Women In Gear: School of Makeup Artistry

2019-03-26T09:05:00.001-05:00

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The Business of Makeup Artistry

2018-11-20T09:39:00.000-06:00

Get your copy today!

Author Biography

Toni Thomas is an award-winning beauty industry professional, New York Fashion Week and editorial makeup artist, beauty educator, and author of several beauty industry books. Her makeup artistry has been featured in many fashion publications and she can be found twice a year at New York Fashion Week. Toni is the founder of Women in Gear, The School of Makeup Artistry an online education portal for aspiring makeup artists. Toni has spent her entire career in the beauty industry working in and around the beauty business as well as the beauty education arena where she has taught for many years. Opening her first salon in 1993 she proved that even young women can and will conquer the world of business and she has been an independent small business owner ever since. Today you can find her working hard on a new book or on location doing fashion photo shoots, she also works as a consultant giving guidance to some of today's trendiest salons and spas! She has committed her life to her passion in the beauty business, teaching in the world of beauty to those who are willing to take a leap of faith on themselves, and it is what she aspires to do the rest of her life. As one of the pioneers for quality online education, she is committed to all aspects of an industry that has lacked credibility for far too long and she is committed to teaching women across the globe how to build their beauty businesses with passion and patience.

Born and raised in a small town in Montana, she now travels with her husband between their home in the mountains of Montana and their home in Washington DC. Her passion to inspire has made a global impact on the world of business, makeup, and beauty.

5 Star Reviews, Amazon.com

DIY Bridal Makeup Guide

2017-06-12T13:56:00.001-05:00

This week I published my 2nd book that will guide any bride on her mission for a beautiful makeup application on her wedding day! This book makes a great bridal shower gift. You can get your copy on Amazon and free shipping with prime! http://amzn.to/2rXis22

Can Happiness & Success Coincide in Business?

2017-03-05T07:45:00.001-06:00

I have two questions for you today.
Question 1: Are you happy?
Question 2: Are you successful?
Whether you know it or not you can have both in your life.
Why does it seem so often that we have different answers to these two questions? Today I want you to include happiness in your definition of success, and, as you work toward your goals in the future I hope you have happiness written into that equation. It will be so much easier for you to get up and go-go-go every day if you are fulfilled in every area, not just in your idea of what business success looks like.

Success doesn’t have to look a particular way. It can look however you want it to look. You have permission to design the life that works for you. Demand that your priorities matter, you have permission to create your business strategies with “happy” in mind, goals that match and support your life stage, grow your company and your career at a rate that works with your personal agenda, and keeps your health, relationships, and personal fulfillment at the center of everything.

Because what’s the point of success that doesn’t include your happiness?!

Cheers to happiness and success in your business!

Toni Thomas

xoxo

#SeekJoy #BusinessHappiness #WorkingInJoy

5 Morning Habits to Start Your Day Right

2016-04-18T08:43:00.001-05:00

Mornings can often determine a good day or a bad day.

Here are 5 habits you can establish that will put you on the path to a great day.

Wake Up Earlier

In order to fit in a fantastic morning you’re going to need some extra time in your current routine to establish some new habits for yourself.

Give yourself at least an extra hour to begin to establish your new habits, this quiet time will give you a new sense of peace and allow you to complete your new habits without interruption. A new found joy for the morning sunrise just might be in your future.

Drink a Glass of Warm Water

Drinking a glass of warm water before your morning coffee is an excellent way to get your body going. It’s like oil for the body as it goes to work lubricating all of your internal systems. Drinking your warm water before your coffee gives your cellular system a chance to wake up and begin working.

Do a Stretching Routine

Stretch in the morning to wake your muscles and get them ready for the day. Find a routine that allows you to slowly wake the muscles and yet revives your system. 10 to 15 minutes is all you need to get your body awake and prepared for your day ahead.

Listen to Inspirational Music or an Audiobook

Starting your morning with music you find beautiful, or a book you find inspirational or motivational is the perfect way to set yourself up for success. It can give you something to look forward to in the morning, and helps you establish a mindset that is filled with purpose. Our minds are always ready for knowledge and inspiring music or books can give us that fresh approach each day.

List Your 3 To-Dos For The Day

In this busy life we can sometimes get overwhelmed by what we need to accomplish every single day. Writing down 3 things that must get done that day gives you a personal guideline to follow and it removes it from your subconscious mind. This is a great way to relieve the stress of trying to remember all those things you think you need to do. Studies show that if you write it down you are 7 times more likely to complete your task.

Giving yourself the gift of an extra hour per day to focus on you is one of the greatest gifts you will ever give yourself. Enjoy your day by starting it off right.

Cheers!

A Little Bit of Virgin Inspiration

2016-03-15T08:33:00.000-05:00

Who would run their business like Richard Branson if they could?
Well you can, all you need is a little bit of Virgin inspiration!

Virgin Group founder Richard Branson passes out beverages aboard a flight from New York to San Francisco. (Photo: AP Photo/Virgin America, Bob Riha, Jr.)

Yesterday I was rolling along in my car and of course listening to my latest new craze called Periscope. Who has Periscope? Who loves Periscope? I have become a Periscope fanatic!

Anyhow the scoper started to cover a topic that I don't hear about often enough, marketing your business with pizzazz. That all too forgotten technique of having fun while sharing information with your audience!!!

She was telling a story we all know too well. The flight attendant giving the safety presentation on a domestic flight and how those who were still awake when she started her boring monologue were reading, listening to their phones or talking to the person sitting next to them. We have all seen it a dozen times, the all too boring safety presentation on most plane flights. Boring, Boring Boring... No one listens and no one cares, including the poor flight attendant who has to perform this duty way to many times in her career.

Then the scoper said she was recently aboard a different airline flight and a video played on the small screen in front of her. The safety presentation was this amusing little video with a cast of fun loving characters performing the safety monologue, while at the same time dancing around and entertaining the audience. She realized when she looked around everyone seemed to be paying attention, almost everyone was watching the video and smiling. This she knew was how to market a business and get people to pay attention. Have fun, inform and entertain at the same time.

