Thriving Women in Business Magazine Nov/Dec 2016 by Caterina Rando

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Infuse Philanthropy in Your Business I would bet that some of your favorite days ever involved making a difference for others. I recall one of my best days ever was when we unveiled what I call “the love bench.” You see, I persuaded 100 people to donate $50 to buy a bench in the park for a friend who needed a boost. It changed his life and uplifted everyone involved. Giving feels great! Today the Thriving Women in Business Giving Circle is making a difference for women around the world, and I hope it will be a model for giving everywhere. This issue is all about doing good with your business. You will gain many insightful ideas in these pages. My hope is that you will be inspired to make giving, in all its forms, standard operating procedure for your business. With this in mind, I truly could not find or think of a better role model for this issue than Laura Gisborne, CEO Legacy Leaders Global, whose mission is to break cycles of poverty by helping women business owners build thriving, profitable businesses that they can use as vehicles for philanthropy. Today, Laura gives thirty percent of her professional time to her charity partners. Take a cue from her and start to share your talents, time and tithes with the causes and communities you care about. Focus on giving and watch your self, your heart and your business grow.

Get Going Giving and Feel Great! Caterina Rando, Publisher TWIB Magazine

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Laura Gisborne Uses Her Business as a Vehicle for Good by Caterina Rando

Today, Laura Gisborne is in awe at how great her life is. It is in sharp contrast to the poverty, abuse and violence she grew up with. She genuinely believes her constant curiosity and sincere gratitude is what causes her to thrive. Laura hosts two large, live events each year, including Limitless Women in the spring, www.limitlesswomen.com. Instead of asking for a fee to attend, Laura has her participants make a donation to a charity partner. Laura has a lifetime supply of value to share. Here are three of the guiding principles she teaches about thriving in business: Consider People Above All Else. Laura reveals, “Nothing is more important. Ask yourself What is the need? How can I serve the people?whether clients, partners or team members—not necessarily in that order. At the same time, it is key to take into account your personal people: family, friends and of course yourself.” Make Decisions Based on the Core Value of Service First. Laura shares, “If I can be of service, it is my honor to serve. My entire team is fully committed to this as a core principle.” Service is equal to profit as a priority for any socially responsible business that wants to impact the community or industry it serves. Expect Ease and Grace. In my personal life and business, my path has been full of ease and grace. Laura says, “If you feel you have to prove something, or there is struggle, or the solution is not clear, don’t pursue it. Gently and consistently turn down business if there is any drama or dis-ease connected to a transaction.” Laura insists, “We don’t have to wait until we ‘get there’ to make a difference. When we have the courage to contribute what we can, it all comes back to us tenfold. Remember, it is the giving that causes the growing.” Find out more at www.lauragisborne.com or call at 928-301-2377. Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lauragisborne Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lauragisborne 6

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

10) How Giving Causes Growing By Laura Gisborne

24) Happy People Inspire More Happy People! By Lee Richter

38) Make a Difference One Child at a Time By Benita Ibrahim

12) Elevate Your Brand by Making a Difference By Tammy Tribble

26) Give, and You Will Receive By Jenenne Macklin

40) Giving Back to Make a Difference By Nancy Karas

14) Choose to Be Visible and Make a Difference By Marion Gellatly, AICI CIM 16) Make a Difference to Light Up Your Life! By Andrea Woolf 18) Tips for Deducting Charitable Contributions By Candy Messer 20) HELP = Help Enables Life’s Passions By Bibi Goldstein 22) Infuse More Giving In Your Business and Uplift So Many By Caterina Rando 8

28) Law of Reciprocity By Linda Lenore 30) Keeping Up Corporate/ LLC Formalities By Nancy Lewellen, Esq. 32) Three Ways to Become a Standout Entrepreneur Author By Robbin Simons 34) Having the Right Follow-Up Attitude Makes a Difference for Your Clients By Linda Basso

42) Create a Profitable Business as a Vehicle for Giving Back By Laurie Zerga 44) Grow Your Network Using Facebook By Diana Morgan 46) Women and Income By Lu Casillas

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36) Help Social Benefits as an Impact Investor By Paula Pacheco

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE HOW GIVING Causes Growing By Laura Gisborne We tend to think that we’ll make a difference when we “get there.” This doesn’t work, since the giving actually causes the growing. If you wait until you get there, you never actually get there. The same feeling of tightness that occurs for you when you are stretching to give $10 of your $100, stays with you when you are giving $100 of your $1,000. I can’t say what it is to give millions yet, but I can tell you that in the process of giving tens of thousands, it’s the same game with more zeroes.

