Motivational Monday: Kicking Closed Doors

You're sitting in your office. You have this idea or information you KNOW will change the fate of a person or your job. You go to your superior, ready to share this idea or information...but their door is closed. You're discouraged. You start to knock, but fear wraps you in a snug blanket. You start to turn around...going back to your desk, but something inside of you tells you to go back...kick that closed door. Do you listen?

Life is like that. It gives you an idea, information or a resource that could change the very situation you are in. Often times what stands between the idea and the execution is the closed door. The closed door represents the obstacles we face to make our dreams, goals, opportunities a realization. We get so caught up in the physical existence of "the door" that we often forget what could be behind it.

When fear (the door) stands in the way of your goal being realized, your dream being executed, that opportunity happening...kick it. KICK. THAT. CLOSED. DOOR. Don't let a closed door stand in your way because the one thing that stands between you, that door, and what's behind it...is your foot and the strength you put behind it.

Why the Giants beat the Patriots: An Inspirational Essay

If you were like the millions of people around the world watching Superbowl XLVI on Sunday evening, you witnessed the rematch between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. You witnessed some pretty great plays, mostly in the last quarter. Personally, I was rooting for the Patriots but that is neither here nor there since I really prefer college football...specifically UGA college football. As I watched the game and witnessed countless errors being performed by the Patriots, I definitely had to comment the NY Giants for their consistency.

You see, in life, like the Superbowl we are in a competition. Most of us believe we are in a competition with others (co-workers, business owners, friends), in reality we are in competition with ourselves. We have to constantly try to set the bar higher and higher in order to receive what ever it is we wish to achieve. Often times we lose sight of our original goals and try to create multiple plays to make the same goal come to fruition. Although it can work, depending upon how you go about it, it is not the tool that helps to win games.

The Giants were able to win over the Patriots because "CONSISTENCY KILLS COMPETITION." When you are able to consistently make major plays or game changing plays over your opponent...you win. In your life, when you work at something consistently, your hard work pays off. I can't tell you how many friends and associates have applied this to their life and their goals and came out winning. No matter what you want to create, do, achieve be consistent in it. Even when the odds seem against you, be consistent in what you do.

Oprah's Lifecast Webcast: Joy Rising

All of this felt like poetry to me. I hope it helps someone somewhere to find their joy.

Watch live streaming video from oprahslifeclass at livestream.com

"Only the unloved hate..." Inspirational speech

My best friend sent me this link for this speech "Charlie Chaplin's Speech to Humanity." I HAD TO SHARE IT. I hope you gain a sense of hope for the future, a love for all mankind, and the fervor to fight for freedom...our own and each others'...






...beautiful...

Women Wednesday: Ode to SJP

 

How can we not like Sarah Jessica Parker? She's a mother, a wife, accomplished actress, entrepreneur, fashionista and in my opinion a true motivation. Through her role as Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City, she opened the doors to how women really can be and can really think. Granted not every woman thinks like her or the other characters, but it was nice to see that not all women are silent and shy about not just their sexuality but their relationships with others and what they expect from them. She opened the eyes of society about what women want and how we act...when we think no one is looking.

I enjoy watching what Sarah Jessica Parker has in store for us next and can't wait to see how she challenges our views on the "modern day woman."

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

SOA Inspiration: The Man with the Golden Voice gets a Golden ticket

It's been 72 hours now since Ted Williams was just a peddler on the street. Unlike other peddlers, who have signs that say "Hungry. Homeless. Help." His sign stood out from all the others, "I have the God given talent of voice..." After a videographer/ reporter from the Columbus Dispatch interviewed him...the rest as they say is history.

I am glad that a story such as this was able to get through the negative clutter we usually see in the media. It is such an inspiring and heart felt story, you can't help but to root for the best for him and hope for the best for yourself.




It's only the beginning of the year and already miracles are happening. Will your's be next? Great things are happening to good people every day, all you have to do is be present when your opportunity shows up.

Thank you Mr. Williams for inspiring us and giving us something to believe in again.

The Unemployed [but Empowered and Inspired] Entrepreneur

**Update: Ted Williams has been offered the following opportunities:Spokesperson for Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Announcer for the Cleveland Cavaliers who also offered to pay his living expenses, NFL Films, Ohio Credit Union League, ESPN, MTV is discussing a reality series, a voice over gig in Hawaii, a therapist to help him battle his demons and a new start at life**

Having expectations...for your future.

