanding kids; they know who Mommy is and what my purpose is. We're very open about our journey and our passion for our work, and I think it's important for them to see us going to work that we love and that matters to us."

But the most heartwarming aspect of Terri's team is her group of girlfriends. "We're always looking for opportunities to work together," she shares. "We're all very strong, passionate women who genuinely love each other and want to see each of us win. It's funny when you get to win with others; it's so much fun. Winning by yourself doesn't feel like winning." And it's this sisterhood that Terri believes is crucial to achieving success.

"I don't want to be the richest friend in the room," she says. "I want to surround myself with success sisters. We all need to win."

Terri's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation, perseverance, and the power of a strong support system. It's clear that she's not just changing the game for herself but for Black women in the entertainment industry as a whole. As she continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations, we can't wait to see what she'll accomplish next.

For more

www.instagram.com/terrijvaughn

Mielle Organics Joins P&G Beauty

It’s exciting to hear that Mielle Organics, a popular textured hair care brand rooted in natural ingredients, is joining P&G Beauty. However, it’s also important to consider the implications of this partnership for Black entrepreneurship and Black-owned businesses.

On the one hand, this partnership will allow Mielle to expand its reach and access to more Black women and rapidly expand its community investments. Mielle and P&G have each committed $10 million to Mielle Cares, a non-profit that provides resources and support to advance education and economic

opportunities in Black and Brown communities. This is a significant investment in Black and Brown communities and will undoubtedly have a positive impact.

However, with this partnership, Mielle is no longer a Blackowned business, and it’s crucial

IS THIS GOOD OR BAD NEWS FOR BLACK BUSINESS OWNERSHIP?

to acknowledge the importance of representation and tailoring products to the specific needs of the Black community. As Angela Boyd, Founder and CEO of Black Owned Beauty Supply Association, said, “Black ownership is important because it is a symbol of economic empowerment. It is also important because it allows for representation and the ability to create products and services that are tailored to the specific needs of the Black community.”

Furthermore, the partnership may bring Mielle more resources and support, but it also means that the brand will be answering to a larger corporation. And as the CEO of Mielle Organics, Monique Rodriguez, said in the press release, “We founded Mielle Cares to give back to our community, who has been so instrumental in the success of Mielle,” and it’s important to consider if the priorities and values

of P&G align with the values of Mielle Organics.

Ultimately, it is hard to say whether this partnership is good or bad for Black businesses. It certainly has the potential to bring more resources and support to the Black community, but it also means that Mielle is no longer a Black-owned business.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Mielle Organics has been able to secure funding from the New Voices Fund for Women of Color and a subsequent nine-figure investment from Berkshire Partners at a time when less than one percent of Black women secured $1 million in funding, which is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the founders and their team.

Should the opportunity present

itself, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of this partnership and consider the larger implications for Black entrepreneurship and Blackowned businesses. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide how they feel about this partnership and if it would be right for you.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider the larger implications for Black entrepreneurship and Black-owned businesses. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide how they feel about this partnership and to continue supporting Black-owned businesses whenever possible.

5 WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS FOR A LUCRATIVE EXIT BUILT TO SELL

As black women, we face unique challenges in the business world, from discrimination and bias to lack of access to funding. According to a National Women's Business Council report, black women-owned businesses receive less than 1% of venture capital funding. This often forces us to rely on personal savings or loans with high-interest rates.

But despite these obstacles, we are some of the most resilient and hardworking entrepreneurs. However, the lack of capital can lead to us creating what we affectionately call "Mom & Pop" businesses. These businesses are not built to sell because they lack proper structure, procedures, and the ability to scale. They are highly dependent on the founder's work and could fall apart if they were to take just a few weeks off.

So, let's start how we want to finish. For some, generational ownership is important; for others, the big exit is the dream. To help us create sellable, we can turn to "Built to Sell" by John

Warrillow.

1. DEVELOP A STRONG BRAND IDENTITY

"Your brand is your company's most valuable asset. It's the foundation of your company's value and the key to unlocking the value of your company." - John

Warrillow

According to Warrillow, having a strong brand identity is essential for building a valuable business. As Black women, we have a unique perspective and a deep understanding of our communities, and we can leverage this to create a brand that resonates with our target audience.

