The Business Woman!

Time flies by when you are earning & having fun!

2012-02-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

After being laid off work November 2004 from an accounting firm, newly divorce and one child in college and anotheron just starting high School, there was no clue to what I was going to do withmyself. I honestly didn’t know howthings were going to work out, but I knew that I was tired of working forsomeone who thought my hard work and over time was not quality service for theircompany. When I walked out the door with no bus fare to get home and no view ofwhat I was going to do, I felt no pain, no sorrow and I wasn't even scared. I looked up while I waited for a friend topick me and [who was laid off from the same company], I said Lord, I don’t knowwhat I’m going to do, but I do know Corporate America is not for me.

For two days I sat around athome not praying, not talking just being still and thinking what is it that Iwant to do? While I was cleaning out a box, I saw a business card I had createdfor my event planning company I wanted to start when I was married. My X toldme it wasn’t going to work and I was crazy for even thinking it. I located the card in December 30, 2004.

Now, with 7 years under my belt, I love the factthat I’m self employed. I have a small PT job, but the rest of the day Ispending working for AnyEvent.

There are a lot of misconceptionspeople have when you work for yourself, and I wanted to share them with you- atleast what I learned (lol) .

“I don’t have to worry about a boss riding your back” –NOT.. Yes you do! You are your boss and you better ride your back or you will be out of business sooner then you think.
“I can come and go as I please”-NOT.. You have to account for the time you are spending out and about. The last thing you want to do is have a day that is unproductive.
“I’m going to be banking”-NOT.. You will not make millions over night.. NOT happening.. It will take time and it will take patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
“My phone will be ring off the hook”-NOT… Unless you are out there making something happen and meeting the right people you want to do business with, nobody knows who you are.
“I can sleep late”- NOT.. You heard the saying; the early bird catches the worm. It’s true, when you get in a routine of getting up every day like you are going to a job, you will get the worm and more. Sleep late you miss out on a WHOLE LOT
“No more boring meetings”- NOT… Wantta bet? If you are planning to do business, you will be in a bunch of boring meetings and exciting meeting.. It’s all up to you.
“No more training seminar” –NOT.. You better train and get all the training you need. The more education, the more marketable you become. You may not have the letters behind your name, but you will have the education in your head to look like you do.
“Everything is going to be great”-NOT.. This is the biggest misconception that all small business owners have. Operating your company will take late nights; hard work; and dedication.
I’m not turning down any clients-NOT… Not All money is good money”
“I got this”-NOT.. As business owners we have nothing. Our businesses; our Companies are in the hands of God and He controls all things.

Working for yourself isawesome and can be a pain in the behind, but I wouldn’t trade it for anythingin the world (lol). AnyEvent is celebrating 7 years this month, we are not doingit with Millions, we are doing it with joy and love in our hearts.

I don’t turn down adviceand I take more chances then I ever thought I would. Some work, some don’t. I’m no longer afraid of failure. It helps meto do better and be better. I don’twant AnyEvent to be like it was when I created it, I want us to be fresher andexciting every chance we can. I’m learning business and business is teachingme. All in All, 7 years is good, but 17 years will be better.

Happy Anniversary AnyEvent,February 5, 2005 we open our doors and we are determine to keep them open!

How long have you been in business?What have you learned in your years of service? Have your business grown? what were / are your misconceptions?

I wouldlove to hear from you, I so welcome your comments! Until next time..

TheBusiness Woman

No Budget..No Joke!

2012-01-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

No Budget..NoJoke

I have justcompleted my budget for AnyEvent. This was hard to do, but had to be done. Isat down and went over everything I spent I never REALLY had to do it before,but I begin to notice that something’s were not working with my household andbusiness finances. I was coming up short(lol) LITERALLY!!! and I didn’t know why.

So I sat downand begin to make some review of some of the receipts that came in and wentout. I begin to notice a great deal of spending but no incoming to match. I waslike WAIT! RED FLAG.. LITERALLY. Yes I was working hard, and had somesuccessful events in 2011, but this was crazy!!!

When you arein business for yourself there are two things you don’t want to do:

Spend more then what you make
Work two jobs while trying to run a business.

Well after Inotice all the redness on my budget page, after crying for about 3 minutes andafter praying for God to help me (lol) I decided to go to my accountant and blamethis on no business so it won’t look my fault. I had the nerve to tell him “thisdidn’t happen; this fell through” bah…bah…bah. He then looked at me in returnand said “Yea right”

We talked forabout 3 hours and made some serious changes to my budget for business and home.The one important thing he said, you can’t spend when you don’t have anythingto replace. WOW, seriously (lol). As he explained, a business budget is really the roadmapthat will help and guide me through my initial startup period; it will alsoorient me towards the right goals for the life of my company. It’s going totake a lot of time and work initially, but the time I spend planning can have ahuge effect on how my business will operates.

Tobuild a successful business, you need to create a specific plan of how muchmoney you’ll need to spend to get started, how much you’ll need to operate, andhow long it will take before you can start to make money. Those are the threemost important things to know. In other words, if I’m not making I can’t spend(lol). We sat there and created twospreadsheets, one for home and one for AnyEvent. We looked at what was coming in and going out.It was frightening to see the numbers, but I thank God for helping me before itwas too late. He begins asking mequestions:

· How many events do you want to planfor 2012? Be realistic

· What are the direct costs of theevents - ie costs of marketing or staff to make this happen?

There were otherquestions he asked me as I begin to see the light!!! We created the budget, Icut a lot out and I begin to start making some of that end of the yearmarketing material I purchase do some work.

Event Planning is my passion, as my Pastor, Dr. Tony Evansonce stated, “you know your passion because you would do it for free”. I loveevent planning enough to do it for free, but that was not Good’s intention. So withthat said. I’m now on a budget for me and AnyEvent, I’m making some changes andI’m looking at my company with a new view. In order to be success, I have tothink successful, and that means making changes were they need to be made, andthat’s in the budget!!! I’mstruggling to accept it, but the budget has and will be best for me and AnyEvent.

Is your company operating on a budget? Doesit need to? Did you have to make changes? I would love to hear from you on howyour business is surviving in the area of finances. Never know, you may just helpsome one.

Until next time.. The Business Woman

Balancing my budget!

The key lessons I learned in 2011

2012-01-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

Key things I learned in 2011

For weeks I have beentrying to figure out how to write my final blog for the year. This has been thebiggest challenge I’ve had to do… all year (lol). At first I didn’t know what Iwanted to blog about, then I didn’t have the time and at one time I even got ina funk and never gave it a second thought. Then I though???? What can I say formy final blog of 2011?

