Painting A MASTERPIECE- "THE PAINTED PRETZEL" owner: RAVEN THOMAS Shares The Recipe To Success

If you were asked “WHY SHOULD I INVEST IN YOU” what would you say? Imagine having your one shot, having all of the stars align, and all the right people in the room to make your wildest dreams and ambitions come true, and they simply ask you “WHY SHOULD I INVEST IN YOU? That’s the very question that the owner of THE PAINTED PRETZEL Mrs. Raven Thomas found herself facing in an episode of ABC’s Shark Tank. From that moment on, everyone watching was instantly locked in both with their business minds, but probably more so with their hearts. We all know THE SHARKS are amazingly vicious when they grill you to find out the specifics of your business endeavors, while figuring out how they can make a profit after partnering with you, but even Robert Herjavec, Daymond John and Mark Cuban couldn’t deny the answer they received from Raven Thomas and soon you’ll know exactly why.

The toughest task that I face is attempting to capture the emotion, adulation, and business savvy that these interviews contain. Imagine THINKING that you know what’s in store, that you’ve “done this” before only to have your mind completely BLOWN! Attempting to catch up with the founder of THE PAINTED PRETZEL was no easy task, but it was apparent that learning more about this woman, and her success principles was an absolute must. Rather you have a home based business or a Fortune 500 company, one thing is certain; everything rises and falls on leadership. The principles in which company leaders believe and hold themselves accountable to, will be a direct reflection on how the company performs. Knowing this simple truth, it is easy to see why THE PAINTED PRETZEL is poised for phenomenal growth.

There are only two words that I can think of to describe RAVEN THOMAS: DEDICATED & COMMITTED. After I listened to Raven tell me what her normal day is like both as a mother, and a business owner, I was left with a burning brand new law in business: “you can always do more”. I won’t necessarily tell you her story, the interview will do that more than sufficiently. But before you take a listen, (you knew this was coming didn’t you?) grab a sheet of paper, and on one side of the paper, write down your 3 biggest personal hurdles rather it’s belief, procrastination or whatever they may be. On the other side of the paper, write down what those hurdles are keeping you away from. Listen intently to this interview, and I challenge you to hear those questions answered. Oh, and if you haven’t already tasted THE PAINTED PRETZEL, you are cheating yourself of some extreme greatness!



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The Learning Curve- Howard Jean Teaches How To "Be The CEO Of You"

Often the focus for business and entrepreneurship is focused on the hard work, the sacrifice, and “the grind” so to speak, while I ABSOLUTELY love those aspects, I have to be honest, if I only focused on the hard work, I’d be doing you and myself a disservice. So what’s the other part you ask? It’s education. The sorry excuse that a dreamer will give you sounds like this: “Well Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, etc… didn’t go to college, I don’t need it either” and to a point, you may be correct, but for the record, here’s my official stance: In anything you do, you’re going to need to learn the ropes, and you can either learn the easy way, or the hard way… It’s completely up to you.

When I reached out to the incomparable Mr. Howard Jean, I knew that I was reaching out to someone that lives up to his title of “EDUCATION REFORM LEADER” on a daily basis, but I had no idea how engaging, how approachable, and how positively insightful he would be. We all know that politics and education can be a “touchy” conversation, but this was the complete opposite. I want you to get ready for one of the most impactful interviews that seamlessly crossed the lines between education and entrepreneurship, politics, and music, and still manages to be fully loaded with motivation, inspiration, and FLAT OUT KNOWLEDGE.

Howard Jean, is an educator whose sincerity and passion to his craft has opened countless doors, for himself and those that he works with. What I’ve found most impressive is that he knows that the opened door for “him and his” isn’t enough. He works tirelessly to give back to students of all ages, while spreading the message of education, and showing the living proof, that with the proper education and work ethic, you not only afford yourself the choice to work in any area, for any company that you choose, but you can also be an amazingly successful entrepreneur as well. My personal goal with this interview is that you are able to make a decision if you’re on the fence about returning to school or not, and that you’re able to “pull the trigger” if you’re looking to get started in the roller coaster world of entrepreneurship. Howard Jean is proof that with the proper education, mindset, and work ethic, there is nothing that you can’t do…VERY WELL.




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It's EZ For This VIP To Swim With The Sharks

In what had to be the absolute best and most exciting pitch session to ever air on the ABC television show Shark Tank, Al Nelson brought confidence, charisma, and a strong sense of purpose into the tank. Personally while I was watching the show, just like millions of other people, I quickly noticed 2 things: First, that idea behind EzVIP was nothing short of genius. Second, that Al knew the principles behind the power of negotiations, namely being willing to walk away. After initially turning down an offer that would have required a 45% stake in the company, Al’s preparation, and commitment to his team, company, and principles of success sent the Sharks into a feeding frenzy!

Of course I was sitting in my living room thinking to myself, “I’ve absolutely got to have him stop by and spend some time with us! The intention of this interview is to not only enable us all to learn more about a company that will change the face of night-life around the world, but more importantly to listen to the knowledge that is shared. Al graciously shared his experiences since the show, some of the secrets that he has learned from working with both Daymond John, and Mark Cuban, as well as what’s next for EzVip.

There is so much that can be written as an introduction to this interview, but before you listen, I want you to prepare yourself for what I like to call “SHOTGUN INFORMATION” not in the literal sense, but more like how one answer from this highly successful person can cover so many questions, and concerns about life and the mentality of an entrepreneur. We had a lot of fun during the interview, but my sincere hope for you is that wherever you are in your business today, be it pre-launch, or 3rd year going, that you are able to not only listen and learn, but implement at least one of the nuggets that Al Nelson was fortunate enough to share with us. Grab a pen and a notepad…and press play!



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World Renowned Donna Krech- Kicks Your Hustle Into High Gear...

From the moment I heard her energy, I knew this interview was going to be ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. A few years ago, I was introduced to the world of network marketing. Most people have a pre-conceived notion about “those things” and based on your belief…you may or may not be right. That’s not what this is about. During my network marketing career, my mentor lit a match underneath me called personal development, he then fan the flame with encouragement, and suggestions on how I personally could get better as both a person, and within the industry. One of his many suggestions was given to me in the form of a fully loaded iPod, not what you’re thinking probably, but this white iPod was fully loaded with little to NO MUSIC AT ALL. This iPod was in fact, special. There were well over 1500 entries on this iPod, and they were all personal development speakers, authors, entrepreneurs and stories thereof. Since that day, I have been all in! Sold out to the idea of helping others become better people, helping others make more money, and all around improvement in any and all areas. I have a passion for this thing called personal growth.

Now, all of that was said just to plant the seeds, to make the ground fertile for what you are about to listen to. I’ve had the honor and good fortune to learn the art, and importance of edification, but there is honestly absolutely nothing that I can say that will get you ready, that will set your mind for the amount of knowledge that this interview with the world renowned Ms. Donna Krech is going to share.

