Accepting that she was not a victim – empowered Extraordinary Woman of the week, Crystal Washington Martin, to leave the corporate world behind to live her vision.  She’s a confident, savvy marketing strategist who helps businesses to have a WOW factor – with measurable results for clients/customers and profits.

Crystal was recently featured in the August edition of Black Enterprise Magazine – the Motivation Section.

Her husband Cj Martin is her #1 fan and in spite of her busy schedule, she takes time to mentor the youths in her community, to be empowered and unstoppable with confidence for their success.

Meet Crystal Washington Martin, wife, marketing strategist, mentor, and Extraordinary woman of the week.

Tell my readers about  yourself and your business.

I am a Marketing Strategist who helps professionals of all knowledge levels achieve measurable marketing results by leveraging unique strategy with technology.  My marketing firm’s website can be viewed at  Black Market Exchange and my own site can be viewed at Crystal Washington

How long have you been in business?

3 years.

What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?

Divine intervention.  I prayed one day, while still in corporate America for purpose.  I wanted to take the talent that I was using to make a large company millions of dollars and empower small business owners.  After praying, the entire vision of my business and speaking rushed into my mind.  I tried to negotiate for a smaller vision, but then I just received silence.  After that, it was just a matter of follow through.

What has been a defining moment in your life or an AHA moment?

My aha moment came when I realized that I was not a victim.  I realized that I was the co conspirator in any abuse that I have endured as an adult.  I realized that no devil, boss or crazy driver ever had the power to do anything “to” me.  This totally transformed the way that I live my life.  In fact, it enabled me to leave corporate America and start my own business.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge has been unlearning.  Most of what we are taught by well-meaning parents, teachers and college professors is either a form of domestication or theory not applicable in real life.  Don’t get me wrong, almost all of these individuals mean well.  However, I had to undergo a painful process of self examination to extricate all of the limiting beliefs that I had been imbued with.  In fact, I continue to go through that process and likely will for the rest of my life.  Bad beliefs will hold up anyone’s progress in business and in their personal life.  As I shed these bad beliefs, I find that I am connected to more and more wonderful people, offered more opportunities and experience greater profits.

What has been your greatest reward?

My greatest reward has been flexibility.  While owning a business is not for the faint of heart, it does allow me to live life on my own terms.  I can work in the wee hours of the night or take a Tuesday off to go to the movies with my husband who is also a business owner.  I also have the ability to raise capital by offering deals or specials.  This is not something that I could have done in corporate America.

When things are not going your way – what keeps you confident?

I never consider things not going my way.  That implies that something is wrong or bad.  Life is life.  I tell people that in order to drive from Texas to California via the shortest route, you will go through desert.  The desert is not bad or some type of punishment.  It is simply the quickest way to get there.  I look at life the same way.  I don’t have to judge everything that is going on, I only need to stay focused on my end destination and know that I am traveling the best route.

Who or what has had the strongest positive influence in your life?

That is a really difficult question.  There have been so many people.  However, if I had to chose just one, I would say my husband.  He has always encouraged me in everything that I have ever wanted to do.  He started his own business three years ago.  A few months later, I started mine.  He gives me the gift of acceptance.  He doesn’t blink an eye if I want to go to a book reading, study with Buddhist monks or completely change my diet to cut out all meat- which I did, by the way.  No matter what, he encourages me.

How do you give back to your community?

I’m a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Houston and sit on the board of a few organizations that are doing wonderful things for the community including Inprint and Rice University’s Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality.  I also speak at student events in order to empower them to become business owners.

What do you do on a regular basis for a healthy/strong mind, body and spirit connections.

I meditate, pray, see a healer/therapist monthly and always explore ways to stay grounded in my spirit.  I often visit the Chung Tai Zen Center to learn from Buddhist monks or visit the Ruah Center to meditate with the Sisters of the Incarnate Word.  Most of all, I allow my spirit free expression.

From your experience – share five things that a female entrepreneur  needs to do to have a successful business?

1. Strong network- access and opportunities are all in who you know and the quality of relationships you cultivate.
2. Solid brand- know who you are, what you offer and who you are offering it to at all times.
3. Open mind- things will change and opportunities may come from the least expected sources.  Be open to grow and change in order to remain relevant.
4. Knowledge of worth- no one will value you more than you value yourself.  As women, it is important that we not sell ourselves short financially.
5. A library card/ Internet access- A strong business owner is always studying and always learning.

Share with us a little know fact about you.

I hunger for new experiences the same way that others desire food.  I literally have travel cravings or experience longings.

Is there something you want to share that was not asked?

I can’t think of anything.

Crystal,  thank you for sharing your information with my readers.