Key things I learned in 2011

Pray every single day for AnyEvent. I pray every day for my company (aside of my daily prayer) its God’s gift to me. I talk to the CEO about His Company instead of running off doing things with out asking (lol). I will pray for those who come in contact with AnyEvent and those who I think I should be doing business with. So far God has place the right people in my life and I’m happy He has done so. Not everyone will have the passion you have for your company, so I have learned to be VERY careful.
Don’t take yourself so serious. I buried myself in AnyEvent for the last 6 years I forgot how to have fun; how to laugh even date. When something went wrong, I pouted and work hard and never let up till I felt that everything was perfect. When you are the CEO of your company, it’s only right that you work hard, but don’t let you be the company, Let God.
Rest for no reason at all. Yep, you have the right to be unproductive at least once a week. God rested. When you are unproductive you allow your mind to catch up with your spirit to relax. I sometimes put in a movie; listen to some of my favorite music.. Heck I usually watch a bunch of chick flicks and lay around..
Take a vacation by yourself. I went to Washington DC 3 times last year for business and selfness reason and glad I did. I met some new friends and working on trying to gain some new clients. This kind of vacation allows me to let others know that I’m flexible enough and excited enough about my business to travel and share it with the world.
Educate yourself. Ok.. We don’t know it all, and the business / client and need for services is changing rapidly in every field of business every single day. Educating myself in 2011 and learning more about my passion allowed me to the opportunity to offer more to my clients and be better with my skills. You become more valuable to your craft and yourself when you learn more. You will begin to be marketable as others.
Close the door on fear. I’m choosing to stop being afraid of what’s behind the closed door. Stop thinking that I can’t that client or do that event. I would rather fail trying then not trying at all loosing out on the chance to be successful. Nothing beats a failure but a try. I’m always trying not to face my fears, But my fears keep coming back to hunt me, so I’ve decided NO.No.. I will not allow fear to run or ruin my life. Embrace fear! Hello fear!!! (lol)
Set a budget for the entire year. This was really hard for me to do when I looked at my finances at the end of the year.. YUK!!! I Looked at what I spent last year, and what it will take to operate AnyEvent in 2012 with out going broke. I made some serious changes at the end of the year so going into 2012; I won’t make the same mistakes. I’m cutting back on some things, may have to do some things myself. I may have to spend a little more on marketing. The reason for being in business is to enjoy your passion and make a profit while you are doing it. Believe me, it’s not easy or joyful running a business with no money.. It’s down right depressing.
If you need extra help make sure you can afford it. Set aside a REALISTIC budget to hire someone to help me. I meet with my tax accountant and asked can I afford to hire a person to do this? I contact my business consultant and ask is it a smart decision to bring in this person?
Take a walk. I love walking. It allows me to breathe; exercise and think. Even when it’s cold, I walked for a few minutes to breathe. The winter brings about the blues to some people, even me. So when it happens I walk it out.
Allow mistakes to happen. I made a lot of business mistake in 2011, it was hard to bounced back from them do to PRIDE! But I also learned a lot about me in the process, I’m not perfect. I am a small business owner who is growing everyday and I have a lot to learn in the process. If I am to be better in my business I need to allow mistake to happen and get over it (lol). It’s not easy but nothing is when you are growing.
I can not live up to everyone PERSONAL expectation. This was hard for me. In everyone’s eyes I had to TRY and look like I had it going on, personal and financial. I had to pull away from AnyEvent for 6 weeks to gather up my thoughts and begin fixing things that needed to be done. I’m on the right track now. I’m taking the time to educate myself and talk more with my business consultant, mostly being patience with myself and others.
Friendship and business. Not everyone you know or friends with have to support your business. Now as much as I want them to, not all will. No reason to get upset or fuss about it. I realize God didn’t create AnyEvent for them, He created AnyEvent for a purpose.. It was hard to accept, I’m glad I did! I rather they’re my friends anyway (lol) !!!

These are the 12 lessons Ihave learned in 2011, I’m ready to move forward in 2012. Hello Fear, Good bye pride and get out theway negative.. There is work to do and I’m going to be doing it!!

Welcome 2012, thanks forshowing up!!!

Did you face any issues inyour business or on the job in 2011; Did you learn any lesson in 2011; What areyou going to do as you approach the New year?

I would love to hear from you! You comments are always welcome and you never know, may just help someone!!

Until next time.. It's the Business Woman!

www.anyevent.org

Is there a Difference in South & East Coast Business? What are you afraid of?

2011-11-02T07:34:00.001-07:00

You all know how I love to visit my home town Washington DC. Each time I go, I grow (lol). It’s always a pleasure to visit old friends, families as well as try to do business by creating a new business contact.

I had the opportunity to return home this time for my class reunion.. They are tearing our high school down to rebuild it. It’s getting an extreme makeover sort to speak. While there I was able to have a meeting with a friend who has her own business.

She held an empower event that I was able to attend to network with other business-like mind people. The cost for this event was $50. The room was packed with suited as well jeaned Men & Women. Everyone exchanging business cards talking and getting to know what each other does. There were a couple of speakers a few vendors tables set up for visual services and products the networkers were able to explore. There was finger food and drinks offer [cash bar] and everyone was able to stand up and present a 3 minute elevator pitch (lol). There were about 250 people; per my friend and this was a low count compared to last month. This event is held once a month but on this night it was a special event because of the speakers.

Some of the conversation was business; politics; football and even fashion. Some greeted each other like old friends and other like they have just met for the first time.
After the event was over, I decided to stick around to ask a few questions about the event; the purpose and how long has she been doing this type of networking event.
We sat down and had a wonderful conversation. It was powerful funny and very enlighten. The questions rolled off my tongue like a new student and she answer each one with honesty and joy of her accomplishments. Then I realized from her that there is a difference in doing business in the south verse the east coast. But why since we all are trying to achieved the same thing? It appeared to me we all are trying to become successful; Aren’t we all seeking independence in what we do; Are we not trying to remove ourselves from corporate America to start our own business? Is there a difference in our passions? Hmmm? Is there?

What is holding business people back from growing their business? Is it lack of Education; funding; support? Are we expecting something for nothing? Should we expect our friends to cheers us on or do we feel like every man/woman for themselves?

I learned a lot from my friend and details will be shared later. But I believe I’m on the right track and I’m doing my best in moving forward. I know I still have a lot to learn and some growing to do when it comes to business, but I have decided I want to be like those who are growing their business and not sitting around waiting on something to happen. I know we all have our circle of friends that we do business with, but what would honestly happen if we step away from the circle for a few moments to add create a new circle of business contacts outside the rim of what we have. Will we learn something new? Will we gather new information? Will our business increase? When it all boils down, what do we have to loose if we decide to try something new outside the rim of what we normally do with the people we normally do business with? What are we afraid of?

Let me hear from you, have you done business with someone else other then friends outside your own back yard? What was the results..
Until next time- The Business Women!

Your Purpose vs Your desire.. Is there a difference?.

2011-09-20T06:45:00.000-07:00

Your Purpose vs Your desire.. Is there a difference?.

I just completed a huge project, it’s a project that have done for the last 3 years for Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, it’s the Single Summit. I enjoy working this project, it allows me to not only give back to my church who supports me with AnyEvent, but it also allows me to learn a lot in working with others and learning to push myself harder in what I enjoy doing. After each event I learn something about myself and the one that is that I love working and project managing events. I learn that it is my gift that God has blessed me with and it’s my desire to continue to better in it! I have met a lot of people that tell me that they want to start a business or get into event planning, and then they realize its hard work. With any business or ministry it’s not easy work when building or creating. You learn only the strong will survive. I knew I was not meant for Corporate American after working hard for a company 5 years, giving up my time and talent; working over time having to go through the politics of it all, just only to hear that my work level was average and being refused a bonus because of personal issues you have with me. I knew some way some how God would bless me with a talent and a purpose to be self-employed. Who knew He took the talent I had as first & 2nd grader, throwing parties in my best friends basement as a avenue to get me where I need to be now. Dr. Evans once told us in his teaching, “you will know your purpose, because you would want to do it for free” I know my purpose and I get the desire from it to do better. “Everything that God is going to do for you have already been done”, Dr. Tony Evan, Your path has been created for you, It’s just a matter of asking God for clarification and the road map to get there. It will not be easy, and at times it will be hard. It will not be fun, and at time it will seriously make you cry.. But just think, Christ knew He had 33 years on this Earth to do the will of God, He knew His purpose and His purpose was God’s desire. Is there a difference between the two, I’m still not sure, But I know my purpose is to be the best example in my business for God while I do His will, and my desire is to continue to be the best event planner God created in me. Are you walking in your purpose, it’s it a desire? I would love to hear from your.. Please comment- Until next time.. The Business Woman. pur•pose-noun, verb, -posed, -pos•ing. noun 1. the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc. 2. an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal. 3. determination; resoluteness. 4. the subject in hand; the point at issue. 5. practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose. de•sire-verb, -sired, -sir•ing, noun verb (used with object) 1. to wish or long for; crave; want. 2. to express a wish to obtain; ask for; request: The mayor desires your presence at the next meeting.

