Sonny Essence

Interns Wanted!

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:42:00 +0000

Attention Delesa J Writing Services is seeking 2 interns (credit only). Please see below for more details.

Intern 1: Must be a PR intern
Hours: 10-15 hours in office (Fontana) and/or field
5 hours will be done online (virtually)
Duties:
-Input business cards into excel
-Research content for social media clients
-Post for Delesa J Writing Services (on social media sites)
-Perform follow up calls and schedule appointments
-Market for Delesa J Writing Services
-Write press releases and resumes (and other business writing as assigned)
-Create and update Delesa J Writing Services' newsletter
-Update Delesa J Writing Services' site
-Any additional duties as assigned

Skills needed:
-Must have strong: writing, social media, communication, computer, customer and organization skills.
-Must possess a strong business acumen.
-Must have personal computer.

*Some writing assignments/projects may include a stipend. To be discussed.

Intern 2: Office Intern
Hours and location: tbd
Duties:
-Mostly office and business related duties
--Any additional duties as assigned

More details to come.

Skills needed:

-Must have strong: writing, social media, communication, computer, customer and organization skills.

-Must possess a strong business acumen.

-Must have personal computer.

Interviews:
Immediately. Please submit resumes to Delesaj@gmail.com.

Tie Me Ups Review

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:45:00 +0000

Special thanks to @CurlyNuGrowth for the review. We loved it and your pictures, Very cute!

Check out the review here

Tie Me Ups featuring Wooden Love. Model: @CurlyNuGrowth

Click here to visit CurlyNuGrowth's site

Have You Been Tied Up Lately?

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:19:00 +0000

Delesa J introduces Tie Me Ups! Her new line of creative hair jewelry. Tie Me Ups can be worn to the gym, a night out, a special date, or any other occasion you see fit. They are especially made for women with thick hair, locs (Dreadlocks, Sisterlocks, etc.), twists, natural hair, and more!

So whether you rock an afro, bald head or a head full of hair, Tie Me Ups can be used to jazz up your style and show the world just how fierce you are! Purchase yours now.

Check them out here

Now Hiring!

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:53:00 +0000

FREELANCE WRITER WANTED!

Delesa J Writing Services is seeking a Freelance Writer! We need someone who is flexible, creative, coachable, open to learning, business oriented, and a team player with excellent writing skills.

Paid position with ability to become a staff position. Pay percentage will be discussed upon hire. Serious inquiries only please. Submit resume and writing sample to be considered for an interview. Need to fill position asap.

Email: Delesaj@gmail.com or call: (909) 713-DJWS (3597).

I Need Your Vote!

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 05:31:00 +0000

Please Vote for me to be the face of @aboutdotme on a Times Square billboard: http://about.me/DelesaJ!

I need you to vote everyday until the September 20 deadline! Every vote counts!

Thank you in advance.

~Delesa J

Too Blessed to Stress!

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 05:01:00 +0000

I claimed it. I knew August would be my month. I spoke it out loud and into existence. And then, it happened. I received two new awesome clients, sold Tie Me Ups orders, received a new stable blessing, becoming involved in a great new organization, and more! The month hasn't even ended yet! I can't stop walking around singing and smiling, even through the tough times. (I've learned that you have to smile and laugh to keep going. It helps you to not take Life so seriously, no matter what, it can Always be worse!).

Now, do not read this and become discouraged and begin questioning why me and not you. By no means, was it easy to get here. The journey was very rocky, and often times there was no end in sight. However, I kept my faith strong! I repented to the Lord when I did wrong (and still do wrong), and gave him my list of things I needed. I gave him my baggage and the load that I carried, when all along he was telling me to give it to him. I prepared my fields for rain and the rain feels awesome right now!

This has been and still is an awesome journey! This stage in my life, is called building the foundation. I'm working on building a solid foundation and doing first things first. This is where sacrifice comes in. It isn't easy but definitely worth the trials and tribulations. I wouldn't change my journey at all, even if presented with the chance. Remember, you have to learn the lesson before you can move on to the next stage (this is true for everything you do).

