entrepreneurs – Success Strategies

Top 4 Strategies To Combat Mid-Life Crisis At 40

“Turn your midlife crisis to your own advantage by making it a time for renewal of your body and mind, rather than stand by helplessly and watch them decline.” – Jane Brody

Many fall into a state of wonder and shock as they approach midlife. Alas even before at age 30 changers are experiencing alarm. Questions reign as they look back. Am I where I want to be? What should I do to achieve? And many more.

Here are four (4) strategies that can prove valuable as you approach midlife:

1.Career Evaluation

Evaluate your career satisfaction and alignment with personal values
Consider whether a career change or advancement is necessary for fulfillment

2.Financial Planning

Reassess financial goals and create a long-term financial plan
Consider investments, savings and retirement accounts

3.Personal Relationships

Nurture and strengthen personal relationships
Evaluate the impact of relationships on overall happiness and well-being

Mid-life Learning

Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and personal growth
Explore new hobbies or interests that bring joy and fulfillment

Forget Extroverts! Ambiverts Make Great Entrepreneurs

A person whose personality has a balance of extrovert and introvert features.

In a world of entrepreneurs, networking is key to land those great opportunities. The introvert just wants to stand in a corner and watch others while waiting for the event to end. Extroverts go wild, walking around, meeting and greeting others and frown when the event ends. Then there are the Ambiverts who possess a unique blend of strengths that allow them to navigate a variety of social and professional situations with ease. Wow to the ideal.

Here are the top strengths of the Ambivert:

Adapt between Different Environments

One of their key strengths lies in their ability to adapt to different environments. Ambiverts are comfortable in both introverted and extroverted settings, enabling them to connect with a diverse range of individuals and build strong relationships.

Balanced Communication

Ambiverts exudes a balanced approach to communication. They are adept at both listening attentively and expressing themselves effectively, making them valuable collaborators and team members. This versatility allows ambiverts to excel in roles that require effective communication and interpersonal skills.

High Emotional Intelligence

Ambiverts possess a high degree of emotional intelligence. They are attuned to the needs and feelings of others, which enables them to navigate social dynamics with empathy and understanding. This makes them effective leaders, as they can inspire and motivate others while also fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Weaknesses of an Ambivert

Ambiverts may also face certain challenges. Here are a few potential weaknesses:

Difficulty with Decision-Making: Ambiverts may struggle with decision-making due to their tendency to weigh both introverted and extroverted perspectives. This can lead to indecisiveness or hesitation in taking action.
Balancing Social Needs: Ambiverts may find it challenging to balance their need for social interaction with their need for solitude. They may feel torn between wanting to engage with others and seeking time alone to recharge, which can lead to feelings of inconsistency or restlessness.
Overwhelmed by Social Demands: Ambiverts may become overwhelmed by social demands if they are unable to establish clear boundaries. They may feel pressure to continuously switch between socializing and solitary activities, leading to exhaustion or burnout.
Difficulty Establishing Identity: Ambiverts may struggle with establishing a clear sense of identity, as they may not fully align with either introverted or extroverted traits. This ambiguity can sometimes lead to feelings of self-doubt or confusion about their place in social or professional settings.
Potential for Misunderstanding: Ambiverts’ ability to adapt to different social situations may sometimes be misinterpreted as inconsistency or unpredictability by others. This can lead to misunderstandings or difficulty forming deeper connections with others.
Tendency to Overextend: Due to their ability to engage in both introverted and extroverted activities, ambiverts may sometimes overextend themselves by taking on too many commitments. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm or difficulty maintaining work-life balance.

There you have it. Which trait do you identify with – introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? Do share, we would love to hear.

Cheers!

Helpful Strategies For 30-Year-Olds Experiencing Life-Crisis …

By the age of twenty, you know you’re not going to be a rock star. By twenty-five, you know you’re not going to be a dentist or any kind of professional. And by thirty, darkness starts moving in- you wonder if you’re ever going to be fulfilled, let alone wealthy and successful. By thirty-five, you know, basically, what you’re going to be doing for the rest of your life, and you become resigned to your fate…
Doug Couplan

Anthony felt like Doug’s quote when he cried out for help. It seems like doomsday to him. We began chatting with the goal to put some things in place because all is not lost.

For those turning age 30 and feel alone as if they’re fighting to achieve their dreams, this is the stage where you should be self-reflecting, skill evaluating, engaging in healthy habits and networking. Here each point is explained.