Image from the Virgin American safety presentation video. Credit: Virgin Airlines.

I knew what airline she was talking about, I have been on it before, and Virgin flights have even bigger marketing pizzazz than just their in-flight safety videos. They have taken the entire flight experience and given it a personal touch by dazzling us with amazing graphics and beautiful visions. From the moment we arrive at the check-in counter until the minute we de-board the plane we are enticed by their smart marketing techniques and graphic filled terminals that inspire fun days traveling to exotic destinations. The purple hued interior of their planes give a soft glow of warmth that envelopes us and their terminals are filled with gorgeous pictorials of people enjoying the world around them. They make us want to travel the world and even if we are sitting in coach we feel like royalty.

It's genius and yet so easy to replicate. It just takes a well thought out plan and a fun loving approach to your business marketing. So next time you are trying to market a new product or you are looking to brand yourself or your business start with this thought.

What would Richard Branson do?

Well I bet he would be cool, hip and have lots of fun in the process.

Cheers

How do I work a full time job and successfully work my Direct Sales Business?

2015-07-22T07:36:00.001-05:00

IT STARTS WITH A PLAN

I am asked this question often and more often than not I am not asked this very important question.

When I meet with a business partner and their business is struggling, and I ask what might be the biggest issue they are facing, the answer is usually “I just don’t have enough time”.

Ask my friend Regan about my speech on time. She will howl with laughter and tell you not to get me started…

But the answer is simple; to have a successful Direct Sales Business it requires a well laid out plan. You must know what your action items are for each day and the strategy has to be laid out in a way that you will only need an hour each day to accomplish it.

Before or after work, find a comfortable spot at your workplace or even in your car. Believe it or not working in your car can be a perfect place to get things done, it’s quiet and offers you a place that is all yours while getting your action items completed for the day.

If you are working an 8-9 hour a day job and need to work your business during the day then here is the truth. We each need to take potty breaks. So my advice is to use them wisely. If you need to answer questions or post your daily pics or need to connect then by all means do it, post on the pot!

If you are unable to do this then get yourself an auto-posting program such as Pagemodo or Hootsuite. These programs can help you post daily. But if you need to reach out and connect with people this will require your personal time. So make a list and plan your strategy and carve out the hour each day you are going to do this. If you are hosting party’s remember most successful parties happen between 8-9pm and I get some of my best responses from people when I reach out to them at 10-11pm.

Each morning before you even get out of bed wake up an hour early and post your IG post, your Google + post, your first FB post of the day and so on. If you are prepared you will already have figured out what your posts are going to be the day before.

Know what personal message you are going to send to 10-15 people each day. Have a list of contacts laid out and a very fun and friendly message ready to send.

Scroll through your list of contacts and comment and like on pictures of people who are not in your news feed.

In short the strategy has to have a plan and then the plan has to be executed and then it has to be done everyday. Even on the weekends. You’re going to only achieve maximum exposure by daily and consistent working of your business, even if you only get to do it and hour or two a day.

Cheers,

Toni

1st Rule in Business Success~Fiscal Responsibility (not a Louis Vuitton)

2015-06-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Fiscal Responsibility is often easy to understand but hard to execute and implementing it into your life can be one of the hardest tasks you will ever have to accomplish.

What does this really mean, fiscal responsibility? And how can I become fiscally responsible?

Fiscal responsibility at its core has a simple meaning: To be fiscally responsible, you need to live within your means today, tomorrow and in the future, and it is essential to creating a better, stronger and more prosperous financial future for the rest of your life. The choices you make today will determine the kind of future you have years from now. In short it means, you need to live within your financial earnings and to live within your earnings, you must spend less than you make. In today’s society that is easier said than done. With so many goods and services taunting us with their beautiful packaging it is hard to stay focused on our fiscal goals and don't even get me started on our need to stay neck-in-neck with the the women around us. The saying, "we are in debt up to our earrings," is the just a drop in our Louis Vuitton bucket purse, the one we just couldn't live without.

Photo Courtesy of fashiongonerogue.com

So where do I start?

First you must take a look at your current credit debt, is it larger than you can pay off in a single month? If so than you are already living beyond your financial earnings. Carrying large amounts of Credit Debt can make you feel trapped and often frightened about your future, carrying large amounts of debt can feel like a weight upon your shoulders that just never really goes away. Removing credit debt can make you feel more alive and more in control of your future. It is a sense of freedom very few people get to enjoy.

What can I do next?

Printable Expense Worksheet

You will need to sit down with pen and paper in hand and work out your current expenses on an income and expense worksheet, scary yes. But this is a tool you will use to create a new approach to your spending habits. Fill in every box on the expenses worksheet and if you have more expenses then by all means add those too. Leave nothing out: This is where you have to be honest with yourself. If it is a part of your monthly expense habits it needs to be on your sheet. If you have quarterly or yearly expense then break those down by 12 months and add those to the sheet.

How can I stay on track?

Look at ways to limit your personal spending. Cut down on those items in your life that just do not fit into the budget you have created. Get rid of the wants in your life and focus on the needs. Remove the clutter your home and make room for more time instead of more stuff. Manage your personal expenses as if you had no idea how much money you were going to make in the next 30 days. Find free and interesting entertainment ideas. And by all means focus on the important essential items instead of those unnecessary items.

Living life in a more simple approach is never easy but with hard work and a commitment to your financial future the end result will give you peace of mind and a stronger financial foundation.

Be fiscally responsible and feel financially free.

Cheers,

Toni

Business Organization On-the-Go

2015-06-15T14:20:00.000-05:00

Running a business is difficult enough but running a business while you are traveling requires careful planning and staying organized on-the-go can be relatively challenging. Technology gives us the flexibly to run our businesses from just about anywhere and selling our products has never been easier. But how do we stay organized with so much to do and where do we go to find the resources we need to stay connected and on track?

Here are a few tips to make running your small business on-the-go a little easier.

Invest in the right hardware and mobile devices that you will need to access your online business accounts. This essential element can pay off for you long after the initial investment, but only buy the hardware you need. In most cases a good smartphone may be all you need to stay well connected.