I wish you continued success.  Stay confident and be empowered.

You can connect with Crystal at:

Facebook

Twitter

Thanks for stopping by. Do you have an extraordinary woman in your life? Share with us what makes her extraordinary.

Retweets and Facebook mentions make me happy. Oh, by the way, the comment link is at the top of the post and add your information to the RSS feed, upper right and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

To your exponential success!

adalia@claimyourconfidencenow.com

If you are one of the millions of individuals who spend 11 billion dollars per year on self help, personal development and money making programs…only to become frustrated because  you are not getting the results you desire?

If  you are a smart working, intelligent woman, who has a passion to succeed and reach your potential professionally and personally but find yourself stuck, even after using the latest self help programs?

If your book shelf and iPod are filled with information on how to live the life of your dreams and your dreams are still just fantasies…then maybe, just maybe, hypnosis is the tool that will help you to become unstuck … so that you can take action … to make your dreams real.

What is hypnosis?

This post will not go in depth with the ancient history of hypnosis; however, you can get more information here.  There are two people from the early history of hypnosis that deserve mentioning: Franz Anton Mesmer – gave hypnosis its original name “Mesmerism” and produced the first theories of Mesmerism in 1765 and James Baird, a physician of the 1840’s, who changed the name “Mesmerism” to “Hypnotism” from the Greek word meaning sleep.

Present day hypnosis began in the 1950’s and became more main stream in the 1980’s. In lay man’s term – hypnosis is an intense, inner focused state of mind, whereby, you are receptive to suggestions either from yourself, the environment or someone else. It is not mind control and no one can make you do anything you don’t want to do.

Here is one reason that  makes hypnosis a powerful tool for change. Hypnosis allows you to make changes on a subconscious level. Hypnosis influences the subconscious mind to be receptive to change. These changes will become permanent more quickly.

From age 0 to approximately age six – you accepted as truth – from the people of influence in your world – who you are and your possibilities in life. This became part of your subconscious reality.

For every day conversation, it’s acceptable to say that our minds are made up of the conscious and subconscious mind. Your subconscious is the more powerful of the two. It controls approximately 88% of what you do. It is home to your emotions, your memories, your creativity and it controls all of your bodily functions – it’s on auto pilot 24/7, in the background. You may not be aware of its presence but it powerfully guides your life based on your programmed reality.

How hypnosis can help you to become unstuck.

If you are one of the frustrated millions who have tried unsuccessfully to reach your potential – your subconscious mind may be sabotaging your success.

If what you desire consciously, is not aligned with your subconscious reality, the subconscious mind will not allow it. Only a small percentage of the population can over ride their subconscious programming, naturally and that is why 11 billion dollars is spent each year and growing on personal development and making money products.

So where are you stuck?  What have you been unable to accomplish?

Reflect for a moment on the experiences of your childhood – what limiting beliefs did you accept as truth that are now keeping you from living the life you want to live?

Now that you have reflected – do you think you’re being held hostage by your subconscious beliefs?

It is possible not to have conscious awareness of your debilitating limiting beliefs. Here are some common limiting beliefs held by women:

• rich people are not nice.
• I am never happy.
• I do not have enough money.
• My life sucks.
• I am not beautiful.
• I am too fat.
• I am not successful.
• I never do anything right.
• I am always late.
• I do not like my self.
• I will never be rich.
• I will not get that great position.
• nobody loves me.
• nobody understands me.
• I will never be successful.
• I never have enough time.
• I am not hot.
• I do not like my hair.
• I will never find the right relationship.
• I am too old.
• nobody wants to date me.
• I never look good enough.

Do you identify with any of these limiting beliefs? Hypnosis is an excellent tool for revealing your beliefs and changing them on a subconscious level.

You can accomplish these powerful changes with self hypnosis, a hypnosis recording or  you can use a hypnotherapist.

Here are some  additional benefits of hypnosis:

• relieving stress
• weight management
• relaxation
• memory
• fear/phobias
• confidence and empowerment
• motivation
• pain control
• bad habits

Hypnosis may be that key that helps YOU to unlock your potential.

Other resources:

Gerard Sunnen
Howstuffworks
Wise Geek
Find Counseling
Ezine Article

Thought Stimulator: The mind is like an iceberg,it floats with one seventy of its bulk above water. ~ Sigmund Freud

Are you familiar with hypnosis? Do you think it is a valid tool for change? Let’s continue the conversation in the comment section and I have a shameless request –  please share this information with your friends.

Thank you.