To develop a strong brand identity, we should focus on our values, mission, and vision and align our brand messaging and visuals with

these elements. By doing so, we can create a brand that stands out and adds real value.

rations that can help us scale more quickly.

3. FOCUS ON GROWTH AND REVENUE

"Businesses that are focused on growth and revenue are more attractive to potential acquirers." -

John Warrillow

Creating systems and processes is another essential element of building a valuable business. By developing standard operating procedures, we can ensure that our business runs smoothly and efficiently and that we can delegate tasks to others when needed.

2. BUILD

A SCALABLE BUSINESS MODEL

"Scalability is the ability to grow the business without having to add more resources." - John

Warrillow

A scalable business model is critical to creating a valuable business that can grow over time. Warrillow suggests focusing on products or services delivered at scale, such as digital products or subscription-based services.

By doing so, we can create a business that can grow without adding significant overhead or costs. Additionally, we should identify potential partnerships and collabo-

SOPs can help prevent burnout and ensure that our companies are less dependent on us as individuals. We can also leverage technology to streamline processes and make our businesses more efficient.

4 . FOCUS ON GROWTH AND REVENUE

To build a that is attractive for acquisition business, we need to focus on growth and revenue—identifying opportunities for growth, such as expanding into new markets or launching new products or services. We should also focus on generating consistent revenue through various channels, such as sales, subscriptions, or advertising.

There are many resources and support networks available to us. We can seek funding initiatives and

accelerators targeting black women-owned businesses, such as the Black Girl Ventures Foundation or the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

You can also join black women's business associations, such as the National Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs and the BWMB Association, to connect

with other black women entrepreneurs and gain mentorship and support.

And, of course, we can turn to books like "Built to Sell" for valuable insights and advice on building successful and beneficial businesses.

BONUS

Taking off the cape and ditching the Strong Black Woman Syndrome.

It's important to remember that it's okay not to have everything together all the time. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and ask for help when you need it. Ditch the idea of always having to be the "strong black woman" and instead focus on taking care of yourself and your own needs.

Set boundaries: Learn to say "no" to people and situations that don't serve you. Prioritize your own needs and well-being.

Seek support: Surround yourself with a supportive community of people who understand and validate your experiences.

Practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling.

Legacy Sales is the Solution

to create and close sales opportunities, understand that sales is an exchange of energy. Be aware of this value exchange. It must be aligned with the receiver’s (buyer) biggest need to achieve a desire, and solves a major problem (concerns) in their lives, in as little time and exerted effort.

help you to develop your own legacy sales success process through repeated practice.

Legacy Sales is the Solution to overwhelm in marketing, low profits and overall business sustainability. When I started to hear my autistic son, Zachary, and my retired mom deliver their offers, I began to train others in this process that was easy to duplicate.

CEO Sisters, are you tired of the non-existence or even inconsistent ups and downs of profits?

Working too hard with no or little ROI (return of investment)?

As a business sales strategist, seeing entrepreneurs fizzle out because of following “get rich quick schemes” and the short, right now money games leading to disappointment or failure.

Legacy sales as the solution builds longevity and introduces opportunities (experiences) that can be marketed, systematized, duplicated and that will far outlive us. A legacy sale consists of a 4 part process that includes, Energy, Plan, Offer, Practice.

Let’s talk about ENERGY. In order

Sustainable profit is planned and there must be a solid PLAN in place that is clear, organized and can be followed, in order to achieve legacy sales goals. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with a stable plan, allowing duplication and adaptation over time is your path to your success.

What are you selling, promising, and/or delivering? This is your Offer. Lead your business with integrity-based offers so that your clients will receive what is promised and come back again for more.

Finally, like any other sport or art, there must be PRACTICE. Practice delivering your offer Use and duplicate what works. Invest in a sales strategist or coach that has been where you want to go and shares a similar style of delivery that you desire to do. This will

Want to know more about how to create long-lasting Legacy Sales that help to bring in continuous revenue?

