Oct/Nov/Dec 2014 by Tess Rutherford

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Lowell Davies Festival Theatre June 22 - July 27, 2014 San Diego, CA

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VOL4, NO 19 | OCT/NOV/DEC 2014

Content COVER STORY 15 Got Stickability?

Check out the enlightening conversation with bestselling author, motivational speaker, and filmmaker, Greg Reid. He shares golden nuggets from his book, Stickability, on how to maintain stick-to-itiveness as it pertains to the creation and development of your dreams, vision, and goals. Interview By: Tess Rutherford

FEATURES 12 Work and Family: A Successful Balance

Learn practical ways for achieving a balance between your work and family life. By: Denielle Palmer

Stir Up The Gift A poetic piece that will inspire one to dig deep within to find the passion that will lead to truth. By: Steve James

Maximizing Business Revenue Discover key steps for implementing proper business procedures to achieve high revenue. By: Kristen Newsome

7 Job Interview Tips Get inside tips from the other side of the interviewing table on how to prepare yourself for a successful job interview. By: Jacqueline R. Harts

Finding Your Path Encouragement for the journey when you discover your career path is different than your dreams. By: Julie A. Smith

IN EVERY ISSUE: 7 Letter from CEO/Publisher 20 Spotlight Book Review 5 Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Voice

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CEO/Publisher Tess Rutherford

Editor Denielle Palmer

Graphic Artist Assistant Imari Rutherford

HELP WANTED: Graphic Artists, Videographers, Photographers, Writers, Marketing and Sales, Beauty and Fashion

Empowered Magazine is published quarterly: Jan/Feb/Mar, Apr/May/Jun, Jul/Aug/Sep, Oct/Nov/Dec online and in print. Tess Rutherford, President/CEO. Online subscriptions: Free. Printed subscriptions: $5 - $8. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. It is the mission of Empowered to provide a quality publication to enlighten, educate, and empower our readers to reach beyond themselves and soar by riding on the strength of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power. Advertising content does not necessarily reprensent endorsement or support. We cannot guarantee the completeness, truthfulness, accuracy, or reliability of any Content. For submissions and orders contact us: Empowered Magazine Address P.O. Box 880552, San Diego, CA 92168 Email info@empoweredmagonline.com Website http://empoweredmagonline.com

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Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; VOICE

We Love To Hear From You! The cover story features television host, author, and professional matchmaker, Paul Carrick Brunson. He shares wisdom nuggets on how to identify and maintain healthy relationships with your spouse or significant other. The featured stories include tips from former NFL player turn pastor, Terrell Fetcher, on how to get the most out of any relationship whether it is platonic, marital, or professional, an encouraging article on being specific regarding your love lists, helpful advice for walking in freedom over misery, and how to detect the warning signs of an abusive relationship.

Your feedback helps us better serve you!!

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Got Stickability

An insightful conversation with bestselling author, motivational speaker, and filmmaker, Greg S. Reid. page 15 Photography by: Ken Rochon

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Letter from CEO/Publisher Tess Rutherford

When God created man, he already knew that humankind was doomed to fail from the very beginning. Nonetheless, he put all of his time and effort in creating us in his image and likeness. Afterwards, he considered his work good, still knowing that we were doomed to fail, doomed to let him down – guaranteed to not perform as planned. Remember, we were created as perfect creatures. Well, we’re far from perfect now! Imagine, if you will, what your business may look like if you approached it knowing that it is doomed to fail. Will you still give 100%? Let me take a moment to clarify what “doomed to fail” means. The best teacher is our experience. Our experiences can teach us what years and years of studying never can. The most successful people failed their way to the top. Statistics say the average millionaire goes bankrupt 3.5 times. I’m sure many of those on the financial success track approach their goals knowing they could, in fact, lose it all. Nonetheless, they charge ahead in full speed. They will likely fall along the way, but they get up, shake the dust off, and keep it moving. This is better known as resilience – being able to recover or bounce-back from anything. Do you possess this trait?

