Blogging, Bantar, and Newness...

I am excited to have finally released the pause button! Last Thursday was my first day back to the world of blogging---and do I have a lot to say or do I have a lot to say?!.

First, let me say that my high school english teacher would be horrified to read my blogs. While I was away, I actually read through all of the blogs I have written and came to the realization that I need to re-visit English 101. I have always had a bad habit of not proof reading my work. Most of the time I get someone else to do that for me, but I didn't think I needed to do that for the blog. I usually write as I think and think as I write---which actually helps me as a song writer, but not so much as a blogger. So, you will be pleased to know that I will be proof reading my work from now on.

Second, I must also say that among my grammaticlly incorrect, typo filled, and sometimes bantaring blogs, I have some great tips, stories, and how-to's in my blog library. I even managed to encourage, mentor, and make my self laugh while reading through the past 177 blogs. So, when you get a moment, I suggest you take a look through the archives.

Third---and last for now---I am excited about the newness I have experienced in my personal and professional life and I can't wait to share it with you! I will continue to blog every Thursday until the end of the year---and---starting in January, I will go back to blogging everyday.

P.S. I will proof read starting with next week's blog.

To Blog...

Nakeia

Keeping It Real

I have been working with a few people on the importance of preparation---one of those people being me.

I have been feeling extremely anxious lately. I have so many dreams--- so many ideas--- so many goals. And I want to fulfill every single one of them---right now! I say that timing is key and preparation is necessary. But I am going to keep it real and also say, "I am TIRED of waiting!"

To rid myself of this anxiety, I read through an old post of mine and I decided to repost it.

Here it is:

When Opportunity Knocks...

There is a story about a wealthy man who was dying from an incurable disease. He built his wealth from hard work and savvy business deals. He was an intelligent man that came from nothing, and created everything he needed to live the life he was destined to live. When asked about his secret to his success, he always answered “I was prepared to open the door when opportunity knocked.”

He was married to his childhood sweetheart for over fifty-three years when she died suddenly in her sleep. She was never able to bare children so there was no heir to his estate. When the wealthy man learned of his illness, he began his search to find someone to leave his riches with. To qualify, there were only three conditions; this person had to have come from his hometown, be of meager beginnings and be prepared to start working towards the fulfillment of their destiny immediately. This was an opportunity of a lifetime for a small town person with big plans and little means.

Unfortunately, the wealthy man died; leaving his estate to charity. You see, he interviewed a lot of people who were not prepared to act on what they said they were destined to do. I refer to the wealthy man’s story often. I encounter many hard working people with dreams of fulfilling their ultimate goals. Unfortunately, if opportunity ever knocked on their door, they would not be prepared to open it. Your thinking, how is it possible to be hard working, have goals, and not be considered prepared?

Humor me for a moment and answer your own question by doing this:

Think of the thing you believe you are destined to do. Is it to become a best-selling author? Is it to become CEO of a company? Now imagine receiving a call from a publishing house or board of directors informing you that today is the day that you can do what you’ve always wanted to do. You are a hard worker. You have goals. Now…are you prepared? Have you prepared your manuscript? Do you know everything you need to know to run a company? If your answer is yes, great! You are well on your way. If you answered no, start preparing today. It is important to be prepared for the “what” while you are waiting on the “when.” In other words, you may not know when your boss will offer you the promotion…but when he does, you better know how to do the job!

Preparation+ Opportunity=Success ~Sydney Poitier

After reading my own words, I decided to apply them to my own life. I went over my plans and assessed the work that I have done over the past 2 months and here is what I have learned:

I have yet to complete the final edit of the book I am so anxious to release.
I have not decided on a layout for my website I am so anxious to launch.
I have not finalized my new price points...

...I am not prepared



To Blog…Nakeia

Add Value to Your Business

As part of my professional assessment regimen, I took some time last night to listen to the songs I have written most recently. The purpose of the assessment is to advance as a writer, so I listen to my music with specific criteria in mind. I ask and answer the following questions:

*Does it make sense? Content is very important to me. Every song that I write must be lyrically sound (no pun intended). I like to tell a story that every listener can follow.

*Is it relevant? My songs must connect with the listener on some level. It should have some significance to what is going on their lives.

*Have I evolved? As a writer who intends to have life-long relationship with music, I must consistently develop and advance.