Download my simple guide 7 Steps to Make your High-Level Sales Goals to get started.

www.legacysalessystem.com

is a multi #1 bestselling author, transformational TedX speaker, and business sales strategist dedicated to simplifying the process of building a profitable business so women can create wealth on their own terms. Her fiery and innovative approach seamlessly blends business-sales strategy and spiritual development, allowing clients to maximize their time, energy, and profitability through her 7 step legacy sales method of simplifying other overcomplicated processes.

DR. ALI GRIFFITH

WEALTHY WOMAN GOALS

This is it.

This is the year that Black Women Mean Business. This is the year to manifest everything you desire. This is the year you step into being a wealthy woman, in all areas of your life.

This is the year to stay committed to your goals regardless of your lack of motivation. This is the year that you allow yourself to receive and flow.

This is the year to give yourself permission to change your life.

Create the life you want and the vessels to fund it

I know all of that sounds like a great New Year manifesto, but putting it into practice may seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. But it will require your willingness to co-create a wealthy lifestyle that you design and live out your greatest potential.

At the mention of wealth, most people think it’s about the money. That’s such a small part of wealth creation. The foundation and

integral part is your wealth consciousness: your own definition and philosophy of what you view as possible for yourself, that becomes your reality. Money is just the tool you use to provide the lifestyle you want. Don’t hold back on living the life of your dreams because you can’t see how it will happen or how the money will manifest itself.

As you create your goals, think about what you want, knowing that the money will come. Create the life you want first, then create the vessels to fund it.

Now let’s set your wealthy woman goals.

What do you want as it relates to every area of your life (finances, relationships, family/love, spirituality, personal/business growth, health, career, social/recreation)?

No really. If you were granted everything you wanted, what would you desire in the next 12 months? In a perfect and just world, what would bring you joy, security, and freedom? What do you dream of doing? What have you been resisting that you know you’re called to do?

Know your why. Why are those wants, goals, and dreams important to you? Are they important enough to compromise, sacrifice, and change your behaviors?

Do you believe you can achieve

your goals? If not, what’s the story/ excuse/lie/borrowed belief stopping you? These limiting beliefs are what’s stopping you from living the life you want. It’s time to reframe them into more empowering ones.

What’s the belief that’s stopping you from believing you can have what you want?

Challenge it. Is this belief true? Is there a different perspective you want to have about it?

What’s the new meaning you want to give this belief? It should make you feel empowered and able to accomplish/have it.

Visualize yourself achieving your goals and dispelling the belief. Find new supportive evidence and success stories.

Envision yourself achieving these goals. What does the woman who has this life, think, feel, do, and behave? How does she show up, how does she handle her finances,

how does she create wealth, what boundaries does she have, how does she create peace and joy, how does she handle business? Then do those things as her, now!

What vessels of wealth will support your lifestyle? What ways are you receiving and allowing money to come into your life to support you? Businesses, real estate ventures, investing, or a diversified mix. There is no one path to, it’s all up to what you desire and how it plays into your lifestyle. But it is up to you.

Your goals aren’t just nice things to accomplish or things to check off at the end of the year. This is your opportunity to create and position yourself to live a life you’re in love with.

Henry David Theoreau said it best, “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.”

TAKISHA ARTIS is a Financial Life Coach, CEO of Takisha’s Theory a Financial Empowerment Firm. As a Certified Public Accountant, NLP Practitioner, Certified Life and Success Coach she’s seen entrepreneurs continue to struggle with the mindset & strategies needed to confidently step into and own their wealth and success. It’s her mission to teach women a holistic approach to unapologetically creating wealth by fully experiencing life.

www.TakishasTheory.com

Instagram @takishaartis

WORK HARD, Play Hard

Incorporate big fun to avoid burnout

Let this serve as a reminder that you deserve to have some fun. As entrepreneurs and professionals, we all know how hectic and busy our lives can get. We’re constantly hustling to build our careers and businesses, and it can be easy to forget to take a step back and enjoy ourselves. But trust me, you need it.

I’m so excited to share the news that two of the most iconic artists of our time, Janet Jackson and New Edition, are hitting the road in 2023 with their highly-anticipated concert tours.

