I now write with that sense of urgency to get what’s inside of me ….I write because I have learned from the mistakes and mishaps of others.
I Write Because….
I Write Because….
Tag: personal-development
Boost Book Sales This Holiday Season: Strategies for Authors
Writing a book without promoting it is like waving to someone in a dark room. You know what you have done but nobody else does ~ Madi Pred
Publish and Run? ️Books don’t just sell themselves, authors promote and readers read, review and recommend.
Join us to learn tips to Get your book noticed—and sold—this holiday season! At this event, authors will learn practical strategies to refresh their brand, promote their books, and connect with readers during the busiest shopping time of the year. Whether you’re self-published or traditionally published, you’ll leave with actionable tips to increase visibility, drive holiday sales, and make your book a perfect gift pick!
Facilitated by Dr. Shelly Cameron, President of Writers Group of South Florida
🗓️Saturday, September 6th
11:00am – 12:30 pm
💳Hosted by:
WEST REGIONAL LIBRARY
8601 W. Broward Blvd,
Plantation FL 33324
®️Register on Broward Public Library
Or Use QR code
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August Birthday Celebration: Gifts of Personal Growth
Growth is the best gift you can give yourself
August birth month celebration because Growth is the best gift you can give yourself. August is my birth month – and that means YOU get the presents! Whether you’re a past client, a friend, or someone ready to take your next big step, here’s how you can join the celebration.
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5 Leadership Lessons from Great Teachers
Dead Poets Society
Clarity builds trust and momentum
Summer is almost over and it’s time to make all those back-to-school plans. As we make those plans, lets pause for a minute. Think of a teacher or two who made a difference in your life. Personally, as I age, I think about those teaching experiences and the effect they had on my leadership journey. As I look back, I think of society’s great teachers like Erin Gruwell, Maria Montessori, and the fictional Mr. Keating (Dead Poets Society).
Here are 5 lessons leaders can learn from great teachers.
1.Clarity is Powerful
Teachers break down complex topics into simple, digestible pieces.
Leaders must do the same—clearly communicate vision, expectations, and feedback so everyone understands what success looks like.
Lesson: Say less, mean more. Clarity builds trust and momentum.
2. Patience Enables Progress
Teachers know learning takes time and that growth isn’t always linear.
Leaders should extend grace and patience during times of transition, failure, or new learning curves—whether with teams or themselves.
Lesson: Progress often looks like repetition before results.
3. Individual Strengths Matter
Great teachers recognize that not every student learns the same way.
Great leaders acknowledge that not every employee works, leads, or grows the same. They tailor support, roles, and recognition accordingly.
Lesson: Personalize your leadership to bring out the best in each person.
4. Structure Creates Freedom
Teachers use routines and structure to create a safe space for creativity and exploration.
Leaders who implement clear systems give their teams the confidence and autonomy to take initiative.
Lesson: Strong frameworks unlock innovative thinking.
5. Passion Inspires Performance
Teachers who genuinely care spark curiosity and motivation.
Leaders who lead with purpose, authenticity, and heart cultivate higher engagement and loyalty.
Lesson: When you model passion, people give their best
As school begins its opening session, the road becomes a task / lesson plan in and of itself. What are your thoughts on the top five lessons? Anything missing that you would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear.
Don’t forget to connect if you would like to discuss your own leadership growth journey.
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What’s The Perfect Door Prize? 21 Gift Ideas for Networking Events That Shine
Show up. Let yourself be seen. ~Brene Brown
What’s a networking event without door prizes? Boring (smile). So, event organizers encourage gifts. They are a simple yet powerful way to boost engagement, excitement, and attendance at networking events. They create a sense of the anticipation and fun, making the event more memorable for participants. Door prizes also encourage people to arrive on time, stay longer, and interact more freely with others. Besides entertainment, they offer a subtle marketing opportunity for sponsors, hosts, or businesses to showcase their products or services in a positive light.
The PSL Business Club asked the question: “What is the Perfect door prize to give away at networking events?” Members chimed in. Some suggested giving what you would like to receive. Others suggested giving away high-end gifts that will make you the talk of the event. Gift these over several periods and you’re sure to leave a lasting memory. Here I share key gift ideas extracted as members chimed in.