Download the right software apps to assist in your business needs.

You will need a good photo editing app like WordSwag, BeFunky or PicMonkey to create professional pics and collages.

You will need an online calendar to remind you of those essential meeting or conference calls you will be attending. I use Jorte Calendar and organizer but there are many many may online calendar apps to keep your calendar organized.

You will need an online file sharing app such as Dropbox, Evernote or Google Drive to access docs and or pictures.

You will need a payment processing app or device. I use SquareCard Reader but paypal has a new payment processing device called PaypalHere and intuit has a reader device called GoReader.

You may need an online auto posting app to post to all your social media while you are on-the-go. I use Pagemodo for my auto posting to my facebook business pages and even to my personal page when needed. I do not like to go more than one day without posting. Here is a short list of auto posting apps. Hootsuite, Tweetdeck and Buffer.

Office supplies are still needed even on-the-go, in fact they are even more essential. I never leave home without my three ring binder and my notebook with pockets for receipts and notes and business cards I collect. Pens in two colors as well as a small stapler and push pins. I never leave home without my push pins. How else do I hang-up my blitz card to a cork board. And never ever leave home without your business cards and a small stack of catalogs if you have them. I have kicked myself many times for never having enough of these items.

Set a schedule for yourself with regular office hours, then stick to your daily business routine and focus on your to-do list each day. Once you write it down you are seven times more likely to complete it then if you don't.

Staying organized is essential for your success and even more important when you are on-the-go. Becoming a mobile entrepreneur is easy. Staying a mobile entrepreneur requires attention to the details and a great ability to stay on top of all the required aspects.

Cheers,

Toni

10 Habits of the Uber Wealthy

2015-06-06T08:03:00.001-05:00

Let's face it being wealthy and acting wealthy are not the same but following the habits of the wealthy could be the beginning of a bright future.
What habits do the wealthy do that separates them from the average person?

For many people who dream of riches wealth means fancy cars, fabulous clothing, expensive shopping trips and luxury travel.
But to the uber wealthy it is about the relentless pursuit of a future that is secure and stable. For them it means being ruthless in their goals with a laser focus on what they want and how they are going to make it happen.

Here are just 10 habits of the uber wealthy

1. The uber wealthy tend to be early risers. They usually wake up when most of us have just settled into our best REM sleep. As early risers they get the most from their mornings and utilize this time to build their daily to-do list. One study shows that 44% of the uber wealthy get up three hours before the mortal man.

2. The uber wealthy always have a to-do list, statistics show that most if not all uber wealthy people keep a to-do list and carry it around in a logbook with them with the intention of completing the tasks before the day is over. Now we know why the filo fax was created.

3. The uber wealthy have a strong tendency to focus on the future. Not just tomorrow but what will pay off in the long run with the thought process that what I do today will pay off in twenty to thirty years. Their ability to look far into the future and work toward that goal puts them in the in that 1% population, those who can focus for longer than a bat second.

4. The uber wealthy are self made and self employed. More than two thirds of those on the Forbes 400 list are self made. Let's face it getting to the top means you don't have time to climb over all those in the corporate world to get there. Creating your own business means you start at the top and work hard to stay at the top.

5. The uber wealthy network network network and then they network some more, spending up to five hours per day reaching out and shaking hands with people who can help them make things happen.

6. The uber wealthy have an uncanny ability to never forget a name or a face. This simple memory technique opens many doors and as we all know using a persons first name is music to their ears.

7. The uber wealthy have little time for romance novels but spend up to two hours per day reading goal based books or listening to audio books during their commuting time. Personal and professional development is high on the list of priorities. We all need a cheerleader in our ear.

8. The uber wealthy know that health and fitness are key to a strong mind. Most wealthy people eat less than 300 empty calories per day. Yes, that includes those high calorie cocktails we all love so much.

9. The uber wealthy get to the top on their own but they never do it alone. They find mentors and role models and spend time digging out the secrets to success. Having someone to bounce ideas off of gives the wealthy an edge we mere mortals never think about doing. We tend to keep our great ideas inside, they tend to talk and talk until the idea is rock solid.

10. The uber wealthy sock it away, saving for the future is not an option it is a way of life for the super rich. Where most of us put away 6% they tend to save an average of 19% of their income. Remember the uber wealthy are always looking into the future, way into the future.

Not everyone was meant to be in the uber wealthy world but if you are looking to have a more secure future following a few of these habits might just be the key to your future success.

Cheers,

Toni

How to Build your Direct Sales Business in 3 Easy Steps

2015-05-27T09:23:00.000-05:00

Sponsoring can be such a challenge! It is tough to know what to say, who to reach out to and how to connect in the right way.

So how do we overcome the challenge and build real connections and lasting relationships?

Confidence leaves a lasting impression

Know Your Business

TIP: First rule is getting to know your business well enough to talk about it with confidence. As we move through our business lives we learn each day and knowing how to talk about what you do it key to building a team.

TRICK: Use your products, learn key ingredients and benefits of your products and then practice talking about your products. Learn the benefits of your business and the opportunity (how can it improve someone's life, how can it make a difference). What does your business mean to you? Share your story….

Build Relationships

TIP: The key to building relationships is leaving our comfort zone and connecting with people we know and people we don’t know. This is called networking in many sales businesses but I prefer to call it building relationships. To build a strong relationship we have to be comfortable with ourselves and be truthful in our approach. Try not to talk about your business in a first meeting or first message. Let the relationship develop. Practice the art of interviewing, or asking questions about topics your listener is interested in talking about. Let them share their passions with you. Then eventually you will get to share your passion with them.

TRICK: Reach out and touch someone today. I don’t mean physically I mean emotionally. Give a compliment, thank someone or ask someone a valid question that lets them share their knowledge. Learn what they are good at. People like to share their knowledge. Know that the questions you ask you really want to know the answer too. Do not ever ask a question if you really do not want to know the answer. Be genuine or nothing at all.

Example: Hi Jane, I love all of your Yoga pics, you look so strong and fit. I love Yoga but don’t know anything about Bikram. Should I learn the poses before I take a class or do you think I can go to a class as a beginner? I hate to make a fool of myself. Help needed from a newbie.