First up, Janet Jackson’s “Together Again” tour. Five-time GRAMMY® award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® induct-

ee Janet Jackson is making her highly-anticipated return to the road after four years. The 33-city tour will kick off in April 2023, visiting North American arenas and theaters in cities like Atlanta, New York, Toronto, and more. In celebration of her 50th anniversary in entertainment, Jackson will spotlight two of her most critically acclaimed albums, 25 years of “The Velvet Rope” and 30 years of “Janet,” featuring her biggest chart-topping hits, plus new music.

Next, New Edition’s “Legacy Tour.” Iconic Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum-selling R&B super-group New Edition is bringing back the New Jack Swing with a 30-city tour featuring Keith Sweat, Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall,

Damion Hall - the original members of Guy - and Tank. The tour will kick off in March 2023 and end in April 2023.

I know you’re probably thinking, “But I don’t have time for concerts; I have work to do.” But here’s the thing: taking time for yourself and having fun is just as important as working hard. Research has shown that regular breaks and leisure activities can increase productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. Leisure is an essential ingredient for well-being, and it allows us to recharge, refocus and come back to our work with renewed energy.

Just imagine yourself singing all your jams and remembering them

from back in the day. The fun of getting all dressed up, hair done, nails done and wearing that dress you have been longing to wear.

And if you’re feeling adventurous and want to make a trip out of it, why not turn it into a girl’s trip or baecation? Imagine taking a trip to another city to see the show with your besties or significant other, booking a luxurious hotel room, and making dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant. Make it VIP by getting your makeup done and booking a car service to and from the concert.

Imagine taking a trip to Las Vegas or Los Angeles to see Janet Jackson or New Edition perform; you can make it a weekend getaway and explore the city. Take a stroll on the Las Vegas Strip or the Hol-

lywood Walk of Fame, enjoy some of the famous Las Vegas buffets or LA’s delicious food scene, or visit some of the iconic casinos or famous Hollywood landmarks.

And after the concert, you can indulge in a relaxing massage or IV treatment to recover from all the dancing and singing the next day. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself and make some unforgettable memories. If you choose to take a trip to Las Vegas or Los Angeles, let us know, and we’ll meet up at the show.

So, grab your friends, get your most fly outfit ready, and let loose to the sounds of some of the most iconic artists of our time. You deserve it. Not only will it be a nostalgic and fun experience, but also it will be an opportunity to take

some time for yourself and let your hair down. Trust me; you’ll come back to work feeling refreshed and energized.

And don’t wait too long to buy your tickets, they went on sale in December at www.LiveNation. com, so if you don't want to be in the nosebleeds, you need to get your tickets today.

Whether you choose this concert on the next one, taking some time for yourself and having fun is crucial for our well-being as entrepreneurs and professionals. It allows us to recharge, refocus, and come back to our work with renewed energy. So, don’t let the hustle of building your career and business consume you. Go ahead, grab your friends, let loose, and take the Megan Knees off the shelf, even if it’s only for one night.

"Fun and leisure activities are not only important for your physical and mental well-being, they also help to boost creativity and productivity."

in Live Entertainment Breaking Barriers

Janice Cotton and Shahida Mausi are two of the leaders of the Black Promoters Collective (BPC), a coalition of six of the nation's top independent concert promotion and event production companies. The BPC was formed in 2020 in response to the civil unrest that swept the nation, with a mission to help bring life back to the Black spirit by creating inclusion and opportunities for Black promoters in the entertainment business.

Janice, the Vice President of BPC and Director of Business Affairs at Bay Area Productions, has been an integral part of the company for nearly four decades. She has the drive to make a difference in the industry and is known for her strong leadership skills and sharp financial acumen. "I'm proud to be a part of a company that's making a real difference in the live entertainment industry," she says. "It's a huge honor, and I'm always looking for ways to give back and support other Black women."

Shahida, BPC's Chief Strategic Officer

and Senior Vice President, has years of experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and building bridges between internal and external sectors. "We're looking to disrupt the industry," says Shahida. "The BPC was formed to put power back into the hands of the Black promoters who often go overlooked. We're taking the unsung heroes from overlooked to booked and amplifying their voices in the entertainment business."

creators, and app developers to build a long-tail platform that takes advantage of all the connection points associated with the value it brings to consumers.