As you expand and remember who you are and how blessed you are, it becomes easier to adopt the habit of giving. Not easy, but easier. I invite you to consider automating your giving. Start small$5 per week, $20 per month, adds up to several hundred dollars per year. You may be educating a child or funding a fellow business woman’s dream in a developing nation by taking these small actions. Consider joining us at www. limitlesswomen.com. We would love to support your dreams and learn from your brilliance. Laura Gisborne is a highly successful business expert. She has owned nine companies, ranging from small boutique businesses to a multi-million dollar wine and real estate empire. The innovative business model of her current company, Legacy Leaders Global, exemplifies that businesses can be both profitable and purposeful. Through her initiatives, thousands of people are receiving regular contributions in multiple countries across five continents. Receive a free copy of her book, Stop the Spinning at www.laurafreebook.com.

Something happens when you stretch. The universe hates a void, and new opportunities present themselves to you. Not like winning the lottery, but more likely new opportunities to grow and expand your business that were not apparent before. How do you get there? One step at a time. The best tool I’ve found to support with the stretching and growing is gratitude. It’s easy to take for granted what you have. Electricity, hot, running water, flushing toilets. These simple gifts are actually luxuries in much of the world. The way to continue to stretch is to stay in gratitude for what you have. You always get more of what you focus on. If you focus on lack, you get more lack. Why not celebrate your gifts and watch them grow and expand? 10

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ELEVATE YOUR BRAND by Making a Difference

website. People like working with or purchasing from organizations that give back. Target advertises that they give 5 percent to charity, and Amazon Smile lets you pick a charity that they contribute to when you make a purchase.

By Tammy Tribble

Sharing your passion for helping others and making a difference in the world elevates your brand to something bigger and greater than yourself.

As an entrepreneur, you are committed to making a difference in the world through your amazing gifts and talents. Giving back is a natural extension of that brand. Sharing your passion for organizations and contributing your time, talents and treasures elevates your brand and attracts and retains like-minded clients and affiliates.

Tammy Tribble is the founder of Mimetic Design Systems, Inc., where she works with entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and business owners who are ready to stand out from the crowd and make a difference within their target markets. She is a branding specialist, providing businesses with communication and marketing materials designed to tell everyone about their amazing business. She helps her clients fulfill their dreams and make their vision a reality! Contact Tammy at 510-881-8446, or tammyt@mimeticsystems.com.

Follow your heart. Find organizations that really matter to you and commit to one or two. For example, you may know or love someone who has been affected by a disease like cancer, leukemia or AIDS. Maybe your heart goes out to the homeless or women in transition. Whatever speaks to your soul is a great place to start making a difference. Make the commitment. Making a difference can be as easy as donating blood or serving at a shelter. It can be a monetary donation to a worthy cause or you can join a group that is committed to change. You can use your talent to help organizations. I designed a logo and all the marketing materials for a local organization that is fighting teen sex trafficking in the Bay Area. I frequently give to organizations that empower and educate women in the Third World, and I am a committed blood donor. Share it with the world. Invite your friends, clients and colleagues to be part of something greater. When you go to a charity event or make a blood donation, post and invite your friends. Have a charitable giving page on your 12

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All About Business

GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

CHOOSE TO BE VISIBLE and Make a Difference

Clothing can be your greatest ally for attaining your goals in 2017. Become more visible, and make a difference in your life and your business.

By Marion Gellatly, AICI CIM

If you've been evolving but your wardrobe has stayed the same, contact Marion to discuss the possibilities she can offer to reinvent, refine, or redefine your image and style. mlgellatly@powerful-presence or 831-625-2000

When you become visible, you can make a difference in your life and business. One way to be more visible is through your clothes. Clothing has a language that speaks on your behalf. We’re always “reading” that language, sometimes subconsciously. When you dress to match your goals in life, others tend to trust you. When you dress for your chosen position, it’s easier to get the respect you deserve.

Marion Gellatly has made it her job to help women gain confidence in dressing to support their professional goals and personal brand. She is passionate about educating women so they can confidently master the nuances of their visual communication, a big part of which is professional appearance. Marion is an engaging speaker, author, and recognized leader in the field of image management and has been supporting women for over 20 years. Marion can be reached at mlgellatly@powerfulpresence.com.

Each year, when you set your professional goals, go one step further by ensuring that your clothing matches those goals. Everything needs a tuneup—our cars, our filing systems and our image. What happens to your car when you don’t take care of it? It breaks down. What happens when you let piles of paper grow around you? You can’t find what you’re looking for and your efficiency decreases. What happens when you don’t pay attention to your image? You may be overlooked or not taken seriously. Your confidence and healthy self-esteem might suffer. If you want to be visible and earn respect in your professional life, use the tools of specific clothing details, color and texture. An image consultant can teach you how. She can help review the clothes in your closet and determine which have evolved with you and which need to be retired. She can help you remove the stress of getting dressed and determine the specific items you need to increase your visibility. And, she can take you shopping to purchase them. 14

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE MAKE A DIFFERENCE to Light Up Your Life!

Making a difference is the secret sauce to finding meaning and joy, as well as to creating passion and purpose in your business and life.

By Andrea Woolf

Here’s to the difference you make in the world!