To your continued success

adalia@claimyourconfidencenow.com

Guest Post courtesy of Jeane’ Elliott Bennett from Blog Radio and  To Your Future Success

Entrepreneurship is so much more than just learning to run your own business. (I learned that first hand.) It is an approach to life that involves thinking of you as a “can-do” person. (Another lesson I learned.) After all, if you can start your own business, you can do just about anything! (So true.)

When you work for yourself, you are thinking like an entrepreneur. Let this motivate you to do your best in your business:

Always look for opportunities to learn new skills or sharpen the ones you already have and take on new responsibilities.

Show yourself that you understand your business and are working to improve the profitability of your business.

You will then notice that you are thinking entrepreneurially. Remember, every skill learned is yours to take for the asking to use in your business. Never stop learning.

To quote Jeffry Timmons: “Entrepreneurship is a way of thinking, reasoning, and acting that is opportunity-obsessed, holistic in approach, and leadership balanced.” People who think like entrepreneurs are excited about what they can accomplish. They feel in control of their lives.

Do you feel in control of your life, or do you feel controlled by it? If you give starting a business a try, you will learn valuable skills that will make you more successful, no matter what career you may eventually choose. You will also learn how to take charge of your own destiny.

Entrepreneurs do three important things:

They listen -

By listening to others, entrepreneurs get ideas about improving their business or creating a new one.

They observe -

By constantly keeping their eyes open, entrepreneurs get ideas about how to help society, about businesses to start, and about what people need.

They think -

When entrepreneurs analyze a problem, they think about solutions. What can they do to solve it?

Successful entrepreneurs know it is important to capture creative ideas and thoughts.

To get into that practice, start an “Idea Journal”:

Carry a pocket -fixed notebook with you at all times.

As you use your listening, observing, and thinking skills, make a habit of writing down any entrepreneurial ideas you have for meeting your business needs or solving business problems.

Describe briefly every positive encounter you have with a business. You may be able to use something from that encounter in your business.

Jeane’ Elliott Bennett is an entrepreneur, talk show host and a paralegal.  She helps entrepreneurs with tips, tools and resources to have a profitable business. Here are two of her other articles:

Lower your credit card rate

Career development – networking

Other Resources:

10 mistakes that will kill your transition from executive to entrepreneurship

163 ways to become an entrepreneur

Becoming an entrepreneur

Books:

Accidental Entrepreneur

Toilet-Paper-Entrepreneur

Thought Stimulator: Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming. ~ Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Enterprises

As always, I appreciate your visit. Are you an entrepreneur? What are you thoughts about being an entrepreneur? Give us some feed back, the comment link is at the top of the post . Like what you’ve read? Subscribe by filling in your information in the RSS feed upper right and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

Thank you, to your continued success
adalia@claimyourconfidencenow.com

Guest Post courtesy of  Colette Morris from colettemorris.info
and colettemorris.com

Do you have an online business? Have you often used or purchased other products that you felt were really good, and wondered if they had an affiliate program attached? Chances are more business courses online today do.  It is becoming more and more the ‘in thing’ to market other affiliate products alongside your current services or products online, with a lucrative sideline to help drive targeted traffic to your website and increase and aid your funded proposal.

Although there are many, many benefits to promoting affiliate programs with your own home-based Internet business, here are my top 5 reasons to become an affiliate marketer.

1. Low Cost Set-up – It does not take much to start up an affiliate business, it is FREE to join most affiliate businesses. If you have got a desk, or kitchen dinner table, Internet-connected broad band compute then you’re in business!
2. No Merchant Account Required – Most affiliate site already have built in payment capture where the merchant handles all payment
   processing, so you never have to lose sleep over
   charge backs, fraud or losing your merchant account.
3. Choose From Thousands of Products and Services – In the day of the internet age, what isn’t sold online? With affiliate networks like Commission
   Junction, Be Free and Link share, click bank, it’s easy to find products
   related to your current or planned web site. This is the thing I love about affiliates, even if you live in a small one-bedroom apartment, you can sell large items without storage concerns.
4. Make Money While You Sleep – What other business allows
   you as a sole proprietor to keep your doors open and keep
   making money even when you take breaks or after you go home
   for the night?
5. High Income Potential – With your own affiliate
   business your income potential is limited only by your
   desire, effort and imagination – not your boss.

Business Coach and Entrepreneur Colette Morris has been successfully helping other business owners to increase their online presence through personal branding, Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Bookmarking.

Check out some of the author’s other articles 5 key tips to successful public speaking and Stargoals

Other Resources:

Affiliate Scout

Underground Training Lab

Affhelper
100 best affiliate program
Book: The Complete Guide to Affiliate Marketing

What are your thoughts about Affiliate Marketing? Please share with us

Are you fired up for your business and personal life?