Gifts That Shine
- Wellness bundle energy drinks
- Journal, fun pen, small devotional or motivational card set
- Cute mugs which says “let’s connect over coffee”
- Pair a small gift care ($10-$15) with a handwritten note or business card enclosing a product sample
- Branded item that’s actually helpful
- Gift cards to local restaurants.
- Something useful like Coffee gift cards
- Wine or Vodka
- Dark chocolate and a gift card or voucher to try branded services
- Cool shirt
- Stanley or Yeti cup
- Gift baskets
- Branded swag bundle from the host company
- Branded items or one/two from local businesses or gift certificates
- Candy
- Homemade cookies
- Hand-painted items
- Chocolates from a chocolatier
- Beach accessories
- Fun items that’s non-business related
- Dot card… to make sharing information easier at networking event
High-End Gifts
Higher end gifts creates a lasting memory of your brand. Such gifts are:
- Massage or Spa packages
- Weekend getaway at hotel
- Dinner for two at a high-end/classy restaurant
- Tickets to a concert/play
There you have it! Here’s hoping it takes the guess work out of your gift giving when attending your next event.
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The Story Behind Success Strategies (And What’s Coming Next …
I love to write! It’s a passion that began during my primary education years. I reflect on those early years. Back then, my uncle (an educator and school principal), would gift me with a book on birthdays and Christmas holidays. This was his custom instead of the usual and more preferential ‘toys’. Though disappointed then, I would dive into the books reading for hours.
As life progressed and blogging became a thing, I created my first blog A Moment With Shells in 2010. Later, on completion on my postgraduate education, I formalized this blog titled Successful Leaders to share my passion. It focused on empowering developing leaders through personal growth, leadership development, and success strategies.
That was a over a decade ago. Funny how time flies when you’re having fun!
Here’s an overview of my efforts to create articles, writings, or gleanings. The idea was to uplift, encourage subscribers and visitors under the headings listed.
Goal Setting & Achievement
The blog emphasizes the importance of setting clear, actionable goals. It encourages readers to commit to their objectives, keep them visible, and seek accountability to stay on track. Inspirational quotes from figures like Jim Rohn and Tony Robbins are used to motivate readers to design their own life plans and persist in their pursuits.
Discovering Purpose & Passion
Articles guide readers in uncovering their life purpose by reflecting on personal experiences, childhood interests, and unique talents. Techniques such as visualization, journaling, and seeking feedback from friends are recommended to help individuals find fulfillment and direction.
Stress Management & Work Life Balance
The website offers strategies for managing stress and achieving a healthy work-life balance. It highlights the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, seeking professional support, and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being.
Embracing Change & Personal Growth
Recognizing when it’s time for change is a recurring theme. Writings discuss signs that indicate the need for a new direction and encourages readers to take proactive steps toward personal development. It also emphasizes the courage required to make significant life changes.
Writing, Publishing & Legacy Building
For aspiring authors, the site provides insights into the publishing process, including self-publishing and audiobook production. It also encourages writers to reflect on their life experiences and consider the legacy they wish to leave through their work.
Overall, Successful Leaders serves as a resource for individuals seeking inspiration and practical advice on personal development, leadership, career change and achieving success in various aspects of life.
Subscribe Now! Get on Board
Subscribe to keep updated on upcoming new and exciting developments. Have you been a follower? If so, how long and how have you benefited? Do share, we would love to hear!
Cheers!
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Just Stuff …
S T U F F
Stuff. Just stuff. Oh how we accumulate stuff. Meryl Streete in the movie “The Devil Wears Prada“, went on a tirade lecturing fellow actress Anne Hathaway when she snickered that the colors were the same. Naturally they weren’t.
As I reflected, I met a woman who per chance argued that we spend so much time in our lives acquiring ‘stuff’. I smiled.
As life transitions, we even pay for the stuff that we accumulate and don’t have room for. Whether it’s downsizing, relocating elsewhere with less space, we end up storing more and more of our ‘stuff’. Storage spaces make thousands of dollars annually storing our stuff while increasing costs intermittently through the year. We complain, object but still grudgingly pay because our stuff is important to us.
Goodwill, the Salvation Army and other places exist for us to give away our stuff. Our precious stuff. Is there an end in sight? Why not create a journal with ideas on how to really downsize. Then use bags to purge, donate or keep.