Have you noticed how things are not always what they appear to be? At first glance, the very thought of finding time to make a difference could well feel like yet another thing to do in your already busy life. While this is very real on the face of it, there are powerful hidden benefits. Making a difference in the world is a transformational game changer. How to find the time becomes a no-brainer when you truly embrace the impact that giving back will have in your business and your life. Here are six predictable outcomes of giving back: 1. You will be energized and lit up, knowing what an amazing contribution you are. 2. You will be setting a great example for your children, team and community. 3. You will be an inspiration for them and others to get involved, creating an even bigger ripple in the world. 4. Your family, team and community will be proud of youwhich may even lead to you becoming proud of yourself. 5. When you choose a cause that you care deeply about, you will see your zest and passion increase in every area of your life. 6. Your business will flourish as you develop relationships with like-minded, like-hearted people sharing your passion for the same cause. You will come to know, like and trust each other in ways that are quite different from when you network. This is a meaningful, effortless and joyful way to grow your business. 16

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Andrea Woolf is the founder and coach extraordinaire for Women of Impact, a vibrant community of women coming together to change their business and life, and transform the world. She is the author of Ignite Your Life – How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, and helps women achieve amazing results and truly connect to the difference they make. Find out more about Andrea and all her exciting upcoming programs and events at www.andreawoolf.com. Andrea would love to hear from you at 949-713-7734 or via email at andrea@andreawoolf.com.

Release Your Inner Champion What Is Holding You Back? • Do you know you could be, do and have more, and you’re getting in your own way? • Are you your biggest critic? • Are you being called to play a bigger game in business and in life? If you answered yes to any of the above, come to www.andreawoolf.com/innerchampion to find out how to Release Your Inner Champion!

Andrea Woolf Founder of Women of Impact

andrea@andreawoolf.com • (949) 713-7734

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TIPS FOR DEDUCTING Charitable Contributions By Candy Messer It's the holiday season and time of year when you might be thinking of making additional donations to churches or notfor-profit organizations to reduce the tax due on your return. Here are a few things to keep in mind. After times of natural disasters, unscrupulous people often form organizations that sound like the established charities that truly help those in need. It's important to make sure if you are donating that your money is going to the intended organization.

If your donation is $250 or more, the letter from the organization must state that no goods or services were provided in exchange for the gift. If noncash contributions are more than $500, submit form 8283 Noncash Charitable Contributions with your income tax return. Taxpayers donating an item valued at over $5,000 generally require an appraisal. Following these guidelines will make sure your donation is tax deductible and given to the charity you intend to support. Candy Messer is President of Affordable Bookkeeping and Payroll Services and energizes business owners by removing the burden of the bookkeeping and payroll processing from their shoulders. With 15 years of experience, Candy understands the stresses business owners face and offers customized services to meet their varying needs, including bookkeeping, payroll, Quickbooks consulting, and bill pay services. Candy works with service-based business owners who are overwhelmed with the paperwork required to stay in compliance for filings and frees them to focus on what they love to grow their businesses. Visit her website at www.abandp.com for more information.

The IRS requires that contributions be made to a qualified organization. To verify if a charity is approved, see EO Search (note that churches are not listed). Many organizations aren't actually registered as not-for-profits with the IRS, and donations made to these organizations are not tax deductible. Donations to individuals and political organizations/candidates are also not deductible. If you receive a benefit from your donation, such as merchandise or other goods/services, you can only deduct the amount that exceeds the fair market value of the benefit. This is the price in which property would change hands between a willing buyer and seller. To deduct a contribution of cash or other monetary gift, you must keep a record of the payment, whether a canceled check, payroll deduction or letter from the organization containing the name of the charity, date of the contribution and amount donated.

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HELP = Help Enables Life’s Passions By Bibi Goldstein Most entrepreneurs think they need to focus on getting customers. They don’t factor in the other administrative and customer service tasks required to maintain those clients. Many small business owners struggle to ask for help. I know. I’m one of them. We know how important delegating is, and yet find it the most difficult to doeven more so for women. I’ve discovered during five years of creating systems to assist clients with the delegation process how important trust is. This is similar to other relationships, in that when you have been let down or burned, it is harder to let it go the next time. Everyone can use a little help, whether you’re a business owner, a corporate employee, or an active parent in your community. Here’s a great way to determine where you could use that help: 1. Get a small notebook. 2. Use a single sheet to document a task or errand. 3. Note the day and time. 4. At the end of the week, make three stacks with your sheets: Love to Do, Need to Do, and Would Rather Poke My Eyes Out Than Do. 5. That last stack will be what you start delegating. It’s important as you begin this process that you look at overall tasks. Don’t get too detailed until you’ve determined what to delegate. There are many opportunities for assistance, especially virtually. Be diligent in deciding who you work with. They need to be a partner and feel as invested in what they do for you as you do. They should know your expectations. Be specific and put your requests in writing. When you’re working with someone virtually, schedule weekly “huddles” to review the previous and upcoming weeks. Help Enables Life’s Passions. Enjoy what you do and give the rest to someone else. Bibi Goldstein is the founder and CEO of Buying Time LLC, a virtual assistant service, serving small businesses and entrepreneurs around the globe. Bibi is a speaker, author and time management guru. Connect with Bibi on her website www.buyingtimellc.com.