People love to share their knowledge…

Example: Susan I see you are at the Monaco Grand Prix….OMG I am so jealous and happy for you. I love racing! I cant wait to see all of your pics and chat about Monaco when you get back. (YES…. I really did send this)

Follow Up

TIP: Following up is the most important step of all and the one step we all forget to do or just don't want to do because it requires time and energy. And it isn’t the fun part of our job. But following up is the number one way to build relationships and to maintain a strong top of mind awareness, it is also the only way you are going to build your business. Having the ability to show that you care about someone as a friend will put you in a whole different category with any of your connections.

TRICK: Send Thank You Cards immediately after a sale or when a friend has helped out in a situation. Never forget a birthday. Just so you know my birthday is always the most important day of the year for me. You send me a birthday card or a direct message on my birthday I am your friend for life…

Use your skills of organization and remind yourself to follow up on any inquiries or connections that might lead to building your business.

No matter what business you are in building relationships is essential to your success. You are a business owner so make sure you act like one. Laziness as you can see is not on the list.

Cheers,

Toni

The Virtual Handshake

2015-05-12T20:06:00.000-05:00

What does it mean and how do we achieve it with success?

I decided when I first became a work from home professional that I would take every opportunity to introduce myself and not miss any chance to meet someone new, I would make sure to personally engage with people even if I was doing it virtually.

In an age of information overload we tend to fall into the habit of those abbreviated words that become abbreviated messages which become absurdly quick answers to any question. We send and receive email that literally leaves out any sign of friendliness or genuine interaction. We have become a society of less than approachable conversations on all media and especially on social media. So here is how I created my version of the virtual handshake.

If you have become friends with someone new on any social media site it is time to reach out, introduce yourself and say hello. Take the time to get to know them by looking over their social media profiles and learn a thing or two about them. When you say hello genuinely greet them with a smile on your face, even if they can’t see it they can feel it and remember a quick compliment can go a long way to breaking any barrier.

By the way I do this exact same greeting in person so I am not straying from what I do out in the real world. It helps to break the ice and gets people to smile. SO my suggestion is to always be yourself, unless of course being yourself means you don’t say hi at all. Be personable and fun be interested and interesting it can bring about a much friendlier conversation and frankly it makes for a much better handshake. The rule of thumb is to be genuine and yourself.

The Personal Handshake

At a recent cocktail party my husband and I attended I did not know a single soul in a room filled with professionals. But since I am a very social creature and tend to love conversation I never stand back in the corner and wait for others to come to me. I always pick out people in the room I truly want to get to know, I pay attention to the crowd and look for friendly faces and people who carry themselves with confidence. The more confident a person is in the room the more I want to meet them.

I will approach them after I have observed something about them and I prepare to introduce myself, I put out my hand for a shake and give a compliment or I ask a compelling question. Example: Hi my name is Toni Thomas, I saw you from across the room and I love those shoes, where did you find them if you don’t mind my asking?
I really did love her shoes and I really did want to know where she got them. Of course she smiled and was more than happy to talk about her great shoes and the great price she got them for. Never underestimate the power of the compliment.

The Virtual Handshake

So how is a virtual handshake different? I can honestly say the technique is the same but the approach takes a little more effort. In the world of social media we are constantly adding new people to our circle of relationships. In Facebook it is by adding friends, in LinkedIn it is by adding connections, with Instagram you have followers, and well you know how it works. Each one is a social media site but each one is very different in nature but I can assure you that a handshake is still a handshake if done correctly.

On social media it requires a little more time and effort. Let’s use Facebook as an example. On Facebook we have many friends, some we know, some we know real well and some we don’t know at all. If you are in the business of building relationships then a virtual handshake is very important to connecting with those unknown friends on your friend list and taking the time to do a virtual crowd look is much harder but can still be accomplished. Take the time go look at their profile. Scroll through and pick out something about them that you can relate to. Children, cats, dogs, motivational posts, inspirational posts, a hobby or one of the many things we see every day on other people’s timeline.

Once you have found a genuine topic to compliment or a compelling question to ask you are now prepared to make the virtual handshake. Example: Hi my name is Toni Thomas, I noticed we are friends on Facebook and I love all the motivational post you make, thanks for sharing. I was wondering where you got that great scarf I saw you wearing in your post yesterday. I love it!!!!

Easy right?

Now how do we make a virtual handshake in an online event or party that you are hosting? This seems like an easy way to make a new friend and give a handshake. The attendees are in a virtual room that you have created, you have set the mood and they are watching (even if you don’t think they are) so never miss the opportunity to put out your virtual hand for a shake and give a compliment or ask a compelling question.

Take advantage of the occasion you created to make t heconnection.

The results will astonish you!

Cheers,

Toni

There is a better way...

2015-05-09T11:56:00.001-05:00

IT'S TIME TO GET INTO GEAR

2015-01-05T13:10:00.002-06:00

#‎AWWCon15‬ and Women in Gear have partnered on the "Get into Gear" a $2000 educational scholarship contest. ‪#‎womeningear‬ will be providing a scholarship for one lucky woman to receive a scholarship for a series of online certificate courses hosted by Women in Gear. You'll get to choose the class that you'd like to take and pick your own schedule. This is an amazing opportunity to enhance the quality of your life through education. The qualifications for this contest are simple:
•Y...ou must be a woman
•You must be over the age of 21
•You must have a high school diploma
•You must reside in the U.S.A.
Ready to improve your life with a great educational opportunity? Click below to enter!
http://www.awwconference.com/women-in-gear-contest.html

Understanding the Law of Attraction

2014-11-19T08:01:00.001-06:00

"If you can dream it you can become it"