Humanity was doomed

to fail from the very beginning, however, God already had a recovery plan in place. Imagine how your business would transform if you gave it your best, knowing that things won’t pan out perfectly. It is impossible for you to dot every ‘i’ or cross every ‘t’. Your business will not run flawlessly, but as long as you believe in the potential and nurture and take care of it as if it were your child because it is your child, then you will watch your business mature and blossom just as you imagined. We give up on marriages and friendships quite easily, but giving up on our children is not as easy as other relationships. We are connected to our children by blood. Our similarities reach to the very core of our DNA. It would behoove us to incorporate this mentality into our businesses. Your business is your creation; it is your seed. The core of who you are is reflected in its operations. You have invested blood, sweat, and tears into your busi-

ness. You are joined physically (by blood, by the hip, genetically), financially and emotionally. Face it! This business is a mechanical version of you. Therefore, give it all that you have knowing that it will fail to function properly from time to time. But always have your defibrillator handy in an effort to execute your recovery plan. Believe in your business. As long as you continue to perform CPR and breathe life into it, it will survive the test of time. Hope you will enjoy this issue’s content. You are not reading this by accident. May God continue to bless the works of your hands.

Tess

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Work and Family: A Successful Balance By: Denielle Palmer Conflict between work and family life is one of the most common sources of stress for working adults. In this productivity-driven society that we are living in, more and more people are finding it hard to adequately fulfill their roles both at home and at the workplace. More often than not, workers are unable to find a point of balance between their careers and their families — there is always one that is given more priority than the other. This behavior has been associated with a number of dysfunctional outcomes

— strained familial relationships, inefficiency at work, and poor physical and mental health. Hence, it is very important that we are able to achieve balance between our work and our family life. This may seem to be a very daunting task, but a lot of people have already done it, so there shouldn’t be any reason that you can’t do the same. I myself have struggled to balance my career and personal life for a time, but eventually I was able to find success. Allow me to share with you how I did it:

I made the decision to find balance. Achieving work-family life balance is a long and often daunting process. If you do not make the conscious decision to achieve balance, it is likely that you will fail along the way. I have learned through my experience that it is very important to make an effort to provide yourself an opportunity for balance. For instance, you need to find yourself a job that is challenging but

not overwhelming; also carefully think about how big of a family you can responsibly raise at the moment. By making wise decisions on the most important matters in your life, attaining balance won’t be a difficult thing.

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I involved people I trust in the process. I used to think that I was the only one who could solve my work versus family life conundrum. But over time, I realized that there is no way for me to get things right if I only rely on what I knowâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;or at least think I know. So I made it a point to regularly discuss with my husband and children their perceptions, opinions, and

even objections with my work. This opened my eyes to a lot of things and made me better of aware of the issues that I needed to deal with and improve. I also made sure that the entire family understood my obligations and responsibilities at work. Thus, there was also more understanding on their part.

I established limits and boundaries between family and work. It is important that we create boundaries or imaginary lines of protection between your work and family. This means determining which actions are acceptable and unacceptable. Boundaries hold the line to protect your work from

the distraction of family, as well as protect your family involvement from the obligations at work. With clear boundaries, it would be easier for you to tell when your action is not in favor of one aspect of your life.

I accepted that imbalance is sometimes unavoidable. With my struggle to attain the perfect balance between work and family, I was able to realize that there will always be times that I will have to let work or family take priority. It would be impossible to perfectly balance everything in your life at all times. For example, when one family member is sick, you may need to skip a work event; or when an important deadline must be met, you might need to miss dinner at home and stay working in the office late. The dilemma of balancing family and work has no easy solution. There is no one-size-fitsall approach. Every person and family must find

specific solutions to their issues depending on their own preferences and needs. But basically, a balance between work and family occurs when a person is able to sufficiently meet family commitments and adequately perform responsibilities at work. There is nothing wrong with working hard to gain some of the finer things in life, but you should also not forget the worth of the things and people that really matter most. How can you keep up with your always-on career and still find time to do the things you love to do with family? I welcome your ideas!

DENIELLE PALMER

Denielleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love of the written word started at a very young age. Before long, stories of princesses and puppies gave way to more ambitious ventures. Having been published in college, where she earned her degree in Linguistics with an emphasis on Grammar, she moved forward to begin a career in the healthcare field, writing, editing and updating policies and procedures for many practices throughout San Diego. In 2002, she received a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in IT management and began using her skills to bridge the communication gap between IT and Finance Departments. She cherishes her three children, Kate -23, Mary Rose -12 and Matthew-11, her friends, her faith and a good, strong cup of coffee. Contact: denielleppalmer@gmail.com