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INFUSE MORE Giving in Your Business and Uplift So Many By Caterina Rando, Publisher TWIB Magazine There is need everywhere. There are schools that need supplies, students who need mentoring, women who seek training and all kinds of resources and of course, families and ill people looking for the gamut of support. Your business is a vehicle of good and it can be a force for giving. Take a portion of your talents, your time and your revenue to make a difference. It is good for your business and your heart. Here are some key ways to get you started giving: Create Your Criteria: When you start to give, you will get more and more requests for giving. Decide once a year what populations, projects or causes you are going to serve. In my business, we support education and entrepreneurship training for women and girls. That means, while we may give a bit to other important causes, almost all of our giving meets our pre-set criteria.

GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Start Your Own Giving Circle: Giving Circles are a great way for you to make a big difference without starting a non-profit. Host gatherings and let people know about the organizations or projects you want to support. Invite others to do the same. You can make a huge difference in your community and build awareness for your business at the same time. You can do so much good through your business. Get started with these ideas and enjoy the bliss of ongoing giving. When you see the positive impact you are having, you will be hooked for life. Caterina Rando is the founder of the Thriving Women in Business Giving Circle www.twibc.com/givingcircle and a sought-after business trainer for women. If you are interested in creating your own giving circle, Caterina would love to hear from you at cat@caterinarando.com. Join her for an upcoming live event for women. Visit www.caterinarando.com

Pick a Number: Decide in advance how much money you want to give away in a year. It could be a percentage or a specific dollar amount. Decide if you are going to give monthly, quarterly or annually, and when that will be. Decide In Advance: When you are a leader as you are, everyone wants your support. You will be invited to donate your time as a mentor, to be on a fundraising committee, to sit on an advisory board, or serve on a board of directors. You cannot do it all. Decide in advance how much time you can give to community service each year. Spread the Word: Use your social media, newsletter, events and place of business as spaces where you share about the organizations you are involved in and let people know the big and small ways they can help.

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE HAPPY PEOPLE Inspire More Happy People! By Lee Richter When we share happiness, we get happier. It is contagious, like laughing at a funny joke. When we are happier in life, we are 31 percent more productive, have 37 percent higher sales, and are 300 percent more creative. Just think, when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at Best Buy, you want to purchase that TV from the happy guy, not the grumpy one. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just natural to gravitate toward people who are happy.

Happiness is a feeling. When you feel grateful, you feel happy. When you cultivate happiness through gratitude, it is the best way to train your brain to stay in a happy state. Looking for the good tells your nervous system to stay in a happy and grateful place. When you are naturally in a happy state, it is fun to share happiness with others. At ShareHappinessNow.com, we wish you more happiness to share each day. Lee Richter is an innovator and for more than 30 years, she has built successful and dynamic community-driven businesses. Her unique vision and system generate massive results, proven by her highly successful companies, which produce millions of dollars, hundreds of jobs, support communities and educate thousands of people all over the world. Lee has been working with happiness experts for many years and www.sharehappinessnow.com is her passion project she shares with the world.

So what does it mean when you are happy, creative and productive? Well, it means you can share happiness, because you are in the flow. It is easy to share your happiness when it is natural and life is good, meaningful and worthwhile. One way to be happier is to be generous with others. When you share your time with people who need help or support, it raises your happiness quotient. I experience this firsthand when I focus my attention on helping others. One of my friends raises funds to build schools in Africa. The goal is $125 for each classroom. When we reach the goal, it provides happiness dividends. We are thrilled to celebrate success together. And when people actually go to Africa and meet the kids who will learn at the school, their happiness grows exponentially.

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE GIVE, and You Will Receive By Jenenne Macklin Who would have thought that giving would be the answer to being stuck, unhappy, limited and frustrated? Giving is one of the most powerful sacred practices that fuels joy, eases pain, connects you to your source, and triggers happiness and success. Many people are afraid to give. You may think that what you have is not enough, or that you have nothing to give. However, giving is not exclusive to money. Here are two routine practices to implement today to position you to give and receive; hence you participate in the “divine circulation of the universe.”

What the universe has for you could show up in a myriad of ways, so keep a lookout, because it will be different. It will ignite something within you and that’s your gift.

Jenenne Macklin is passionate about partnering with successful, heart-centered women in business to know their value, create wealth and leverage their feminine power to create fulfillment, a sustainable business and luxurious lifestyle. She has a gift for intuitively guiding women to uncover their purpose, passion and power. As a transformational speaker, coach and author, Jenenne is a powerhouse of empowerment, inspiration and a catalyst for women to have clarity, confidence and courage to live their dreams. Jenenne would love to hear from you at: 310-978-7133 or jenenne@jenennemacklin.com.