How many of us have heard this inspirational quote? How many of us really believe it?
Most of us have heard it but can it really be true, that if we dream about it, we can create or become something we are not? Is seeing the vision of oneself living in or being in the company of the dream enough to make it a reality? I believe the answer is yes we can if we are not only willing to dream but are willing to put action in our lives to achieve it.
I have an adventurous spirit, willing to seize almost every opportunity that comes my way. Yes it’s true, I do have a daring side ready to seek out new and exciting adventures and the spirit of one who can accommodate most any situation, but those who know me and know me well, could argue that I may not be as bold as that sounds.
I tend to go home early and take life a little more serious than the person next to me. I am however courageous in my life and love to see what might be around the next corner. But here is the truth; I usually have created the scenario in my head long before I turn the corner and long before it even became an opportunity.
When I was a young girl living in rural America dreaming was part of my everyday routine. I dreamed that someday I would live in a place where I could be around lots of people and I would attend grand events and I would get to meet famous people. I would wear beautiful dresses and beautiful shoes and I would get to dance in a room full of twinkling lights. I would have lots of friends and I would see the world. I would marry a gorgeous, kind and successful man. I would be a business woman and sit among my peers discussing important topics that affect the women of the world, and where I would have the opportunity to help others while making my own dreams come true.
These are the dreams of many young women, the dreams that I had while walking home from school in a town so small we didn’t even have a stop light and we traveled thirty miles just to get our groceries.
From someone looking into this picture you would think I would never be able to fulfill any of those dreams. And yet all of those visions of my childhood have come true, those dreams and many more.
As life goes we grow up and we tend to stop dreaming or at least we think we do.
My dreaming is of a different kind now. I am a living the law of attraction, I think good thoughts, I envision my future, I do what I can to create outcomes that make my dreams or wishes a reality and I research every opportunity to determine its value. I seek the outcomes I am looking for and I make sure to focus on the achievement in a new and positive way. It is very hard to explain to someone the law of attraction when most days you are not even sure how it happens.
Let me give you some tips that work for me.
I have trained my brain to think in a positive manner. Even when something bad happens I tend to put it out of my mind quickly or I just put a positive spin on it. I genuinely adore my family and my friends and I never let negative conversation into my life. Complaining is not in my vocab and I shut out those conversations from my world. I think about the joy in my life as opposed to the pain I may have had. I even overcome personal physical pain with positive thoughts. I delve into my muscles with my mind and get them to open up and breathe. Sounds corny I know but it works.
Here is just one story of the power of attraction in my life.
I have always wanted to live near the water, always. There was never a time that a body of water didn’t give me pleasure upon seeing it. I could be driving over a bridge and a strong feeling of peace comes over me and I at once feel calm and content. My current home had a small creek running out behind the house; I could never see this body of water because the trees, bushes and tall grasses have kept it from my view. This was okay because I knew it was there and at night I could hear it running if I opened my window, then last summer a beaver built a house down steam in my little creek. Guess what, I now have a pond right behind my house and although I cannot see it in the summer because of all the obstructions I can see it clearly in the winter when all the leaves are gone and the grass has died.
This friend is the power of attraction. So here is my advice to you. Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.

Cheers,

Toni

Reading Resources:
The Secret http://thesecret.tv/
The Law of Attraction Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_attraction_(New_Thought)

"There are no Excuses on the road to Success" by: Toni Thomas

2014-08-31T15:03:00.001-05:00

From Nepal an American Success Story

2014-08-21T10:43:00.002-05:00

Talking about successful women made me realize I didn't have to look very far to find one in my own circle of friends. Her name is Sweta and she is just a girl from Nepal who has become an American Success Story.

Sweta Lamichhane

Although I have a plethora of acquaintances I have but a handful of very close friends. They come in a wide range of ages and they vary in professional passions but I can tell you one thing they all have in common, they are compassionate, hard working and honest.
One of those friends is a young woman who has achieved much and overcome even more in her life. She is an entrepreneur, an actor, a musician, a philanthropist, a survivor of teenage bullying and a woman of great compassion and accomplishment.
Where do I begin? How about at the beginning?
Coming from the small country of Nepal and the city of Kathmandu she moved to the United States at a very young age living on the East Coast with her loving family living what everyone thought was the "American Dream" but after years of being bullied by her classmates in high school this adventurous young girl decided to enter the United States Marine Corp.
Trying to escape the harsh reality of teenage life in the US she entered what would be the toughest job of her life. This seemed like the perfect place to rebuild her strength and her courage and to overcome the pain she had suffered during what should have been her wonder years. And she would tell you it did just that, "in the Marines we are all equal, eveyone is just trying to survive and come out on the other side."
What would become one of the most defining moments in her life came when it was discovered in her home country that she had entered the US Marine Corp.
You see she was the very first woman in her country to ever enter the military, the very first. Imagine the buzz created when it was discovered she had entered one of the toughest Military sectors in the world. She has become something of a National Treasure in her home country of Nepal and it is easy to see why.
After time spent building her self esteem in the Marines this charming young woman ventured out to the Gold Coast of California, the acting bug had caught her and as it turned out she was pretty good at it, getting many side roles on TV shows and even on set for a few big screen movies. She had overcome so much in her life and it appeared she was living the life we all dream of, yet still her passions were not ignited.
What was she looking for? What was her true calling? Where did she belong?
When she started to look at her life it looked like she belonged back home with her family on the East Coast and this would be where her true story of success and love was about to unfold.
She entered the world of beauty, going back to school and getting her education in skincare. She had no idea she would enjoy this field of study so much as it happens she not only loved it but she was very good at it. Five years later she is now a Master Esthetician, a Permanent Makeup Artist, a Master Level Makeup Artist and an Instructor for all of these professions. She now teaches at a very successful post secondary skincare institute and shares her love of beauty with her students.
She started the Care for Karnali foundation giving back to the children of Nepal by providing the children of Karnali the opportunity to receive an education through scholarships, and in turn, empowering them to better their future and all aspects of their lives. http://www.careforkarnali.com/
She started her own skincare and cosmetic business where she shares skincare products and the business opportunity with other women who have a passion for skincare and beauty. She empowers other women and gives back some of what was taken away from her as a teenage girl. You can visit her company website here www.bomblashes.com
She fell in love with a wonderful man who is her biggest supporter and they are engaged to be married in the fall.
Semper fi is exactly who this woman is, always faithful to those she cares for and those she wants to empower.
She is a woman to love and a woman to admire and I am blessed to call her a friend.