Although this assessment was initially developed for me to improve upon my skills as a song writer, it will benefit anyone desiring improvement. Improvement is essential for those who want to advance or increase in value. If you provide a service or sell a product, you will experience positive results by making consistent improvements. For instance, as a store owner, you should use the first question to ensure that you have the highest quality in products. Question two should be used to ensure that there is a demand the products you provide. The last question will ensure that your business is a lastly one.

It only takes a few minutes to answer these three questions. Take some time today to add value to your business by performing your own professional assessment.

To Blog…Nakeia

Know Your Stuff!

As you may already know, my husband and I own a music production company. When we first met, he was traveling as a musician and breaking away from a previous company to launch his own. Before he allowed me to take an active role in the business, he gave me several books to read. I read about the responsibilities of musicians, composers, librettists, lyricists, producers, singers, lawyers, managers, accountants, and record labels. I also read about how contracts, publishing, copyright, and royalties works. I learned everything there is to know about the music business…of course I had to because my husband literally quizzed me on it!

Fast forward a few years of working in the business and I did the same thing to friends and clients looking to break into the business. I gave them the same books, speeches, and quizzes my husband gave me. Some of them passed but most of them failed. For some reason people believe they will be able to get by on talent alone, even after hearing the hundreds of stories major artists have to share about getting burned by managers, labels and lawyers. I have horror stories of my own that I could share even after all of the research I continue to do. I have lost friendships, major deals, and much money all because people fail to research the field they choose to pursue.

I was reminded of the importance of organized study after a few phone calls with a client this weekend. She is a very talented writer and singer that came to us asking for artist development, original music composition, and production. Because she had no knowledge of how the business of music works, we had to halt further services with her. Fortunately she is a pretty smart cookie. She agreed to do some organize studying of her own and even went on to consult with an attorney. She called this weekend knowledgeable of the responsibilities that everyone involved must play and ready to begin...again. She even apologized for coming to us before she had a complete understanding of the road again. I appreciated her honesty and her commitment to her talent and herself. Despite the fact that I share the same speech with all of my potential clients, some get it and some don’t.

I am referencing the music business in this instance. However, the same rules apply to every boss and employee in every industry. Know your stuff! Researching your field not only prepares you for the work that must be done, but it will prevent you from being taken advantage of. If you work for someone else you should investigate the standard pay grade for the position you hold, the work that is required, and ways to further develop. If you are in business for yourself, you should know the facts about the employees you need to hire, the clientele you wish to service, and how you can constantly evolve as a company. I am not there to quiz you so quiz yourself. How much do you really know? How can you learn more?

Knowledge is only a source of power when it is implemented.

To Blog…Nakeia

Prepare to Progress...

There are many ways that you can spend time preparing to further progress professionally. I chose to share three vital points that I have personal experience with. Today, I want to encourage you to prepare by revisiting your developmental stage. Go back to moment you decided to become an accountant, a teacher, or a clothing store owner. Remember your drive, your mission, and your desire to be as successful at it as you could possibly be. Now ask yourself this question…can I take this even further?

(3.) Prepare to progress.
As you may have read before, my grandmother (the reigning Mac & Cheese Queen) was a caterer (she only comes out of retirement for a select few these days). She was in that industry for over 30 years. She prepared great food for weddings, conferences, luncheons, and any other occasion you can think of. As she grew older, the rest of my family and I constantly made attempts at convincing her to expand. We suggested that she launch her own restaurant. I explained to her that in opening her own restaurant, she would have to be prepared to turn over some responsibility to others, actually write out her recipes (which is asking a lot of a southern cook who doesn’t believe in measuring anything), and she would have to close her catering business or open a restaurant that would expand into a catering facility. In my opinion, her opportunities were endless. At that time, she was catering some sort of occasion every week, but she was also getting older. I knew that she ran the risk of not being able to keep up with the demands of her business. It was a now or never moment for her.

Unfortunately, my grandmother spent most of her young adulthood working so hard that she did not prepare for the possibility of progressing into something that could potentially bring her even more success. Instead of launching her own restaurant/catering facility, she continued her private catering business until she retired at 65 years old. My grandmother had a very successful career. But…I can’t help but wonder how much further she could have taken it.

I believe in the principle of living full and dying empty. Most of us can’t even imagine the potential that is within us. There is always room for improvement, growth, and expansion. Be prepared to take it to the next level. Prepare to progress by continuing to research your field and maximize networking opportunities. Staying on top of the latest technology, equipment, and trends is also important for growth.

