Category: Business

#MustKnow, Business, Business, Uncategorized

New Year’s Resolutions: How About Now?

Sandré

Out with the old in with the NEW. Who says you have to wait until January 1st to switch things up or start “new year’s resolutions.” In fact, what better time than to start now. Dust that notebook off or purchase a new one. NOW is the time to write down our goals, our plan of action, and begin working towards manifesting them. It takes 21 days to form a habit. Do we really want to wait until the first of a new year to start working out, eating right, finishing a book, managing our finances correctly, ect…. again? Discipline is key! Do exactly what you said you were going to do, set deadlines, and DO share it with those who you KNOW will hold you accountable. My mentor always tells me, “never take on an assignment without creating a deadline.” I’ve honestly been applying this concept to areas in my life outside of work and it definitely has been contributing to my overall peace of mind and pushes me to accomplish small milestones. Did you know that according to studies only about 8% of people accomplish their dreams? That means 92% of us  leave this earth with unfinished dream related business, or without even going for them. Realistically, many of us will fall into the 92%, but God willing, you and I won’t, but that starts with decisions we make moving forward. Which percentage are you trying to fall under? Why wait to do tomorrow what you can do today.

Check these motivational videos out regarding discipline and goals!

Discipline

Goals

Business

Networking: Taking the initiative & Standing Out

Sandré

There’s so much more to networking than simply showing face. You went to the event, spoke to a few people, and even handed out a few business cards, now what? Networking is defined as the exchange or sharing of information and or experiences for professional or social purposes. However, in order to ensure we reap the most out of the networking seed sowed, we must be mindful, and in some ways even strategic, with our level of engagement and we must maintain contact! Think back on the last time you received a business card. Did you follow up with that individual? Did you thank him or her for their time and further inquire on what you two spoke about? Networking comes and can be executed in various forms.

Check out these tips to get the most out of networking opportunities. Furthermore, feel free drop a comment and share what networking strategies have worked for you.

1. Body language.

It matters. It’s a pretty big deal.

  • Be mindful of your posture, movement, and facial expressions.
  • Slight tip & or nod your head up and down to show that you are engaged and he or she has your full attention.
  • Make eye contact!
    • Remember, 3-5 seconds of eye contact then a quick look away rule of thumb. Avoid the awkward “staring into your soul” contact.

2. Listen. 

No, but really. Listen.

  • Take in the details. Never interrupt the guest. Then ask questions.
    • Networking with a stranger doesn’t always have to be a “selling myself” conversation. Sometimes we get so consumed with responding or getting that perfect answer out we don’t take everything in & fully listen.

Find a balance!

3. Ask questions.

No, but really. ASK questions.

  • Once the initial generic career related questions are covered, ask questions that will lead to knowing this individual on a deeper level.
    • Doing so leads to the possibility of discussing something that you two may relate on, which will make the conversation stand out and you being more memorable.

Network event?

4. Research & Prepare.

  • Find out what businesses are  sponsoring any part of the conference and get familiar with the key people.
    • I recommend having a list of at least 10 questions prepared or memorized.
    • Questions should be based on the theme of the event and the attending speakers.

5. Don’t gravitate towards people you may have come with or may already know.

 6. Follow Up & Follow through.

  • Always follow up after the initial conversation, respectfully no later than 48 hours.
    • Whether this be a quick email or Linkedin connect AND message thanking him or her for their time. Be sure to not only thank them for their time but to reflect on at least two points from the conversation.

7. Keep in touch!

  • Follow up after the follow up! Request an info session or to be put in contact with a friend or colleague.
  • Did you attend a meeting or training that reminded you of the conversation held with this person? Shoot him or her an email and tell them.

8. Business cards

  • Always keep a few personalized business cards on you.
  • Be sure to not only hand them out but take one from each person you speak to OR would like to speak to in the near future.

I’m sure we’ve all heard the saying, “it’s not what you know but who you know.” Correct! “Hey how are you?” or “Hope all is well” messages from time to time go a long way. Therefore, check in with people from time to time to maintain a connection. No one wants to hear you need a favor or job after years without contact.

