I read your comments, thanks for that little present Renae! I love Dani, she will help me and our team become millionaires with this home based business. Eric, you are absolutely right and I am working on that Kadrillionaire thing. There is not a waking hour that I am not thinking of a way to leverage myself and my income again. The amazing thing Eric, I believe anyone with average intelligence can do the exact same things. Especially you, as soon as you stop thinking and actually start doing you will begin to become wealthy beyond your wildest dreams. When I met you in Orlando I was impressed with how much of myself I saw in you. You even have that problem with procrastination just like I do! OK, so I have big fat lazy streak I will admit that. I over come that procrastination issue by developing deadlines and goals for myself. We have even chosen girlfriends who are very similar, both being very driven and entrepreneurial spirited. We even met both of our girlfriends online; how crazy is that! In short, I suspect you too will be a Kadrillionaire one of these days as well.
Ok, back to cruising. I woke up yesterday morning expecting to be in Costa Maya. I felt the boat was still rocking just a little bit so I assumed we weren't in port yet. Then Carmen leaned over and told me that we were not going to Costa Maya. Evidently, the water was too rough. There was a tropical depression forming off the Coast of Costa Maya and the water was too rough to safely dock the ship. So we are spending two days aboard this floating resort heading back to Tampa. Yep it's a tough life, but somebody has got to do it.
Speaking of a tough life, I was just chatting with the guy beside me here in the library. His name is Nathan, I had met him playing Craps. Nathan and I had lost some money to together and won some. This was the first time we actually had spoke other than giving high fives at the craps table when someone had a good roll. He was just telling me that he recently retired this past year from Morgan Stanley and it was the best decision he has ever made. He looks young to be retired but; he said he had been there for 35 years and they gave him an opportunity to retire early and he jumped on it. He said retirement has been great he has a lot of free time and he can travel whenever he wants. Nathan, seems to be a nice guy and I don't mean any offense. But, thank God, I will never have to wait until retirement to start enjoying life. I will not be punching a time clock from 9 to 5 for 35 years making someone else rich. Heck, I am 26 years old and am successfully self employed in a business that I can literally take anywhere. This cruise has actually been the most challenging place I have ever worked my business and I received an email and a receipt earlier where April in NJ upgraded to Level II while I have been away. Way to go April!! Now I want to ask you reader, what other home based business can a 26 year old on a 7 day Western Caribbean Cruise earn $2,000!? I made money while on vacation!
Just to catch you up to speed on my gambling exploits. Yesterday, was dismal at first. I quickly lost $200.00 on Craps and Blackjack; late last night I lost another $100.00 in about 15 minutes at the Craps table. I decided to take my last hundred that I was going to use for the evening to the Blackjack table. I ended up leaving the table with $400.00 so I guess that made up for my earlier loses during the day. So far on this trip I brought $1,000 for gambling, shopping, ect. I have paid most of my expenses so far on the cruise and I still have $900.00 to take home. EXCEPT, this is our last day at sea and the casino is open all day and all evening. So my project for today is to take $400.00 back to the casino and turn it into $1,000 at the Blackjack table with a specific betting strategy that I have been using with good success. I haven't played much Blackjack on this cruise quite honestly because I was having a lot of fun just playing Craps. I have more control over my personal play when playing Blackjack so my chances of reaching $1,000 is greater. I will keep you posted on this live experiment.
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Saturday, November 19, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
4th or 5th day at sea
Ok, I am losing count. All I know is we have only one more stop and that is in Costa Maya tomorrow, then one sea day before ending in Tampa. This has just been an unbelievably great time. I didn't get a chance to post about our 7 day Caribbean Cruise yesterday so let me bring you up to speed. Last evening I was back at the Craps table and lost another $200.00. Oh well, easy come easy go. I may be back there this evening.
Yesterday in Cozumel we went snubing. Snuba is a combination of Scuba diving and Snorkeling. The way it works is you have goggles, fins, and a regulator just like with Scuba except your tank is not attached you your back. Instead, your air tank is floating on an inflatable raft on the surface and it is attached to your regulator with a 25 foot hose. So obviously that is only as deep as you can go. I have to tell you that other than snorkeling that is the closest to scuba diving I have ever gotten. Now, I am excited to learn to scuba dive. It was just the neatest thing the waters were crystal blue and pristine. Prior to diving we took a short lesson with an instructor, he stayed with us during our dive he was scuba diving around us. His name was Victor; Victor did a great job pointing out wildlife while making sure we were comfortable and safe. While down there we saw lobsters, eels, coral, all sorts of fish. It was just a mind blowing experience. I envied Victor, as he swam around unattached to an sort of hose. He had complete freedom of movement with his scuba tank. I remember thinking, "I want one of them". Afterwards all I could do was say, "Wow".
Today, we were in Belize. That is a very poor country. Belize is not an island, it is part of the main land of South America. It is the only English speaking country in South America. The minimum wage in Belize is $1.10 US while gasoline costs $5.00 US. I saw very few "nice" homes. In fact I saw less than 5 of them. Most of the homes had no doors, many had no windows. However, all of the people were very nice and friendly. Poverty is really a way of life for them I am sure. Most were dressed very neat and clean. Of course no designer brands or nothing like that, just neat and clean.
The excursion that we went on was cave tubing. That is a must if you are ever in Belize. It was a true adventure! We went for a 45 minute hike through a dense rainforest. The vegetation was some of the most beautiful that I have ever seen. On our hike we walked through a dry cave, our tour guide told us one of the candle light dinner scenes that was in the first season of "Temptation Island" was filmed inside that cave. At the end of the hike we got inside of large innertubes (actual tire innertubes) and went tubing down the Sunbin River in the middle of the rain forest. The water was chilly but not too cold. Shortly after getting in our tubes we entered a rather large cave. It was pitch black in there, we had head lamps but they did us very little good. The entire tubing part lasted about 35 minutes, 25 minutes of that was inside the cave. The river runs right through the cave and we floated all the way through. That was just an amazing adventure. Swimming with the stingrays was fun, snuba was the most exciting thing I have done to date, but you just can't go tubing down a river, through a cave, in the middle of a rainforest just anywhere. What a unique adventure.
We have no excursions planned for Costa Maya. That will probably just be a lazy day and a chance for Carmen to catch up on some shopping in the Carribean. If you have any questions, just post a comment at the end of this blog and I will reply back.
Yesterday in Cozumel we went snubing. Snuba is a combination of Scuba diving and Snorkeling. The way it works is you have goggles, fins, and a regulator just like with Scuba except your tank is not attached you your back. Instead, your air tank is floating on an inflatable raft on the surface and it is attached to your regulator with a 25 foot hose. So obviously that is only as deep as you can go. I have to tell you that other than snorkeling that is the closest to scuba diving I have ever gotten. Now, I am excited to learn to scuba dive. It was just the neatest thing the waters were crystal blue and pristine. Prior to diving we took a short lesson with an instructor, he stayed with us during our dive he was scuba diving around us. His name was Victor; Victor did a great job pointing out wildlife while making sure we were comfortable and safe. While down there we saw lobsters, eels, coral, all sorts of fish. It was just a mind blowing experience. I envied Victor, as he swam around unattached to an sort of hose. He had complete freedom of movement with his scuba tank. I remember thinking, "I want one of them". Afterwards all I could do was say, "Wow".
Today, we were in Belize. That is a very poor country. Belize is not an island, it is part of the main land of South America. It is the only English speaking country in South America. The minimum wage in Belize is $1.10 US while gasoline costs $5.00 US. I saw very few "nice" homes. In fact I saw less than 5 of them. Most of the homes had no doors, many had no windows. However, all of the people were very nice and friendly. Poverty is really a way of life for them I am sure. Most were dressed very neat and clean. Of course no designer brands or nothing like that, just neat and clean.
The excursion that we went on was cave tubing. That is a must if you are ever in Belize. It was a true adventure! We went for a 45 minute hike through a dense rainforest. The vegetation was some of the most beautiful that I have ever seen. On our hike we walked through a dry cave, our tour guide told us one of the candle light dinner scenes that was in the first season of "Temptation Island" was filmed inside that cave. At the end of the hike we got inside of large innertubes (actual tire innertubes) and went tubing down the Sunbin River in the middle of the rain forest. The water was chilly but not too cold. Shortly after getting in our tubes we entered a rather large cave. It was pitch black in there, we had head lamps but they did us very little good. The entire tubing part lasted about 35 minutes, 25 minutes of that was inside the cave. The river runs right through the cave and we floated all the way through. That was just an amazing adventure. Swimming with the stingrays was fun, snuba was the most exciting thing I have done to date, but you just can't go tubing down a river, through a cave, in the middle of a rainforest just anywhere. What a unique adventure.
We have no excursions planned for Costa Maya. That will probably just be a lazy day and a chance for Carmen to catch up on some shopping in the Carribean. If you have any questions, just post a comment at the end of this blog and I will reply back.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Caribbean Cruise Day 2: sailing away from Cozumel
Wow, this 7 day Caribbean Cruise may very well be my best one yet. I have been on three so far. First, let me start by saying that I left the library after blogging yesterday and went back to the casino and won another $100.00. I took a break and we had dinner, last evening was the Captain's Gala, it was one of two formal nights aboard the ship. We had a great menu consisting of Prime Rib and Lobster tails. I ate two Lobster tails almost disappointingly the first one wasn't so great and the second was mediocre at best. However, as usual the service was great and the entertainment that was offered was a lot of fun as well. Our wait staff performed a couple of song and dances for us. All in all, it was just a fun time.
Last evening we went to one of the Vegas style shows that was performed for our viewing pleasure. That show was titled "Generations" it was themed with generational songs and dances starting back in the 1940's up until the 80's. It was complete with professional dancers, colorful customes that emphasized the error they represented, laser lighting, and pyrotechnics.
After the show, I made my way back to the casino. Carmen lost fifty dollars. I ended up winning $522.00, playing craps. It was easy money, not quite as easy as Coastal but it was still a lot of fun. I learned to play craps while on our last 7 day Caribbean Cruise. Last night that table was just hot. I will get back there tonight and see if I can make anything else happen at that table.
Today, our port was in Grand Cayman. This was my second time visiting Grand Cayman, the last time was last year it was a few months after hurricane Ivan. That island has been doing a lot of repairing and it shows. On one of the excursions we had a once in a life time opportunity to go out about 30 minutes by boat and swim on a sandbar with some very large stingrays. THAT WAS AWESOME! I had actually done that once before as well but it was so much fun we wanted to do it again. Stingrays are very gentle, the water was only about 4 feet deep we had snorkeling equipment, we were just swimming around in the Caribbean crystal blue sea with about 40 beautiful stingrays. They would swim right up to you, you could pet them or touch them as they swam by. One of the tour guides even picked one up out of the water so we could take pictures with them. This is the kind of stuff that memories are made of. Afterwards, we took a tour of the island. Once that was complete Carmen's mom and her aunt went shopping but we came back to the boat and showered then, took a nap before dinner this evening.
This evening for dinner I took Carmen, her mother, and her aunt to the "Supper Club". I had read about the supper club but I didn't really know what to expect. The main dining room was already so fabulous (at least I thought it was). The supper club did require an extra charge of a nominal fee ($30 per person). I did not think that was nominal until after we experienced it. Formal attire was required. We had 6 star service without a doubt. A complete 6 course meal. I had sushi as an appetizer, some of the best I have ever had. Then a salad, on to a Prime Filet Mignon, I have never had a better steak in my life. Desert was some sort of scrumptious cheesecake. My words of describing this are just not doing justice this was a complete two and a half hour experience, with a complete wait staff. Four of which waited on us and a world renown chef whose presentation was breath taking and the food tasted as well as it was presented. Without a doubt Carmen and I will visit the supper club at least once more while aboard this cruise. Back in the states that meal would have cost at least $100.00 a piece. I will gladly pay $30 for that once more.
Tomorrow we will port in Cozumel, stay tuned to learn more about our 7 day Caribbean Cruise. Currently, I am off to the Craps table; wish me luck!
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Last evening we went to one of the Vegas style shows that was performed for our viewing pleasure. That show was titled "Generations" it was themed with generational songs and dances starting back in the 1940's up until the 80's. It was complete with professional dancers, colorful customes that emphasized the error they represented, laser lighting, and pyrotechnics.
After the show, I made my way back to the casino. Carmen lost fifty dollars. I ended up winning $522.00, playing craps. It was easy money, not quite as easy as Coastal but it was still a lot of fun. I learned to play craps while on our last 7 day Caribbean Cruise. Last night that table was just hot. I will get back there tonight and see if I can make anything else happen at that table.
Today, our port was in Grand Cayman. This was my second time visiting Grand Cayman, the last time was last year it was a few months after hurricane Ivan. That island has been doing a lot of repairing and it shows. On one of the excursions we had a once in a life time opportunity to go out about 30 minutes by boat and swim on a sandbar with some very large stingrays. THAT WAS AWESOME! I had actually done that once before as well but it was so much fun we wanted to do it again. Stingrays are very gentle, the water was only about 4 feet deep we had snorkeling equipment, we were just swimming around in the Caribbean crystal blue sea with about 40 beautiful stingrays. They would swim right up to you, you could pet them or touch them as they swam by. One of the tour guides even picked one up out of the water so we could take pictures with them. This is the kind of stuff that memories are made of. Afterwards, we took a tour of the island. Once that was complete Carmen's mom and her aunt went shopping but we came back to the boat and showered then, took a nap before dinner this evening.