Operation Business

2011-08-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

Operation Business

Wow, what a month I had.. It’s been crazy. My fiscal year ended in July, but I was to busy to recognized that I hadn’t look over my books to see what worked or didn’t work for 2011. Is that a good thing? I’m not sure, but I do know that I’m so busy that the main portion of what is required to operate AnyEvent was placed on the back burner and that is not good!

It is VERY important that we as business onwers take time every six months or once a year to work on the operation of the busy. We can get so busy trying to create business, get clients or marketing our business that we don’t keep an eye on what it takes to make sure that the business is running right.

Has all the vendors been paid; are you ready to bring in help; are your expenses being recorded; was there a profit or did you end in the red? These are the most important part of your business that will keep us up and running. I know we think that kind of stuff can wait till we are making thousands but honestly, Even if you are making $500 a year in profit, you need to know where that money is going and how it was made.

August appears to be a slow month for me, which is good, [Don’t know how it got here so fast] I’ve begin preparing for 2011-2012 business. Setting up appointments to work more with my business consultant and bring in an account to make sure that I can actually bring on a personal assistant and decorator.

I will review everything from the last 7 months, and see what is working and what is not.. Sign up for a few educational programs and read some new business books I have sitting in a chair at home, still in the box. I will set up an appointment with my PR to get some of the media done for up coming events, as well send out emails to new events planners I met. I have a lot to do to get me ready for 2012.. The business of taking care of business, never close.

Are you ready for 2012? Have you meet with your business consultant to see what things you need to do to step up? Let me hear from you… Your comments are so welcome.

Reinvention

2011-08-08T07:33:00.001-07:00

Creativity+ Fresh Idea= Reinvention

I walk my dog Heaven early in the Moring, But at this time year in Dallas you are subject to wake up and its 80 degrees outside, but this morning it was a small breeze and I decided to take Heaven just a few more steps today for her morning walk.

This morning Heavens decided to smell every little thing in the park today. I guess she decided to stop and smell the roses sort of speak, and it wasn’t anything I was interested in doing or in the mood for (lol). But it made me think… when was the last time I took a walk through the garden to smell the roses? When was the last time I actual had the opportunity to dream the possibilities? It had been a while. So with that said I decided after this up coming project [EPBC] I’ll take a trip to The Dallas Arboretum. To be honest, I never been there so what a perfect time to go, one Sunday afternoon.
Now the purpose of this will be to relax and recreate (lol). Instead of running home and trying to come up with a few things to do fresh and new I’m going to use what God created.. A garden. A Place where I won’t have internet connection or be confined to a desk. Places where my mind can look, not concentrate .. Focus.. or Think.. I take vacations with business attached, but it’s been a long time since my mind hasn’t, and it needs a vacation.

I think there are times in our business when we have to be able to stop and smell the roses, LITERY!! Take a long walk, go to the museum, sit by a lake or even walk through a park. This is to take our mind of business and the day to day shift of life. Even God took a day to relax after He created something beautiful.

I believe when we allow our minds a day of rest, when we forget about a few things, when we take a mental vacation, we are allowing God to stir up the new beginnings and preparation for the changes He is about to do. We are not the creator of His Visions and purposes He is and If He wants to change; reinvent or begin a new in us, then we have to be still and know Who is in control; Know that He is God..

So.. Once I complete the EPBC-Event Planners Boot Camp on August 20, 2011, I will take a walk through the gardens and allow the creativity that is about to happen flow! I will allow my mind to be a blank. Reinvention is growth, accepting change is progress; relaxing is allowing God to do it all.

Let’s hear from you, how are you allowing your creativity to flow, how to do take a mental break from business so that you can allow God to send you a vision of growth? I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy, you never know how your inspiration can help me or some one else.
Until next time.. The Business Woman..

Investing in Your Business

2011-07-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

How much are you investing in to you and your business?

As most of my friends know, I’m not a reality TV person. I figure I don’t need to know what any houses wives are doing, it’s not my business and the drama is not positive for me to invest in. But I have stumble across a reality show that I really like. It focuses on Businesses, actually growing your business, going to the next level type of show. She is powerful and don’t play when it comes to whipping your company into to place. And to be honest, some of the people she works with, if I were her I would walk out on them and left them there to grow up! (lol)
The Show is “TABATHA'S SALON TAKEOVER”

This lady doesn’t play. She calls these salon owners out full blast and let them know they need to change or they are going to loose their businesses. But the one thing I really like is that she sees if the salons owners are re-investing into their companies, making sure that the stylist are being educated by attending classes at Hair Schools.

Why do we feel that once we are in business we don’t have to reinvest back into our companies with additional [update] education? Things change; business change; there is so many things our clients want and we can’t just think we don’t have to cater to their needs. .Just because it’s working well now, doesn’t mean it will be working like that next week.

Tabatha was working with one salon; the owner was wearing a NEW $400 shirt while in $500,000 debt. Not only did he not understand that his business was failing, but his stylists didn’t realized that they were supposed to update their skills after they left Cosmetology school.

As Event Planners, I’m always reading books; magazines; taking classes and talking to other planners to make sure I’m doing what it takes to stay on top of my game. I want to make sure that if there is something fresh out there I’m on it to make sure that my client knows she was the best. If you are not investing in your business with education; finances and growth, you will not make it.

As a business owner, I encourage you to invest in your education for your business. It will take you a long way! I promise..
I would love to hear from you about how you have invested in your business and how it helped to grow your business positive.
What changes have you made to stay on top of the market?
As always connect with me, the Business Woman.

Will work for business!

2011-07-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

Closed mouths don’t get fed!

Taking from the words of a very dear friend of mines, “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed” So you have to open it [your mouth] to asked for food or at least business (lol).

When I first open AnyEvent, I believed if I built it people will come (lol) ha, the joke was on me, some came and went, but hardly stated around for me to accomplish anything or to make a client. Then I begin to notice something, what would happen if I ask for their business? I would be no better off then I was now. So I did just that, I open my mouth for food to get fed, well at least I open it and start asking for business (lol).

As most of you know, I have a client that is out of the DC area. I begin to notice that a lot of things were happening when my client Chuck Isom begin to bring his clients here to Dallas for the parties. I notice a lot of talking going on. I listen talked and heard, I was like.. WAIT these people are asking to do business with each other (lol) DUH!!

“Everyone is a potential customer” and you never know until you ask them to be.
So I begin to talk with people and ask for their business. I begin to ask what I can do to help them to bring in more business for their product or service.

The hardest thing about being an event planner is that you are not always guaranteed repeated business. Once you do an event; party or theme event, your only certain of repeated business is that the clients request you to do the event next year or a referral by the client. So that means I need to be persistently working asking for business.

If you are falling into a slow slump with business, open your mouth and let everyone know, will work for your business (lol)!

I would love to hear from you, what are the many ways you go after business?
Share my blog with other business women, follow me and read what I’m learning each day as I grow AnyEvent..

Until next time.. The Business Woman!
www.anyevent.org

Words of Encourgement to my fellow business owners!

2011-06-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Words of encouragement to my fellow business owners

If you have a dream, a desire a passion to work for yourself, then do it.
If you know every single day when you walk out your front door to go to work and not happy because you rather be working for yourself, then do it.

A lot of people tell me they admire me and wish they could be doing what I’m doing- working for them selves and I often ask the questions “Why aren’t you”? And then it begins, “Well I don’t have any money; I don’t know if I’m ready; I don’t know what I honestly want to do. Sometimes I want to say “SNAP OUT OF IT” (lol) Stop being afraid and just do it.

No, don’t run out and quit your job and instantly think you are going to become a CEO you have to prepare for it. How? By trusting God enough to believe in Him enough to give you direction in the way you should go.