You know you are FIRED UP if you:

1. Awaken in the morning filled with joy and enthusiasm for the day ahead.
2. Smile as you greet the morn.
3. Eat breakfast.
4. Have your daily to do list.
5. Feed your mind positive self chatter.
6. Feel passionate and purposeful.
7. Have a vision for your successful life.
8. Take action for your goals.
9. Embrace your fears.
10. Love and allow you to be loved
11. Take time to relax and unwind.
12. Pay it forward
13. Show gratitude

You know you are fired up when you:

Confidently and courageously take risks to make your dreams a reality.

Are you fired up or have you lost your enthusiasm for doing the things that will create your successful life.  Are you tired of trying? Are you ready to give up?

You know you are not FIRED UP if you:

Awaken in the morning and wish you did not have to get up

Look in the mirror and say “yuck.”

Refuse to put a smile on your face.

Are overwhelmed.

Skip breakfast.

Keep second guessing yourself.

Play the blame game.

Feed your mind negative self chatter.

Do not appreciate the small things in life.

Are angry and frustrated.

Have lost that loving feeling.

Have lost the passion for your purpose driven life.

Do you want to get FIRED UP? Do you want to re ignite your passion for your dreams?

You can get fired up by:

1. Journaling
2. Meditating
3. Joining a master mind group
4. Hiring a coach
5. Finding a mentor.
6. Exploring the self help community – there’s an endless supply of tools to assist you.

It’s time to get FIRED UP for your success.

Other resources:

Fired up for life
Fired up now
Fired up motivation

Are You Fired Up by Anne Whiting

Thought Stimulator:  Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion, you must set yourself on fire first. ~  Reggie Leach
As always, I appreciate your visit. Are you fired up? Please share – my readers and I would like to get to know you. Like what you’ve read? Please subscribe in the RSS feed (upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

You can contact me at adalia@claimyourconfidencenow.com

Whitney Houston’s hit song “Greatest Love of All”  has timeless lyrics regarding children -  lyrics that touch your soul and inspire you to nurture the children of the world. My EXTRAordinary Woman of the week, Shelley Seale has been involved in non profit work and social activism almost all of her life – particularly around child advocacy. Through her book , and her work – she has contributed to bringing attention  -  to the plight of  some of India’s children.

Meet Shelley Seale, writer, dreamer, child advocate and EXTRAordinary woman of the week.

1. Shamelessly plug yourself and your business /services

I’m a professional freelance writer, editor and graphic designer based out of cool and creative Austin, Texas. When not there, I am usually off vagabonding in any part of the world whenever possible. My mantra is “travel with a purpose.”

I recently completed a nonfiction book, The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India which was published by Dogs Eye View Media in June, 2009. This nonfiction book is a story straight from today’s headlines – the true, written version that Slumdog Millionaire portrayed on film. It follows my journeys through India and tells the stories of some of the 25 million children living without parents in India, on the streets or in orphanages; and the inspiring people who are helping to uphold their rights, one child at a time.

2. How long have you been a writer?

I have been writing for as long as I can remember! Freelancing full time for about five years now.

3. What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?

I think I have some sort of entrepreneurial bug in me. Maybe it stems from just being really independent and liking to do my own thing, I don’t know. I’ve always been an entrepreneur; even in my previous career incarnation, before I started writing full time, I was in real estate for 15 years and I started two different firms. I have started and owned several ventures during my lifetime.

4. What has been a defining moment in your life or an AHA moment?

Oprah Winfrey shares a defining moment in her life when she was in the third grade – the day her book report earned her teacher’s praise- it made her classmates whisper, “She thinks she is so smart.” She says for too many years after that, her biggest fear was that others would see her as arrogant. “The last thing I wanted was for my actions to make me appear conceited. Full of myself,: she remembers.

I don’t remember the exact incident, but I know it was the first time that anyone ever read something that I wrote and said, “That is good!” With writing, you really put yourself out there personally – often your thoughts, your feelings, your human experience, your soul. It’s a very vulnerable place to be sometimes, and to know that other people can relate to it, that something you wrote really resonates with someone else – that is a real a-ha moment, and something that makes it all worthwhile and keeps you going.

5. What has been your biggest challenge?

How hard it is to get work and get published sometimes, and how easy it is to constantly keep working to do so. Writing is all-consuming. Although I would be miserable in a regular 9-to-5 job, I sometimes envy those who can go home and leave their work behind at the end of the day.

6. What has been your greatest reward?

Doing what I love to do – what doesn’t feel like work to me.

