Motivational Monday: Absence Makes the Heart Grow...

Ahhh....that was a nice break. Yes, I know. It's been a few weeks since I wrote something motivating for your Monday mornings. But just like I posted in my last post "Just Press Pause" I had to do JUST that, press pause. After getting engaged, moving, and working with my clients, my life became a world wind. I had to prioritize my life first before I could do anything for my business and then take care of everything else. And I have to admit, it felt great although I missed it.

You know how the old adage goes "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." We typically say it in regards to people that we want to miss us, but rarely do we use it in regards to our dreams, opportunities, or professional life. I love being an event planner, furthermore, I love being an entrepreneur and what it stands for, but sometimes it can become my life. By leaving the entrepreneur side of myself alone for a while, I am now able to further appreciate the goals and tasks that I have before me.

Before this year began, I constantly worried about having enough time and energy to do all the things and projects I have coming up, now that my life is back in working order and flowing effortlessly, my professional life will flow as well. So I challenge everyone who is feeling overwhelmed, lost, or flustered to step away. Allow yourself to miss what you do and what you love about what you do before you start to hate it.

Absence (from your work) makes your heart (for what you do) grow fonder."

Interviewing Basics from Ivanka Trump

Lately, I’ve been reading The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life by Ivanka Trump. It’s half memoir, half self-improvement book. I like it because she explains many situations that we, the regular folks, can understand and learn from. Even though her last name is Trump, I like how she doesn’t utilize that to go through life easily.

As we go through this “economic slump” wondering when we will be able to go on our dream interview, receive that dream job, and live our dream life, Ivanka provides us with practical skills from the employee AND the employer side of job seeking. Check out Ivanka’s Interviewing Basics.

Ivanka’s Interviewing Basics:

-When going into an interview, ask yourself “Am I a person this company wants to represent it in a boardroom or in interactions with clients? Will other employees look forward to meeting me in an elevator or by a water cooler? Will I be a constant drag on others’ time, energy, and patience?”

-Remember, the person across the table is sizing you up and measuring all those intangibles, so you’d do well to bring the very best aspects of your personality into the room.

Tip #1: Don’t be late. When leaving give yourself a cushion. It’s better to be an hour early than 10 minutes early. Arriving early sends a powerful signal that you’re organized and grateful for the opportunity, traits every employer seeks in a young hire.

Tip #2: Keep your resume handy. It’s not enough to have it in your bag or tucked away in a folder. Place it in a separate envelope beforehand that way you’ll be able to produce the document in a smooth, confident manner. Make sure it’s a crisp, clean, professional-looking copy that nicely supports the positive impression you hoped to make.

Tip #3: Cover your shortcomings. Some people are natural interviewees, while others are overwhelmed and intimidated. For those that fall into the latter category, find some ways to bolster confidence before the interview. A good way to do this is to stage a mock interview with friends and/ or family. <-- Great tip. This will help to alleviate any preliminary stress and they’ll tell you what you’re doing right or wrong.

Tip #4: Dress the part. What you wear will have “first impression” written all over it, so choose wisely and sell the image you want. Like it or not, your physical appearance will say an awful lot about you—and you don’t want it to say anything awful.

Tip #5: Turn your nose “off.” Smell is subjective, and you don’t want your perfume or cologne to overwhelm the person across the table. Avoid it!

Tip #6: Do your homework. Learn everything you can about the company before you sit down for your interview. Know its history, mission, and competitors, as well as the names of its CEO and top executives. Be able to recognize the company’s top products, services, and accomplishments, as well as its disappointments and missteps. Learn how the company is structures, so you can talk knowledgeably about where you might fit into the corporate structure.

Tip #7: Have your answers ready. There are several questions that are asked in the majority of interviews. By preparing for these questions in advance, you will be able to provide the answers that best reflect you, rather than grabbing at the first thing that pops into your mind.

Some questions include:

• What skills can you bring to this organization?


• What inspires you about this field/ organization?


• What are your short-term and long-term aspirations?


• Can you give an example of a time when you assumed a leadership role?

*Side note: I think it is a good idea to have your answers to these questions memorized since they are some of the TOP questions asked at interviews. However, I caution that when you are prepared to answer them to not sound robotic or arrogant about it.