What are your thoughts on accumulating things, then paying to store them. Do share, we would love to hear.
Cheers!
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What Are You Doing With The Rest of Your Life?
Are you content with simply sitting on the sidelines and shaking your head, wringing your hands, because you know that this world could be a better one. ~Dr. Delores Smiley
What if you are no longer in the midst of corporate America because you have earned the opportunity to retire from the 9:00 to 5:00 daily work routine and you are still adjusting to time on hand?
What if you have discovered that you now have the time to pull out and work on those projects that you wanted to develop but just could never quite eek out that extra time to devote to them?
What if you are no longer needed to babysit the grandkids because along the way they have become adults and are busy with their own lives?
What if you have lost your companion and you are still making the adjustment of life without that special someone that completed your being for so many years?
What if you are not so settled that you have become complacent about the world that’s spinning around you?
What if you want to still make a contribution of service in whatever form but just don’t know how to go about doing that?
What if you could affect a positive change to make the tomorrows for society more pleasant, peaceful, and loveable?
Are you content with simply sitting on the sidelines and shaking your head, wringing your hands, because you know that this world could be a better one?
Are you concerned about the legacy that you are leaving to your family, to your community, to your world?
Are you afraid of the unknown or will you be a brave soul to believe and act on the fact that you have what it takes to make change?
I believe that you are out there and you would like nothing better than to discuss and develop a world that addresses hate, lack of leadership, the activation of moral and ethical behavior and saying to the world—we can be better.
This platform is a perfect way to get this started. I am willing to hear you, to grow with you and to look for that better tomorrow—together. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Written by Dr. Delores Smiley
Subscribe to her channel on substack
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Life Or Lipstick?
You are just one decision from a totally different life. ~Wilfred A. Peterson
Life or lipstick? Silly question. I was driving when I looked in the mirror and saw ‘dry lips’. If you know me well, I don’t like to go anywhere without my lipstick or some color on my lips.
Immediately I began rummaging in my handbag. One hand on the steering wheel and the other attempting to do a deep dive (women’s handbag).
Suddenly I realized my foolery and said to myself life or lipstick? That immediately put things in perspective.
Haven’t we all made some decisions that when we look back at the short term benefits did not make any sense?
Sometimes you make the right decision. Sometimes you make the decision, right. ~ Phillip C. McGraw
Life Choices
- Why would I choose lipstick over my life?
- Why would you quit a job without having another source of income?
- Why would you stay in a relationship that’s harmful? After all you’re not even married?
- Why would you start a business without a plan? Without capital?
- Why would your health not be considered during food consumption
We could go on and on. Let’s choose to be wise about the decisions we make and their effect on life.
The quality of your life is built on the quality of your decisions
Have an important decision to make? Think it over closely. Weigh the pros and cons. Talk it over with a confidante or leadership coach.
Cheers!
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The Power of the In-Between: Leading Through Life’s Transitions
Sometimes God brings times of transition to create transformation. ~Lynn Cowell
Transition is not a sign that something’s gone wrong.
It’s often a sign that something deeply right is trying to emerge.
Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, stepping into leadership, returning to yourself after raising children, grieving a loss, starting over, or simply outgrowing who you used to be — you are not lost.
You are in motion.
And motion is sacred.
Transitions Aren’t Detours
So many of us have been taught to treat transitions like detours. Inconveniences. Delays.
But in my experience — and maybe in yours too — transitions are not detours. They are invitations.
Invitations to pause.
To listen.
To lead our lives more deliberately.
There’s a quote I love:
Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried but actually you’ve been planted
So if you’re feeling buried right now — by uncertainty, or fear, or change — know this:
You’re not stuck.
You’re becoming.
Whether it’s career change, motherhood, empty nesting, loss, or reinvention — transitions are not delays. They’re sacred invitations to pause, realign, and step into something deeper.
Who You Are Becoming is Just as Important as What You’re Doing
Our default in transition is to rush into action.
Update the resume. Apply for roles. Rebrand the business. Hustle harder.
But what if the first step wasn’t “What should I do?”
What if it was: “Who am I becoming?”
Because clarity doesn’t come from more motion.