From a very early age, my grandparents and parents always inspired me. I have the most wonderful, close, loving family who have always supported me unconditionally. It’s an amazing gift, which is why it breaks my heart to see other children go through life without that. While writing the book, there were so many people along the way who inspired me and have become my heroes. Caroline Boudreaux was the first one – this woman gave up a very successful television advertising career after meeting a group of orphans, by chance, on one evening – and dedicated the rest of her life to supporting them and ensuring their fundamental rights. Dr. Manjeet Pardesi, her Director of Operations in India, has a similar story – he left behind a successful accounting business in Delhi to open and run an orphanage and home for unwed mothers hundreds of miles away.

7. What limiting belief about money did you let go of-  on your entrepreneurial journey.

That money (or material things) were intrinsically entwined with happiness. Yes, money can make your life easier and reduces stress that comes from not having it, and struggling. But once you have the basics, the idea that more is always better is hugely limiting. In fact, it can have the opposite effect on happiness. I could make a lot more money if I had a corporate job – but I wouldn’t be nearly as happy. Doing what I love, day in and day out, being able to truly follow my passion and integrate who I am with what I do, is the most important aspect of happiness to me. If I can get paid enough doing that to live a simple lifestyle, to pay my bills and have a few little comforts, I am so much happier than doing something I hate, but getting paid a lot more. Often times, when we are in that vicious cycle, we NEED that extra money in order to buy things to try and make ourselves feel better about the fact that we’re miserable.

8. What do you do on a regular basis for a healthy/strong mind,body and spirit connection?

I do a lot of yoga, about 3 or 4 times a week, as well as a few dance and pilates classes as well. I also try to eat very healthy, organic and locally grown food as much as possible. It really makes a difference in how I feel.

8. Is there something you want to share that was not asked?

I would like people to know that even though the topic is serious and the stories often heartbreaking, it is not a depressing book or subject! These kids, and their stories, are incredible and awe-inspiring, hopeful and inspirational. In my journeys over the last three years into the orphanages, slums, clinics and streets of India I have become immersed in dozens of children’s lives. Their hope and resilience amazed me time and time again; the ability of their spirits to overcome crippling challenges inspired me. Even in the most deprived circumstances they are still kids – they laugh and play, they develop strong bonds and relationships to create family where none exists; and most of all they have an enormous amount of love to give. The issues are tough, what has happened to a lot of these kids makes you want to cry – but the bottom line of their stories is a very strong, hopeful voice.

You can connect with Shelley at the links below.

Facebook

Twitter

Shelley Seale

mail@shelleyseale.com

Purchase her book

Shelley, I want to thank you for sharing your heart felt  information with my readers.  I hope someone will be inspired to take action for their own cause.

I wish you success with your cause -  bettering the lives of  our children.

As always, I appreciate your visit. What do you think of Shelley and her cause?  Do you have a cause that you are passionate about?  Please share – my readers and I would like to get to know you. Like what you’ve read? Please subscribe in the RSS feed (upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

Pit Stop Day

Mothers ( mom entrepreneurs or those working 9 to 5)  have numerous challenges as they attempt to juggle their personal and professional lives. One of the most important and critical issue – is the issue of quality childcare.  Whether it’s the occasional babysitter or the more long term relationship of a nanny – moms need someone they can trust.

Extraordinary woman of the week, Candi Wingate, a mom entrepreneur herself,  has the solution for you. Her services are not just for mothers but for anyone seeking quality care for children or the elderly.

Candi shares some inspirational and valuable information about herself and her business.

1.    Shamelessly plug yourself and your business/services.

I have been a nanny, owned a nanny agency, started 3 online nanny databases, author of “100 Tips for Nannies & Families” plus am a wife and mother of 2.  So when it comes to the nanny industry, I am your expert.

I am the founder of Nannies4Hire,  Babysitter4hire, Care4hire and a Nanny Agency.  My nanny experience actually goes way back.  I was a nanny for a family with 5 children, which included newborn twins.  After becoming a nanny and working in a nanny agency for several years, I purchased the successful Nation-Wide Nanny Placement Agency.   After finding that we needed to expand, Nannies4hire, Babysitter4hire and Care4hire was born.

Nannies4hire is one of the largest, most successful online nanny and family database serving the United States and Canada.  As part of this database, you can conveniently search full-time, part-time, temporary, summer, babysitting, live-in and live-out nannies by zip code 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Nannies4hire database is designed to easily assist families in finding a quality nanny for their specific needs and requirements. Registered families may search by detailed characteristics to help pinpoint the perfect nanny for their family. In addition, helpful tools are available, including sample interview questions, a sample reference form and a sample contract. Nannies4hire.com also gives you advice, tips and information that will help you and your nanny connect on a social and personal level.

