I am totally raising money for my new business venture. You can check out the actual progress of this endeavor at http://www.buildingbridgeschicago.com but in the meantime please help me get some office space!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Monday, October 22, 2012
Bears and Bull!
Why on earth would they schedule the presidential candidate debate during Monday night football?
Being from Chicago, I am seriously torn. Thanks to my significant other who had the foresight to install a second television last season, my angst was soon quelled when I realized I didn't have to miss a thing.
Go Bears! Obama 2012!
Being from Chicago, I am seriously torn. Thanks to my significant other who had the foresight to install a second television last season, my angst was soon quelled when I realized I didn't have to miss a thing.
Go Bears! Obama 2012!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
It's About Time
Hello folks!
I have been very very very bad lately. I have not been posting to hardly any of may social media networks on a really consistent basis. Fortunately, I did get a nice quick kick in the butt today from fellow entrepreneur and social media butterfly, Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes & HighArt Creative Group. I had the pleasure of seeing her along with several other empowered, successful female entrepreneurs at The Power of Partnerships, 3rd Annual Entrepreneur Conference, sponsored by the AKArama Foundation, Inc. of the Theta Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Whoa! That was a mouthful!
In any case, Jocelyn said something to the effect of, "You need to be posting three times a week...and every blog post you make using social media should be associated with a picture - it is Pinterest gold." Now although I do post rather frequently, pretty much daily, to several of my social media sights, I have been neglecting many more. But that has to change!
I am embarking on several new ventures, all related to my passion to educate the masses on how to use multiple income streams to gain financial freedom and achieve succeses beyond their wildest dreams. The biggest one, and I do mean it is a DOOZY, is launching my very own channel on Roku.
Now if you don't know anything about Roku yet, then you are most likely still getting bilked on super high cable and satellite televison charges. Roku is like a cable alternative in that it is a set-top box that allows you to stream content from online. It's kind of like Vonage for your tv. You can watch pretty much all the same shows you normally would and even some nice extras from subscription services (both free and low fee) like Netflix, Hulu and PlayOn.
So my new channel is called The EboniVision Network and it will be airing in December if not sooner. The channel is geared toward broadcasting shows and films that are not only geared toward an African-American audience, but are also written, directed, produced and majority casted by African-Americans as well.
I am really excited to be kicking off this venture and am seeking strategic partnerships with content providers, especially amateurs. I want to provide a venue to showcase the great talent that seems to be hidden among mainstream media.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and your ideas about what types of shows should be broadcast on this type of channel. What do you want to see?
I have been very very very bad lately. I have not been posting to hardly any of may social media networks on a really consistent basis. Fortunately, I did get a nice quick kick in the butt today from fellow entrepreneur and social media butterfly, Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes & HighArt Creative Group. I had the pleasure of seeing her along with several other empowered, successful female entrepreneurs at The Power of Partnerships, 3rd Annual Entrepreneur Conference, sponsored by the AKArama Foundation, Inc. of the Theta Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Whoa! That was a mouthful!
In any case, Jocelyn said something to the effect of, "You need to be posting three times a week...and every blog post you make using social media should be associated with a picture - it is Pinterest gold." Now although I do post rather frequently, pretty much daily, to several of my social media sights, I have been neglecting many more. But that has to change!
I am embarking on several new ventures, all related to my passion to educate the masses on how to use multiple income streams to gain financial freedom and achieve succeses beyond their wildest dreams. The biggest one, and I do mean it is a DOOZY, is launching my very own channel on Roku.
Now if you don't know anything about Roku yet, then you are most likely still getting bilked on super high cable and satellite televison charges. Roku is like a cable alternative in that it is a set-top box that allows you to stream content from online. It's kind of like Vonage for your tv. You can watch pretty much all the same shows you normally would and even some nice extras from subscription services (both free and low fee) like Netflix, Hulu and PlayOn.
So my new channel is called The EboniVision Network and it will be airing in December if not sooner. The channel is geared toward broadcasting shows and films that are not only geared toward an African-American audience, but are also written, directed, produced and majority casted by African-Americans as well.
I am really excited to be kicking off this venture and am seeking strategic partnerships with content providers, especially amateurs. I want to provide a venue to showcase the great talent that seems to be hidden among mainstream media.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and your ideas about what types of shows should be broadcast on this type of channel. What do you want to see?