If at all, you feel confused. Just keep going and Believe. Never, and I do mean never stop Believing. Everything gets worse before it gets better, keep digging, your breakthrough is near. Once you receive it, it is the best thing you can ever feel. Rejoice in it and then keep going.

Remember: Build your system, keep your foundation solid, keep believing and the Miracles will happen!

"Even miracles take a little time."-Author Unknown

Peace & Blessings,

Delesa J

6 Career & Business Lessons You Can Learn from Lucille Ball by Adrienne Graham

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:56:00 +0000

6 Career & Business Lessons You Can Learn from Lucille Ball by Adrienne Graham

Who doesn’t know the famous, hilarious red-head. Each generation gets to know her all over again thanks to networks like TV Land and Nick at Nite. While she was obviously way before my time, I found myself becoming a fan as a child. I Love Lucy had long since been off the air (my parents were kids when the show was on), but in syndication, I was introduced to America’s favorite redhead. I never miss an opportunity to watch the show, or any of the other shows and movies she’s done.

I remember when I was pregnant with my son, she was pregnant with Little Ricky. OK, so Little Ricky was by then a grown man probably with grandchildren, but I remember being pregnant at the same time (1991). She gave birth the day before I did and I remember crying (hormones) because I was so happy for her. I’m not a crazy fanatic or anything, but I love her shows. She was always getting into something, and she was unafraid of the consequences. Yeah, Lucy and I have a lot in common. Who can’t help but laugh when you walk past Grauman’s Chinese Theater or chuckle when you see a box of candy or bottle of wine? My grandfather even had a trunk much like that famous trunk she locked herself into. And who could forget her taking the dramamine and falling asleep on the Staten Island Ferry when she was supposed to be getting her “pass-a-port” (gotta love Ricky’s accent).

As we celebrate her 100th birthday, I can’t help but take away some important career and business lessons I’ve taken away from her humor and talent. Of course there are many more, but here are the top six lessons I’ve learned from Lucille Ball/Lucy Ricardo.