Entrepreneurship is not easy. It’s time consuming and it’s hard work. It’s honestly a scary adventure. But in my heart, those who are and were created for it can do it.
I want to share a few things with you, hoping that the advice I can provide from a business owner to you will help.

1. Pray an ask God to direct you. Pray an ask God for clarification, pray an ask God His desire for your life. Then seek Him in everything from the business plan to the business card. Meaning go to Him an ask Him for the business name; what the card should look like and how should the business plan be written? At this point you are trusting God to be the CEO of your company.
2. Switch roles- turn you full time job into your part time job. Let me explain. Continue to work full time; just begin to believe that you are there for a short time. See your business as your full time job, even if you are working it on week ends. This is the planning process, just remember, you also have a family to take care of as well. This is what I call time management.
3. You will have open doors and closed doors. Don’t let that discourage you. It’s all part of growth. Some times you will be glad that certain doors closed (lol).
4. Surround your self with successful people. I know you heard that often, but it’s true. If you are with successful people then you become networkers with successful people. They become mentors; advisors; connections and event clients. If you are surround by naysayers then you will become discourage and loose faith.
5. Help others. Encourage others; be there for those who are getting started. You will be surprise how it comes back.
6. Take a break when you can, don’t worry about mistakes and failure. It’s ok to fail. Honestly (lol). Learn as much as you can about your industry. Read & study about other companies like yours, but you do you! Do your business like you.

I can’t guarantee that your company will be one of Forbes top 10 business or that you will make millions, Only God can do that. But what I can guarantee is that God is in charge of your destiny and if you want to be that top company top service then you will have to work hard at it. Moses had a staff when he lead the folks across the deserts into the promise land, George Washington Carter was rich with just peanuts and Madam C. Walker had an idea to be pretty. It’s all about believing in God, and believing in you. Stop worrying about the money, whether it will work or not. Just do it. Remember the movie The field of dreams, “If you build it, they will come.
I would love for you to share my blog with others and I would love to hear your comments. Until next time, The Business Woman

Growing Pains of Business SCREAM!

2011-05-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

I’m finding less and more time to blog, but this subject I pray will help others who has had to SCREAM because a project went wrong!

I’m still working on the project,[thank God] I’m still hired, but last week end was not pretty!!!. My client asked that I bring my staffing team to his lakehouse to meet him before the party at the end of the month![I’m preparing for him this month].
I contact everyone, gave them the date and time and expected them to show up.
What happen? THEY DIDN”T SHOW! I was getting my car service and heading that way when he called upset that he had prepared food and drinks for someone that didn’t come. I was upset he was up set, I was stress out and put my feet to the gas to head to the event. He called and stated that never mind he was packing up heading home.
I apologies 100 times, plus followed up with an email. If I knew his address I would have sent roses (lol). Seriously!
With that said, I’m now VERY careful of my volunteer staff. So I decided to send out a twitter message; FaceBook message and place a message on Linked In and my website that I am hiring paid volunteers submit resume to me..
Never again will I allow this to happen with me or my business. I was embarrassed an upset. My good friend Chyrssee Wright of The Wright One and business-understander as I call her, explained that things like this will happen, she stated get you a group of sure staffer and build from there, you live and learn.
If I’m to increase, I need to make sure that I have what it takes to grow with class and build a vision as it should be. There are kinks and knit-knats that I will go through during this stage of my business, its call growing pain, but I can guarantee this pain will Not happen again!
I have now begin to quickly interview for my volunteer staff making sure that what I ask, I will get. If you don’t understand my business then you can understand where I’m going! (lol).
Sometimes we will fall on our face and when we do, cry get up dust ourselves off and keep on going. It will hurt at the time, but at least you now know how to take a better road.
God has challenged us all as self employed people, whether we are Event Planners; Catering Services; Hair Designers or Writers. We are not exempted, no more then the person who work the 9-5, It how we deal with it when it hit us. Remember the faith that we have in God and ourselves, it will take us far.
I spent the rest of the day crying and the next day praying, but all in all God spent that day showing me I was tougher in this that I thought I was (lol) !
What are some of the growing pains you had to deal with as you grow your business? I would love to hear from you! You never know how your experience can help me or someone else that reads this blog!
Until next time.. The Business Woman
Blessings!!!

I need help !

2011-05-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

I Need help!

There comes a time in business when we decided if we need help. I am experiencing that this week. (lol) My plate is full of tasks that need to be done, and I’m unable to complete them all even with trying to manage every second of the day! My goal this year was to increase my business for 2011, I wanted to spend more time marketing and promting as well as serving my new and old clients. Well, I prayed and God answer and now I feel like I’m to busy to do it all. With my PT job and business working together, I feel like the minor things that need to be conquered are on hold.
So I decided “ It is time”

I sat down and came up with a job description, a pay rate that I can afford to pay out and the hours I will need the help. Now this will be the interesting part, interviewing. I researched the internet to verify some questions that I want to ask in the interview and I located some on Google, but then I thought, will this work for me?

If you are in the process of making the decision to hire an assistant or PT person, be very clear about what you want. Be very clear about what you need and most of all is very clear about what you expect. This person is representing you and your business and if you are growing your business the last thing you needs is someone destroying what you are building.

Here are a few tips I’m using for preparing to hire my assistant.
1. Review their resume thoroughly. The last thing you want to be worried about if they can handle the job.
2. If you have a service, they must be a people person. You can offer service with out a smile.. Literary!!!
3. How did they dress? What does their appearance say about them?
4. What age has to do with it? A lot…are they mature enough to handle the responsibility of meeting and interacting with clients?
5. What time do you need them? Not when are they available!
6. Details of what they are responsible for; What are you entrusting them with; It’s you business they have to understand that.
7. Are they a reflection of you; your values ‘ your business?

I’m excited about this new level at this new level of my business. I’m also a little scared about allowing some one in to my business, I am praying that God will send me someone that will have the vision I have for AnyEvent.
If you have hired a personal Assistant, let me know how things worked out or working out! Share you story with others!
Until next time, The business woman is at work!

Going back Home

2011-04-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to go back home for a visit. Our Nation Capital, Washington DC. Home has changed a lot! Some people have changed; some places are different and even some of the opportunities are different, but to me it’s still home.
When I’m away, I still take AnyEvent with me, meaning I’m ready for business at the drop of a hat. My goal is to ask for business and see if I will get it. My conversation is to catch up with everyone and share what I doing, which is AnyEvent.
I was able to talk my way into a golf tournament and speak with my High School alumni President to get things going with our 1979 Class. This will require more traveling, great I like that, in hope it will bring in more business. As my friend Chryssee says “A closed mouths don’t get fed” (lol) and this sista loves to eat!
As I grow and go through the next few months, I plan to knock on a lot of doors to see who’s behind them. As I stated in my previous blog, it’s either sink or swim! And I’ doing all I can to stay a float!
The conversation that I was hearing while listening to some of the “Suits” in DC were about the economy. Everyone is afraid, as I see it, now is the time to prepare for it. From where I sit, it will either get better or worse. It dispends on how you roll with it that will keep you going or shut you down.
Each day is an opportunity to blossom to get out there and re-invent the world or create a job. You just have to be brave, you just have to believe but most of all you have to have faith!
You know I often say- “Write the plan make it plan”
I would really like to know how you are dealing with your business and the economy. Please summit your comments to my blog, but most of all share it with others!
Until next time, I’m the Business Woman!! (lol)

Sink or Swim

2011-03-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

Sink with the anchor or swim with the sharks

This month I decided to write about Sinking or Swimming in my Business. I know some of you don’t ever feel like that, but I have to be honest, I do. I’m 3 months in to the New Year, where I begin with great ideas and awesome plans to grow and re-event AnyEvent. If something is not working, then you have to make some changes, and that is my goal for 2011.
Now it’s almost the end of March and I’m sitting here looking crazy at my plan book trying to figure out, where did the first 90 days go? I have been in business for 6 years and I’m not near where I desired to be, it don’t mean I’m not going to get there, it’s just taking more time then I plan, which has made things a bit discouraging.