The tips are endless. Be confident and bold when seeking out new connections and opportunities. Attend workshops, trainings open to the public, professional mingling events, and or community meetups with people who share a common interest as you. Check out this link for even more useful tips when networking.

Networking tips 101

 

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Fall Back and Spring Forward

shaniselene

As the mark to make a month slowly approaches since I’ve been on a social media hiatus, I’m sad to say that it’s coming to an end. I’d be lying if I said that waking up carefree and not having to check notifications, direct messages or insights hasn’t been refreshing to say the least. I’ve gained so much clarity on specific situations pertaining to business endeavors, business relationships, friendships, school and I’ve learned so much about myself.

Even though my desire to return to social media has dwindled, it’s imperative to my growth as an entrepreneur. I’ve been blessed to obtain additional clients from sharing my content online. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet like minded individuals in the same field.

The most challenging part about my break was accepting the fact that even though I confirmed my perception on this virtual world that we’re so engulfed in, which I already knew, I must admit that it has played an important part in allowing myself to see all of the positive aspects that people see in me. There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing that you can not only encourage, but influence others to be the best they can be, solely by being yourself.

Self awareness is one thing, but when you come to a sudden realization and everything starts coming together, it all makes sense. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, pressured, confused and what to find out the people who are truly in your corner, unplug from everyone and everything. When it’s time for you to make your return, you’ll come back recharged, refreshed and ready to conquer!

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Women to Know Wednesday: Black Woman Director Ava DuVernay

Sandré

Did you know Ava DuVernay is the first black woman to direct a $100 million dollar grossing film? Not only this, but it is said that she made color representation a priority during the casting of the film, A Wrinkle in Time. She was also the first black woman director to be nominated for a Golden Globe award for best director in 2014! California native, Long Beach to be exact, her filmmaking journey began while working in the film publicity and marketing realm. Ava attended UCLA where she double majored in English and African American studies. She eventually started her very own agency in 1999. DuVernay Agency specializes in movie marketing for African- American audiences.

The list of accolades and accomplishments does not begin nor stop at “A wrinkle in Time.” Ava has created and directed multiple documentaries and feature films. DuVernay was also the first African American women to win Sundance Film Festival’s dramatic competition directing award in 2012 for her second feature film “Middle of Nowhere.” She directed Hip Hop Artist Jay Z’s Family Feud music video and the 2010 Essence Music Fest’s 2-hour documentary. She is the creator of the tv series “Queen Sugar.” More recent upcoming projects include a TV movie titled Battle of Versailles, a historical drama TV series titled The Last Amazon for Atrium, a comedy series with Colin Kaepernick, which will focus on his high school life, and a CBS racial drama title Red Line, set to premiere 2019 just to name a FEW! DuVernay has and continues to accomplish so much, all the while making history and paving the pathway for more to come and be inspired. This is definitely a women to know and I encourage you to check out the following sites provided below: her official website and another article to take in more past and present events as well as more details on what this phenomenal women is accomplishing in the film industry.

AvaDuvernay.com

Biography

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Business, Business, Community

Women to know Wednesday: Dee- Ann Kentish Rogers

Sandré

Beauty standards being broken, one black woman at a time and I’m here for it! This past weekend, on July 14, Dee Ann Kentish- Rogers became the first black woman to be crowned Miss Universe Great Britain 2018. She competed in New Port Wales against 40 other women. Rogers, 25, will travel to the Philippines in December to compete at a chance to be crowned Miss Universe in the international Miss Universe pageant.