Three Ways to Give with Ease 1. Go into your closet. Monthly, I go into my closet and release the clothes I keep hoping I can wear or that are not aligned with who I am now. I give them to those who can use them. 2. Give differently. We recycle. My son used to take our plastic bottles to Ralph’s market and I would give him the money for his bank. Recently, we decided to give the plastic bottles to the homeless. 3. Give what others need. Take a day and challenge yourself to give compliments. Help to a co-worker or neighbor, or simply open the door for someone juggling items. Handwrite a note to someone. The “receive” part of this process is what is so powerful, unexpected, and heart and soul fulfilling. When you are aware of the “receive” feeling, it alleviates any feeling of giving to an empty hole. Know that as you give to others, you receive from the universe, which fuels your joy and sense of fulfillment. 26

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE LAW OF RECIPROCITY By Linda Lenore Energy flow and balance are common principles within the many Feng Shui schools. Living a full and happy life entails learning, understanding and implementing the Law of Reciprocity. This involves a relationship of mutual exchange or interchange. Think of a balance scale. Whatever you do on one side needs an equal energy done on the other for balance. Another example of flow is “holding” or not releasing, like the Dead Sea. The water from the Jordan Rivers’ water system comes to an end. With no outlet, the water becomes stagnant, making it unfit for most living organisms.

7. Children: Explore your creative talents. Have fun! Share when safe. 8. Helpful People: Respect your mentors. Become one yourself. 9. Health: Honor all aspects of your bodyphysical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Our Blessings come in many forms: sometimes we receive, sometimes we give back to make a difference. Linda Lenore is a Feng Shui Master, Certified Green Building Professional and vital office/home consultant whose clients include Adobe®, Bank of the West®, Ritz-Carlton® and international personalities. Quoted as an “expert” in the Wall Street Journal®, Christian Science Monitor®, San Jose Mercury News® (front page), Better Homes & Gardens® publications, and European documentaries, she’s known for creating corporate and home environments that stimulate success and soothe the soul. A bestselling and award-winning author, international columnist and former University of California faculty member, her amazing Hallmark® Channel segment, Lifetime Media appearances, and presentations have inspired audiences through design, ancient wisdoms and stories. Linda is known as “The Healing Designer.” Linda can be reached at linda@lindalenore.com.

Time, Talents and Treasures Giving to others takes different forms. One catchy phrase states, “Give of your time, talents or treasures.” A priceless gift is spending time with a person. Maybe your expertise in life, known as your talents, is the gift you share. Financial gifts or “treasures” benefit organizations as well as individuals. Counting Your Blessings Using Feng Shui’s Nine Areas of Life Learn to give and receive in each area of life, allowing the good life to flow through you. Here are some examples: 1. Career: Learn your life’s purpose. Share your talents. 2. Knowledge: Teach what you know. Discover what you learn from others. 3. Family: Explore your heritage. Honor it! Celebrate it! 4. Wealth: As you accumulate money, tithe to organizations that speak to your heart. 5. Fame: Develop strong values. Help others cultivate theirs. 6. Partnerships: Find your spiritual essence. Share appropriately. 28

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE KEEPING UP

Corporate/LLC Formalities By Nancy Lewellen, Esq. Many LLC and corporation owners don’t know that setting up their business entity is only the first step in protecting themselves from personal liability if they are sued. Here are corporate/LLC formalities to maximize liability protection during the life of your business. 1. Document important shareholder/member and director meetings. 2. For single person LLC or corporations, document important decisions and purchases you make by an Action in Lieu of a Meeting. 3. Keep your personal assets separate from your company assets: • Title company vehicles or expensive assets in the company name. • Have separate business and personal checking accounts. Commingling funds between the two accounts is the most common way companies get into trouble and leave themselves vulnerable. 4. Prepare a buy-sell agreement if you have business partners, that outlines how you will value your company, and/or buy out your partners if one dies, divorces, becomes disabled or disinterested, or how they or third parties will buy you out. 5. Have your partners’ spouse and your spouse sign a spousal consent with the buy-sell agreements so you do not end up with your partner’s spouse as your new business partner in the event of a divorce, disability or death. 6. Issue physical certificates of stock/membership shares to all owners of the company, and keep an account of the shares in a ledger. 7. Classify workers correctly in your company as employees or independent contractors. 30

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8. Document personal loans to the company with a promissory note, and schedule regular repayments with interest. 9. Borrow money from lenders in the LLC/corporation name if the money is to be used for business purposes. Avoid personally serving as a co-signer or guarantor, if possible. Keep these formalities in mind to protect you and your business. Nancy Lewellen is an experienced business attorney who can get you into corporate compliance. Nancy Lewellen, MBA/JD is a real estate, business, and international law attorney, a California licensed real estate and mortgage broker, and managing partner of the Palladian Law Group. She practices arbitration, mediation and transactional work, has International Law and Public Interest Law Certificates from Santa Clara University School Of Law, and interned with the UN in Geneva, Switzerland. Nancy previously held lending and credit policy positions with three major banks for nineteen years, and had her own commercial mortgage and residential mortgage brokerage firms for ten years prior to law school. You may contact Nancy at 415-399-0993 or at nyl@palladianlawgroup.com.