Tip #8: Have your questions ready, too. Just before the end of your meeting, you’ll be asked if you have any questions about the job or the company. Count on this. Be armed with at least one thoughtful question going into each interview, even if he or she already knows the answer. Avoid asking questions relating to the company’s retirement plan, vacation policy, or dress code. Save those for when you get the job.

Tip #9: Make a good final impression. If you ace your interview and you’re offered the job on the spot, don’t feel pressured to give an answer right away. Some people worry that saying that they need time to consider an offer will signal a lack of conviction. IF you just want some tiem to think about it, just say so. But never give the impression that you don’t make your own decisions by telling an employer you have to ask someone else about your opportunity…even if that IS the case.

Tip #10 (SOA’s tip): The follow-up. Ivanka neglected to tell us a tip once the interview is over. So I will! You’ve gone through the interview, you feel like you exceeded their expectations and now you’re waiting for the yay or nay. Once the interview is over, ensure that the hiring manager knows how appreciative you are for the opportunity and don’t forget the receptionist. Just showing kindness to other employees helps them to remember you as a potential co-worker. Once you get home, be sure to email the hiring manager a Thank You. Follow that up with a handwritten Thank You note sent out the next day. I like to think that you can’t be too thankful.

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

Your hair could be killing your career...

I read an article not too long ago about how women, especially black women, are compromising their jobs for the sake of their hair. It got me to thinking...are we so dense as a country that the work can't show for itself? Are we so hung up on looks and what is considered "normal" that a woman can't look and feel her best because she might get fired for a hairstyle that is not with the company "image." As if women don't already have enough to deal with, now we have to deal with whether or not we can be taken seriously if our hair isn't bone straight or "professional."

Honestly, in my opinion it's a sad sad sad situation we have to deal with in today's job marketplace. There already aren't enough jobs and the jobs that are available are so competitive, you're better off taking what you can get or creating your own opportunity.

Check out the article and let me know what you think. Do you think companies are now finding reasons to be overly selective about who they hire or do they have just cause?

Professional Workplace Appearance: Its a Hairy Situation

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

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

Are you an Adaptor or an Innovator?

I read an article a while ago about entrepreneurs and MBAs, and how entrepreneurship is not something that is taught, but more or less felt and experienced. It went on to further say that business people are what is called:

“Adaptors”-those people who prefer to take others’ ideas and improve them. These people are fairly cautious and pragmatic. They prefer incremental innovation. Their motto is to do things better.

While entrepreneurs are:

“Innovators”-those people who prefer to find new ideas by sometimes overturning concepts or industry models. These people challenge others and can be risky and difficult to work with. They are into “big bang” innovation. Their motto is to do things differently.

I can agree with this. School teaches us to be good worker bees. To take what we have learned from someone else's experiences and findings and "adapt" it to our lives, to our situations. As an entrepreneur, you literally have to create your own experiences and take everything as a life lesson. Instead of feeling like you need to fix a problem or come up with a better solution, we literally seek new problems so we can create unthoughtof solutions.

Read the article for yourself and tell me what you think! 4 Reasons an MBA is Bad for an Entrepreneur

Not everyone is born to be an entrepreneur. In life, we need worker bees just as much as queen bees. Entrepreneurship is something that people are seemingly born with. It's not enough to just "adapt" to a situation, you have to be a risk taker and innovate your way through that situation.

So ask yourself, are you an adaptor or an innovator?

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Business Etiquette: Not Everyone Has It.

Lately, I've been having some conversations with friends and associates about what is good business etiquette. I've noticed that there are so many people who are in business for themselves or want to be in business for themselves but have absolutely no idea what type of etiquette they should have. They go around doing what they do, but can't figure out why people don't want to come back. It even goes down to how you speak with people, for example:

I recently started a temporary/ part-time job. When I arrived on my first day, the district manager was there. She did her usual thing of making sure the corporate identity of the place was in good order and blah blah blah. I spoke with my manager the day after about how things were going and she said it was good but that she was very surprised at the type of language the lady used. Let's just say she uses a lot of "sentence enhancers" when she speaks.

Although, I thought it was funny, it led me to think about business etiquette and how everyone doesn't have it.

Luckily, business etiquette isn't one of those rare traits that only certain people possess. If you value yourself AND your business, then understanding a few things about doing business is very important.

Business Etiquette: Do You Have It?