Dee- Ann was crowned Miss Anguilla 2017.  She is a Anguilla native and former heptathlon athlete (track and field related events). Due to a knee injury that led her to discontinue sports, she turned to pageant competitions full time. She is passionate about sports, feminism, the outdoors, and being a role model. This beauty embraces her dreadlocks and is brains as well! She has a degree in law from The University of Birmingham law school. Definitely a woman worth knowing.

dee ann

“I believe that this is the direction that the pageant has been going in for the last couple of years because Britain is a diverse nation, we are a multicultural society and it is time that diversity is seen on a stage where other young black girls and girls of all ethnicities can see that this is something for everybody not just some of us” –

Business, Community, Featured, Uncategorized

Women to know Wednesday: San Francisco Mayor, London Breed

Sandré

It’s never too late to speak on the accomplishment of a woman! On June 5th, San Francisco native London Breed made history as she is the first black woman to be elected as Mayor for the city of San Francisco, California. She attended the University of California Davis where she obtained her B.A in Political Science-Public Service, with a minor in African American Studies. Breed received her Masters in Public Administration (M.P.A) from the University of San Francisco. Breed’s history of taking on leadership roles runs deep. Prior to her election she served on San Francisco’s Redevelopment Agency Commission and the city’s Francisco Fire Commission. She also served as Executive Director for an art and theater related venue, African American Art & Culture Complex. In 2012 she was elected as city supervisor and in 2015 she became board president. The foundation of her political start you may ask? An internship under Mayor Willie Brown for the Office of Housing and Neighborhood services!

It’s said & proven that you have to work 10 times harder as woman of color to get where you want to be, success wise, at times. Finding that London Breed grew up in the city’s projects under her Grandma makes this story relatable, even more inspiring, and can serve as a reminder that we don’t have to finish where we started! We can do anything we set our mind to and nothing is out of reach for us!

 

“I never fathomed that someone with my background, who grew up where I grew up, could one day become Mayor of San Francisco. Today is a new day.”

-London Breed

 

 

LondonForMayor

Business, Careers, Community

Women to know Wednesday: Meet Michelle Welch

Sandré

What a time to be a fearless black woman! Meet Michelle Welch. A boss lady out of central Florida executing multiple ambitions as a single mom of two. She is the President and CEO of Queen Concept Group LLC. Owner and operator of her cleaning business “Queen Cleaning Concepts” and Founder of her Non- profit  “The Momtreprenuer network.” She was born in Trenton, New Jersey, but moved to Orlando at the age of 6. Michelle’s decision to walk away from Seminole State Community College after 2 years was intentional. However, this in no way, shape, or form meant that she was walking away from what she wanted for herself. For Ms. Welch, this decision was actually her walking towards her goals.

There’s a lot of pressure to get a degree, in order to get a job, in order to live a financially stable life. Why would you call it quits?

“School wasn’t for me. I was miserable in school. I grew up in an entrepreneur household. Mom is a hustle queen and father is encouraging. My parents owned their own cleaning company and a day care. They showed me you can get what you want, just work for it”

What role did having a supportive household play in your current success?

“This influenced me largely. It gave me a heart for business. I ran my mom’s business at 16. I Had my son at 19. My mom sold her daycare to be a stay at home grandma. That’s when I knew I didn’t want to work for people and wanted to build my own legacy.”

What was your journey leading up to starting your own cleaning business? What jobs or experiences did you gain that led up to this?

“I worked a lot of startup jobs. My first job was at a smoothie dessert shop. From there I worked a lot of hospitality- like jobs. I was a former project manager for a store and helped open one of its locations. They basically handed me $500,000 to get everything together. They had me doing a lot of things on a corporate level. I then worked for a lawyer who taught me how to form connections.These experiences made me further realize I want to run my own business.”

What made you specifically want to start a cleaning business?

“I wanted to start a business with minimal start up cost and something I could duplicate in other cities. I always knew how to clean. I told myself it’s super easy and you can make good money from it, but I then realized how hard it was. I don’t think people in this industry or janitors get enough respect or recognition. It’s hard work.”

Michelle is the mother of two adorable boys, Landon who is 5 and one-year old Trevor who just recently started walking! She proudly identifies with the term Momtrepenuer, a mom who is an entrepreneur. One of the things that make her story stand out and make it more inspiring is that she balances accomplishing entrepreneurial goals while being a single mom of two. Michelle was very transparent with the events leading up to motherhood. She shared that although her first born’s father was her high school sweetheart, the relationship became very toxic after the birth of their son.

