If I knew then, what I know now...

Have you ever pondered to yourself, "if I knew then, what I know now I'd..." I'm sure we all have. I can say safely that I say it to myself ALL THE TIME. Some people might look at it as a statement of regret. A statement that "darn it I could have done anything, been anything, accomplished anything if I just knew the knowledge I have now back then."

To me, it's a statement of growth. A statement that you now acknowledge that you have the capabilities to not make the same mistakes or hold the same regrets again. A statement that you now know what needs to be done to get to the next chapter in your life. So let's try it. Let's ask ourselves "If I knew then, what I know now...what would be different?" BUT let's follow that same question with "Now that I have both the experience and knowledge, what can I do with it?"

If I knew then, what I know now...I would have saved more money in college as well as paid some of the interest down.

Now that I have both the experience and knowledge, I can save money NOW and work with my creditors to decrease the interest as well as find opportunities to have financial freedom.

Now...YOU TRY!
If I knew then, what I know now... ____________________________________________...
Now that I have both the experience and knowledge, _____________________________...

Sometimes Every time we observe what we did in the past, learn from it, and accept it it will make us better in the present and at our best in the future.

I Remember 9/11...We were there.

It was a Tuesday morning. I walked along the sidewalk to the front of my school. It was surprisingly and eerily quiet that morning as I stopped, surrounded by silence, gazing above to the sky...the clear, bright sky. Airplanes flew overhead and for some reason...it just seemed overwhelmingly calm. My mind was in that moment and in another moment all at the same time. My heart knew that something remarkable was going to happen that day. I walked into the building and continued to my homeroom. I was in the ninth grade.


"One of the Twin Towers have been hit," It was just before 9:00 AM when I heard the teachers chatting to each other. I thought to myself, what's a twin tower? Not knowing the magnitude of my ignorance. By the time I got to my first class, computer technology, I could see that at that moment history was again being written. My teacher, her name escapes me now but I remember she looked like Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus, was in awe. The TV was on CNN and class was quiet. Today, there was no tapping of computer keys, no chatter of adolescents, no murmur of machines or buzzing of monitors. Today, in Georgia, we shared the awkward silence of a nation being devastated.


We were there. 9:03 AM.


We...like millions of Americans were there. We witnessed it with our own eyes.
"Oh. My. God. Was that...was that a plane?"
Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Silence. All I remember, as I sat in my class was silence. I don't recall birds chirping or cars or even people. Just. Silence. The silence that is created when you witness something that snatches the world's innocence from your mind. The kind of silence when you, as a 14 year old child, realize that we are not immortal. America isn't great.


9:59 AM. Shattered. Dreams. Lives. Families. Memories. Shattered. We were there. We watched. We witnessed. We felt our hearts drop as those floors of the South Tower dropped. I shed tears as I felt like I was in that moment. As my soul connected to all those souls lost.


*Bell Chimes*

It was time for second period. Our gaze was broken...like our hearts...like our innocence. After that moment, I literally can't remember the rest of that day. I feel like the entire nation was in a fog after those moments. I tried to recall if I knew anyone who knew anyone who was in New York, but I didn't and they didn't. I remember replaying it over and over and over in my mind. A plane hit the Twin Towers...and...and it collapsed. They collapsed. We. collapsed.


I didn't lose any of my family members on that fateful Tuesday in September. All of my friends are still here. I will never know what it was like to be in Manhattan during September 11, 2001. I won't ever know the insurmountable loss of a loved one who will never be found. I will never understand, fully, what that day means to the family and friends of the lost. But I was there. I feel like even if you didn't lose someone or something during 9.11...we all lost, as Americans that day. We all lost.


It's ten years later since that awful day was etched into our history to remind us of our own mortality...as people...and as a country. We've never been the same since. Rebuilding our lives has been hard. Trying to forget has been impossible. But the one thing we gained from that experience, the one thing that has continued to live with us since September 11, 2001 is that when we bond together as a people, putting our differences aside, forgetting our diversity and concentrating on our communities, remembering that we are only ONE race...the HUMAN RACE, we will ALWAYS come out triumphant. We will always get over obstacles. WE. WILL. ALWAYS WIN.


I remember where I was on September 11, 2001. I was 14 in the 9th grade...freshman year. It was a Tuesday morning and all I remember was the silence...the calm but awkward silence.



SOA

Hustler VS Grinder VS Builder

Lately, I've been talking to my friends and associates...as I always do. On this particular series of conversations we have been discussing what a hustler is and what it means to be "on your hustle, grind, etc." I used to be an avid fan of the term "hustler" and "hustling," but lately the terms hustler, hustling, and grinding just don't seem like the right fit for what I am trying to accomplish and the hard work I have been doing.