Self-Reflection:
- Reflect on your achievements and experiences so far.
- Identify personal and professional goals for the next decade.
Skill Enhancement:
- Assess your skillset and consider acquiring new skills.
- Explore educational opportunities or certifications that align with your career goals.
Healthy Habits:
- Establish and prioritize healthy lifestyle habits.
- Focus on physical and mental well-being to set a foundation for the future.
Networking:
- Build and strengthen professional networks.
- Seek mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals in your field.

Are you age 30 and experiencing any of these signs? You may also have already turned 30 and have lots to share about your journey. Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Tips To Plan A Day trip

Sometimes you just need to getaway! To rejuvenate, chill, relax and spend some me time.

Here’s Samantha’s tips to plan that perfect Day Trip. Don’t delay. Do it soon. Life’s too short to live stressed out.

How to Plan a Day Trip

Excellence In Public Service Award …

This award for Excellence in Public Service took me by complete surprise! It’s such an honor to be recognized for the work done in our communities at home and abroad.

Hmmm… 🤔 as I wondered why, it caused deep reflect…

As an author of several books, the topic of leadership, success and its impact on America and the contribution of successful Caribbean American immigrants (eg Colin Powell) in media, politics, education, aviation, entertainment, intrigued me. As such I invested years interviewing top leaders in organizations. That research has been a valuable Coaching resource that helped inspire, motivate and empower aspiring leaders.

I reflect on my work within pharmaceuticals, healthcare and the hospitality industry with HR Leaders where I spent a decade contributing to bold initiatives that made a positive impact on organizational leaders through identifying speakers making vast change to society.

I also pondered my work with the Institute of CAribbean Studies in Washington, DC through the platform of White House champion of change Dr Claire and Dr Nsombi, I invested time to lead a team to find talented individuals under 30 years old, making outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship… essentially rising stars who at a young age have impacted our wider society in their communities. Over the years since the 30 Under 30 program’s inception, many have gone on to do great things.

Let me not forget my involvement in ministry, where I have also written books on encouragement, worked on health fairs, Coached career development, traveled globally to speak on personal development and its impact on leaders afar.

Yes, as I look back, I am pleased and humbly accept this distinguished award from the Writers of Color, South Florida. A Group led by Dr. Ralph Hogges, Dr. Benjamin Cowins and Dr. Delores Smiley.

Cheers to fellow colleagues Dr Susan Davis and Dr Thea White for your partnership.

Service is in my DNA. I will continue.

One love

10 Investment Strategies For New Entrepreneurs On A Tight Budget

Don’t get distracted. Never tell yourself that you need to be the biggest brand in the whole world. Start by working on what you need at the present moment and then what you need to do tomorrow. So, set yourself manageable targets.
Jas Bagniewski

20% of new startups fail within the first year of business. This can be scary for first time entrepreneurs. So, the more prepared small businesses are, the more they can survive especially as it concerns making bold marketing steps which require some upfront investment. That said, here are some ideas to counteract those costs for a new business owner on a tight budget:

Leverage free platforms – For example, start a free blog, post on LinkedIn, use free webinar services, publish a podcast using free hosting.

2. Barter services – Exchange things like hosting an event or providing content in return for exposure from partnerships.

4.Get sponsorships – Seek sponsorships from vendors/partners to help fund events, ads, giveaways. Offer sponsor visibility.

5. Use DIY options – Design your own simple website, create your own flyers, give free talks at local libraries versus paid venues.

6. Offer packages – Offer bundles and multi-session discounts to incentive larger purchases to increase revenue.

7.Be guest instead of host – Guest blog, speak at other events instead of funding your own. Reduces costs.

8. Tap into your network – Ask connections to share content, provide referrals, submit testimonials, write guest posts.

9. Focus locally first – Start by promoting heavily just within your local community to establish proof of concept.

10. Only invest where needed – Don’t overspend on unnecessary items. Prioritize money only where it will derive direct value.

Essentially, the goal is to maximize existing free resources and opportunities where you can exchange services. The aim is to become creative in order to access cost-effective resources until you gain proof of return on investment, then you can increase spending.

Which of the methods have you used? Can you add another method that has proven helpful? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Book Festival And Writers Conference

15 Steps To The Ideal Career For The New Ambitious Professional …

Natalie, a frustrated high school graduate, had been in and out of jobs for four years after graduating high school. She was referred for coaching because she was annoyed at the way employers treated her and she refused to accept it. The lack of income did not help as she needed to meet her needs.

This situation is common among young adults who are in the early stages of their career and ‘waiting’ for their ideal job (and yessss among others with years of experience too). The 15 Strategies listed can be adapted to secure employment, gain valuable experience and bring you closer to your ideal career.