Donna Krech is a hugely successful entrepreneur, speaker who’s shared the stage with heavyweights such as Jim Rohn, Jerry Clark, Brian Tracy, and many more. She has over 25 years in the weight loss and fitness industries and has traveled the world spreading her message of “4 P’s” . Grab your pen, your highlighter, your crayons, or whatever you will need, because I promise you, that if you take the time to listen to this interview, IT WILL BE THE SINGLE MOST IMPACTFUL minutes you’ve spent outside of a major family event, and your time strengthening your faith. This is not hype, this is not marketing, this is not just an intro…This is Donna Krech, LISTEN, LEARN & ENJOY one of the most sought after professional speakers, motivators, and teacher of wealth principles in the world today!




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Entreprenurial Stress Management- Featuring KIM CLARK

Managing Stress: 5 Tips For Entrepreneurs

Have you ever found yourself wondering how to approach a topic, or item on the "TO DO" list? Recently I spoke with several entrepreneurs who were doing extremely well respectively, but were completlely stressed out when it came to balance, time management etc. Since I'm not an expert, and would never want to give anyone the wrong advice, AND because I always tell everyone to never take advice from anyone that doesn't have the results you're looking to attain, I decided to enlist the help one of the best in business to answer the burning question: HOW DO I MANAGE MY STRESS as an entrepreneur. Kim Clark is a widely respected specialist in the field of stress management, and when I found myself challenged with exactly the right way to address this topic, she agreed to help. I believe you'll find not only some great information below, but more importantly, suggestions that you can impliment immediately. "KIM...TAKE IT AWAY"

Today's entrepreneur has to deal with stress management in a variety of ways which entrepreneurs before us, never faced. Today we have "likes", "followers", "subscribers" and tons of other social media influences to give our attention to, not to mention the needs of our families and friends. For today's entrepreneur, relief from stress has taken on a whole new meaning, so let's take a look at what stresses entrepreneurs the most and explore ways to start managing entrepreneurial stress more effectively.

Entrepreneurial Stress: The Causes

One of the main causes of stress for entrepreneurs is most definitely maintaining a healthy balance between work and play. In a regular day for any entrepreneur, we might spend anywhere from 10 hours on up on our business, so when we talk about time management in balancing work and play, we are really talking about self-management in order to keep a healthy balance. When you find those days where it seems like there wasn't enough time to do everything, it's not the time that's the issue. What we're really looking at is our idea of what should be done in a set period of time in relation to our perspective on our lives and our goals. Having the right perspective and setting realistic goals is necessary. Nonetheless, even if you manage your time well, fatigue and frustration can set in and make even the work you feel most passionate about, feel like a daunting chore.

Stress Management Solutions For Entrepreneurs

In order to manage your entrepreneurial stress more effectively, try these 5 tips:

1. Prioritize: Zoom in on your objectives and energy cycles.

Scheduling your time efficiently is fundamental for every entrepreneur. For example, do you read the newspaper or your rss feed first thing in the morning? I've done that many times myself, so this brings us to the first choice an entrepreneur needs to make in order to effectively manage stress and time. Instead of reading "the news" of what's been going on in the world, work on making your news the first thing others will read in the morning. Seth Godin makes this point very clear in his post "The First Thing You Do...". Setting priorities and time management go hand in hand. I know how arduous a task this is and struggle with it myself because there are always so very many priorities, but here's a good tip: Throughout your tasks of each day, ask yourself in the moment of doing them, "is this in harmony with my overall objectives", if not, stop and move on. Try this on a "spot check" basis at first, maybe once an hour or once every 30 minutes. Then once you start doing this regularly, you'll find time management becomes a lot more simple. You might also find it helpful to make a short mission statement surrounding the major areas for your business and your life, as suggested in Adam Smith's article: Using Your Mission Statement As A Filter. By doing this, you will have a crystal clear vision of the the single most imperative objective you need to keep first.

Benefit gained: You'll keep your priorities, time management and hence, stress management in seamless harmony and keep your eye on the prize more easily.

2. Get Help: Outsource, use apps and extensions.

One of the chief factors of energy depletion that I see amongst fellow entrepreneurs is trying to do it all. The one man or one woman show philosophy is too difficult for anyone to sustain and your business is all about connecting with others. Today, entrepreneurs have a huge benefit in our ability to facilitate functions which years ago, used to take ages and cost fortunes. Today, you can be working on your market research in Florida while your virtual assistant is redesigning your website in India. Plus you have a vast myriad of electronic devices that make your work easier. Lisa Irby lists some great apps to try in her article Awesome Ipad Apps and any browser you use will have a set of powerful extensions to increase your productivity while freeing you to concentrate on growing your business. Decide which services you will outsource and which services you will do yourself, but make sure that whether it's using the right tools or outsourcing, you have the help you need.

Benefit gained: You don't have to "sweat the small stuff" and you'll improve your efficiency and productivity!

3. Take frequent breaks from task to task.

Let's say you have 3 major tasks for any given day, so what you'll do is give 100% of your energy to the first, most vital task until you start feeling your "inspiration" turn to fatigue. Most entrepreneurs tend to feel the workaholic in them take over with handling their business because of the importance of the tasks, yet pushing yourself when you are clearly fatigued can be counterintuitive and counterproductive. Signs of this: when you feel like your mind has slowed down or you start forgetting things easily. That's when it'll be best for you to stop and "free your mind" by doing something totally different. Take 5 minutes and eat something nutritious, get outside for a quick walk in the fresh air, play with your pet. The point of this exercise is to give you the break you need in order to re-charge your batteries. Exercise and meditation can go a long way to help you keep your balance between work and play. You might even consider yoga, which will achieve both the inner peace and outer agility that you need.

Benefit gained: You can produce your best work and gain greater balance in your life. (also good for avoiding burnout.)

4. Make good use of social media and set specific goals.

To physically reach out to the vast numbers of people you would like to reach can seem like a daunting task, but social media can help you by taking your message viral. Discover which trends will work best for your business/product, then choose the social media strategy which is best suited for your needs. Brian Solis writes a very compelling article on what's new in social media at: 10 Social Media Strategies For 2012, so this can help you in setting your social media strategy. Use tools like Social Marker to have your latest news indexed in over 50 of the most important social networking sites in one click...and it's free! Social media is a great asset and a must have for any entrepreneur today, so discover ways in which it can help you to achieve your desired results from the priorities you set in step #1. Of course, make sure that when you're managing your social media strategies, you keep your goals focused. The tip offered in step #1 is a good question to ask yourself whenever you are on any social media platform. You know when you're on facebook bulding your brand or when you're on facebook living vicariously through the pictures of your BFF's vacation. :-)

Benefit gained: You take one good action then you reap immeasurable rewards.

5. Charge your innate tools into high-gear action!

Yes, you've got innate tools like: your power to smile, your power to laugh, your power to be grateful, etc. Make a gratitude journal. Why? Because it will lighten your burdens and raise your sense of accomplishment which in turn, will solidify your faith. All of this enhances your capacity to naturally encourage yourself with positive self-talk. Do you tend have a hard time patting yourself on the back after a good day's work? I know that there are times when I sure do! Stop killing your joy. We are always seeking to improve ourselves, so it's natural to focus on all of the many tasks at hand but by concluding the day with the thankfulness for 3 or 4 things you did to better your business and yourself, not only do you have a written log of your positive growth (yes, it's better and the effects are longer lasting if you to jot these things down), but you also get proof of were you were and how far you've come. I did this experiment with one area of focus in which I felt like I was standing still, but was I ever amazed a month later when I saw on paper how much I'd actually grown.