By definition, a "hustler" is "an enterprising person determined to succeed; a go-getter"; by slang a "hustler is "a person who employs unscrupulous methods to obtain money. To me a hustler is someone who works hard for the sole purpose of having or making money, by any means necessary. I identify with the dictionary version, but it's that slang that gets me. Plus I think about how I am working hard for something more valuable than money...success and legacy.

So then I think of the work "grinding or grinder." By definition, as a verb, "grinding means to work or study laboriously. I don't know about you, but I don't plan on working to the point of exhaustion all my life. I am doing setting things in motion now so that the work essentially does itself. Think about it, our parents, the baby boomers, have been "grinding" all their lives. Some of them retire around 55 or 60, but in the world now-a-days it's not something that's guaranteed. Now many of them are forced out of retirement to continue working because the benefits aren't there anymore. I refuse to work this hard to not have a reward at the end. Period.

That led me to seek a word that best fit the process in which I am utilizing to create and accomplish my goals. I finally decided that the word "builder" was it. By definition, a "builder" is a person who builds. *straight no chaser* Isn't that what a hustler and a grinder is doing essentially? True, however, in my mind a builder has a clear cut vision of what he/ she wants to accomplish, they build and implement plans to build whatever it is that they want to build. And then thinking even further, you don't hustle your goals or dreams...you build towards them. You don't grind for success...you build it. You don't hustle your way to having money...you build your wealth.

At the end of the day, I am neither a hustler nor a grinder. I am a builder. I am building towards my success. Building towards my goals. And building a legacy for my descendants.

So...what are you? A Hustler. A Grinder. Or a Builder?

The Unemployed Entreprenur

Amy Winehouse and the "27 Club"

Jimi Hendrix
Janis Joplin
Jim Morrison
Kurt Cobain
Jean Michael-Basquiat
Freaky Tah of the Lost Boyz
Johnathan Brandis from the NeverEnding Story II

All influential and known celebrities and artists who came and touched our lives through music, art, television, and movies. All tragically and mysteriously died at the age of 27. It's sad when you think a celebrities career is just beginning to take off. It literally seems like they were here today and gone tomorrow. Now they are infamously a part of what is known as the "27 Club." The club in which famous people become inducted into when they die at the age of 27 through tragic causes.

In their deaths, lies a story. Nothing lasts forever. What can we learn from Amy Winehouse and the "27 Club?" Sure it's easy to give an "anti-drug" speech, but at the end of the day as we look at their careers, the lives they left, and the people who surrounded them there is a story lesson to be learned.

1. Live your life like it's your last day. It seems almost like these, and others, were at the height of their career. Things seems to be going to well, seeming so lucrative, and all of a sudden we get the breaking news of their deaths and find out even later that they were depressed and overwhelmed with the level of celebrity they received. No matter what, do what makes you happy. Whether it's picking up trash, inspiring others, teaching, or writing. Do what makes YOU happy. No one can live your life, but you!


2. Make your dreams a reality, despite the nay sayers. These folks lived a dream life we will never get to experience. They may have died suddenly at 27, but what they were able to accomplish is more than most of us will ever experience in our lives. Do what you can to even get a glimpse of your dream. It's worse to regret not trying to live out your dream or passion than to deal with the failure experienced trying.


3. "Yes" people are enablers, get rid of them. It's always great to have your ego stroked. We all want it, we sometimes need it. However, if you are around people who ONLY tell you how good, awesome, great, pretty, or smart you are how will you know what you need to do to get better and to grow? We need constructive criticism to progress. If all you hear is yes, how will you know how to handle the "no." We can only speculate that some of these celebrities died, especially the ones from suicide and drugs, because they had too many fans and not enough friends. Get rid of enablers, their bad for you.


4. Know when to ask for help. At the end of the day, we need help. In our darkest hour, for our progression and growth, just because. Help is available in many forms, what we have to do is learn to put our pride to the side and ask for it. I feel like if these artists were able to simply ask the right person for help, we would have had them for so much longer.


5. Empowerment is a very powerful tool we all need. Motivation. Inspiration. Empowerment. It's the tools that keep the positivity in and the negativity out. Find a mentor, speaker, book, counselor, or method to ensure that you ALWAYS have some form of empowerment and positive energy in your life.

Amy Winehouse [9.14.83-7.23.11]

Amy Winehouse was a great singer. Despite her vices and her troubles, she had a gift that she was able to share with the world...even for a little while. Unfortunately, she is now the newest member of the "27 Club." We may not ever know what problems she had in her life, but from the time we had her here...we can learn much from her and the other members of the "27 Club."

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

The Unemployment Chronicles: In Limbo

So...I'm not sure whether or not I'm unemployed or not. Is that weird? I technically have a job, however, I am on temporary leave due to low demand of clients at my job. A part of me loves this down time! I get to spend more time making connections and bringing new clients to my business as well as connecting with old clients. I have to admit, I do love waking when I want to and doing what I want. The other part of me is itching for the drug that we call money. I can't help but to worry about where it's going to come from and how bills are going to get paid. I also can't help but to think that I did something wrong and that maybe there isn't a job in store for me when the slump is over. *shrugs* At least I have my good looks, charm, and business contacts I made over the time I was there if that's the case.