Peace

Toni

Is there really work from home success?

2014-08-07T15:39:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wondered if you really could work from home?
If so, what could you do to make a decent living and earn enough to be successful?
Here is what I tell friends when they want to know more about direct sales, multi-level marketing and work from home opportunitites and is it possible to be successful in these jobs?
I share a story about an amazing young woman.
From Shy to Success:
She joined her Direct Sales company because she was looking for a "work from home opportunity". What could this art student and stay at home Mom do that could get her a small income so she could have some spending money and get her involved socially with others? She decided she wanted to share the products that she had used that had cleared up her Adult Acne. She already knew they worked and that they were quality products plus she hadher own personal testimonial to share.
She is a "Stay at Home Mom" and she was living in a new town with no close friends living near by. She had less than 100 friends on her Facebook page and she had never even heard of Direct Sales.
When she started to discuss her desire to join a direct sales business she was discouraged by many who said those companies are just scams. Yet, she decided to take a Leap of Faith on herself and give it a try. She spent every day reading every piece of information her sponsor sent to her. She did her research and learned everything she could about the company. She started following others in the company who were successful and inspirational. She slowly began to gain courage in herself and began reaching out to meet new people. In her own quiet way she had become a networker.
She began to make 100's of new friends online and in person and showed strong signs of leadership. She made videos showing others her beautiful skin and the fun she was having working from home while meeting new people. She was talking to people all over the US, Europe and even New Zealand. Four months into her new business she was making so many new friends she could barely keep up.
She was teaching her sponsor new ways to network and make friends. She never hesitated to share all she was learning with others and taught most of her sponsors team how to do some of the things she was doing to be successful.
Six months after starting her new business venture, her company and her team sold over $10,000 in products. In month seven she made enough money to purchase her very first new car.
You never need to ask me if Direct Sales work?
I am watching it work and it is changing lives everyday "one in particular" and I am so happy to call her a friend and I am so proud of the leader she has become.
She made me a promise last week at her company convention, a promise that still brings tears to my eyes, "I will walk across that stage as one of the highest ranking people in this company next year and I will be taking you with me" Yes!!! She will be leading the way.
I love you for your courage and your passion. You are a true hero to me.
You are "A SUCCESS STORY".

Brittany @miss_brittie
www.moremascara.com

5 Traits of a Successful Entrepeneur

2014-07-17T15:42:00.000-05:00

By: Toni Thomas

Many of you know I started my life as a business entrepreneur at the very young age of 29 when I opened my first store front business. Although I was likely an entrepreneur long before I opened my first business, I just had a way of sharing my passions with others and getting people to share my enthusiasm. To me the word entrepreneur has always been closely related to sharing our passions with others successfully.

I have now been an entrepreneur for the past 20 years and although not always on the upside of money I was always on the up side of life and everything I learned about the world of business I learned on my own. I spent many years watching others in business and trying to understand why some are successful and why others seem to struggle. Here is what I have observed about those we find to be successful entrepreneurs.

1. No Shame

Successful entrepreneurs have no shame. No shame in who they are and no shame in what they do. They move forward with complete confidence that everyone they meet wants to know who they are and what they do. They know that what they do and what they have to offer is the best and that everyone should have the opportunity to share in their products or services. They tell everyone they know and everyone they meet exactly what they do and how they do it. They never let a single opportunity pass by without sharing their ideas with others.

2. Complete Confidence

Every successful entrepreneur I know has an aura about them that is so hard to describe. Although I’m going to call it confidence I’m not sure that word does them justice. They have confidence but so much more. They have a complete understanding of who they are, what they want and where they are going. To be next to a successful entrepreneur is like getting struck by lightning and enjoying it. The electricity is so powerful you are unable to pull away and yet you know you don’t want to be anywhere else. These folks have a hard time leaving a room, no one wants the energy to be gone, and the letdown is just too great.

3. Assertiveness

Have you ever wanted to say something so bad but you hold back and let the moment pass. Well a successful entrepreneur never lets the moment pass. They speak in truths all the time. They say exactly what’s on their mind and never do it in a way that makes us feel uncomfortable. They point out issues the moment they see them and have no fear of repercussion because for them there are none. They know they owe their successes only to their abilities and they have no patience for wasteful conversation and unacceptable behavior. They never mince words and always put it all on the line.

4. Focus

All successful entrepreneurs live in their passions and their ability to see the future. Successful entrepreneurs never waiver from where they are going and always focus on completing the task, their ability to create the future is how they define their successes. There is no compromise for them. The outcome is well defined and their focus is always on the mark.

5. Plan

No successful entrepreneur goes into any project without a well thought out plan that has been put to paper. They strategize followed quickly by implementation. They never let ideas sit on the sidelines. Even a bad idea has to be explored just in case it leads to a better idea. They always follow through and never fail to follow up. Every successful entrepreneur I know would say the fortune is in the follow up.

Successful entrepreneurs have proven that their best traits have allowed them to be dynamic in a world which is ever changing. I for one want to be on the other side of success and know that each of you have the ability to be there as well.