This evening for dinner I took Carmen, her mother, and her aunt to the "Supper Club". I had read about the supper club but I didn't really know what to expect. The main dining room was already so fabulous (at least I thought it was). The supper club did require an extra charge of a nominal fee ($30 per person). I did not think that was nominal until after we experienced it. Formal attire was required. We had 6 star service without a doubt. A complete 6 course meal. I had sushi as an appetizer, some of the best I have ever had. Then a salad, on to a Prime Filet Mignon, I have never had a better steak in my life. Desert was some sort of scrumptious cheesecake. My words of describing this are just not doing justice this was a complete two and a half hour experience, with a complete wait staff. Four of which waited on us and a world renown chef whose presentation was breath taking and the food tasted as well as it was presented. Without a doubt Carmen and I will visit the supper club at least once more while aboard this cruise. Back in the states that meal would have cost at least $100.00 a piece. I will gladly pay $30 for that once more.
Tomorrow we will port in Cozumel, stay tuned to learn more about our 7 day Caribbean Cruise. Currently, I am off to the Craps table; wish me luck!
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Monday, November 14, 2005
First Day at Sea
Hello,
I am currently posting from the cruise ship Carnival Miracle. This is a sea day for us and tomorrow morning we will be arriving in Cozumel, Mexico. Our cruise director told us this morning that we will be one of the first ships back to Cozumel after hurricane Wilma (I think that was the name of it). We were so excited yesterday as we were boarding the ship. I have waited for this ever since we got off of the boat last year. I love traveling and I always like to be planning a vacation; that way I always have something to look forward to and to work towards. Life is too short not to be able to play and enjoy ourselves. It is my belief that God did not put us on this earth to simply become programmable robots working 9 to 5, getting home and eating supper, watch TV for 3 hours, and going to bed. Enough about that, I could get on a soap box about that.
Let's get back to this cruise that my home based business has afforded me. Last evening we ate in the fine dining room and I had a four course meal including; delicately smoked salmon as an appetizer, fresh greens and tomato salad with cucumbers, for my main course I enjoyed golden crusted coconut tiger shrimp with sweet and sour sauce (delicious), and for desert chocolate mocha champagne cake which was as beautiful as it was delicious. After dinner we went to an after dinner comedy show, which was pretty good. I have heard better but this guy was funny. By that time it was about 11:00 to 11:30 and Carmen and I went to the casino. I consider playing some craps but decided against it instead I sat down beside Carmen and we played video blackjack she lost about $40 I lost $80. Afterwards we went off to bed. In case you have never been on a cruise, most of these ships are literally floating resorts.
This morning we used room service as our wake up call and they delivered smoked salmon (yes I like that stuff) and coffee, for me. Carmen, enjoyed toast and chocolate milk. Afterwards, she went to the spa and purchased a hot stone massage 100 minutes for $175. This afternoon she is also getting her haircut there and I have no idea what she is paying for that. She is an amazing women, she works hard, and she deserves it. I went to a workshop talking about all of our excursions that we could purchase at each port. I will tell you more about that as they come available. I also made a stop by the casino and won a $100 before walking out. I will leave here and go tan on the deck and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. This afternoon is the Captain's Galla, which means we will be dressed formal with men in tuxs or coat and tie and women in gowns. This evening the menu includes Lobster and Prime Rib. (YUMMY).
That's it for now I don't want this to get too long and boring. Readers as you read this please leave comments. Feel free to ask questions about my cruise or let me know what you would really like to hear more about and I will focus my blog post around your request.
I am currently posting from the cruise ship Carnival Miracle. This is a sea day for us and tomorrow morning we will be arriving in Cozumel, Mexico. Our cruise director told us this morning that we will be one of the first ships back to Cozumel after hurricane Wilma (I think that was the name of it). We were so excited yesterday as we were boarding the ship. I have waited for this ever since we got off of the boat last year. I love traveling and I always like to be planning a vacation; that way I always have something to look forward to and to work towards. Life is too short not to be able to play and enjoy ourselves. It is my belief that God did not put us on this earth to simply become programmable robots working 9 to 5, getting home and eating supper, watch TV for 3 hours, and going to bed. Enough about that, I could get on a soap box about that.
Let's get back to this cruise that my home based business has afforded me. Last evening we ate in the fine dining room and I had a four course meal including; delicately smoked salmon as an appetizer, fresh greens and tomato salad with cucumbers, for my main course I enjoyed golden crusted coconut tiger shrimp with sweet and sour sauce (delicious), and for desert chocolate mocha champagne cake which was as beautiful as it was delicious. After dinner we went to an after dinner comedy show, which was pretty good. I have heard better but this guy was funny. By that time it was about 11:00 to 11:30 and Carmen and I went to the casino. I consider playing some craps but decided against it instead I sat down beside Carmen and we played video blackjack she lost about $40 I lost $80. Afterwards we went off to bed. In case you have never been on a cruise, most of these ships are literally floating resorts.
This morning we used room service as our wake up call and they delivered smoked salmon (yes I like that stuff) and coffee, for me. Carmen, enjoyed toast and chocolate milk. Afterwards, she went to the spa and purchased a hot stone massage 100 minutes for $175. This afternoon she is also getting her haircut there and I have no idea what she is paying for that. She is an amazing women, she works hard, and she deserves it. I went to a workshop talking about all of our excursions that we could purchase at each port. I will tell you more about that as they come available. I also made a stop by the casino and won a $100 before walking out. I will leave here and go tan on the deck and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. This afternoon is the Captain's Galla, which means we will be dressed formal with men in tuxs or coat and tie and women in gowns. This evening the menu includes Lobster and Prime Rib. (YUMMY).
That's it for now I don't want this to get too long and boring. Readers as you read this please leave comments. Feel free to ask questions about my cruise or let me know what you would really like to hear more about and I will focus my blog post around your request.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Just a late night post...
I love message boards I was trying to find a good home based business message board. I have come to the conclusion that there really aren't any. The problem with most message boards that fill that niche is that they end up being free classified sites instead. I mean there is no real discussion it is mostly just people trying to advertise there home based business opportunity. I am looking for sites that discuss techniques, lifestyles, or just individuals hanging out with like minded people from other home based business opportunities. I guess that really isn't possible. At least it does not currently occur on the internet. In my frustration, I decided to come back to my blog and make a post.
I was in a hurry earlier so my post was very short. I did want to mention that Stacy's premiere payment did clear my account today so I will get a money order and have someone order her package on Monday since the Post Office is closed today for Veteran's day. I also tithed to the Samaritan's Purse again, that was another $300.00 for them. After, I return from my cruise, I plan to keep my home based business on hyper drive and I should be able to give much more. I love my life. I know I say that all the time but, I really do. I am fortunate to have my very own home based business. It was funny I spoke with Lynn McAllister, tonight I told her that I will likely round out the year with $60,000 to $80,000. She had to point out to me that, that was not too bad of an income. I was actually a little disappointed because I expected to get to $120,000 this year. However, I realize my focus has been off throughout this year. I am pulling it together now and with Dani's coaching I will earn $250,000 in 2006 with my home based business. As Bob Becker, would say "Onward and Upward".
I was in a hurry earlier so my post was very short. I did want to mention that Stacy's premiere payment did clear my account today so I will get a money order and have someone order her package on Monday since the Post Office is closed today for Veteran's day. I also tithed to the Samaritan's Purse again, that was another $300.00 for them. After, I return from my cruise, I plan to keep my home based business on hyper drive and I should be able to give much more. I love my life. I know I say that all the time but, I really do. I am fortunate to have my very own home based business. It was funny I spoke with Lynn McAllister, tonight I told her that I will likely round out the year with $60,000 to $80,000. She had to point out to me that, that was not too bad of an income. I was actually a little disappointed because I expected to get to $120,000 this year. However, I realize my focus has been off throughout this year. I am pulling it together now and with Dani's coaching I will earn $250,000 in 2006 with my home based business. As Bob Becker, would say "Onward and Upward".
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Another day down till our cruise
We have a couple more days to go before we leave for our cruise. 7 days of Caribbean sun with stops in Belize, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Costa Maya. It's a tough life but someone has to do it. I will be posting to my blog almost daily so you will be able to keep up with all of the happenings on my Western Caribbean Cruise. This is my 3rd cruise and I can't wait. We will be sailing on Carnival's "Miracle". Subscribe and get updated when I post to my blog.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
How to succeed with a home business?
After looking around on the internet and reading many other home business blogs and discussion forms. I have realized that I know something that many others have yet to discover. I have learned to be successful with a home business. So I have decided to start posting sporadic post with tips, tricks, and hints that I have learned that have made me successful thus far with my home business.
If you are one of those random visitors to my blog that have yet to subscribe then I would encourage you to do so now. I don't want you to miss one of those nuggets of wisdom that I will pass along in the post that I will name "Home Business Success Tips". So far I am not super wealthy or thing like that however, I have learned to run and build a home business that has brought me an income of $6,000/month working part time. Everything I have learned is simple and even duplicatable.
If you are simply a casual reader of my blog; who has been wanting to start a home business. It is my goal to teach you step by step first how to find the right home business and then how to succeed with it. Please understand this is not an attempt to encourage you to join my home business. I have a multimillion dollar advertising company that helps me with that already. By the way, I will teach how to have a multimillion dollar advertising company, advertise for you on a shoestring budget.
Please feel to leave comments on my blog and I will try to address any questions that you may have. You may also email any questions or comments that you have and I will address those as well.
If you are one of those random visitors to my blog that have yet to subscribe then I would encourage you to do so now. I don't want you to miss one of those nuggets of wisdom that I will pass along in the post that I will name "Home Business Success Tips". So far I am not super wealthy or thing like that however, I have learned to run and build a home business that has brought me an income of $6,000/month working part time. Everything I have learned is simple and even duplicatable.
If you are simply a casual reader of my blog; who has been wanting to start a home business. It is my goal to teach you step by step first how to find the right home business and then how to succeed with it. Please understand this is not an attempt to encourage you to join my home business. I have a multimillion dollar advertising company that helps me with that already. By the way, I will teach how to have a multimillion dollar advertising company, advertise for you on a shoestring budget.
Please feel to leave comments on my blog and I will try to address any questions that you may have. You may also email any questions or comments that you have and I will address those as well.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
I have to give God his
I just had a payment clear my bank account from April in NJ. Congratulations April, I look forward to helping you succeed with your Coastal Vacations business. April is truly motivated she has already been on many of our live team support and training calls. A big congratulations goes out to Tony in Florida who brought me his first Premiere Training sale last night. Way to go Tony! Also congrats to Stacy from ND! Stacy just got started at the Premiere Level which shows that is ready to change her life as quick as possible by starting out at the highest level she could. I truly have a great team. These people are serious about their home businesses and I could not be blessed anymore than to be working with them all. So far this month with this home business I have earned $4,200 profit after purchasing the travel packages at wholesale.
I just left the Samaritan's Purse website. April's payment of $1,295 cleared my account today so I went to the Post Office and ordered her travel package and then I went to the Sumaritan's Purse website and tithed my 10% to God. So that was $100.00 for Sarmaritan's Purse. As soon as Stacy's Premiere Payment of $3,995 clears my account I will tithe that as well. Tithing is something that I have been really slack on and am quite frankly I am ashamed of it. God has blessed me with this most amazing home business and I have repaid him back by stealing his portion 10%. One of the personal issues that I dealt with when I was at Dani Johnson's last seminar was giving God his part especially since he gives me so much. To be quite honest I am giving God more than 10% especially after you take into account my many many tax advantages I have from owning a home business. It does not really matter because I will not be able to out give God.
Friday, November 04, 2005
A recent statistic...
I heard a recent statistic that was mind blowing:
"33.3 million people own a home based business. Less than 1/10th of 1 precent of them are earning any money at all. While currently over 10% of the Coastal Synergy Group are earning over $100,000 a year."
That is incredible. You can find out more about the Coastal Synergy Group at http://jackie.csglifestyles.com/.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
This cruise is getting expensive!
Carmen and I have this amazingly wonderful 7 day Western Caribbean Cruise planned. We are going with a group and we leave on the 13th and come back on the 20th. We will be stopping at Coasta Maya, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Belize. I am very excited about it but I have to tell you this freaking cruise is getting very expensive. Not only is it costing over $1,000 for each of us (we have a room with a balcony), I am also missing Dani Johnson's "Creating a Dynasty Seminar", and she is doing a private conference call for the Coastal Wealth Builders the week I am gone.
There is no telling what that seminar and that coference call would do for my business. Her "Creating a Dynasty Seminar" is an advanced 3 day event you have to be a graduate of her "First Steps to Success" before you can attend "Creating a dynasty". She only has her dynasty seminar once a quarter so now I will have to wait until the Spring for the next one. I love Carmen and we will have a lot of fun on our cruise but, this is one expensive vacation.
You know to make matters worse I didn't even take advantage of my travel package for the cruise because I didn't realize the cruise card, that can give us up to 50% on cruises, can be used for group travel. It's really my fault I should have looked into that. This travel package is really so massive I find a new savings everytime I look at it. I don't mean little savings either, I am talking savings of several hundred dollars. Don't worry, I will know next time!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Business is Business
I have conducted 6 interviews so far today, including one from a guy who was a bodyguard. He was telling me about working with different CEOs of companies and for different people in the entertainment business. That was an interesting interview to say the least. He seemed to think that his last client was a bit paranoid in fact he said that assignment had been terminated due to the fact that the client wanted more security than one person could give so he actually hired a small firm. However, my interviewee said that not once in the several months of protecting this guy nor his family had he witnessed any credible threats. This gentleman is looking into Coastal because he wants to do something that is a little safer, I guess being a bodyshield wouldn't be the safest profession one could have. This gentleman was very personable he could be great with Coastal, once he completes our four step process we will see if he is truly someone I am looking to work with.