In the meantime, I'm doing me. I'm trying my best to not let it get to me, I make sure I stay in contact with folks at my job to make sure it's not just me. Yes, I feel like the unemployed entrepreneur that I started out to be...but you know what? I'm okay with that.

How are you dealing with unemployment, seasonal work, and temporary leave?

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Ode to the supporters

I remember when I was moving having so much stuff to pack and load and move. It was overwhelming and hard. Clearly I needed help, but I felt like I could do it myself. A lot of the time I like to think of myself as a superwoman...in all my 5'1" splendor. As I closed the last box to the last of my things, I realized I couldn't have even moved into my old place without the help of my supporters. It was in that moment that I realized that as much of a superwoman as I like to think I am, I will always have supporters who are ready, willing, and prepared to help me whenever I need it and even whenever I don't think I need it.

I said that to say this. When you are on your journey through life, you have to realize that you are not on that journey alone. Whether you open your eyes or not, there will be people there to support you and your endeavors without wanting a piece of the prize. When you realize you have these people in your life, it's a part of your job to thank them, appreciate them, and let them know how you feel. Nothing is worse than supporting someone who doesn't even appreciate the support.

So this is my ode to my supporters, specifically those who have been helping and supporting my company from the inside. Of course I love and appreciate ALL of my supporters on the outside, but I need to give a special shout of to my first assistant EVER!

A. Welch for being the first and setting the standard. For learning me and knowing me well. For going above and beyond what I needed of her. For still being a powerful support and force in my life even to this day! I thank you honey for everything yesterday, today, and in the future!

DemeJay for letting me inspire you and being my inspiration. Who knew that you could learn so much at the same time you are teaching. I enjoy your passion and encourage your enthusiasm to take your life to the next level. You do hold the power to be whatever it is you want to be, it all starts now!

I know in the future I will have plenty more to thank, but for now I had to give a special shout-out to my wonderful assistants!

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Motivational Monday: On negativity

Yesterday, and on any given day, I perused my twitter timeline. Normally I get plenty of inspirational quotes, sayings, anecdotes along with what my followers are doing at the moment. The one update I get tired of seeing in my time line are the tweets about negativity. Whether it's about what someone is doing or not doing, the subtweets on my timeline can be pretty brutal. Or even worse the people who only tweet about the negative things that are going on in their life.

Don't get me wrong, sometimes we all need to vent and sometimes we do it through social media, but if every other tweet of yours is about what he/she said, what he/she is doing or not, or about your "haters" I get so tired of it. There literally could not be that much negativity in one person's life without them attracting it.

Have you ever noticed that the things you dwell on you seem to get the most of? When your car has problems and all you think about are the problems your car has, your car seems to have MORE problems? Or when you are broke, you can't get passed the absence of the money to focus on the abundance of it and as a result you stay broke even when you receive money? The Universe provides you with what you dwell on the most. So if you dwell on negativity and the negative things in your life...guess what? That's what you will receive!

Today's Motivational Monday quote is about forgetting the negative and focusing on the positive. It's a personal quote that I try to live by whenever I feel myself focusing on the negative:

"Negativity is a choice. The day you choose to be positive and have a positive outlook on life is the day your life and relationships change..."
       -Me

Try it. For one day, wake up with the purpose of having a good and positive day and notice how the sun seems brighter, people seem friendlier, things seem to manifest themselves out of no where. Negativity harbors negativity, but if you would simply see the silver lining in any situation you will be a better person for it.

So choose to see the positive and focus on it and not let the negative rule your life.

The Unemployed [and positively outlooking] Entrepreneur

For the 2011 graduates and beyond...

With so many people graduating from high school, secondary school, college, etc it is at this point of time in their life when they are trying to figure out which road to take next, if their dreams can truly be a reality, if the decisions they've made in the past and at this current moment will help to seal what their future will be. I remember when I graduated and thinking these things. I remember having an idea of what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be, but there was still that tinge of doubt and fear that what I want might not be plausible at this time. I'm here to tell you that all things are plausible and all things are possible because YOU believe it is.

As a graduate, you have proven yourself worthy of what the real world has in store. You survived the turmoils of high school and the stress of college to come out of it a victor. You have learned in 3-4 years what most people strive for in their life. You have learned determination. You have learned time management. Most importantly you have learned your identity. Through the decisions you've made, whether it be in your courses, extracurricular activities, or friendship choices, you have shaped who you will be for the rest of your life.

Absolutely the "real world" can be tough, but take what you've gained from your studies and apply it to your every day life. And if anyone tells you that your dreams aren't realistic tell them it is because YOU believe it is.