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As you can imagine, we as women tend to think the worst about being a single mom. It’s usually not an intentional decision. What gave you the strength to end things despite not wanting to become a “statistic?”

“You can not be an effective mother if you are not in positive state of mind. I had to learn that the hard way. I said no, I’m going to fight for my family because my parents had a good relationship, but I was dying inside. I was depressed, had anxiety, and finally I was like I can’t do this anymore. It took 5 years, but now we can co-parent without an issue.”

What impact did having children have on you becoming a momtrepenuer?

“When I had my second son is when I had to re-evaluate and took everything more seriously. That’s when I realized I wanted complete freedom., to be able to say I don’t want to work today but still have money coming in. I had my son April 4, 2017 and on May 11 got my LLC, May 17 I booked my first residential cleaning. July 11 I walked away from my corporate job.”

Tell me about your momentrepuener network.

“It’s an interactive hub for teen moms, millennials, and entrepreneurial women looking to start their own business and find support. I’m currently doing paperwork to attain the non profit status and get funding to create programs and work closely with schools.”

What is the mission behind The Momtrepenuer Network?

“The mission is to significantly improve the support, resources and growth of the girls and women of the community. I want to show these girls a man or your circumstances don’t define you. As long as you really want it, work for it, you will get it.”

You’ve briefly shared the importance of a mentor; can you share how you found yours?

“He found me through hashtags, he dmd me, and told me i’m killing it. I thought it was a fake account. I did my research on him then reached out to him, expressed interest in mentorship and guidance. Any questions I have anything I need he helps.”

Advice on those of us currently seeking mentorship.

“Start searching through hastags, following business owners, and network. You need to have a presence online, remain relevant. Networking is going to be key to meeting the person who is right for you.

Also, if you don’t have a mentor, there is power in friendships. Having successful and supportive  friends. You can reach out to them because who you surround yourself with is super important.”

What are things to look out for, mentor wise?

“In all honesty, make sure they have their stuff together. Someone who isn’t developed can not lead a person. You need someone that has a clear head because they are pouring into you, all their energy. Don’t be too quick to pick one just because their ig looks nice. Success is betting everything.”

“STOP BEING SCARED, Just do it. What’s the worst that could happen? There’s no time to say ‘Im ready now.’ Have confidence in yourself.” 

Words of encouragement for those looking to start their own business, but hesitant?

“STOP BEING SCARED, Just do it. What’s the worst that could happen? There’s no time to say “Im ready now.” Have confidence in yourself. You have to know what you’re made of, it’s not for the weak hearted because people will come for you, try to tear you down, but it’s all up to you how you respond. You don’t need to fight for everybody. Hold yourself at a higher standard. Even what you post on social media. Especially when you influence people you have to operate at a higher frequency.”

Words of wisdom for those in motion but having doubts?

“Comparison kills. Don’t compare yourself, because it can be really discouraging. Don’t give up. Trying times will always happen, being an entrepreneur means your’e in control. By being in control your level of responsibility is different than those who have chosen a corporate route. Always remember you chose this path, why would you give up on yourself?” 

Michelle has mentored two woman in the cleaning industry and one went on to start their very own cleaning business. She stresses the importance of entrepreneurs remembering that you are your brand! Three skills she deems essential for entering this field are being mindful of the people you bring onboard to your brand,  not letting people dictate how to run your business, and being open to constructive criticism. Ms.Welch is an open book and offers business savy information, motivation and so much more on her social media platform.

IG: themichellewelch

http://www.QueenCleaningConcepts.com

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Racism In Medicine

shaniselene

As a recent undergraduate pursuing a career in Dermatology, I’ve learned that there are numerous unspoken rules that aren’t taught in college. One of those rules included minorities having to work twice as hard to prove they are qualified to become a physician regardless if they exceed their medical school requirements. I came across an article stating that there were fewer black medical students in 2014 than in 1978. This small excerpt of information baffled me because the year of 1978 was closer to the days when racial prejudice was at its peak, but after shadowing various doctors, I grasped the concept as to why.