Benefit gained: You become, evolve and grow into the person you've always truly wanted to be!

I find that the things I don't have time to be grateful for are the things I most often forget to appreciate. For me, it's the loss of appreciation of the simple things, like the ability TO BE an entrepreneur that leads to stress. I know that sometimes it can be frustrating when expectations are high, so it's important to keep your trust strong, belief systems intact, and funny bone active. Laughing about something that didn't turn out the way I'd planned always makes it easier for me to get it right the next time. Also, always remember your faith in what you're doing! Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr, so do things that strengthen your faith and spend your valuable time with people who are doing the same. Remember that success doesn't bring happiness, but it's your happiness that brings you success. Don't wait until you've gotten your business where you want it to be just to be happy. Start cultivating happiness and joy in your life right now, and as you move onwards and upwards on the staircase of success, no matter what challenges you face, you will face them with grace!

Kim Clark is a specialist on stress management stress management/laughter therapy and you can find more information on the website: Laughs Heal. Come by to visit us at laughs heal and sign up for our newsletter so that you can keep your stress management strategies at peak levels! You can also connect with Kim on Facebook andTwitter.

**As always, if you find the contents of this blog helpful or inspiring, we ask that you share the page with your network, and leave a comment so we know what it is you're looking for and how we can help**

Designing Her Future- A Closer Look At The New Face Of Fashion

The picture says it all, confident, smart, edgy, and most important in control of her destiny. We were fortunate enough to cross paths, and be blessed by an opportunity to meet with Ms. Carmen Veal of Sani Auri, LLC. As you can imagine I am not only excited about what you are getting ready to read, but more importantly, I can say that Carmen is the absolute "DEFINITION OF HUSTLE". Not only will you see how she was able to get where she is, but WHY she does it! Why she says sleep is a luxury, and why her fire to Hustle Harder will never die out. Rather it's working with Mercedes Benz for her non profit or creating the eye teasing, (and pleasing) BODYCON dress line, Carmen has the pattern to success, and is in the process to stitching her place in history! Enjoy the interview!

1. Tell us about Carmen Veal, where were you personally and professionally in life when you decided to become an entrepreneur?

Carmen Veal is a renaissance woman-today! I haven't always been here though (of course- from nothing to something). When I decided to venture out on my own, I was miserable working in corporate America and suffering from an emotionally draining relationship with my child's father, a new single parent, and very pessimistic mindset. My daughter was diagnosed with Autism, I lost my job due to inconsistency with attendance due to her condition-just unhappy overall. I was 23 at the time of my change, thankful that my desire to want more happened at such a young age. It was a book that I read that changed everything for me, the purpose driven life by Rick Warren. I had actually had the book since I was 17 but never once read it. I lost it with a few moves and found it for free on the internet. It was the best thing that could happen to me. It changed my mindset, made me realize my strengths and blessings instead of my heartaches and downfalls, and helped me focus once again on dreams I put off years before. Four years later, I reflect on that woman from my past and smile- I came a very long way.

2. Fashion is a very competitive industry, what steps do you take to make sure your line “Sani Auri” continues to gain momentum and adds to the success you’ve experienced so far?

The clothing I design are unique because of who I compete with- MYSELF! I am my biggest challenge and competitor. I'm always challenging myself to do better, this creates a drive like no other. I work hard to satisfy myself, the harder I work, the more I find can be improved. It's my own personal revolving door of motivation (and stress LOL).

On the flip side, I am intuitive with the fashion industry. I flip through the magazines and surf the internet on latest fashion and styles. I learn what I like and don’t like this way. My style is unique, my designs are all pieces that I would wear personally. I'm big on class and elegance, sometimes less is more. A fitted bodycon dress that accents curves beautifully at a conservative length is my normal style. Though sometimes a mini skirt and low cut cami is the attire of choice. My clothing line offers balance, catering to all. There is something for everyone no matter what age. The most meaningful part of what I do and offer is that I do what I'm happy and comfortable with. Someone somewhere in the world is going to like it!

3. How much, and what specifically have you sacrificed in order to get where you are so far?

Pretty much all sleep LOL. I do sleep very little at night but I find time for naps to give my body time to gather and re-energize it's self. I found I get more done overnight, when the world is sleeping, the phones aren't ringing and friends/relatives aren't stopping by.

Another is relationships…with both relatives and friends. Everyone serves a purpose in your life...a season or a lifetime. I've learned that people can really slow you down, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I've come across so many different types of people thus far- supporters, users, abusers, manipulators and so on. The most difficult one for me was noticing a few people very close to me who had love in their heart but hate in their eyes towards me. Now, it's unfortunate to face individuals like this but in actuality they make you stronger. Once you get the point of recognizing their worth in your life, it's time to love from a distance. You have to weed them out at that point, because they can and will be your downfall.

4. One of the biggest excuses we hear about not getting started is “balance” What’s your take on balance vs. working your passion, and chasing your dreams?

Balance comes with sacrifice. So the real problem is exactly what and how much you're willing to sacrifice to find balance. You can't have one without the other. I've learned nothing can really get in the way (permanently). There are always road blocks, but there are also always alternate routes. Apart of accomplishing the goal of living in your passion, you learn the most by the road blocks and mistakes. These minor changes will always alter balance, and throughout the course of one's journey there will always be moments where you have to pause and reevaluate things for balance sake. Expect the unexpected, always weigh potential downfall, and work harder when they come-because they will. In the end, is it all worth being passionate for what you believe in?- ABSOLUTELY...it makes success that much sweeter!

5. Why fashion? (What does fashion mean to you?) Are you a fan of the industry, if so what designers inspire you?

I've always love color, and patterns, and creating things myself. In high school I was known for my style and was always dressed up. I wanted to be a fashion designer because I love creating things myself. There's an indescribable thrill that comes with wearing things I've created- kind of like feeling on top of the world (at least I think I am). I figured my reviews from friends and family were enough to feel the rest of the world would find interest in my style to- so Sani Auri by Carmen Veal was born!

I'm a fan of fashion- not a fan of the industry. Can't have one without the other though so I accept it. When it comes to fashion designers, I'm a bit untraditional in sense. I love Michael Kors accessory line and love Betsey Johnson's funky patterned styles. I love some of one thing and dislike others. Which is also a benefit to being a designer- I know what I like so I make it myself?

6. We often say that Entrepreneurs don’t have the luxury of time, we have to learn quickly. Can you tell us what’s the most important business lesson that you’ve learned thus far?

This is beyond true- time to me is a luxury I don’t have enough of but I make the best of it. Like now, I'm completing this interview at 3 am. I mentioned earlier that I work best over night. My mind is clear and less crowded with the active world's demands.