1. When communicating to a new or potential client, don't be a narcissist. Just like a first date, no one wants to hear you go on and on about yourself. Sure your client needs to know about you, but you need to allow them to guide the conversation. If you spend the first 10 minutes of your client's time talking about "this accolade" "that notable client" "those accomplishments" without first inquiring about what they need, want, or are looking for (as interesting as you may sound) you've already lost them. You need to know your 30 second pitch but also be able to expand upon it for conversation. As is said in marketing, clients will only spend money with you if they are comfortable with you. The ultimate goal is for them to hire your services or purchase your product, but in order to get there you can't be a narcissist. Put your clients first.


2. Nothing is more friendly than a courtesy call, email, or letter. They've signed the contract, purchased the product and you're happy. But don't allow this to be the only time that they do business with you! A large percent of what business owners make (in the service and product industry) comes from repeat customers. Sending some form of courtesy communication not only keeps your brand at the top of mind awareness of the customer, but it continues and maintains that relationship you've built with them. It can literally be the difference between them spending a contracting you for one event or five! It's as simple as providing them with a simple "Thank You" note or "How are you" email.


3. Word of Mouth travels fast, so don't piss off your old clients because you want to target new ones. Word of mouth is the oldest form of advertising that we continue to utilize today. Do a good job with a talkative or well known client and see your business skyrocket. Conversely, fail to maintain good business etiquette, don't do a good job, or let your product fail and you might as well pack it up and call it over. Outside of financial reasons, many businesses fail because they don't have ANY word of mouth buzz...let alone negative. The best way to get your clients, new clients, and potential clients talking about you to leave them with something good to say about it...THEN ask them to provide you with a recommendation!


4. Act like you want to be in business. Why are you in business? Is it the money? The fame? The success? or the satisfaction of watching your hard work turn into something great? Regardless of WHY you are in business, one of the most important thing to do is ACT like you want to be in business. As a consumer, think about the times where you've gone to an establishment and the clerk, waitress, or manager turned you off because they acted like your money and time wasn't good enough. Don't be that person. Act like your client is the most important asset you have because well THEY ARE! Simply acting like you want to be in business is the difference between treating your business like a hobby with fans and treating your business like a business with clients.


5. Don't make promises, keep guarantees. Nothing is worse than someone breaking a promise! Period. IF you say you are going to do something...DO IT! If someone has paid you or you have an agreement with some, do everything you can to fulfill that agreement. If you've gotten them to spend money with you, then you need to treat the client, their money, and their timeline like a precious jewel. When you fail to keep your promises to people that's when you start to get bad word of mouth about being unaccountable, unprofessional, and untimely. Even worse, when your supporters starts feeling that way about you. Don't just make promises to people, keep guarantees. Do what you told them you would do and do it to the best of your abilities. Otherwise, prepare to give them a refund and never see them again.

Business Etiquette. It's the difference between being an entrepreneur and being a hobbyist with a following. Knowing how to conduct yourself at all times and how to treat your clients are very important in the business world. Remember not to be a narcissist but knowing when to talk about yourself (ie business), building a relationship with your customers can start or end with a courtesy call or lack there of. Word of mouth travels faster than the speed of light, so acting like you want to be in business and keeping your guarantees are A MUST in this ever expanding world of business!

Have you ever conducted business with someone that you could pretty much guess they wouldn't be in business the next year? Let me know!

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Why Do You Go To Work Everyday

You wake up. Go to work. Spend 8 hours (or more) out of your life. Go home. Do it all over again. Eventually having this routine gets trying and boring. You begin to wonder why you even go to work. Certainly it's for the necessity of having money to be able to pay bills and be comfortable. But what is it about going to your job EVERY DAY that keeps you wanting to go back?

THE PEOPLE! You go to work day in and day out (or at least some of us)because of the people you work with every day. Think about it. If you were offered a better job, with better pay and benefits of course you would take it. However, if you work with some dynamic people you will be sad because unfortunately this fortunate situation makes you have to say good bye to them. Whether you work at a place for three months or three years, you build a relationship with these people even if you started out not trying to. They have become your work family and you'd hate to say good bye to them. So how can you maintain your work connections once you've moved on to another better opportunity? Three ways to maintain your relationships with your work family:

1. Schedule lunch, dinner, or happy hour dates. The best way to maintain contact with your work family is to see them after work and in a social setting. If you guys have gotten close enough to go to happy hour every Thursday or host a pot luck every month, continue to do so. It's been said that some of our best friends were first business associates.


