The nation, the country, the world is in an uproar. An outcry like one that has not been heard since the Civil Rights movement is piercing through the ears of those who have chosen to not hear the voices of those who screamed and cried for justice and equal and fair treatment. Finally, someone other than those who are crying out are listening.

What's Really Going On?
So here we are. A man by the name of George Floyd, Jr., came along, on what seemed to be a divine assignment, to ring the alarm, again.  With barely any air in his lungs, while pleading for his life, he was still able to ring the alarm. He died ringing the alarm so loudly that people responded across the world. As a result, there have been protests and demands for justice and equality. Subsequently, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies have spoken out publicly about the need for racial equality and justice and have committed to do their part in developing a solution.  In fact, a Business Roundtable Committee has been created that is represented by CEOs of those Fortune 500 companies.  It is exciting to see the world showing compassion for a group of people, real humans, who have been mistreated for hundreds of years.  My hope is that all of the compassion does not fade away once the protests stop and that the universal fight against racism will continue with people of all races speaking up, standing up, and fighting for the cause.

Who's At The Table?
Now…..regarding this CEO Roundtable Committee.  Currently, there are only 4 male CEOs of Fortune 500 companies who are black, and not one black female. Not one.  So, that means the representation of the very people that the committee was created to find solutions for is severely deficient.  There is a double deficiency; less than one percent of black people in this elite group, and no women at all in that miniscule number.  This, in and of itself, is a racial equality issue. Major corporations and Fortune 500s need to be sure they are speaking out and creating solutions for change concerning racial equality within their workforces just as they are speaking out on what needs to be happening in this regard on the outside and in the community.  What they are doing now is respectable but it would be honorable and commendable if they would take an introspective look at their internal operations and makeup of their leadership teams and demonstrate, with action, their commitment to equality by bringing more women to the table, and adding more black men.

What About Women?
But let’s talk about women, who are not represented at all.  In 2019 alone, there were several reports released that indicate that companies with female leaders perform better.  Those companies are also reported to have more employee engagement. That is likely because women are better at building and sustaining relationships than men.  Having a C-suite that includes more women has been connected to having higher profits. Further, results from a research study conducted by The Female Quotient, Berlin Cameron, and the Harris Poll conclude that 50% of Americans want to work for a female leader, mainly because they believe the work culture will be better. Companies that are inclusive and practice gender diversity in all aspects of their company, including in leadership, are likely to outperform those who don’t.

In addition, it has been reported over and over again, by various research companies, that women make a positive difference in business outcomes.  So why is it that companies that are led by men are not jumping at the opportunity to set themselves up for greater success by bringing women in to decision-making and executive positions? Why is it that women still receive only a fraction of investment funds that are awarded each year when they own 4 out of 10 businesses in the United States, with African American women owning 64% of those? One reason is probably because there are not enough women in the decision-making seat when it comes to funding business ventures. 

What Will Create More Impact?
So essentially, if the Business Roundtable Committee of big shot CEOs really wants to make an impactful difference, they would not only spend money to create training programs for other companies, organizations, and programs to combat systemic racism and inequality, they will take the first step by starting within their own organizations. They would level the playing field through racial and gender equity acts, and not just write an initiative to include in their annual report.  Anyone can create an initiative.  What really matters is the action that supports the initiative. There needs to be some action regarding gender equity.

Women deserve equal opportunities in the workplace and in business.  Let’s see how many companies will add this to their agenda.  

Injustice of any kind is a tragedy and I hope that George, Floyd, Jr. did not die in vain and that the legacy of his death will be evident in communities and within businesses and organizations.
 

Jackie Robinson is Founder of SheBoss Unlimited, a women's empowerment and leadership development organization, and is also an advocate for gender equity and diversity and inclusion.

​One of the best ways to make positive changes to your life is to take more risks. Life is more exciting and rewarding when you’re willing to put yourself out there and take a few chances. Plus, successful people take more risks than unsuccessful people.