One of my interviewees today called me back and said that she wanted something that wasn't so time consuming. I just responded OK and let her hang up. I wanted to be like "hello" I don't work very hard as it is and I am still able to earn $1,000s each month. I really don't think she read the information too thoroughly but that was ultimately her decision. I had too many other people to follow up with I didn't have time to worry about her. I am looking for people who are serious about their future and are willing to do their research thoroughly.
Since, I didn't mention it yesterday I better mention it today, yesterday was my 3rd anniversary with Carmen. She is truly and an amazing women and an accomplished entrepreneur in her own right. In fact to be honest with you her business is earning more than mine currently is. However, we both know that I will definitely end up earning more. She had a traditional direct marketing company with lots of overhead and plenty of headaches. The most that she will ever profit most likely in that business will be $300,000 in a year. She is working up to that and will likely hit that in the next 3 yrs. However, with Coastal my goal is to hit $100,000/month that is 1.2million a year. I believe it will take me at least 5 years to reach that.
Another exciting thing about my business vs. her's is that in order for me to reach my goal I will help many many people generate a multiple six figure income. Not only do I get to earn a lot but I enable many others to earn a great income as well. Hopefully, someone will earn more than I do. By that time I will know that I have truly accomplished my task as a successful Coastal Director.
One of my interviewees today called me back and said that she wanted something that wasn't so time consuming. I just responded OK and let her hang up. I wanted to be like "hello" I don't work very hard as it is and I am still able to earn $1,000s each month. I really don't think she read the information too thoroughly but that was ultimately her decision. I had too many other people to follow up with I didn't have time to worry about her. I am looking for people who are serious about their future and are willing to do their research thoroughly.
Since, I didn't mention it yesterday I better mention it today, yesterday was my 3rd anniversary with Carmen. She is truly and an amazing women and an accomplished entrepreneur in her own right. In fact to be honest with you her business is earning more than mine currently is. However, we both know that I will definitely end up earning more. She had a traditional direct marketing company with lots of overhead and plenty of headaches. The most that she will ever profit most likely in that business will be $300,000 in a year. She is working up to that and will likely hit that in the next 3 yrs. However, with Coastal my goal is to hit $100,000/month that is 1.2million a year. I believe it will take me at least 5 years to reach that.
Another exciting thing about my business vs. her's is that in order for me to reach my goal I will help many many people generate a multiple six figure income. Not only do I get to earn a lot but I enable many others to earn a great income as well. Hopefully, someone will earn more than I do. By that time I will know that I have truly accomplished my task as a successful Coastal Director.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Halloween 17 yrs ago
Halloween 17 yrs ago, my daddy passed away at 3:00 am in the morning. It really doesn't seem like it was that long ago. Obviously I have a different life than I did then and I have been through so much since then. I was only 9 years old when daddy passed away. Currently at 26, I could only wish he could see what I am working hard to accomplish now. I wish he could have met Carmen she is the most amazing thing that could have happened to me and she will never get to know the greatest man I ever knew. He will never get to meet his grandkids and it really bothers me that they will not know him in the way I did. None the less life does continue. Today was a particularly slow day for my business I didn't get many new leads in. I did contact Lynn at Cutting Edge Media and had my leads extended throughout next Wednesday. I had made a mistake and thought that we were leaving for our cruise this coming weekend but it's not until next weekend.
I did have a client today that was about to get started at the Premiere Level, she had a really pretty name her name was Kevann. Kevann, was excited about getting started with Coastal but found some negative stuff on the internet about Coastal Vacations. I am certain she found some of the same stuff that I found before I got started. I just did my research and Coastal just made sense to me. Doing my research I never found where anyone was getting blatantly ripped off or anything. Just like with any online business opportunity I found plenty of people complaining that it didn't work and that they lost money with it. There are people out there that will say stuff likethat with just about any company online. Occasionally someone will complain about the product but once again any company with a long history has complaints about their products. I simply looked to see if there were an unusually large amounts of complaints against Coastal. I concluded that there were not very many complaints that most were very inaccurate as far as how Coastal worked. I knew from my research how the business model operated and some of the people complaining were inaccurate about the basics of Coastal's business plan. That told me either they had never been apart of Coastal Vacations or they did join but never bothered to learn even the most basic information therefore it was obvious they would fail. I also knew that companies such as Universal Studios, Disneyworld, Quest, Access International, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Hertz, Budget, RCI, Merriott, ect. Would not be associated with something that was a "scam".
I am proud of the type of people I have been blessed to associate myself with in this business. I am proud of my team and I thank God for this amazing group of people everyday. I very much look forward to watching their businesses grow and blossom in the weeks and months ahead. It bothers me a bit that Kevann could not be one of them.
I did have a client today that was about to get started at the Premiere Level, she had a really pretty name her name was Kevann. Kevann, was excited about getting started with Coastal but found some negative stuff on the internet about Coastal Vacations. I am certain she found some of the same stuff that I found before I got started. I just did my research and Coastal just made sense to me. Doing my research I never found where anyone was getting blatantly ripped off or anything. Just like with any online business opportunity I found plenty of people complaining that it didn't work and that they lost money with it. There are people out there that will say stuff likethat with just about any company online. Occasionally someone will complain about the product but once again any company with a long history has complaints about their products. I simply looked to see if there were an unusually large amounts of complaints against Coastal. I concluded that there were not very many complaints that most were very inaccurate as far as how Coastal worked. I knew from my research how the business model operated and some of the people complaining were inaccurate about the basics of Coastal's business plan. That told me either they had never been apart of Coastal Vacations or they did join but never bothered to learn even the most basic information therefore it was obvious they would fail. I also knew that companies such as Universal Studios, Disneyworld, Quest, Access International, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Hertz, Budget, RCI, Merriott, ect. Would not be associated with something that was a "scam".
I am proud of the type of people I have been blessed to associate myself with in this business. I am proud of my team and I thank God for this amazing group of people everyday. I very much look forward to watching their businesses grow and blossom in the weeks and months ahead. It bothers me a bit that Kevann could not be one of them.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears
We had a pretty fun day today. Carmen and I went with her parents to the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions game. It was actually my first professional football game. I am not a fan of the Lions or the Bears but none the less it was a good game. The Bears won the Lions should have they really gave that game away. Afterwards we went out to eat at a place in Detroit called "Fishbones" it was ok nothing special. I had to make two follow up interviews at the restaurant. I don't usually do any work on Sundays as that is always my Sabbath day but, I knew I was going to be really busy on Monday. I am working a little harder than normal I am actually working full time hours now and I am prospecting with more focus. I am looking to really take my business to the next level plus I need to save some money for our Caribbean Cruise that is coming up in two weeks.
I am pretty tired right now, I think Carmen and I are going to lay down and watch a movie. Although I am not sure what we are going to watch just yet. I guess I will just leave it up to her.
I am pretty tired right now, I think Carmen and I are going to lay down and watch a movie. Although I am not sure what we are going to watch just yet. I guess I will just leave it up to her.
Friday, October 28, 2005
$23,000 in a month
Another awesome day in my life. I have to tell you, I just feel like this is a complete dream come true. I am apart of one of the most amazing businesses in the world. Coastal Vacations is phenomenal, I am beginning to see everyone around me reach different levels of financial success. My brother who so has had a month of about $23,000. That was almost of years salary at one point in my life. Actually, it was a years salary when I was a nursing assistant. This is the same guy who told me this was a scam. 6 months later he was on board, 4 months after that he has a $23,000 month. Most people only dream about this type of income now we actually get to see it. I can not tell you how many infomercials I have seen envying the person on there who was bragging about the big house or the nice cars. I no longer envy them. I now have that business and the best part is I get to share that with new people every day of my life. I don't have to feel like there are some sort of amazing secrets to this business. I am able to teach people step by step how to do the same thing I do. In fact many times they are able to actually listen in on the telephone as I conduct my interviews.
I am so excited for my new associates/team members right now. Six months to a year from now most of them will be experiencing major life changes as well. I can't wait I will actually have a front row seat as I get to watch those changes take place. Jen, Virgil, Bob, Fred, Tony, no doubt these guys will become the next multiple six figure earners as well as myself in the coming year.
I am so excited for my new associates/team members right now. Six months to a year from now most of them will be experiencing major life changes as well. I can't wait I will actually have a front row seat as I get to watch those changes take place. Jen, Virgil, Bob, Fred, Tony, no doubt these guys will become the next multiple six figure earners as well as myself in the coming year.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
I am still growing and learning
I must have made a massive mistake today. I was talking to a sharp woman on the phone today. I had actually spoken to her first yesterday when conducting a primary interview. When I followed up with her this evening I was trying to ask her what was her favorite part of the information that she reviewed. She seemed defensive as if I was about to convince her to do something that she did not want to do. She almost seemed to avoid my question saying "I am not sure I have to take all of this information in" "I have to let this soak in". I was having trouble deciding how I was going to move this conversation forward. I didn't want to end the interview she seemed like she was very intelligent. Out of my nervousness I laughed because I was a little frustrated as to how to tackfully move the interview forward. This young women immediately got offended when I laughed. I think she assumed I was laughing at her. It bothered me a lot. It blind sided me to be honest. She politely but straightforwardly told me that we were ending the conversation, that she was an adult, she was intelligent and that you do not conduct business by laughing at people.
I was so floored. I did not mean to offend anyone. But, what a lesson learned. I have been in this business earning an average of $6,400/monthly on a part time basis. Most recently last month working full time I did about $15,000 and may even do better than that this month. The best thing about that is that I know that there are people who's lives are changing because of this business and in some way I play a small part in that change. It is absolutely the most rewarding thing I have been a part of. I just hope by my actions tonight didn't cause someone to miss that opportunity.
I was so floored. I did not mean to offend anyone. But, what a lesson learned. I have been in this business earning an average of $6,400/monthly on a part time basis. Most recently last month working full time I did about $15,000 and may even do better than that this month. The best thing about that is that I know that there are people who's lives are changing because of this business and in some way I play a small part in that change. It is absolutely the most rewarding thing I have been a part of. I just hope by my actions tonight didn't cause someone to miss that opportunity.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Life has been busy plus, I got a speeding ticket
I have been very busy lately. I had completely expected to write about the seminar while I was there but I only managed to get out one post. The seminar was amazing as I had expected. It was especially an honor to be there with so many others on our team. I have really developed some friendships with these guys and I wish them much success with their Coastal Business. The Dani Johnson experience is such a life changing event. I truly believe everyone whether you own a home business or not should attend that. I was able to watch many of the people that were with me actually change before my eyes. It would be difficult to explain, you would just have to be there to understand.
After leaving the seminar on my flight home I actually had a delayed flight at my connection. My flight was delayed for about 3 hours. That was kind of boring but, I sat beside a young women named Reagan and chatted abit to kill some time. I found out that Reagan was in Med. School. She wanted to become a Pediatrist (foot doctor); because she didn't have to go to school quite as long as she would with other specialties and she felt it would be the one area in which she did not have to take call as a doctor and according to her most Pediatrist are only open about 3 days a week. In other words she was looking for a good career, in which she could make plenty of money while maintaining time freedom. I couldn't help but think she just needs to start a Coastal business, it would be cheaper, more lucrative, she would have more time freedom, and less liability. Not to mention she would not owe all that money back in student loans. I was so tired from the weekend that I didn't even bother to tell her about Coastal Vacations. I just let her talk.
By the time I got home, I had decided that I didn't want to wait any longer. I really wanted to go see Carmen. So I decided to repack my bags and to grab a couple of hours of sleep and to start driving early in the morning. I had originally planned on driving up on this coming Saturday night. Instead I slept about 3 hours Monday night and started driving at 4:00 am. It took me 15 hours and 45 minutes to get here. I was so tired I stopped more than usually about 5 or 6 times just to wake myself back up. As I was driving through Ohio, I got a freaking ticket doing 79 mph in a 65. As soon as I saw the lights I thought to myself, "Thank God, for PrePaid Legal". I don't think that is the best company but it isn't a bad product that is for sure.
Today, business has been rocking! Just made a couple of changes according to Dani plus I increased my advertising in anticipation for my cruise coming up in two weeks. I made 26 calls today, I interviewed 9 people and followed up with 3. One person is going to the Live support call tomorrow. I have plans to follow up with 7 of them tomorrow. It was such an exciting day. I look forward to a prosperous week. I wish you one as well.
After leaving the seminar on my flight home I actually had a delayed flight at my connection. My flight was delayed for about 3 hours. That was kind of boring but, I sat beside a young women named Reagan and chatted abit to kill some time. I found out that Reagan was in Med. School. She wanted to become a Pediatrist (foot doctor); because she didn't have to go to school quite as long as she would with other specialties and she felt it would be the one area in which she did not have to take call as a doctor and according to her most Pediatrist are only open about 3 days a week. In other words she was looking for a good career, in which she could make plenty of money while maintaining time freedom. I couldn't help but think she just needs to start a Coastal business, it would be cheaper, more lucrative, she would have more time freedom, and less liability. Not to mention she would not owe all that money back in student loans. I was so tired from the weekend that I didn't even bother to tell her about Coastal Vacations. I just let her talk.