2. Send a friendly email, leave a message, or write a note. Maintain communications with those people. Let them know that you think of them and wish them well. You never know, by maintaining contact with those people and staying up to date on what they are up to, there is always a possibility of working together again...whether through your new opportunity or with their previous one.


3. Stop by every once in a while. I remember making some pretty good connections at my very first job. When I would come home from college, I frequently visited some of the old managers and employees. If you left your previous job on good terms, trust me they will be more than happy to see you and hear how you are doing. Just remember to find out what their least busiest day is so you're not interfering with the work day too much.

Some of my best associates are those with whom I've worked with before. Because I always maintain a good relationship with them, we often send each other business, work together, and sing praise of each other's work. We can get together and talk business but also have a great time since we've built that type of relationship up.

Why do we go to work day in and day out? Because the people there keep us sane, entertained, and loved in one way or another.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

7 Tips Your Business Can Learn from Oprah (via Inc.)

If you're anything like me, you're feeling the absence of Oprah on your television by now. Even if you weren't an avid watcher like myself, you took comfort in knowing you could easily turn to your local channel and watch her inspiring, uplifting, and advising people everyday. Even though she is gone from our 4pm slots, trust that she is not absent from our lives. Even as a business there is so much that can be learned from our dear Oprah. Inc.com did a great job of compiling a list on tips we businesses can learn from Oprah. Check out the list overview below and definitely go to their site to see the full list and descriptions!

7 Tips Your Business Can Learn from Oprah (via Inc.):

1. Give back to your fans. How could we all forget Oprah's Favorite Things? "You get a car! You get a car! You get a car!"


2. Take risks and get attention. Taking risks is essentially what entrepreneurs do. Oprah said the only gamble she ever took was when she bet on herself...and guess what? She won. BIG!


3. Explore new verticals. Did you know Oprah started off as a news anchor before she became a television host? Her brand is now a multimedia platform with a television network, production, magazine, and apps.


4. Reveal your personal story. Personally I think the thing that makes us love Oprah and admire her is her ability to connect with people through her personal stories. She's relateable and seems like a great friend and associate to know. It's hard to find and trust people like that in business nowadays.


5. Get celebrities on your side. It's all about WHO you know, but also about WHO KNOWS YOU.


6. Become an influencer. The best leaders are the ones who can influence others to action. You can't tell me that Oprah doesn't encourage you to want to be the best version of yourself in life and in business.


7. Know when to quit. Always have a good exit strategy. You will be better remembered and sorely missed when you leave at your peak.

Check out the entire list and descriptions at Inc.com

Oprah is a lot of things to a lot of people, but the one thing that you cannot deny that she is is great.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Dressing appropriately for the summer months at work

It's hot! The summer months are in. The sun is shining bright and the temperature is way up, but your job's dress code doesn't care about the temperature outside. As you sit at your desk or cubicle all you can think about is how soon can you take your clothes off once you get home. You secretly wish you were a lifeguard just so you can wear a bathing suit to work every day. How can you dress comfortably for work and the season?

• Wear lighter colors
  
  
  
  When you see images of Middle Easterners and folks who live in the desert, did you notice how they don't wear anything darker than light brown? When you wear darker colors, they tend to absorb the heat from the sun which is why you catch yourself sweating in that black t-shirt you wore last Friday. Try switching things up by wearing various shades of white and brown. Try khacki pants with a white polo. Not only will you be more comfortable but you will still be within the rules of your job's dress code.


• Layer properly
  Most corporate jobs are housed inside of a tall skyscraper. Luckily for you, you are privy to the wonderfulness that is AIR CONDITIONING. Although it may be 95 degrees outside, it's about 68 inside the building. Layer properly. Bring a sweater, cardigan or sport coat that can easily be taken off or put on. Make sure it's something that isn't too bulky, nothing is worse than having to carry a huge bubble coat when there is a heatwave outside.


• Remember the finger tip rule
  
  
  Remember when you were in high school and you wore shorts because it was warm outside and your teacher sent you to the principle's office because they thought your shorts were too short? How did the principal normally measure the length of your shorts? THE FINGER TIP TEST!! If your shorts where shorter than the length of your fingertips on the sides...they were too short. Use the same rule when wearing business shorts or skirts to work.