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Stirring Up The Gift By: Steve James Once upon time there were millions of people working nine to five. These people like worker bees worked long and hard for someone else. They made just enough money to keep their heads barely above water. One day for a few people the light came on. “Wait a minute, I’m tired of living like a caged hamster treading this revolving scene to nowhere. I’m better than this. So one by one they ripped off their aprons. They busted out of their cubicles. Others threw down the shovels. The rebellion became contagious. “I have talents”. “I got skills”. “I have imagination”. Write the vision and make it plain. One by one the sacrifices of diligent planning, and whole hearted praying began to catch fire. Stir up the gift was the mantra of the masses. Businesses were born. Money began to revolve throughout an entrepreneurial universe. Dreams of independency began to awaken. Glass ceilings were being shattered. Fulfillment of goals were born. To God be the glory! Graduate from high school, then go to college and get a degree, is not necessarily a fruitful economic guarantee. Dig deep within you, and find the passion that will guide you true.

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STEVE JAMES

Born in San Diego California in a family of nine, Steve James is a quiet thinker. At an early age he began drawing pictures with captions influenced by the comic books that he read. Selling pictures for nickels and dimes as a child while in elementary school popularized him. By the time he reached high school his writing started to blossom. Writing essays and poetry in English class to rave reviews from a particular teacher, and drawing and writing captions for the school newsletter motivated him to keep writing. Writing for enjoyment and sharing with family and close friends for the most part of his life, in time writing became a serious endeavor while being a part of Branches Christian Writers, founded by Marjorie Hammons, in 1996. Motivated by the writers group, poetry, song lyrics, and greeting cards were produced with some work being published. A poem entitled, Stolen, was published in 1997 for the book, Alpomegans, by Albert Fulton. In 2003, two song lyrics were recorded at New World Studios, for a project called Hands Across America. For this project writers from all over America submitted song lyrics for potential recordings. Forty submissions were selected. Biblical faith has always been a strong influence in his life and he is not afraid to let it surface in his writing. “For the most part I am an inspirational writer and highly influenced by a biblical worldview. I hope that people will enjoy my thought provoking work and just maybe make a positive difference in someone’s life”.

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MAXIMIZING Busines Revenues

By: Kristen Newsome If you are in business for yourself, you may be asking “How do I implement proper business procedures to achieve high revenue?” There are some fundamental business practices that should be put in place in order to grow your business to generate the kind of income that you have targeted to achieve. However, if you are running your small business without adherence to these practices, you may sometimes find that your business is not achieving the goals that you have set. You may not be satisfied with the direction that your business is going be-

cause it is simply not generating the revenue that you expected. One reason could be your failure to maximize your revenue. In fact, there may have been a number of revenue opportunities that you have missed, or downright lost. Loss of revenue could stem from a number of sources. It may be due to the lack of customer response to your marketing and advertising efforts. Or customers may show up in your brickand-mortar or online store, but leave without making a purchase and instead shop (and buy) from your competitor. Your loss of

revenue can be due to the high percentage of returned purchases due to failed expectations and buyer’s remorse. Increased revenue, maximized revenue and managed expenses are non-negotiable factors in any profitable business. Here are 5 best practices in business that may help you maximize your revenue potential and begin building a profitable business that meets your expectations and exceeds your business income goals.

1. Maximize revenue from existing customers. It is easier to land a new customer than to retain an old one. In fact, there is a strong correlation between long-term loyalty and revenue. You can elicit trust and loyalty if you show that you understand your customers better than your competition and consistently deliver a re-

warding, highly satisfying experience through each and every transaction. You need to make your customer feel that you are giving them not only quality products or services but opportunities for a valued partnership that they cannot find anywhere else. The key is to become your customers’ “strategic partner” and “trusted advisor.”

2. Price for competitive advantage. Revenue leakages can come from wrong pricing strategies. Revenue leakage can come from incorrect pricing strategies. Your business may be underpricing your products and services, resulting in the loss of significant amounts of money. This problem often lies in an inadequate

understanding of your costs, which leaves your business at a competitive disadvantage. Review your cost structure, and revise your pricing strategy without overpricing yourself out of the market. You can earn loyalty by delivering first class customer service, and your customers will likely agree to pay for the

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3. Maximize use of technology. One of the key steps in maximizing your revenue is to automate business processes. Evaluate how and what kind of technology can make your operations faster and more dependable while reducing costs, improving efficiency, and maximizing revenue op-

portunities. Technology can help you effectively manage your inventory and manage customer relationships. Technology offers tangible benefits that can give your business the edge in a competitive marketplace.