Babysitters4hire and Care4hire is an online database for families and caregivers to search babysitters, housekeepers, tutors, elder/companion care, pet sitters and other miscellaneous service.   A free preview of available caregivers is available to families. Whether you need a caregiver for a few hours to a few days, you will find it at Care4hire.com. Once you are a registered member, you will be given immediate access to caregiver through email and phone.

I haven’t stopped there.  Besides relationships with Dr. Phil, Supernanny, TLC, receiving the Mom’s Choice Award and a Finalist for the Stevie Award and more growth to be announced soon.  Since 1987, we have been helping wonderful families and nannies.

2.  How long have you been in business?

We have been affiliated with the nanny business since 1987.

3. What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?

I started my career as a nanny, working for a family with five children.  I quickly learned what families need, and applied those real-life lessons to my business.  I’ve been a nanny, owned a nanny agency, started 3 online nanny databases, and wrote “100 Tips for Nannies & Families.” Plus, I’m a wife and mother of two young boys, so I know first-hand what it’s like to balance work and a family.  I believe that women can have it all, but they need help to do so!  My company provides that necessary help and support.

Since I was young, I’ve always been a motivated, outgoing self-starter.  My parents were self-employed, which motivated and inspired me to do the same.  I had a great idea for a business, and I’ve experienced tremendous growth by meeting the needs of other families like my own – who need a little extra help at home

4. What has been a defining moment in your life or an AHA moment?

We started as a nanny placement agency and saw the need to expand to Nannies4hire.com and Care4hire.com.  We wanted to service families throughout the United States and Canada and meet all their needs including nannies, babysitters, pet care, housekeepers, elder/companion care, tutors, live-in, live-out and other misc. services.

5. What has been your biggest challenge?

Our goal is to find every family the right caregiver, not just any caregiver and offer caregivers an enjoyable experience.   We thrive our business on customer service.  A good amount of our business has been built on referrals and repeat clients.

6. What has been your greatest reward?

It was a great honor for us to be named to the Inc. 500 List of Fastest Growing Companies this year.  We were also very proud to work with TLC and their hit show Jon & Kate + 8.  We were an integral part of finding nannies for the Gosselin family’s sextuplets and twins.  And we’ve formed successful ongoing relationships with the Dr. Phil Show.  In fact, Dr. Phil has repeatedly recommended us to guests on his show.

7. When things are not going your way – what keeps you Confident?

Every thing takes longer than you expect, be patient and work hard and it will come together in the end.

8. Who or what has had the strongest positive influence in your life?

My parents really inspired me.  They were self-employed and I grew up watching their hard work, dedication, creativity and tenacity.  They were there for me, supporting me when I started my business, encouraging me to pursue my dream.

9. What do you do for fun/relaxation?

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my 2 energetic boys and husband.  We enjoy going to the lake and enjoying each other.

10.  What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next  year?

Our goal is to make every family and nanny experience positive and rewarding.

11. In addition to your website, how else can my readers connect with you online?

They can follow us at these links:

Twitter
Facebook
Blog
Twittermoms
LinkedIn

Candi, thank you for sharing your information with my readers and providing such a valuable service for those who are in need. I wish you continued success.

Please connect with Candi Wingate at any of the links listed above.

As always, I appreciate your visit. Have you or someone you know used a nanny service?  Please share the highlights of the experience.  Like what you’ve read? Please subscribe in the RSS feed (upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

Pit Stop Day

The benefits of using the New Year, as a gauge, for assessing where you are in comparison to where you want to be, is being trivialized. A resolution in and of itself is not a bad idea; people fail to keep their resolutions because of procrastination, lack of motivation and the biggest reason of them all, lack of  FOCUS.

A resolution is a declaration to do something.

I say, embrace Resolutions.

The beginning of the New Year is an opportune time to resolve to evolve.  Here are 10, easy to weave into your life,  resolutions for the female entrepreneur, who strives  to find balance between her business and personal life.

Family

Make a decision to maintain balance between your business, family and friends. True success is having harmony between your business and your personal life. It is important to note that balance does not mean equal time – it means some time. Web MD gives some easy tips on how to make time, even with your busy schedule.

Exercise

Your body is your vehicle and like your car it needs maintenance. However, unlike a car, you cannot turn your body in for a new one. Therefore, make a conscious and unconscious decision to make it a priority to exercise. Use your imagination to turn everyday, mundane activities into exercise. Your body will love you for it. Two female entrepreneurs at squeeze it in offer some helpful tips and resources.

Diet
I am not sure who coined the phrase “you are what you eat” but it is a true statement. Your body needs proper nutrients to keep you energized,  focused and to optimize longevity.  Entrepreneurs,  love what they are do, so much so, they forget to eat and when they do decide to eat,  it may not be healthy. I implore you, to stop discounting yourself – healthy eating is as easy as 1- 2- 3.  Nuts, shakes, protein bars, fruits and  raw vegetables are some easy choices.  For a variety of choices and recipes visit here.