Career Goals: 15 Steps To Success

1. Apply For Entry-Level Positions

Target entry-level positions in your field of interest.
Look for internships, apprenticeships, or part-time positions to gain hands-on experience.

2. Enhance Your Resume

Highlight relevant skills, coursework, and any extracurricular activities.
Tailor your resume for each application to match the specific job requirements.

3. Networking

Attend industry events, workshops, and networking mixers.
Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and engage in conversations.

4. Online Job Platforms

Explore job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and company websites.
Set up job alerts to receive notifications for relevant positions.

5. Temporary Work or Freelancing

Consider taking temporary positions or freelancing opportunities to build your skills and network.
Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can be good for freelancing gigs.

6. Professional Development

Take online courses or certifications to enhance your skills.
Mention ongoing learning initiatives on your resume to showcase your commitment to personal and professional development.

7. Volunteer Work

Offer your time to non-profit organizations or community projects.
Volunteering can provide valuable experience and demonstrate your dedication.

8. Informational Interviews

Reach out to professionals in your field for informational interviews.
Gather insights, seek advice, and express your eagerness to learn from their experiences.

9. Create Online Portfolio

Build an online portfolio showcasing your projects, coursework, or any freelance work.
Include a link to your portfolio on your resume and LinkedIn profile

10. Skill Development

Identify skills in demand within your industry and work on acquiring them.
Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare offer a variety of courses.

11. Professional Social Media Presence

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional.
Share relevant content and engage with professionals in your field.

12. Industry Research

Stay informed about trends and changes in your desired industry.
Use this knowledge to tailor your applications and interviews.

13. Career Counseling Services

Seek guidance from career counseling services offered by educational institutions or career centers.
They can provide insights into job opportunities and help you refine your career goals.

14. Participate in Job Fairs

Attend job fairs, both virtual and in-person, to connect with employers and explore potential opportunities.

15. Soft Skills Development

Work on developing essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
These skills are often highly valued by employers.

Remember, the job search process can take time, and being open to various opportunities can lead to unexpected but valuable experiences. Stay persistent, connect with a coach, maintain a positive attitude, and continuously refine your approach based on feedback and experiences.

Cheers to a revealing journey of learning!

Waiting For The Next

Some sit in silence

Waiting for death

Then a day passes.

Then a week, month, a year

And before we know it,

A decade has passed by

In a flash

Young, old, sick, depressed

Sit silently, waiting

Time passes while we wait on life for the perfect life

Don’t wait I say.

Get out there

Do something

No matter your age, status or health

Just do something

Don’t wait

The perfect life doesn’t exist

Why Focus On The Future?

Focus on The Future

Living In The Past. Looking Through The Rear View Mirror…

5-Day Road Trip Plan To Captiva Island

Wander. Get lost on an intriguing Road Trip. Discover the new.
~Dr Shelly

Stone building designer Chrissy dreamt of getting away. She was exhausted. We connected. She was open to whatever plan I could come up with. It was awhile since she took a work break. Quickly I planned a getaway to Captiva Island, Florida. Here I share.

5-Day Getaway Plan

Day 1:
Road trip to Captiva
Lunch at Wicked Wings, a low-keyed hole in the wall pub that satisfies starving travelers before hitting the road to their final destination

Day 2:
Relax in the Sun, Sand, Sea engulfed in a delightful adventure riding the waves

Day 3:
Spa Day – Body massage, Facial, Mani and Pedi, a sure rejuvenation for the exhausted

Day 4
Shopping and Late dinner at the Harbor Side Bar and Grill

Day 5
Early morning beach wet. Late breakfast followed by reluctant afternoon drive back to the fast life.

Where’s your favorite getaway space? Do share. We would love to hear!

Cheers!

Future Thinking …

Focus on the Future

If you want the present to be different from the past, study the past.
Baruch Spinoza

The question was asked “Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?” Here I share.

To shape the future, it requires focus to navigate the journey ahead. Looking back on the past is important to assess how far you have come. To be more clear, it is important to keep score. Looking back on the past year(s) help you to analyze your successes as well as those areas requiring possible improvement. At times there may be the need to make a u-turn.

It’s like sitting an exam. You reflect on the theoretical steps applied combined with the practical to gain the learning. Then sit the exam and receive a pass or ‘fail’. You then analyze next steps. You may need to resit the exam or some persons may choose to do a total revamp to make that giant leap towards achieving their goal.

Here’s hoping you will understand the need to look back to get ahead.

Cheers!