"Our mission is to be the world's leading producer and provider of culturally relevant live entertainment experiences," says Shahida. "We're pushing the culture to center stage and creating more jobs and visibility for Black indie promoters based on the indispensable value they bring to the entertainment business."

She has a message of encouragement for Black women looking to follow in Shahida's footsteps. "Find your purpose, and take action to fulfill it," she says. "Surround yourself with people who support and lift you up, and never stop pushing yourself to be the best you can be."

The BPC is working to increase the visibility of Black artists, create more jobs, and recognize Black talent nationally and globally. The company is looking to partner with media and entertainment properties, tech outlets, young Black content

Janice and Shahida are true trailblazers in the entertainment industry, breaking down barriers and paving the way for other Black women to succeed. Their work with the BPC is making a real difference in the lives of Black promoters and artists. "It's more than just a coalition of concert promotion companies," says CMO Troy Brown. "It's part of the cultural movement of 'buying back the block.'

"The BPC was formed to put power back into the hands of the Black promoters who often go overlooked."

Janice Cotton and Shahida Mausi of the Black Promoters Collective

WAYS TO GET MORE CLIENTS

EVEN IF YOU HATE MARKETING

It’s not always easy to tell where to begin when it comes to marketing, especially when some people seem to be complete naturals. Whenever they try to bring in new customers it is a wild success, while others struggle with their first post.

If you’re one of the people who struggles with marketing, have no fear. Instead of dwelling that your business isn’t growing as fast as a competitor’s, take a deep breath, remember why you started your business in the first place, and move forward with implementing a great marketing plan.

The good news is that many of your marketing efforts do not need to look or feel like marketing. In fact, the most effective marketing techniques involve no attempts to bully your followers into buying one more product. Instead, they appear to be more about you helping your audience by showing them the way certain strategies have helped you find success in your own struggles.

The ideas below are designed to help you market more seamlessly to your audience in a manner that often doesn’t look or feel like you’re marketing. Try these on for size and see what a difference they make.

1. Create a Million Dollar Brand

We should not be able to tell that you are a small business based on your branding. Your brand is the heart and soul of your business. It's what sets you apart from the competition, and it's what makes customers remember you. A powerful brand can be the difference between a business that struggles and one that thrives.

Think about it, when people see your branding, it should immediately communicate trust, authority, and value. It should make them want to do business with you. Your branding should be so strong that people can't help but be drawn to it.

When you invest in creating a strong brand, you're positioning yourself as a top player in your industry. Quality branding tells your customers that you take your business seriously and that you're dedicated to providing them with the best products and services. It can also lead to higher perceived value for your products or services, even if they're not priced differently from your competitors.

Having a strong brand also makes it easier to expand your business. When you establish a solid brand, you can easily expand into new markets or add new products and services. Your customers already have a positive association with your brand, making it easier to win them over.

To make sure your branding is as effective as possible, it's important to define your brand's personality, core values, and messaging. This will make it easier to create a consistent and cohesive brand identity across all of your marketing channels. Additionally, always seek out the help of a branding expert if you need it. With a brand that's worth a million dollars, you'll be able to

command higher prices and attract more customers, making your business more profitable in the long run.

2. Give Away Something Valuable

You don’t want to give your audience the same recycled content others in your industry are offering as freebies to get people on board for buying their products so add a unique point of view.

While PLR, AI programs and the like can be great starting points, you want to offer something innovative and radically different that will light a fire in your audience to not only buy your product, but also to act on the information and education your product or service delivers.

Why does this matter?

If your audience is excited about the products they buy from you and the lessons these products hold, they are more likely to move to the next stage of your lifecycle or even do your marketing for you by telling others about your product, and your freebie, and why they should buy your products.

Whether your goal is about getting an email address, selling a product, or creating community, the quality of your freebie matters. When you give valuable things away for free, people can’t wait to see what’s behind the pay wall.