Cheers

Toni

15 Awesome Jobs that Actually Exist by Jessica Solomon www.chegg.com

2014-07-15T13:40:00.001-05:00

15 Awesome Jobs that Actually Exist

by Jessica Solomon www.chegg.com

Forget settling, forget traditional. Turn the office into your playground with out-of-the-box careers.
The only question you’ll ask is where to start.
1. Beer Tester
Sample a variety of brews to pinpoint defining characteristics and tastes. Malt or hops? Thin or thick? Let’s hope your pallet has developed enough to determine the differences – and to know if they were intentional. One last thing, you better love the taste of beer or else this job could be miserable.
2. Ski Patroller
Shred the ski mountain while ensuring both tourists and locals stay on the safe side. You’ll never miss fresh tracks on a powder day or be limited by the ski area boundaries. Don’t get me wrong, the 9-hour ski days can be tough on the legs. Bonuses include (but are not limited to): jumping to the front of the lift line, getting awesome free ski gear, and rocking a goggle tan year round.
3. Mobile Application Developer
Rewind five years: neither Instagram, SnapChat, nor Angry Birds even existed. Fast-forward to today and anything we can think of doing is now at our disposal in the palm of our hands. Popularity and importance of cell phones has reached an outstanding level, and the consumer demand to keep up with the latest trends is endless. As an app developer, you would be responsible for creating, writing, and implementing innovative applications to be used on mobile devices, ultimately revolutionizing the future of communication and instant access.
4. Fortune Cookie Writer
Ever felt you have some sixth sense you’re just itching to share? Or started a book to realize you only had the first sentence? In two sentences you possess the power to change the course of someone’s day, if not their life. Share your imaginative side in the luxury of your own home, but don’t be fooled: you’ll need to come up with endless fortunes to keep up with the 6+ million cookies consumed daily.
5. Toy Tester
Here, work and play are synonymous. Channel your inner kid by testing products that have yet to hit the consumer market. In addition to ensuring these toys are fun and visually appealing, you will gauge their profitability and safety.
6. Special Effects Crew
As a Special Effects Crew member you work in what is called the Prop Shop where you build and rig the equipment needed to pull off stunts and gags. This may include mechanized props, scale models, pyrotechnics, make-up prosthetics, or simulated weather conditions like fog, rain, and wind. If you spent your childhood building things just to knock them down, the Prop Shop will seem like the ultimate adult playground.
7. Ice Cream Taster
Yes, this is as great as it sounds: ice cream for breakfast and lunch. Your days may consist of tasting 30 samples before noon (sorry mom), or imagining new flavor combinations that could be the next mint chocolate chip.
8. Mattress Jumper
For all those times your parents told you to quit jumping on the bed, you can now argue it was practice – for work! High-end mattress companies actually require a human to jump on their products multiple times, compressing the cotton interior and creating the perfect density. This is real physical labor; you must eliminate all lumps and pay attention to details because just a few too many jumps can throw off the comfort level. I know this seems like a job fit for a restless child, but it really takes work!
9. Academic Interventionist
You’re like a safety net for kids who are unable to keep up in class. Each state has a set of learning standards used to determine who moves on to the next grade. But kids can fall below state standards for a number of reasons: speech impediments, emotional problems, physical disabilities, or serious illnesses that keep them out of school. So the work of an Academic Interventionist begins with identifying the kids who are in danger of falling below these standards, and then help them catch up.
10. Body Part Model
Top agencies are looking for people who have exceptional features to showcase certain products. Your flawless wrists don’t have to go unnoticed, your shiny hair can be appreciated, and your great fingernail beds will finally get some credit. Unlike regular models, body part models are anonymous, come in all shapes and sizes, and can showcase many different types of products.
11. Feng Shui Consultant
Help others improve productivity, opportunity, and peace of mind by taking interior design one step further. Feng Shui relies on ancient Chinese art and science to create a positive atmosphere, which will then impact ones life. You will be tasked with arranging the energy flow of an area to ensure health, good fortune, and success.
12. Linguist
How did words get their meaning? Theoretical linguists explore this through grammar, syntax, semantics, etymology, and phonetics (the sound of language), while practical linguists focus on the use and application of language. Because you understand language, you understand communication, which means you’ve got many employment options, including software development, teaching, or analytics.
13. Cruise Ship Entertainer
This job rocks for a number of reasons. For one, you will have the opportunity to travel around the world to some of the most memorable and geographically beautiful countries. Two, cruises are awesome. You’ll get to interact with happy vacationers, and your sole purpose will be to make their trip even better. Explore the open waters, visit ancient sites, and visit unheard of islands, all while giving others an unforgettable (and amusing) performance – it doesn’t get much better than this.
14. Private Island Caretaker
Notorious as “the best job in the world,” life in an island paradise seems too good to be true. Take advantage of a near permanent and rent-free vacation by simply keeping someone else’s property in top condition. Spend endless sunny days enjoying an array of watersports and an independent lifestyle. You will need to possess the skills and knowledge to tackle island life, but this minimalistic and carefree career could one day be yours.
15. Zoologist
If you ask white-collar workers what it’s like in corporate America, many will tell you, “It’s a jungle out there.” Incidentally, Zoologists will say the same thing about their workplace. You’re a scientist who watches, researches, and cares for wildlife. Often employed by universities — and sometimes by zoos, aquariums, museums, and wildlife reserves — you’re a permanent guest of the animal kingdom.

How cool is this?

Happy Job Hunting!

Cheers,

Toni

My 7 Secrets to Direct Sales Success

2014-05-20T11:50:00.001-05:00

Inspiration+Motivation=Realization

1. Each day I spend 30 minutes doing something related to my personal development. Personal empowerment brings about self-confidence. When we feel good it shows.

Walk, Bike, Hike, Run, Meditate, Swim, Stretch, Yoga:
Simply move...

2. I spend 10 to 15 minutes each working day with someone who inspires and guides me. Yes, I spend each day talking to that one person who can give me the motivation to stay focused.

We talk on the phone or in person…

3. I found someone to be accountable too. I have a relationship with someone in my industry who keeps me on me on track. We discuss strategies and what my plans are for the day, the week and sometimes the month.

I do the same for her…

4. I joined many networking groups (online and in person). You may feel compelled to just join MLM or Direct Sales groups but spread your wings and join groups that interest you. Ask questions make new friends and eventually they will ask what you do and you can share your passion with them.

Find what truly interests you and gain the knowledge to share it fully….

5. I plan each and every day, I know well in advance what my calendar will look like for the day and I design my strategy to accomplish each and every item on my plan.

3 to 4 strategies per day, try not to get overwhelmed, be persistent and consistent…

6. I spend my scheduled working hours in my Direct Sales Business doing only revenue generating tasks. I do not let anyone or anything distract me from my goals during those hours.

Find your focus and stay the course…

7. I take my work seriously but I never take myself seriously. I laugh all the time at myself and some of the crazy things I do or attempt to do. It really is amazing how much fun your business can be when you let yourself enjoy every minute of it.