4. Maximize tax benefits. Many small business owners fail to utilize their tax benefits to the fullest. Basically, the key step to maximizing tax benefits is through planning and documentation. Get in the habit of recording every transaction on a regular basis. Purchase an expense ledger or invest in accounting software to record all expenses. By carefully navigating the rules and

proper tax planning, your small business can maximize tax deductions, such as travel and entertainment. Seek the help of a tax professional or financial analyst to help review your tax return statements and find areas where you could save money.

5. Maximize marketing. Many small business owners regularly market their products or services, yet fail to evaluate the effectiveness of these campaigns. Understanding which marketing campaigns result in more closed sales is often based on anecdotal evidence. You can increase your revenue if you undertake measures to fine-

tune your marketing efforts to maximize the return on your marketing investments. It is wise to take time to gather information and data on how well you execute your campaigns, manage responses and track leads .

In closing, every business owner would agree that strategically planning for maximized revenue can create momentum and forward movement to grow and expand. If you would like to get individual business coaching to develop your small business, and grow a business that is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Built to Lastâ&#x20AC;?, contact Coach Kristen Newsome at wofpn.coach@gmail.com.

KRISTEN NEWSOME

Credentialed by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Kristen has blended her natural abilities and intuitive inquiry into a dynamic evidence based coaching model that integrates business principles and ethics, values based leadership, performance and motivational theory, and behavioral science. A coach who sees the potential in people and businesses, Kristen has an impressive track record of over 15 years coaching her clients to transform their executive performance and presence, excel in their workplace relationships and optimize profitability and outcomes. Kristen follows her purpose to empower others as an author, speaker, mentor and the founder and President of the Women of Faith Professional Network based in Murrieta, CA. She is the mother of two adult children and has been blessed to enjoy her marriage of over 28 years. Contact: wofpn.coach@gmail.com.

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2014 Highlights

MERGING FAITH & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE ACTING

NO RISK, NO REWARD

DeVon Franklin, CEO of Franklin EntertainQuote from session: There is a ment delivered an inspiring message on the reality of pursuing purdifference between passion and purpose . What does it profit a man to gain Hollywood and lose his soul? pose. God did not create me to act. It is what I do with what I do that makes me who I am. - Hosea Chanchez

FAITH, LOVE, AND SUCCESS Quote from session: My wedding ring is my wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence in her absence. Wayne Chaney A NEW COMEDY SERIES: WEDNESDAY 9:30/8:30c ON

Photography by:Vizion Entertainment

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Got Stickabilty? Interview By: Tess Rutherford 15

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Greg S. Reid Bestselling Author. Acclaimed Speaker. Filmmaker Greg S. Reid is a natural entrepreneur known for his giving spirit and a knack for translating complicated situations into simple, digestible concepts. As an action-taking phenomenon, strategy turns into results fast and furious, and relationships are deep and rich in the space he orbits. Published in over 45 books, 28 best sellers, five motion pictures, and featured in countless magazines, Greg will share that the most valuable lessons we learn, are also the easiest ones to apply. Recently, Greg has been hand selected by The Napoleon Hill Foundation to help carry on the teaching found in the bible of personal achievement – Think and Grow Rich. Contact: http://bookgreg.com/

Who are you how did you get to where you are today? I’m a regular San Diego guy, who grew up in Del Mar. In school, I actually received a ‘D’ in English, but one day I decided to write a book. After 20 years in business, I sold my corporation and decided to get into the personal development space. I started speaking at universities and they started passing me

around to other campuses and I just got bit by the inspiration bug so to speak. I’ve been married to my wife for 2 1/2years. We have a 2 year old son. Define Stickability To put it most succinctly, it is the power of perseverance. Most people want something out of life and they don’t have

the courage to succeed nor do they possess the courage to get started or the courage to not quit. First, there is the dream, then there are challenges, then there’s victory. Most people quit during the challenge. In my book, Stickability, we interviewed amazing people to find out what made them persevere during their darkest and challenging moments