With a little practice, you’ll find that taking a chance or two adds immeasurably to your life.

Consider these benefits of taking a chance and reap the power it gives you:

1. Taking chances enables you to move beyond your comfort zone. Nothing ever changes if you don’t do something new. It’s not easy to force yourself to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable, but it’s necessary if you want to experience growth in your life. Imagine the new adventures you can have!

2. Taking chances gives you power over yourself. Most people are risk-averse. It’s not in our genetic makeup to take chances. We’re like an antelope hiding in the tall grass, afraid to run out in the open for fear of being eaten by a lion. But there is tremendous power in taking chances. 

○ When you can make yourself do things you don’t want to do, you realize that you’re conquering yourself.

○ This power extends to other areas of your life. You’ll find that you’ll do a better job of taking care of the mundane, but necessary, tasks in life. Taking action in the face of discomfort has a powerful impact on your life.

3. Taking chances gives you greater power over your life. You can take control of your life by taking steps to build the life that you desire. This gives you greater control. You can determine how you want to move forward, how you can overcome obstacles, and then do it.

○ Think of the people that never take chances. They’re much more susceptible to the randomness of life. External conditions have a greater effect. By taking a chance, you can avoid all this.

4. Taking chances reduces feelings of regret. More people regret the things they didn’t do than the things they did. Not taking chances in life leads to regret in your later years. You don’t want to be one of those people that looks back on his life and wonders, “What if?”

5. Your life is more exciting when you take chances. One of the most frequent complaints of adults is boredom. Do you live the same day over and over? The time flies by because there’s nothing to differentiate one day from the next. There are no victories or defeats, just the dullness that comes from monotony.

○ Add some spice to your life and have a reason to get up in the morning. Take a chance or two.

6. You’ll develop greater self-confidence and self-esteem. When you have control over yourself and your life, you feel pretty good about yourself. These qualities influence all the other parts of your life, too.

7. You have more opportunities. Taking chances exposes you to even greater opportunities. When you’re willing to act boldly, life seems to meet you halfway. It can be a great boost to the amount of success you experience in life.

Taking chances can be scary, but ask yourself what you have to lose. Whether it’s approaching someone attractive or sending your resume to your dream company, what do you have to lose? Most risks have little potential for real loss. The threat is inside your head.

For your best results, start slowly. Decide to take one small risk each day for a month and measure the effect it has on your life. Then you can move up to taking bigger chances as your tolerance for discomfort improves.

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Grezky

Discover the power of taking a chance. Start today! You’ll be glad you did!

Jackie Robinson is the Founder of SheBoss Unlimited, a success-strategist, empowerment speaker, and published author.

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It was an opportunity of a lifetime and Beatrice Dixon took it.  Target agreed to stock their shelves with her plant-based feminine hygiene products, The Honey Pot.  What makes this even more of a significant triumph is that Bea Dixon is a black woman and The Honey Pot is 100% black-owned.

In February 2020, Target released a television commercial featuring Bea and The Honey Pot products. This commercial was strategically released in honor of Black History Month.  In the commercial, Bea states that the reason it is important for The Honey Pot to do well is “So the next black girl that comes up with a great idea, she can have a better opportunity.” 

After the commercial aired, the floodgates of hate opened.  On one particular consumer review website, Trust Pilot, nasty, derogatory, racists comments were made about Bea and her products in the form of reviews.  The reviewers called Bea a racist; used the “n” word; and vowed to never purchase her product, or never purchase it again…… all because she expressed that she wanted to be an inspiration to girls who looked like her, who will likely face some of the same struggles as she did when trying to bring her product to mainstream, and who have historically been discriminated against in general and in particular, the retail space and funding space. Oh, did I mention that it was a commercial that was intended to align with Black History month?  That means “blackness” will be highlighted. That means the achievements of black people will be recognized and highlighted.  I personally believe it’s pretty sad that we even have to have one month of the year to do this.  It should be all year long, just like it is for every other race. 