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THREE WAYS TO BECOME a Standout Entrepreneur Author By Robbin Simons Anyone can write a book, but not everyone can be an outstanding Entrepreneur Author. One might think the difference would lie in writing skills, eloquence, verbiage and flow. These are important, but for the Entrepreneur Author, the key elements that contribute to a successful book product vary surprisingly from what you might expect. On reason is that the goals are uniquely different. The Entrepreneur Author’s book promotes their business, builds their subscriber list and establishes them as an expert. If you are contemplating whether to finally write that book you’ve been thinking about, here are three things to consider if you want to be outstanding rather than just okay:

strategic. It’s not about the number of opt-in opportunities; it’s about the quality of the offer. Keep these three tips in mind, and become a standout Entrepreneur Author. Robbin Simons, founder and CEO of Crescendo Publishing, is the leading expert on lead-generation book publishing and platform growth. Through her exclusive publishing programs, she takes aspiring author-preneurs from idea to published author in 90 days and to-date, has a 100 percent success rate in creating Amazon® best-sellers. In addition to being the best-selling author of multiple books herself, Robbin’s work has been featured in many online and offline media outlets, and her authors have been featured in major television and print media outlets including Forbes®, NBC’s Today Show, Huffington Post, The Dr. Oz Show, USA Network and many more. Connect with Robbin at robbin@crescendopublishing.com or at www.crescendopublishing.com.

1. Share case studies, client stories (with permission). Your reader can relate and see that their problems can be solved. Readers see proof that what you offer worked for someone and can work for them too. 2. Include a call to action. Don’t spend months, or years, writing and publishing a book, believing that alone will magically drive paying clients to your door. They aren’t coming to your door if they don’t have directions to your house! Show them how to get from your book to your website. Present a compelling reason to give you their contact information. Simply listing your website address is not enough. Providing a helpful checklist, an audio, or some other useful giveaway is compelling and a great lead-generation tool. 3. Don’t be salesy. I’ve seen many great books get a bad review because the author has included an opt-in link in every chapter. Readers are savvy these days and will see this tactic as a ploy to get them to subscribe to a list. Be 32

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE HAVING THE RIGHT FOLLOW-UP Attitude Makes a Difference for Your Clients

presence in your communication and knowledge of their next steps are all signals that you are thinking of them. That makes clients happy, not bothered.

By Linda Basso

Have an attitude of service when you follow up with prospects and clients. People will notice and appreciate the difference you make.

Recently, I ran into a woman who is part of my networking group. I mentioned that I was interested in one of her upcoming classes that she had shared in a recent meeting. The next morning, there was an email from her saying how nice it was to see me, details on her class and a link to sign up if I’d like. As a marketer, I was delighted and impressed. As a potential client, I felt gratitude.

Linda Basso is a marketing coach with a spiritual attitude that supports entrepreneurs in growing their businesses, their impact and their revenue. Her four pillars of spiritual marketing can help you get the results you want, be real and have fun while you do it. For 22 years, she has created brands and campaigns for Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, Jamba Juice®, Disney®, and many small businesses. She has helped her clients win many awards, along with placements in publications such as The Wall Street Journal®, TIME® Magazine, and the front cover of WIRED® magazine. Reach her at 510-381-3094 or lindabasso.com.

When you follow up with potential clients, you are not being pushy or bothering them. You are performing an act of service. Here’s why: People are busy. Generally, it is not intentional or personal when someone doesn’t call you back. If you stop taking it personally and become the neutral follow-up queen, you really act on behalf of your client. Do not let fear guide your follow-ups. Be responsive to client’s needs instead. If you save your clients time by letting them schedule right then, even better. People appreciate the prescriber. It’s nice to know that an expert is taking care of you. You expect your dentist, doctor, acupuncturist, accountant or personal trainer to prescribe your next best steps. When your social media expert, massage therapist, bookkeeper, business coach or landscaper reach out to you with the same here’s what is next for you attitude, it’s a favor, not a push. People love to be thought of. Simple psychology says that people appreciate others thinking of them when they aren’t together. Prompt follow-up, 34

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE HELP SOCIAL BENEFITS as an Impact Investor By Paula Pacheco Imagine championing social benefits such as those listed below! • A warehouse buzzing with the assembly of healthy lunches for some of America’s hungry inner-city schoolchildren. • Families in the developing world using solar lanterns manufactured by entrepreneurs to meet the demand for cheap, safe power. • Urban doctors using a cloud-based proprietary software application that allows them to remotely monitor rural patients. Impact investing is an investment in a for-profit or non-profit business that provides a social benefit that impacts the entire planet. Unlike a grant, there is an expectation of a return on capital. Your impact investing (as little as $25) provides capital to such businesses that have explicit social goals, coupled with sound business strategies and impact measurements.