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When you don’t have the tangible assurance, what other indicators should one look to as they are pursuing their dream or goal? It all boils down to knowing… knowing what’s in your heart… knowing you’re doing the right thing and sticking with it. Stickability means you have your eye on the prize and you are willing to adapt and adjust along the way. One of the gentlemen I interviewed for the book was Truett Cathy; he is the founder of Chick Fil A. During my oneon-one interview with him, he said one of the greatest things: “If I want to get to the end of the street and that’s my goal, I got stickability so I won’t quit on the journey because I know that’s where I want to go.” A planner, on the other hand, will plan every step while pausing and taking a break in search of opportunity. If I were trying to get to the end of the street, I would look for a bike or a skateboard to make my journey shorter. Or maybe I will get lucky and catch a ride with one of the neighbors to the end of the street. Either way, I’m going to reach my goal. I am simply not caught up in exactly how it is going to happen. Stickability means you have to adjust along the way. People assume the journey is a one way street but it never is. People get caught up in the how or the why. It is rather difficult for people like this to see their way through because they adopted this ‘stinking thinking’ mentality. In other words, instead of coming up with a solution, they worry.

us back and what are some practical ways to overcome our fear and step into the unknown? It is the fear of the unknown. We usually don’t fear what we do know rather it is what we don’t know. We wonder what if or what could possibly go wrong. We spend 90% of our time worrying about the 10% that actually happens. I was brought up along the coast observing surfers. What I noticed was the surfers going into these big gigantic waves and catching them. When a wave comes toward you, the mostly likely thing to do is get scared because it can reach up to four stories high. Well, if all of a sudden you get scared and wrap yourself onto the surf board, the wave will bring you to the bottom and crush you and ultimately break the board. Fearless surfers do things differently. They go to the belly of their fears and perform what is called a ‘duck and dive’. When the waves come they go right into the belly of it and pop through one side and out on the other side. And the revelation I received from this is this is a common trait of great leaders. Instead of hiding from their fears or ducking from it, they actually step into it and by doing that they also step into their greatness.

for this but what I have learned from interviewing these amazing people is they all shared a common denominator. Most people say ‘I’m gonna’, or they have a bad case of the ‘once I…’. Once I get a break, I will take action. People in this category take action the moment their fancy strikes them. But there are those who approach their dreams more circumspectly. They wrote a clear path of where they wanted to go and avoided getting caught up in the planning aspect. They had a strategy. They had a goal. They had a reason why they wanted to hit it, but more importantly they had a strategy knowing that strategies change. They found something they knew, within their heart, was special. They were onto something and would not allow outside influences talk them out of it.

So many people get caught up in what other people tell them. There’s a big difference between opinion and counsel. Opinion is based on ignorance, lack of knowledge and inexperience; they have never done it before. Counsel is based on wisdom, knowledge and mentorship. If you talk to someone who has never started a magazine before, they would say you can’t do that and you may ask, “Why not?” and they may simply respond, “I don’t know… you just can’t.” They have never done it before In your book, you talk so why carry what they say as about how critical deciding weight. If I go to you and say I to do something is, as well want to start a magazine, you’d as the importance of writ- say, “Great! Let me teach you ing down your goals. Can what I know.” This is counsel. If you elaborate on this? we spent most of our day seeking counsel instead of receiving Why does fear hold a lot of Everyone has their own theory the opinion of others, our lives 17 Oct/Nov/Dec 2014 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

would drastically change for the better.

did and by taking their counsel, here we are today.

When you are pursuing a dream, how does one set himself up so that it would be impossible to fail?

What is the movie about?

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? If you ask yourself that question and step into it no matter what, you’d be amazed at what you will discover along your journey. So many people get caught up in how you do something but once you have a vision of something, the ‘how’ just comes. Right now I’m making a motion picture. It’s a big Hollywood deal, fully funded, millions of dollars. I had no idea how I was going to do it, but I did! I had a crystal clear picture of what it was I wanted to do and I did it. I’m telling the story of Frank Shankwitz, the founder of Make-A-Wish Foundation. It’s such an amazing story that needs to be told so I bought the rights to it and now I’m in the process of making the film.