When you think of what your future holds, whether it's graduating from school or getting that fantastic job or even taking your hobby to the next level, what kind of expectations do you have for how it will turn out?

When you speak about your dreams and goals do you speak about them as if you KNOW that they are going to happen or do you speak about them HOPING they will happen? Your future can turn out differently just based on how you speak about it to other people.

When you KNOW what your future holds you will put forth more effort to ensure that that future happens to the best of your abilities. It shows you have certainty in your goals and in what you are accomplishing right now to make future goals happen. By knowing what you want to do and what you will do, no one and nothing can deter you from accomplishing it.

However, when you HOPE that your goals are going to be met, you are uncertain that they will even foster. There is a major difference in saying you hope something will happen vs. stating you have hope something will occur. Take the following statements for instance.

"I hope I get good grades after that test."

VS.

"I have hope that I will get good grades after that test."

VS.

"I know I will get good grades after that test."

Accomplishing your goals and making your future a realization begins with the expectations you have for them being realized and the speech/ context in which you speak of them. Before you can convince others of what you want to do, you must first convince yourself that you have the means and power to accomplish them.

Change your speech when it comes to your goals, accomplishments, and dreams and soon you'll see that they will manifest because you spoke them into being.

The Unemployed [but Empowered and KNOWING] Entrepreneur

Motivational Monday: Choices and Decision Making

As an entrepreneur and event coordinator, I am in the business of making decisions where my choices affect the outcome of a multitude of things. Sometimes I have to make a split second decision and have hope that it was the right one. Other times, I am able to take my time to make the best and most valuable decision possible.

I was recently having a conversation with a fellow business owner about a serious decision they had to make. The decision involves whether or not a particular employee should remain with the company or should be fired essentially. Although he has made a decision in his mind, it's his business partner that is having a hard time making that decision. I told him that in this situation when you can see that this person is of little value to your organization, someone has to make an executive decision because he is the catalyst hindering your company's growth.

I know many of us have a hard time making a decision because we are afraid of the effects our choices make, but honestly being indecisive can be as bad if not worse than any decision you could make.

So today, Motivational Monday is dedicated to you....the indecisive one and the decisive one.

"A peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one."

         -Rita Mae Brown

AND

"Life is the sum of all your choices."

         -Albert Camus

The Unemployed [but Decisive] Entrepreneur

How I Made My Millions: just 99 cents at a time

Ever heard of the saying, "a penny saved is a penny earned?" The guy featured on CNBC's How I Made My Millions, took that saying to heart. He earned $650 million 99 cents at a time. Check out David Gold's story of rags to riches



What's the formula for making a million dollars? Hardwork + Determination + $.99; I hope Mr. Gold has inspired you to pursue that dream that may seem absurd or out of the ordinary.

Sometimes you have to step out of the box, to step into your destiny.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs in the News: 9 awesome entrepreneurs doing big things

I came across this article in my Google Alert yesterday. This was an amazing story of young people going forth and conquering the world. These nine young entrepreneurs, between the ages of 23 and 34 were named "The Hitachi Foundation's Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs" of 2010.

"The Hitachi Foundation was established as an independent nonprofit philanthropic organization by Hitachi, Ltd. in 1985. Governed by a Board of Directors composed of highly accomplished Americans, the Foundation seeks to discover and expand business practices that create tangible and enduring economic opportunities for low-wealth Americans, their families, and the communities in which they reside."

         -The Hitachi Foundation

Not only did they create businesses that will help them create a legacy, but many of them created businesses that are support the economy, local residents, and are sustainable. For instance, "ALEX VELEZ (23) AND NIKHIL ARORA (23) founded BTTR Ventures, a 100% sustainable, for-profit urban gourmet mushroom farm employing inner-city residents." Read more on the Kansas City Star online

Check out these two and all the other awesome young entrepreneurs and see why they deserved to win the $50,000 prize, technical support, and rubbing elbows with investors. Nine Young Entrepreneurs, Each Building a Viable Business that Helps Alleviate Poverty, Named The Hitachi Foundation's Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs - KansasCity.com

Remember, it doesn't matter at what age you decide to purpose your dream. As long as you don't let it become a distant memory.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

3 Things We Can Learn From the Chilean Miners

3 things we can learn from the Chilean miners

If you have been watching the international news circuits currently, you witnessed the tear-filled and joyous rescue going underway of the 33 Chilean miners who have been trapped for 70 days below the Earth. Their story is a tale of tragedy turned triumph as they are all being rescued safely.