I love being an event planner, I love putting together projects and watching them come to life. BUT there are times, when I feel like blowing this Popsicle Stand and taking off to do something else. Not that Event Planning isn’t my passion, it’s just at time, and I feel lost in what I doing. So my goal for 2011 WAS to do more marketing and more networking in other areas other then my back yard. I did what God asked all Self-Employed people to do “Write the plan, make it plan” Habakkuk 2: 2-3, And I did just that. But, during the hype, I forgot to present it to the Father for review (lol)!
My Pastor, Dr. Tony Evans spoke one Sunday on “Returning to your first love”, and I believe that is was what I needed to do. Return back to my first love in Event Planning, what would that be? Dream again! Be Devoted! Be Determining! In business we will all get discourage, just like in our jobs or volunteer work. But we have to deciding to believe in whose we are and the desire to have what God has giving us in the area of His gift.

I did some studying on a few business owners, Like Lisa Price of Carol’s Daughter and the creator of Facebook Mark Zuckenberg. These individuals were ordinary people, they just had determination and drive to do what they WANTED to do with the Gift God gave them. They are no different from you and me. They had no or very little money but they had a drive to go further then they could ever imagine. They believe in one thing, themselves. They trusted one person themselves. Now me as a Christian will always rely on God as my source in everything, but He’s given me enough faith to trust Him in what I’m, doing. It’s up to me whether I’m going to Sink or Swim? I choose to swim. And I’m going to swim as far as I can go, and if possible I will go further then that (lol)
How do I plan to do this?
Write the Plan, Make it plain and move forward regardless of the road blocks that stand before me. I will talk, study and walk in the feet of those who are succeeding. I will continue to pray for guidance and direction. I will be ME and that’s what AnyEvent-Event Planning Service will represent, ME serving my client, My customer My Business!!
Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel? Giving up! Hated that you ever got started in your business? If so share we will love to hear how you decided to Sink or Swim!
Please share my Blog with others!
Until next time! Keep Hope Alive!

Happy New Year

2011-01-14T11:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
I hope everyone has begun the New Year running making the changes and seeking a new direction to what didn’t work last year. We always create new vision and plan going into the New Year. A new direction while making promises a new view of positive changes!!!

I’m excited about 2011; this will be my 6th year in business and my 2nd year going out side the box on marketing and making connections. It wasn’t easy, but I decided if I wanted AnyEvent-Event Planning Service to be more then just you’re around the corner Event Planning Business, I had to go out side the fence to visit other neighborhoods, and it has been a blessing.

I really tried hard to make some connection in my city. Some are good and others not so good, but just like other businesses you live and learn. Going through this transition and stepping out on faith has me enjoying what I do again! I have a client from the Washington DC area Chuck Isom who is top notch to me in the Business World and every chance I get I’m picking his brain to learn what it takes to operate my business. I also have a pen pal name Teresa Royal who I talked to a few time on the phone out of the Maryland area that helps me in different area as far as my event planning business. Both these individuals as well as others, who I have followed, I have learned so much on how to do business outside my back yard.
Last month Mr. Isom allowed me to open his parties to all those in the Dallas Ft. Worth Area. I open the door wide but only a few walked through. There were soo many people I met this year, a 27 year old guy that has his own IT business, a Woman that that design handbags, I even met a Security guard for the Washington Redskins.. All this was happening because I was at the right place trying to make some connections at the right time.

This year I challenge all you business people to go out your own back yard and open the gate to some new possibilities! You don’t have to leave your old neighbors, just try meeting some new people.
What have you got to loose, what are you afraid of! Talking and networking with these new friends, I have met others and now I have something else to add to my service, Sport Parties!!!

What are you afraid of, what have you done to begin the New Year off right to increase clients and money flowing into your business? I would to hear from you, let me and others know how we can benefit going outside our own back yard into a new neighborhood.. Don’t hold back!
Happy New Year! Until next time!
Please share with others!

Are you ready for 2011??

2010-11-07T06:42:00.000-08:00

Here we are approaching 2011 and you have to honestly wonder if everything you wanted to accomplish did you get it all accomplish? If you look back at all the things you wanted to do, signed up to do or even set goals to do, ask yourself, did you do it?
Well I didn’t, but that doesn’t mean I won’t. I have not completed everything, but I have done some things. I feel like I’m on the right track, Just need to increase the speed just a little to complete a few projects. Now don’t get me wrong, if I don’t accomplish anything before the end of the year, my goal is to place that item of the top of my priority list and complete it with in the first month of the new years. Rome wasn’t built in a day (lol)
So as we look at 2011, have you got your plan together? Have you set your goals? Have you revisited you resume or business plan to see where you are weak and where you are strong,
Reset your direction, revisit yourself and refocus on what you want to accomplish for 2011 and as Nike puts it just do it”
Here are some points that may help you:
1. Don’t be afraid of success- God has it planned for us
2. Accept failure-it’s ok to fail, that’s how you learn
3. Don’t give up- Don’t give in. You will have moments when nothing is happening or times when you feel like no one is ringing the phone, but that’s ok. It happens
4. Hire help-if you are unable to afford help, get some volunteers to help you
5. Revisit your employee’s hand book.
6. Stop stepping out side the box-JUMP.!! Yes stop trying to go out side the box and just do it... if you fail, so what...
7. Learn to relax, take one day off a week to relax, no laptop, no cell phone just be free.
8. Reeducate your self with community college classes in your field, in different fields. If you are not good in marketing, meet with someone or take a class to help you.
9. But the number one thing to do is pray. Pray for guidance strength wisdom and courage.

Now get out there and get ready for an exciting New Year, new adventures and new business. For where there is vision, there is truly hope!
Let me hear from you, I want to know if the blogs we are presenting are helpful, if you have challenges that you face and want to share with others, you never know what your comments may do to or for someone. We want to here from you.

Learning Experience!

2010-09-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

WOW! It’s been forever since I actually sat down to write my blog! It’s been hectic and it has been trying but it has been more of a learning experience then anything. What did I learn???? I can’t do it all (lol).
With that said I had to sit down look at AnyEvent business plan and begin to recreate our goals for 2011...
My plan was to bring in interns to help, but I couldn’t even find time for them because I was scattered all over the place, which allow some things to fall through the crack! I made decision I was not able to uphold and some projects I should have let go... But all in all it has been a learning experience.
So here I sit in my favorite office- Panera Bread preparing for 2011 and getting things back in order.
I decided to make some changes with AnyEvent and I’m so happy I let my pride fall enough to realize I needed help. (Lol)
I contact a beautiful Lady Kim Ruffin to help me create an employee Hand book and start looking at a Payroll system so that I can begin to hire employees, a team of people that will help me go and grow to the next level. I have taken time to read more and relax more. I have prayed for direction to where I want the company should go and what it will take to get there. I am talking to with people who can help me make things happen. Meeting with people and connecting companies want to help me grow in the area I want to go with AnyEvent.
I still have a great deal of projects I want to see AnyEvent do, and we are headed that way, but I realize that it will take time to get there and patience. In the meantime, I grow as God will have me.
What has been the learning experience in all of this?
1. That God has not given up on His plan for you and what He wants to accomplish through you.
2. I have I have in business 5 years, I will have these set back and moments, and its ok.
3. Trust God and stay prayed up
4. Get help, forget the pride
5. Stop sitting around thinking that everything is going to happen, It won’t unless you make it happen
6. It’s ok to rewrite the plan
7. Stay connect with those who are going some where in their business and talked with those what have fail and begin again
Yes, I have learned a lot, and the classroom of hard knocks has been wonderful... Now its time to go to the next level... and that is moving beyond!!!
I would love to hear from you, tell me some of the things you faced growing your business,
See you next month