It is titled, Wishman- how one boy’s wish impacted one man and in turn impacted the world. Frank is such an amazing guy. He was a highway patrol officer for 40 years and got inspired by one kid. He thought to himself, “If we can make one wish for this child come true who is dying from leukemia then what can we do for other kids?” He launched this non-profit business from his kitchen and never received a dime from the foundation. The whole concept was that he wanted to give back. If this guy can do it, what excuse do we have? Frank did not have two nickels to rub together, but the whole idea is anybody can be a hero. Once you know in your heart that you are doing something special, you become unstoppable. The folks I interviewed for the book never did what they did out of selfish reasons. There was always a greater cause - something for mankind - even if it’s just telling a story. I remember picking the brain of Roots author Alex Haley’s wife, trying to figure out how in the world they did what they did. They told the story in such a memorable way that it caught the public’s attention. This Make-A-Wish movie is also going to have an amazing world message.

friends, family, and co-workers. But if we are to progress further, we must draw the line in the sand and say now it’s my turn instead of placing everyone’s needs before your own. You cannot become the greatest form of yourself until you become the greatest form of yourself meaning we have to fill our cup so full that we feed the world with what flows over. For myself, when I have these ideas and moments of greatness, I step into them. These are the times you duck dive in the wave because when you can become that strength this is what you live by… by traction rather than promotion… you’re living that message. Talk about Napoleon Hill and Andrew Carnegie and how Hill’s willingness to accept Carnegie’s assignment shaped his career. At 23 years of age, Napoleon Hill was a young reporter who gained access to the rich and famous through Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie was the richest of the rich. Put Branson and Gates in the same room and they still had a lot of catching up to do wealth-wise in comparison to Carnegie. Carnegie presented Hill with a proposal. He told him he would write him a letter of recommendation to interview his high caliber circle of friends. He would have this special access for 20 years but will not be compensated for the job. If he wanted to meet with the president of the United States, he had access to do so – Taft, Roosevelt, Wilson you name it. Without hesitation, Hill responded to the challenge with a resounding yes.

I surround myself with people who are getting the results I want. Many years ago, I went to Africa and climbed and summited Mt. Kilimanjaro with my wife. We did not ask a surfer kid how to do it. Instead, we asked someone who climbed it before 4 or 500 times. Wherever they put their boot print I put my boot print. I watch the successful actions of others. Now with doing a movie, I went to someone who has done some amazing How do our decisions defilms already everything from termine our destiny? Pretty Woman to Under Siege to Draw the line in the sand the Mothman Prophecies. I talk- and say enough is enough. So ed to each and every person and asked them exactly what they many times we take care of our 18 Oct/Nov/Dec 2014 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

He said, “Not only will I accept it but I will complete the task.” While this was going on, Carnegie had start/stop watch hidden. He gave Hill 60 seconds to respond to the challenge. By the time Hill responded, there were 31 seconds left. Carnegie made this request to 250 men before Hill and Hill was the only one to see the opportunity. Most of us are given golden opportunities all the time, but we think of every excuse not to do it whether it’s time, energy, money, or what have you. Every year I do this private event called the Secret Knock. There is no email or phone number listed on the marketing materials. It cost a great deal of money to attend. I put all these accomplished people in one place at one time and still very few people show up. It blows my mind. How often will you be given a chance to meet the guy from Make A Wish or the guy who invented the magnetic strip on the credit card? We let all the excuses keep us from doing what we know we need to do. We are the exact reflection of the people we hang out with the most. So if we hang out with people who complain, then that’s our dialogue. If we hang with people who are positive and upbeat, then that becomes our conversation. So then, if you don’t like where your life is going then change

your circle of friends and the second you do, you will encounter a paradigm shift in your life. Put yourself out there and make your own opportunities. Place yourself in environments where people would be and where you’d like to connect with them. If we become, by association, the people we hang out with, then hang out with inventors. Because of my willingness to take my own advice, I have 50 books out and 28 bestsellers. I went to Barnes and Noble and I bought every no 1 bestselling book in the genre I was interested in. After I read them, I thought to myself, “Hey! I really think I can do that.” I called the authors and asked, “Will you teach me?” And they did. When I wanted to become a public speaker I went to Zig Ziglar, Les Brown, Brian Tracy and asked them to teach me how. I went straight to the top. I just believe that you can literally cut to the front of the line. In business, life, and success, you jump to the front of the line. I only have 50 more years of the spinning rock left here, so why not just jump to the front of the line to get to the people who are already doing what you want to do and by doing so you learn from the people who are getting the results you want.

