SPOTLIGHT

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THE POWER OF ASKING

by Dee Bowden

" Collect The Cash"

You have not because you ask not The Power of Asking. Collecting outstanding invoices is never an easy task. It usually means something went wrong in the sales cycle of getting the sale, writing the contract, ordering the product or service, fulfilling the order, invoicing the customer and the last step collecting the payment. It is the last step in that process that causes the most angst. Have you ever owed someone money and had to go ask for it? Most people would rather get a root canal then ask someone to repay the money owed. Money personally and in business is a sensitive issue. In business the sale is not complete until the money is in the bank, but if you are owed money you must ask for it. Remember that you are in business to make money and it is expected that if you provide products or services that you will be paid on time for them unless other arrangements have been made. It’s the asking that makes people uncomfortable, it’s the possible rejection or conflict that may occur, the customer may tell you that they don’t have the funds available and then you are left with a possible dilemma. I believe in the power of the ask. Ask for the payment whether partial or in full. In business and in life some money is better than no money at all. Ask to set up a payment plan and set a goal for when invoices will be paid in full. Write it down and track it so you can see the progress made and celebrate each small win. It all begins with the ask. Nothing changes until you ask and follow up. The fortune is the ask and in the follow up. Dee Bowden will be a regular columnist for Indie Incognito, providing insight, strategies, special guest commentary and invaluable knowledge on how businesses can succeed in collecting that coin! Need personal coaching and advice on get paid?

Reach out to Dee Bowden and download her free e-book at www.collectthecash.biz

contact Dee at https://collectthecash.biz/

Shauna Howard A True Renaissance Woman

When I initially thought of entrepreneurs to feature in Indie Incognito, I thought of those like Shauna Howard. Her Instagram intro says it all... “Opera singer. Latin dancer. Cyclist. Owner of @FierceStitch. Philanthropist. Arts & wellness advocate. Proud African - frustrated American.”

That sums up my first impression of Shauna Howard . Over lunch at the Americana in Glendale, CA, we chatted it up like two old friends. I saw Shauna Howard as a free spirited woman who is not held captive by societal norms. She exudes a confidence and self assuredness that seems to have served her well as she has made her own way as an entrepreneur and an artist.

Shauna exudes confidence, artistry and the perfect blend of attitude to command the live stage. She has adopted various visual and performing art forms to spread a global message of arts advocacy, leadership, cultural appreciation, and compassion. She shared with me that she is an advocate for the underdog. Having been in that position herself, managing through the potholes and landmines that invariably exist. Shauna Howard is a singer, a Latin dancer, fiber artisan, the owner of Fierce Stitch, and a fundraiser with the Alzheimer’s Association. She serves as Vice President of Membership with SCORE Philadelphia, a nonprofit organization that fosters the growth of small businesses (including artists) through mentoring & educational workshops,. “I utilized my positive psychology training, recruitment, & leadership to build a diverse roster of volunteers & committee members to mentor Philadelphia’s brightest small business owners.” Shauna also works to raise funds for programs, research, and advocacy at the California Southland chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit organization whose mission is close to her family’s heart.

Contact Shauna at https://www.fiercestitch.com/

TRAVEL

by Carla Vault Scott

Looking for a different kind of vacation? It might be time to try “Runcation.”What’s a Runcation? It’s planning a trip around a race or running experience during your vacation. That’s the idea behind “Runcation” a term popularized by bloggers to describe a running vacation. Runcations can be domestic or international destinations. You don’t have to be a marathon runner or even a long-time runner to go on a Runcation. Think of a Runcation as your chance to do that race on your bucket list or just get away with some like-minded runners at a destination.

Let’s get the perspective of a Runcation from marathon runner Lisa Laws, a travel advisor and founder of Reggae Runnerz. She began running at the age of 49 in June of 2012. While watching a segment on the Long Island News 12, a story came on about black women running, featuring a running group called Black Girls Run. Lisa said to herself “I can do that” and as soon as she got home, she googled “Black Girls Run” and joined. Lisa ran her first full marathon December of 2012, at the Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica. She was totally unprepared because of devastation by Hurricane Sandy and thus missed a month of training. Undeterred, Lisa went anyway.

This article is in honor of the late Dawn Calhoun . Nov 5 1967—Jan 5, 2020

Lisa described the experience as euphoric. The 2021 Reggae Marathon will celebrate 21 years of bringing runners together from around the world. The Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K start at Long Beach Park situated along Negril’s famed 7-mile white sand beach. The course loops into the town of Negril, then heads north towards the town of Green Island. The mostly flat course isan IAAF certified marathon, half marathon and 10K course. “ I remember the moment I realized that the running community was unique.” While sitting on the beach with her cousin watching a beautiful sunset, she spoke of how the runners were both competitive and encouraging. They all want you to succeed. Since that race in December 2012 her life has changed forever. The following year she returned to the Reggae Marathon with over 160 runners. The Reggae Runnerz became a brand name in 2014 and the rest is history. Reggae Runnerz are runners from various running groups across the United States who have come together to “RUNWHERE THE SUN MEETS THE SEA” at the Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica. Our Runcation is a vacation, held the first weekend in December, away from the cold. A Reggae Runnerz Runcation experience is like no other-Runnerz and Cheerleaderz catch up with friends from around the world once a year. Runnerz’s Cheerleaderz are non-runners who go out on the course and cheer on fellow runners. Reggae Runnerz Runcation has become an annual event to celebrate the end of the running season.” This is the ninth year for Reggae Runnerz, and registration has grown from 12 to 700 Ru nerz and Cheerleaderz just by word of mouth throughout the running community... and most return year after year. However, COVID-19 has altered the race and it will be virtual this year. LA result, 200 registered Reggae Runnerz decided to follow through with their vacation plans and participate in the virtual marathon form the beautiful island of Negril. Reggae Runnerz are runners from various running groups across the United States who have come together to “RUN WHERE THE SUN MEETS THE SEA” at the Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica. As a combine group, Reggae Runnerz supports Green Island School in Jamaica, with each registrant making a $20 donation. Over the years, Reggae Runnerz has contributed over $62,000 to assist students with the cost of their Exit Exam Fees as well as funding the school’s Track and Field Team’s participation in Penn Relays in Philadelphia. Green Island students have been making great strides, not only excelling academically, but also agriculturally and in athletics. Reggae Runnerz also sponsors athletes from the track and field team to participate in the Reggae Marathon, allowing them to experience the thrill of the Marathon and compete against other high schools from around the area. If adventure is what you’re seeking, you can create your choice of exciting or challenging excursions. Whether you choose to climb the magnificent falls, horseback ride along the pristine Caribbean Sea or get up close and kiss a dolphin...there’s truly something for everyone. Enjoy authentic Jamaican Cuisine while hanging out with the rest of the Reggae Runnerz on the beach, dancing and partying with the hottest DJ in Negril. The 2019 Reggae Runnerz Neon Blast Beach Party featured special guest, Big Daddy Kane.

If you are interested in additional information on travel accommodations for the Reggae Runnerz Runication Negril Jamaica Dec 2-6, 2021 visit reggaerunnerz.org

Carla Vault Scott is a regular columnist for Indie Incognito magazine providing her traveling expertise. Contac Kingdom Travel at www.KingdomTravel.biz for your travel needs

Carla Vault Scott

Email KingdomTravel@comcast.net for all your travel needs.

My purpose is to raise artistic awareness, sensitivity,

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