2010-05-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

Reinventing yourself can change things for you.
When in business for yourself, you will find that there are times you have to reinvent yourself or revised the way you are doing business in order for your business to grow or thrive. If you don’t then you will not be in business for long.
I’m big on people who have reinvented them self in their careers and life. I look at Queen Latifah, Niecy Nash or Cameron Mathison who plays Ryan Lavery on All My Children... These individuals have reinvented themselves in their careers. They stepped out beyond the box; they went to a new and higher level in what they wanted to do with their lives and careers.
In business we have to do the same thing, reinvent ourselves each year... look at what is working and what is not working... what the newest trends or what is no longer working in your industries. Are you doing business with the clients on your list or do you need to get rid of the ones that are not generating business?
Every year, I review AnyEvent, and explore for new adventures I can take AnyEvent to, going to the next level. I look at how I can learn more about my industries, how I can improve my communication skills or writing skills. I look at my wardrobe to see if it’s professional, do I need to add or subtract. Doing this, reviewing what I learned in a year, allows me to reinvent not only AnyEvent, but me as well. There is nothing wrong with change, good or bad, it’s up to us on how we make it work.
Queen went from Rapper to Oscar Nominated Actress; Niecy Nash went from 911 to host the Entertainment Tonight sister show the Insider, a dancer on Dancing with the Stars and my all time favorite show... Clean House; Cameron has gone from Soap Star on All my Children to interviewing others on Good Morning America. They didn’t wait for a door to open; they created the door to walk through... Change is great! Change is good... You just open up your heart to welcome it in your business, in your career, in your life!
What are some of the changes you are creating to move forward in your life, career and business? Your comments are welcome, it make just help someone!!

"Doing Me"

2010-04-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

Doing Me...
Well it’s been a minute since my last blog. I miss you guys.
But doing that break, I have being doing me... I had to learn that the hard way...
As a small business owner, we are subject to do all that we can do grow our business, especially when we can’t afford to hire help or invest in a marketing team to make sure everything is flowing like it should. We take on projects and clients that we wish whad not or start thinking did we make the right decision to even do this.
Well, a few months ago, I came in contact with a great friend, someone from old school, back in the day type of friends. As we begin to catch up on old time over the phone, he begins to notice a pattern about me...I was always doing things for my business, children and church. As the conversation grew, I talked about how painful it was not having my car, not being able to get around. Then he asks me when do I spend time doing me? Of course I told him, I do. I spend time doing this and that... and he smiles through his voice... No I mean doing nothing, just doing nothing...
I had to be honest, I do everything, and I feel there is soo much to do. So he begin to teach me over the phone how to do me... he made a suggest that I take one day of rest, that I get a pedicure and that I learn to love life again. He told me to turn off the phone, to relax and enjoy life. Now anyone that knows me knows that I can’t even imagine doing that, but I would give it a try.
Listening to his advice, I begin to relax. I stop trying to do things all day long. I’m able to operate again, make time for a pedicures and I begin to breathe. Per his advice, my creativity is now flowing, I’m smiling. I’m relaxing in who I am, I’m able to operate AnyEvent with a clearer view.
I am so much more focus now that I’m doing me and more intone with my needs to grow spiritually and emotionally in the Father and myself... next month I’m going to DC for business and pleasure, and once I get there, business will be few. I do plan to bring my laptop and organizer as well as the blackberry. But I promise him I would turn it off for 24 hours.
I hope you all out there are doing you.. if not.. try it.. Believe me, to get me to do it was not easy, but he was able to teach me to learn that I’m am a special person and nothing is more important then being relax, content and satisfied in growing spiritual through relaxation and mediation in the Word and the stillness of a day..
What are some of the things you do to do you? I want to know.. share with those who is following this blog!

Spring forward, so that you don't fall behind

2010-03-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

Spring forward so that you don’t fall behind.

Well it’s that time of year again; we spring forward, loose and hour of sleep and gain an extra hour of evening. I being a morning person found this tough trying to get out of bed after working sometime through the night. But it’s paying off in the long run.
This is the perfect time in your business begun to see where you are in your goals. Have you accomplished anything or have you falling behind. Have you met with clients that were on your list or have you lost a lot of appointments by having too much on your plate.
I encourage you as well as myself to take a moment in the next couple of weeks to slow down, take a week off and relax. A friend of mines told me that I need BALANCE, so that’s what I have begun to do, find balance.
Finding balance in my life, my business and in my family and friends is important to me. It will help me not to be overwhelmed. This time I plan to smell some flowers and enjoy the spring while balancing the important things to means something to me
My business has a long way to go in its growth and so do I, to make sure we both make it, I will have to make sure that things balance out..
I will be Spring Clean my office, my home and my things to do list.. I will be getting rid of things that have no value to my life and business. I will be saying good bye to some old and opening the door to the new..That’s what spring is all about, FRESH & NEW!!!!

I encourage you business women, this time in this fresh growth, and spring time, re-examine your life, and business.. Take a fresh start and try something new.. Look at the changes that you and make in your life and business.. This is so when the fall comes.. You are not behind..
Let’s hear from you.. What are some of the thing you plan to do to spring your business and life?

I don't have a car, But I'm still in business

2010-02-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

I don’t have a car, but I’m still in business
I honestly believe Dallas Texas has the worst bus system in the world! I’m learning the hard way (lol)!
My car has been in the shop so getting around Dallas is hard. Everywhere I go, I have to catch a ride or bus [which is a two hour trip] so I running all over town trying to meet clients and deadlines. It wouldn’t be so bad if it was DC, New York, Atlanta or Chicago, where the bus service is awesome. We are talking about a city where transportation is so outdated that it’s honestly not funny.
So as I rush about town, getting rides to untouchable bus area, and sitting on a rail that rides as slow as a snail, I have to truthfully say that I’m catching up on my reading and thinking (lol).
I can’t let transportation stop me or AnyEvent from accomplishing our daily tasks. I have a responsibility to the Father, my clients and myself to make every meetings, complete all research, and finish every projects that I’ve promise to my clients who entrusted me with their business. There is no justification, not even a car that should stop me.
There is no reason for keeping the operation of AnyEvent going except, mines. So with this time, I pray a lot and keep pushing forward. God allows things to happen for a reason, with my car, I have no idea what His plan is, but I know with the strength He has giving me in His business, and the tears that has falling for AnyEvent, I have to continue on!
I don’t know what your excuse is for not going to the next level in your business but it’s your fault, no one else... Get off the couch, out of your chair, and keep on moving forward. You may not have the money, but God said the earth is His and Everything in it...You may not have any clients or customers, But the Father said ask in His name and it shall be giving. You may be still working your full time job, that’s ok... If you keep working hard and have the faith of a mustard seed you may be able to step out on His will next year and work for yourself... It’s all up to you!
I would love to hear from you. What are the huge challenges you faced since you have been in business, what roadblock have come your way that made you feel like you were at a dead end? I would love to hear from you! Please sure on our blog.. what you say, may help someone!

Pursuit of your dream

2010-01-18T09:18:00.000-08:00

I just finish reading a story in Essence Magazine about a woman who started her business because her house was going into foreclosure. She had set a goal to sale 100 cakes at $40 each with in 48 hours to come up with some of the money to save her house. When word got out about what she was doing, She sold over 100 cakes and was feature on CNN news. Her family and friends pitched in to help deliver the cakes as well as help her bake them. She came up with enough money to pay off the past due balance, plus put her ahead with in five days.