Own your stuff. Lucy was madly in love with Desi Arnaz and was a success in her own right. She wanted Desi to experience success as well. In her time, it was unheard of for a woman to have any kind of behind the scenes clout in Hollywood. And definitely not a place for foreigners to have any say. Yes, Hollywood was very racist back then (and in some ways still is today). So what was Lucy’s solution? Desilu Productions. What many people don’t know is that it was Lucy who came up with the idea for Desilu. She let her husband run things but make no mistake, that was her brainchild. I Love Lucy was the first real sitcom developed by a husband and wife team, and under Desilu Studios pioneered the multi-camera shot, and filmed in front of a live audience. Nobody else was doing that at the time. The most important thing I learned from Lucy is when people deny you, create your own! When you believe enough in yourself to “just do it anyway”, you trail blaze.
Do it anyway! How many times have we heard “No Lucy, you can’t be in the show!” from Ricky? How many times did people say “Lucy (Ricardo) has no talent, she can’t sing“? Did she care? Hell no! Week after week she did everything she could to get into Ricky’s show. We all knew she couldn’t hold a tune. But it was fun to watch that spirit, that hubris that she exuded as she forged ahead to get out into the spotlight. I learned from her that even when people say no, do it any way. Everyone’s definition of talent and success is different. Don’t let others put you in a box or try to define you. And did you know that she was 40 when she decided to go for what she wanted (with her career)? She didn’t let the fact that Hollywood considered her “old” stop her from achieving her dream.
Be fearless when you want something. As I sit in my hotel room in Los Angeles, I can’t help but be reminded of Lucy’s trip to L.A. where she created havoc. But then again, when hasn’t she? Sneaking away from the tour bus to find William Holden’s home was brilliant. Of course these days Beverly Hills PD will arrest you before you could get to the front door. But she showed some real guts. She wanted to meet him and wouldn’t let anyone stand in her way. Not even her side kick Ethel, or that big ass dog William Holden had. LOL Now I don’t advocate trespassing on people’s property or stealing (remember John Wayne’s footprints?). But when you have an idea, go for it. Don’t let fear of consequences (most time imagined) hold you back.
Know when it’s time to move on and invest in yourself (and your business). Sadly, as I Love Lucy came to an end, so did Lucy & Desi’s marriage. She had done all she could to hold that marriage together, but it had become a business liability. She had to cut it loose in order to move forward in her career. While she did divorce Desi, she maintained her ownership in Desilu Productions and focused on her own career. She cut loose the baggage of the past and forged ahead to hone her craft, build her brand (America’s funniest redhead) and give the fans what they wanted. Desilu went on to produce some of the most famous shows of all time (Star Trek, Dick Van Dyke Show, Mission Impossible, My Three Sons, I Spy, The Untouchables, That Girl, I can go on and on). By 1962, she bought out Desi Arnaz to have complete control of the company. She was the first woman to own a major studio. I’d say that’s investing in yourself in a big way. She not only invested in herself, she invested in others.
Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself (or your business) while still honoring the brand.When you hear the name Lucy you think comedy. Did you know she started out as a “B” movie screen actress? I’ve seen a few of them (after getting to know Lucy Ricardo) and found myself waiting for the punchline. She didn’t set out to be a comedic actress but clearly she found her stride. When she did I Love Lucy, the TV execs didn’t believe she could pull it off. Clearly, they were wrong. She went on to be the number one comedic actress of all time. And not just that. Lucy was responsible for green-lighting many shows that were not the typical comedy prototype. She wanted Desilu to be a studio/production company that wasn’t singularly focused. She realized she had to give the people the content they wanted. And that meant a variety of programming. Studios today need to take note!
Don’t let the fact that you’re a woman keep you from calling the shots. I don’t take anything away from Desi Arnaz. In fact he was responsible for many of the innovations at Desilu. He knew the financial benefits of reruns before CBS or any other studio (he bought the episodes of I Love Lucy from CBS outright, which was a very lucrative decision). But Lucy was no slouch. She had a knack for knowing how to pick just the right programming, and she did all the approving (all of her approvals have gone on to have long runs and remain popular in syndication. Three of the shows went on to become successful movie franchises- Mission Impossible, Start Trek and The Untouchables). When it made financial sense, she bought out her partner rather than sell to someone else or become an “employee”. She showed she could multi-task and still run a successful company. She starred in her own weekly show while still running the studio….while being a Mom.

Yes, she is and always will be America’s Funniest Redhead. But make no mistake, Lucy was a hell of a businesswoman who had a command of her career that women today should respect and model. Long before Oprah, there was Lucy. We should all hope to have the kind of brand longevity and business acumen that she had (and still has) today. Happy Birthday Lucy. I’ll be checking out her old home in Beverly Hills and the Lucy exhibit at Universal Studios to pay my respects for a woman who paved the way for women to be taken serious in business. She leaves an enormous legacy and blueprint we should all be paying attention to.

Till Next Time,

Adrienne Graham

Yes Lucy, You CAN Be in the Show…and Own It!

Article taken from: http://www.empowerme.org/index.php/2011/08/07/6-career-business-lessons-learn-lucille-ball/

How to Beat the Poverty Mindset by Marla Tabaka

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:56:00 +0000

Hey Guys,

I absolutely love this article! It holds so many truths that I had to share it with you guys. Inc. is another one of my favorite resources to read and gain valuable information for my business. Enjoy!

How to Beat the Poverty Mindset by Marla Tabaka

I work so hard and I still can't make ends meet.
I'll never be able to afford a vacation.
I'll take what I can get for this project, even if it's not my full rate.
You don't understand what it's like to struggle; it's the story of my life!