The one absolute necessity that I will recommend to everyone is ORGANIZATION. I'm still transitioning into this process (it is INDEED a process) but a very rewarding one. Knowing where everything is when you need it cuts off the time wasted actually looking for it. Knowing what's next and being able to adjust smoothly when life gets in the way of your plans. This relates back to my take on balance- find it with time by organizing every aspect of your life.

7. Now your BODYCON dresses, are getting rave reviews nationwide from (from men and women). Where did the idea come from, and what’s next for Sani Auri?

Ahhhh-the bodycon dresses! They are truly a site to see and my most innovative idea yet. I offer custom designs to customer who more often than not, come to me with no idea of what they want. After shifting through these consults back to back over the year of 2010-2011, I decided to create a dress system. One that offers color options, style option, length option- the makeup of the perfect dress. Of all the traditional collections I've created, the bodycon dresses are my biggest hit. I get such an alarming response from customers and supporters.

What's next for Sani Auri is more bodycon dresses of course! The system doesn't end- it keeps going, and going. Expect more styles, colors, and lengths very soon! I have a photo shoot set in the next few weeks with all new bodycons that are sure to continue grabbing attention of both men and women!

8. We’re all about motivation here, what would you say to someone that says they don’t have the time to launch their business or chase their dreams?

They're not that serious and/ready to launch their business or chase their dream. A choice such as this can only come when you're mind and body is in sync with your life. Being mentally stable and self driven were keys to my decision to venture out on my own. Before that time, it was just a distant dream- one I only lived through in my head. It wasn't until I found myself that I was able to realize what was really holding me back-myself. Everyone matures at different ages, but recognizing what is going on in your life can help that happen much sooner than later. When I say mature I don’t necessarily mean you're childish or malicious (unless of course this applies), I mean you haven't reach your fullest potential that is a trigger to realizing your worth. Mental, physical, and spiritual stability.

9. One of the biggest success principles is to give back, and you actively practice that principle, tell us about your non-profit: Hope for Autism?


Hope 4 Autism is my baby! I founded H4A two years ago this month. We're a 501 c 3 organization offering financial assistance, advocate services, support groups and awareness to children diagnosed with Autism, their families, and the community. My love for this organization roots at the center of my universe. It sits at my heart, right along with my faith in God. My daughter, Sania, was diagnosed with this condition for a reason. My life changed once we received it, it became more meaningful. Sania's condition taught me patience, love, & understanding, and it exposed my heart to feelings I never knew existed. After fighting it and denial I realized there was a greater purpose. I founded Hope 4 Autism to be an aide and inspiration to others in the same situation. To share my story and help others through theirs. I recently discovered at my most recent parent support group I facilitate monthly, the parent’s struggles and challenges are therapeutic to me. I'm giving them guidance, but they're giving me trust and that makes me feel complete.

10. What inspires you to “HUSTLE HARDER”

Going to bed feeling accomplished, smiling from a hard day’s work of doing what I love, and waking up knowing I get to fulfill yet another day of obligation doing just the same. Every minute of every day I'm reminded of what I love, the more I see it, the harder I work for it. I oftentimes say 'Love what you do. Do what you love.' This small statement holds a world of sentimental value to me. If defines my passion, drive, and dedication down to a science!

11. Tell everyone where they can find you online:

For Sani Auri- www.carmenveal.com/www.saniauri.com Twitter @CarmenVeal & @Saniauri Facebook/CarmenVeal

For Hope 4 Autism, Inc - www.hope4autism.org Twitter @hope4autisminc Facebook/Hope4Autism

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7 Qualities that make it IMPOSSIBLE to fail!

The best part about being a student of personal growth, and being in the constant pursuit of greater success, is that there are or (always should be) notes to refer to. Last year at a sales training class I presented what I am going to share with you in the following paragraphs. Now as always, I truly believe that there are several principles, laws, and rules that can guide you to success, so I dare not act as if these are the “end all-be all” to you and your business. Rather you are an author, salesmen, designer, speaker, or a chef, beginning or well established, the 7 qualities that you will read here will absolutely help your business grow.
While typing this, I’ve realized that 8 days have already passed in 2012, and you know we like to say that entrepreneurs don’t have the luxury of time, so before I share these 7 qualities with you, I want you to ask yourself; “WHAT HAVE I DONE SO FAR THIS YEAR WITH THE 192 HOURS THAT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN” Not asking to make anyone feel bad, or put any pressure on you, but truly if we want to get where we said we would this year, we have to start IMMEDIATELY. Okay, enough suspense, I know you’re over there yelling at your screen, (or at least thinking in your head) “C’MON MAN, WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES” so…here we go..

1. Be Unconditionally Committed: Simply put, if it’s for you, it’s for you. There will be times in your business where not only people will doubt you, but you might even doubt yourself. But you have to be married to your business (not that Kardashian kind either!! –cheap shot, I know…sorry!) But when I say unconditionally committed, I mean working on you, and your business should be as automatic as brushing your teeth in the morning. You can’t give in to the time traps of being busy, not feeling well, etc. Wal-Mart is open for business 24/7 and you should be too. Be ready to pitch, ready to sell, and most importantly be ready to work longer than you anticipated. Quick example: Sylvester Stallone was unconditionally committed to his Rocky script, so much that he sold his dog for $50.00 and turned down over 100k offers that didn’t allow him to play the main character. After literally HUNDREDS OF NO’s, he got his yes.
2. You Cannot Be Emotionally Attached To Yes or No: I know this one is easier said than done, but I equate this to a hall of fame baseball player. *STAY WITH ME* a hall of famer in baseball typically has a batting average of at least .300 which means that 7 out of 10 times that it’s his turn to hit, he gets OUT! No homerun, no base hit…OUT! But 3 times, he gets a hit! What if you approached your business the same way? Countless entrepreneurs and sales people quit before they ever get their 8th,9th and 10th no! If you really want it, embrace the NO it’s simply part of the game.
3. Discipline and Consistency: These are like a muscle to me. Especially if you’re just starting out. Developing self discipline, and consistency aren’t necessarily easy to do, but that’s why it’s important to do what you love, so that it won’t feel like work. If you still have a day job, try to pick days of the week after work that you are committed to working on your business. An additional suggestion is to have an accountability partner, someone that knows your daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals, and checks in to make sure that you get them done.
4. Posture: This isn’t about standing or sitting up straight. Posture is the way you walk into the room, the way you command the right kind of attention, and how people view you. I like to call it a perfect blend of quiet confidence and laser focus. Imagine Donald Trump, Sean Combs, or even a Sara Blakely (FOUNDER OF SPANX) walking into the room, they know what they know, and they are absolutely great at what they do. There is a sense of “who is that” in the air. There are 2 definite things people will always do: Be attracted to success, and treat you the exact way that you present yourself. Have posture.
5. Willingness to fail: Similar to quality #2, being willing to fail in business means that you know its business, not personal. When you learned how to ride a bike, you were subconsciously willing to fail…BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T FOCUS ON FALLING, you focused on learning how to ride the bike. I know it sounds elementary, but success isn’t hard, following the principles that get you there is the part that discourages most. I beg you, to be okay with failing, just make sure you fail forward. I suggest that you document the perceived failures, and take maybe 5-10 minutes to analyze where you can improve.
6. Courage through the storm: The courage to keep going, this doesn’t mean that I want you to necessarily endure blow after blow after blow. No one wants to be a punching bag, but know that sometimes it will get worse before it gets better, hey even diamonds have to get pounded, stomped, burned, cut and all that stuff, but once it’s done… they’re the most beautiful stone on earth. Courage comes with knowing WHY you’re doing something. Who’s depending on you, why do you work so hard, what is the pot of preverbal gold that you’re chasing, and what does it mean to you?
7. Be a student of YOUR game: Consistently study your industry. Years ago, I knew several people that were earning well into the 6 and almost 7 figure incomes as real estate loan officers. They weren’t necessarily good at what they did, they were just in the right place at the right time, however when the market turned, they lost everything. They weren’t students of the game, and hadn’t studied the cyclical nature of the industry and consequently lost the very homes that the industry allowed them to buy. Your industry is bound to change, stay on top of it’s history, trends, and how it can affect your business. It’s not about right now, it’s about next quarter, next year, and 5 years from now.