The people who authored those reviews are the real racists, in my opinion.  It seems as though some people from other races cannot stand to see black people have a moment of cultural elevation but they do it all the time.  It’s a problem when we uplift our own race.  They are quick to throw the reverse-racism card out there instead of understanding that there is some pretty ugly history that has facilitated the need for black people to do things to recognize our own race because we still don’t get the proper credit, recognition and respect we deserve from mainstream.  In a perfect world, there would be no need for us to create platforms specifically to address our needs because it would automatically be done by the masses, just like with every other race.  If those reviewers were honest with themselves and would strip themselves of the denial of the injustices minorities face, they would have never took offense to her message and would have understood exactly where she was coming from.

Just because Bea is excited about being an inspiration to girls of her own race does not mean she is a racist.  It does not mean that she does not wish girls of other races the best. It does not mean she is praying for the downfall of the startups of other fabulous women who are not black.  Those people who left those reviews are the kind of people that look for excuses to say “see, black people are racist too”.  This accusation of racism against Bea can NEVER be seriously compared to the real and true racism that black people have and still experience. I’m sure some of those who were already using the product would have stopped purchasing it whether she made that statement or not once they found out the company was black-owned.  That’s my opinion.

But…….. what was meant to do Beatrice Dixon and her company harm worked out for her good….. and I love it! The company was already doing well before this commercial was aired according to statistics that were reported, however, it outperformed previous sales numbers by 50% once black women caught wind of the foolishness that was happening on the Trust Pilot website and on Target’s social media platforms.

Almost instantaneously, black women rose to the occasion to have our sister’s back and supported her by buying her products. Target responded to the backlash with this statement given by one of it’s spokespersons:
“We’re proud to work with Bea Dixon and The Honey Pot team to highlight Bea’s journey to build her brand and bring her products to Target. We’re aware of some negative comments about the campaign, which aren’t in line with the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received from guests who love and have been inspired by Bea’s story.”  I have respect for Target for not folding under pressure due to the threats of those hateful people.

This is what the response to this situation proved to me:

Women are powerful…..period, when we leverage our strengths the right way. In this case, our power was in our wallets and bank accounts. We can make significant changes to important issues if we stood together and united the way we did for Bea and The Honey Pot brand.

African American women respond in strong numbers to things that directly influence them. Although only roughly 14% of the total female population, African American women are very influential with cultural trends and spend more on health and beauty products. We are a consumer market with a combined buying power in the trillions, according to data reported by Nielsen.

This situation has also proved to me that African American women can be the key to growing very successful small businesses, if the same energy that was used to come to the defense of The Honey Pot brand is used on a regular basis.  If we used our power, our money, and resources to support women owned businesses every day, without a crisis playing out, do you know what kind of impact that would make? Our money is just as powerful as our vote!

What if we used that same determination to ensure that businesses of women we actually know are successful the same way we did for The Honey Pot, a black-owned business, whom we have no personal relationship with the owner? What if we did that for quality, reputable female-owned businesses who have not yet made it to the shelves of a major retailer, but instead operates their businesses online and trying to grow their businesses?
I learned that when black women get fired up about something, we will pay whatever the cost to prove a point. The Honey Pot’s price point is higher than some of their feminine hygiene brand competitors, but we came together and paid that price. We are willing to pay higher prices for what we believe in. Do you believe that all black women (and women in general) deserve to have successful businesses, whether their brand is stocked in a major retailer’s store or not? If so, how often do you patronize their businesses? If not, why?

I also learned that we have the ability to help female-owned businesses flourish, but we have not done such a great job. If we had been, there would be more women-owned small businesses who would not have to close their doors within 5 years of opening them. There would be more black, female-owned businesses that are profitable, not just breaking even.  When we showed up at Target stores all over the country and emptied their shelves of The Honey Pot products and when we made so many online purchases that some of the products will be out of stock for at least 2 weeks, according to the company’s Facebook page, it was proven that we have the economic power to build strong black-woman owned businesses, and women-owned businesses in general.

We made a reactive stand to this unwarranted backlash but it would be more significant if we were  intentional and proactive about purchasing products and services from black women-owned businesses.  
What this incident with The Honey Pot proved to me is that we can break barriers, we can move mountains, and we can really be our sister’s keeper, if only we were committed to the advancement and growth of women-owned businesses and that we provide continuous support for these business, not just when something pisses us off, but all the time.

My hope is that many other women have observed what I have, see the impact we made, and will make it their business to keep the momentum going by spending their money with other women.

I already believed all of this was possible, but the outpouring of support proved it.
​
Ladies, we have the power!

Jackie Robinson is the founder of SheBoss Unlimited and is an advocate for the advancement of women in career and business.

Our hormones and mindset have a strong influence on our level of confidence and impacts how we manage stress. It has been reported, based on research, that strong and effective leaders have lower cortisol levels and higher testosterone levels (yes, women carry the testosterone hormone too). But… did you know that your body language affects both of these hormones?
Research conducted by body language experts shows that striking a “power pose” can alter these hormones to a degree that increases your level of confidence and curbs your reaction to stressful situations. Remember when your mother used to remind you to sit up straight? I think they knew this all along, even though they didn’t know what to call it.

My favorite super hero as a kid was Wonder Woman.  I loved everything about her; her outfit, her pretty eyes, and beautiful hair.  Most importantly, I liked how she was a woman and she was just as powerful as the Bionic Man and the Incredible Hulk.  She made me feel like I could be powerful too. I even have a collector’s doll of her, still in the box.
One of the most recognized “power poses” is the Wonder Woman pose.  It’s demonstrated with feet spread apart, head held high, chest out, and hands on both hips with elbows extended. There is something about that pose that makes people feel strong, confident and powerful.  Even if you don’t really feel that way, if someone catches a glimpse of you posed in that manner, they are likely to perceive you as a confident person.
Some may argue that something as simple as a pose couldn’t possibly be as effective as it’s claimed to be. Mindset most definitely plays a part in how you judge anything. If you strongly disagree with something, with or without reason, you are sure to prove yourself right (self-fulfilling prophecy).

I’m a strong believer in the power of thoughts and mentality (mindset). If striking a power pose mentally takes you to a place of confidence, go for it! If posing in a position of power helps you to release stress, do it! Make power posing a part of your routine on a daily basis, before important meetings, before a keynote address or presentation, or whenever you need to channel your energy and turn your confidence dial up. Whether it is a sitting or standing pose, if you think of that pose as your confidence booster, then that’s what it will do for you.  The same way athletes use personal rituals before games to boost their confidence and get them charged up, you can use a power pose the same way.  It’s a matter of the mind and your personal expectations and beliefs.  We can train our minds to believe what we want it to believe.
As for me, I’m going to channel my favorite superhero, Wonder Women, and show up with confidence when it really counts.
​
Go ahead girl! Strike a pose and be confident in YOU!

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​When most of us hear the word leadership, we usually think of political officials, CEOs, military commanders, or even athletes. While it's true that you need good leadership skills to excel at these occupations, leadership is a valuable skill that everyone from any professional background or industry can use for their benefit and the benefit of others.
 
Effective leadership doesn't come naturally for most of us. Luckily, there are several methods that you can use to build and refine your leadership skills.
 
Try these techniques to boost your leadership skills:

1. Strive for excellence. Part of being a successful leader is your ability to set the bar for others. You can be a good role model by constantly seeking ways to improve yourself and aspire to excellence.

• A hallmark of leadership is excellence. Work on honing your existing skills and developing new ones
  
• 2. Focus on your vision and set goals. Consider what you want to accomplish in different areas of your life. Set goals that will help you to achieve your vision.

• Set goals where you are able to periodically measure your performance and progress.

• Break up larger goals into smaller ones so that you can celebrate your successes and maintain your motivation. 

• Learn to identify and use all of your resources in the pursuit of your goals. When making plans to reach your goal, always work with the resources you have in your current circumstances, rather than developing plans based on resources and circumstances that you wish were reality but don’t have access to at the moment. Use what you have until you get more.

• Be willing to refine your plans and ultimate goals based on your progress as well as your dreams.

1. Develop your people skills. Leaders are known for their ability to inspire others to work towards a common goal as well as their own goals. To be successful at inspiring others to work with you, it’s important to develop your people skills and emotional intelligence.

• Learn how to listen. Doing so helps to establish a connection and build camaraderie and trust, so others are more likely to follow your lead and help you.

• Help others to be their best. Part of being a good leader is motivating others towards positive change.

• Seek input from others when discussing goals and plans to reach your objectives. Give others a stake in the results by seeking their opinion. They’ll be more motivated to help you.

• Be compassionate and learn to manage the emotions of others as well as your own.

1. Be passionate and maintain a positive attitude. Most of us take cues from others in social situations, so you can teach others to have a positive attitude and to be passionate in their efforts by doing so yourself.

• Maintaining an upbeat attitude and giving your best effort help to energize the entire team so everyone is able to accomplish more, regardless of the circumstances.

1. Be authentic; with discretion. A great leader is one who people can connect with. They are those whom share stories of their struggles and successes.  They know how much to disclose and when to disclose it.  They show their human side and can express their feelings in a compelling way.  People respect and trust those who they believe are “real”. A great leader can be authentic without compromising their professionalism.

• Sharing stories about your journey to leadership and explaining the obstacles you overcame shows that you too have faced some of the struggles others may be currently facing.

 
Taking the time to develop your leadership skills can radically increase the amount of success that you experience in all areas of your life. These tips can help you to hone your leadership skills so that you can achieve your goals and enjoy a more satisfying life.

Jackie Robinson is Founder of SheBoss Unlimited, a success-strategist, women's equality advocate, empowerment speaker, and author.

If you want to stand out from the competition at work or in your business industry, then you need to be seen as an expert in your field. Having a degree in a certain discipline or work for years in the same industry does not automatically deem you as an expert, however, they are extremely beneficial. You have to strategically brand yourself as such. No one will do this for you.  You have to take deliberate steps and actions to build your reputation as an expert. Just telling people that you’re an expert is not enough.  You need to demonstrate it.
 
Here are a few simple strategies to help you develop yourself as a subject matter expert.
 
Educate Yourself
 
First and foremost, make sure that you’re educated on what you’re doing. If you’re working in the marketing department of a company and you want to be seen as the go-to person on anything related to marketing, then you need to know what you’re talking about. Below are a few things you can do to educate and re-educate yourself, and position yourself as an expert in your field.

• Get a certification. Becoming certified in your profession is a good way to show yourself as an expert.  Getting certified requires a certain level of knowledge because it usually involves a structured process with includes some form or test or exam to test that knowledge. Passing the exam is an indicator that you know your stuff.
• Workshops and conferences. No matter what industry you are in, there will be local and non-local workshops and conferences related to your area of expertise. It is worth the investment to stay abreast of the latest trends, theories and practices in order for you to always be on top of your game. Try to attend at least 2 of these events per year.  Choose carefully to be sure that the content aligns with what you want to learn or expand on in your field. This is an investment that you should receive a return worth much more than your registration fee. But remember, you must actually use the tools you receive in order to reap that return on investment.
• Take an online course or online self-paced program. The traditional way of being educated has changed.  No longer do you have to enroll in a whole 2-year or 4-year degree program.  No longer do you have to commit to showing up to a physical class on specific dates or times. You can take a structured, online class in the comfort of your own home. You can also register for online professional development courses that are self-paced. These programs can be anywhere from 4-weeks to 6 weeks-long and you can complete them at your own pace.

 
Demonstrate Your Knowledge
​

• Blog. Bloggers usually focus on one particular area of interest.  This is a subject that they are intimately interested in and know a lot about. A lot of people rely on bloggers to get information so blogging about your profession can show you as a reliable source.
• Write  a book. Authorship is an awesome way to flex your expertise. Think about all of the industry-related information that you have that is relevant, timely, and valuable that you can share in your book.  You can share your experiences and perspective along with your professional acumen.
• Get an article published. Research opportunities to submit articles to magazines (physical or online) that cater to your profession. If you don’t have the time or interest in writing a full book, this would be a fantastic alternative. You will have an opportunity to be amongst other professionals in your industry. The people who read these magazines trust that those featured in the magazine are experts and know what they are talking about.
• Radio Interviews. There are a ton of radio shows out there now, especially internet radio shows.  Research the different shows to determine which ones might be interested in your industry and your expertise.  Find out their process for interview request submissions and submit a request to be a guest on the show.
• Sign up for a TEDX talk. This is an awesome way to get out in front of people who are interested in your profession, area of expertise, interests or passions. There are local chapters in most states.  Attend one first to get a feel for it. If you feel like it’s the right platform for you, apply to give your own talk.
• Show up as an expert. When opportunity presents itself, show up as the professional that you are. Whether you have a speaking engagement, attend a networking event, participate in an open forum, join a group discussion, participate in meetings, you should be prepared to speak the language of your industry with confidence.  If the setting is appropriate and it makes sense, let your level of expertise show in what you contribute to the conversation, how you respond to comments, or what topics you speak about. The depth of your knowledge is also important. What information can you provide that the average person might not know? What can you offer that will enhance someone else’s level of knowledge?

 
People look to experts for the how-to, the tips, the processes, the templates. Motivational quotes are inspiring and very helpful but giving them alone does not show you as an expert.
 
By sharing your knowledge you’ll also build your confidence. Tell me one person that was ever seen as an expert that didn’t believe in themselves and what they were doing. Can you name one? Not likely! With knowledge comes confidence.
 
It’s one thing to talk about what you know, but it’s something else entirely to actually demonstrate it.
 
Be a Great Communicator
 
People have to understand what you can do and why you’re the best one to do it. This means that you have to understand and foresee the questions others may have about your area of business. You also need to be prepared to solve problems and offers solutions based on your expertise. Experts often communicate like consultants.  You have to not only know the right answers or information to give, you have to know the right questions to ask.

• Be proactive. Anticipate the needs of people or problems people might experience. Stay ahead of the game and share information that addresses those needs or problems via blog posts, interviews, webinars, etc.

 

• Communicate to empower. Use your communications skills to teach and empower your coworkers, clients, colleagues, and other audiences. Don’t just talk, ask questions. Communicate in a way that demonstrates a passion for teaching and inspiring others through knowledge. This way, you don’t come off as a “know it all” but rather, a person who is passionate and knowledgeable about what they do.

 
Always Act With Integrity
 
Don’t take credit for things you haven’t done. Name your sources if the information is not yours. Identify the source you got the statistics from or cite the passage or author you might take some information from.  This does not make you less than an expert.  Experts often quote other experts. Remember, we had to do this in high school and college English classes. It’s relevant in business too.
 
There will always be things an expert is not so good at or answers they may not know. No one knows everything, not even a person who is considered an expert. Don’t try to be an expert in areas you are not, yet.  

• Give others credit for a job well done. Wise leaders and the most incredible of experts don’t do everything themselves. They have a talented team around them who have the skills they themselves lack. A great leader and expert will give credit to their team for the work they do to help them do what they do.

 
By following these simple steps you’ll become the person with the answers. People will see you as the expert you are. You will be the source that others call on when it relates to your area of expertise.  What a great way to boost your career or grow your business!!

I have always believed that what’s closest to you has the most profound impact on you.  I still believe that to a certain degree when it comes to certain things.  But, while on vacation in Cancun this year, I realized different.
First let me say, that was the best vacation I have experienced so far.  An all-inclusive resort, days on the beach, time in the pool, special activities, and a birthday celebration with 15 other people was time very well spent.
While on that vacation, I experienced something that never ran across my mind.  Being the business woman that I am, I promote, advertise, and market my business whenever possible, as long as it aligns with my brand.  I wear my own products, like t-shirts, hats, and fragrances.  I use my own accessories, coffee mugs, tote bags, mouse pads, portfolios, etc.  Of course, I took some of my gear on vacation with me so one of the days while on vacation, I was wearing one of my SheBoss-branded t-shirts and sun visors. 

As I left our room and went to grab something to snack on at SPOON, one of my favorite spots at the resort, I was walking and a young lady stopped and said “Hey, I’ve seen that on Instagram”, as she pointed at my t-shirt.  That was totally unexpected.  Talk about brand recognition! I was in Cancun, Mexico and another guest of the resort recognized my brand! Although brand recognition does not always equate to a purchase, it lends to brand development, which is just as important. That made me feel really good and I couldn’t wait to get back to my room to share the experience with my husband and post about it on Facebook.

​ I reflected on it for a little while and came to these conclusions, as it relates to entrepreneurship:

1. There are times when you might get more recognition from afar, rather than in close proximity.
2. Support or recognition does not always come from where we expect it to come from.
3. Even though you might not be where you want to be just yet with your business, you must continue to build your brand and include social media in your marketing mix. Figure out the best strategy and don’t stop. People are really watching, even if they never say a word to you.
4. In order to be effective in marketing your business, you have to cast your net in unfamiliar territory. Don’t insulate yourself within groups and networks you are familiar with only.  You will be doing your business/brand a disservice.

I was given a directive not to be “She-Bossin’” while we were on vacation, because we were on vacation, and my peeps wanted me to relax and enjoy. I did my best to oblige and only snuck one or two posts in to my Facebook community (I got busted too).  When you are passionate, excited and ambitious about something, especially your own, it’s hard to step away from it completely, even while on vacation. If I had not done anything else related to SheBoss Unlimited, I’m glad I represented my brand in another country.  If not, I would have never known exactly how effective my social media strategies are and I would not have had that moment of confirmation…….. and feeling myself.  Whenever I’m traveling (flying) I make it a point to wear one of my shirts.  Every single time, someone compliments it, saying they like the logo and/or they inquire about what “SheBoss” is or stands for.  I love my logo, it’s eye-catching and is a conversation starter.  Shout out to my graphic designer Chenelle for capturing my vision!
My final reflection is…….

You are the most effective representation of your brand so wear it, speak it, live it, promote it and be it! Do this as often as possible, even if it appears to annoy those who are not entrepreneurs and have no idea how hard you have to push your brand in order for it to be successful.  Go hard with no regrets! Promote your brand, even while on vacation, you never know who might recognize it! Entrepreneurs are always “ON”!
 

Have you thought about Retirement? 
 
No. Maybe, Kinda.
 
You have no clue.
 
If so, you are not alone.  
First thing first. Yes, it is definitely all about the money before, during, and after you retire.  Are you saving any money today in your employer offered plan or you own 401(k) as a entrepreneur?
 
The money you save and invest today for retirement has to last for your lifetime.   So the piggy bank will not do.
 
I heard something in the 1990's that still resonates with me today, and it is true. From birth to age 18, we need our parents, age 25-40 we need our good looks, age 40-50 we need a great career, and after age 50, you need cold Cash!!
 
Plain and simple, as we say in the South.  If, can, and when one can retire comes down to two factors, and you did read it right here:  (1) Money and (2) Debt. 
 
You need more money and zero debt.  Do you know your true income?  Do you know your expenses?  Do you know what it costs you to live every month?  Can you still live the same when you retire if your income is less and less frequent? 
  
Retirement planning begins as soon, and as early, and as often as possible.   Gainfully employed, business owner or entrepreneur, you must begin contributing immediately to an investment vehicle: 401(k), or Individual Retirement Account (IRA) (Traditional or Roth).
 
For 2019, each individual can contribute $19,000 to their 401(k) and up to $7,000 in and IRA
 
For business owners, you have options, Profit Sharing, KEOGH, IRA, etc. And you can contribute in 2019 up to $59,000 or 25% of your net earnings to a retirement investment vehicle. 
 
Sounds like a lot of money every month? It is, but if its for you to be secure and comfortable for the rest of your life… Isn’t it worth it?
 
Are you asking how? Here's how:

• Mindset
• Behavior
• Commitment
• Discipline
• Action

  
Want Results?.… Execute these Three Actions:
 
(1) Automatic Withdrawals From Your Gross Pay. Start small with 3% or enough of a percentage to get the maximum matching from your employer. Business owners can do the same from weekly and monthly Revenue.
 
(2) Get Out and Stay Out of Debt.  All of it.  Mortgage, Credit Cards, Auto Loans, Student Loans, Business Loans. When you are free of debt payments you have money to save and invest.
 
(3) When Your Pay or Business Revenue Increases, Do Not Live On It. Increase your contributions until you are contributing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) maximum annual dollar limit for individuals and business owners.
 
The first step is to take the first step and do something different than what you are doing today to secure your life.  Whether you are in your 30s, 40s or older, get started. 
 
Plan, execute, and never look back. You will be secured and in the driver's seat for the rest of your life.
 
Click and Download Free Retirement Planning Guide for Individuals and Business Owners.
 
https://www.subscribepage.com/retirementconsult
 

You will hear about the importance of mindset on a regular basis. Mindset is extremely important when it comes to being successful at whatever it is you are trying to do. However, mindset is not enough. You have to have the right skill set to be able to successfully do the things you have your mind set on.

Mindset and skill set go hand in hand. So many people aspire to be entrepreneurs and I think that is great! But not everyone has the skills needed to function as an entrepreneur.

Check out this entrepreneur skill set list. This represents only a few of the skills that successful entrepreneurs possess. If you don't have all of them right now, it's ok.  All of these skills can be developed.
 

• Time management skills. I use my time wisely and avoid wasting time on unproductive tasks. I know what matters to my business.
• Delegation skills. I know whom I can trust to complete a task. I am able to relinquish control of certain action items so I can concentrate on the things that will scale my business and increase revenue.
• Sales skills. I know what my customers and potential customers want and need. I know my products and services and can explain their benefits to my customers and how they will solve their problem (s).
• Communication skills. I can present my ideas and vision clearly. I communicate well with my customers and clients which includes effective listening.
• Decision-making skills. I can evaluate a situation and its implications, explore all options, and make the best decision as it relates to the livelihood of my business.
• I can maintain my attention on what needs my attention. I am able to deal with the distractions in my environment.
•  I have the energy and  endurance necessary to be successful. I can persevere physically and emotionally.
• The ability to troubleshoot and overcome obstacles. I know how to figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it. I have the ability to stay calm under pressure and to find solutions.
• The ability to forecast. I can identify future trends  of my industry and the potential opportunities and obstacles for my business.
•  Daily improvement. I review each day, so I can be even more effective tomorrow. I avoid repeating my mistakes and expect the same from my employees. We’re all getting better each day.   My new employees fit my company vision and culture. I hire reliable people that can get along with others.  
• Financial management. I watch my money closely. I use company funds to grow my company. I avoid spending money I don’t need to spend. I am aware of my expenses.
•  I reach out to others in my field. I stay aware of the latest developments. 
•  I know that there will be challenges as I grow my business. My level of determination will help me get through and stay the course.  I will not give up on my business.
•  I stand by the mission of my business and will defend it to the best of my ability, even in the face of scrutiny.  I stand for what I believe in.
• Presence. I possess the attitude, personality, and charisma of a successful businesswoman.  I show up and represent myself as a credible, knowledgeable and confident expert of my business industry.

If you believe you need assistance with sharpening your skills in either of these areas or other professional or career development areas schedule a FREE exploratory call with Jackie Robinson, "The Success-Ability Coach" at www.shebossunlimited.com.