By the time I got home, I had decided that I didn't want to wait any longer. I really wanted to go see Carmen. So I decided to repack my bags and to grab a couple of hours of sleep and to start driving early in the morning. I had originally planned on driving up on this coming Saturday night. Instead I slept about 3 hours Monday night and started driving at 4:00 am. It took me 15 hours and 45 minutes to get here. I was so tired I stopped more than usually about 5 or 6 times just to wake myself back up. As I was driving through Ohio, I got a freaking ticket doing 79 mph in a 65. As soon as I saw the lights I thought to myself, "Thank God, for PrePaid Legal". I don't think that is the best company but it isn't a bad product that is for sure.
Today, business has been rocking! Just made a couple of changes according to Dani plus I increased my advertising in anticipation for my cruise coming up in two weeks. I made 26 calls today, I interviewed 9 people and followed up with 3. One person is going to the Live support call tomorrow. I have plans to follow up with 7 of them tomorrow. It was such an exciting day. I look forward to a prosperous week. I wish you one as well.
Friday, October 21, 2005
The seminar is here...
It is finally here. I am in St. Louis staying at the Hilton where the seminar is going to be held. I am so excited Dani Johnson is easily the best business coach I have ever had and I am thrilled to be here. I only wish Carmen could be here. She has her own business to run but, I am certain that she could apply Dani's principles to her own life as well. Most of the gang is all here. We are still waiting on Dan and Jen but they will not get in until after 10:00 pm. We will be registering for the seminar this evening and it starts tomorrow morning at 9:00 am however, we may be in line as early as 6:00 am. Josh and Geneva didn't make it I wish they could have been here they are great people. I definitely had a lot of fun hanging out at the Coastal seminar with them and we got some really good pictures of that as well. Wayne, was not able to make it either but he promised me that he would be here with his team in January. Stacy and Stephen, missed the seminar as well. Stacy tried to get tickets at the last minute but the plane tickets were very high. Stacy is doing awesome with this business so far this month he will profit just over $10,000. There can be no greater reward in our business than helping someone else change their life especially when that someone just happens to be your twin brother. Way to go bro! May much more success come your way.
I can't wait till I get home with the skills that I learn here and start applying them to my business; especially with the new leads that will be coming. Unfortunately, several others from my team were unable to make it. Virgil, Bob, Fred, Tony, Billie just to name a few. I hope they will be able to make it by January. This definitely promises to be a life changing experience once again. Well I have to run now so I can go ahead and register for the seminar tomorrow.
I can't wait till I get home with the skills that I learn here and start applying them to my business; especially with the new leads that will be coming. Unfortunately, several others from my team were unable to make it. Virgil, Bob, Fred, Tony, Billie just to name a few. I hope they will be able to make it by January. This definitely promises to be a life changing experience once again. Well I have to run now so I can go ahead and register for the seminar tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
What a day?
I ended up on the phone last night till like 4:00 am with Renae Heikkla and Kim Bowen. I ended up sleeping till almost noon today. I woke up late and have to tell you man I can not hang with those ladies. When I woke up I had to run a few important errands and grabbed a late lunch. For some reason on the way home I ended up getting one of the worst headache I can remember getting in a long time. I took a couple of Tylenol and laid on the couch. I didn't wake up until 5:00 pm but I immediately started working and ended up having a pretty productive evening. Thank goodness once again that I am self employed from home. Otherwise I would not have had the freedom to sleep till noon. I would not have been able to talk with my friends until 4:00 am either. Not to mention when I developed that headache earlier I was able to stop and lay on the couch until it subsided. I love this new found freedom.
Only about two more days till my trip to St. Louis. I will be there with close to 10 other people attending "First Steps to Success". I called Jason over at Cutting Edge Media and had him place my new lead order on hold till after this seminar. I will keep you informed as the seminar approaches.
Only about two more days till my trip to St. Louis. I will be there with close to 10 other people attending "First Steps to Success". I called Jason over at Cutting Edge Media and had him place my new lead order on hold till after this seminar. I will keep you informed as the seminar approaches.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Just looking to leverage?
I am always looking for a way to leverage my team's income. As a leader it is my responsibility to enable people to succeed beyond their wildest expectations if they so choose to. For sometime I have been looking for a way to help my team earn multiple streams of income without actually working a totally separate business. For example I had once looked at an advertising company that sold leads. This company had a multi-tier affiliate program attached to their leads. The lead prices were competitive but Cutting Edge had a higher quality and a larger variety of leads. Therefore, I did not choose that advertising company. Coastal Vacations is the number one priority for our group and it is the easiest way to succeed. If I am ever to find a way to create multiple streams of income it has to be with a service or product that is superior to any other on the market and it has to compliment our current business model with Coastal Vacations.
For example, I had once in the past reviewed MLM companies in the Telecom Industry because we do use a lot of long distance and we need an inexpensive carrier to help all of us lower our business overhead. None of the MLM/affiliate companies offered a truly exceptional value due in large part to the intense competition in that industry. Especially with the advent of VOIP services. VOIP stands for Voice Over IP. This is simply a low cost way to make long distance phone calls all over the US and Internationally simply using a small modem type box with a high speed internet connection. It is really easy to set up just follow a 3 step process. Step 1, Connect standard home phone line into the VOIP box. Step 2, Connect high speed Cable or DSL line to VOIP box. Step 3, connect power cord to VOIP box. That's it and you are ready to go. You are able to use your phone just like you normally would except now you pay a new and usually very low flat rate fee to make unlimited calls.
Currently the leader with this VOIP technology is Vonage. Vonage charges about $24.99 per month for unlimited calls to the US and Canada only and then a low cost per minute charge for other countries. Many people in the Coastal Synergy Group uses Vonage. However, this morning as I was looking over my blog I actually saw a google ad that I clicked on. This advertised a new company that is in launch. I am always concerned about brand new companies since they do not have a history of operation of course this ad as they always do hype pre-launch as some sort of ground floor opportunity but that is nearly always hype. I will watch this company. They are called Igonet. Igonet, is a VOIP company that offers unlimited calling to US, Canada, and 20 other most popular countries for only $29.99 at time of official launch. They have a MLM payment model associated with the service however, the service is useful and can be promoted as a cost effective alternative that my associates can offer to their team. Currently, my associates promote Vonage and they do not earn anything for that. However, by giving their teams a more comprehensive but low cost alternative to Vonage as well as earning an ongoing commission would be a win win situation for my associate and their team members. I will keep an eye on Igonet to make sure they deliver on what they promise.
For example, I had once in the past reviewed MLM companies in the Telecom Industry because we do use a lot of long distance and we need an inexpensive carrier to help all of us lower our business overhead. None of the MLM/affiliate companies offered a truly exceptional value due in large part to the intense competition in that industry. Especially with the advent of VOIP services. VOIP stands for Voice Over IP. This is simply a low cost way to make long distance phone calls all over the US and Internationally simply using a small modem type box with a high speed internet connection. It is really easy to set up just follow a 3 step process. Step 1, Connect standard home phone line into the VOIP box. Step 2, Connect high speed Cable or DSL line to VOIP box. Step 3, connect power cord to VOIP box. That's it and you are ready to go. You are able to use your phone just like you normally would except now you pay a new and usually very low flat rate fee to make unlimited calls.
Currently the leader with this VOIP technology is Vonage. Vonage charges about $24.99 per month for unlimited calls to the US and Canada only and then a low cost per minute charge for other countries. Many people in the Coastal Synergy Group uses Vonage. However, this morning as I was looking over my blog I actually saw a google ad that I clicked on. This advertised a new company that is in launch. I am always concerned about brand new companies since they do not have a history of operation of course this ad as they always do hype pre-launch as some sort of ground floor opportunity but that is nearly always hype. I will watch this company. They are called Igonet. Igonet, is a VOIP company that offers unlimited calling to US, Canada, and 20 other most popular countries for only $29.99 at time of official launch. They have a MLM payment model associated with the service however, the service is useful and can be promoted as a cost effective alternative that my associates can offer to their team. Currently, my associates promote Vonage and they do not earn anything for that. However, by giving their teams a more comprehensive but low cost alternative to Vonage as well as earning an ongoing commission would be a win win situation for my associate and their team members. I will keep an eye on Igonet to make sure they deliver on what they promise.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Another great week being self employed!
I am excited about this up coming week. We still have not got those new leads in yet. But, this is par for the course anytime you are trying something new. I will be calling Jason over at CEM later this morning and just check in and see when they are expected to get started. Any time something new is coming down the pipeline you can expect kinks in the road; that is why they gave us a discount on the leads for being "testers".
Also this week we will be headed down to St. Louis, MI for Dani Johnson's seminar. There is about 6 or 7 that I am aware of within Coastal going; one of them being Jen who is an associate of mine. I am excited for Jen if she pays attention to what Dani teaches she will began to see amazing changes take place not only in her business but also in her life. Eric, will be there also. Eric is a friend of mine but not a direct associate. Eric and I probably had the most fun ever prospecting last week it was a blast. We had a adrenaline pumping, we were excited, it was crazy. Eric lives in Florida he said that he felt like he was sitting on the top floor of a office building in Tampa, in the presidential office suite overlooking the water building a multimillion dollar business. Eric is definitely building a multimillion dollar business except he is doing it from his home office instead of someone else's office building. Although Eric may owe an office building one day he will not have to have his office in there if he doesn't choose to. Eric, let's get ready to have another exciting week building this business!
Also this week we will be headed down to St. Louis, MI for Dani Johnson's seminar. There is about 6 or 7 that I am aware of within Coastal going; one of them being Jen who is an associate of mine. I am excited for Jen if she pays attention to what Dani teaches she will began to see amazing changes take place not only in her business but also in her life. Eric, will be there also. Eric is a friend of mine but not a direct associate. Eric and I probably had the most fun ever prospecting last week it was a blast. We had a adrenaline pumping, we were excited, it was crazy. Eric lives in Florida he said that he felt like he was sitting on the top floor of a office building in Tampa, in the presidential office suite overlooking the water building a multimillion dollar business. Eric is definitely building a multimillion dollar business except he is doing it from his home office instead of someone else's office building. Although Eric may owe an office building one day he will not have to have his office in there if he doesn't choose to. Eric, let's get ready to have another exciting week building this business!
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Attitude?
This was emailed to me by a gentleman who I am fortunate enough to call a business associate. Virgil, was in a previous home based business when I met him. He was looking for a better vehicle for success when he discovered Coastal Vacations. I have been fortunate enough to be Virgil's director and I look forward to seeing his business and financial life explode! Thanks for the email Virgil!
ATTITUDE
Charles Swindoll
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for the day. We cannot change our past... We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... We are in charge of our Attitudes."
ATTITUDE
Charles Swindoll
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for the day. We cannot change our past... We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... We are in charge of our Attitudes."
Thursday, October 13, 2005
I can't afford ... To change my life
I had a thought today. I was on the phone with a client that requested that I give her a call. During the course of our conversation she was explaining how bad she wanted to change her life. She was explaining how she had been divorced, had a young child, and had been forced to move back into her parents' home. She told me she was tired of not being able afford the basics in life such as a home. She broke down and started crying a little as she said, "I have never been able to support myself without depending on someone else and I want to be able to do that".
To be honest with you that hurt my feelings. I look forward to working with this young women. I am hoping to help her change her life forever. You know a lot of people often tell me "I can't afford to get started".
"I can't afford the investment".
Really, what that tells me is that "I am not that serious about changing my life".
I often get responses to my emails in which someone tells me how hard their life is. How their circumstances are somehow more difficult to anyone else's and how I could never understand the position they are in, in their life. You know they are always correct I may never know the position they are in and I may never be in that position. However, when someone says, "I just can't afford it" They usually just means I don't have the money now and have no intention of every trying to save that money or finding a way to get that money to change my life. That let's me know that they just are not serious and are not someone that I am looking to work with. Let me share a story with you that may shed some light on this a bit.
When I was brand new in Coastal Vacations around August of last year. I spoke with a guy named Ken. Ken, seemed to be a nice guy after he did all of his research and completed the same four step process; that everyone goes through to make sure they know everything about this business before they get started. He told me, "Well I really like everything I see here but, I have to figure away to come up with the money." I told him that was fine, just let me know when you are ready. A month or two went by and I got an email from him. He said, "Don't give up on me I still want to get started with you". I replied and told him that I would be here to help him whenever he was ready. Some time in December I had gotten another email from Ken in which it explained that he was homeless or at least didn't have a home to call his own and that he didn't have a job. But, he was going to get started one of these days. Later in January I got an email in which Ken told me he had found a more stable home and he was looking forward to finding a steady job. Sometime in February I got a call from Ken he told me he had found a steady job and was going to start saving some money.
I remember thinking this guy is making some progress and always seems very serious about his intent in every email that he sends me. I knew then Ken was someone that seriously wanted to work with. I wanted to work with him so much that I started praying that one day I would have the chance to work with this guy. Sometime in March he contacted me again and he said he had saved $100 and would be ready to get started soon. The next month I got an email Ken told me once again, "I have saved more money". This time it was a total of $300. Ken said, "I know I still have a long ways to go but I will be getting started with you, don't give up on me". I had responded and let him know that I had not given up on him. The truth in the matter I was praying and rooting for his success. In May I got another update, "Jackie, I now have $500". In July he said, "Jackie, I have $800 and I may have the full amount by next month I will give you a call the first of August". The first of August came and went I was hoping he was going to be ready. I was so excited for him. I didn't hear from him till the end of the week in August. He called and said, "Jackie, it's Ken and I am ready to get started".
