Ashley A. Porter-Small Business Spotlight

Tell me about yourself…Ashley Porter, from Columbia, MD is an  author, blogger, inspirational/motivational speaker, and the founder of Goal Getters Empowerment Association. Ashley has a passion to help other's get closer to their greater.  She is faith fueled and purpose driven with Jesus at the center or her life. Not only is beautiful and sweet, she is also a fantastic mother of 1. The mission of Goal Getters Empowerment Association encourages youth and young adults to obtain a positive self image and self worth, as well as build confidence to achieve their greatest potential. We stand on the words written in Philippians 4:13. We are faith fueled and purpose driven with Christ at the center of our lives. 

What motivates you to keep going?  My purpose,  knowing that God gave me a specific assignment to carry out. In order for those that are assigned to me to get into position,  I must first be in position. 

Do you feel your life is balanced between your personal and professional life? I feel that there is no separation.  In ministry I must be anchored in Christ at all times. I try really hard to make sure my relationships are being nurtured to flourish

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur? "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. " proverbs 16:3 Keep your focus on God and be sure that your relationship with him grows.  Never lose sight of why you are doing what you do. Money, People,  and things will ALL fail you but God is eternal. 

What’s your favorite social media platform? Well, I'm a writer and Twitter restricts me with that character limit.  Facebook is two pages in one (personal and organization)

What book are you currently reading or would recommend to fellow entrepreneurs to? I am currently reading "The New Master Your Money" by Ron Blue I recommend it to all. So much wisdom  for financial growth.

What’s your favorite app?I love inkpad, things get poured into me ALL the time so that note app helps me alot. 

What's your favorite Podcast account name? I like Paula White.  I don't get to listen to Podcasts often. I love YouTube lol.

What’s your favorite Entrepreneur website/blog to visit? My favorite blog I would say mine because it's real, raw, and relevant but Heather Lindsey inspires me alot she is an amazing woman of God. Www.heatherllindsey.com

What’s your favorite quote?Ahh, there are so many. My favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" I am truly learning not to limit a limitless God.Thank You!

Support and stay connected with Ashley with the links below:

www.goalgettersempowerment.com www.livelovethinkfree.blogspot.com

Facebook: Ashley Porter

Instagram: Ashley_Speaks_

Periscope: My Friends & Family Don't Support My Business

Did you catch my LIVE Periscope last week? I shared a few tips on how to deal with your friends and family not supporting your business. 

Entrepreneur: Making The Best of Your Time

Did you catch my live Periscope? Sharing tips on Making the Best of Your Time as an Entrepreneur.

Aja-Small Business Spotlight

Tell me about yourself…I'm a wife and mother of 2 wonderful homeschooled children.  I'm also the founder of Simple Beauty Naturals, makers of natural, vegetarian skincare and cosmetics.  The business is structured as a franchise and I coach our franchisees so that they can achieve their ultimate business goals and dreams.  I have a BA in Finance and I've worked as a financial analyst. I've also worked in the marketing departments of Jive Records, Hidden Beach, and Chicago's urban radio station Power 92.

I LOVE what I do and I truly know that I was born to be an entrepreneur.

What motivates you to keep going? Drive.  Put sometimes drive can get low.  I constantly listen to motivational audio files and podcasts.  In addition, I read business books all the time.  In fact our franchisees read a book each month to keep us focused.

Do you feel your life is balanced between your personal and professional life? Yes.  There's no separation between business and family life.  My husband and I are both entrepreneurs so business is an intricate part of our family structure.

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur? Just jump.  Eff fear!  Just jump.

What’s your favorite social media platform? Facebook.  I find that it's easier to build relationships with facebook.

What book are you currently reading or would recommend to fellow entrepreneurs? Ha!  I'm reading two books right now. Our franchisee's book of the month is "How to Win Friends and Influence People," by Dale Carnegie.  I'm also reading, "What to Say When You Talk to Your Self,"  Dr. Hemstetter.  I highly recommend both of these books.