Friday, September 9, 2011
The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group Financial Seminar & Networking Event
Join the L.A.D.I.E.S. Group for our very first event....
A Financial Seminar & Networking Event for WOMEN ONLY brought to you by Executive Life Coach and founder of The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group, Niquenya D. Fulbright and featuring Chicago Tribune personal finance columnist Gail MarksJarvis.
When: October 21, 2011 5PM - 6:30PM
Where: Ing Direct Cafe
21 E. Chestnut Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Get Directions
Buy tickets now!
This 90 minutes of power-packed fun FOR WOMEN ONLY includes:
•Networking - Meet & greet other L.A.D.I.E.S. and exchange your business cards.
•Learning - Get inspired and educated by Gail MarksJarvis, an award-winning author, TV commentator and personal finance columnist for the Chicago Tribune.
•Eating - Enjoy a number of delectable treats, fine wine and other beverages courtesy of Drinks On Me Catering.
•Winning - Attendance includes participation in a raffle with amazing prices you won't want to miss!
Get your tickets today as space is VERY LIMITED for our first event. Don't miss out on this exciting networking opportunity and educational event! And in keeping with The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group's mantra to "Share the Wealth!", a portion of all proceeds will benefit the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago's Income Initiative.
Buy tickets for The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group Financial Seminar & Networking Event
Can't attend but still want to contribute?
You can give to the United Way by mailing a completed Pledge Form along with your donation to:
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago
c/o Niquenya D. Fulbright
560 W. Lake Street
Chicago, IL, 60661
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact Life Coach Niquenya D. Fulbright for additional details!
This is a women only event! Please note that absolutely no refunds or admittance to this event will be available to men. All ticket sales are non-refundable after 10/11/2011.
About The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group:
The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group is a free, public, virtual Facebook group for women to Learn About Debts, Investing and Economic Strategy. Our mission is to create a safe space for women to gain control of their economic station by becoming financially literate, savvy savers and strategic investors. Facilitated by Executive Life Coach Niquenya D. Fulbright, the group is moving burdens through the promotion of economic self-sufficiency. For more information, visit The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group on Facebook.
A Financial Seminar & Networking Event for WOMEN ONLY brought to you by Executive Life Coach and founder of The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group, Niquenya D. Fulbright and featuring Chicago Tribune personal finance columnist Gail MarksJarvis.
When: October 21, 2011 5PM - 6:30PM
Where: Ing Direct Cafe
21 E. Chestnut Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Get Directions
Buy tickets now!
This 90 minutes of power-packed fun FOR WOMEN ONLY includes:
•Networking - Meet & greet other L.A.D.I.E.S. and exchange your business cards.
•Learning - Get inspired and educated by Gail MarksJarvis, an award-winning author, TV commentator and personal finance columnist for the Chicago Tribune.
•Eating - Enjoy a number of delectable treats, fine wine and other beverages courtesy of Drinks On Me Catering.
•Winning - Attendance includes participation in a raffle with amazing prices you won't want to miss!
Get your tickets today as space is VERY LIMITED for our first event. Don't miss out on this exciting networking opportunity and educational event! And in keeping with The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group's mantra to "Share the Wealth!", a portion of all proceeds will benefit the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago's Income Initiative.
Buy tickets for The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group Financial Seminar & Networking Event
Can't attend but still want to contribute?
You can give to the United Way by mailing a completed Pledge Form along with your donation to:
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago
c/o Niquenya D. Fulbright
560 W. Lake Street
Chicago, IL, 60661
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact Life Coach Niquenya D. Fulbright for additional details!
This is a women only event! Please note that absolutely no refunds or admittance to this event will be available to men. All ticket sales are non-refundable after 10/11/2011.
