In my career spanning two decades as a business development professional for major banks, I've had the privilege of selling products and services to small businesses. Throughout this journey, I've gathered invaluable experiences and insights into what it takes to excel in sales, particularly when dealing with company owners and CEOs.
Monday, September 09, 2024
Monday, September 02, 2024
Understanding Budgeting
Budgeting is a plan for how you use your money. It helps you track income, prioritize spending, and allocate funds for savings and investments. Without a budget, overspending and debt can easily become a burden.
Benefits of Budgeting
Financial Freedom: Budgeting gives you control over your money, allowing you to prioritize expenses and save for the future. You avoid the slavery of debt by managing your finances wisely.
Reduced Stress: Knowing where your money goes reduces anxiety about bills and unexpected expenses. A budget helps you plan for emergencies and build a financial safety net.
Achieving Goals: Whether it's buying a home, saving for education, or preparing for retirement, budgeting ensures you allocate funds towards your goals. It helps you make progress towards what matters most.
Avoiding Debt: By living within your means and prioritizing saving, budgeting helps you avoid relying on loans and credit cards. This reduces the risk of falling into debt and the stress of financial obligations.
How to Start Budgeting
Track Income and Expenses: Begin by recording all sources of income and tracking expenses for a month. This provides a clear picture of your financial habits.
Set Financial Goals: Decide what you want to achieve financially, guided by biblical principles of stewardship. Your goals will shape your budgeting decisions.
Create a Budget Plan: Allocate income towards essential expenses like housing and food. Then, designate amounts for savings, debt repayment, and discretionary spending.
Review and Adjust Regularly: Your financial situation may change over time. Review your budget monthly to ensure you're on track and adjust as needed.
Budgeting isn't about restriction but about wise stewardship. By following biblical wisdom and managing your finances responsibly, you honor God's guidance and take steps towards financial independence and security. Start today and experience the freedom that comes from managing your money wisely!
This budget journal and planner is available in my Amazon Book Store.
Friday, August 30, 2024
In our fast-paced world, where stress and emotions can overwhelm us, finding a way to unwind and reflect is crucial. One of the most effective tools for this is journaling.
Journaling isn’t just about documenting events; it’s a powerful method to understand ourselves better and manage our mental health. When we put pen to paper, we create a space where our thoughts flow freely without judgment. Here’s why journaling can be so beneficial:
Emotional Release: Writing down our thoughts and feelings provides an outlet for emotions that might be difficult to express verbally. It’s a safe space to release pent-up stress, anger, or sadness.
Self-Reflection: Journaling allows us to step back and reflect on our experiences. By writing about our day, we can gain insights into what triggers certain emotions and how we respond to them.
Clarity and Perspective: Often, our thoughts can feel jumbled or overwhelming. Journaling helps to organize them and gain clarity. It offers a different perspective on situations, helping us see them from a more objective viewpoint.
Problem Solving: Writing about challenges can help us brainstorm solutions. It’s like having a conversation with ourselves, where we can explore different options and weigh their pros and cons.
Tracking Progress: Over time, journaling can show us how far we’ve come. We can see patterns in our behavior, recognize recurring issues, and celebrate our achievements.
I created the Daily Journal with these benefits in mind—to help you remember what triggers your emotions, track your journey towards mental well-being, and provide a comforting space for self-discovery.
Whether you’re navigating daily stresses, processing complex emotions, or simply seeking a moment of peace, I encourage you to pick up your pen and start journaling. You might be surprised by the clarity and healing it brings.
Remember, your journal is your personal sanctuary—a place where your thoughts can find solace and your mind can find rest. Happy journaling!
This blog post highlights the therapeutic benefits of journaling, focusing on emotional release, self-reflection, clarity, problem-solving, and tracking progress. It also introduces a specific journal designed to help individuals understand their triggers and manage their mental health effectively.
My Daily Journal is available in my Amazon Store.
