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.

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 

Achieve In Months What Might Take Years On Your Own …

Don’t let mental blocks control you. Set yourself free. Confront your fear and turn the mental blocks into building blocks.

Dr. Roopleen

Whether you feel stuck in your career, overwhelmed as a supervisor or simply want to maximize your performance, coaching could be the key to achieving in months what might take years alone. The top signs you will benefit from working with a coach are discussed in the video.

  • You feel stuck and unable to move forward.
  • You are struggling to Balance work, life and personal commitments.
  • You are in a Leadership role but feel out of your depth.
  • You are going through significant life or career transition.

Invest less than 10 minutes to watch this video and discover the power of coaching for yourself! The returns could change the trajectory of your personal and professional life.

9 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:

  1. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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!

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!

FWA Freedom To Read Books

As an author of several books in business, leadership, success and inspiration, I jump at author learning event opportunities.

As a member of the Florida writers association, this was no exception.

This year’s festival was filled with tons of learnings as Readers and Writers came together at FWA’s annual Sunshine State Book Festival held at #UF Gainesville, Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville

Met many new authors doing Big things! Discussions included Pulitzer Prize winner – Jack Davis on writing and publishing. Engaging panel discussion on Freedom to Read vs banned books, children’s book live presentations and more.

As my favorite quote says, writers write, readers read, together they are one.

Seek them out. Buy their books. Write reviews. Get consumed in reading no matter the genre.

Cheers!

12 Warning Signs You Might Need A Coach

The 12 warning signs you might need a coach a stellar Rachel Turner share. A list you would be mad to miss:

  1. You feel stuck.
    You feel stuck in your personal or professional life, unable to move forward.
  2. Lack of clarity.
    You’re unsure about your goals or next steps in life.
  3. Recurring negative patterns. 
    You notice repeating negative patterns in your behavior or relationships.
  4. Balance issues.
    You’re struggling to balance work, life, and personal commitments.
  5. Decision paralysis.
    Making decisions feels overwhelming or impossible.
  6. Low confidence.
    You often doubt yourself and your abilities.
  7. Communication challenges.
    You find it difficult to communicate effectively in personal or professional settings.
  8. Leadership struggles.
    You’re in a leadership role but feel out of your depth.
  9. Chronic stress.
    Managing stress has become increasingly challenging.
  10. Transitioning phases.
    You’re going through a significant life or career transition.
  11. Seeking growth.
    You’re eager for personal or professional growth but don’t know where to start.
  12. Lack of accountability.
    You find it hard to hold yourself accountable.

Here’s what a coach can do:

✨ Provide clarity in your chaos.
✨ Offer unbiased feedback.
✨ Help you identify and break negative patterns.
✨ Guide you through life’s transitions.
✨ Boost your decision-making skills.
✨ Elevate your leadership abilities.

Because sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your goals is you.

Jobs That Will Disappear In The Next Decade …

Things change. Nothing remains forever

As a leadership coach who has help many transition their careers in business and entrepreneurship, I was curious when I came across MSN’s Andrew Herring’s story on careers that will disappear in the next decade. Here I share.

Is Your Job On The List?

  1. Drivers. Not sure if I am ready to be driven around by driverless cars, but ready or not, it’s coming.
  2. Customer Service Reps were the ones we couldn’t live without. These days we have to since we cannot get a ‘human‘ on the phone. Besides, who wants to speak with anyone anyways in this text era?
  3. Factory workers. No surprise here considering automation.
  4. Travel Agents. They are more travel smart but airlines direct sales to our emails, we keep forgetting their value.
  5. Bank Tellers. Can’t recall the last time I went into a bank line. Drive through, online check negotiations and direct deposits from employers, this is believable.
  6. Proofreaders. I still like this especially as an author but lots of software available, so this is not so far-fetched.
  7. Receptionists. Wonder who will I see when I walk into brick-and-mortar businesses? Hotel check-ins, direct to agent services, I guess?
  8. Bookkeepers. Who uses them anyway when Ai keeps track and easily track expenses, reconcile and fast generate reports?
  9. Data Entry Clerks. Check what your phone scan feature can do. Yep, it can easily read handwriting and convert it into digital text. Absolutely convenient.
  10. Telemarketers. I think my 91-year-old uncle will miss answering the phone angrily. It seems the calls never stop these days.