Do any of these statements, or some form of them, sound familiar? Do they sound like YOU? Consider this: Engaging in limiting thoughts limits your ability to succeed. No longer are such statements based on hypothetical schools of thought. We have endless scientific studies that tell us how thought patterns influence our health and well-being. We even know that negative thinking suppresses the immune system and often leads to illness. Studies published by the American Medical Association confirm that the majority of patient complaints and symptoms are stress-related. Wow!

"We become what we think about all day long."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

So why engage in a constant stream of negativity? Old habits are hard to break, aren't they? If you were raised in a household filled with negative reminders about lack and limited resources or criticisms of the wealthy, you have most likely carried your learned beliefs and behaviors into adulthood. These learned responses are embedded in your brain and repeat themselves like an old, broken record; a constant reminder of your limitations. The poverty mindset is one of the most common; after all, we all know that money doesn't grow on trees!

So if we have this engrained “knowledge' telling us that we can never succeed financially, how do we erase it? Depending on the degree of intensity, the solutions range from changing habits all the way to utilizing powerful Energy Psychology techniques like EFT Tapping. Below are some suggestions ranging from easy to more aggressive approaches. Try any combination to see what works for you.

"Change your thoughts and you change your world."
--Norman Vincent Peale

- Change your environment. If you are behind your computer all day long, searching for a solution, try a walk in nature instead. Begin your day by letting your thoughts go and allowing the calming effects of nature to soak in. As an added bonus, the exercise also helps eliminate stress.

- Connect with positive people. Instead of constantly commiserating others who are in a negative place, seek out the company of people with a positive, uplifting attitude about success and wealth. Observe their language, including their body language. Mimic the tone and body language and notice how much better it feels to you.

- Choose one or two affirmations or positive statements that really resonate with you and recite them throughout your day. Make sure you “stair step' your affirmations; if you can barely meet your monthly financial obligations, using an affirmation like “I am a magnet for wealth and prosperity' might not feel too uplifting; you simply won't believe it. Try starting with “I choose to pay my bills with ease and gratitude' and “graduate' to stronger statements as your energy moves in a positive direction. Affirmations can actually change your brain chemistry.

- Start saving money. Even if you are struggling put away what you can. Make empowering choices with your money instead of creating more debt by buying things that make you feel better in the moment. I save change in one of those little jars that registers the “deposit' with readout of the balance in the jar. It's really fun to watch it add up and creates a sense of control over finances. I began this practice years ago and still do it just for fun!

- Stand by your rates. I often see clients who reduce their pricing drastically to lure in clients and then feel resentful toward themselves and the client. Talk about getting stuck in a loop of negative emotion! There are creative ways to bundle your products and services so that everyone wins. Don't give yourself away! Prospects will sense your desperation and either turn away or take advantage of you. Remember, like attracts like. Do you want to attract clients who can afford you or others who engage in a poverty mindset?

- Appreciate your current wealth. Make a list of the good stuff in your life. Are you surrounded by people you love? Do you have a house, car and other things you enjoy? What do you feel fortunate to have in your life? Place more emphasis on what you DO have and as your energy lifts you will attract more of it.

- Expand your thinking. If your current business model isn't working and you are stuck in a rut of negative thought you would benefit from a coaching or mentoring relationship. Our ability to create and think out of the box is limited when we are in the poverty mindset loop. How long have you been waiting for your business to become profitable? If it's not working something obviously has to change and you need an outside influence to help you see the possibilities. Look for programs that you are willing to invest in and understand that it is an investment in YOU.

- Create psychological change. If your poverty mindset is deeply embedded think back to where and when it started. Are there specific events in your life that have “taught' you that you cannot be financially successful? Odds are that there are. When these belief systems are deeply embedded, all of the positive thinking and exercise in the world may not erase them. Consistent negative feedback embeds itself in our nervous system and when our environment or an event triggers the release of certain neurotransmitters, or chemicals, it can lead to depression, fatigue and much more.