Monday, August 26, 2024
Just this afternoon, I began working on designing my latest notebook. I spent several hours crafting the design and refining every detail to make sure it’s just right. I’m happy to say that I’ve now completed the design and submitted it to Amazon for review. Seeing the finished product and knowing it’s on its way to being available for others is always a rewarding moment.
Every journal I create is a labor of love. I put a lot of thought into making each one unique and special. It’s important to me that each journal is original and reflects the quality and care that goes into making it. Because of this meticulous process, it takes a significant amount of time to complete each one.
I usually only publish 2-3 journals each month because of the time and effort involved in designing and producing each piece. My goal is to ensure that each journal is not only well-made but also meaningful and useful for those who use it. This careful approach means that while I may not have a large number of new releases each month, the ones I do release are made with the utmost attention to detail and originality.
Thank you for your support and patience as I continue to create and share these special journals. I’m excited for you to see my new notebook and hope it brings you inspiration and joy as you use it.
Monday, August 12, 2024
The journal features a simple and clean design because I believe in the power of simplicity. Life is already complex enough, and I didn’t want to add any unnecessary clutter to your experience. The design is straightforward and uncluttered, which makes it easy for you to focus on what really matters: your thoughts, ideas, and dreams.
On the front cover of the journal, you’ll find motivational words that are meant to keep you inspired. These words are there to remind you that you have the power to shape your own story and to chase after your dreams. The bright colors used in the design symbolize the vibrant and dynamic nature of your life. I wanted the journal to be a reflection of your full potential and to inspire you every time you open it.
The journal contains 100 pages, each one in color. This is a little touch to remind you that your life is not just black and white, but full of possibilities and experiences. The colorful pages are meant to encourage you to be creative and to see the beauty in every moment. Whether you use the journal for writing, sketching, or jotting down ideas, the colorful pages are there to make your experience more enjoyable and inspiring.
If you read my previous article about how I started my business in 2010, you might remember that the idea for creating journals and books came from a simple piece of paper. Back then, I was brainstorming about what I wanted to do with my life, and that piece of paper was the beginning of this journey. My goal has always been to create something meaningful and helpful for others. This journal is a continuation of that vision.
I hope you find this journal helpful and inspiring as you begin to dream big and create your own story. Whether you are writing about your daily experiences, setting goals, or simply letting your creativity flow, this journal is here to support you. I believe that by keeping things simple and focusing on what really matters, you can make the most out of every page.
Thank you for taking the time to check out my new journal design. I am excited to hear what you think and hope it will help you on your journey to achieving your dreams and living a fulfilling life. Remember, life is a story you create, and this journal is here to be a part of that story.
Wednesday, August 07, 2024
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you do, you will be successful.
I wrote my first book called Get To The Top. This book shares my journey and lessons learned from my sales career. It’s based on my real-life experiences working for a large company and is meant to help new salespeople reach the top of their field.
My sales career started right after I lost my job as an international flight attendant. This happened after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers in New York City and hijacked planes. The attacks led to a significant decline in air travel because people were afraid of flying. My employer, Delta Air Lines, was losing a lot of money due to the drop in passengers. As a result, I, along with many others, found myself out of a job.
When I lost my job with Delta, I had to find a new career quickly. I decided to enter the banking industry. It was a big change from flying around the world to working in an office, but I was determined to succeed. The banking industry was challenging, but it gave me a new start and a chance to prove myself.
In banking, I quickly learned that sales were a crucial part of the job. I needed to sell financial products and services to individuals and businesses. This new career was different from being a flight attendant, where my job was more about service and safety. Now, I had to focus on meeting sales goals and winning clients.
Over the years, I gained a lot of experience and learned many valuable lessons in sales. These lessons helped me achieve significant success, including winning some of the biggest accounts for the bank. Two of my most notable achievements were securing accounts with Safeway Corporation and Arizona State Agencies.
In Get To The Top, I share the strategies and techniques that helped me reach the top of the sales field. One of the key lessons I discuss is how to approach decision-makers. In any company, the decision-makers are the people at the top who have the authority to choose which products or services to buy. Reaching and convincing these individuals can be challenging, but it’s essential for success in sales.