You have the ability to take things even further. Prepare to Progress!

To Blog…Nakeia

Ready...Set...Go!

Yesterday I gave you some homework. Hopefully, you have put at least some thought into developing your elevator pitch. If not maybe this will give you a push…

Without going into to much detail…today I was put on the spot! I placed a call to inquire about possible business dealings and I expected to be quoted a price. When I expressed my interest in utilizing the company’s services, the Director said he was on his way to a meeting but asked to hear a brief overview of my company and what we had to offer. I gave him my elevator pitch and he explained that he was looking for someone like me to call, and that there may be an opportunity for us to begin a business relationship at no cost to me!

That is the kind of opportunity that a person who pursuing his or her destiny must always be prepared for!

Which brings me to today’s point…

(2.) Be prepared to press go at a moments notice.
This point may be considered the most vital. I have met people that could talk themselves into future! I am serious…they talk a great game…point-by-point! BUT…when it’s game time, they can’t even catch the ball, never mind being able to run with it! Being prepared to press go at a moments notice is where talking stops and action starts! Whatever business you are in and whatever service your offer, you should always be ready for the first or next client to call. No one that is in need of a service should have to wait for you to get things ready. Most people will not wait.

I will never forget the first time I had to press go in the music business. My job in our music production company, Remnant Productions, LLC, is to write songs, record a reference for them, shop them to labels/artists, and act as business manager. Everyday, I send out emails and make phone calls to solicit work. A few years back, I was talking to the VP of A&R at one particular company almost daily, trying to get a break. One day he says to me…ok, I am finishing up an album right now and we need one more song, if you send me something hot, I will put it on the record. BUT…we need it right away! Now, for us, the process of creating music can be very fast or very slow. It really just depends on the vibe…as corny as that may sound…its true. Since no one can predict the vibe, it is best to write constantly and develop a library of songs that can be sent out at a moments notice. Because I was prepared, I was able to land a placement on that album, which was nominated for a Grammy! That song may have been the last one recorded, but it was the first single released…which is a pretty big deal!

Prepare to press go! If you are a caterer, have your produce, meat, and linen vendors on speed dial! Have great tasting, well- planned menus ready to be presented to a bride or a meeting planner. If you own a car service, have your vehicles detailed and gassed-up…after all it is wedding and prom season!

By now, you get today’s point…

Spend time today making sure that you are preparred to press go!

Chance favors the prepared mind ~ Unknown

To Blog…Nakeia

Elevator Pitch...

If I’ve said it 1 million times, it wasn’t enough…we must be prepared to open the door when opportunity knocks! This is a lesson that I learned, the hard way, and have NEVER forgotten! In my lifetime, I have missed out on business opportunities, scholastic endeavors, and loads free stuff, all because I showed up unprepared. Then one day I missed out on an opportunity I REALLY wanted and made a promise to myself that I would not allow that to happen again…EVER! I am proud to say I have kept my promise. When I am not working in some capacity I am spending time preparing for some opportunity… I am writing songs to add to my song library in case a record label calls with a request for a song… I am writing blogs, which normally turn into seminar or keynote ideas in case a meeting planner calls with a request for my presence at his or her next conference…I am working out the details, putting things together, and making myself ready!

Don’t allow another opportunity to pass you by. Be prepared to open the door when opportunity knocks!

I will spend the rest of this week sharing some key ways you can prepare for your next opportunity…

(1.) Develop your elevator pitch.
An elevator pitch is a synopsis of what you and your business is all about. You should be able to share it in the time it takes you and a potential client or investor to ride the elevator to your respective stops. You should also have an elevator pitch if you work for someone else. You never know when you will find yourself on the elevator with the CEO, Vice President, or Department Head of your company. That kind of pitch should contain your title, your experience, and details about what you are currently working on.

Example:

Sensational Scents Candle Co.
I am Nakeia CEO of Sensational Scents Candle Co. At SSCO, we offer handcrafted, slow burning candles in various shapes, sizes and scents. Our candles provide an aromatic atmosphere of comfort, are great decorative accents for your living, dinning, and bathroom areas, and are a good investment because they are slow burning and will last for months.

That pitch provides the most important elements. I tell who I am, what I offer, and why you should buy it. I get annoyed every time I ask someone what they do and he or she rambles on for several minutes and never really answer my question.

Be prepared to sell your business and ultimately yourself, by being able to share what you in a precise and straight to the point pitch.