At that moment I was so excited for him. So many people just complain about life but this man is working to change his life. It took him nearly a year for him to save that money. At the time he was making his payment he didn't have a car he was riding a bicycle back and forth to work. He hadn't saved for a car yet because he was saving his money to start a business that would change his life. Most people who complain about not having any money to invest are in no more difficult circumstances than this man was. Except this man never told me, "I can't afford it". He said, "I have got to find a way to come up with the money". He said that at a time in his life when he did not have a stable home and he was living out of a suitcase, had no Job, no real source of income, no vehicle, but he had the desire to change his life. If his desire remains as strong as it is now; in the next year or two because of this business he will have a life he has only been able to dream of.
To be honest with you that hurt my feelings. I look forward to working with this young women. I am hoping to help her change her life forever. You know a lot of people often tell me "I can't afford to get started".
"I can't afford the investment".
Really, what that tells me is that "I am not that serious about changing my life".
I often get responses to my emails in which someone tells me how hard their life is. How their circumstances are somehow more difficult to anyone else's and how I could never understand the position they are in, in their life. You know they are always correct I may never know the position they are in and I may never be in that position. However, when someone says, "I just can't afford it" They usually just means I don't have the money now and have no intention of every trying to save that money or finding a way to get that money to change my life. That let's me know that they just are not serious and are not someone that I am looking to work with. Let me share a story with you that may shed some light on this a bit.
When I was brand new in Coastal Vacations around August of last year. I spoke with a guy named Ken. Ken, seemed to be a nice guy after he did all of his research and completed the same four step process; that everyone goes through to make sure they know everything about this business before they get started. He told me, "Well I really like everything I see here but, I have to figure away to come up with the money." I told him that was fine, just let me know when you are ready. A month or two went by and I got an email from him. He said, "Don't give up on me I still want to get started with you". I replied and told him that I would be here to help him whenever he was ready. Some time in December I had gotten another email from Ken in which it explained that he was homeless or at least didn't have a home to call his own and that he didn't have a job. But, he was going to get started one of these days. Later in January I got an email in which Ken told me he had found a more stable home and he was looking forward to finding a steady job. Sometime in February I got a call from Ken he told me he had found a steady job and was going to start saving some money.
I remember thinking this guy is making some progress and always seems very serious about his intent in every email that he sends me. I knew then Ken was someone that seriously wanted to work with. I wanted to work with him so much that I started praying that one day I would have the chance to work with this guy. Sometime in March he contacted me again and he said he had saved $100 and would be ready to get started soon. The next month I got an email Ken told me once again, "I have saved more money". This time it was a total of $300. Ken said, "I know I still have a long ways to go but I will be getting started with you, don't give up on me". I had responded and let him know that I had not given up on him. The truth in the matter I was praying and rooting for his success. In May I got another update, "Jackie, I now have $500". In July he said, "Jackie, I have $800 and I may have the full amount by next month I will give you a call the first of August". The first of August came and went I was hoping he was going to be ready. I was so excited for him. I didn't hear from him till the end of the week in August. He called and said, "Jackie, it's Ken and I am ready to get started".
At that moment I was so excited for him. So many people just complain about life but this man is working to change his life. It took him nearly a year for him to save that money. At the time he was making his payment he didn't have a car he was riding a bicycle back and forth to work. He hadn't saved for a car yet because he was saving his money to start a business that would change his life. Most people who complain about not having any money to invest are in no more difficult circumstances than this man was. Except this man never told me, "I can't afford it". He said, "I have got to find a way to come up with the money". He said that at a time in his life when he did not have a stable home and he was living out of a suitcase, had no Job, no real source of income, no vehicle, but he had the desire to change his life. If his desire remains as strong as it is now; in the next year or two because of this business he will have a life he has only been able to dream of.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
The Excitement of Improvement
I have started some coaching with a business coach named Dani Johnson. This woman is phenomenal. Dani,was homeless and living out of her car at the age of 19 with $2.03 to her name. In her first year she had earned over $250,000 and in her second year she earned $1,000,000 in profit in her home business. You can find out more about her on her website www.DaniJohnson.com where you can actually sign up to become a member for free and have access to over 50 hours of free audio training that is available.
I am very excited as my skills and professionalism in my business has drastically began to improve. I have spent hours on her website listening to her free recorded conference calls and more recently I have been to one of her seminars in Los Angelos, California. I am also currently taking one of her teleconference classes on recruiting. This is a 4 week class in which we meet for 1.5 to 2 hours once a week, on Tuesday and role play as well as learn professional techniques to use when interviewing people who are looking to improve their life with a home business. I have already been through two classes and have two more to go. I am currently looking to increase my advertising so that I can increase the number of people in which I can help. Dani, has taught me a great deal about time management from this call. Even though I have full time hours to work my business since I no longer have a job. I am still only working part time hours with my business right now so I am definitely looking to increase my advertising from Cutting Edge Media. I am also looking to explore those new leads which should start coming in any day now.
Later this month, I am actually attending another seminar of Dani's called "First Steps to Success". There are several others from Coastal going I am very excited we are going to have a lot of fun just hanging out together not to mention learning a lot along the way. Several of my friends are going including Eric Ledwith, Renae Heikkla, Jen Wilson, and several others. Geneva and her husband Josh may go but I am not certain about them yet. My brother Stacy and his friend Steven may also be going but they are not certain either. I am just really excited about anyone going to go see Dani especially if it is there first time. She has so much to teach to someone who is starting a home business. She is one of the few home business coaches out there that teaches from true experience. Those in Coastal Vacations that attend her seminars/training will surely see a huge improvement not only in their business but in their personal life as well!
Improving in this industry is exciting because it allows us to become efficient so we are more effective at helping others to become successful. The ability to help others reach their goals is the true meaning of Synergy in the name of our team The Coastal Synergy Group. Improvement helps us to help others and in the famous words of Zig Ziglar, "If we help enough other people get what they want then, we will get all that we want". Now that is exciting!
I am very excited as my skills and professionalism in my business has drastically began to improve. I have spent hours on her website listening to her free recorded conference calls and more recently I have been to one of her seminars in Los Angelos, California. I am also currently taking one of her teleconference classes on recruiting. This is a 4 week class in which we meet for 1.5 to 2 hours once a week, on Tuesday and role play as well as learn professional techniques to use when interviewing people who are looking to improve their life with a home business. I have already been through two classes and have two more to go. I am currently looking to increase my advertising so that I can increase the number of people in which I can help. Dani, has taught me a great deal about time management from this call. Even though I have full time hours to work my business since I no longer have a job. I am still only working part time hours with my business right now so I am definitely looking to increase my advertising from Cutting Edge Media. I am also looking to explore those new leads which should start coming in any day now.
Later this month, I am actually attending another seminar of Dani's called "First Steps to Success". There are several others from Coastal going I am very excited we are going to have a lot of fun just hanging out together not to mention learning a lot along the way. Several of my friends are going including Eric Ledwith, Renae Heikkla, Jen Wilson, and several others. Geneva and her husband Josh may go but I am not certain about them yet. My brother Stacy and his friend Steven may also be going but they are not certain either. I am just really excited about anyone going to go see Dani especially if it is there first time. She has so much to teach to someone who is starting a home business. She is one of the few home business coaches out there that teaches from true experience. Those in Coastal Vacations that attend her seminars/training will surely see a huge improvement not only in their business but in their personal life as well!
Improving in this industry is exciting because it allows us to become efficient so we are more effective at helping others to become successful. The ability to help others reach their goals is the true meaning of Synergy in the name of our team The Coastal Synergy Group. Improvement helps us to help others and in the famous words of Zig Ziglar, "If we help enough other people get what they want then, we will get all that we want". Now that is exciting!
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
I love this job... lol
I got a call super early this morning about 9:30am from my good friend over at Cutting Edge Media, Jason Kraft. Jason, called to verify some payment information that he had on file for me. Naturally he woke me up. Jason said, "Man, I am sorry Jackie I forgot you home business guys don't have to wake up until you are done sleeping".
I started laughing and told him he was right. Although I am normally up by 9am because I am so excited to start my day. However, this morning I was sleepy and didn't have any early appointments so I figured I would close my eyes until they opened the next time. After Jason's comment I started thinking that I have actually been taking this little freedom for granted. I should be ashamed of myself for that. I love this business... lol.
I started laughing and told him he was right. Although I am normally up by 9am because I am so excited to start my day. However, this morning I was sleepy and didn't have any early appointments so I figured I would close my eyes until they opened the next time. After Jason's comment I started thinking that I have actually been taking this little freedom for granted. I should be ashamed of myself for that. I love this business... lol.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Way to go Cutting Edge Media!!
I got a call from Jason over at Cutting Edge Media, they are our advertising company that we use for Coastal Vacations. They are a great company and have helped me to earn 10s of 1000s of dollars over this past year. Their customer service is awesome and the leads are good also.
Anyway Jason called because I had responded to his email yesterday; I volunteered to try some of their new leads out they are testing. They have a new lead that is a Coastal Specific (client is requesting info about Coastal), High Investment (Client is aware of minimum investment of $1,295 to get started), Phone verified (CEM has a call center that verifies that the lead is legit and not someone just playing around), Exclusive (lead is only sold once) lead. This promises to be an interesting lead to work with. I ordered 50 of these leads for $500.00. Jason said that they would be delivered over a 7 day period starting on Monday so I will definitely keep you posted on how well they work.
Anyway Jason called because I had responded to his email yesterday; I volunteered to try some of their new leads out they are testing. They have a new lead that is a Coastal Specific (client is requesting info about Coastal), High Investment (Client is aware of minimum investment of $1,295 to get started), Phone verified (CEM has a call center that verifies that the lead is legit and not someone just playing around), Exclusive (lead is only sold once) lead. This promises to be an interesting lead to work with. I ordered 50 of these leads for $500.00. Jason said that they would be delivered over a 7 day period starting on Monday so I will definitely keep you posted on how well they work.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
You Go Girl...
Last night I heard something amazing about a young women in Kentucky name Cheri, who I recently had the privledge to meet in person at a recent seminar. Cheri, had a background with a company called Ameriplan, her best month was about $800. She got started with Coastal a few months ago after she got tired of beating her head up against the wall. MLM is not necessarily a bad business model but it can be difficult. I personally never succeeded with that model. Maybe it was that I just am not smart enough to succeed with that, I am not sure. Ameriplan itself is not a bad company and they offer a great product. It is really a matter of opinion, and this is simply my opinion, when traveling on the road of life to the destination of success there are many vehicles. All of the vehicles will ultimately get you to your destination some will just get you there faster.
If Ameriplan was a Pinto for Cheri, then Coastal Vacations must be a Ferrari. I say that because I was told that Cheri, had 3 people purchase a Platinum package from her, 6 ordered Premiere packages, and 1 ordered the basic travel package. All of this occurred in a three week period. Cheri, made a profit of almost $50,000 in one week! Way to go Cheri, congratulations! That is the level I want my business to get to. On that note I have some work to do.
If Ameriplan was a Pinto for Cheri, then Coastal Vacations must be a Ferrari. I say that because I was told that Cheri, had 3 people purchase a Platinum package from her, 6 ordered Premiere packages, and 1 ordered the basic travel package. All of this occurred in a three week period. Cheri, made a profit of almost $50,000 in one week! Way to go Cheri, congratulations! That is the level I want my business to get to. On that note I have some work to do.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
I am back...
I apologize to my readers but I am now back. I have been taken away by another business venture one that was started prior to this blog, but one that has finally lead to a measure of success. This blog is titled "The Rise of a Young Business Tycoon". As you will see I have finally began to rise to a level of profitability; although "Tycoon" status is still alittle ways away. The business that I started is a home business venture you can find more information about this at http://jackie.moneytraveltimefreedom.com. I have been a RN for about 3 years and have decided after success for the past 6 months it was time to go full time with this business. On a part time basis I had been averaging $6,400 per month. Since going full time last month I had one week in which I did $15,000 in business. This is so freaking UNREAL, I absolutely feel like I am living in a dream. This goal has eluded me up until now in life. So far this month I have earned over $4,200 and it's only the 5th of the the month. Congratulations to Virgil of Ohio for making a decision to change his life and getting started at the Premiere Level with this business.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Pre-Paid Legal was my next venture.
Pre-Paid Legal was the next opportunity I discovered. I got started with Pre-Paid Legal shortly after I completed nursing school. During nursing school I was not looking for any opportunity other than the opportunity to graduate with my degree. However, after nursing school I heard about a gentleman that was excelling with his Pre-Paid Legal business. So I did what any motivated person would do. I searched him out and chased him down. I wanted to find if he was legitimate and see if he would give me the opportunity to get started in business with him. So I spoke with this Pre-Paid Legal guru; felt he was legit and got started in business right away. It was kind of funny, in nursing school I met someone who was actively working with Pre-Paid Legal. He was brand new with the business and I felt at the time, that it was not a marketable business. Of course after I found someone who was successful I changed my tune a little.