About The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group:
The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group is a free, public, virtual Facebook group for women to Learn About Debts, Investing and Economic Strategy. Our mission is to create a safe space for women to gain control of their economic station by becoming financially literate, savvy savers and strategic investors. Facilitated by Executive Life Coach Niquenya D. Fulbright, the group is moving burdens through the promotion of economic self-sufficiency. For more information, visit The L.A.D.I.E.S. Group on Facebook.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Financial Confessions
Financial freedom involves being honest with yourself and others about your financial situation. If you avoid taking a good look at your saving and spending habits then you risk falling into a downward spiral of economic despair. If you pretend that you have more than you really do then you put yourself in a position where you can fall into the trap of living beyond your means simply to keep up with the Jones'. Almost everyone has some guilty pleasure that is preventing them from reaching that pinnacle of prosperity that defines their own economic success. The longer you keep your financial situation in the dark, the more you allow yourself to sink into the abyss of economic destruction. It is time to gain control of your finances by facing your situation head on; thereby, successfully destroying any roadblocks that stand in your way to prosperity.
Because I walk the walk and not just talk the talk, I am going to share my own financial confession and subsequent wake-up call. Yesterday, I drove to work ($14 to park), bought Dunkin Donuts for breakfast ($6.49) and ordered delivery from the local pizza place ($10 after tipping the driver). I spent a total of $30.49 in one day simply because I was being too lazy to walk to the train or prepare my meals at home. Now what if this were typical of every day (and I'm embarrassed to say that it is more often than I would care to admit), then I would have spent over $600 every month and that is not even counting the gas money I eat up by driving.
Now let's look at the other option. My monthly transit pass is $86. Last night I purchased instant oatmeal packets, cereal bars, a box of teabags, cold cuts, cheese slices, a loaf of bread, Miracle Whip, a family pack of chip snacks, cookies, and a box of Capri-Suns for a total of $36. Combined with my other groceries already in stock at home, this should last me at least 2 weeks so we can safely say $72 worth of groceries for just breakfast and lunch would get me through the month. $72 in groceries plus $86 in transit is equal to just $158. So if I did the smart, responsible thing and both took the train in to work as well as brought in my meals, then I would save well over $400 every month which can either be put away in my savings and other investments or redirected to pay off credit card bills, loans and other expenses that are accumulating interest.
So I ask you, what is your financial confession?
Because I walk the walk and not just talk the talk, I am going to share my own financial confession and subsequent wake-up call. Yesterday, I drove to work ($14 to park), bought Dunkin Donuts for breakfast ($6.49) and ordered delivery from the local pizza place ($10 after tipping the driver). I spent a total of $30.49 in one day simply because I was being too lazy to walk to the train or prepare my meals at home. Now what if this were typical of every day (and I'm embarrassed to say that it is more often than I would care to admit), then I would have spent over $600 every month and that is not even counting the gas money I eat up by driving.
Now let's look at the other option. My monthly transit pass is $86. Last night I purchased instant oatmeal packets, cereal bars, a box of teabags, cold cuts, cheese slices, a loaf of bread, Miracle Whip, a family pack of chip snacks, cookies, and a box of Capri-Suns for a total of $36. Combined with my other groceries already in stock at home, this should last me at least 2 weeks so we can safely say $72 worth of groceries for just breakfast and lunch would get me through the month. $72 in groceries plus $86 in transit is equal to just $158. So if I did the smart, responsible thing and both took the train in to work as well as brought in my meals, then I would save well over $400 every month which can either be put away in my savings and other investments or redirected to pay off credit card bills, loans and other expenses that are accumulating interest.
So I ask you, what is your financial confession?
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Believe, Achieve, Receive
This morning as I drove into work in my new-to-me Toyota Rav4, something amazing hit me. I had spoke and willed my ride into existence. Seriously! The power in thought and words is immeasurable. I had been dreaming of owning a small truck for a very long time and had even wanted it to be forest green. I told everyone that one day I would have it and now I do and it is exactly as I had imagined years ago. But it wasn't just the thought and words that brought my dream into fruition.
Words are powerful. In fact, a great deal of the Bible talks about the power of the tongue as a double-edged sword and the effects words can have on our lives. We are cautioned about how we use our words with one another from early childhood because of the impact that they can have. An entire revolution sprung forth after the book/movie "The Secret" highlighted the benefits of the law of attraction. But something very critical was missing in that movie.
My thoughts and words by themselves are very powerful indeed but in order for me to fully realize my dreams, I had to also be moved to action. Because I did want a new ride, I chose to believe that I would get it but then I also performed the necessary steps to make it be. I started reviewing and revising my credit history in case I needed a loan. I began saving specifically for the vehicle and I launched a search to begin pricing vehicles. Then I went out and test drove my options until I was ready to make a purchasing decision.