There are many reasons people start a business. It could be that they are tired of Corporate America, desperate for fast income or a burning passion that they realize can go from love to income... What ever your reasons are for pursuing your desire to be self-employed, don’t give up. Trust in the Father and walk in your passion. It will not be easy, but well worth it...
During this Day, the remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr., I am reminded that it was his dream that we as a country, we have the opportunity to our pursuit of happiness.
This year, make no excuses in what you want to do with your life, whether start a business or move forward in your career or travel the world. You have doors that are open and doors that have closed, it’s up to you to pray to the Father for directions. Don’t let anyone tell you what you need and should do; it’s your life, what ever you decide. This month, I want to know what steps have you take to pursue your Dream!
It’s always great to read your comments and views!!

Make This Your Best Year

2009-12-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

As I prepare for the dawning of 2010, I’m focus on “Making This a Great New Year”
I have so much I want to do with AnyEvent, so many roads I want to take in introducing more people to our services. I’m excited about the challenges I know I will face.
This coming Year, 2010... AnyEvent will be celebrating 5 years... yes, 5 years... We have come a long way and have a long way to go... and I’m enjoying the ride, the mistakes and the tears that it has given me and I look forward to five more years... This year we hired a Sr. Event Coordinator and have two Interns. We are now working with clients outside the state of Texas an added some new vendors to our list. Some business we had to turn down, and some turned us down and that is part of growing.
We took chances this year, and the out coming was exciting.
When the New Year begins, have you made plans to make this the best year for you and your business”?
Have you set goals?
Looked at what‘s working or not working in your business?
Do you plan to hire help so you can expand more in other area where your business is suffering?
What about advancing in educating yourself? Taking a class, reading more Leadership books?
Networked out of your comfort zone?
What about investing in a conference or workshop?
When was the last time you sat down and talked with your vendors or clients about repeating business...? Looking at a Win Win Situation?
All these things will help you grow.
Can’t wait to hear from you! I really want to hear from you some of the thing you plan and ideas to do for 2010!

Preparing for 2010

2009-11-07T06:22:00.000-08:00

I am now finding time to work on my Blog.. I have been so busy, that I haven’t had the chance to sit down and write. Not that I’m complaining, but it let’s me know that there are doors opening for AnyEvent.

As I reflect back over the last four years of business I think about some of the mistakes and the accomplishments. I think about the connection I made and the ones I lost. I think about the people who awed me and the people I was like “what ever”. But more then anything, I think about how God never left me.. He walked with me even when I was feeling I was alone.

As you prepare for 2010, let me make a few suggestions:
1. Pray every single day for your business.
2. Trust your faith
3. Don’t let anyone define who you are
4. Save Money
5. Ask for help
6. Network with a purpose
7. Rest
8. Read a lot of business books: Any book by John Maxwell; The E-Myth by Gerber
9. Treat your clients or customer like you want to be treated
10. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake
11. Plan for the future
12. Act like a CEO

Now, some of you may be doing this already, but what about everyday? You should be doing this every single day.. Train yourself to pray, think and act like an Entrepreneur.

My Goal next year is to work on AnyEvent. To trust God as I watch how He handles His business as well as think outside the box. What about you, what is the one thing you plan to do next year to change how you do business so you can increase your clientele or sells???

No More Excuses..Really!!! No More!

2009-08-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

No More Excuses! Really!! No more!
I said I would focus on special events for my next blog, but this topic was eating at my soul to the point I couldn’t help but blog about it!
I have learned growing AnyEvent; there is no time for excuses. You snooze you lose; you close your eyes long enough it’s gone. Your idea is not the only idea.
When starting out in a business or thinking about a career change, you really have to be on top of your game, on point. You have to pray and begin to ask God to open doors and pave a way! I did a TV interview on Saturday, one of the questions, I was asked “In this economy, how is AnyEvent holding up”? my response, was I’m working on 4 projects!!! Now to his surprise, what in the world can event planners do in this economy when 85% of your business is with companies! And these are people who are tightening their belts to save money? It’s because I make no excuse to the economy, I make no excuse to generating new clients, and I make no excuse for AnyEvent.

When God decided to create this passion in me, I commit myself to giving it my all until He wants me to do something else! Now that is not to say I didn’t get in the way at times or mess up sometimes, it means that I believe in Him and what He is doing through me!!

There were times I had to step back and review His business plan-many times, I had to allow Him to guide and get out the way, even when I didn’t want to. And the hardest part was to allow Him to teach me to stop procrastinating (LOL). When there is a plan, it’s up to us to work it. There is no excuse for talking and not doing.

Does this sound familiar?
1. I don’t have time
2. I work all day and I’m tired
3. What’s for me is for me
4. No one is calling
5. I don’t have the money
6. Is this the right time?

Now I have to be honest, I said a few of these myself, but I was able to snap out of it when I realizes that I may find myself on a phone doing customer service (lol) Nothing wrong with it, Just not me!!! I begin to put things in gear.
Stop making excuse, make things happen. Use all your time and work it like there’s no tomorrow!

My Pastor, Dr. Tony Evans stated one time that he gets about 4 hours of sleep per day because he is working and preparing for God’s Kingdom. I believe it when I look at all he has accomplished, and he did it with help from God and No excuse. The Next time you make an excuse, block out the negative and add the positive!

1. I don’t have time-I can do this 4 hours a night!
2. I work all day and I’m tired-I can give up a few hours on the week end to do this!
3. What’s for me is for me-Ok God, I’ll move forward!
4. No one is calling -“Hello This Teri with AnyEvent”
5. I don’t have the money- If I make sacrifices, I can do this!
6. Is this the right time?-Step out on faith and see!

I would love to hear from you, Let me know what excuses have stopped you from moving forward with your passion!

November 7, 2009, AnyEvent will be hosting our Verge 2009 Women’s Brunch No More Excuses, Time to move forward. We have some awesome women who will be speaking this year on Time management, Finances and No Excuse in your job or business. Tickets are $25 and vendors’ booths are $90.
No More Excuses.. REALLY, No More!
Please share with others!!!

A Great Plan

2009-07-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of year again, The Mary Kay Convention. Millions of women and a few men from all over the world come together in Dallas to learn how to increase their Mary Kay business. They flood the street of Dallas in their Red Suites and Pink Cars. They are encouraged that the upcoming year is going to better than last year anwhile they learn new makeup tips, talk about the new products and learn new steps in improving their business. I wonder if Mary Kay envisioned her business to grow this big?! I’m quite sure she did. She had a planwhen she was expected to be nothing more than a Woman! You know her story, how she began her business when there was nothing but her and her children. She decided to created a job for herself!

Some of you right now are working or unemployed, trying to figure out what to do next. Start your business or further your career? You may have a business and want to know what steps you need to move forward by increasing sales or your client base, get money for your non-profit or just make more money!!!! I was the same way after two layoffs. I wondered what I was going to do with myself in the middle of my own private recession an unemployment about to run out. Knowing this, I decided to create a job till a job came through. After two layoffs, job interviews and much prayer, nothing happen. After 4 years of trying to start a business while working and looking for work, after the last layoff in 2007, I hired me to work for me until something happen. What happen? I begin to get new clients.

If you are at across road in what you want to do, here are some tips:
1. Don’t quit your job to start a business, plan it out, and take the steps to grow to a level you can hire yourself.
2. Takes some classes in your industry at your community college.
3. You may have to work hard on the week’s ends with your business or in advancing in your career, but if that is the direction you are headed, plan it out with your family, and make sure you have time to rest.
4. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or even take a loss in some things [not your family and God], but the goal is not to give up. Remain encouraged and focus.
5. Believe in God’s purpose, your business and yourself.
6. Pray a lot. And then praise more!!!!

What are some of the things you are doing to make sure that when you are ready to start out on your own as a business owner, or move forward in your career? I would love to hear from you.

Next month Blog I will begin providing information on party planning! Until next month, stay focus!!!