I got a quick start with Pre-Paid Legal. My first week I put out an employment ad and had 2 people sign up right away as associates. I quickly found out that my new mentor in the business was not focused on Pre-Paid Legal as much as he once was. At that time he spent more energy on his real estate ventures. I decided that I would teach myself what I needed to know since I did not have much upline support. I started cold calling from the phone book, this was miserably tough at first. I believe I made like 20 phone calls the first night and they were all hang ups. I put the phone down and I was very discouraged. Then I picked it back up and told myself, "If this phone is the only thing keeping me from becoming a millionaire then I would conquer the phone and started dialing again". Again I made another 15 calls, of course most of them were hang ups too. I quickly got discouraged and decided that I had to find a way to tell interested people about Pre-Paid Legal or I would never make any money. My wonderful girlfriend who had some telephone marketing experience helped me to develop a script to use in which I was giving away a free drawing to win $100.00 in groceries. This simple but unobtrusive script worked like a charm I was able to book an appointment with about 1 in every 4 people that I talked to on the phone. I got very excited about my Pre-Paid Legal business, however, I found that I spent a lot of time making appointments and more time actually going on the appointments. Once you broke it down, it was not worth the $75.00 commission that I earned at the time. Sure with the Pre-Paid Legal pay plan, down the road the business could become very profitable. One thing that I have found out about MLM/Network Marketing businesses is that they appear very profitable with very complex pay plans. However, it always takes a little time before you can develop a full time income because you are partly depending on other people's efforts. Let's face it many people get started in these low cost businesses chasing a "fast" dream. Usually after 30 to 60 days their dream is fast over and to be successful you are always racing against your drop out rate. Pre-Paid Legal really was no different. I am not saying that Pre-Paid Legal is a bad business because I am certain there are many successful business owners in Pre-Paid Legal. I just felt that there had to be a better business model out there for me. So I left that business, however, I really like their product and still use/own it today. Off I went looking for another business venture that would suit me.
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I got a quick start with Pre-Paid Legal. My first week I put out an employment ad and had 2 people sign up right away as associates. I quickly found out that my new mentor in the business was not focused on Pre-Paid Legal as much as he once was. At that time he spent more energy on his real estate ventures. I decided that I would teach myself what I needed to know since I did not have much upline support. I started cold calling from the phone book, this was miserably tough at first. I believe I made like 20 phone calls the first night and they were all hang ups. I put the phone down and I was very discouraged. Then I picked it back up and told myself, "If this phone is the only thing keeping me from becoming a millionaire then I would conquer the phone and started dialing again". Again I made another 15 calls, of course most of them were hang ups too. I quickly got discouraged and decided that I had to find a way to tell interested people about Pre-Paid Legal or I would never make any money. My wonderful girlfriend who had some telephone marketing experience helped me to develop a script to use in which I was giving away a free drawing to win $100.00 in groceries. This simple but unobtrusive script worked like a charm I was able to book an appointment with about 1 in every 4 people that I talked to on the phone. I got very excited about my Pre-Paid Legal business, however, I found that I spent a lot of time making appointments and more time actually going on the appointments. Once you broke it down, it was not worth the $75.00 commission that I earned at the time. Sure with the Pre-Paid Legal pay plan, down the road the business could become very profitable. One thing that I have found out about MLM/Network Marketing businesses is that they appear very profitable with very complex pay plans. However, it always takes a little time before you can develop a full time income because you are partly depending on other people's efforts. Let's face it many people get started in these low cost businesses chasing a "fast" dream. Usually after 30 to 60 days their dream is fast over and to be successful you are always racing against your drop out rate. Pre-Paid Legal really was no different. I am not saying that Pre-Paid Legal is a bad business because I am certain there are many successful business owners in Pre-Paid Legal. I just felt that there had to be a better business model out there for me. So I left that business, however, I really like their product and still use/own it today. Off I went looking for another business venture that would suit me.
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Thursday, February 10, 2005
Mary Kay, believe it or not!
Mary Kay, was the first business I was a part of believe it or not. As a 20 year old male I was recruited by a Mary Kay consultant to get started in the business. She did a great job recruiting me she even put me in the hands of an excellent director Ellen Mitchell. Ellen was great at what she did and had a solid organization. I am certain she is most likely still working her business very successfully.
Mary Kay is a great business however, I just did not have any interest in the products. I was sold on the idea that I worked with the perfect market; (tons of females) which was true. I just did not care much for the product. I was hoping I would began to develop a name for myself as a Mary Kay Consultant and would generate a little passive income from the occasional orders while I was in school. To be quite honest I did not have the time to put in the business. However, I did witness a top notch organization in action. Mary Kay, has tons of training resources available. It is actually good training material not just hype and excitement. I mean all of the Mary Kay cassette tapes that I heard and the video tapes that I saw truly taught actually techniques on improving your business; everything from scripts on setting up parties, to actual video tapes showing how to coach someone through doing their own make over. It was just excellent training material.
Even though it was a business that I did not succeed at. It was a great business and on occasion if I hear of a nurse who may be getting started as a Mary Kay Consultant I always re-enforce the fact that they are part of a great business if they choose to work it like a business. Overall I probably lost about $600.00 on my Mary Kay business and most of that was product that I ended up giving away. I didn't have any hard feelings; it was just a business that did not keep my interest. Don't get me wrong everyone hates to lose money. However, it was my mistakes. No one in Mary Kay ever mis-represented the Mary Kay business or it's products. I just chose not to succeed at it.
Feel free to comment on your experience with Mary Kay as a business or it's products.
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Mary Kay is a great business however, I just did not have any interest in the products. I was sold on the idea that I worked with the perfect market; (tons of females) which was true. I just did not care much for the product. I was hoping I would began to develop a name for myself as a Mary Kay Consultant and would generate a little passive income from the occasional orders while I was in school. To be quite honest I did not have the time to put in the business. However, I did witness a top notch organization in action. Mary Kay, has tons of training resources available. It is actually good training material not just hype and excitement. I mean all of the Mary Kay cassette tapes that I heard and the video tapes that I saw truly taught actually techniques on improving your business; everything from scripts on setting up parties, to actual video tapes showing how to coach someone through doing their own make over. It was just excellent training material.
Even though it was a business that I did not succeed at. It was a great business and on occasion if I hear of a nurse who may be getting started as a Mary Kay Consultant I always re-enforce the fact that they are part of a great business if they choose to work it like a business. Overall I probably lost about $600.00 on my Mary Kay business and most of that was product that I ended up giving away. I didn't have any hard feelings; it was just a business that did not keep my interest. Don't get me wrong everyone hates to lose money. However, it was my mistakes. No one in Mary Kay ever mis-represented the Mary Kay business or it's products. I just chose not to succeed at it.
Feel free to comment on your experience with Mary Kay as a business or it's products.
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Monday, February 07, 2005
The Start of my Entrepreneurial Thoughts
I can not exactly pin point exactly when I decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I am not sure I ever decided on this it may have simply been something that I instinctively always knew I was going to do. However, I don't always remember having entrepreneurial thoughts. When I was younger I do remember having lemonade stands with my friends, we walked dogs, washed cars, cut grass, ect. Just to make some extra money. I have always had hopes and dreams. Even though my family was relatively poor I just always felt that I would have and be able to enjoy all of the nicer things in life.
Early on I can remember listening to my Papa at his kitchen table talking about money and past financial decisions. Papa had made many hundreds of thousands of dollars in his life time that he squandered. His whole life Papa work a regular J.O.B. (Just Over Broke) but he basically just made horrible financial decisions. He had a brother that also worked a regular J.O.B. however, he made excellent financial decisions and investments. In his later years his brother enjoyed a comfortable life taking many vacations and traveling all over the US and other parts of the world. The conversations that Papa had at his kitchen table were usually directed towards my Nannie but were for his benefit. I often listened to him say things such as, "..In 1956 if we would have invested X amount of dollars here or put in there today after taxes we would have..."(the whole time he would be punching away feverishly on his calculator). Papa talked quite abit about how he wished he had invested in that or had money to invest in this now. At that time in the late 80's early 90's he wanted to invest in Wal-Mart. Which by the way would have turned out to be an excellent investment. My brother and I at 10 and 11 years old would pick up the newspaper and try to read and understand the Financial page. We would try to make sense of all of those numbers and symbols. Papa simply explained, "This is the buy price and this is the sell price and this is the symbol for the company". He would go on to say, "You want to buy the stock when it is low and sell it when it goes up". That sounded simple enough.
When I started college I was still curious about the financial world. I would browse through investment books for beginners and try to makes sense of all that stuff. The first book I ever read that motivated me was The Complete Idiot's Guide: To Getting Rich. I hated the title but this book spoke in plain English and was easy to understand. This book spoke mainly about investing with an emphasis on mutual funds. It explained the result of compound interest. Overall I just got really excited about what I learned in that book. I often picked up random books and browsed through them. However, another book that really impacted me. Was written by Robert Kiyasoki titled What the Rich Invest in That the Poor and Middle Class do not. I remember thinking I was getting a book full of investing advice. Robert Kiyasoki, believes the rich invest in their business. Not exactly the investment advice I had been looking for. This book was focused on starting a business and the lucrative advantages that business owners have over others. For example corporations are taxed at a rate of about 18%, that is lower than the lowest tax bracket for personal income tax. Businesses can write off many of their expenses on their taxes.
For example if your business earns $100,000 in a year and you have to spend $20,000 in advertising. Many non-business people would assume the businesses earns $100,000 they are taxed say hypothetically 30% they are left with $70,000 and will have to pay their advertising bill of $20,000 and will profit $50,000. However, this example is very simplified but a more accurate picture of what happens is this. The business makes $100,000 the advertising is a tax write off so they will take their advertising amount out of their gross of $100,000 ($100,000 gross - $20,000 advertising = $80,000 profit) Since the business only shows a profit of $80,000 that is all they will be taxed on, not the full $100,000. Instead of paying $30,000 in taxes they will only pay 30% of $80,000 which is $24,000. Basically just because an entity is a business and not a person paying income taxes they are able to save $6,000. That is an extra $6,000 in their pocket. Disclaimer: This is primarily for an easy example about the benefits of owning a business. This is some of what I learned in the above mentioned book. Tax codes are very complicated always consult a tax advisor as I am not one.
Something else that Robert Kiyasoki talked about in the book was the ultimate growth of a business; which he seems to feel is for the company to be able to go public successful. In other words trade on the stock market. Prior to reading this book I was under the impression that people earning $100,000/year were rich. Mr. Kiyasoki motivated me to increase my personal goals and to change my way of thinking. In his book he talks about earning your first million being the hardest and the other millions would come a little easier than the first. I began to think maybe my goal for when I started a business should be 100,000/month. However, at that time I was in nursing school and starting a business was going to be a little ways off.
I distinctively remember walking home from school one day (this was during the period that I didn't have a car) and I was thinking about what I wanted to accomplish in my life financially. I started this thought process because I wanted a car and I was thinking if I were out of school and working as a nurse I could get a car . Then I began to think of other things I wanted when I became a nurse. I wanted to have the home of my dreams bought and paid for by the time I was 40. I wanted a Dodge Viper bought and paid for in the garage by the time I was 30. I wanted to have the option to retire at 50 if I so choose. Then, I began to calculate what my nursing salary would be (about $35,000/year). I started calculating how much I could possibly save. It was then for the very first time I realized that I would most likely never hit my goals if I expected to do it from a nursing salary. Those goals would have been almost impossible to hit even with a nursing salary and good investments.
These thoughts sparked other thoughts. I began to realize that many people would say; one day I want this or one day I want that but they never really meant it. They never truly made the decision to turn those dreams into goals. I made a consicous decision that I was going to reach my goals. I was 20 years old at the time, and I knew I had to get serious. It was like an epiphany, I can remember exactly where I was at on my walk home when all of this began to hit me. I knew from that point on I would have to get serious about a business in order to reach my goals. I wasn't sure which business, I knew that I had several ideas that could become businesses. First of all I needed to finish nursing school. Then I would work at becoming a serious entrepreneur. Since that day my daily thoughts have almost always been saturated with the idea of entrepreneurship.
In the next several posts I am going to discuss several business ideas I have had in the past and several businesses I have attempted to start up thus far in my life.
Be notified when I update this blog
Early on I can remember listening to my Papa at his kitchen table talking about money and past financial decisions. Papa had made many hundreds of thousands of dollars in his life time that he squandered. His whole life Papa work a regular J.O.B. (Just Over Broke) but he basically just made horrible financial decisions. He had a brother that also worked a regular J.O.B. however, he made excellent financial decisions and investments. In his later years his brother enjoyed a comfortable life taking many vacations and traveling all over the US and other parts of the world. The conversations that Papa had at his kitchen table were usually directed towards my Nannie but were for his benefit. I often listened to him say things such as, "..In 1956 if we would have invested X amount of dollars here or put in there today after taxes we would have..."(the whole time he would be punching away feverishly on his calculator). Papa talked quite abit about how he wished he had invested in that or had money to invest in this now. At that time in the late 80's early 90's he wanted to invest in Wal-Mart. Which by the way would have turned out to be an excellent investment. My brother and I at 10 and 11 years old would pick up the newspaper and try to read and understand the Financial page. We would try to make sense of all of those numbers and symbols. Papa simply explained, "This is the buy price and this is the sell price and this is the symbol for the company". He would go on to say, "You want to buy the stock when it is low and sell it when it goes up". That sounded simple enough.
When I started college I was still curious about the financial world. I would browse through investment books for beginners and try to makes sense of all that stuff. The first book I ever read that motivated me was The Complete Idiot's Guide: To Getting Rich. I hated the title but this book spoke in plain English and was easy to understand. This book spoke mainly about investing with an emphasis on mutual funds. It explained the result of compound interest. Overall I just got really excited about what I learned in that book. I often picked up random books and browsed through them. However, another book that really impacted me. Was written by Robert Kiyasoki titled What the Rich Invest in That the Poor and Middle Class do not. I remember thinking I was getting a book full of investing advice. Robert Kiyasoki, believes the rich invest in their business. Not exactly the investment advice I had been looking for. This book was focused on starting a business and the lucrative advantages that business owners have over others. For example corporations are taxed at a rate of about 18%, that is lower than the lowest tax bracket for personal income tax. Businesses can write off many of their expenses on their taxes.