Putting myself in their shoes to understand what they had to go through is hard. I look around my cushy apartment and see my loved ones every day and thank the Lord that I have a job that doesn't put me in constant danger. It's hard to think about what they had to deal with being trapped in that mine for over two months only having each other and hope to latch on to. We can learn so much from them and their story.

3 Things We Can Learn From the Chilean Miners:

• Keep your spiritual beliefs close at hand. Whether you are more religious or more spiritual or neither, keep your beliefs close at hand. When you are in dire straights, whatever you believe in might be the only thing that gives you motivation and hope.


• Believe in the impossible. Nothing is impossible if you believe it's possible. Think about how quickly the miners would have given up had they believed it impossible for them to be rescued. We'd be watching a totally different story right now.


• Turn a bad situation into a lifelong experience. Those men who were trapped in that mine have probably learned more about themselves than they have in all the days of their life. The situation was certainly bad for them, but they have received a ton of good knowledge and experience because of it.

I'm glad to hear of a bad story turned good. Every day we're inundated with the bad, depressing, and hopeless. The story of the Chilean miners shows us that happy endings do exist and hope is real. It reminds us that nothing is impossible unless you believe it is.

The Unemployed [but Empowered and Thankful] Entrepreneur

HAPPY 50th POST!!!!! I dedicate it to you!

I would like to dedicate my fiftieth post to you! Yes you! The one reading this post and following this journey. To you who gets inspiration every Monday. To you who is following your dreams. To you who has let go of fear to pursue happiness and success. To you who found the strength to apply to that job. To each and every one of you all around the world who give me the motivation to motivate and educate you.

I started on this journey walking a path all alone, but I'm glad that I took the time to notice and water the beautiful flowers that surrounded me along the way. Thank you everyone for reading, posting, reposting, following, commenting and RSS feeding this blog. And thank you for the continuous support.

With Love,
SOA [The UNEmployed but Empowered Entrepreneur]

Motivational Monday: Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sometimes as the unemployed and as the entrepreneur, life gets us really down. We feel like no one wants to hire us and wonder what aren't we doing to make the opportunities come our way. We feel like we do so much marketing and networking and interacting but the clients just don't seem to come. We beat ourselves up because we want things to happen now. We lose site of who we are on the inside because of the influence outside factors have on us.

The following quote is a reminder that no matter what you've been through in the past and what you will go through in the future, don't beat yourself up. Sure situations may get you down, but they are all a part of life and they help you to become a better you.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

         -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Turn your trials into tribulations!

The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur

How I Made My Millions: The Man Behind Super Soaker

Everyone has that one idea or that venture that they know is bound to make them rich, successful, and well-known but some how fear prevents them from seeking it and they never reach their full potential.

They lay in their bed day in and day out contemplating if they should or if they shouldn't just to be sad for the rest of their lives saying, "I wish I woulda..." Being an entrepreneur is scary, I won't lie. It takes a ton of hard work, determination, courage, and seeking opportunities, but what is scariest of all is going through your life saying "I shoulda..." or "What would've happened if..." or "I wish I would have..."

The other day my mom told me that when she was growing up she wanted to be a fashion designer. I NEVER knew that about her. It was a piece of her history that I was shocked and a bit excited to hear, but it left me thinking (as her daughter) what would have been? How different would our lives be if...? I was sad to know that she wanted to be a designer because I already know her to be an excellent seamstress. I'm glad that she is in a career that she enjoys and feels like she is meeting her purpose, but I'm sad to know that she was too afraid to venture out and at least test the waters. Life will do that to you sometimes, make you so afraid of your dreams that it becomes your life's nightmare.

Below is a little bit of inspiration for you to not just venture and concur your dreams in entrepreneurship, but to also work hard to make your first million.

"Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it."

            -Bill Cosby

The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur

Keeping the Faith

I just left a meeting to do some freelance work for an associate of mine. I really admire this woman. For someone who is from the old school, she is profound in the new school of business and entrepreneurship. As we were sitting at Atlanta Bread Co. talking about what she needs me to create and some potential events to plan, I was humbled by the great things she said about me and the encouragement she gave me to continue to follow my dreams. I told her how it seems like my mom doesn't really understand my drive for corporate freedom and entrepreneurship and sometimes I don't think she takes me seriously. This woman told me, "Regardless of what anyone thinks about your goals and your dreams, remember they are YOUR goals and dreams."