For help on a deeper level consider various approaches including, the Emotional Freedom Techniques, Neuro-linguistic programming, hypnosis, or cognitive therapy. I have found the energy psychology techniques like EFT tapping to be profoundly effective at “disconnecting' the emotion from memories that limit our ability to engage in positive thought.

Most importantly, decide to change. Understand that you don't have to be stuck in this place and, instead, take empowering action. Once you make that decision your mind will be open to the solutions and they will present themselves. No matter what your circumstances you do have choices. What choice feels the most empowering to you?

Complimentary Consults for coaching and Emotional Freedom Techniques sessions with Marla are available. If you are uncertain about how coaching can help you, find out! Contact me today.

Article taken from: http://www.inc.com/marla-tabaka/how-to-beat-the-poverty-mindset.html

Where to Find the Money to Start Your Small Business by SmallBizLady Melinda F. Emerson

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:47:00 +0000

Hey Readers,

I love SmallBizLady's tweets and blog posts, I'm excited she allows her posts to be shared. The information is great and I continuously learn new things. I often post articles from other sources and authors because I am still learning, and I want to share resources so we all can be successful and educated entrepreneurs and business owners. So I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Where to Find the Money to Start Your Small Business

One of the most common questions that I get as SmallBizLady is about start-up financing. ”Do I know where people can get a grant to start their small business?”. Now Hear This: BYOB doesn’t just stand for Become Your Own Boss! BYOB also stands for Be Your Own Bank! There are NO grants! When you are starting out in business you must come up with your own money to invest into your brilliant idea. You also need to have resources to maintain your household while you are building your business. You are your business’s credit and debt. Now there are micro-loan programs when you may be able to borrow up to $25,000, but you better have a great business plan to get it.

If you are ready to start your business, you must develop a plan for yourself to save more moneyand become debt free. Now, I am not talking about paying off your mortgage, but I do mean everything else. I am talking zero debt—meaning no credit cards, no car payments. Basic living expenses only. Eliminating your debt will allow you to always make decisions that are in the best interest of your business. You also need to establish zero debt to free up your credit capacity. When I realized that I wanted to leave my job to start my first business, I took out a home equity loan (which you need to do while you are still working and can prove income) and paid off every bill I had, even my car. I used home equity because you can write off the interest paid against your income taxes.

Getting your house in order financially will be one of the first milestones on the road to starting your own business.

To find the money to start your business, take these steps:

Develop a plan to eliminate all debt. Make a list of all debt, the balance owed and the interest rate. It is best to start with the credit card with the lowest balance, while you continue to pay the minimum fees on the others cards to keep them current. By starting with the card with the lowest balance you will boost your confidence about your personal finances. Next, should be the card with the highest interest rate. Keep working your way down the list.
Make of list of what you need at the store. To avoid impulse buying, take a list with you to the all stores and do not deviate from it! Be careful not to go grocery shopping when you are hungry. It is very hard to stick to your list that way.
Keep driving your car. Drive you car until it stops running. As a new business owner, you will no longer be able to afford to upgrade your vehicle every two years. Buy a reliable car and take care of it, so you can ride without a car payment as long as you can. (I still do this! My car is more than five years old).
Cut back on trips to Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and cut your cable bill. The money you spend each month on unnecessary extras can really add up. Treat yourself once in a while to a pay per view, but the pay channels need to go. You’ll be shocked how the money you save will add up.
Check out the library. You can borrow books, magazines, and the latest DVDs from the library. You can also make requests and they will order things for you. If you’re a serious book junkie like me, find a good used bookstore or buy used books on Amazon.com. The books will still be new to you.
Drink at home. Stop drinking alcohol in bars and restaurants. If it’s beer, wine, or mixed drinks that you like, they are much cheaper when you pour them yourself. Pick up a six-pack or a few bottles invite over some friends and hang out at your home.

You will start your business if you develop the ability to control your spending and cut costs. Follow this advice. I promise you will find money you never realized that you had. You cannot kick your addiction to your paycheck all at once. It will be a gradual step-by-step process, but you can do it!