I am proud to watch so many people graduate and even prouder to learn what they plan on doing next. Don't just dream your dream, LIVE IT!

"Every time you state what you want or believe, you're the first to hear it. It's a message to both you and others about what you think is possible. Don't put a ceiling on yourself."
       -Oprah Winfrey

Congratulations Grads!!!
The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Quieting Your Naysayers: The Obama Way

In anything that you do and try to accomplish there will be people who will not only try to talk you out of your goals and dreams but who will have the audacity to tell you that they can do your job better than you're currently doing it. It's easiest to think we can be better than the next person without walking a mile in their shoes. Even when we have surpassed our best, it's not easiest to quiet the naysayers.

Our President, Barack Obama, has been encountering this since he got into office some 16 months ago. Most notably, upon confirmation of a second term run, Donald Trump didn't just tell President Obama that he wasn't doing his job but tried to defame his character (birther controversy). How did Barack Obama shut down this naysayer as well as the others? Watch below:

Through humor and wit, President Obama may have been delivering some very funny jokes, but the message at the end of every punchline..."Stay in your lane, Trump." "Don't forget the facts, the hard work, and the tireless nights you will never understand...everyone else."

Another way to quiet the naysayers, the Obama way: Making the impossible possible. As you may know from the late breaking news last night and the continued coverage this morning, Osama Bin Laden is dead. Through a secret operative mission authorized by our president and carried out by the brave service people who were involved, they carried out a mission that we have been trying to attain for over a decade.


In our daily lives, we may not be provided with the task of finding one of America's Most Wanted People, but we are provided with the daily task of accomplishing our most wanted achievements. When people tell you it's impossible, show them (don't tell them) that it's more than possible.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Motivational Monday: Don't Suck Your Thumb on Life

When I was younger, I sucked my thumb. Actually, I was born sucking my thumb. I remember when I was scared, sad, upset, or just in need of a little comfort, I sucked my thumb. Was it right? Depends on who you're asking. Did parents look at me and my mother like I was crazy? Certainly. But at the end of the day, I was comfortable and sucking my thumb brought me comfort and security. Remember how it was when you were a little kid? You had your favorite blanket, stuffed toy, outfit, or object. When you held or wore that object you felt the greatest sense of security and comfort from it. And then you grew up and had to kick comfort through the window to grow.

Lately, I feel like I've been having the same type of conversations with different people. I know some people who have a plethora of opportunities to help them get to the next level of their success, but they aren't moving one way or another because they are comfortable with their current success. For example, my brother has so much potential to be better than he is, but he hasn't moved in any direction because essentially he is comfortable with what he has in his life right now.

These people are "sucking their thumb" on life: Not living up to their potential because they are comfortable in the situation they are in now because they feel secure. Just like when I was younger, sucking my thumb gave me comfort to the point where sucking my thumb seemed like the only option. People get so comfortable in their surroundings that their current actions seem like the only option. They fail to adapt to new situations and grow because they shun the lack of security in it.

When I was in the fourth grade, I got braces to correct years of sucking my thumb. With those braces, I also got something called a thumb cradle, a device that prevented me from sucking my thumb or even wanting to. It was with that device and being uncomfortable wearing braces that I had to learn adapt and grow.

Isn't that how life is? At the end of the day, life is about adaptation and growth. Once we have received success in one area or because of one venture, we can't allow ourselves to get so comfortable that all other options go out the window. We can't sit back and suck our thumbs because we are scared of what else life has to offer. When we learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, that is the day that success and growth becomes easy for us.

The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur

5 Unlikely Sources to Acquire Knowledge

I've always been a firm believer in the old adage, Knowledge is Power. This past weekend, I got the chance to talk to one of the event designers at my job about growth and progress. We both agreed that in order to grow and progress (we were specifically talking about the event industry) in anything in life, you have to have continuously growing knowledge and the wisdom to seek it. For me, you are only as good as the knowledge you acquire. I take any opportunity to gain knowledge, whether it's in a book, with a co-worker, from my family, or from my associates.

As I got home, I took the opportunity to peruse my vast library of books and it prompted me to think, "what do other people do to increase their knowledge?" How do you go about acquiring the knowledge necessary to be successful and most importantly relevant?

5 Unlikely Sources of Acquiring Knowledge:
Certainly the internet is a great source for getting knowledge, but often times the information we receive can be misleading, erroneous, or false. Being a Generation Y'er or "Millenial," I'm all for a nice google search, app reference, or something technology related to get some knowledge, but being so technologically dependent, we often forget that there are other sources to gain knowledge. Read below for my sources for acquiring knowledge.