So, there you have it. Ensure that the job of your dreams still exists before you invest in it. Otherwise, are there any jobs missing from the list? Or should any be removed? Please share. We would love to hear!

Cheers!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Coaching Gift Of Personal Growth

Ditch It: Professional Career Exit Plan

  • 6-8 Coaching Sessions
  • Goal Setting
  • Networking & Building Relationships
  • Skill & Knowledge Gap Analysis

In With the New: For The Newly Promoted Supervisor

  • 6-12 Personalized Leadership Sessions
  • Build Relationship
  • Address Workplace Challenges
  • Enhance Team Dynamics
  • Setting Goals
  • Leadership Development Support

Write that Book Aspiring Authors

  • 6-12 Sessions
  • The Writing & Publishing Process
  • Get it Done

🎁 WHY CHOOSE US: 🌟 Certified Master Coaches 📈 Proven track record 🤝 Tailored approach

Gift Coaching Certificate

Choosing any of these coaching programs will make a fantastic gift this holiday season and throughout the year. It’s the gift of personal Growth that lasts.

Need more information? Let’s connect

5 Points To Consider When Transitioning Into A New Career

11 Challenges Of First Time Supervisors …

Manage the Overwhelm

Janet was elated when she was promoted for her exceptional skills and expertise in performing her job. Within a few weeks she called expressing her frustration as she felt like an imposter. She was finding it difficult to handle the challenges of her new role.

Challenges and Problems New Supervisors Face

Here are some common problems and challenges new supervisors often face:

  1. Lack Authority -Promoted but struggle to influence former peers.
  2. Ineffective Delegation – New supervisors may want to prove themselves by doing it all without delegating. End up micromanaging or miss opportunities to empower their team.
  3. Poor Time Management – Often end up buried in daily tasks compromising productivity.
  4. Mishandling Performance – avoid difficult conversation or acting too aggressively to assert authority.
  5. Poor Communication skills -Giving direction or feedback is unclear, not listening or making assumptions.
  6. Maintaining friendships – Boundaries blur as new supervisors must now manage former co-workers who were friends.
  7. Lack of leadership training – often promoted without receiving adequate training.
  8. Unrealistic expectations – new supervisors may feel they know everything already or may want to quick-fix long standing issues quickly.
  9. Imposter syndrome – doubt their abilities, lack confidence, or feel underqualified.
  10. Stress and work/life balance – they become overwhelmed by the pressures of the responsibilities of the new role.
  11. Go it Alone – Does not seek help from a coach who can help them navigate the new role.

With proper mentoring, training, and experience over time, these common pitfalls can be overcome. Patience, self-awareness, and a learning mindset are key for successfully transitioning to supervisor.

Connect with a leadership coach who will help you confidentially maneuver the challenges of your new role.

Questions or need to add any missing challenge? Do share, we would be glad to hear.

Cheers!

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

2023 Holiday Gift Guide For Book Lovers …

Give the gift of insight, inspiration, and growth this holiday season! Delve into the world of leadership, self-discovery, inspiration and professional development with these curated books. Perfect for friends, family, or colleagues seeking to elevate their leadership skills and embark on a transformative journey. Click the Gift Guide, choose a book that sparks growth and ignites the potential within your loved ones this festive season!

Each Book link takes you directly to Amazon where you can buy, beautifully gift wrap and place under your well-lit sparkling Christmas tree. Voila! They’re thrilled!

Hope this guide has inspired your gift giving. E-books are perfect for last minute book shoppers. Grab copies for the perfect New Year’s gift. Oh, don’t forget to get a copy of my just released book RedLight: When God Says No which completes the GreenLight trilogy.

Can’t decide which to get? Let’s Connect!

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