I share this with you because not too often do things really happen on a wish and a prayer but many of us walk around with our heads in the clouds thinking this to be true. I know that I have often dug my hands into the hope chest - hoping my dreams would come true.
The truth of the matter is that no matter what your dream is, it is probably achieveable; but, you have to DO something to make it happen. To ensure that your wildest dreams come true, you have to set your B.A.R.
B. Believe that it can happen and speak it into existence.
A. Achieve by creating an actionable plan that you consistently work on completing.
R. Receive all the fruits of your LABOR!
Your level of engagement, or how high you set your B.A.R., is a direct indication of how fast, if ever, you will make your wildest dreams come true. I set my B.A.R. really high and have yet to be stopped.
Choose to continue sifting through the hope chest or become unstoppable. Really, it's your choice!
Words are powerful. In fact, a great deal of the Bible talks about the power of the tongue as a double-edged sword and the effects words can have on our lives. We are cautioned about how we use our words with one another from early childhood because of the impact that they can have. An entire revolution sprung forth after the book/movie "The Secret" highlighted the benefits of the law of attraction. But something very critical was missing in that movie.
My thoughts and words by themselves are very powerful indeed but in order for me to fully realize my dreams, I had to also be moved to action. Because I did want a new ride, I chose to believe that I would get it but then I also performed the necessary steps to make it be. I started reviewing and revising my credit history in case I needed a loan. I began saving specifically for the vehicle and I launched a search to begin pricing vehicles. Then I went out and test drove my options until I was ready to make a purchasing decision.
I share this with you because not too often do things really happen on a wish and a prayer but many of us walk around with our heads in the clouds thinking this to be true. I know that I have often dug my hands into the hope chest - hoping my dreams would come true.
The truth of the matter is that no matter what your dream is, it is probably achieveable; but, you have to DO something to make it happen. To ensure that your wildest dreams come true, you have to set your B.A.R.
B. Believe that it can happen and speak it into existence.
A. Achieve by creating an actionable plan that you consistently work on completing.
R. Receive all the fruits of your LABOR!
Your level of engagement, or how high you set your B.A.R., is a direct indication of how fast, if ever, you will make your wildest dreams come true. I set my B.A.R. really high and have yet to be stopped.
Choose to continue sifting through the hope chest or become unstoppable. Really, it's your choice!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
My Two Cents on Higher Education
In order to make and have more money you need a good, quality education. But what does that mean? Many people are concerned about the rising costs of higher education. Afterall, tuition costs have risen by almost 50% in the past decade alone. College graduates remain in tens of thousands of dollars in debt long after they finally secure that coveted "great" job, that is if they even are successful in landing that job in the first place.
The problem here is that one must understand the difference between education and a credential. An education is an in-depth understanding and gaining of knowledge, concepts, skills and practicuums that will help you to accomplish something whereas a credential is a sort of social sign that you have achieved a certain level of accomplishment. Think about this: Bill Gates dropped out of school where he would have earned a credential and became a business owner where he grew his education. Running your own business and diving into real-life experience is the best education that there is. Does Bill Gates need the credential to prove his value? Absolutely not!
Does this mean that quality education isn't important? Absolutely not! You must have a quality education in order to be taken seriously. This means that you must possess the necessary knowledge, understanding, concepts, skills and practicuums to do the things you want to pursue for financial gain. You just do not have to follow the traditional pool of thought that success means you go to school, get a good job, buy a house, and have a family. That might not be your idea of success and, let's face it, may take way too long to help you out right now.
So what do you do? Your education can come from experience (open your own business, shadow someone doing what you want to do, etc.), reading good books, attending seminars and workshops and many other ways. The bottomline is that you do not have to go broke in pursuit of a credential that few people will even care that you have if you are able to prove that you have the knowledge, skills, and understanding to practice.
Using myself as an example, how many of you have asked me what my qualifications are to run my L.A.D.I.E.S. group on Facebook or this blog? How do you know that the information I am providing can be trusted? The same goes for my coaching practice. I have coached close to two hundred people by now over the last decade. How many times do you think I have been asked for a coaching certification? I have provided consulting services to dozens of businesses and have lectured and trained at dozens of organizations. How many of them have asked me for a college degree? The truth of the matter is that this has NEVER been asked of me. And I just last year graduated with my BS in Technical Management and just became certified as a Christian Life Coach four years ago.