She was absolutely right. I would love for my mom to understand me and support my endeavors more, but I have to remind myself that I am not doing this for her approval, I am doing this for myself and my future. I was just amazed and thankful that someone who isn't my family has so much belief in my endeavors with only seeing a glimpse of what I've been doing.

Our meeting led me to realize something. There are a couple of things that will happen when you realize you are on the right track that doesn't even have to do with an influx of clients, customers, or money. You know you are on to something when A. strangers start to believe in your dreams as much as you do and B. when opportunities seemingly start to fall into your lap.

That is where I am now. No, the business isn't quite self-sufficient just yet, but now with glimpses of what it will be, I know I am on the right track.

"Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe."

       -Gail Deevers

When it seems like things aren't looking up and you are just about ready to quit. Don't forget to keep the faith. One day your naysayers are going to be your biggest supporters, it just takes them a little longer to jump on the bandwagon.

The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship chose me....(A personal prose)

When I'm having a bad personal day, I find myself falling into the arms of entrepreneurship. Working hard to make sure the littlest of details are in order for the next event. Working hard to build and maintain my company's identity. When sleep escapes me, hunger evades me, and all I can do is let my drive and determination take over, I fall into the comfort of being a business owner because...

Entrepreneurship chose me. I didn't chose entrepreneurship.

It is inherent in my DNA. There was no escaping it. If I had chose entrepreneurship, I could leave it anytime I wanted. But entrepreneurship chose me, meaning that we are one. I can remember how it all started with me. A little bit of nature and a little bit of nurture. I've always been the kid who wanted to be different and conquer the world. My family knew me as a little hustler and just had to know that one day this little hustler would grow up to be a big time business owner.

It was those times when I sold Girl Scout cookies, candy, candles, and cheesecakes for chorus. When I planned tea parties for dolly and ensured that the concert was running smoothly, that I was hooked on the entrepreneurship bug. I knew that my life wouldn't be worthwhile if I didn't at least try to make my mark in this world. I knew that my life didn't have a full meaning until I could be the next great thing.

Entrepreneurship chose me. I didn't chose entrepreneurship.

Call me a workaholic, but I enjoy the days when I am so busy I don't realize days have gone by and the fuel from pure adrenaline has kept me going 100 mph doing seventy tasks at once. I love it most when the day of the event has arrived, my phone has one bar left, my iPod is alerting me to charge, it seems like a mad house, but things are going smoothly. Letting me know I have gone above and beyond what the client wants, making my company's light shine brighter.

Entrepreneurship chose me. I didn't chose entrepreneurship.

What I love most about being an entrepreneur is the haters and the negative people. The people who are so scared FOR you that they try to talk you out of accomplishing your dreams. When they tell me "horror" stories of someone's company who didn't make it. When they tell me I'm a fool for being unemployed and out of the work force. I simply smile a knowing smile. I think to myself, that is all a part of the risk. That's what makes it one of the scariest things of all. But I don't tell them that, I simply say to them...

I was a goner from the beginning. I didn't chose entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship chose me.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Unemployed Entrepreneur in the news: Beverly Davis

I read an inspiring story from the folks at AJC [Atlanta Journal Constitution] about the story of Beverly Davis, a down and out Fairburn, GA woman turning her luck around through entrepreneurship.

From the AJC:

"Hoping to repurchase her home, the Fairburn woman launched a website this summer selling homemade cornbread mixes. She also offers cornbread recipes and inspirational bumper stickers such as this one: 'When life throws lemons, make lemonade, bake cornbread and sell it'"

It's amazing to me how many entrepreneurs this economy is producing. You'd think it would be easier to just kick and scream and mope about not being employed, not making money, and succumbing to the struggle of it all. But like Darwin suggests, "Only the strong survive." It's my opinion that if you can create and thrive in this down economy you can survive when it goes back up.

Beverly Davis has gone from making $10,000 in profit when she first launched her business and website to making over $54,000. She is an inspiration to us all about what drive and cunning looks like.

"When a person is unemployed, unable to find a job, some people automatically assume you can’t manage money and will treat you like a failure,” Davis said. “You can’t make somebody hire you. But you can hire yourself. For me, that was the solution."