Half Price, didn't Half Step!

2009-06-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

Half Price Didn't Half Step!

Back in 2005 when I first open the doors to AnyEvent, I had the pleasure of meeting an energetic gentleman name Oliver. Oliver was in the beginning stages of “Half Price Geeks”, his tech support business. Both Oliver and I were at the stage of getting things off the ground and trying to keep our happy faces on as business owners. For 4 years Oliver and I work hard at marketing and networking. We both even talked about how hard it was and how we both were going to keep on pushing on! We even laughed about going back to Corporate America if this didn’t work out for us. Oliver and I worked hard, and I know that there was times he, like me wanted to throw in the towel and give up, but we kept pushing forward. We worked hard at our business and for selfish reason refused to throw in the towel, even when we wanted to.

I ran into Oliver last week and I asked him how was business? Well not to my surprise, Oliver was hiring his 3rd employed and has moved to a new location!!!! I was not surprise how things were going for him because I had the pleasure of witnessing his determination first hand! He kept saying, “God is good” when I asked how things were going! Persistence was the key for Oliver. What about you? Are you folding, throwing in the towel, giving up? What have you done lately to create a “ household name for your business”? Nothing happens when you wait for something to happen, you really have to make it happen!! Congratulations Oliver on your “Right Persistence Success” I am so proud of you!

Apples falls from trees, but they don’t make apple pie unless someone picks them up and do what needs to be done with them.

What are you afraid of? Who are you afraid of? Don’t sit around and wait for someone to come and knock on your door? Knock on theirs first! I would love to hear from you. Your advise or comments may help someone who is scared to step off the porch and run into their purpose!

Extreme Business Makeover"

2009-06-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

As I sit here with a cup of coffee with hazel nut crème, I’m thinking about how I’m approaching the end of our financial year for AnyEvent. A lot of things happen this year, mostly excellent! I have to be honest, business has increase and the visibility of AnyEvent may be a household name in a couple years.
We are not where we want to be, but it’s good to know we’re not where we were (LOL) . As I begin to pull out the financial books, we will do inventory on our client list, as well as our upcoming projects, ready to discuss how we did in business. What changes could we make and where do we need to grow!

This is the time of year, we begin to do an “Extreme Makeover “ for AnyEvent. We will look at what happen in our twelve months, and the connections made.. We will brainstorm ,and look at what worked and didn’t work! Did we give our all; follow up or send out thanks you notes ? All those things are important to the growth of our business. This allows us to make sure that that we grow as a company, that our clients are getting top rates service and that we are content in doing what we suppose to do to keep our clients!!
Operating a small business is not easy when you are growing and doing everything yourself. We are the account; lawyer; the sales person; PR team and don’t forget HR (LOL). And we won’t say anything about running the household!!! Please remember that it’s important, As CEO, doing this makes us work harder at being the best we can be!!! Are you? Do you need a “Extreme Makeover”? What are someone of the things you do as a business owner to assure your customer are coming back? Are you bring you’re “A” game to the table?
I would love to hear from you!

What happen to your passion? What happen to your Dream? Time to step it up!!!

2009-05-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

As I listen to all the statements from graduation speeches on ABC news with Charlie Gibson, from some of the most powerful people in this country!!! Michelle Obama, Ellen, an others tell the 2009 graduating class-Be a visionary!!!: Go the extra mile!!! Live your life to the fullest!! Give back to your community!! Do we? Are we? Have we?

Where is the passion we had when we first started our business or saw the vision? What happen to the get up and go ? Has it got up and went? Is our business crying out, what have you done to me lately???
When I first begin AnyEvent, it was right after I was let go from this huge Accounting Company.. I wasn’t afraid, I was happy, I felt that a door was opening for me and I couldn’t wait to got through it!!!. Now after 4 years of hard work and strong marketing, I’m in need of an assistant!!!

This didn’t happen over night! I spent numerous hours getting to this place, and I’m still recreating, reinventing AnyEvent. People laughed and would tell me I need an actual job, or I’m crazy, I cleared those negative people and keep pushing forward. Some told me they want to establish a business, but won’t take steps to get there.. They just keep dreaming!!!

Don’t sale yourself short in your vision or your business. Don’t get tired and don’t give up!! This economy was turned around by Small Businesses during the depression, and I believe we are going to put this country back to work!!! But it won’t get done unless you light the fire again in your passion!!! Stay focus, pray a lot and give back to your community!! Jesus took 2 fishes and five loaves and fed 5000, ask God to increase and then you increase with someone else!!!

I have to be honest..Business has increase for me.. Not because I running crazy.. I’m marketing AnyEvent as a house hold name.. I’m out there so people see me and don’t forget me!!! I’m touching lives as well as enjoying this passion!!!

I would love to here from you.. How you are surviving during these so call recession?

Behind Closed Doors

2009-04-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

Any thing that is behind close doors is a secret!
This past week end I had the pleasure of putting together a magnificent art show with an amazing person, Jeralene Minnick. Jeralene is a writer for the Dallas Examiner, here in Dallas Texas. Her articles are located in the Art/ Museum section of the paper. She is a talented writer and I’ve embraced her as a wonderful, spiritual friend.
What Jeralene did was the light bulb of what real business people do... “You create business”!!!
One of the first thing my business adviser explained to me as I sat in a corner crying that no one is knocking at the door “ If you don’t have business, create it!” If you build it, they will come!!!
If you are not talking about; singing about or even showing your business, you might as well leave it behind close doors as a secret! Open the door to the possibilities of your business! Watch it grow..Watch it GO!!!
What are you doing to create business?

What is sisterhood, if we are not supporting each other!

2009-04-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone..Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend an awesome workshop host by Terry Allen, Sister CEO Workshop here in Dallas Texas.. This workshop or summit was for those who were interested in starting a business; in business; or need to know about operating a business. The information provided was great. But the main thing I kept hearing was “We have to learn to respect each other; do business with each other and be there for each other”!! Something that we all know and hear a thousand times.. But are we doing that? Are we supporting each other in the name of Business and Sister Power!!
Men make million dollars deals on the golf course.. They talk business at the happy hour and in the jazz spot!! I seen it and listen in on it.. To be honest.. I learned a lot!!!! (LOL) What about us? Are we so intimidated by each other that we fear helping each person reach the Million Dollar mark? How can we change our view of each other? How can we support each other to assure our business is growing healthy and strong? Do we need to be on the Golf Course?
What is your view on this!!

2009-03-10T16:11:00.001-07:00

Hello CEO of the World!! It’s been a minute since I blog! I’ve been busy as well as marketing AnyEvent.
So much has happen since the last time I BLOG!! We have an African American President. The country is stated to be headed for a depression and millions of people are out of work.. When I hear and see things like this it remains me that I can only look for a solution, not worry about the problem God is in control!!!..
As a CEO I had to step up my marketing plan and increase AnyEvent’s awareness. I stop trying to do business in my own neighborhood, and decided to go to someone else’s!!! Meaning, I had to get out side the comfort of my back yard and walk down someone else’s street.
When I first started AnyEvent I made a list of all the people and clients I wanted to do business with. I reviewed the list two weeks ago and realized I had not done business with any of the names on the list.. I made contact, trying to get to them, but have not done business with them. What do I do..go the door, knock and request that the door be open. With God, Faith and perseverance!!! I can do anything!! What about you?
Here are some steps I plan to take going to the next level with AnyEvent!!
1. Pray Daily
2. Review my marketing budget and Marketing plan.
3. Contact my PR friend and ask for some advise on going to the next level with AnyEvent
4. Contact friends and family to remind them “Hey I’m still in Business”
5. Read about my industries more!
6. Create an Affirmation to keep me focus.
7. Surround my elf with positive CEO and people
What are the steps you plan to take to go to the next level in earning your Stimulus Check?