• Mix business with casual
  Your office does business casual right? Wear your favorite dark denim jeans with a button down and sport coat. Or pair a cute pair of flats with your favorite shirt and a skirt. Just because it has a business in front of it doesn't mean you can stretch the casual.


• Try a different fabric
  
  
  Ever heard of the expression "fabric that breathes?" There are some fabrics where air passes through them comfortably essentially cooling you off...but not in the sitting in front of the fan kinda way. Linen and 100% cotton are some of the most breathable fabrics and of course you can style them in all kinds of ways! Try switching your fabrics and watch yourself sweat less during the summer months.


• Take a note from the boss
  Every time I'm at work and see my boss wearing jeans and a t-shirt on a Tuesday, that's my cue to come in on Wednesday wearing jeans and a t-shirt. My belief is the boss sets the trend, the mood, and the dress code. So I take my lead from their example.

IT'S HOT!!! And I mean that in every sense of the word. Some of us love our jobs and most of us need it, but man can that dress code get in the way of our daily comfort. You don't have to sacrifice your comfort during the summer months by being hot and stuffy in a business suit. Most companies are more lenient during the summer months when it comes to the dress code, so definitely take advantage...but don't push the envelope. Bikinis and Speedos only work on the job if your office is the pool.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Get off your ass! Sitting is killing you!

I know! I know! I'm a bit late in posting but better late than never. So....read this and then go take a walk or do jumping jacks or get up and dance!


Via: Medical Billing and Coding

Two things you shouldn't be in business...

When it comes to making a name for yourself and building up your business you have to work twice as hard to become reputable than any other well-established business out here. You have to not only prove that you the person can do what you promise you can do, but you have to prove that your business is worthy enough to conduct business with.

Many businesses will go out of business for a number of reasons this year, but one major reason some of them went out of business is because they exhibited two things you shouldn't be when trying to build your business...

Two things you shouldn't be in business:

1. The first thing you shouldn't be when making a name for yourself and/ or your business is inconsistent. Being consistent means "constantly adhering to the same principles." It means you have formed a pattern that will either push you to excellence or drop you to infamy. Although being inconsistent is a form of consistency, you never want to be known for being inconsistent. "Yeah, I can't really trust Johnny to finish his article on time, he's consistently inconsistent." Being inconsistent will make people stop working with you because they simply choose not to deal with your lack of timeliness, accuracy, or responsibility.
   
   How do you change your inconsistent ways? It's not as easy as waking up one day and saying "hey, I'm going to be consistent today!" You've formed a habit, it is now ingrained in you. The only way to break a habit is to form a better one. For example, you are inconsistent when it comes to being on time. Sometimes you get to work early, others on time, but mostly you're late. Notice this. Notice what you do differently on the days you get to work early or on time. Do you go to sleep earlier? Do you eat better? Do you prepare the night before? Take note of your good habits and from there work on doing those same good habits for at least one month. Studies have shown it takes about 21-30 days for a new habit to be formed.


2. The second thing you shouldn't be is unreliable. Nothing is worse than conducting business with someone to learn at the last minute that they are unreliable. So now not only do you have to deal with that person not getting the work done but now you have to reschedule your time to either find someone you can depend on or do it yourself. Even worse if you are that unreliable person. No one wants to feel like they got cheated when they deal with someone, because trust me when I say word of mouth travels faster than the speed of light. Being unreliable makes you untrustworthy.
   
   So how do you overcome that obstacle? If you have been labeled as unreliable or noticed that you have become unreliable the best way to rebuild your reputation is to start over and do better. Figure out why you've become unreliable. Do you take on more than you can handle? Do you lack focus? Is your attention span worse than a fruit fly? Once you figure out why people can't rely on you, it's time for you to take steps and make yourself reliable. Create to do lists, set schedules, devote quality time to a task. Learn what you can handle and how much. If life gets too hard and your are still unreliable, take on smaller tasks and build from there. Apologize to your clients and do your best to make them comfortable.

No one wants to conduct business with people they can't trust. Look at how Scarface, the Godfather, and Enron turned out. When you are inconsistent people can't trust that you will deliver in the time you promised. When you are unreliable, people can't trust you at all. You have the power to get your reputation back, but it all starts off with forming a better habit and realizing your faults.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Ever had a day like this at work?