My education came from reading, doing, observing and living. Knowledge is power and the best education is a cheap but quality one that allows you to dive in fast. Afterall, does it make sense to go into debt in the several tens of thousands of dollars for a credential that will only allow you to secure a position that makes maybe a third of that in the first year? Absolutely not!
My advice: think about what you really want to do and then find ways to learn how to do it without the credential. If there is no way to get around the credential due to legal issues, (think doctors or lawyers), then find the cheapest and fastest ways to get the credential so that you can start earning faster and amass wealth instead of debt.
The problem here is that one must understand the difference between education and a credential. An education is an in-depth understanding and gaining of knowledge, concepts, skills and practicuums that will help you to accomplish something whereas a credential is a sort of social sign that you have achieved a certain level of accomplishment. Think about this: Bill Gates dropped out of school where he would have earned a credential and became a business owner where he grew his education. Running your own business and diving into real-life experience is the best education that there is. Does Bill Gates need the credential to prove his value? Absolutely not!
Does this mean that quality education isn't important? Absolutely not! You must have a quality education in order to be taken seriously. This means that you must possess the necessary knowledge, understanding, concepts, skills and practicuums to do the things you want to pursue for financial gain. You just do not have to follow the traditional pool of thought that success means you go to school, get a good job, buy a house, and have a family. That might not be your idea of success and, let's face it, may take way too long to help you out right now.
So what do you do? Your education can come from experience (open your own business, shadow someone doing what you want to do, etc.), reading good books, attending seminars and workshops and many other ways. The bottomline is that you do not have to go broke in pursuit of a credential that few people will even care that you have if you are able to prove that you have the knowledge, skills, and understanding to practice.
Using myself as an example, how many of you have asked me what my qualifications are to run my L.A.D.I.E.S. group on Facebook or this blog? How do you know that the information I am providing can be trusted? The same goes for my coaching practice. I have coached close to two hundred people by now over the last decade. How many times do you think I have been asked for a coaching certification? I have provided consulting services to dozens of businesses and have lectured and trained at dozens of organizations. How many of them have asked me for a college degree? The truth of the matter is that this has NEVER been asked of me. And I just last year graduated with my BS in Technical Management and just became certified as a Christian Life Coach four years ago.
My education came from reading, doing, observing and living. Knowledge is power and the best education is a cheap but quality one that allows you to dive in fast. Afterall, does it make sense to go into debt in the several tens of thousands of dollars for a credential that will only allow you to secure a position that makes maybe a third of that in the first year? Absolutely not!
My advice: think about what you really want to do and then find ways to learn how to do it without the credential. If there is no way to get around the credential due to legal issues, (think doctors or lawyers), then find the cheapest and fastest ways to get the credential so that you can start earning faster and amass wealth instead of debt.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Happy New Year!
So it's a new year and a new me. I've started off this year with a whole lot of changes, many that went into effect last year but I am continuing full-force with them this year.
First, I am back in school full-time pursuing my MBA in E-Commerce. This is a bit of a change because initially I was all gung-ho to get my next accolade in Psychology. I'm also considering adding a CPA track to my MBA pursuits depending on how I can work in the extra accounting courses. As it stands, I should be in good position to finish up by September.
Second, there is a new man in my life. We actually started dating in the summer of 2009 but since we made our 1-year anniversary last August, things are heating up to something serious. Pretty sure I have landed my husband. It is true what they say, once you stop looking, you find love. I definitely wasn't looking and he found me. Yay!!! I am truly blissfully happy.
Third, I made a super serious huge decision to reenter the corporate workforce. I've been self-employed for so long that this transition was very dramatic. Don't worry! I am still working my own businesses as a life coach, mediator and all of the other services that I have been sought after for. My priorities have just changed a little to require that I have more regular, consistent, "guaranteed" income. I was lucky that I found a really great position at a well-known nonprofit agency. I get to use all of my skills, continue learning new ones and help people while doing it! I think for the first time ever, I might actually LOVE my job. The compensation isn't too shabby either.
