Tag: bloggers

Book Talk Shares Business Tips For Caribbean Americans …

Where there’s purpose, there’s meaning. Reflecting on my Book Talk on Caribbean Americans and the Excerpt from Caribbean National Weekly Newspaper.

“Entering the business world in American can be a hard task when you’re a Caribbean immigrant, from navigating a new culture of commerce, to establishing your own value in the marketplace. Addressing this tricky quagmire, African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) hosted Dr. Shelly Cameron as she discussed her book, “Success Strategies of Caribbean American Leaders.”

The talk, explored strategies on how to be successful, inspired by effective traits from Caribbean-American business leaders, from the challenges they encountered after migration, to the factors that most influenced their success.

The project, said author Dr. Cameron, was inspired by the familiar confusion over “why some immigrants are successful yet others are still struggling?”

The book breaks down findings from a study at Nova Southeastern University, collaborating with successful Caribbean-Americans in the United States, who succeeded in business, media, healthcare, education, government, aviation, politics, and other fields.

Dr. Cameron hopes this book can help the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly minorities.

“I wanted to outline what the youth of America and ethnic minorities could learn from those who came before, who were born under similar circumstances as they were, and yet became successful,” said Dr. Cameron.

Cheers!

Brian Tracy’s If You Could Go Back And Change One Part Of Your Life, What Would It Be And Why?

If you could go back and change one part of your life, what would it be and why?

That’s the question renowned Motivational speaker Brian Tracy asked. Here I share excerpts as his audience chimed in their response.

Life Changes

  • I would change nothing. Without them I would not be who I am today. Both good and bad situations have shaped me to be this person in this way.
  • Overcoming needless fear
  • Getting married to my husband in the 20’s
  • Nothing, except for not having taken action earlier to start my online business
  • No way would I go back to ‘rethink’ the risks I’ve taken’ they are called risks for a reason. You must be ready to risk it for the biscuit
  • Being afraid to speak up
  • Give all the books that I read about wealth
  • Wish I never quit sports (still went to the gym, but quit football) right before turning 16. Lost a lot of social connection and overall fun
  • I would read more books at an early age
  • Wouldn’t change anything. Valuable lessons learned from every success and detour
  • If I could get a chance to go back in time I would have changed my mindset in my 10th class and think about changing and helping people lives especially children. Thinking towards their growth and success. Focusing on building more independent owners in life
  • Reading books and developing myself as a teenager before waiting until my late 20’s
  • Spiritual, because everything is derived from it
  • I was raised to be obedient – no questions asked. I would go back and rebel at things I knew wasn’t right for me even if I got punishment.
  • Nothing. All good things build on top of the past
  • The worst parts of my life are the parts that changed me the most today. I can tell you right now that if the singly worst thing that happened to me hadn’t happened, my husband and I wouldn’t be together. It’s not worth changing my past.
  • Stop partying years ago
  • If it meant I could have my son back who I lost about 22 years ago at the age of 17, I would roll back time and do things much differently as my entire perspective on life changed after losing and then surviving the loss of a child. Because that is not possible, I can say that the person I’ve become out of the ashes of horrible grief, despair and anger is someone that  I truly like when I look in a mirror
  • Taking better care of others and myself
  • I wouldn’t change a thing
  • Nothing

 

There you have it. Thoughts shared by the public. Are your thoughts the same? Would you change anything? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Goals: Accept No Excuses…

There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you are interested in something you do it when it is convenient. When you are committed, you accept no excuses… only results. ~Kenneth Blanchard

Travel: The 5 Benefits To Do It All Over Again But This Time For Pleasure…

To travel is to live

I was addicted to work. Call it a workaholic or whatever. I worked in the global pharmaceutical industry for a decade and more where I traveled extensively throughout the world including Latin America and the Caribbean. Those areas that I did not travel, I organized and sent teams to sales conventions. When I traveled I would go in on the first flight for a meeting, stay few days to a week then left on the last or first flight out to be back in the office the next day. Whew!