Ever had a day like this at work?







Because I know someone is at work feeling like this...lol.

The Unemployed 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

Keeping your cool...

Stress!!!! Who doesn't have it? Everyday we're inundated with massive levels of stress from the alarm clock going off to the time we pull the covers under our chin. It's a wonder so many people go through their lives with tension and unhealthy. What does it take to deal with this stress and not let people see you sweat? You've got to learn to keep you cool...

I recently read an article in the SmartBlog on Leadership about keeping your cool. They expressed how President Obama was pretty much born and brought up with the ability to always keep his cool. They state that he may have learned this from being under so much pressure, stress, and negativity from his time living in Indonesia when kids used to pick on him for being darker than themselves. They state that even when the president is under as much pressure as he is under, he always remains cooler than a cucumber.




They gave some tips on how we can keep our cool in our everyday lives and learn how to not show our true emotions when the pressure is on:

• Breathe deeplyIn the heat of the moment, we have a tendency to breath rapidly. When the pressure is on, take a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. Not only will it help to slow down your breathing, but I'm pretty sure it gives you time to think about what you need to say and not what you want to say in the heat of the moment.
• Relax your facial musclesTension is evident on our faces [when we're stressed]. Be conscious of how you look. Rub your cheeks and flex them, smile when appropriate, and if that fails think of something that makes you laugh or feel good.
• Keep your voice lowerWhen tension rises, people speak more quickly and with more emotion...also the pitch in our voice rises. Speak slower and lower the pitch to project seriousness without tension.

The best quote I read from them was, "Composure is a desired leadership attribute. It's a symbol of strength when the heath is on."

Check out the entire article on Smartblog for Leadership here.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Are Mystery Shopper jobs real?

How many of us have heard about those "mystery shopper" jobs? *raises hand* How many of us have thought to ourselves 'this can't be real?'*raises hand* I've heard horror stories from friends about how they got scammed by these companies or their time was severely wasted, however according to Fox5 Atlanta there are legitimate mystery shopper occupations up for grabs. Check out the video they aired today on the news and let me know what you think.

I-Team: Mystery Shopper Jobs: MyFoxATLANTA.com

So what are you thoughts?

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

A Resume NO. NO!

Essentially what NOT to do when creating your resume. I'm all for an interesting resume especially for creative careers, but there is a very think line between interesting, comedic and plain wrong.

*This resume photo courtesy of The AJC*

What type of creative things can you do to your resume to make it stand out positively?

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Six Tax Tips to Make Tax Filing a Breeze

So....if you're like most of the other millions of Americans running around trying to hurry up and file before Tax D-Day (April 18th this year), you're looking for shortcuts, tips, tricks, and advice on filing. Below are some tips for making tax filing a breeze...especially if you are a business. And who better to get them from than the people created to enforce you're filing correctly? The IRS.

Six Tax Tips to Make Tax Filing a Breeze via the IRS:

1. Don't Procratinate.Since most of you have already missed out on this piece of advice, how about instead of "don't procrastinate" for those of you who have...how about "Get your butt to the tax preparer NOW! NOW! NOW!"


2. Visit the IRS website.Think about it. How do you dance with the devil? You go to his house and find out his favorite song. (lol) But seriously, if you want to know how to get the most money from your taxes and still make sure you pay your taxes to the government go to the exact place where your taxes go...the IRS website.


3. Use Free File. It's free isn't it? Take your butt to the free efiler and get your taxes done. According to the IRS site, it's quick and easy and best of all free.


4. Try IRS e-file. What's better than filing your taxes for free? Getting your tax refund ten days sooner.


5. Don't worry if you can't pay. My face when I read this was like this --> :/ But apparently some people aren't able to pay the full amount. If this is the case, you can consult an IRS agent to create an installment or payment plan.


6. Request an extension of time to file--but pay on time. Isn't that a bit of a conundrum? If I'm asking for an extension of time...doesn't that mean I can't pay on time? Hmmm...

What have we learned? File your taxes on time, no matter what! You officially have four days to file your taxes as of this post. So..."Get your butt to the tax preparer NOW! NOW! NOW!"

The Unemployed 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