Here are some of the important strategies I cover in the book:
Research Your Target: Before approaching a decision-maker, it’s important to do your homework. Learn about the company and the individual you are going to meet. Understand their needs, challenges, and goals. This information will help you tailor your pitch to show how your product or service can benefit them specifically.
Build Relationships: Building strong relationships is crucial in sales. Take the time to connect with people on a personal level. Show genuine interest in their needs and concerns. A strong relationship can make it easier to secure deals and get referrals.
Be Prepared: When you get the chance to meet a decision-maker, be well-prepared. Have a clear and compelling presentation ready. Anticipate their questions and concerns, and be ready to address them. Being prepared shows professionalism and confidence.
Listen Actively: Listening is just as important as presenting your ideas. Pay close attention to what the decision-maker says. Their feedback and questions can give you valuable insights into what they need and how you can better serve them.
Follow Up: After your initial meeting or presentation, follow up promptly. Send a thank-you note or email, and provide any additional information they may have requested. Staying in touch shows that you are attentive and committed to their needs.
Stay Persistent: Sales can be tough, and you may face rejection. It’s important to stay persistent and not get discouraged. Keep refining your approach and learning from your experiences. Persistence and a positive attitude can lead to eventual success.
Writing this book was a way for me to give back and help others who are starting their sales careers. I wanted to share the knowledge I gained from my own experiences and help others avoid common mistakes. I hope that by reading Get To The Top, new salespeople can learn how to navigate the challenges of the industry and achieve their goals.
My journey from being a flight attendant to a successful salesperson was filled with challenges and learning opportunities. Losing my job after September 11 was a difficult experience, but it led me to a new and rewarding career in banking. Through hard work, determination, and the lessons I’ve learned, I was able to achieve significant success in sales. My book Get To The Top is a reflection of that journey and a guide for others who are looking to reach the top of their sales careers.
Sunday, July 28, 2024
I am the kind of person who values customer service above all else. I want every customer to have a positive experience, whether they are buying or installing our products. But in my job, I wasn’t able to provide that level of service.
As the pressure built up, I found myself feeling anxious more and more often. I realized that my job was not just causing stress but also impacting my well-being. I knew I needed to find a way to manage my anxiety and understand what was triggering it. That’s when I decided to start writing in a journal.
Writing in a journal became a way for me to reflect on my daily experiences and identify the sources of my anxiety. I started to write down what happened during my day, how I felt, and what specific events seemed to trigger my anxiety. By keeping track of these things, I was able to see patterns and understand what was causing my stress.
Through this process, I discovered something important: I was not alone in experiencing job-related anxiety. Many people struggle with similar issues, and journaling can be a powerful tool to help manage and understand these feelings.
As I continued to write in my journal, I noticed a significant change in my own mental state. The act of writing helped me process my feelings and gain perspective on my situation. Over time, my anxiety started to decrease, and I felt more in control of my emotions. The journaling process gave me a way to manage my stress and find clarity about what was truly important to me.
This experience inspired me to create journals that could help others in similar situations. I wanted to share the benefits of journaling with people who might be struggling with their own anxiety. I designed my journals to be simple and easy to use, with prompts and spaces for reflection that encourage people to pay attention to their daily lives and emotions.
By sharing these journals, I hope to help others find the same relief that I found. Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and emotional management. It allows people to track their thoughts and feelings, identify patterns, and gain insights into what causes them stress. With this understanding, they can make positive changes and reduce their anxiety.
Creating my journals was a way for me to turn my own struggle with anxiety into something positive. I wanted to provide a resource that could support others in managing their mental health and improving their overall well-being. Through my experience, I learned that journaling can be an effective way to cope with stress and find balance in a demanding job.
The reason I created my journals was deeply personal. My high-pressure job at the bank led to significant anxiety, and journaling became a crucial tool for me to understand and manage my feelings. I realized that many people face similar challenges and that journaling could be a valuable resource for them as well. By sharing my journals, I hope to help others find relief from their own anxiety and improve their emotional well-being.