What’s your favorite app? Phonto.  I like to use it to create pictures and ads.

What's your favorite Podcast account name? Entreleadership with Dave Ramsey

What’s your favorite Entrepreneur website/blog to visit? Anything I run across ;)

What’s your favorite quote? "A free man (woman) controls his (her) time and money.  A slave controls neither," Prime Minister Muammar Gaddafi

Stay connected with Aja at www.simplebeautynaturals.com

LIVE Periscope: What Every Entrepreneur Should Do Before Bed

Did you miss my live Periscope on What Every Entrepreneur Should Do Before Bed?

Are you following me on Periscope? Don't miss out on my next live broadcast.

Aleigha Butler-Small Business Spotlight

Tell me about yourself…My name is Aleigha Butler.  I am a mother, wife, author, motivator, consultant, internet radio host, and philanthropist.  I call myself a Purpose midwife because I love helping push people into their purpose.  I have now authored 3 books: 1)A Learning Book Just For Me - A bilingual singalong learning tool that teaches children foundational English and Spanish (available in paperback or hardback with a music CD).  2) On Fire To Inspire - A book of inspiration and encouragement to help push people into their purpose (It is available in paperback, audio CD, Kindle/Amazon). 3) Prayers, Affirmations, and Declarations - A book of prayers, affirmations, and declarations available in English & Spanish on Kindle and Amazon.

What motivates you to keep going? I am motivated by my passion and purpose to help people pursue their purpose.  There are too many people sitting on their gifts, dreams and goals.  It's time to stop existing and start living the life that God gave us.

Do you feel your life is balanced between your personal and professional life? Yes, I can get overwhelmed with the business side because it is truly a love and passion.  I have to know when to cut it off because I will work with clients and projects for hours on end.  With anything, you have to have balance or someone (or something) will be neglected.  For workaholics, it's usually their family that is neglected. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur? There is something on the inside of you that you truly yearn to do or to be.  Trust God, research and pursue it.  Learn from others that are doing it and start moving.  Work daily toward your goal.  One small task and step at a time will produce so much in the end.

What’s your favorite social media platform?  I've been most successful in building my platform on Facebook thus far; however, my Twitter is really growing.  I am getting more comfortable with it. 

What book are you currently reading or would recommend to fellow entrepreneurs? I would recommend reading Think and Grow Rich by Napeleon Hill.  That is what all the greats have recommended.

What’s your favorite app? Facebook app is one.  I like YouTube as well becauase you can research and hear inspirational songs and words at any time of day.

What's your favorite Podcast account name? I just joined the HisHeartNetwork on blogtalkradio.  My show airson Tuesday evenings at 8pm.  I am also a fan of many other inspirational and motivational shows: Dr. ReneeSunday, Charles Clark, Joyce White.

What’s your favorite Entrepreneur website/blog to visit?  Allbusiness.com helps you stay on top of trends and keeps you informed as a small business owner. 

What’s your favorite quote? I have 2 that I love from Oprah Winfrey: The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.  - Oprah Winfrey   When your life is on course with its purpose, you are the most powerful. - Oprah Winfrey

Support and stay connected with Aleigha with the links below: 

Social media accounts:

Facebook.com/AleighaButler

Twitter @authoraleigha

LinkedIn AleighaButler

GoodReads.com/Aleigha Butler

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00RCHNIC6

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aleighabutler.

Instagram: http://instagram.com/onfiretoinspire.

YouTube: youtube.com/AuthorAleighaButler

Email: onfiretoinspire@gmail.com

Monday Inspiration: White Office Inspiration

Happy Monday! Today I'm sharing four white themed office spaces that I'm currently crushing over. (Thanks to Pinterest!