        --Beverly Davis to AJC

Keep doing your thing Ms. Davis and I'll be seeing you at the top.

Get the full story on the AJC website. Check out her site Cornbread Millionaire.

The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur

Inspirational Quote #1

I live for a good inspirational quote. It's like life's coffee when you need a pick me up, a gentle touch or nudge when you are falling behind. It's the right words when you can't quite find them yourself.
One of my favorite quotes I keep on hand when I am feeling less confident in myself/ abilities and need to be nudged in the right direction is below. Enjoy!

"Have faith in your abilities. Without reasonable confidence in your 'gangsta,' you CANNOT be happy and successful!"

         --Rev Run

Remodeling

I spent the entire weekend helping my mom remodel and clean her house. Not sure why all of a sudden she wanted to do the remodeling, but something in her told her that it was time for a change.

After much pondering about which task to take on, she finally focused her energy on painting the "formal livingroom" because it was within her time constraints and it was easier than say laying tile or placing laminate.

I had to give it to my mom, she had put off painting that room for years before she woke up one day and and was like "let's remodel the house." It was like her new beginning, she is newly single and living her life how she wants to. Finally able to pursue her dreams. I can't say I blame her. She finally has the opportunity to live her life the way she wants to without having to deal with the many situations that will hold her back and hinder her.

It's like that in life. You sleep on yourself and your abilities everyday believing you don't have the time or energy to do what you want or dream or aspire to do. You settle on what's fashionable, available, or just easier. But it doesn't make you any happier or satisfied. Then one day, situations might change, money might come in, opportunities might present themself and it's AHA!. You now all of a sudden have the energy and time to go forth and conquer. Well I want to say this. Don't wait for the opportunity, money, or perfect situation because it may never actually come along.

For some of us it might take some poking and prodding to remodel our house[lives], but you have the ability to make changes right now. All you have to do is wake up and pickup that first brush.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Hungry: A Late Night Post

I was hungry. Naturally, I went downstairs to the fridge to find something to eat. Earlier today when I went down there, chicken was still in a container on the bottom shelf. It wasn't there. There was also a container of pesto shrimp alfredo. It was frozen solid. I was highly upset. I expected the food to be there because it was there earlier and now when I was hungry with no food it wasn't there. I had taken the food for granted and now hours later it was gone. I had missed my opportunity, because I wasn't hungry enough to eat. So, I went back to my room contemplating. Do I take the easy way out, spend money I don't have and get something quick and easy? Or do I eat the little bit of cereal I have now and deal with being hungry later?

I decided to wait and contemplate; I wasn't that hungry anyways. I'm already planning a trip to Florida next weekend on the epitome of a shoestring budget. Can I afford that trip? No. Am I going to go celebrate my best friend's birthday? Yes. Will I do some networking while I'm there and turn it into a business trip? Of course. So I really didn't need to spend that money on food that I can only eat once, which is why I have to truly have a taste for it to buy it. But I was still hungry and undecided.

I decided to wait some more, watching zombie movies. Which I am watching as I write, Resident Evil to be exact. Ironic. Zombies thrive on the need to feed because they are forever hungry even when they've found their next meal, they are still looking for the next piece. I like to think that I play with my own emotions.

I finally get an idea that will save my hunger. I don't eat red meat, which is why I didn't even touch the sausage biscuit my mom made me this morning. However, when I decided to move back home after pretty much living with my boyfriance, I brought home a bag with all kinds of goodies. I brought yogurt, bought some SmartOnes dinners, and some TURKEY hotdogs. Plus we had some leftover baked mac and cheese!

Presto! dinner was served. Turkey hotdogs and baked mac and cheese. Yum!

Isn't it funny how things in life happen? When you aren't looking for something, it's not there. When you aren't thirsty, you don't search for water. When you aren't hungry, you don't look for food. It isn't until you are on the cusp of insanity, dehydration, or starvation do you work hard to find a solution.

Apply that to real life. There are infinite opportunities out there, waiting for us to discover them. We'll overlook them, pass them by, come back for them hoping they're available again. But as we let the opportunity pass us by, so goes the opportunity. It's not until we are truly starving for success do we really find it again. It's not until we are on the cusp of starvation and/or insanity does success present itself to us. It's with that starvation and insanity that we finally find our piece of the pie...

And even when we find it, we have to be like the zombies in the movies, always thinking about our next feeding. Always hungry.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur