Black Women In Business Brainstorm

Don't be overrun by Creativity Killers...check out the Small Business Summit 2011

2011-05-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

Creativity Killers:

"Everything that can be invented has been invented."

— Charles H. Duell, Director of US Patent Office 1899

"Sensible and responsible women do not want to vote."

— Grover Cleveland, 1905

"Who in the heck wants to hear actors talk?"

— Harry M. Warner, Warner Bros Pictures, 1927

"There is no likelihood man can ever tap the power of the atom."

— Robert Miliham, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1923

"Heavier than air flying machines are impossible."

— Lord Kelvin, President, Royal Society, 1895

"Ruth made a big mistake when he gave up pitching."

— Tris Speaker, 1921

"The horse is here today, but the automobile is only a novelty - a fad."

— President of Michigan Savings Bank advising against investing in the Ford Motor Company

"Video won't be able to hold on to any market it captures after the first six months. People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night."

— Daryl F. Zanuck, 20th Century Fox, commenting on television in 1946

"What use could the company make of an electric toy?"

— Western Union, when it turned down rights to the telephone in 1878

Do you have an awesome idea?

How many times have you been told that it won't work?
It could never be sustainable?
You are not the right person for the job?
It's impossible?
Many people have been victim to this same logic...the ones that stay relevant are the ones that have more faith in heir ideas than the ones that have faith in failure.
The Small Business Summit 2011 is committed to those who want innovation, motivation and creativity to be a part of their business and personal brand. Register at http://smbizsummit.eventbrite.com/

March Sneak Peek

2011-03-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

How are you handling your time, space and life management?
Do you ever feel like you could use help with those areas?
Let's face it with all of the responsibilities of life it is easy to let these things slide. Even though we are doing more-we can always ask for help. Sheila Hawkins is the CEO of Third Eye Group, a company that has been helping people get their lives in order since 2000. She will be speaking at our March BWBB. Did you save your spot yet?
You don't want to miss this one! Sheila allows her clients to get help with customized personal and professional organizational services that are tailored to their needs and specifications. She provides services for your home, business and personal needs. Check out her website for additional information and a sneak peek of info www.thirdeyegroup.org.
This month's meeting will take place at The Hampton Inn, Northville from 9:30-11:30 on March 19th. Remember our meetings are open to any and all who want to focus on professional success, growth and development.

Transition and Transforming: Careers in our generation

2011-02-21T05:22:00.000-08:00

Many of us remember being told that we need to go to college and find a good job. Discussion over. Today the rules have changed. In many cases we make them up ourselves. Going to college is still a great idea. The experience, relationships and curriculum prepares students for this adventure that we call the real world. The game-changer is the job. Do we work for someone? Invest our talents, ideas and hard work and plan on this being our sole career purpose? Do we take a chance and begin our own venture to see if it can pay the bills? Do we do both? What about life balance? What about our social-life?
These are all great matters to consider and the answer is different for everyone. We have a special treat coming up this Saturday with Tiffani Stokley as our featured presenter. She will be leading a discussion on Career Transition. So please register because you don't want to miss this one. Join us for a productive time of Networking, continental breakfast and promoting your business goals and career needs.
The BWBB is committed to helping you take your idea from thought to thriving. We are equal opportunity and invite anyone with a positive attitude to join us.

Happy Black History Month Quotes by inspiring Black Women-Read something great!

2011-02-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

You don’t become what you want; you become what you believe.
Oprah Winfrey

You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.
Maya Angelou

Sometimes you’ve got to let everything go—purge yourself . . . If you are unhappy with anything . . . whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you’ll find that when you’re free, your true creativity, your true self comes out.
Tina Turner

Don’t settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that’s in us.
Angela Bassett

I really don’t think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don’t mind the failure but I can’t imagine that I’d forgive myself if I didn’t try.
Nikki Giovanni

I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminshes fear.
Rosa Parks

Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.
Susan L. Taylor

Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do. Where there is Love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.
Ella Fitzgerald

When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.
Audre Lorde

Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.
Wilma Rudolph

Networking for Success prelude Guest blog by Angela Samuels

2011-01-17T19:26:00.000-08:00

Networking requires people to confront their fear of talking to other people that carries a risk of rejection and great opportunity.

Many people have a distorted view of marketing. They believe that marketing is only used for the marketers own advancement. This can not be farthest from the truth. They think of profiting from other people's efforts as something that is negative and not fair to them. In reality, successful networkers will tell you that it doesn't work that way at all. Networking doesn't have to be at anybody's expense and the business of network marketing doesn't reward anyone for taking advantage of others. It actually rewards people for helping other people to succeed. In that respect it may very well be the most ethical business model in the world today.

A lot of the negativity around networking can be explained by the different types of networkers. Some can be considered 'hunters', moving in for a quick kill, after which they move out again. They often operate without regard of the other person’s interest and because of this they will enjoy the fruits of success for only a limited period of time. Often it will not take long before people find out what's really driving the hunter. Once they see that he or she is only looking after his or her own interests, their willingness to interact with this person will quickly evaporate. By contrast, truly successful networkers are often 'farmers' who spend a lot of time sowing and nourishing their relationships, instead of just focusing on reaping. They invest in their network, they energize their network. They use their network, but they never ever abuse their network! And their network knows this. A true networker will always keep the interests of others in mind. That's why working with a true networker is so enjoyable. Networkers are often very likeable and as such people like to interact with them.

Networking is a skill that is essential to all businesses not just network marketing. Although network marketing differs in many ways from the more traditional forms of doing business, the importance of networking is just as prevalent. If not more so. Network marketing is first and foremost a people business and this implies that the ability to effectively work with people is absolutely critical. Business owners who have started a network marketing home based business on the side often apply their enhanced networking and people's skills in their traditional business with great success. Eight months ago I started really studying networking and how it can help me to improve my business. I’ve gained so much knowledge and expertise in that time by reading a lot of books on network marketing. My business is continuously growing with my new found knowledge. Currently, I’m reading a book called The Likeability Factor by Tim Sanders it has helped me to build bridges with my network.

So whether you are in network marketing or in a more traditional type of business, don't underestimate the importance of becoming an effective networker. And if you really want to master this skill you may find there is a lot to learn from good network marketers. So if you happen to know anybody that fits that description, try and benefit from their knowledge on the topic. It will surely help you network your way to success!

On January 22, 2011 I’ll be doing a presentation on specifics about being successful in networking at the Black Women in Business Brainstorm meeting. Join us. At the meeting I’ll also have copies of Charlene Proctor’s books “Let Your Goddess Grow!” and The Women's Book of Empowerment. I’m the marketing and communications coordinator for Charlene Proctor, a best selling spiritual author.

Angela Samuels is a distributor for SendOutCards, entrepreneur, creator of CardShopBlog.com and a marketing coordinator for a bestselling spiritual author. She received her bachelor’s degree in business at Eastern Michigan University and later received her masters from Wayne State University instructional technology.

Running your Business like a game of Monopoly Part IV Community Chest

2010-12-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

The yellow cards in Monopoly represent community outreach. Giving back should be the heart of any successful enterprise. When we reach out to others that is when we are truly fulfilled. I am often asked questions about the best charity to give back to. My answer is simple...your heart will tell you. There are so many non-profits and charitable groups in need at this time-think of one that is close to your mission and goals.
My company has a business model that is built on uplifting others in Diversity, Self-esteem and Literacy. I choose groups that support my model. Build great relationships with these partners and determine how much you can give monetarily and time-wise.
Now is a great time to map out your outreach goals and find out how your company can help.
If you have employees don't be afraid to ask them if their is a cause close to their hearts. Giving back is vital and who you give back to makes a huge difference in your corporate vision and imprint. If you are free on January 3rd we are having our first Personal Development Class of the year. We hope that you can join us (Biggby Coffee/Northville) at 6:30 for an hour of goal setting, mind mapping and growth. If you are a premier member this is a free class! Please see the side panel to save your spot.
The BWBB is open to any and everyone who believes in positive networking.

The Entrepreneur Rollercoaster

2010-12-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

Running your Business like Monopoly Part III

2010-12-20T13:13:00.001-08:00

So far in the Monopoly Series we've discussed Money and property...our next topic is chance!
I'm sure that you remember those orange cards. Chance was always the card that caused a bit of apprehension. On the back of some of those cards players received bonuses and rewards but on some of them they received unexpected bills, assessments and disappointments. In business it is wise to anticipate chance.
We don't get it delivered on a cute orange card but it could come in the form of a new client, extra piece of business, a tax break. Those are the chance cards that we long for. The question is when we are approached with these unexpected announcements do we handle them to the best of our ability?
I always share with those I train that being prepared for the unexpected is key. Do you always have business cards on you? Do you always have a writing utensil? Do you look and act professional and credible at all times? Chance is waiting for you-so we need to be ready for surprise opportunities to take advantage of it. Okay now let's talk about the not so great chance cards. You know the ones that might be the bill, assessment or the bad news. How do you prepare for the bad stuff in business? Do you have back-up plans? Do you have a strong sense of protection in place in case you are met with a bad business deal? Think about it chance is a part of life. The best businesses have been hit with many surprises both good and bad-let's figure out how to handle them before they shock us. Write down what the worst case scenario is that could happen to you and your professional goals. After you jot these things down-come up with a strategy and a emergency plan to help. A handbook on policies is not a bad idea to add to your 2011 goals even if your business is very small. I hope this helps.
The next meeting of the Black Women in Business Brainstorm is January 22, 2010. Save your level today! The BWBB is open to any and everyone who believes in positive networking and growth. Hope to see you soon!

RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS LIKE MONOPOLY PART II

2010-12-19T05:18:00.001-08:00

Why is space important?

It's where we thrive, create, and excel. The place that we choose to do our work is just as important as any other factor in our business endeavors. Just like in Monopoly one of the main objectives to winning is getting the right property. Think for a minute about your best place to dig into your work. How often do you find that this space brings forth new ideas, solutions and projects?
Everyone is different you might find that your best place varies from a close friend-that's okay. Being in the best place for you is what is key. The other component is what environment your clients prefer to work with you in. It might be a great idea for you to be able to use your home for your work that is solitary but your clients might want to meet you in an office setting. Think long and hard about what it will take to maintain your property goals and start planning your strategy. If you don't know what space you prefer think back to your days of studying in school. Did you have a space that allowed your productivity to flourish? Was it a coffee shop, your home office or somewhere totally different than the aforementioned? This might offer you a clue as to where you need to be. The new year will be here before we know it and thinking critically about this topic is a great idea to get 2011 in the right direction. Do you have plans on January 22nd? We'd love it if you joined us for a morning of networking, a presentation from Angela Samuels Consultant and Entrepreneur and a fresh start to getting on track for the new year. Register for your level today and lock in your path to success. The BWBB is open to any and everyone that believes in positive practices in business.

Running Your Business Like Monopoly...

2010-12-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

Recently I presented at a meeting comparing our business and professional goals to the game of Monopoly. In Monopoly you are asked to negotiate, collect money, pay bills, etc. Businesses require the same needs. When you start the game of Monopoly you are given $1500.
I posed the question to the group if you had extra money for professional endeavors what would you do with it?
If we think about it we actually have an extra lump sum of revenue in potential barters, partnerships and opportunities if we take some time to truly look deeper at our networks-it is there. Who could you help out in your circle with advice and skill that could save or earn them additional capitol? The best question is who is taking away valuable time from your schedule that you could use to service your clients?
A little bit of homework for you:
1.) Write down a goal that you would like to accomplish with your current revenue
2.) Journal extra revenue streams that can allow you to accomplish some of your goals that have been outstanding on your list
3.) Have you been using your money in the wisest way? Jot down how you will rectify this if you have not and pat yourself on the back if you have.
4.) Are you using your time wisely? Time is money.
Our next BWBB meeting is January 22nd but go ahead and reserve your level today. We are a group of professionals that believe in the power of promoting, connecting and enhancing our potential. The Black Women in Business Brainstorm is open to any and everyone who wants to grow and network in a positive environment.

Ask The Men-Update!

2010-11-16T08:27:00.000-08:00

The Black Women In Business Brainstorm had an amazing event this past weekend.

Our Panel consisted of:

Hajj E. Flemings, Tech MBA Online/Founder of Brand Camp University/Personal Branding Strategist And Author of The Brand Yu Life;

David R. McGhee, Board of Trustees, Secretary at Flint Public Library
Program Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint, Creator & Founder of The 16th Letter Consulting.

Hubert Sawyers III, Digital Communications Consultant / Principal at SorSaw Enterprises, LLC , Co-Founder at iDetroit and Creator of #Tweetea

We were able to be inspired by the challenges, personal stories and creativity of these thought leaders to help us to navigate our own journey as professionals. The men were both gracious and motivational. The consistent theme was was that obstacles can become opportunities and that your next level in leadership could be right in front of you. What opportunity are you looking to gain? Do you need a shot of inspiration? Our next event is our awards dinner tonight at 6 p.m. at Bonefish Grill. We will be honoring our winners, connecting and having a wonderful meal. If you are free we would love to break bread with you! Register at http://www.blackwomeninbiz.net/ using the paypal buttons.

If you are interested in joining us for our next meeting we will be in Northville on December 11th from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Please save your spot today.

The Black Women in Business is open to any and all people who are interested in positive networking and connecting.

Promote.Connect.Enhance

And the winners are...