3. Reach Out through Various Mediums

You can’t deny that social networking is big for businesses today. Big brands as well as small businesses can benefit from reaching out to their followers daily to offer their expertise. However, when most marketers strictly stick with one or two social networks, ignoring so many others in their marketing efforts, it leaves a field wide open for you to jump into and corner the market – whatever market you happen to be in.

Don’t make the mistake of allowing the bulk of your branding and marketing efforts to languish in one or two social networks.

Reach out to your audience multiple networks, not only with special offers, but also specialized content that is designed to help them build themselves up, build their businesses, and forge a deeper relationship with you as a person and not merely as someone who sells them stuff.

4. Network with Your Local Market

While the Internet certainly opens up the world to getting new clients, don’t forget about the locals in your community who could also use your services. Start by connecting with locals on social media and getting involved in groups dedicated to your local community. Branch out from there by setting up your own meetand-greet at a local small business or a community organization. Don’t sleep on joining the Chamber of Commerce or local chapters of notational organization that are specific to your industry.

C-Suite Move: Rent out a local meeting room to present information about your industry in general or host a masterclass. Finish with a special offer for your business. This setting also provides a meet-and-greet and if you record the live version, you can use that audio and slides to produce an on-demand webinar.

5. Turn Your Videos into Audio Classes or Podcast Episodes

Even though video is a powerful medium which keeps gaining momentum in terms of SEO, not everyone likes sitting and watching videos. To capture those who prefer to skim a blog post or listen to a podcast, convert your videos into audio snippets.

Camtasia is a video production software which can convert your files into audio-only mp3 files, suitable to

send to your email subscribers, embed on blog posts, or create a podcast. If you don’t have the need for a full video program, hire a video editor or VA to do the conversions for you.

Even if you post the original video on your website, you can still create a new blog post with the audio version. Add a short blog post or audio summary and you’ll see how one short video turned into 3 pieces of content (1 video, 1 audio, 1 written summary/blog post).

6. Collect Testimonials from Happy Clients

Thanks to Amazon and Yelp, when was the last time you bought a product without looking at customer reviews? Product reviews and client testimonials provide proof to other prospects that you know your stuff and you help your clients. And if you work with any big names, their testimonials can speak volumes in terms of attracting new clients to your tribe. If you’re not used to asking for testimonials, get started now and put this process into your business manual. Asking is the easy part; following up with clients to collect the testimonials is what can be a bit time consuming. But if you never ask, you’ll never hear the glowing praise they’re giving you.

Testimonials can be used throughout your website, specifically on your product/services page, plus you can use them on any sales page you create. You can even post them on social media. And if you have a large collection, choose different ones to use on your different sales pages instead of repeating the same ones.

7. Interview Experts in Your Industry

While showcasing your own expertise is certainly important, you will also gain expert credibility by interviewing other experts in your industry.

Finding these experts and connecting with them shows your target market that you truly care about

what they need.

One other benefit is getting your name in front of your guest’s audience. These are marketing opportunities for both you and your interview subject so you may find a client or two simply from conducting interviews and expanding your reach.

8. Create Infographics

One form of content that often gets overlooked is infographics. This idea may be intimidating for those who are graphically-challenged but the idea is actually very simple: Gather pertinent information and stats about any topic and design a graphic that can be shared over social media.

How many times have you tried reading a blog post with tons of numbers only to find your mind drifting away? Putting those stats into a visual graphic makes it much easier to read and keep people’s attention.

Choose one of your market’s pain points. Find related stats that will help them see there’s a way to solve their problem. Organize the info, put your logo on it, and pin it to Pinterest, your blog, and other social media platforms.

9. Start a Meaningful Conversation on Social Media

Social media doesn’t mean always promoting your products. Sometimes, being the one to start a meaningful conversation that invites thoughtful discourse and, even on occasion, debate, can be a huge boom for your business. The more people who become involved in a civil discussion, the more everyone can learn in the process.

When you’re the defacto leader of that conversation, it affords you a wide amount of social media attention, and subsequent sales for your products and services.

Just remember to actively participate in and follow up with comments in the conversation and encourage everyone to maintain a civil tone throughout – wherever the conversation leads.