1. Books: You read them as a kid. You were forced to read them in school. It's your go to instruction manual. Why wouldn't you pick up a book at leisure to learn something new. You want to be debt free, but you don't really know where to start try reading a book and getting some tips of being debt free. Try Debt-Free Forever by Gail Vaz-Oxlade (host of 'Til Debt Do Us Part). You want to learn more about the fashion industry, try Vogue Fashion: Over 100 Years of Style. There is a library or book store near you or better yet, Amazon is just a click away!


2. The Elderly: It's funny. In America, we look down on the elderly. We think they are feeble and in a sense worthless. However, in other countries the elderly is looked at for their wisdom, life experiences, and knowledge. We need to learn from other countries and value our elderly. Not only will talking to them, learning from them, and being mentored by them make them feel wanted, but you will get knowledge that has stood the test of time.


3. Your Teachers (school, mentors, advisors): When we're in school, our teachers teach us what they have to teach us. When we get older and we begin to reminisce on the non-educational lessons they taught us we go through life with a clearer head. Instead of looking back and remembering, how about taking the time to learn from them in the present. Your teachers are always available to talk to. Get to know them, find out their background story and figure out how their wealth of knowledge can be yours.


4. Younger Peers: Recently, I began attracting peers younger than myself. All my life, I had been the younger peer influencing the older ones but lately, I've had the good fortune to learn a lot from my younger counterparts. Not only do they keep me on trend and updated but their drive and ambition reinforces mine when I feel like I don't have enough. Our younger peers, like our elderly ones, have a vast amount of knowledge all we have to do is take the time to listen and be attentive.


5. Magazines NOT in your industry but brings inspiration to your industry: Many of us read magazines because we enjoy the content, it's been a part of our lives, or just because. I bet you wouldn't think to pick up a magazine inspired by your favorite magazines. Being in the event industry, I've come to learn that it is inspired by so much more than just "events." It's inspired by fashion, interior design, food, artistic movements, just to name a few. Evaluate what industry you're in or want to be in and check out the magazines that inspire it.

Recently an associate of mine posted on her Facebook status "What would you rather have? Money or access?" I responded "how about knowledge. Knowledge can get you both access AND money...there. problem solved."

And I will always hold that true. Can't have neither without knowledge.

What are some unlikely sources of knowledge you get? Share with me!

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Funny Friday post

Normally I don't post on a Fridays, but sometimes I feel like we all need a good laugh. So today is funny Friday post.

Because we all need a little bit of encouragement and a lot of laughter! Have a good weekend!

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

P.S. Be sure to check out the Foodie Friday post on the SOA Event Blog coming at 12PM by our intern DemeJay!

Motivational Monday= Thoughtful Thursday

So....my birthday was on Tuesday. I celebrated by spending a four day weekend in Orlando with one of my best friends, the awesome Bougie Budgetista, and my honey when I returned. Yes, I know I missed my opportunity to inspire and motivate you on Monday, but don't worry I shall leave you with some thoughts that I gathered while on vacation.

Thought 1:

Whatever you are going through right now...is only temporary. Sometimes terrible, or what we perceive as terrible, situations happen to us at the craziest of times, but honestly it is only temporary. Focusing on things and people that really matter will help the temporary heartache to pass.

Thought 2:

Go with the flow. As much as I like to plan (I mean I am an event planner!), it is always refreshing to let your troubles go and just go with the flow. Sure you wanted to go to the beach, but how awesome is it to just go shopping, hang with friends, or watch a movie with your significant other?

Thought 3:

Positive and great friends are a gift from above...seriously. When you think you look your worse, can't go any harder, feel like a fool, or go through a tough time, they are there to pick you up and help you see you at your best.

Thought 4:

Everyone needs a vacation...including you. As hard as you work and as much as you take care of others, sometimes it is good to simply get away from it and everyone and just take a vacation. Whether it's with friends or alone, a vacation is the treat you get for the hard work you put it.

Thought 5:

The reason they call it life is so that we'll live it.

I hope my thoughts from my vacay can help you in your life today, tomorrow, or another day.

The Unemployed [but Empowered and now relaxed] Entrepreneur

What are you thankful for?

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it makes it easy for us to be thankful for the friends and family we have in our lives. But when you really think about it there are so many other things to be thankful for than you might realize.

As a business owner, I am thankful that I was fortunate to have some extra money to create and legitimize my business, that is continuously growing. As a graduate, I am glad that I was able to graduate from college last year on the Dean's List with not a huge heap of debt. As a previously unemployed person, I am glad that I finally found a job that is not only great but in my field where I learn something new everyday. I am thankful that one late night in a moment of sadness I created this blog and was able to inspire and encourage a lot of people.

Most importantly, I am thankful for life. Having it and living it.

So as you're sitting down with your family eating that wonderful holiday meal, take some time to reflect on what you are thankful for and what you want to be thankful for in the future. Start thinking about your New Years Resolution and what you want to accomplish so that this time next year, you'll have something new to be happy and thankful for. So I ask you...

What are you thankful for?
I'd love to hear it by the way!!!!!