It comes from alignment. From asking:
- What do I no longer want to carry?
- What am I being called to step into?
- What version of me is ready to emerge?
This is your opportunity to shape your next self, not just your next job title, or business pivot, or life chapter.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
One of the hardest things about transitions? They can feel so lonely.
Especially for women who are used to being the strong ones, the fixers, the go-to for everyone else.
But here’s what I want to say to you today:
You are not alone. And you’re not the only one feeling “in between.”
Let this season be one where you ask for help.
Where you find community.
Where you give yourself permission to rebuild — slowly, honestly, bravely.
Because you don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.
You just have to decide you’re worth the becoming.
Wrapping it Up
So if you’re in transition today — good.
It means you’re alive.
It means something inside you is shifting. Growing. Healing.
Honor that.
You don’t need to go back to who you were.
You are being invited to rise into who you’re becoming.
And I promise — she is worth the wait.
Going through a transition and feeling confused? Let’s connect
Cheers!
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Top 8 Audiobook Publishers You Should Know
Listening to the dulcet tones of a familiar voice is an appealing way to work our way through those books we’ve always meant to get around to, but haven’t.– Clare Thorp
You have written your book! Took it a step further and did the audiobook. Now what do you do? How do you get it into the hands of listeners? The options listed may help.
1. Audible (an Amazon company)
- What they do: Industry leader in audiobook publishing and distribution.
- Also produces: Audible Originals (exclusive content).
- Website: audible.com
2. Tantor Media
- What they do: Full-service audiobook publisher with a wide range of genres.
- Known for: High-quality production and professional narration.
- Website: tantor.com
3. Podium Audio
- Focus: Sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller genres.
- Notable for: Discovering and promoting indie authors with huge success (e.g., The Martian by Andy Weir).
- Website: podiumaudio.com
4. RBmedia
- What they do: One of the largest audiobook publishers globally.
- Imprints include: Recorded Books, HighBridge Audio, Tantor Media, and more.
- Website: rbmediaglobal.com
5. Dreamscape Media
- What they do: Audiobook production and publishing for libraries, retail, and direct sales.
- Also handles: Distribution to major platforms like Audible, Hoopla, OverDrive.
- Website: dreamscapepublishing.com
🧰 Self-Publishing & Hybrid Options
6. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)
- Owned by: Amazon (works with Audible and iTunes).
- For: Authors and publishers to create and distribute audiobooks.
- Website: acx.com
7. Findaway Voices (by Spotify)
- What they do: Allows authors to produce and distribute audiobooks across 40+ platforms (including Audible, Apple Books, Google, etc.).
- Website: findawayvoices.com
8. Author’s Republic
- What they do: Distribute audiobooks globally with easy access for self-published authors.
- Website: authorsrepublic.com
Questions to Consider
Consider these questions before you make your selection.
- Is the audiobook already recorded, or do you need help with narration/production? (e.g., voice talent, editing, mastering, etc.)
- Are you looking to self-publish, or are you open to working with a publisher?
- What is your target audience and platform preference? e.g., Audible, Spotify, Apple Books, libraries, global reach, etc.)
- Do you want control over pricing and rights, or are you okay with royalty splits?
- What’s the genre or focus of the content?
- (e.g., business, leadership, fiction, memoir, etc.)
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Setting Boundaries: A Key to Work-Life Balance
SAY NO
Stop asking why they keep doing it and start asking why you keep allowing it.
Setting boundaries involves defining expectations and limits in relationship (Positive Psychology). Here are 5 characteristics to help balance your work/ life.
1. Self-Care Prioritization
- Regular exercise
- Quality sleep
- Healthy nutrition
- Meditation/stress management techniques
2. Boundaries Setting
- Clear work-life separation
- Learning to say no
- Limiting overtime
- Scheduling personal time
3. Professional Support
- Discuss workload with supervisor
- Seek workplace accommodations
- Consider professional counseling
- Join support groups
4. Mental Reset Techniques
- Take regular breaks
- Practice mindfulness
- Use vacation days
- Pursue hobbies outside work
5. Systematic Recovery
- Identify stress triggers
- Develop coping strategies
- Regular mental health check-ins
- Gradual lifestyle adjustments
Here’s hoping these tips will help you achieve your work / life balance goals.