2010-11-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Tiffani Stokley is the Winner of the Promote award for the 1st Annual Black Women In Business Brainstorm awards. Ms. Stokley brings a fresh energy to our group! She is eager to tell others about us and has been a major help in contributing on our blog and our ambassador Board. Congrats to Tiffani! Erica Howell of Mia Verde is our Connect Winner this year. Erica has a knack for networking and engages members new and veterans to meetings and opportunities. She has a talent to share pertinent info with others and help them to grow. It is not a shock that she is our Connect recipient this year! Criss Tannyhill of Flourish Florals is our Enhance winner! She came to BWBB last October with a great heart and a good idea. This October she gave a great presentation on the progress of her business. Flourish offers not only beautiful bouquets and custom arrangements but they have expanded to edible gifts and tasty treats. Criss has been an example of the beauty of using the promote, connect, enhance model. She shares her passion with the group and allows them to be inspired by the success that she has.
If you would like to join us for our next meeting it is on November 13th at the Hampton Inn.
It will feature a panel of inspirational men who have made a difference in the lives of those they serve and Michigan as a whole. This is a great time to bring your questions and get feedback from some of the best in business. David McGhee of Big Brothers, Big Sisters; Hubert Sawyers III of Tweetea and iDetroit and Hajj Flemings Author and Creator of Brandcamp will be on our all-star panel.
Please be sure to save your spot-space is limited.
The Black Women in Business Brainstorm does not discriminate on any basis and is open to all who are equipped with a positive spirit and willingness to learn and share.

Guest blog By Tiffani Stokley of Trilogy Life Solutions, LLC

2010-10-04T04:47:00.000-07:00

It's all a Process

I recently had to stop and think about whose timeline I was on. I’d grown increasingly worried and frustrated. I had become fearful that I was being “left behind.” I see my colleagues business ventures taking off or their careers moving ahead…and then I look at myself.
Why didn’t I have this degree or that certification?
Why haven’t I started making money
? Why am I not as eloquent?
Traveling down that road was a big mistake!
I’m reading a book called “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz.
The forth agreement is "Always Do Your Best". The principle teaches that your best will change depending upon your life circumstances. I’m realizing the futility of comparing my life to someone else’s. In order to make a fair comparison, our situations would have to be the same from childhood forward. When I adopt a more positive and appreciative mindset, the fear and tension subside. I’m still eager to accomplish my dreams and goals, but my colleagues’ successes don’t discourage me. I look at them as a reason to keep forging ahead as opposed to giving up. There is enough success out there for everyone! With all the plans and projects swirling through my head, some may succeed and others may fail.
I created an acronym when I was younger called LeRG – Learn, Retain, Grow. LeRG is still applicable now. It’s all a process and I too will find my niche. Success doesn’t come overnight and I define what success means to me.

Do you consider your giving as a business practice?

2010-09-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

Giving back is the best way to embrace success and fulfillment as a business. The joy that one gets from sharing talents, resources and materials with others is irreplaceable. This past Saturday the BWBB met up in Novi and made a difference together. We decided to put our regular meeting on hold to help out those in need. We volunteered for the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America's 1st Run, Walk, Wheel. Bonefish Grill supplied great food and support for the participants and many of the volunteers from BWBB also gave door prizes to help out. What can you give back to? Has a non-profit or mission touched you personally? Share the wealth and help them out. Our next meeting is October 30th. Criss Tannyhill of Flourish Florals will be our featured presenter. She started a volunteer project that turned into her passion and career. Register on this page if you are interested in joining us!

Avoiding Energy Leaks

2010-08-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever evaluated your thoughts? No really I mean pay close attention to the things that you think about? When you wake up do you think about the possibilities that the day holds or do you think that the snooze button is more appealing than meeting up with clients? I ask these questions because our thoughts are a well spring to opportunity or demise.Every idea, movement, book and business comes from a single thought. Taking your thoughts captive is a practice that will help you to grow as a person and as a professional. Strive to hold on to the things that make you better.

Reach for the ideas that challenge your thinking in a positive way. Do not spend your time judging others instead think of creative ways to help and assist others. Energy is a necessary ingredient in growth. Let's stay fueled so that we can meet our goals with precision. If you are interested in joining the Black Women In Business Brainstorm let us know. Our core goals are to promote, connect and enhance the professional lives of those in our group.

Attitude of Gratitude

2010-08-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

Do you have a gratitude policy in your business? If not...it's never too late to get started. Think strongly and critically about the things that motivate you to work harder for your clients. What makes you refer a contact? Why do you continue to give business to your suppliers? Now that you have listed obvious reasons-ask yourself if you would be satisfied with your service.

It is important that everyday we thank our clients for our business in the way that we handle their tasks. Having a spirit of gratitude is unmistakably clear. Our contacts and clients know if we appreciate them or not whether they say it or not. Take some time to write out why you value those that you do business with and share it with them in a note. Acknowledge them on allowing you to serve them and never pass up an opportunity to make them feel special.