The Unemployed [but Empowered and Thankful] Entrepreneur

The Thank You Note

I was recently talking to a friend of mine about making yourself stand out when you are given the opportunity to interview for a once in a life time opportunity...any opportunity really. We talked about how people are slowly forgetting the art of the follow up and most importantly the thank you note.

Any guru of employment will tell you how important it is to thank your interviewer but it's all a matter of HOW you do it. It's not enough to simply say "Thank you" to them...that doesn't help you to stand out from the crowd of unemployed applicants. Emails are nice, and they help you stand out, and in some ways they are absolutely unexpected. But you know what is even more unexpected?

A HANDWRITTEN NOTE!
My friend is the Queen of hand written notes. She has created her own to maintain her brand identity and has created a system on how to personalize them. I won't give up her secrets, but I can give you tips on writing and branding your own thank you notes.

Tip #1: Do your research. Before you can even think about writing a thank you note, do you know where you plan on sending it? Some companies can mislead you into thinking that the person you are looking for is headquartered in one location, but in reality they are some where else. With a little research, some know how, and a "psycho" investigative mentality you can find anything you want to know.

Tip #2: Get some stationary. Not all of us are artistically talented like my friend or myself, but they have so much stationary on the market that you can fake it really well. Even better, there are websites that allow you to customize and brand your own stationary. Having stationary is the foundation upon which you build your personal marketing brand with.

Tip #3: Personalization. Personalization. Personalization. Sure you may have purchased some generic stationary from Wal-mart, but honestly it's not all about what's on the front of the card. It's about what's on the inside of it. If you are writing a thank you letter to just say thank you...you're missing the point. The purpose of the thank you is not only to say "thank you for the interview and the time," but it's also a way to say HEY LOOK AT ME! You want to personalize your thank you note so that the receiver will have a frame of reference of who you are as well as to why they should remember you.

Tip #4: Branding. In this day and age it's all about building a brand. Whether you are trying to build an empire or your portfolio, branding yourself is the number one way to get yourself noticed and thus get you to where you are trying to be. Not only do you want to write a thank you note and personalize it, but you want to be sure to drop your business card in that thank you note. You might be thinking to yourself, "is that subtle? will I look desperate?" Think about it, the fact that the hiring manager or vice president of a company has not only your well positioned and quirky thank you note but they now have your business card. They might not always hire you for the position they are looking for, but they could hire you for something else. It's all about creating opportunities.

You've done the research about the company and who you are sending a thank you note to. You've created or bought the perfect stationary for your personality and brand. You took the time to personalize the note so that they can remember who you are. You've branded yourself by adding a business card so that they can continue to keep you in mind. With the amount of effort you put into the thank you note, you are positioning yourself to receive opportunities. So TAKE IT! Take that opportunity like it's yours and when it is...don't forget the thank you note!

The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur

Five reasons we should teach kids about entrepreneurship

Remember when you got your first taste of entrepreneurship? For me it was girl scout cookies. Back then I didn't even realize that I was a part of my own enterprise since I basically gave my mom the sales form to take to work. It wasn't until I was in high school that I truly started to understand what being an entrepreneur was and how you become enveloped in the competitiveness of being either the first or the best. I always went out wanting to be the best.

In high school I sold gourmet cheesecakes for my chorus class. I ended up becoming one of the top sellers and having the best sales pitch. I enjoyed it because I felt a sense of accomplishment. I experienced healthy competition. I got the opportunity to be responsible and learn basic accounting practices. I could choose who, how, and how often I wanted to target my prospects. Best of all I was able to run the show how I wanted to.

Nowadays kids are, pardon my cynicism, lazy. Everything is done for them. Creativity is lacking and the need to be independent is decreasing. How can we prevent today's youth from becoming tomorrow's robots? By encouraging them to not only think for themselves and be creative, but to also teach them how to be entrepreneurs. How often do you see a kid with a lemonade stand or talking to his or her neighbor about cutting grass?

Five reasons we should teach kids about entrepreneurship:

1. We need them to learn responsibility in a fast paced, small business world. It's not enough to teach our growing kids about responsibility. When they get to a certain age, we need to teach them the next step of responsibility. Since I started my business, I've learn ALOT about responsibility and taking it for my actions. What better way to teach them than through experience?


2. Helps their focused. So often doctors, teachers, and family members are misdiagnosing kids with ADD or ADHD stating that they lack focus. Well I honestly think it's because we don't give them enough to do. When I play my games on my iTouch, my attention span goes pretty quickly too. But when my focus is on things I need to take care of for my business or things I need to read to get ahead in business my focus is very narrow.


3. Because let's be honest....school is not for everyone. If we continue to ignore the fact that some kids will never finish school and never go to college we are hurting ourselves as a culture. Some kids work better being hands on or learning from experience. Some kids want to be entrepreneurs but just don't have the attention span, time, or wherewithal to go to school. Experience is the best teacher.