For example if your business earns $100,000 in a year and you have to spend $20,000 in advertising. Many non-business people would assume the businesses earns $100,000 they are taxed say hypothetically 30% they are left with $70,000 and will have to pay their advertising bill of $20,000 and will profit $50,000. However, this example is very simplified but a more accurate picture of what happens is this. The business makes $100,000 the advertising is a tax write off so they will take their advertising amount out of their gross of $100,000 ($100,000 gross - $20,000 advertising = $80,000 profit) Since the business only shows a profit of $80,000 that is all they will be taxed on, not the full $100,000. Instead of paying $30,000 in taxes they will only pay 30% of $80,000 which is $24,000. Basically just because an entity is a business and not a person paying income taxes they are able to save $6,000. That is an extra $6,000 in their pocket. Disclaimer: This is primarily for an easy example about the benefits of owning a business. This is some of what I learned in the above mentioned book. Tax codes are very complicated always consult a tax advisor as I am not one.
Something else that Robert Kiyasoki talked about in the book was the ultimate growth of a business; which he seems to feel is for the company to be able to go public successful. In other words trade on the stock market. Prior to reading this book I was under the impression that people earning $100,000/year were rich. Mr. Kiyasoki motivated me to increase my personal goals and to change my way of thinking. In his book he talks about earning your first million being the hardest and the other millions would come a little easier than the first. I began to think maybe my goal for when I started a business should be 100,000/month. However, at that time I was in nursing school and starting a business was going to be a little ways off.
I distinctively remember walking home from school one day (this was during the period that I didn't have a car) and I was thinking about what I wanted to accomplish in my life financially. I started this thought process because I wanted a car and I was thinking if I were out of school and working as a nurse I could get a car . Then I began to think of other things I wanted when I became a nurse. I wanted to have the home of my dreams bought and paid for by the time I was 40. I wanted a Dodge Viper bought and paid for in the garage by the time I was 30. I wanted to have the option to retire at 50 if I so choose. Then, I began to calculate what my nursing salary would be (about $35,000/year). I started calculating how much I could possibly save. It was then for the very first time I realized that I would most likely never hit my goals if I expected to do it from a nursing salary. Those goals would have been almost impossible to hit even with a nursing salary and good investments.
These thoughts sparked other thoughts. I began to realize that many people would say; one day I want this or one day I want that but they never really meant it. They never truly made the decision to turn those dreams into goals. I made a consicous decision that I was going to reach my goals. I was 20 years old at the time, and I knew I had to get serious. It was like an epiphany, I can remember exactly where I was at on my walk home when all of this began to hit me. I knew from that point on I would have to get serious about a business in order to reach my goals. I wasn't sure which business, I knew that I had several ideas that could become businesses. First of all I needed to finish nursing school. Then I would work at becoming a serious entrepreneur. Since that day my daily thoughts have almost always been saturated with the idea of entrepreneurship.
In the next several posts I am going to discuss several business ideas I have had in the past and several businesses I have attempted to start up thus far in my life.
Be notified when I update this blog
Many More Thanks...
There are so many other people I could thank in my life. My 4th grade teacher at Brogden Primary Mrs. Doris Smith. Mrs. Smith was my teacher during the time that my Daddy passed away. She was awesome, she had the class make cards for us. She came by to visit why we were out of school. She helped us get caught up on our work when returned to school. She just went that extra mile that teachers don't have to go.
My Royal Ranger's Commanders (Royal Rangers is a boy's youth group in the church similar to Boy Scouts but concentrates more on the doctrine of the church) who came by very shortly after my Daddy passed away. These guys were Rex Hood and Dallas Waters. I will never forget how they took us outside in our Nannie's driveway and just sat there and talked; it was very comforting. I remember Commander Waters said we had to make a pact that we couldn't tell anyone about because it was a secret but he said that we now had something in common. He told us of someone that was close to him when he was younger that had passed away (I don't remember who it was) Commander Rex also did the same. Although I don't see these guys often they are never forgotten. Commander Rex (they will always be my Commanders) is a real estate agent now and I see his picture in the paper and on local real estate advertisements; I pray that he has much success.
My Nannie and Papa, for allowing us to move in with them the year after Daddy passed. They both were like a second set of parent to my brother and I. We spent a lot of time around them growing up. We had our first itch of financial independence sparked in us most likely by overhearing many of their conversations about money. More about this in another post.
Dorothy Boyette, my Sunday School teacher since I was 15. Her spiritual guidance, teachings, and encouragement will never be forgotten. Mrs. Dorothy taught me prayer works as we prayed for many things in her class and always saw them come to pass. Mr. Lee Kerney, also belongs in this group as he started helping Mrs. Dorothy when we were about 17. Mr. Kerney does most of the teaching now. He taught me that it is OK for a man to express his feelings.
Donnie's family, they quickly accepted us as part of their very own family. We have never felt as if we didn't belong. They are special people and I will always love them. I have to thank a specific couple from that family; Jennifer and Jesse. This is Donnie's Sister and Brother-in-Law. During some of my most stressful times in nursing school they would invite me out for lunch after church. They would usually listen and allow me to vent my stress on them. I truly appreciate the time I spent with them and I will always love them for that.
Maureen Loomer, who was in Anatomy with me. She has one of the most brilliant minds I have ever met. Maureen encouraged me to stick up for myself when I was wrongly accused of cheating on a Anatomy lab practical. Thanks for believing in me Maureen and encouraging me.
Melissa Smith, she was Melissa Taylor when I first met her in nursing school. Melissa believed in me and genuinely cared about me as a person. She was a friend in a time when I did not feel as if I had many friends. She is a beautiful person inside and out. Melissa is "the one that got away". She was single for a brief period in nursing school; I wanted to date her in the worst way. She never knew that and eventually started dating Shane Smith, who seems like a great guy. Melissa and Shane went on and got married and now have started a beautiful family. Melissa ended up becoming an awesome nurse, so I am told. I think that is great she deserves everything good in her life. Now I know life has a funny way of working itself out. I am glad I never started dating Melissa; if I had been with her I may have never met Carmen. I could not imagine life today without Carmen. I wish Melissa the best with her life.
The Palumbos, for allowing me to move in with them even though I was a complete stranger (rent free). For allowing me to stay there even when I failed out of school. Ms. Jean for helping me study and prepare for clinicals even when she had to go to work and had not slept much. Thanks guys for your tremendous sacrifice.
Gary, who has become one of my best friends. We become friends while I was in the computer lab typing notes from nursing class. Gary was the monitor in the lab. Gary is a great guy and incredibly smart. Unfortunately even today he fells to apply himself to even a little of his potential.
Vicky Brikic, a friend that I met when I transferred to Wilson for nursing school. Vicky and her mom were very encouraging to me. Vicky encouraged me to face opposition and move past it. She encouraged me to do better in school; she helped me to set high standards for myself. I always competed with her to see who could get the highest grades. Vicky beat me almost everytime but I was usually in second place when it came to the whole class. Vicky rushed to my aid when she discovered that I was being discriminated against by another instructor. I never knew this was going on and I didn't know Vicky had rushed to my defense till sometime later. Vicky went on to become our class Valevictorian. She is currently an ER nurse and will soon become a Nurse Practicioner. Way to go Vicky!!
To my nursing instructors at Wilson who believed in me. Especially Ms. Robbinette for giving me a chance to get in the program and giving me another chance to succeed. Also, Mr. Bynum who taught me Microbiology. One particular day I was unusually discouraged and I went to him and shared my feelings with him. I will never forget his response, "Jackie, I only make bets that I am sure of and I am willing to bet that next Spring by graduation many people in this program will fail out, but you will be there and you will walk across that stage". I remember after graduation I went to him and reminded him of that day and he simply responded, "I only make sure bets".
Two other nursing instructors in particular Mrs. Godwin and Ms. Clark (Ms. Clark was pretty hot by the way) both of these ladies believed in me and when I was reported by an unnamed instructor for being incompetent they both were objective and waited to see all of the evidence before judging me. They both believed in me afterwards and became very encouraging. I can remember one conversation in particular where Ms. Clark could tell that I was not confident in my nursing judgment she pulled me to the side and said, "Jackie, believe in yourself. You are smart, you know what you are doing. I believe you but you have to believe you. You have to believe in yourself and be confident in what you are doing".
Thanks to Debbie Allen my current nurse manager. Debbie was also my nurse manager when I was in school. She support my efforts to become a nurse, she always worked around my schedule and was very flexible. Debbie, has always been very fair and although I don't agree with all of her decisions; for the most part Debbie could be the manager in which all others are judged by.
Also I can't forget my charge nurses who have been my mentors and have been very patient as I have began to mature as a nurse. Thanks Polly, Roger, Linda, Laura, and Dorothy. They are all awesome.
My Royal Ranger's Commanders (Royal Rangers is a boy's youth group in the church similar to Boy Scouts but concentrates more on the doctrine of the church) who came by very shortly after my Daddy passed away. These guys were Rex Hood and Dallas Waters. I will never forget how they took us outside in our Nannie's driveway and just sat there and talked; it was very comforting. I remember Commander Waters said we had to make a pact that we couldn't tell anyone about because it was a secret but he said that we now had something in common. He told us of someone that was close to him when he was younger that had passed away (I don't remember who it was) Commander Rex also did the same. Although I don't see these guys often they are never forgotten. Commander Rex (they will always be my Commanders) is a real estate agent now and I see his picture in the paper and on local real estate advertisements; I pray that he has much success.
My Nannie and Papa, for allowing us to move in with them the year after Daddy passed. They both were like a second set of parent to my brother and I. We spent a lot of time around them growing up. We had our first itch of financial independence sparked in us most likely by overhearing many of their conversations about money. More about this in another post.
Dorothy Boyette, my Sunday School teacher since I was 15. Her spiritual guidance, teachings, and encouragement will never be forgotten. Mrs. Dorothy taught me prayer works as we prayed for many things in her class and always saw them come to pass. Mr. Lee Kerney, also belongs in this group as he started helping Mrs. Dorothy when we were about 17. Mr. Kerney does most of the teaching now. He taught me that it is OK for a man to express his feelings.
Donnie's family, they quickly accepted us as part of their very own family. We have never felt as if we didn't belong. They are special people and I will always love them. I have to thank a specific couple from that family; Jennifer and Jesse. This is Donnie's Sister and Brother-in-Law. During some of my most stressful times in nursing school they would invite me out for lunch after church. They would usually listen and allow me to vent my stress on them. I truly appreciate the time I spent with them and I will always love them for that.
Maureen Loomer, who was in Anatomy with me. She has one of the most brilliant minds I have ever met. Maureen encouraged me to stick up for myself when I was wrongly accused of cheating on a Anatomy lab practical. Thanks for believing in me Maureen and encouraging me.
Melissa Smith, she was Melissa Taylor when I first met her in nursing school. Melissa believed in me and genuinely cared about me as a person. She was a friend in a time when I did not feel as if I had many friends. She is a beautiful person inside and out. Melissa is "the one that got away". She was single for a brief period in nursing school; I wanted to date her in the worst way. She never knew that and eventually started dating Shane Smith, who seems like a great guy. Melissa and Shane went on and got married and now have started a beautiful family. Melissa ended up becoming an awesome nurse, so I am told. I think that is great she deserves everything good in her life. Now I know life has a funny way of working itself out. I am glad I never started dating Melissa; if I had been with her I may have never met Carmen. I could not imagine life today without Carmen. I wish Melissa the best with her life.
The Palumbos, for allowing me to move in with them even though I was a complete stranger (rent free). For allowing me to stay there even when I failed out of school. Ms. Jean for helping me study and prepare for clinicals even when she had to go to work and had not slept much. Thanks guys for your tremendous sacrifice.
Gary, who has become one of my best friends. We become friends while I was in the computer lab typing notes from nursing class. Gary was the monitor in the lab. Gary is a great guy and incredibly smart. Unfortunately even today he fells to apply himself to even a little of his potential.
Vicky Brikic, a friend that I met when I transferred to Wilson for nursing school. Vicky and her mom were very encouraging to me. Vicky encouraged me to face opposition and move past it. She encouraged me to do better in school; she helped me to set high standards for myself. I always competed with her to see who could get the highest grades. Vicky beat me almost everytime but I was usually in second place when it came to the whole class. Vicky rushed to my aid when she discovered that I was being discriminated against by another instructor. I never knew this was going on and I didn't know Vicky had rushed to my defense till sometime later. Vicky went on to become our class Valevictorian. She is currently an ER nurse and will soon become a Nurse Practicioner. Way to go Vicky!!
To my nursing instructors at Wilson who believed in me. Especially Ms. Robbinette for giving me a chance to get in the program and giving me another chance to succeed. Also, Mr. Bynum who taught me Microbiology. One particular day I was unusually discouraged and I went to him and shared my feelings with him. I will never forget his response, "Jackie, I only make bets that I am sure of and I am willing to bet that next Spring by graduation many people in this program will fail out, but you will be there and you will walk across that stage". I remember after graduation I went to him and reminded him of that day and he simply responded, "I only make sure bets".
Two other nursing instructors in particular Mrs. Godwin and Ms. Clark (Ms. Clark was pretty hot by the way) both of these ladies believed in me and when I was reported by an unnamed instructor for being incompetent they both were objective and waited to see all of the evidence before judging me. They both believed in me afterwards and became very encouraging. I can remember one conversation in particular where Ms. Clark could tell that I was not confident in my nursing judgment she pulled me to the side and said, "Jackie, believe in yourself. You are smart, you know what you are doing. I believe you but you have to believe you. You have to believe in yourself and be confident in what you are doing".
Thanks to Debbie Allen my current nurse manager. Debbie was also my nurse manager when I was in school. She support my efforts to become a nurse, she always worked around my schedule and was very flexible. Debbie, has always been very fair and although I don't agree with all of her decisions; for the most part Debbie could be the manager in which all others are judged by.
Also I can't forget my charge nurses who have been my mentors and have been very patient as I have began to mature as a nurse. Thanks Polly, Roger, Linda, Laura, and Dorothy. They are all awesome.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Thanks Carmen
Carmen is my girlfriend and the love of my life. She has been amazing. I never intended to meet anyone quite like her. We met when I was in nursing school. In nursing school I would spend a couple of hours each day typing up my notes so they would be more legible and easier to study. I usually did this in the computer lab at school. Sometimes I would take breaks by chatting in chat rooms or on yahoo messenger; it was during this time that I met Carmen. She was simply one of those many people I had met when chatting on yahoo. I would chat with her on rare occasions and usually on superficial topics. We chatted on things such as how is life, how is school, and what are you doing tonight. It was never anything more than platonic. Let's face it, who in their right mind would go and seek a relationship online.
Several months went by and I had bought a cell phone through Sprint. I had nationwide long distance and thought it was so amazing that I could call the whole world and I wasn't charged. Ok, so I could only call people in the US but, it seemed like the whole world to me. The worst part was that I didn't really know anyone outside of my state that I wanted to talk to. So I just gave my phone number out freely to my "chat" friends. Carmen was one of these friends but no one including Carmen ever really called me. Until one day about 6 months later in the fall of the year I was headed home from getting my assignment at the hospital. By this time I had transferred over to Wilson for school. I picked up my phone when it started ringing. I was driving home and I heard someone on the other end introduce themselves as Carmen. It took me awhile to figure out who it was.
Carmen told me that she was home with her parents studying for exams and was extremely bored when she accidentally came across my number that she had scribbled down several months ago when I gave it to her. After that night we would occasionally speak over the phone but not very much, as time went by we began to speak more and more. By January of that year we were speaking every night on the phone as much as 7 or 8 hours per night. Although most conversations averaged about 2 hours. In May I graduated nursing school. By October of that year I went to meet her she lived about 13 hours away in Michigan. We became a couple on November 1st. That was over two years ago and I still speak to her every night and I see her usually for a week at a time; about 8 months out of the year.
Carmen has inspired me and motivated me to reach for greater personal heights in my own life. Carmen is very goal oriented and that helps to keep me focused and motivated as well. Carmen has supported me in almost every entrepreneurial venture that I have had. She has always helped me to reach higher stages of personal growth and accomplishments. She usually does this by listening to my needs and interjecting her opinions, thoughts, and ideas. Carmen herself is a very motivated entrepreneur and she is well on her way to success. It is very possible that she will reach her entrepreneurial goals before I do.
I find comfort just by being around her. My thoughts are usually consumed by her. Even my entrepreneurial thoughts are centered on creating a life for the both of us. She has a very big heart and is a very caring person. I find this to be attractive but I do worry that others are quick to take advantage of her kindness which I don't think that would be too hard to do. I am not sure exactly what the future holds for myself but I am confident with Carmen in my corner I will be OK. I look forward to seeing her grow as a person and an entrepreneur. I feel fortunate to be able to witness her life and to share in it with her.
Carmen, thanks for supporting me, when others have not. Thanks for encouraging me when I did not feel like moving forward. Thanks for letting me know you loved me even when I did not think many people did. Thanks for celebrating my accomplishments with me no matter how small they were. Thank You.
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Several months went by and I had bought a cell phone through Sprint. I had nationwide long distance and thought it was so amazing that I could call the whole world and I wasn't charged. Ok, so I could only call people in the US but, it seemed like the whole world to me. The worst part was that I didn't really know anyone outside of my state that I wanted to talk to. So I just gave my phone number out freely to my "chat" friends. Carmen was one of these friends but no one including Carmen ever really called me. Until one day about 6 months later in the fall of the year I was headed home from getting my assignment at the hospital. By this time I had transferred over to Wilson for school. I picked up my phone when it started ringing. I was driving home and I heard someone on the other end introduce themselves as Carmen. It took me awhile to figure out who it was.
Carmen told me that she was home with her parents studying for exams and was extremely bored when she accidentally came across my number that she had scribbled down several months ago when I gave it to her. After that night we would occasionally speak over the phone but not very much, as time went by we began to speak more and more. By January of that year we were speaking every night on the phone as much as 7 or 8 hours per night. Although most conversations averaged about 2 hours. In May I graduated nursing school. By October of that year I went to meet her she lived about 13 hours away in Michigan. We became a couple on November 1st. That was over two years ago and I still speak to her every night and I see her usually for a week at a time; about 8 months out of the year.
Carmen has inspired me and motivated me to reach for greater personal heights in my own life. Carmen is very goal oriented and that helps to keep me focused and motivated as well. Carmen has supported me in almost every entrepreneurial venture that I have had. She has always helped me to reach higher stages of personal growth and accomplishments. She usually does this by listening to my needs and interjecting her opinions, thoughts, and ideas. Carmen herself is a very motivated entrepreneur and she is well on her way to success. It is very possible that she will reach her entrepreneurial goals before I do.
I find comfort just by being around her. My thoughts are usually consumed by her. Even my entrepreneurial thoughts are centered on creating a life for the both of us. She has a very big heart and is a very caring person. I find this to be attractive but I do worry that others are quick to take advantage of her kindness which I don't think that would be too hard to do. I am not sure exactly what the future holds for myself but I am confident with Carmen in my corner I will be OK. I look forward to seeing her grow as a person and an entrepreneur. I feel fortunate to be able to witness her life and to share in it with her.
Carmen, thanks for supporting me, when others have not. Thanks for encouraging me when I did not feel like moving forward. Thanks for letting me know you loved me even when I did not think many people did. Thanks for celebrating my accomplishments with me no matter how small they were. Thank You.
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Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Thanks, Donnie
I will use this post to thank Donnie and the effects that he has had on my life. To be 100% honest I have not always agreed with much of what this man has said or did. Donnie, is my Mom's fiance. I have no idea why they have yet to be married they have only been engaged for years. I have to thank Donnie for a few things though. He has definitely had a big impact on my life. First of all he helped Mom financially and emotionally when we were growing up. Sure, he made plenty of mistakes at first but he straightened up. Mama did not believe in herself much as we were growing up but Donnie was like her rock she was able to lean against him. That support must have given her the confidence to move forward in life.
A couple of other things I can thank Donnie for; he forced me to work harder than I have ever had to work in my life. I pray that if God allows I will never have to work that hard physically again. The phrase "work smarter not harder" is one I can truly live by. Donnie, also reminded me that I did not want to be dictated by a boss for the rest of my life. Donnie, is a perfectionist, and probably one of the best tobacco farmers I have ever met. He keeps his stuff in order and he works hard at it. When I was young I would hear people comment on how much money he probably made and how tight he was with his money. I have no idea how much money he makes but one thing is for sure, no one has given it to him and he has definitely worked hard for anything he has. However, working for a perfectionist is a whole other story. It's like working for a dictator. The problem was we couldn't just clock out heck, we couldn't even get fired. You had to eat, sleep, and breath in this man's house and he would remind you of that if he felt the need to. The worse part was that Donnie and Mama could make the decision to keep us from going out on the weekend which was our only sanctuary of freedom. We would do just about anything to make sure we could go out for those 6 hours Saturday evening and 5 hours on Sunday afternoon. Working around his strict authoritarian attitude I was certain I never wanted a boss like him and if at all possible I didn't want to have a boss. In other words, I wanted to own the business.
Through his doubts of who I am and what I was capable of; made me affirm to myself who I really was and what I would eventually accomplish. He has not always agreed with my decisions in fact he never wanted me to be a nurse. He blatantly insulted me for applying to nursing school. He called me a 'pussy' for trying to become a male nurse. Those were his issues not mine. Please understand I do not dislike this man. In fact, I respect him quite a bit. Regardless of whether I agree with him or not is a mute point. I understand that he was brought up in a different time period than I was. I truly think he did the best he could. I do not think he was ever out to make my life hell. I think he just expected out of me, what was expected out of him growing up.
Thanks Donnie for the many affirmations that you gave me in life. You helped me to affirm that I did not want to work but so hard physically, I did not want to have a boss my entire life, and I became certain of who I am and what I am capable of.
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A couple of other things I can thank Donnie for; he forced me to work harder than I have ever had to work in my life. I pray that if God allows I will never have to work that hard physically again. The phrase "work smarter not harder" is one I can truly live by. Donnie, also reminded me that I did not want to be dictated by a boss for the rest of my life. Donnie, is a perfectionist, and probably one of the best tobacco farmers I have ever met. He keeps his stuff in order and he works hard at it. When I was young I would hear people comment on how much money he probably made and how tight he was with his money. I have no idea how much money he makes but one thing is for sure, no one has given it to him and he has definitely worked hard for anything he has. However, working for a perfectionist is a whole other story. It's like working for a dictator. The problem was we couldn't just clock out heck, we couldn't even get fired. You had to eat, sleep, and breath in this man's house and he would remind you of that if he felt the need to. The worse part was that Donnie and Mama could make the decision to keep us from going out on the weekend which was our only sanctuary of freedom. We would do just about anything to make sure we could go out for those 6 hours Saturday evening and 5 hours on Sunday afternoon. Working around his strict authoritarian attitude I was certain I never wanted a boss like him and if at all possible I didn't want to have a boss. In other words, I wanted to own the business.
Through his doubts of who I am and what I was capable of; made me affirm to myself who I really was and what I would eventually accomplish. He has not always agreed with my decisions in fact he never wanted me to be a nurse. He blatantly insulted me for applying to nursing school. He called me a 'pussy' for trying to become a male nurse. Those were his issues not mine. Please understand I do not dislike this man. In fact, I respect him quite a bit. Regardless of whether I agree with him or not is a mute point. I understand that he was brought up in a different time period than I was. I truly think he did the best he could. I do not think he was ever out to make my life hell. I think he just expected out of me, what was expected out of him growing up.
Thanks Donnie for the many affirmations that you gave me in life. You helped me to affirm that I did not want to work but so hard physically, I did not want to have a boss my entire life, and I became certain of who I am and what I am capable of.
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Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Thanks to the Greatest Man I Knew
Thanks to my Dad. The man who helped Mom get me started in my life. I hope he is proud of who I am today. Daddy was a strict disciplinarian. He nor Mom tolerated much nonsense from us growing up. Politeness was expected at all times. Yes Sir, No Sir, Please, and Thank You were words deeply ingrained in our vocabulary. I have fond memories of my Dad. He taught me a great appreciation for nature; he himself was an avid fisherman. I remember one time when my brother was sick and had a temperature at school, Daddy had to go and pick him up. Daddy asked him what would make him feel better. He said he wanted to go fishing. Daddy quickly responded OK; and off they went. Mama was not too happy about Dad taking my brother fishing when he had a fever. When he got him the fever was gone and Daddy's defense was "It made him better".
Daddy was a playful guy he use to come home from work and if my brother and I were outside playing he would come over to us and start playing right along with us for a bit. Of course then he had to make sure he gave Mom some attention. Daddy was a hard worker and he worked long hours to provide for us. Usually he had to leave at night for a couple of hours to make sure he locked up at work. He was a dispatcher at a lumber yard and he had to go back out at night and make sure all the gates were locked after the drivers got in and he had to let the guard dog out.
The night Daddy passed away it was completely unexpected. He literally went to sleep and basically did not wake up. To this day the autopsy is inconclusive, when I became a nurse I read a copy of the autopsy that my Grandma had. I am not sure what I thought I was going to find it was just one of those things that I had to do. Daddy's death as well as my current profession as an Oncology (Cancer) Nurse has taught me; we are never ever promised tomorrow. Make sure you seize the day because you may not be around tomorrow. I wish my Dad was here so I could thank him personally for giving me my start in life. For the little things he did that meant so much. I miss him and I can only hope he is proud of who I am.
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Daddy was a playful guy he use to come home from work and if my brother and I were outside playing he would come over to us and start playing right along with us for a bit. Of course then he had to make sure he gave Mom some attention. Daddy was a hard worker and he worked long hours to provide for us. Usually he had to leave at night for a couple of hours to make sure he locked up at work. He was a dispatcher at a lumber yard and he had to go back out at night and make sure all the gates were locked after the drivers got in and he had to let the guard dog out.
The night Daddy passed away it was completely unexpected. He literally went to sleep and basically did not wake up. To this day the autopsy is inconclusive, when I became a nurse I read a copy of the autopsy that my Grandma had. I am not sure what I thought I was going to find it was just one of those things that I had to do. Daddy's death as well as my current profession as an Oncology (Cancer) Nurse has taught me; we are never ever promised tomorrow. Make sure you seize the day because you may not be around tomorrow. I wish my Dad was here so I could thank him personally for giving me my start in life. For the little things he did that meant so much. I miss him and I can only hope he is proud of who I am.
Be notified when I update my blog.
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