Fourth, I am on a super savings kick. I am stacking dollars from every income source. If you know me by now, then you are very aware that I am a strong believer in multiple income streams. So yes, I have my full-time gig, my coaching and consulting business and this year I am also preparing individual income tax returns. I needed somewhere to grow all that loot I'm making so that I can set myself up for the long-term and acquire some assets I've been looking forward to (a new car and house are on the agenda). Of course I pay myself first through my job's retirement plan and taking advantage of as many pre-tax deductions as I can via flexible spending accounts and such. But I am also beginning to invest on my own using my Ing Direct Sharebuilder account so I am the proud owner of several shares of stock which are already working to increase my income and net worth. I am also sharing a lot of what I learn about building wealth in my L.A.D.I.E.S. fan page and group on Facebook.
Finally, to be on a traditional New Year's resolution mode, although I'm really not calling it that, I have a goal to lose a LOT of weight. My boyfriend is helping me out by being my partner and competitor in our own Biggest Loser type competition. You can check on my progress by taking a look below or at the new widget in the top left of this blog.
So in a nutshell, 2011 promises to be an interesting journey for me. I hope it proves to be just as fruitful to you as well.
First, I am back in school full-time pursuing my MBA in E-Commerce. This is a bit of a change because initially I was all gung-ho to get my next accolade in Psychology. I'm also considering adding a CPA track to my MBA pursuits depending on how I can work in the extra accounting courses. As it stands, I should be in good position to finish up by September.
Second, there is a new man in my life. We actually started dating in the summer of 2009 but since we made our 1-year anniversary last August, things are heating up to something serious. Pretty sure I have landed my husband. It is true what they say, once you stop looking, you find love. I definitely wasn't looking and he found me. Yay!!! I am truly blissfully happy.
Third, I made a super serious huge decision to reenter the corporate workforce. I've been self-employed for so long that this transition was very dramatic. Don't worry! I am still working my own businesses as a life coach, mediator and all of the other services that I have been sought after for. My priorities have just changed a little to require that I have more regular, consistent, "guaranteed" income. I was lucky that I found a really great position at a well-known nonprofit agency. I get to use all of my skills, continue learning new ones and help people while doing it! I think for the first time ever, I might actually LOVE my job. The compensation isn't too shabby either.
Fourth, I am on a super savings kick. I am stacking dollars from every income source. If you know me by now, then you are very aware that I am a strong believer in multiple income streams. So yes, I have my full-time gig, my coaching and consulting business and this year I am also preparing individual income tax returns. I needed somewhere to grow all that loot I'm making so that I can set myself up for the long-term and acquire some assets I've been looking forward to (a new car and house are on the agenda). Of course I pay myself first through my job's retirement plan and taking advantage of as many pre-tax deductions as I can via flexible spending accounts and such. But I am also beginning to invest on my own using my Ing Direct Sharebuilder account so I am the proud owner of several shares of stock which are already working to increase my income and net worth. I am also sharing a lot of what I learn about building wealth in my L.A.D.I.E.S. fan page and group on Facebook.
Finally, to be on a traditional New Year's resolution mode, although I'm really not calling it that, I have a goal to lose a LOT of weight. My boyfriend is helping me out by being my partner and competitor in our own Biggest Loser type competition. You can check on my progress by taking a look below or at the new widget in the top left of this blog.
Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Weight Loss Tools
So in a nutshell, 2011 promises to be an interesting journey for me. I hope it proves to be just as fruitful to you as well.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
More About Writing
As some of you very well may know, I had just gotten my action plan together to monetize my writing when I got blindsided. eHow seemed like it was going to be my bread and butter, my meat and potatoes, my foie gras. I was really starting to earn a nice passive residual income from my articles and had high hopes of writing many more. Unfortunately, suddenly the eHow site started having all of these major glitches and issues that prevented publishing and then some genius over at the parent company decided to stop accepting articles direct from eHow and to move everyone over to the Demand Studios site. What a load of bologna!
First off, any old average Joe was able to write for eHow. Although there were a few crappy articles, for the most part eager writers offered some really helpful how-to information and advice on how to do just about anything. I didn't mind the typos or grammatical errors if the information was useful. On top of that, the articles were literally SEO keyword goldmines which made the whole site a Google favorite.