4. It has been said that kids are failing horribly when it comes to subjects such as reading and math because they just aren't engaging themselves enough. How do you teach a kids how to read when they don't feel like it and then teach him or her arithmetic? Have them read something that interests them, first of all, and then teach them arithmetic by learning how to count money and build from there. One of the ways I learned how to count was by money. In the business world, the one thing you have to understand if you want to make it is to understand how to count money...properly.From there you can build so many other things into it such as fractions, long division, and algebra.


5. The most important reason we should teach kids about entrepreneurship....financial independence. As an entrepreneur, I feel free knowing that the money that is in my bank account or the check that has been made out to me was provided to me because of my hard work and skills. When we learn to work for ourselves, we gain a real sense of financial independence and freedom. We learn to be our own boss and make our own money. Financial independence and how we teach it to our kids will be what sets them apart from the hardships that we are facing now.

When we teach our kids to work for themselves and make a living off of it, every lesson we try to teach them comes full circle. From responsibility to focus to financial freedom the entrepreneurs that we breed today will become the innovators of tomorrow. We've all had a taste of entrepreneurship one way or another when we were younger, now it's time we give our children a real feast in entrepreneurship!

The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur

What can we learn from the U.S. mid-term elections.

Recently, the United States hosted their bi-annual mid-term elections. Through-out the campaign season, we (the citizens) have been inundated by political ads, rhetoric, information, mis-information, etc. It got to the point where you were more likely to see a negative ad than a positive one. I try not to get too political on this blog because I know everyone has their own political beliefs and thoughts, but after watching for so many months how our government is so focused on making their opinions heard versus listening to what the people need and leading them toward solutions, I just can't sit back and not say anything.

Lately I've been reading 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. I recently finished Chapter 13: The Law of Reproduction. It basically states that it takes a leader to raise a leader. John C. Maxwell recounts a seminar he did in Indonesia about leadership and how he had to demonstrate the fundamentals of the child's game follow the leader. The gist of the game is to get everyone to fail so that you remain the leader and thus the winner of the game. He asked a volunteer to come to the stage and demonstrated. He grabbed the volunteer by the shoulders and started to push him down so that he could not rise up or lead. As much as he was pushing the volunteer down, he himself started to go down with him. The further he pushed the volunteer down, the further down he himself went. He stated, "The lower I wanted him to go, the lower I had to go. That's the same way it is in leadership: to keep others down, you have to go down with them."

This reminded me of how our government has lost it's way. All the parties involved are so focused on pushing everyone else down, so that they can remain the leader, that they are not realizing they too are going down with them. Our government, the government of the United States, has lost the core of its leadership capabilities. They have forgotten that in order to lead us to prosperity and growth, they themselves have to learn to be more positive, open-minded, and community focused leaders. When you put your focus in others, everyone benefits.

The same goes for you and your business organization. There are leaders out there that refuse to empower others and refuse to uphold the leaders they do have. When they try to bring down others in their organization, they are bringing themselves down as well. Just look at the businesses who have failed recently due to greed, employee ill-treatment, and corruption. Now think of the organizations and businesses that have prospered for decades because they have a "community empowerment" focus within their business.

What can we learn from the U.S. mid-term elections? When you make the negative your focus, that is what people remember you for. When you try to bring down others, you in essence take yourself down with them.

"A key to empowering others is high belief in people."

     -Mark Twain

The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur

GO VOTE!!!!!!

Whether you are a small business owner, CEO of a large corporation, a full-time/ part-time student, or unemployed and seeking you need to make your vote and your voice matter.

Many of us like to think that the big time national elections are the ones that count the most, and certainly they do, but it's the small local elections that impacts our quality of life. It's the law makers in your state and hometown that makes decisions that affect your everyday life.

By participating in this year's elections, not only will you have an impact on issues that surround you whether it be jobs, small business loans and money, tuition, transportation, or anything to that matter but you are sending a message to those who use force, fear, and fraud to finagle their way into our lives.


So don't be a dope....VOTE!

For directions to your voting precinct please click here.

For other voting information please click here

Do it! Not just because it's good for you, your community, and your country, but because SOA told you so! :)

The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur working to make her voice heard

7 Ways to Have a Budget-friendly [Adult] Halloween

So as a creative person, an event planner, and an event designer in training Halloween is by far one of my favorite holidays. The amount of imagination that goes into creating a Halloween costume that is A. budget friendly B. creative and memorable and C. worthy of you stepping out of the house in just fills me with child-like glee. At my new job, learning how to do new design techniques makes me think about all the parties and haunted houses that go through hours of creating the ULTIMATE in Halloween decor.