Okay, that’s enough to read for now, but guys I absolutely believe that if you can adopt these 7 qualities, your businesses will never be the same. As a matter of fact, these aren’t just business principles, try applying them to your personal lives and relationships as well.

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HUSTLE HARDER-Top 3 "To Do's" for 2012

As much as I tried to fight it off, I just couldn’t do it. There was almost an attack on 4 out of my 5 senses, and I tried my absolute best to keep all of the remarks, the insight, the opinions that I had inside… but I broke, and what you are about to read is the result of YEARS of watching, listening, and most importantly watching again. So what is it that I can’t take anymore, what drove me over the preverbal edge? NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS.

I’m not talking about the regular “I’m going to lose weight” or “I’m going back to school”, this is of course, catered to the entrepreneurs, and the things that people are telling you to do with your business. For once, I took the “average route”, logged onto Google and typed in something similar to resolutions for entrepreneurs and I couldn’t believe the lists that popped up, I’ll share some of them in no particular order: (along with my opinion of them of course)
1. Go Small: ( I guess they mean “do more with less, stretch your resources…okay fine if it makes sense why not)
2. Go Mobile: (What serious entrepreneur HASN’T ALREADY gone mobile? Most smart phones now almost eliminate the need for a laptop…almost)
3. Go Local: (*blank stare* -as opposed to what? Starting a brand new company in a place you’ve never heard of, with people you don’t know? Still scratching my head on this one)
4. Learn to delegate: (Now this one I like, at some point in the growth of your business, you’ll have to realize that you can’t do everything, so yes…learn to delegate)
5. Expand your customer touch points: use more social media-( HELLO!!! In this day and age, how can you be serious about your business without using the bare minimum of twitter and facebook, I’m convinced this one was a joke)
6. Refresh your website: (if needed okay, sure a fresh look never hurt anyone)
7. Encourage feedback: Most entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and general humans, only encourage POSITIVE FEEDBACK, but I’m here to tell you, if you don’t encourage feedback in general, your business will remain stagnant, and quite possibly regress. Grow thick skin!
8. Obsess about your business: REALLY? (I promise I’ll calm down, but this was literally a suggestion. Listen, if you don’t bleed your business, STOP NOW!

Can you hear me breathing deeply in semi disgust? This was supposed to be a top ten list, but I refuse to do that to you. I just can’t believe that these were the top results on the internet when the average public searched for help. Either someone out there is extremely out of touch, or they are underestimating what people really need to get going, and thrive in their businesses. Please understand that I’m not attempting to say that what I’m going to offer up is the “end all-be all” or that it’s the best advice that’s out there for you. But I will say that this is one of the most sincere posts I’ve ever written, and without these 3 things, it will be IMPOSSIBLE to grow.

I want to share 3 things for new and existing entrepreneurs to implement NOW, or next year, whenever you’re ready. Like the lists above, I’ll add in a little reasoning to go along with what made the HUSTLE HARDER TOP 3 “TO DO’s for 2012.

1. WORK BACKWARDS- Simply means begin with the end in mind, you’ve heard this before probably, but a prime example is to set a goal for the entire year, maybe it’s revenue, or a pin level (for my friends in network marketing) then simply separate that yearly goal into smaller quarterly goals. It doesn’t stop there, separate the quarterly goals into weekly goals. Doing this allows you to have several smaller targets to hit on your way to success, as well as celebrate some “wins” along the way. Additionally, this method will help you manage AND measure your activity on the way to your yearly goal.
2. STUDY YOUR INDUSTRY- There’s a saying that I heard a while back, and it’s stuck with me, one of the main reasons that I read so much, it goes something like this: “Your income growth, will never be more than your personal growth”. That being said, I suggest that you look up the top 5 books relating to your industry, and read them. It doesn’t matter if it’s an actual person that is successful, or a business, but find them, and read them. (Personal favorite: The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz).
3. COLLABORATE- Find out what goes well with your industry, and reach out to someone in that industry and work on a project together remember spider webs catch more than mouse traps by this I mean, if you build a strong network, there’s a better chance of getting referrals out of the blue that ADD to your business, than finding new business on your own. Think about it ladies, have you ever asked someone where they got their hair done? Where they got their boots? BUILD YOUR NETWORK, AND GET REFERRALS!!

Okay, this one has been long enough, so I’ll wrap it up. The main point that I want to drive home guys is that ENTREPRENEURS DON’T HAVE THE LUXURY OF TIME, so I don’t want you to rob yourself of valuable time by setting goals that are “common sense” in retrospect. The difference in your accomplishments from 2011 to 2012 for the vast majority will be based simply on game planning work ethic, it’s all about execution. Remember, don’t wait until new years to have resolve. The change can happen anytime!

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THE FIRST GRAY HAIR

Okay, I know what you’re thinking, and yes you’re right. As much as I’ve never given it a first, second or third thought, it finally came. Life’s most gruesome, evil, forsaken, telling mark of age… my first grey hair. Sure, I went through all the stages, denial, maybe I’m stressed etc, but much more quickly than I’d imagine in retrospect, it didn’t cause the reaction most would think.

I didn’t flip out, I didn’t go on a mad treasure hunt trying to figure out if anymore were coming. For me, the first grey hair wasn’t as much as an alarm as it was a reminder…maybe even a stopwatch. If you know me at all, you know that I’m a sports guy, namely NFL and track and field. The reason I say it’s a stopwatch, is because most athletes don’t use a stopwatch to “countdown” per say, they use them to measure speed, accuracy, and improvement. Okay, okay… back to the grey hair, what I realized is that we don’t have the luxury of time when it comes to chasing our dreams and goals.

I began to think about what I’ve accomplished in life thus far…any self respecting entrepreneur would say it’s not enough, but in the same breath, I’m absolutely grateful for where I am, and what’s on the horizon. In my official effort to give grey hairs a perception makeover…Ask yourself these questions…

1. Have I truly made good use of the time that I’ve been given?
2. When I procrastinate, is there really a good reason?
3. Where would I/we be if I’d saw that one thing through, or not given up so early?