The Travel Bug

There’s now the tug at the heart that says hey…. it’s time to go! As Michael Palin said

Once the travel bug bites, there’s no known antidote

So yes… now I have decided to step out, travel to all these countries again … but this time for pleasure

Benefits Of Travel

So what can traveling do for you? Are there benefits? Here I share 5 reasons:

  1. Traveling helps us learn and experience different cultures.
  2. It helps to expand our view of how other people live.
  3. It opens our minds to different food.
  4. It allows us to expand our horizon.
  5. It’s uncomfortable. I’m talking delayed flights, lost luggage and more… all of which means discomfort. But that come with traveling. Then after, you gain the exhilarating discoveries, joys and comfort!

Today I urge you to make the decision. Follow your dreams. Travel….and while you’re at it, Plan other goals. Its totally exciting!

Cheers!

Take Time For You…

You’re the only you you’ve got

A member of the writers group and a university administrator complained of a tummy ache, and went to urgent care. She was then rushed to the emergency room. She died of a heart attack by morning.

Rest. Exercise. Smile Often

When the going gets tough, Do the best you can. Breathe. Don’t sweat it. Just take it easy on the job, studies or in relationships. Rest. Exercise. Smile often. Life’s too short.

Forget those who attempt to discourage. Some people are there just to test you. Don’t give the enemy a foot into your life.

Keep going. Take care of you.

Cheers!

Writers’ Writing Space To Write…

Write. Rewrite. When not writing or rewriting, read. I know of no shortcuts. 

~ Larry L. King

Where do I write? In a quiet place. A place where I can hear my thoughts, the stirrings of my heart, my soul. I write whenever it hits. I must stop, record, write. If I do not do so immediately…in a flash, it’s gone. So I have learnt to capture the words as they come. Anywhere, anytime, any how.

Writing Tools

The equipment I use for writing is anything (smile). When those inspiring writing moments come, I may grab my cellphone and write in notes. Sometimes, I write on paper if I can grab one quickly. So I keep notepads and notebooks all over. In my car, on my nightstand, the traditional desk, dining table, anywhere. I must capture those inspiring writing moments. Then when I am ready to publish my posts, I use my laptop. Sometimes I start in drafts in the App. But I usually prefer to post on my laptop since it offers the opportunity to edit, tag etc., which I find much easier. Yes, I know this can be done directly in the App but going the laptop route is my preference before publishing.

The Peace, Quiet, Serenity To Write

To write, all I need in a physical space is simply peace, quiet, and absolute serenity. That’s all. It could be in an airplane way up above the clouds, but for some reason it works. I sleep. I awake my mind is fresh, anew, and I write. I Know that serenity can even be found in a crowded space. A train, a plane, a park, an event that I’m allowed to people watch. To see and experience nature amidst the hustle and bustle of people everywhere. The only commonality is that no one can be speaking to me directly (or I won’t hear them or my thoughts (smile). Sounds poetic? Maybe it is. Writing is music to me.

At times we need community since we cannot exist alone. In other cases we simply cannot get the space to write in our own space and must getaway. If you feel that need, then join us in a weekend Getaway for 2 Days To Write Retreat with new and experienced authors. For sure you will find the space to write.

So write on writers!

Cheers!

Self-Care: The 4 Attributes…

Take care of you. A member of the writers group and a university administrator complained of a tummy ache, went to urgent care, then rushed to ER. She died of a heart attack by morning.

Take Care of You

Do your best. Breathe. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Just take it easy at work, school, home. Here are four (4) key attributes to sustain you:

  1. Diet. Eat well
  2. Exercise. It is beneficial to your life
  3. Rest. It’s not for the lazy
  4. Think Pure Thoughts

Reflections

So reflect on these four (4) attributes and make an effort to focus on those areas that you need to. Then make it a habit to smile often for it goes deep into your soul. It releases positive vibes. Forget haters. Some people are there just to test you. Don’t give the enemy a foot into your being because life’s too short to dwell on the bad.

Need help? Lets connect.

Cheers!

7 Cities For Writers To Perfect Their Craft…

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The creative creed that exists among writers is electrifying. Writers eat, sleep, and dream writing. Often they seek the space to write to satisfy their longing. Here I share 7 cities for writers for those who wish to slip away to the ideal place to perfect their craft.

  1. San Diego, California 
  2. Portland, Oregan
  3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  4. Boston, Massachusetts
  5. Seattle, Washington
  6. Asheville, North Carolina
  7. Chicago Illinois

Thinking of a shift for a year or two? Consider these cities and well, there’s always New York. They would be ideal. Any missing that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear!