I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to experience the daily routines of medical professionals both within and outside my area of interests, but I’ve noticed that although my resume surpassed the requirements of that office, there were certain occasions where I was, “handled differently”.  I remember visiting a local practice after emailing my resume, all forms of required documentation and my liability certificate and when we finally met in person, I was further interrogated; some of these questions had absolutely nothing to do with medicine or shadowing. The physician was quite bold and upfront, and even stated that they were surprised someone who looked like me didn’t consider a career in modeling or something of that nature. While most would be flattered by this suggestion, I was offended. I took the physician’s statement to heart because the doctor completely disregarded my qualifications due to my appearance and their preconceived notions. My second experience was during an event that I attended discussing women overcoming adversity and bias in medicine. Although I met the characteristics of being a women with a future in medicine, I was still judged because I was a minority; as if black students shouldn’t pursue careers in this field and should be overly applauded if they make the decision to do so.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but I’ve accepted the reality. I understand that the individuals hosting most of the medical school interviews will be from the majority and a large number would agree that I do not meet the, “typical” physician standard; male and caucasian. I understand the importance of abiding by the rules until I get through the door, but I’ve made the conscious decision not to allow the prejudice stereotypes in medicine stop me from being myself (dolled up/possessing cosmetic interests) because I am intelligent, ambitious, professional and know that I have what it takes to be a physician. As long as I ensure that I am studying, putting in the work, remaining humble and grounded, and keeping my faith first, I cannot lose. Indeed, it will be a challenge, but inevitably worth it in the end. I not only want to improve the overall health of my patient’s skin, but provide them with knowledge on how to live a healthier lifestyle, provide the tools they need to sustain it as well as alternative options that do not require prescription medication. It’s unfortunate, but we lack doctors who know how to treat ethnic skin and it’s an underserved community that need fair and honest assistance and practice in the field of Dermatology. Whatever your passion may be, please do not allow the odds to come against you. Things may be challenging, but nothing worth having comes easy. Remember that it’s ok to bend, but never break sis…ever.

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From Independence to Parental Supervision (Again)

shaniselene

One of the most challenging aspects about adulthood is decision making; quite ironic for an individual preparing to be a doctor right? I’m currently in the position in which I have to decide if I’m going to renew the least of my condo or take my father’s offer to move in with him to solely focus on school. If your’e an independent modernista like myself, then you know this is sparring with my pride.

I’ve weighed all of my pros and cons in regards to accepting his offer and all of the positives such as saving money, having the ability to allot more time to my studies and the decrease in excessive bills outweighed the negative. I’ve been living on my own since college, so the thought of living under parental supervision gives me slight anxiety. However, I am fully aware that once I officially begin medical school, I won’t be able to work a full time job. Although there are a rare percentage of medical students who do work, it’s usually a part time form of employment if they must.

I always used to say once I moved out, I’m out for good, but then I had to realize that accepting help from your parents is not only a rational decision, but an intelligent one. I feel blessed to be able to have the help that I do and I’m cognizant that it’s vital that I welcome the assistance because there will be a point in time where they will no longer be able to help me; the tables will turn and will then be my job to tend to them. I have my (5) year plan written out in order for me to stay on track, add or subtract certain factors and see my overall progress from start to finish, but my decision is still pending. My renewal is due very soon and my time is becoming limited, but after weighing my pros and cons, reviewing my plan and with additional prayer, I’m confident my decision will be the right one. If anyone is in a similar situation, I encourage you to make rational and emotionless decisions, weigh your options and make the choice that’s going to help propel you in reaching your goals.

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Success, Sacrifices and Stepping Out On Faith

shaniselene

Hey Modernistas!,

The question of the day is, “What does success mean to you”? We all have our own interpretation of what it looks like, but most of us aren’t sure of where to begin. Key factors such as making sacrifices and stepping out on faith are vital to ensure you reach your goals. Want additional insight? Check out the link for more: Success, Sacrifices & Stepping Out On Faith!