Although we’re all guilty of procrastination in some way, shape or form, nothing is worse than telling yourself flat out excuses (which are nothing more than well planned lies.) How many times have you said “Next year, I’ll definitely get it done, or “As soon as things settle down, it will be easier”, or maybe you just tell yourself “It’s just too late”.
All of these excuses run congruently, it’s kind of like the lie you tell yourself about running a stop sign. If it’s not a complete stop, it’s a roll. Accept it, deal with it, just hope you don’t get caught! However in life, for everything that you don’t give the extra effort for you not only get caught, you get penalized.

Think about it, how many times have you known that you should have done something as simple as changing the oil in your car, and not gotten it done? Only to talk about how “crooked” the mechanic is when he tells you how much it costs to replace your engine. You get the idea.
The reason I’m writing this is to invite you to look at your first grey hair, (or the 6th, 7th or 19 grey hairs that you have) as the starting gun to get things done. It’s clear that time isn’t on our side, so we have to make the most of what we have.

Top 5 things to do:
1. Take inventory of all the projects you’ve always wanted to do
2. Take inventory of the “reasons” that you haven’t done them
3. Prioritize (quickest gratification, sense of accomplishment
4. Plan of action
5. Be Accountable- now that you have a grey hair… how much will you get done, (be it little or whatever) before you find the next one, the next 5…

I can see now, that in the interest and utter respect for your time, this may have to be a 2-part series…but one thing is for sure, Grey hairs don’t come by themselves, and they typically don’t stop coming…why not make sure we have something to show for them. OH! and No!, I'm not telling you where it was!!!

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He Came... He Saw... He PLAYD- Meet Anthony Frasier the Co-Founder of PLAYD

I have to be completely honest, when I contacted Mr. Anthony Frasier after watching him on the Soledad O’Brien show, I told myself: he’s swamped, and probably too busy to respond. In the back of my head, I heard my mentor tell me “Chuck, the only person that ever loses by NOT asking is YOU. At that moment, I decided to start my research on Mr. Frasier and “PLAYD”. And yet from the moment Mr. Frasier responded, I knew that this would be one of the most influential conversations that I’ve EVER had.

All the questions were lined up, the call was scheduled, but I had NO IDEA what I was in for. The amount of passion, knowledge, excitement, insight, and depth that Anthony possesses makes it absolutely easy to understand why he is literally taking Silicon Valley by storm. This 30 minute interview that you’re about to listen to, in my opinion is the equivalent of YEARS of experience, all gift wrapped for the entrepreneur that is waiting to be uncovered, or polished within you.

We could talk about the pages of notes that were taken during this interview; we could talk about how openly Anthony discusses his journey to success and the hurdles and challenges that lie ahead of him. We could even talk about how this co-founder of PLAYD relates exactly to where you are in your life right now!. But we’d only be talking; let’s listen to this powerful man instead.

**As always, if you find the contents of this blog helpful or inspiring, we ask that you share the page with your network, and leave a comment so we know what it is you're looking for and how we can help**

She’s a Happy, Healthy, LifeGiver: Ms. Tunya Griffin

There’s a saying that motivated me for several years now, and it goes as follows “We all have a story to tell, we just have to earn the right to tell it”. That statement doesn’t mean that your story isn’t WORTH telling, it simply means that you have to create a platform, so that people will WANT to listen to your story. And my guest this week Ms. Tunya Griffin, has done just that. Dubbed The Happy and Healthy LifeGiver, Tunya has taken on the tall task of helping women everywhere discover and unleash the power that is within them.
She had gone the traditional route, you know what they say, go to school, get a good education, and find a good job. After receiving her degree, and a having a GREAT sales career, Tunya realized that there was something bigger than herself that she had to accomplish, and I PROMISE YOU, that the nuggets of pure wisdom that she shares in this interview will help you unleash your power, and find your purpose as well.

Now I have to admit, that I get excited every time I have a successful mind that I can learn from, and trade ideas with, but the pure honesty and sincerity that I heard in Tunya’s voice has definitely changed the game and “raised the ante” in terms of the Women Who Win Series. Like the other mentally strong, business savvy ladies that have been on this month, Tunya blends her life experiences, business mindset, and unmatched passion to the table every day as she chases, accomplishes, and resets her dreams. She is a mentor, author, and national speaker, and I believe that if you listen clearly, you will hear why the sky is the limit for Ms. Tunya Griffin and anyone fortunate enough to be involved with her projects. Listen closely to the HUSTLE HARDER mindset of The Happy, Healthy, LifeGiver; Ms. Tunya Griffin.

**As always, if you find the contents of this blog helpful or inspiring, we ask that you share the page with your network, and leave a comment so we know what it is you're looking for and how we can help**

How do you BRAND YOUR BUSINESS? just ask Aniesia Williams and The Beleza Group -

I'm so happy that we're still doing the WOMAN WHO WIN series, because without it, we would have never tried to define the word FAVOR.
But of course, we did and here is what we found.
fa·vor (fey-ver)
1. The state of being approved or held in high regard:
2. Excessive kindness or unfair partiality; preferential treatment:

It only takes seconds to speak with The Beleza Groups’ Aniesia Williams, to understand why people lovingly refer to her as “Ms. Favor”. Her kind hearted spirit and fun loving personality are only a small part of the formula that makes this BRAND MANAGEMENT professional Successful. When you listen to this interview, our wish is that you pick up on every single nugget of success, and wealth principle that Ms. Williams lays out. Maybe you’ll learn how important it is to have people around you that support your vision or maybe you’ll understand that you cannot ever be afraid to step out on faith. But I guarantee that there is something in this interview for everyone.

The opportunities that have come her way are not to be overlooked, Aniesia and The Beleza Group have a unique, and extremely effective business model that allows her to leverage more than her personal marketing, they receive “FAVOR” with a consistent, and growing customer base that are searching them out by name. When I asked her how she did it, she simply said: “I know WHO I am, and I know WHO’S-I am. In this interview, Aniesia doesn’t hold back a single drop on what it takes to succeed in an industry where there is an ever growing amount of competition and more importantly, she sincerely and effectively shares some powerful LIFE PRINCIPLES that you can implement IMMEDIATELY to jumpstart your process to chasing your dreams. Aniesia Williams is definitely a WOMAN WHO WINS and every bit of what it means mentally, and professionally to HUSTLE HARDER. Enjoy the interview!!!

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IT'S SUMMER TIME!! -Why the sun is shining for one budding entrepreneur...