To Blog…Nakeia

Do Something...

So yesterday was undoubtedly the craziest day I have had all year! I woke up tired and excited all at the same time. I was finally going to a Spinning Class! For those of you that have not heard of Spinning, it is an indoor cycling class. The concept of indoor cycling was introduced in the 1980’s by Jonathan Goldberg. Goldberg later teamed up with John Baudhum and developed Spinning. It is reported that one can burn between 400-600 calories in 40 minutes. It is a great way to work hard with “low impact”. I could go on and on but, I will spare you. Just know that I AM ADDICTED! Every since my first class 2 years ago, and the 2 dress sizes I have lost as a result of it, I have been hooked! Unfortunately, before yesterday, I hadn’t been to a Spinning class in over 6 months. You see, my family and I have recently relocated and the transition has been very tedious. Not only did we move ourselves, but we have moved our businesses as well. Anyway, since I had been unable to go to the gym, I decided that I would hold off on being active in everyway. No Spinning…No anything! I didn’t want to walk outside because it was to cold. I didn’t want to do any of the many home fitness videos I own because they didn’t work me as hard as Spinning did. Any excuse I could think of…I used. Those excuses came back to haunt me right in the middle of Spinning! My muscles were weak, my endurance was low, and I was just really out of shape. I made it through the class…barely. It was awful! I went from Spinning 3 days a week, in addition to resistance training 2 days a week, to barely making it through a 1hour class. Not to mention, my endurance, conditioning, and weight loss has stalled.

Years ago I developed the Do Something™ principle. After complaining about not being where I wanted to be in my professional career, I realized that doing something is always better than doing nothing. This principle is simple. Let’s say you want to open a bakery but do not have the capital you need to secure a building. You can choose to do nothing, stay at your current job, and continue to only dream of being a business owner. Or, you can do something like having a bake sale the last Friday of every month; selling baked goods to co-workers, friends and their co-workers, and other local businesses in your area. You may not have a building at the start but small orders once a month can lead to small business ownership in months to come. It is never a good idea to do nothing because you are not able to what you really want to do right away. Taking small steps towards your goals will lead to the fulfillment of that goal.

What you should learn from my Spinning debacle is this…

Do Something! Putting off actively working toward your goal will stall your ability to achieve it. If you do something you just might get the thing you want. I am guilty! I did nothing for 6 months. I wasn’t able to do what I wanted to do so I decided to make excuses and do nothing. Instead of getting closer to my goal of being fit and healthy, I got a back ache, muscle pains, and a sore butt (those of you who Spin know what I mean). Every muscle in my body hurts…I have been crawling up and down my staircase…BUT…at 9:15am…if you look for me, you will find me in the Spinning class at LifeTime Fitness! After all…I am ADDICTED!

To Blog…Nakeia

What and How...

When I first married 7 years ago, I struggled to find a place in my new life. In addition to being a new bride, I was also shifting careers. I took a huge leap from the world of psychology and human services to the world of music and business management. To say it was a struggle is an understatement…I was in a full blown war. It was the old me vs. the me that was to come. My largest battle was following through with what I started. I had so much to accomplish, with little time to get it done. You would think that my experience as a case manager for the state, handling more than 100 cases per year, I would have been prepared to take on multiple tasks. That wasn’t the case. Working multiple tasks in several different disciplines proved to be more than I could handle...or so I thought. I realized that I was going about it all wrong. I was one person trying to do the jobs of five people all in one day. That left me unfocused and many jobs undone. It took some time. Ok…it took some years, but I figured it out and this is how I did it…

First, I defined the principle roles that I was to play in our business. Once I knew my place, I stuck to the script. Second, I dispersed my responsibilities to span over the course of a week and I approached each task asking myself these questions: what do I need to accomplish and how am I going to get it done? Those questions were applied to every area of my life. I used them to get house work done and to schedule my husbands weekly sessions. I used them as I approached song writing and writing my business plan for professional speaking. Those questions helped me focus on the task at hand and served as my point of accountability. If I had no clear answer when approaching a task, I reserved the task until I did. It is better to hold off on doing something until it can be done right, than to attempt something that is improperly executed.

Many of you have been wondering why you are unable to get things done. It is probably because you have been working off your script. You may not have a clear understanding of what I expected, leaving you unable to focus. This technique has worked for me and several other entrepreneurs I have consulted with over the past few years. I encourage you to use it before attempting your next project. It will improve your quality of work and cut down on the time it takes for you to execute it.