10. Create ARTICLES ON OTHER PEOPLE'S BLOG, LINKEDIN , AND MEDIUM

Building authority in an industry or field can feel like an uphill battle. It doesn’t have to be, though. There are dozens of tiny little things you can do that will contribute to your overall authority in practically any sub-

ject matter, field, or industry.

Millions of readers flock to websites for their daily fix of information.

To get started quicky, consider Medium. Simply create a profile and click the New Story link. If your article follows the Medium editorial guidelines, you could even be featured!

11. Become a Relationship Magnet

Community over everything. Never let an opportunity to build a relationship with a member of your audience go to waste. The last thing you want to learn is that you missed an opportunity because you were more focused on making sales than on building a relationship.

Welcome new members into your community and seek ways to engage them so that you can build those meaningful relationships that almost always, eventually, become paying clients for you.

12. Ask Your Audience a Question

You’ll never believe the engagement that can occur

by posing a single question. Nor can you imagine the conversations started, problems solved, and friendships formed by sparking interest in a topic that your community cares about.

We live in a world of relationship marketing where people love making connections. Most people simply want an opportunity to be acknowledged and heard. Offer that forum by asking a question and listening to the response.

13. Establish Yourself as a Thought Leader

There are many things you can do to position yourself as a thought leader in your field. From writing LinkedIn articles, creating your own blog, and even writing books on the topic to more subtle tasks, like starting a podcast, writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper, and granting interviews in your area of expertise. Each of these things positions you as a thought leader in your industry.

Promoting these things through your own social media channels solidifies this positioning, allowing you even greater clout to people outside your industry or those who are working their way up within it.

14. Create a Podcast Podcasts are amazing tools for promoting the work you do, as well as showcasing the works of others. In the course of conducting your podcast, you have the opportunity to interview others you admire, showcase clients and build your thought leadership.

Podcasts present a forum for you to share your own insights, products, and thoughts with an audience who tunes in week after week to hear the message you share. Whether your podcast appeals to people who are only interested in a single industry or offers broader appeal, the more frequently you present your show, the greater your reach will become as it includes not only people who are tuning in to hear what you have to say, but also those who follow the person you’re interviewing as well.

15. Promote People and products You Admire

Hosting a podcast of your own and interviewing people you admire episode after episode is one way to do this. So is creating joint venture products with someone you admire and conducting webinars together.

The truth of the matter is that you only need to make a simple mention of some of the reasons you admire another person to promote them to your audience. However, taking the time to explain why you admire that person and promoting their products and services can help you build greater credibility in your own circle.

This marketing tactic can also present unique opportunities to earn money from the sales of that person’s products through affiliate marketing. While it is important to be authentic when promoting another person’s works and words, there’s no harm in earning a commission for promoting those products.

16. Choose the Items You Market Carefully

One of the biggest cautionary tales about promoting products and services, is to choose wisely when doing so. Relationships are hard to build, sometimes taking years, if not decades. It only takes promoting one bad product, though, to tear down so much of what you’ve worked so hard to create.

While there is no way to be absolutely certain that every product you promote will lay the golden egg; there are steps you can take to avoid promoting products that could come back to bite you on the backside.

Vet the products and the product creators well before promoting their products. If possible, get a hands-on feel for the product itself before you promote it so that you know exactly what it says or how it works. Finally, if you get a bad feeling about a product or its owner, pass on the promotion of it.

17. The Fortune is in the Follow Up

Whether you love or hate marketing from the beginning, there is one constant you must always remember, the fortune is almost always in the follow up. It is rarely the first approach or “touch” that convinces people to buy your products or become your clients.

Instead, it is the result of consistent effort on your part. Without the follow up, most sales would never happen. Keep touching back with your audience through blog posts, social media messages, new product offerings, and consistent delivery of email newsletters.

Getting new clients through traditional marketing mediums might sound about as exciting to you as going to your dentist for a root canal without medication. However, when you use these 17 ideas to get more clients, even if you hate marketing, you might find that you’re too busy counting your new clients and subsequent sales to worry about the original discomfort.