Ladies and Gentlemen, when I tell you that YOU ATTRACT WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT, I can’t possibly be telling you anything that is MORE TRUE! The last time around we talked about managing your time effectively, and protecting your time vs. hidden distractions. Well if you log onto my next guest’s website, the first thing that you see is “Time is Money; learn how I can save you both!” What an opening statement, most would say that’s a big bet, putting all your chips on the table and saying “YES, I CAN DO IT FOR YOU”…I LOVE THE STRENGTH, and when Summer Alexander says she can do it, I believe her.
There is something about positive energy, it always attracts great things. From the moment I was introduced to Ms. Summer Alexander, I have to say that her energy is absolutely contagious. She is so much more than an entrepreneur; she is a complete professional who humbly goes about helping others create what I like to call a “BUSINESS BULLS-EYE” for their respective businesses. Mrs. Alexander is the owner of Summers Research, and as much as I want to tell you EVERYTHING ABOUT HER, there’s no need for me to steal her thunder. She is a WOMAN WHO WINS...LITERALLY.
As you listen to this interview, I strongly encourage you to take notes, listen to the passion, the pure honesty, and conviction that Ms. Summer Alexander has about where she is in life, and where she is in her business. Find out where you can relate to Summer’s story, because I guarantee that not only is Summer an inspiration waiting to be realized, she is a Woman who wins, and the true definition of #HUSTLEHARDER

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FUNNY HOW TIME FLIES!

The best part about personal development for me has got to be the reading. Rather it’s being introduced to “the secret” or practicing the principles of money, there is always a golden nugget of knowledge waiting to either be discovered, or remind you of what it takes to get you to the next level of success. While shuffling through my notes, thoughts, ideas and all the other “light bulbs” and “what if’s” in my mind this past week, one topic stood out so clearly that it all but literally slapped me in the face…TIME MANAGEMENT.
Don’t worry, we’re not about to talk about the literal map out your day to the minute type stuff, this is more of a “yellow light” if you will to all of the entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs to be out there. The goal here is to give you a few warning signs of some of the hidden time stealers, and maybe a suggestion or two on how to avoid and recover from them. First let’s talk about the time stealer that kills most businesses before they even start:
MENTALLY BUSY: Everyone with a burning desire falls into this category, but I want to poke my network marketing friends and brand new entrepreneurs in the arm on this one. Just because you want to win so bad that you can taste it, see it, feel it and all that, doesn’t mean you actually have it just yet. You still have to go out and physically do the work. I’ve wrestled this bear first hand guys, and know that if you don’t identify that you’re only mentally busy, you will grow to hate the opportunity that you have in front of you. Not because the opportunity is wrong, or didn’t produce the results you wished for, but because you spent more time thinking of how to do it, when to do it, what it would be like, etc…than actually physically doing anything. I personally feel that being mentally busy is the most dangerous of all time stealers. Whatever you think of more than likely will produce an emotional reaction, and if you measure all that you’ve been thinking about vs. the results that inactivity produces, you’ll start to put more pressure on yourself.

SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME PLANNING: Be honest, how many of us have had the perfect idea, the perfect addition, event, or next step to our businesses, only to have it waiting for the next 5 months because you’ve been “planning”, or you want it to be “just right?”. Don’t get me wrong, you always want to map things out and line up your eggs. But I want to tell you now; there is ABSOLUTELY NO SUCH THING as the perfect time to launch. The money may never be right, the kids will never be “all taken care of” and your customers WON’T HAVE MORE MONEY AFTER TAXES! (Sorry, I personally hate that one)- sidebar: your customers more than likely have already decided what they will spend their refund on well before they even file their taxes). Okay, now that I’ve gotten that out, I encourage us all to get started faster. Whatever the next step is, don’t let it fall victim to the excuse of it’s not the right time, only to fool yourself by hiding behind the planning button. The world has been robbed of many a great book, business, invention, and all around influential people because they are still planning their next move.

HIDDEN DISTRACTIONS: This is going to be a bit of a different take on distractions. I’ve got to admit, that this entire section was inspired by someone I have a great deal of respect for Ms. Donna Krech. She talks about the “hidden distractions” being the things we don’t even pay attention to during the day. Hidden distractions are a gut check here’s why: 1. You don’t think of them as distractions, you think of them as things that are helping you. 2. Hidden distractions don’t take long to appear or even complete, its 2 minutes here, 45 seconds there, or even 15 minutes…that you know you’re going to spend 90 minutes away. 3. They steal time from everyone around you. What are these vicious, large toothed, red eyed evil hidden distractions? The things we love the most of course, technology, social media and television. I know I am probably just as much a culprit as anyone, so I won’t poke fingers, but if you could write down how much time you spend on social media pages, as great as they may be for your business, how much time have you spent with your iPod instead of meeting people that you commute with? And dare I ask how many “shows” are yours on television that seem to keep forgetting to send you YOUR check (get it: Your show, YOUR CHECK?). For those of us chasing our dreams with families, try to get what you need to get done as quickly and efficiently as possible, without compromising the product. Also try to carve out time where they know what you’ll be doing, and during that time, FOCUS, and get it done.
So, now it’s time to show all of you the clip that just set me all on fire again. Because she hit the nail so right on the head from the very first 45 seconds of this video, I know that some of you will find this video absolutely helpful. Donna Krech is a phenomenal speaker that is actively in the business of helping people get better every day. I want you to enjoy this video as much as I have, and take it to heart throughout your day while you HUSTLEHARDER. I encourage some of us to start treating our time like we treat our money (protective) Some of us, should treat our time much better than we treat our money...maybe then money will be attracted to us.

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Part 3-Land On Your Feet

DID YOU SEE THAT! I know I get carried away with that video, so I’ll give you 2 minutes to watch it one more time! *impatiently waiting* ….Okay, time is up! Did you see that for the past 10 years Indy Car races have been decides by an average of 1.54 seconds? Yet the difference between in results for less than 2 seconds, is over half a million dollars, yes OVER $500.000.00. What I want to make sure we notice is NOT that 2 seconds was the difference, that 2 seconds was decided in the plan, the preparation, the implementation, and the extra effort.
So let’s go over the steps before the “big finish”. First, we talked about having a dream. You have to have something to believe in, something that pushes you to keep going. Your dream should be strong enough to make you cry, it’s the reason why you even want to land on your feet. Second, you have to protect that dream. The one time that I’ll ever advise that you be reasonable when it pertains to your dreams, is that you realize that EVERYONE WILL NOT SUPPORT YOU. Sad, but true fact. Your friends and family may call it “protecting you” or “trying to help”; they may even call it “support” but know this: if it doesn’t add to your goal, and push you forward, it’s against you plain and simple. Now, let’s talk about step three.
Extra Effort.
The 212 degree video was first introduced to me years ago at a network marketing function where all of the top leaders were giving motivational talks about what it takes to get to the top. None of us were allowed to tell the others what we were going speak on, and when the gentlemen played that video, my life changed. Maybe it was the atmosphere, maybe it was the video itself, but if you really watch it, and if it’s your time, it will tell you that there is always more that we can do. Now because I could write forever on this topic, I’ll break down 3 or 4 of my top bullet points for EXTRA EFFORT.
1. Don’t take shortcuts. Rather it means delaying a launch, or paying a bit more for your product or service, or your research, don’t take shortcuts, it will always come back to bite you in the end (I almost said something else there!)
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. What I’ve noticed by countless entrepreneurs is that they are ashamed or to prideful to ask for help. Knowing that the definition of success is to find someone that has achieved what you want and duplicating their steps is proof positive that asking for help or assistance is an absolute must. There are some bumps on the head that you just don’t have to take. The reason we network is not to “protect our business from someone that might steal our idea” it’s to GAIN RESOURCES” so they can HELP YOU and vice versa.
3. Don’t be afraid to fail. I had to learn, and in all honesty, I’m still learning that failure isn’t an end point. Failure is just traffic on the road to success, it’s a process. Think about it; have you ever packed up for a road trip and decided to leave in the middle of the night so that you could avoid traffic? An hour into the trip and you’re at a standstill, what do you do? Do you get off the freeway and go home? Or do you make the best of the time, until YOUR LANE OPENS UP, and keep going to your destination? Success is the same way.
It’s all about extra effort. My mentor tells me all the time to play to my strengths, basically meaning that we can’t compare our failures to other people’s successes. All we have to do is stay in our lane and outwork the competition. Extra effort is what keeps you up at night, it’s the pen you keep in your car just in case an idea hits, it’s the feeling in the pit of your stomach when things start to fall into place, it’s working the plan even when you don’t want to, and more importantly, extra effort is a belief in yourself that you DESERVE the results that you’re chasing. It’s not about who believes in you, it’s about believing in your potential, and your destiny. #HUSTLEHARDER