Cheers!

 

 

 

Be Your True Authentic Self…

 

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else, is the greatest accomplishment. ~Waldo Emerson

Oprah Quits 60 Minutes hmm…why? The INC article captured my attention. Interest sparked because of the hundreds job hunting who consistently ask what aspect of their education and experiences they should omit from their resumes, or when completing job applications on websites. This question often comes from individuals who are looked at as ‘overqualified’.

Overqualified refers to having qualifications that exceed the requirements of a particular job

Job Search Caution

Do exercise caution when accepting jobs that fall below your experience level. So for example, if you are a Senior Marketing Manager in transition, be careful of accepting positions at a mid-junior level. The challenge… it can compromise your ability to get the right job that you are looking for. Similarly, if you have a degree that may not be applicable to a job that you are applying for, good resume writers will tell you to omit it (for now). However, how sad is that? You spent years studying as well as paid a vast amount of money to acquire your education, only for it to be shelved.

On the other hand, there may be circumstances that you cannot help which causes you to accept whatever opportunities come your way. But let it not be for long. Keep looking. Accept the opportunity and continue your search in order for you to get back to your appropriate level in good time.

Career Change?

If however, your plan is to change careers… due to your own personal situation such as being a new mom, furthering your education, or you just don’t want the responsibilities of a manager anymore, your choice may very well be that you want to work at a lower level. In such cases …it’s all good.  However, if you are trying to get back to your senior level, don’t wait too long. Hiring managers will be confused about the reason you are working at the lower level. It may compromise how you are perceived.

Conforming To Expectations

Naturally, some organizations wish to change you to conform to their expectations. You are expected to fit into a ‘box’ built by the organization. This was the case discussed in the article about Oprah. By any means, working with 60 Minutes would be a great opportunity… even for Oprah. But they were asking her to reduce herself from being who she was at heart. After many attempts to conform, she gave up. She walked away from the opportunity. Her decision? To stick to who she was.

The Moral Of This Quest

You too can do the same. The lucky organization that hires you will benefit from your critical thinking and other skills that you are sure to bring to the job if you work hard.

The Moral of this quest… when you are in need and can’t do any better, you may decide that you “gotta do what you’ve gotta do“. Oprah is a billionaire …and you are barely getting by. But the lesson here is to strive to be your one true authentic self.

Need help? Lets connect.

Cheers!

 

Writers Share 37 Funny Places To Do Book Signing….

After months, years or a decade of toil, you have finally finished your masterpiece! Yeaaa! Now onto  getting it out to the world. But where? How? Can you do it with a difference? In a writers forum the question was asked…

Where would be some funny places to do a book signing?

Here I share authors’ thoughts as they poured in their tales:

Funny Places For Book Launch

  1. Flea market
  2. The side of the road somewhere
  3. Ihop
  4. Outhouse line at the county fair
  5. Outside an Apple store
  6. 3D Theater
  7. Bluegrass Festival
  8. The Bathroom
  9. Carnival
  10. Chucky Cheese
  11. Beauty Salon
  12. Cemetery
  13. Hospital
  14. In the Bait shop at a local lake
  15. At a sign store
  16. At a winery
  17. Night club
  18. Funeral home
  19. Church
  20. County jail
  21. An organization for the blind
  22. High-end men’s clothing store
  23. McDonald’s
  24. Boxing gym
  25. Liquor store
  26. Laundromat
  27. Planned Parenthood
  28. An internet cafe
  29. A vet for a dog book
  30. At a book burning
  31. The stationary aisle at the local pharmacy
  32. In a kids backyard tree-house
  33. At the end of an obstacle course
  34. Under a mistletoe
  35. Bed, Bath & Beyond
  36. Aquarium
  37. Bowling alley

Yep, some of these are sure funny. But the thing is… it all depends on what your book is about. Your book’s theme can help your choice. For example if it’s about the story of dogs, then why not consider a veterinarian’s office. If it’s about building the perfect home, then Bed, Bath & Beyond will do.

So if you’re an author, go for it! Let your juices flow! Do the non-traditional. You and your guests will walk away with a smile. Any missing? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!