If you would like more info on the Black Women In Business Brainstorm or a private coaching session please email us at Blackwomeninbiz@gmail.com

The Art of Delegation....

2010-08-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

When you hear the word delegate do you shudder? If so this post is for you. Do you feel as though delegating is great but you wish that you could do it more effectively and with better results? This post is for you. Are you reading these words on the screen right now? Well guess what? This post is also for you.

Delegation is one of the most important skills in business. How are you using it to your advantage? What can you do to make sure that when you delegate a task that it doe snot make you nervous or uncomfortable? I've got some tips to make you see how the art of delegation can take your life to the next level and prevent you from having it become a obstacle that is not worth the trouble. How often have you thought...I can just do this myself?!

Many of us have felt like this at one time or another. The beauty of delegation is that the reward is two-fold. We get to have assistance in finishing tasks as we train a person to help we are actually becoming teachers. Delegation is not selfish-it is selfless and necessary to move to the next level.

-Before delegation decide how to define your task.Is it suitable to be delegated?

-Find the right person that matches the objective that you want to be achieved.

-Does this person match the skill level needed to complete the task?

-clearly communicate what you need to the person doing the task for you

-Ask questions to make sure they understand

-Be open to their questions to make sure they understand

-do they have everything they need? offer critical feedback and info

-Agree on a deadline

-Monitor the person and check in with them to see how it is going

Delegation is a awesome tool if used correctly. For more info on delegation and training or on the Black Women In Business Brainstorm please feel free to email blackwomeninbiz@gmail.com

Empowered to dream

2010-07-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

Let's chat a bit about dreams.
I have met so many people who have told me about the remarkable goals that they have. When I ask them what they are doing to make these dreams and goals a reality sometimes I am met with silence and a bowed head.
Do you have dreams deferred?
Are you working on your goals?
The roadblocks that can prevent one from reaching their potential comes in many different forms. Who are you around? Do you surround yourself with positive people? Those that believe in you and help you or those who are critical and negative about your progress?
Take an inventory of your crowd and you may discover roses and thorns amongst you.
Decide what you need to do to keep your dreams from being crushed by others.
In order for us to be empowered to make our dreams come true we must squash negative energy. It may mean that a gentle conversation needs to take place amongst the friends that are making you feel bad about your goals. Give the benefit of the doubt-they may not know that they are discouraging you. If the behavior continues after the talk you may have to have another chat and if it still does not change you may want to change your circle or what you communicate to this person.
Our dreams are our babies and need to be protected at all costs. Nurture them, allow them to grow, Seek coaching, books and groups that are relevant to a successful outcome.
If you need more information about the Black Women In Business Brainstorm or would like a consultation please email at blackwomeninbiz@gmail.com Feel free to comment and share your opinion.

Collaboration Over Competition

2010-07-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

The purpose of this professional networking group is to encourage professional women to share resources, referrals and build relationships that promote healthy professional development. The Black Women In Business Brainstorm has been known to help its members with their presentation skills, networking efforts and all aspects of business. When I was in the corporate world I worked hard and I was considered a team player. I noticed that some people were afforded special mentoring and development opportunities that I was not offered. I recalled thinking to myself that it would be great if their was a group that could address the needs that employers and colleges don't offer and meet the needs of business centered development. This dream became a reality in May of 2009.
Our group is open to anyone who is interested in being a team player. We do not only allow Black Women in business-we allow anyone who wants to enrich their lives professionally. Our group consists of people in various industries from florists to artists to those in the corporate world. What can you work on in your professional life? How are you going about reaching the levels of professionalism that you desire?
Let us know how we can help. For more info we can be reached at blackwomeninbiz@gmail.com

Dressing For success with Erica Howell of Mia Verde

2010-07-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Black Women in Business Brainstorm is the premier group for women to Promote, connect and enhance their professional lives. Our motto is collaboration over competition.

Today's speaker at our monthly meeting was Erica Howell of Mia Verde. Mia Verde is a fashion line that is made in Michigan and that offers a variety of stylish options including jewelry. Erica shared with the group the importance of dressing for the office, after work and at home.

Do you think it is wise to work in your pajamas if you work from home?

Not so fast...it may be a bad choice. The wisdom shared today helped us to think outside of the box. If you dress for work in your pajamas you could feel sluggish and not up to par. Pajama fashion could also give you a surprise if you get an unexpected knock at the door and let's be honest do you really feel prepped for success in bed clothes?

Are you curious about the Black Women In Business Brainstorm?

Email us at blackwomeninbiz@gmail.com