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STICKABILITY This thoughtprovoking book shows readers of all ages and backgrounds how they, too, can not only apply the selfmotivation principles of Napoleon Hill’s timeless and groundbreaking self-help volume Think and Grow Rich, but make them stick. Combining author Greg S. Reid’s modern business wisdom, interviews with numerous business celebrities like Steve Wozniak (co-founder of Apple), Frank Shankwitz (founder of the Make a Wish foundation), and Martin Cooper (inventor of the cell phone), and valuable information from the secret files previously available only to the Napoleon Hill Foundation and its members, this book will reveal: The “Three Causes of Failure” from Napoleon Hill’s hidden vault of wisdom The importance of flexibility The principle of relaxed intensity in action How to define and conquer your “cul-de-sac” moments How to overcome the ghost of fear The importance of insight through necessity And so much more!

Got a compelling story? Empowered Magazine wants to hear from you. We are constantly looking for inspiring material. Send your story to editor@empoweredmagonline.com. 20

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Job Interview Tips By: Jacqueline R. Harts Seven tips from the other side of the interviewing table:

suming to a very busy interviewer.

1. When applying for any position, have no spelling errors in your resume. Read and re-read it and have another person proofread it for you. Errors in a resume put up red flags to employers, especially for administrative jobs. Errors in an applicant’s resume tells the interviewer that you didn’t care enough to double check your information. How would you then represent their company?

3. Keep the information in your resume current. References with contact information that is no longer accurate or dates that conflict with each other, are concerning. As an employer, old information in a resume shows a lack of attention to detail.

2. Provide a phone number in the resume or application where you can be easily reached. Show that you care really interested by being easily accessible. Playing “phone tag” just to set up an interview can be time con-

4. The interviewees that come to the forefront during the interview process are the ones who come early. If the interviewee is running in the door at the last minute or late, it shows a prospective employer that is probably how they are going to come to the job every day. 5. For any interview, it is imperative to dress professionally. You want to look like you

put some thought into what you have on and that you care about how you present yourself. This is not just an average day where you might dress a little more casually. 6. Whatever you do, please answer the questions asked clearly and succinctly. If you go astray in your conversation, be sure to bring it back to topic quickly, providing the information that was actually asked. 7. Finally, a person who is negative and complains about their current or former employer during the interview definitely throws up a red flag. Someone who is teachable and willing to learn is preferable to someone who thinks

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they know it all. Most employers are looking for positive people who exhibit enthusiasm and a “can-do” spirit. With that spirit, you open doors to all kinds of opportunities.

JACQUELINE R. HARTS She is the author of Manna in the Morning, a daily devotional that has changed the lives of those seeking a word from God. Her compassion for people and her sensitivity to the hurting hearts of others gave her the desire to help alleviate emotional suffering. Email her at mrsjharts@roadrunner.com

ing carefully to restore and digitize the filmed content what was discovered was “pure gold”— Napoleon Hill and his longtime partner W. Clement Stone sharing their inspirational insights on the 13 keys to success. The 13 principles that when applied can truly separate you from the 95% who only dream of success, and let you join the top 5% who actually achieve it!

THE ROAD TO RICHES Napoleon Hill, the forefather of the modern personal development movement and author of the motivational classic, Think and Grow Rich, has inspired millions with his words and thoughts on discovering success and abundance within oneself. It is a message that continues to resonate, but few have ever had the opportunity to hear the “success” lecture by the man himself. At the University of Virginia archives, Don M. Green, CEO of the Napoleon Hill Foundation was doing a routine inventory check when he discovered a box of unedited and undeveloped 16 millimeter film canisters circa 1960. After work-

In this unique audio program, you will not only hear W. Clement Stone and Napoleon Hill share their time tested insights, but you will also hear additional commentary by today’s inspirational leaders as they expand on these time-tested and classic principles of success. In the same format as a radio show, join us as we countdown the 13 Keys to Success. Hosted by Greg S. Reid with additional commentary by Don M. Green, Bob Proctor, Sharon Lechter, Mark Victor Hansen, Loral Langemeier, Les Brown, David M. Corbin, Margie Aliprandi, Nik Halik, LuAn Mitchell, Ruben Gonzalez, Dr. J.B. Hill, John St. Augustine, Kevin Harrington, Jim Stovall, Marcia Wieder, John Assaraf, and Brian Tracy.