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Inside this journal, you'll find dedicated sections for each recipe. There's space to write down all the ingredients you'll need, step-by-step instructions to prepare the dish, and even room for your own personal notes. You can also add photos of your culinary masterpieces to make your cookbook truly special.
This journal isn't just for the recipes you already know by heart. It's a place to capture your family's secret recipes that have been passed down through generations. It's also perfect for documenting your own kitchen experiments as you perfect your favorite dishes. Whether it's traditional holiday meals, international cuisine, or your own unique creations, this journal is your canvas to create a culinary legacy.
Imagine flipping through the pages of your personalized cookbook during the holiday season, finding the perfect recipe to delight your family and friends. Each page filled with memories, flavors, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones.
As you fill out each page of the Harvest Celebration Scarecrow Girl Doll journal, you're not just writing down recipes. You're creating a keepsake that will be treasured for years to come. It's a place to capture the warmth of family gatherings, the excitement of trying new flavors, and the satisfaction of mastering a dish.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this journal is designed to inspire and organize your culinary adventures. It's a tool to help you bring your creativity and passion for cooking to life.
So, as the holiday season approaches, take some time to gather your recipes and start filling out your Harvest Celebration Scarecrow Girl Doll journal. Let it be a reflection of your love for food and the joy of sharing it with those you care about. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Christmas in July is a delightful concept that brings the warmth and joy of the holiday season into the middle of the year. It’s a chance to celebrate with loved ones, create lasting memories, and prepare for the end-of-year festivities without the rush and stress. This idea is particularly meaningful for those who adore Christmas and want to spread its magic over more than just a few weeks in December.
To make the most of Christmas in July, I created a special journal designed to capture the essence of the holiday season. This journal is not just a place to jot down thoughts and memories but also a practical tool to keep you organized and stress-free. Let me walk you through its unique features and how it can enhance your holiday planning and enjoyment.
Ample Space for Thoughts, Memories, and To-Do Lists
The journal is designed with plenty of space to write down your thoughts, memories, and to-do lists throughout the holiday season. You can use it to:
- Record Memories: Jot down your favorite moments from past Christmases or special memories you create during Christmas in July. Reflecting on these can bring a smile to your face and warm your heart.
- Plan Ahead: Use the space to outline your plans for the upcoming holiday season. Whether you’re thinking about decorations, parties, or family gatherings, having everything written down will help you stay organized.
- Track Gift Ideas: Write down gift ideas as they come to you. This way, you won’t be scrambling at the last minute trying to remember what you thought would be the perfect present for your loved ones.
Built-In Shopping List
One of the standout features of this journal is the built-in shopping list. This section is dedicated to helping you stay on top of your holiday shopping. It includes:
- Gift List: A section to list all the gifts you need to buy, along with space to note down any specific ideas or preferences for each person. This helps ensure that you don’t forget anyone and that you can find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
- Holiday Essentials: A place to keep track of other holiday necessities, such as decorations, wrapping paper, and ingredients for special meals. By keeping everything in one place, you can easily see what you have and what you still need to buy.
Staying Organized
Staying organized is key to enjoying a stress-free holiday season. The journal helps you achieve this by providing dedicated sections for different aspects of holiday planning. You can use it to:
- Plan Holiday Meals: Write down recipes, ingredients, and cooking schedules to ensure your holiday meals go off without a hitch. Whether you’re planning a Christmas in July barbecue or a traditional holiday feast, having everything organized will make the process smoother.
- Schedule Events: Keep track of holiday parties, family gatherings, and other events. This way, you can avoid overbooking yourself and ensure you have time to relax and enjoy the season.
- Reflect on the Season: Use the journal to reflect on what makes the holiday season special for you. Write down your thoughts and feelings about the joy, love, and peace that Christmas brings. This reflection can help you stay focused on what truly matters during the busy holiday season.