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Tray Kearney-Small Business Spotlight

Tell me about yourself…My name is Tray Kearney First and foremost I am a child of the most high God.  I am a dedicated mother of three. An autism advocate. I am the Host of my on internet talk show called the Woman To Woman where our mission Is to restore hope in families after infidelity and to stop the cycle of women hurting women.  Our Vision is that women will stand firm for one another.   That we will  guard, protect and respect each others relationships..  Stop being a part of the infidelity problem and start being part of  the solution. 

What motivates you to keep going? What keeps me going is my 3 sons not only setting the proper example for them but leaving a legacy behind that they can be proud. I am truly motivated by helping women heal from the devastating affects of cheating and also building self esteem in those women who feel they are only worthy of being a man's mistress/side chick. I am passionate about restoring hope in families after infidelity has taken place. 

Do you feel your life is balanced between your personal and professional life? I feel like my life is balanced between my personal and professional life because I've made God the center of it all. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur? The advice I would give to an inspiring entrepreneur is don't let anybody change your vision. God gave your vision to you for a reason and everybody won't understand the vision but its not for everyone to understand. When it gets hard keep pushing and stay diligent. 

What’s your favorite social media platform? My favorite social media platform is Facebook where I can be apart of peoples lives and they can be a part of mine.  Where I can share and encourage.  I also like on my business page I see the analytical aspects of my page. 

What book are you currently reading or would recommend to fellow entrepreneurs? I read my bible everyday.  It is the manual of life.  Any questions or concerns I have there's always an answer. I'm also reading a daily devotional book called Strength for the climb by Kristin Armstrong you always need positive words to keep your mind focused on the good stuff. 

What’s your favorite app? One of my favorite apps right now is Dragon Dictation I am in the process of writing my book and it gives me the freedom to write at all times.  All I have to do is speak into my phone and it dictates what I say. It's a great app because I don't always have pen and paper at hand. 

What's your favorite Podcast account name? I don't really have a favorite Podcast. 

What’s your favorite Entrepreneur website/blog to visit? One of my favorite blog sites to visit is Necole Bitchie.com I admire and respect how she built her brand and I love entertainment news.   

What’s your favorite quote? "My favorite quote is "Failure is not an option"  

Stay connected with Tray with the links below:

www.thew2wshow.com  on intstagram and twitter I am @wtraykay 

Happy 4th of July

Tips To Help You Prepare For the Work Week

As a entrepreneur, mom, wife, and/or employee. It is essential that you try to plan as many aspects of your life as possible. One of those being the start of your work week. Which essentially starts on a Monday. Planning usually starts that Sunday. ( typically)  As the saying goes " if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.". Here are a few tips to assist you with marking a couple of items off of your "todo" list. To give you more time to work on your business. 

Create your "To-Do" List

Can you imagine how much you would be able to get done for your business if your weren't twiddling your thumbs trying to remember what needs to get done. 

Tip: Create a list with 6-8 items that need to be completed for your business. 

Your could also create a "running" todo list. This will give you an idea of what needs to get done. When you have one of those "oh, I need to get this done moments"

Attire for the Week

Take your clothing out in advance. I usually take 7-10 complete outfits out for the week ( including undergarments, socks, and accessories. It's a huge time savers. I started out doing this for my son when he was little. I have everything ironed. So, I have to worry about is putting the blighting on. 

Tip

**Look at the weather channel or your weather app prior to arranging your attire for the week. **

Meal plan

For most entrepreneurs, their lunch break is essential time for them to work on their business. If you could prep/cook your meals in advance great! If you don't and order out everyday. Remember time is money. If you're spending your entire lunch break at the drive through. You are taking money out of your pockets. Create a meal for the week for all meals. The less time to spending looking through menus. You could spend that time on your business. 

Tip: 

Pinterest is a great score for meal planning ideas 

Lunch & Learn: Five Tips To Help You Ace Your Next Networking Event

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend this session of Lunch & Learn. I look forward to extending this offer to everyone in the near future.