Sometimes we all can get a little crazy trying to pick a costume, come up with a great party theme, or even trying to find out where the best Halloween spot is. Below are 7 Ways to Have a Budget-friendly [Adult] Halloween:

1. Set the scary mood with a scary movie-nothing says Halloween like a good ole scary movie. There are some movies that to this day I will never watch again because it scared me so bad and there are other movies that really get my creative juices flowing. Find a classic such as Frankenstein or a new classic such as [The Original] Nightmare on Elm St. onDemand or find your new faves at the Red Box in your local store.


2. For those that don't celebrate Halloween, have a Fall Harvest potluck. Some people don't celebrate Halloween for personal and religious reasons and that's okay. You can still have fun and not break with your morals. Have a Fall Harvest potluck. Invite some friends and ask that they bring at least one dish. You can coordinate the meals to reflect the start of the harvest with items like sweet potatoe pie, baked apples, roasted corn, and maybe even a large turkey breast or chicken. Make some spiked apple cider punch and you're set!


3. Turn those treats into something sweet. Remember when you were young how you used to leap for joy at the thought of how much candy you would be getting? As an adult, you probably still leap for joy at the sight of a good chocolate bar or candy treat. Try turning your guilty pleasure into an even better guilty pleasure. Turn those treats into something sweet. Personally my favorite candy is Reeses' Peanut Butter cups, so naturally I'd find a chocolate peanut butter pie to make. But you too can get creative and see what you can whip up with your favorite treats.


4. Instead of giving your friends candy, give them mini bottles of liquor-Let's face it. We're all adults...well most of us, candy and treats are all fun and everything but most of us like a good drink or two. Have a costume party of your own and fill your friends' bags with mini bottles of the liquor. The best thing about these mini bottles is that they are drastically less than their bigger counterparts. Plus it's a great way for your adult side to meet your inner kid again.[*Disclaimer: We here at SOA Event Concepts, LLC and The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur DO NOT condone underage or binge drinking.*]


5. Find out where all the free Halloween parties are and invite friends. Being a newly employed entrepreneur it's great to be able to say, "I have a job" and have a little extra pocket change, but I'm still cheap (just being honest). Depending on where I am going and who the special guest is, I don't feel like I should have to pay to party. Most of my friends are pretty much the same way. So when we are able to get some quality fun at a nice location for nothing at all, we relish in it. You too can have a great time and not spend hardly any money if you know where to look. Try sites like Eventful and Facebook and even Twitter to find out where the nearest and best Halloween parties will be this weekend and then INVITE YOUR FRIENDS! The more the merrier!


6. Pumpkin carving contest and scary ghost stories. I like a good scary story like the next one and I love to carve pumpkins. Put them together and you have a night of great fun and mischief. Encourage your friends to bring their own pumpkins and snacks and a great story and have a wonderful time trying to out do and scare each other.


7. Support the local kids club and give back. One of the best things about any holiday is the opportunity to give back. Even on Halloween, where most people are thinking about the mischief and mayhem of the night, take an opportunity to volunteer your time at a local school or boys/ girls club. Many of them create fall festivals and safer environments for kids to go trick or treating. Do your part in supporting your community and local service organizations.

Last year's budget friendly Halloween Costume. I was Nurse Betty!

These are just a couple of ideas I have for you to create a budget-friendly and exciting Halloween weekend. No matter what you decide to do, just remember BE SAFE; DRINK RESPONSIBLY; DON'T DRINK, TEXT, OR TWEET WHILE DRIVING; and HAVE FUN!!!

Happy Halloween from The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepre-BOO-er

To Unsubscribe or not to unsubscribe...

When you’ve finally found the job should you unsubscribe from those job alerts and notifications?

Recently, I got a new job (that I LOVE!) but lately it seems like those job notifications and alerts are becoming more spam-like than helpful. I was a subscriber to many sites that offered alerts on new jobs, emails from future employers, and special notices about seminars and meetings. Now that I have successfully landed the job of my dreams, I'm not sure if I should even continue to be a subscriber to some of these sites. Don't get me wrong, some of them have more to offer me than who is hiring in my area and those are the ones that I am more willing to continue to subscribe to, then there are the others that just seem to send me the same things over and over again.

I've fallen into a conundrum wondering if I should unsubscribe or not. On the one hand, it's good to continue to be a subscriber just in case things don't work out at this job or even to send my unemployed and seeking friends any information I find. However, on the other hand it just seems so unnecessary now. How many times per day do I need to get a notification about jobs in my area or which 20 companies my profile has attracted?

All in all, I unsubscribed from the ones who at first seemed to offer me everything I was looking for and eventually faded to the background. I continued my subscription with companies who offer me more than job offerings. At the end of the day, most things in life are about compromise. Certainly, I have a job now but someone I know doesn't and with the high levels of fear that exist in our everyday lives, it's better to be safe than sorry.

To unsubscribe or not? Both because you need your sanity and you never know...

The Unemployed [but Empowered and Compromising] Entrepreneur