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Finding Your Path When your Career Path is Different than you Dreamed

By: Julie A. Smith What did you want to be when you were young? A teacher? A doctor? A wife and mother? Ponder for a moment what your earliest career dream was and what you wanted to be as an adult. Can you picture it? I used to play teacher with my twin sister when we were little using an old school desk that we had in our basement. I greatly enjoyed that, but what I really desired to be when I grew up was a veterinarian. I loved animals. I subscribed to Cat Fancy and Horse Illustrated and wore horse sweatshirts. I used to go to the pet shop at the local mall and see the cute puppies and kittens, and I diligently saved my allowance to buy the beautiful Siberian Husky. Reality set in when I found I had a fear of needles and felt faint at the sight of blood. I was also squeamish during seventh grade Science class when we dissected a frog. I decided not to take high school Biology when I heard that we had to dissect a cat, and that choice spurred me to take Chemistry and Physics instead. I realized it was hard for me to fathom the thought of giving animals shots or, worst case scenario, me having to put a dog or cat to sleep. My childhood career dream ended when reality marred my beautiful fantasy. However, life is about growth, change, the beautiful journey, and being cooperative and willing to accept that God’s plan may be different than your plan.

and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV). God’s plans are good, and He is faithful. The Bible also says in Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (NIV). I think practical application of this Scripture is that it is important to have hopes and dreams (i.e. “longing”) in your life and in your career. Maybe you are not where you thought you would be in your career, but do you still trust God to bring you through? Be encouraged that the Israelites finally made it to the Promised Land. It took 40 years, and while I imagine that your career aspirations will not take 40 years to come to pass, please do not lose heart if the time stretches 5 or 10 years and you see the gap between where you are and where you want to be. On a personal note, I lost two jobs during the recession when both companies that I worked for closed. I worked as a Christian Counselor and as an Assistant Manager of a Christian bookstore. I felt like I was hit over the head, shock and discouraged, but God carried me through that trying and hard season. God who parted the Red Sea and brought dead people back to life is the same God who cares for you and will carry you through, too. God cares about the things that matter to you, and the Bible says He sees every tear that you cry. Your dreams matter to him, and if your career or other dreams have died, know that God can revive them and bring new life and fresh vision to pass.

Jeremiah 29:11 is a classic Biblical verse about purpose. “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you 23 Oct/Nov/Dec 2014 | http://empoweredmagonline.com

Life is about growth, change, the beautiful journey, and being cooperative and willing to accept that God’s plan may be different than your plan. Another key in your career purpose when the path is hard is not being afraid to say “no.” No is a key to self-growth and adulthood. If you can’t say no, then you will be trapped in an endless cycle of being a victim to the demands and requests that life and others place on you and your time. This key is one that I am still learning, but I am so grateful that God showed me this helpful insight. I desire to be empowered with both my yeses and my noes. One helpful Scripture for Christian women that stands out to me in the amplified translation is, “She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard [S. of Sol. 8:12] (Proverbs 31:16). Notice that the woman in

Proverbs 31:16 is discerning and thoughtful. She doesn’t want to neglect current duties and responsibilities by taking on more duties. I believe that is because she realizes that her time is finite and that she is entrusted with it. She can’t be all things to all people. This is the key to her being fruitful. Questions for reflection: 1. Are you discouraged in your career? If so, what do you feel God is speaking to your heart right now to encourage you? 2. What things are hard for you to say no to doing? Note: this may be in your career or in your personal life. Why? 3. What practical applications and time safeguards can help you have “fruitful vines” in your vineyard (Proverbs 31:16)?

JULIE A. SMITH She has her Master’s degree in Counseling with a Community Concentration, Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and minors in women’s studies and psychology from Eastern Illinois University. She worked for approximately 6 years as a Christian Counselor at a Christian Counseling Center and a church, as well as at a Christian bookstore. She currently works as a staff member at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois. She loves God and people and has been on a life-long journey of faith.

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Everyone has emotions including God in all His potency. Although every human being is susceptible to emotions, all must gain a handle on how to react and respond appropriately to external stimuli (e.g. circumstances, people, and the devil). Emotional disturbances are hazardous to our health. They can form huge obstacles in our decision making, our reaction towards others, and our walk with God if left uncontrolled. This book explores 52 negative human emotions and provides biblical principles to controlling one’s emotions God’s way. The book is available at Berean’s bookstore, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, tessrutherford.com and many other internet sites!

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High-caliber academics, personal attention, and spiritual growth. Those are things that are just as important to us as they are to you. Check out PLNUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-quality and flexible graduate programs in education, nursing, business, theology, Christian ministry, and biology.

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