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SEAN WRIGHT stops by to HUSTLE HARDER

One of the most impactful lines that I’ve heard this year came out of this interview, paraphrasing Author Sean Wright said “If God gives you a talent, and you don’t use it…. How can you possibly expect to be blessed? Now normally I’d let you guys sit on that one for a minute, but this interview was just too much fun to keep you in suspense. My good friend Sean’s new book “A GANGSTER’S MELODY” is flying off of the “e-shelves” and in this interview you’ll learn how he was able to not only turn obstacles into success, but we’ll also learn how to accept success in different forms than we initially intended. Take a listen below!

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Part TWO!! LAND ON YOUR FEET

So there you have it: Protect your dreams. I hope the small clip of Will Smith as Chris Gardner from the movie “Pursuit of Happyness” was the kick in the pants we all needed. You have to have a dream. Face it, when everything is falling down around you, and the ground you’re standing on isn’t all that stable, besides your faith, the only thing that we can hold onto is our hope…our dream. Now if you’re anything like me you’re thinking to yourself wait, I’m flat broke, jobless and the business I want to start or just started is already at a standstill, and you want me to DREAM?

Absolutely that’s what I want you to do, DREAM BIGGER, FASTER! Without a dream, there’s nothing to keep you motivated. What I’ve learned over a number of years is that inspiration fades depending on the mood; however, true, sincere motivation is one of the most powerful weapons we will ever have when it comes to chasing our dreams and goals, more importantly it’s going to be THE KEY COMPONENT to rather or not you’re able to land on your feet. There is no dream that you’ve ever had that you are incapable of achieving, (what the mind can conceive it can achieve). The fact that you even want to start your own business, do something different with your job, or go in a different direction in any aspect of your life, is proof positive that you are able to do it. Think about it, man wanted a better way to get around, out comes the wheel, the wheel wasn’t working on its own…attach it to a horse, the horse isn’t fast enough, create an engine, engine doesn’t work fast enough, give the engine WINGS! I’m getting a little carried away here, but you get the point right? I always say that the fact that you can complain about ANYTHING, simply means that you are able to do something about it. Have you ever heard anyone complain about gravity? Unless they’re involved with N.A.S.A, probably not! Because it’s accepted that you can’t fight gravity, but if you hate where you are in life you can change it. If you hate balancing the checkbook, because you know it’s never going to TRULY break even (no matter when you get paid again…) YOU CAN MAKE MORE MONEY. If you’re at a job that you hate, you can get a new job, new relationship, or whatever is that you want, you can do it.

I’ll never forget I was speaking with world renowned speaker Mr. Les Brown a few years back at a training seminar that I was fortunate enough to qualify to attend, and he told me that people are so busy trying to make ends meet, that they never realize they are called ENDS. Ends never meet by definition. That small statement changed my life. Remember I had less than 1,000.00 dollars in the bank, and the walls were caving in on me. At that point, all I had was my dreams. Between my dreams and a verse from the best-selling book on earth (Proverbs 18:16) I knew that I could crawl out of this whole. At that point, I realized that success isn’t always about us; it’s about people that depend on US to get it right. Now of course there’s more that I’ll elaborate on soon, but I knew my gift. Now I just had to plan it out. Some of us have gotten so comfortable with that “one thing” that we are GREAT at, that we don’t realize it may be the purpose for our lives, the way out financially. Our gifts aren’t going to do it by themselves though, so I’ll leave you with another clip (prelude to part 3) it’s pretty obvious, but see if you can pick up what step #3 is to “Landing on Your Feet” It’s one of my all time favorites, because they spell it out so specifically. Enjoy!

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Land on Your Feet Pt 1

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you were bored at work? Your dream business that you launched wasn’t taking off the way you planned? Or maybe you have them both staring at you, out of work, and no business to even speak of? That feeling of incompleteness, that same feeling of immense void, or personal failure is exactly what led me to open up the laptop and start typing away. I’ve had the privilege of being personal friends with multi-millionaire's, interviewed and chatted with CEO’s, mentored, and been mentored by some of the best entrepreneurs around, and I’ve helped first time job seekers land their first job, and help others re-enter the workforce or get promotions. In each and every one of those scenarios, there was a consistent question that the millionaire’s, CEO’s, job seeker’s and entrepreneurs all had in common: “WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE”?

Truth be told that’s exactly where I found myself. My business wasn’t growing as quickly as I’d needed it to (married with children depending on me) I wasn’t working, and like most of us, THE HOUSE NOTE/RENT, and the rest of Murphy’s Law, was staring me in the face with not even the slightest of smiles. Now there were all kinds of ideas in my mind about how to fix this mountain of an issue, but I didn’t know where to start, I didn’t know who to ask, and even worse, couldn’t bear the thought of admitting any of this to my wife. Now maybe you are the wife reading this, in which case I apologize now! I’d like to speak for men everywhere when I say, I’m not nonchalant, I just didn’t know what to say, and admitting that as the head of the household, I literally have no clue…well, let’s just say it’s harder than failure itself. No one should ever be able to put more pressure on you than you put on yourself, because to be successful at anything you have to expect success. If you expect something to happen, no one else should be able to expect it more than you. Now I don’t know if it’s an ego thing, or just plain ignoring the signs that were all around me, but I figured that I had a pretty good handle on things, even though I obviously didn’t. Let’s be butt naked clear about this thing; at my lowest point, I had less than $300.00 in our joint account, less than $1000.00 in our retirement account, and only one income coming in with daycare, groceries, household priorities, and oh yeah, let’s not forget THE ROOF! We have to pay for that too right? So how on earth did we I get here?

There's definitely more to this story, but sticking with the title of "Landing on Your feet, I want to leave you with this clip below as the first hint or clue of what it will take to land on your feet. If you really truly watch this clip, and listen to the message that that I found within this scene, you will at the least have the fuse in your hand...Next we'll have to talk about how to light it!

**As always, if you find the contents of this blog helpful or inspiring, we ask that you share the page with your network, and leave a comment so we know what it is you're looking for and how we can help**

-HUSTLEHARDER