Goals

For your success, written goals are a must.  Write down your S.M.A.R.T goals for your business and personal life. Revisit your goals from 2009 – what are you seeing?  It is important to have short term, long term and longer term goals. You are certainly not a failure if you have to revise your goals.  I personally recommend reviewing your goals from time to time during the year.

Time Management

One of the most valuable assets you have is your time. Maximize your potential by being efficient at managing your time. You will delegate, outsource and ask for help. You will not micro manage, nor sweat the small stuff and you will refuse to wear the “I can do it all” hat. Time Management Expert Jill Morgenstern shares some valuable insights.

Education

Knowledge is power; therefore, make a commitment to educate yourself for your own personal development, as well as for your business success. Staying informed about your line of business will help you to stand out from the noisy competitive crowd. You will give more value to your customers/clients and you will become known as the go to expert.

Organize

Organize your life, your home, your office and your desk. Sounds simple but if you are anything like me you will spend valuable time trying to find where you’ve scribbled someone’s name, phone number or other important information. Spend some time organizing and you will have more time for the important stuff.

Write it down

How many times have you said to yourself, I’ll remember? Only to be frustrated a few minutes later – at your inability to remember something you thought would be an easy recall.  Start a new habit today and write it down.

Financial

Use the service of an expert such as a CPA or accountant to check your financial health. Are you commingling your personal and business accounts? What strategies do you need to put in place for reducing your business and income taxes? How is your retirement fund? What is your income to debt ratio? These are only a few of the issues you should be discussing with your financial team. The beginning of the New Year is a good time to put your financial house in order. Here’s more detailed information from Entrepreneur on line Financial Planning 101

Pamper yourself

Yes, take some time to be with you, for a stronger mind, body and spirit connection. Women, in general, think it’s selfish to have “me” time  – maybe it less of an issue today,  than it was decades ago but I have friends who feel guilty when they have alone time. You can choose to stay at home, close the door, put up your “do not disturb” sign and read a book. You can meditate or take a long, relaxing bath. How about yoga – a stroll in the park or on the beach? You may choose to go on a retreat. What ever you decide – take some time for you. You will be more confident, focused, productive and energized. Your family and friends will see a marked difference in your personality … they will appreciate you even more.

There are numerous resolutions  you can make  for balanced living in 2010. I hope you find some value in the ten I shared with you.

Other resources:

Article: Resolution for three types of female entrepreneurs
Video: A spiritual journey of knowing yourself

Thought Stimulator: One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.
John Burroughs

As always, I appreciate your visit. Do you believe in making New Year Resolutions? Please share! Like what you’ve read? Please subscribe in the RSS feed (upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

Pit Stop Day

Entrepreneurs are willing to embrace the challenges and uncertainties of being their own boss to create the life they love to live. In their eyes, the benefits for being a business owner far outweigh the benefits of being an employee. They have the confidence to use their brilliance to serve others while serving themselves and they strengthen their courage muscle by taking risks to create a successful business.

My EXTRAordinary woman  of the week, Tanea Smith, used her brilliance… a love of writing and calligraphy to create a successful online stationery boutique.

As a young girl going to Juniors Restaurant in Brooklyn, Tanea  was taught by her mother that rewards come from hard work and dedication. With a strong will to succeed, Tanea turned a love of writing into a thriving, and inspiring, business. Tanea founded She’s Got Papers, an online stationery boutique with collections for business professionals, girlfriends, moms, kids and babies. As an avid journal writer and calligrapher, Tanea always knew she was destined to do something with her pen and paper.

Infusing inspiration from family, friends, and her surroundings, Tanea created a witty, smart, fun and uplifting collection complete with folded notes, flat cards, notepads and baby business cards. Each piece reflects a personal experience and promotes an inspirational message to create a cherished connection with the recipient.

Tanea is a proud mother to Brandon & Jada, wife to James, daughter to Cheryl & Lefty, grand-daughter to Peola & Smitty and little sister to Chermia. They each help to carry her in their own little way.

She’s Got Papers is reflective of Tanea’s belief in self expression, her appreciation of words and her passion for paper.

Other resources:

The Weekend Entrepreneur

Youtube Video:  Entrepreneurs Can Change The World

Article: What does being an entrepreneur mean to you

Mom entrepreneur Success tips

Thought Stimulator: Always Be Inspired – Tanea Smith

As always I appreciate your visit – please share – What are your thoughts regarding being an entrepreneur?