Capturing Joy and Reflection
The journal is also a space for capturing the joys of the season and reflecting on its deeper meaning. You can use it to:
- Express Gratitude: Write down the things you’re grateful for, whether it’s the love of family and friends, the beauty of the season, or the simple joys of life. Expressing gratitude can enhance your overall sense of well-being and happiness.
- Set Intentions: Set intentions for how you want to experience the holiday season. Whether it’s focusing on giving, being present in the moment, or spreading kindness, writing down your intentions can help you stay mindful and purposeful during the holidays.
- Record Inspirational Quotes: Jot down quotes, Bible verses, or other words of wisdom that inspire you and remind you of the true spirit of Christmas. These can serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration throughout the season.
Preparing for the End-of-Year Festivities
By starting your holiday planning in July, you give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the end-of-year festivities. The journal helps you:
- Avoid Last-Minute Rush: By planning ahead, you can avoid the last-minute rush and stress that often accompanies the holiday season. You’ll have more time to enjoy the festivities and create meaningful memories with your loved ones.
- Spread Out Expenses: Planning your holiday shopping early allows you to spread out the expenses over several months, making it easier to manage your budget and avoid financial strain.
- Be Thoughtful in Your Choices: With more time to plan, you can be more thoughtful in your gift choices and holiday preparations. This leads to a more meaningful and enjoyable holiday experience for you and your loved ones.
Christmas in July is a wonderful opportunity to extend the joy and magic of the holiday season throughout the year. With this specially designed journal, you can stay organized, capture your thoughts and memories, and reflect on the deeper meaning of the season. Whether you’re keeping track of gift ideas, planning holiday meals, or simply savoring the joys of Christmas, this journal provides ample space to capture all your thoughts and ideas.
By using the built-in shopping list and other organizational features, you can ensure that you don’t forget anything important and that you stay on top of your holiday preparations. So embrace the spirit of Christmas in July, and let this journal be your companion in creating a joyful, organized, and meaningful holiday season. For more of my journals visit my Amazon Author Page Central
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Monday, July 08, 2024
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live the life of a jet-setter, flying across continents, meeting people from diverse cultures, and experiencing the world from above? As a former Delta Air Lines international flight attendant, I share my captivating journey in my ebook, "Up In the Air". Through my eyes, I get a glimpse into the highs and lows of life in the skies and the realities behind the glamour.
Becoming a flight attendant is often perceived as a dream job, offering opportunities to travel the world while getting paid. However, as the reality is far more intricate. Before donning the iconic uniform and serving passengers with a smile, flight attendants undergo rigorous training that prepares them for any scenario imaginable. From emergency procedures to customer service skills, every aspect is meticulously crafted to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
In "Up In the Air", I take you behind the scenes, sharing personal anecdotes and adventures from my time in the air. I share and describes the thrill of exploring new cities during layovers, the challenges of adjusting to different time zones, and the camaraderie among crew members who become like family. Through my experiences, I paint you a vivid picture of the unique lifestyle that comes with the job.
One of the most compelling aspects of my story is my perspective on the demands of the job. While passengers see polished service and efficiency, flight attendants often work long hours, deal with unexpected delays, and manage the delicate balance of passenger needs and safety protocols. "Up In the Air" offers a heartfelt tribute to the dedication and professionalism required to excel in this demanding profession.
Beyond the day-to-day responsibilities, my ebook delves into the personal growth and reflections that come with a career spent in the skies. From handling challenging situations with grace to finding moments of joy amidst the hustle, my story resonates with anyone who has ever dreamed of a life filled with travel and adventure.
Whether you're a frequent flyer curious about what happens behind the cabin doors or someone considering a career as a flight attendant, "Up In the Air" offers a candid look into a world that is both exhilarating and challenging. My honest portrayal of my journey is a testament to the passion and resilience required to soar above the clouds.
As you flip through the pages of "Up In the Air", prepare to be transported into a world where every flight tells a story and every journey is a lesson in itself. My ebook is not just a memoir; it’s an invitation to see the world through the eyes of a world-traveling flight attendant and discover the beauty and complexity of life in the skies. "Up In the Air" is available in Amazon.