Learn more about impact investing by checking out these resources: 1. The Case Foundation contains a guide to impact investing. www.casefoundation.org 2. Village Capital finds, trains, and funds entrepreneurs solving global problems. www.vilcap.com 3. Impact with Wings, By Suzanne Andrews, 2016, features wonderful stories to inspire and mobilize women, angel investors, and entrepreneurs. Paula’s professional background includes Fortune 500 companies such as the Bank of America, IBM, PG&E, the Pacific Stock Exchange, the entertainment industry, the non-profit sector and high-tech startups. Paula’s 17 years in the corporate arena turned her into a dynamic, strong, results-oriented operations development and change professional experienced in analyzing, managing, training, growing and restructuring business operations. In 1992, Paula earned a BA in liberal studies with a concentration in consulting psychology, (organizational development), from John F. Kennedy University. From 2011-2015, Paula took business courses at Stanford University.

We face worldwide immediate and monumental challenges of hunger, poverty, physical and mental health, inequality and climate change. Supported social entrepreneurship has turned into a powerful business model, successfully creating solutions that to date, neither government nor philanthropy has been able to provide. Are there funding failures? Undoubtedly. To consider investing, ask yourself: 1. How much social impact do I want? 2. How much financial return do I expect? 3. How much risk will I accept in pursuit of my desired social and financial return? Align your capital with an organization that is experienced in smart social investing and in maximizing returns. Affiliate with one that chooses scalable business models that not only can sustain growth, but also help your money become more effective at creating profound value for everyone involved. 36

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE MAKE A DIFFERENCE One Child at a Time By Benita Ibrahim Years ago, I was having girls’ night out with friends to have fun and catch up. We went to dinner and a movie. While in line to purchase movie tickets, we noticed that two young men further up in line kept looking back at us. It appeared that they were talking about us. We started feeling a bit uncomfortable, because they continued to stare at us. Other people in line began to notice as well.

Giving back to the community and making a difference doesn't always mean material or monetary means or things. During an interview, someone once asked me how I measured success. For me, success is being able to impact someone’s life with hope and inspiration. It is truly making a difference in the community and having someone return years later just to say, thank you. This is the ultimate in leadership and community building. Benita Ibrahim, is a small business owner for over 23 years. A bestselling author, speaker, leadership educator, mentor and consultant. Benita believes the secret to success is in loving what you do and creating positive relationships within that environment. She has been featured in several well-known women’s magazines and received several awards for her contribution to education and leadership in the community, currently sits on The Board of Directors of The ALC at Northwood University and FFW, a non-profit organization advocating against teen and adult domestic violence and abuse. Visit her website at www.benitaibrahimsolutions.com or email her at bisconsulting@ benitaibrahimsolutions.com

A few minutes later, I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. I turned around and there was one of the young men who had been staring at us. I smiled and said, "Yes, can I help you?" He said, "Mrs. Benita, I can't believe you don't recognize me! You kept me in your daycare when I was younger." There I stood in shock, looking at this handsome, well-groomed 20-somethingyear-old man with a full mustache and goatee. I was overwhelmed with emotion, because I did remember him. He and his siblings had come to me during an unstable, broken time in their lives when they had simply needed someone to care. He gave me a big bear hug and said, "Thank you for pouring into me." There was not a dry eye in the movie theater line! At that moment, after many years in the child care industry, I understood what REAL success meant. 38

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE GIVING BACK to Make a Difference

Together, let’s support one another as human beings, as life forces on a magnificent planet. Tune in, tune up and you will be lifted higher than you can ever imagine.

By Nancy Karas

By giving back, you will meet new people, learn new ways, discover new things and feed your soul.

The funny thing is that most people think giving back would be taking something away from themselves. Drained from life’s demands and in pursuit of our own needs, we really want to give back and make a difference, but who really has time?

We all do! The best gift you can give to yourselfand to the rest of the world while you are at it is to volunteer yourself, your time, your money, your love, your care, your intelligence, your heart.

A transition coach and career management strategist for people ready to live the life they’ve always dreamed of living, Nancy’s expert advice and insights are featured in The Wall Street Journal, INC., Money Magazine, GlassDoor.com, Monster.com and The Salt Lake City Tribune. Nancy is also a career expert for KTLA News and iHeart Radio. A human resources thought leader and popular guest speaker, she focuses on personal empowerment and career success for her clients. Happy fans and customers have called her “the career whisperer” and “my Sacagawea,” and one organization called her “the career coach to watch in 2016.”

In doing so, you will receive gifts and blessings all around you. Others begin to smile and feel relief, and you know that you have had a hand in that. You have helped to make life on this planet just a little bit better. Better than it was just a minute ago, before you came along with your open heart and open mind to give back and make a difference. If you are stuck or lost, or if you feel down and out, then volunteer. Get involved. Help someone in need. So many people need so much help and we do not even know it. Look around you, dig deep, look within, and then look without.