Like what you’ve read? – subscribe in the RSS feed(upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

Pit Stop Day
Many of us are so blinded by the mantra “it’s a bad economy” that we are overlooking opportunities that the universe has for us right now. These opportunities are right under our noses. Taking of your blinders and ignoring the negative mantra, will allow your creative mind to reveal opportunities that can change lives for the better and/or make your world a better and safer place.

My EXTRAordinary woman of the week, Sharon Feldman-Rowe, environmental activist and eco-entrepreneur, became aware of the unnecessary plastic waste and decided to take action to end this environmental nightmare.

The History

20 years ago, Sharon was walking through a New York City park and became overwhelmingly aware of unnecessary plastic waste.  Plastic bags seemed to be everywhere from her local grocer, the convenience store, malls, etc… and she was well aware that most of these bags were ending up in parks, rivers, oceans, playgrounds, trees and landfills.  Sharon decided to do something.

Recalling her trips to Europe, Sharon remembered the string tote bags that everyone overseas was using to carry home their groceries and she thought she would try to bring them to the U.S.  Well, she did!  Sharon began selling the bags to friends and family; then quickly realized that there was a demand.  ECOBAGS® debuted their first batch of Classic String Market Bags™ at a 1990 NYC Earth Day event and all 5,000 bags were sold in just four hours!  Sharon knew she had something and immediately started ordering more bags, storing them in her small Manhattan apartment.

Finding early adapters in the natural food market, ECOBAGS ® began selling in stores in 1990.  ECOBAGS was soon to follow, launching with the birth of major internet availability, in 1996.  Although some people thought (and some still do think) that it was weird to bring your own bags to the store, or there was something wrong with you for refusing the plastic bags, a small contingency of consumers believed in this change and supported ECOBAGS from the beginning.  Now, with the reusable bag movement picking up momentum and big cities entertaining and passing legislation banning or taxing plastic bag use, ECOBAGS is happy to call themselves the Original Reusable Bag Company™ and proud to have been “ahead of the curve”.

Who is Sharon Feldman-Rowe?

Sharon Feldman-Rowe is the CEO and Founder of ECOBAGS.com (Eco-Bags Products, Inc) The Original Reusable Bag Company™. ECOBAGS.com is an environmentally focused business that provides responsibly produced (fair wage and labor) and sustainable (Natural, Organic & Recycled) products at affordable prices.

Sharon and her husband Blake have a profound appreciation for their environment. They live an eco-aware lifestyle, as do their two children Julian (19) and Eva (17) in Ossining, NY – located in Westchester County, 45 minutes north of NYC. Their progressive home has solar panels, a pellet stove, a complete recycling system, they compost, garden, use a solar oven, walk to school/work and of course – they all use their reusable ECOBAGS® Sharon is also an avid swimmer and the entire Rowe family is enthusiastic about outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking and more… Everything outdoors is enticing!

Before Sharon began the business, in 1989, she was on quite a different career path – she was a budding and successful actress! She is formally trained in theater arts having studied at the O’Neill Theatre Center’s National Theatre Institute and graduated from Clark University. She has performed off-Broadway and has also appeared in video and film. She worked on Nickelodeon’s “Don’t Just Sit There” and received a Regional Emmy for her work on “Mad Math”, a Learning Channel series.

Her accomplishments are impressive but it was moving to her home office and giving birth to their son Julian that led to her focus on ECOBAGS® , which might be her greatest accomplishment yet. ECOBAGS is one of the most popular businesses in the world for eco-conscious reusable bags and natural, organic & recycled products. Bringing these great wholesome options to the general public has given Sharon a personal sense of pride and is a great source of encouragement for all.

Today, in addition to running a multi-million dollar business, Sharon continues to participate in local acting projects. She is a member of the Blueberry Pond Theatre, and she enjoys writing for stage productions. Local activism is another hobby as Sharon finds time to discuss community issues with her local legislatures, neighbors and media – although Sharon wouldn’t consider this a hobby – she would say it’s her duty, as her passion and education in most local matters clearly demonstrate.

Sharon was recently named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Westchester County Business Council (NY) and she was featured in TIME Magazine in July ‘08. She has also been included and quoted in Glamour Magazine, Nylon Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, NY Enterprise Report, The Detroit News, Plenty Magazine, Earth Promise, ExecDigital, Grocery Headquarters Magazine, WABC-TV’s Viewpoint, on NPR and many more!

Thought Stimulator: If we can make a simple adjustment in one or two of our habits, we   can make a huge difference in our future – Sharon Feldman-Rowe

I want to thank you for stopping by. I do value you feed-back. Do you have an invention or an idea that will change the world for the better or improve lives in some way?  Like what you have read? Enter your name in the upper right and each new post will be delivered to your in box.