Writing for Demand Studios is a much different animal in that they have a lengthy approval process and want you to be a serious, professional writer. The earnings are also kind of sucky. I have yet to complete my first article because I'm in limbo with getting my author's bio to the proper format according to their stupid, strenuous guidelines. I don't even think I have a live link to my profile page yet. Seriously? I didn't sign up for this.
My suggestions: HubPages and Associated Content are the way to go. Both still have their guidelines but you still have a good chance to earn something nice for quality, well-written articles. If you find out about any other great article-submission sites (I know about Squidoo and Bukisa - still testing those out), please let me know.
Back to the drawing board I go. :)
First off, any old average Joe was able to write for eHow. Although there were a few crappy articles, for the most part eager writers offered some really helpful how-to information and advice on how to do just about anything. I didn't mind the typos or grammatical errors if the information was useful. On top of that, the articles were literally SEO keyword goldmines which made the whole site a Google favorite.
Writing for Demand Studios is a much different animal in that they have a lengthy approval process and want you to be a serious, professional writer. The earnings are also kind of sucky. I have yet to complete my first article because I'm in limbo with getting my author's bio to the proper format according to their stupid, strenuous guidelines. I don't even think I have a live link to my profile page yet. Seriously? I didn't sign up for this.
My suggestions: HubPages and Associated Content are the way to go. Both still have their guidelines but you still have a good chance to earn something nice for quality, well-written articles. If you find out about any other great article-submission sites (I know about Squidoo and Bukisa - still testing those out), please let me know.
Back to the drawing board I go. :)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Dissecting Bad Relationships
Lately I've been talking to friends who have came right out and told me that they are jealous of my current relationship which is going so fantastic. They are ranting and raving about how their relationships are so bad and they are just generally unhappy with the situation. One woman is dating a married man and the other is involved with an unmotivated, jobless, perpetual cheater. Now I know it seems like we all know what's wrong with these pictures without needing to know the whole story, but I implore you to look deeper into why these women stay in such obviously unhealthy relationships. Furthermore, I want you to look at your own relationships and decide why it is that you stay in those as well.
It has taken me a long time to find happiness in a relationship and I have realized it is because I needed that time to first find happiness within myself, by myself. You can not fully commit to a relationship if you haven't first fully committed to yourself. When you enter a relationship broken, you do so with baggage and expectations of the other person making you whole. It is unfair to place sole responsibility for your happiness on another person's shoulders. What you are essentially doing is draining the life and energy from your partner rather than inputting your positivity along with theirs to build you both up. Now just imagine the chaos that ensues when both people come to the table broken. You both become codependent parasites leaching off each other's happiness until there is nothing left and you fall into the cesspool of negativity and loneliness you have buth dug for yourselves.
Relationships are merely reflections of our own self-image. If you think your partner isn't good enough, then you probably don't think that you're good enough either. If you believe that your deserve better then you will demand better. It is as simple as that. So if you find yourself in an unhappy, dead-end and/or abusive relationship, it is up to you to examine why you are really there. End it and let it die. Go ahead and grieve for it but in your grieving, learn from it and grow. Remember, opposites do not attract, only complements do so if you find yourself repeating a pattern of bad relationships, it is time for some thorough self-exploration. Your happiness is really in your hands.
It has taken me a long time to find happiness in a relationship and I have realized it is because I needed that time to first find happiness within myself, by myself. You can not fully commit to a relationship if you haven't first fully committed to yourself. When you enter a relationship broken, you do so with baggage and expectations of the other person making you whole. It is unfair to place sole responsibility for your happiness on another person's shoulders. What you are essentially doing is draining the life and energy from your partner rather than inputting your positivity along with theirs to build you both up. Now just imagine the chaos that ensues when both people come to the table broken. You both become codependent parasites leaching off each other's happiness until there is nothing left and you fall into the cesspool of negativity and loneliness you have buth dug for yourselves.
Relationships are merely reflections of our own self-image. If you think your partner isn't good enough, then you probably don't think that you're good enough either. If you believe that your deserve better then you will demand better. It is as simple as that. So if you find yourself in an unhappy, dead-end and/or abusive relationship, it is up to you to examine why you are really there. End it and let it die. Go ahead and grieve for it but in your grieving, learn from it and grow. Remember, opposites do not attract, only complements do so if you find yourself repeating a pattern of bad relationships, it is time for some thorough self-exploration. Your happiness is really in your hands.
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