As Entrepreneurs, CEOs, Managers, and just plain old employees, we all have jobs to do. Getting things done requires a clear understanding of what needs to be done and a plan of execution. If you are like I was and are having trouble focusing and following through, start with what and how. Ask yourself what do I need to accomplish and how am I going to get it done.


To Blog…Nakeia

Must Haves...

Fashion experts such as June Ambrose and Nina Garcia have compiled their lists of Must Haves. That is, a list full of things that every woman must have in their closet. From the classic white button-down shirt to the crisp fall trench coat, those are the kinds of pieces the experts recommend to all of the fashionistas out there. Although most men do not share that kind of fashion sentiment, they do keep up with the latest must haves in golf gear or computer gadgets. Just google the thing that peaks your current interest and a list of things you must have will pop-up on your computer screen.

Well I have joined the revolution and compiled a list of things I recommend as Must Haves. That is, a list of things that every person must have to achieve and maintain a life that is balanced and productive.

1. An Active Goal.
You should always have something new to which you resolve to bring about in your life. When you direct your efforts toward an expected end, you increase your faith in yourself, gain a sense of purpose, and experts say you can add years to your life. When selecting a goal, make sure that is it reasonable and develop a plan that will help you achieve and maintain it.

2. A Book.
Reading a book expands vocabulary; improves spelling, memory, focus, and analytical thinking; and can empower you to change the course of your life. I recommend reading at least 30 minutes a day. You should select books written about your career choice; books that empower you to develop personally; and a books based on fiction or a hobby.

3. A Friend.
Friends are extremely hard to come by these days. So, if you can find one in a lifetime, you are truly fortunate. Having someone in your life that shares your same interests, offers an ear to listen, and provides an outlet for you to really be who you are, can be helpful in maintaining balance. This person should not be a “yes man”, but should offer objective advice. After all you will not be right all of the time and someone needs to be there to remind you of that fact.

4. A Mentor.
In addition to your friend you should have someone in your life that has mastered the art of living. It should be someone that is skillful in their career and balanced in their personal life. Your mentor doesn’t have to be someone that you know personally. You can follow the formulas of well known entrepreneurs such as Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Martha Stewart. You can find someone that has mastered whatever discipline you find yourself in. You can read the books they have written, follow the blogs they have published, and look in the archives for old speeches or interviews.

There you have it...my list that every person looking to improve, develop, or change their life must have.


To Blog…Nakeia

All I Want Is To Be Happy...

Motivational speakers, personal development consultants, life coaches, and spiritual leaders all have one thing in common. They all have an audience of people searching for something. For many, the search for professional success, love, emotional freedom, and ultimately…happiness…is a never ending journey. What is the secret and what book, seminar, or spiritual guru will lead one to it?

At the end of a conversation with a friend last week she said all I want is to be happy. I asked her what makes her happy and she gave me answers that were contingent upon someone else’s participation. She needed her boss, husband, and father to make changes in order for her to be happy. I asked her what she would do if they didn’t make those changes and she had no answer. I will share with you what I expressed to her…

You are your happiness. I have heard it said by a host of other motivators. The truth is…its true…and THAT is the secret. Happiness is a choice. It is the state of being content or being well. To be content in your career and personal relationships is simple. You just have to know what you want and then do what needs to be done to get it. Who knows your wants, needs, and desires better than you? Who understands your pains, and pleasures better than you? No one can love or motivate you into being happy. It is not the responsibility of someone else to keep you content. Happiness is a state of being. No one else can exist for you. It is not a smile on your face or an attitude that one can project. It is the thing behind the smile. It is being ok with where you are in your life at this very moment.

Over the next 3 days, take a look at 3 things that you are unhappy about…in 3 separate areas of your life. Consider your career, personal relationship, and personal attributes. Find the one thing in each of those areas that you have been consistently unhappy about. Then choose to do what needs to be done to be happy. Do you need to work harder to be considered for a promotion at work? Do you need to reconsider the position a loved one holds in your life? Do you need a total body makeover? What ever it is…do it! Take on one thing each day and work at it until you are in a state of being content. You are at the center of everything in your life. When you discover the things that you need to be content and begin to work at maintaining them, you will experience happiness and the joy that accompanies it. This is another opportunity for you to take control. Make happiness a must have and not a option!

You are your happiness…choose to be happy.

To Blog…Nakeia