Share your strategies with your team and have lots of fun with them. I inspire through laughter, my passion and the crazy stuff I do… Just have fun…

Cheers

Toni

Why is her business doing so well?

2014-04-13T11:18:00.000-05:00

Why do some people seem so successful and others just don’t have the knack? Why do some businesses fail in the first three years while others have been around for generations? What makes us go back to one business time and time again, even if the location is inconvenient or there are other impediments?
It is one simple element: "It not about the service they provide it’s about the person who has provided the service"

I genuinely love my hair stylist she is funny and talented and always on the mark when it comes to my color. She has humor, great stories and has more confidence in her talents than seems possible. She is busy but never lets me see just how busy she is and her salon is one of the hottest places in DC. She is damn good at her job but not just because she makes me look great but because she makes me feel great. When I arrive for my appointment I’m greeted by name by her receptionist, in a place so busy and large this always amazes me and yet the friendliness makes me feel calm and welcomed.

This complete and genuine customer service is given to me throughout my visit in her salon. The reality is I hate going to have my hair done it is a chore of such magnitude I can barely tolerate the thought of it and yet I continue to go back. Why? It is definitely not about the service they provide, I can get that anywhere, it is however all about the people who provide me the service.

So the next time you are wondering why your business just doesn’t seem to have the customers you think it should have or you can’t seem to figure out the secret to success. Take the lead from my stylist and her team. Genuine customer service is still the name of the game. You are the brand of your business so be the top brand.

Ten steps to great customer service:

Be Genuine

Be Truthful

Be Assertive

Be Professional

Be Attentive

Be Helpful

Be Useful

Be Fair

Be Compassionate

Be Friendly

To learn more about taking your business to the next level of success. Feel free to connect with me.

Cheers,

Toni

How to Enrich Your Personal Life

2014-03-30T09:23:00.002-05:00

No Business Today...

Most articles I write are all about the enrichment of your business or the enrichment of your professional life. Yes, those articles have a purpose and they are meant to be informative. They do not however give you any guidance on how to overcome the stresses of everyday living and the pressure that comes with our professional daily lives.
Today I want to talk a little bit about your self enrichment and some of the steps you can take to care for your inner being. You know that person behind the successful you.

10 ideas to enrich your personal life:

Make time for yourself (10 minutes) to meditate or reflect on your life.
Live in the now, living in the moment helps to ground your thoughts and calm the mind.
Find a movement that you can do everyday, any physical activity that fits into your lifestyle (walk, run, yoga, stretching, lifting, jumping, biking, boxing, hiking, swimming etc...)
Have lunch, dinner or drinks with a good friend.
Enjoy laughter with people in your life who make you laugh out loud.
Be fun and playful, do things that make you smile, with your spouse, your children or even your pets. This will in turn enrich all of your lives
Make love to your partner or just make time for pleasurable moments.
Give thanks and gratitude to those around you who make your life easier.
Make time for the special people in your life.
Say "I love you!" These three words will give you peace and fill someone else with joy.

Cheers,

Toni

10 Tips to Start a New Business

2014-03-29T10:28:00.000-05:00

In today's fast changing technology based and social media environment it is good to remember the basic fundamentals of a new business start-up.

Determine the type of business entity in which you will conduct business. Major choices are sole proprietor, partnership, limited liability (LLC), corporation, or non-profit.
Apply for you Federal Tax ID number. Here is the IRS URL to give you guidance. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html
Open a separate business bank account and apply for a business credit card. This will reduce the time and money you spend on bookkeeping, as well as giving you a good view of cash and funds coming in and cash and funds going out. Never mix business with pleasure, best tip of the day.
Set up an accounting system that matches your business needs. There are many flavors to chose from so check out the most popular as well as free software available on open source. Your choice all depends on how complicated your cash flow is.
Set up all the forms you will need to track transactions. This would mean templates for invoicing and receipts. You also may want to set up a system or template for purchase orders, estimates and statements. All of these forms can be found on Quickbooks and other accounting software or online at open space form links.
Make sure you have all of your federal and state business license requirements and any permits you may need. Go to www.business.gov to find out more and check your local state licensing board for local licenses.
Secure business insurance to protect your financial investment.
Create a realistic budget based on a cash flow template. Here is a great one from the SBA,archive.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/.../sba.../form_finasst_cshflstmt.xlt
Make estimated tax deposits every quarter, especially if your business is a sole proprietor, partnership or S-corp. Regular tax planning will prevent surprises when its time to prepare the income tax returns.
10. Manage your time wisely. Outsource the items you are unable to manage such as accounting, taxes, legal work, marketing, business plan, financial plan and any other business areas that you do not feel confident to tackle.

You are the soul of your business and it is your job to put out the best product or service you can. So leave the rest of the small stuff to the pros who do this for a living.

Cheers!

Toni

The Law of Attraction

2014-03-07T07:33:00.002-06:00

Women In Gear: School of Makeup Artistry

The Business of Makeup Artistry

DIY Bridal Makeup Guide

Can Happiness & Success Coincide in Business?

5 Morning Habits to Start Your Day Right

A Little Bit of Virgin Inspiration

Who would run their business like Richard Branson if they could? Well you can, all you need is a little bit of Virgin inspiration!

How do I work a full time job and successfully work my Direct Sales Business?

1st Rule in Business Success~Fiscal Responsibility (not a Louis Vuitton)

Business Organization On-the-Go

10 Habits of the Uber Wealthy

How to Build your Direct Sales Business in 3 Easy Steps

The Virtual Handshake

There is a better way...

IT'S TIME TO GET INTO GEAR

Understanding the Law of Attraction

"There are no Excuses on the road to Success" by: Toni Thomas

From Nepal an American Success Story

Is there really work from home success?

5 Traits of a Successful Entrepeneur

15 Awesome Jobs that Actually Exist by Jessica Solomon www.chegg.com

15 Awesome Jobs that Actually Exist

My 7 Secrets to Direct Sales Success

Why is her business doing so well?

How to Enrich Your Personal Life

10 Tips to Start a New Business

The Law of Attraction

Who would run their business like Richard Branson if they could?
Well you can, all you need is a little bit of Virgin inspiration!