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE CREATE A PROFITABLE BUSINESS as a Vehicle for Giving Back

3. Money: Taking action in the first two areas often improves the flow of money to you. Begin to give generously to your community, whether it’s local or global, as your income grows.

By Laurie Zerga

Giving to others, even in small ways, makes a big difference to those around you. All of us impact the world by taking small steps. It will ripple out far beyond your action, whether time or money. What step can you take today?

Many heart-based, solo entrepreneurs struggle with money. Subconsciously, they think something is wrong with being successful and profitable. Consider “flipping it.” What if you are exactly the best person to earn a huge profit? I believe you are the most likely to support your community with your abundance. Have you considered using your wildly profitable business as the vehicle to give back to your community?

Laurie Zerga, founder of Feminine Power Flow, combines passion for relationships, community and business to support women entrepreneurs. She successfully navigates many roles society mandates of women. While raising two daughters, she climbed to an officer position at a Fortune 500 company. Since 911, she transitioned from consultant to entrepreneur, launching Chef-K® nationally. Now she helps women reclaim their true self and feminine power to lead their dream business life through coaching programs, speaking and workshops.

My grandparents first taught me about giving back to the community. Although my grandmother did not work, she handled community service for the family business. She hosted and attended many fundraisers. My grandfather introduced me to the concept of the titheproviding one tenth of your income to good works. Take a moment to envision what you would do to support your community. Even if you feel you are surviving, these actions will move you toward thriving. Once you feel abundant, you can share it with others. Giving to others can make a difference to your community, your state and the world. If you are not sure where to start, consider the following three concepts. Taking any of these actions can make an impact. 1. Gratitude: Appreciate the small things all around you. Gratitude for what you have inspires you to share with others. 2. Time: Investing your time is also a wonderful way to share your gifts and make a difference to others around you. 42

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE GROW YOUR NETWORK Using Facebook By Diana Morgan Facebook is a great place to connect with people you meet in person, whether at networking or social events, or even people you just met on social media. Whenever you meet someone, ask if they would like to stay connected on social media. Send them a “friend request.” Check out their personal profile and business page to see what they are up to. See who their “friends” are. It’s a great way to get to know people, stay connected and deepen relationships.

in the Facebook group with whom you think you might have a connection, you can start a conversation and then take your conversation to email, phone or Skype. The mission of Whole Heart Marketing is to empower and educate people on how to use Internet technology to share their message, nurture their relationships, and grow their business. In doing so, we bridge the intergenerational gap that has been created by technology, and further heal the planet. Diana Morgan, business and marketing coach, author and speaker, is passionate about teaching, inspiring and empowering entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. She specializes in online and offline strategies; showing you how to apply them to your business to get results. Diana has over 20 years of successful business and marketing experience, building 2 of her own businesses using the strategies she offers her clients. She understands the struggles and challenges of building an effective, authentic online presence and has the patience and know-how to help you. She offers live and virtual trainings, and "done for you" Internet marketing services. www.wholeheartmarketing.com

Stay Connected to People on Facebook without Being Salesy Like, Comment and Share Their Content. It’s just the same as a networking event. You don’t want to meet someone, introduce yourself and immediately start promoting what you’re selling. You want to get to know one another. Join a few groups. Each group has its own culture. You want to get to know and understand the culture of the group before you begin participating. The first step in beginning to participate is to say hello and introduce yourself. Then get to know people in the group. When Do You Promote What You’re Selling? Figure out when is a good time to promote what you’re selling. Groups often have a certain day of the week that they designate for this. If there’s someone 44

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GIVE BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WOMEN AND INCOME By Lu Casillas Should women really consider having two forms of income? Have you ever looked at your closest circle of friends? You may have a friend who has a career, a friend who has a career and a part-time job, or even a friend who started her own side business on top of what she already does. I’ve always found the need to have additional income. It made sense to me to do something extra that gave me joy, and to use that income to support either a need or entertainment. In my twenties, I had an annual part-time boutique craft business. I would earn and use that money to pay my annual auto insurance so it didn’t come out of my regular income.

What would you want to do to increase your income and also add to your already-busy life that would give you joy? Those who make time enjoy their busy lifestyle and those who waste time never have time for anything. Which are you? Perhaps a side business can fund your future retirement!

Lu Casillas, is the educator and creator of Blend2Day, supporting women to find Balance in Life, Educating one another through Networking, and making their Dreams become reality. As a specialist at FCA, it is her goal to help women create a wealth preservation strategy that allows access to funds while also building a lifetime income stream.

In my thirties, I started with Mary Kay, Inc. First, I wanted to get my skincare and makeup at 50 percent off. Second, I wanted to give my family more tax deductions. The extra income was “mad money.” The beauty of multi-level marketing businesses is the business education that comes with it. As I entered my forties and started a commission-only business, I thought about what would be fun and a bonus to me as well. Clothing! So I started a spring and fall fashion boutique with my friend, who was in real estate. We hosted events at yacht clubs and private homes eight weeks out of the year. We got our new casual wardrobe at cost and had enough income for our needs.

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