Do you have any other cost saving suggestions for start-up entrepreneurs?

Melinda F. Emerson, known to many as SmallBizLady is one of America’s leading small business experts. As a seasoned entrepreneur, professional speaker, and small business coach, she develops audio, video and written content to fulfill her mission to end small business failure. As CEO of MFE Consulting LLC, Melinda educates entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies on subjects including small business start-up, business development and social media marketing. Forbes Magazine recently named her one of the Top 20 Women for Entrepreneurs to Follow onTwitter. She hosts #SmallBizChat Wednesdays on Twitter 8-9pm ET for emerging entrepreneurs, and publishes a resource blog at: www.succeedasyourownboss.com. Melinda is also the author of the national bestseller Become Your Own Boss in 12 months: A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works. (Adams Media 2010)

Article taken from: http://succeedasyourownboss.com/04/2011/where-to-find-the-money-to-start-your-small-business/.

Build A Strong Brand While You're Young by Matt Polsky

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:38:00 +0000

Hey Everyone,

I found this article on http://www.youngentrepreneur.com and had to share it with you guys. In today's social media driven world it is important to know how to make it work for you and how to handle the situation when it turns against you. It is so easy to gain press, both negative and positive. One thing you must remember when building your brand and indulging in social media is that you are always being watched! So remember to always protect your brand and maintain high PR alerts at all times. Read below for some great tips.

Build A Strong Brand While You're Young

Brand management is more important than ever in a society that has currently grown accustom to the internet being readily available through smartphones and tablets. Managing your brand goes beyond the usual keyword searches and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics, and moves heavily into social media. Socialmedia platforms are breeding grounds for both positive and negative word of mouth and if utilized properly, they can be a large part of your marketing plan.

It is important to remember SEO is still important to achieve and maintain online visibility, but the rapidly growing popularity of social media sites has forced companies to consider how they will manage that visibility once they obtain it. Online brand management is highly important for any company wishing to grow and the most effective way to promote a positive brand image consistently across the internet.

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn are just a few of the popular platforms companies can now use to increase their visibility. Socialnetworking sites are not only great to push products or services, but can be used to build communities of brand advocates. Through contests, coupons, promotions, and events, a company can keep their customers interacting and loyal to the company.

While social media sites can be a great way to reach a completely new client base, they can also quickly become a company’s worst nightmare. Social media sites – including forums and discussion boards such as Angie’s List – can become flooded with undesirable comments regarding your business and destroy a brand through negative word of mouth. It is important to comment or respond to all negative press to show the customer you are trying to rectify the situation.

In today’s socially connected world, consumers want to be an integral part of the businesses they support. Social networking sites allow you to immediately apologize and state the solutions being sought before brand loyalists begin revolting. Not only do these updates tend to calm the storm, but also can increase brand loyalty as customers like know they are being listened to and the company really cares. Remember, not only negative comments need a response. A company can build brand advocates through thanking customers who give company reviews.

To avoid ruining a brand with social media sites, companies must remain consistent in the image they convey across these platforms, and must manage them daily. Posting to Facebook once a month won’t cut it. Facebook users want solid content every day if possible, but if the content is dry and not interesting skip it and go every other day. Posting too much on Facebook can lead to your connections un-liking you. Twitter has a completely different user base. Twitter followers expect to see three to five posts per day.

To get the highest return on brand management, SEO techniques should be synergized with social media to convey a positive brand image across all platforms.

Matt Polsky is the Senior Content and Reputation manager for VA Mortgage Center, providing insights learned from the nation’s leading provider of VA home loans.

Article taken from: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/build-a-strong-brand-while-you’re-young/.

There is Life After No!

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 22:01:00 +0000

"It is better to keep going and fighting for your Yes, than to give up and find out you were only one...." @DelesaJ http://singleis.com/blogpost/life-after-no/ #SingleIs

Read more by clicking the link above.

“How to Critique Your Failures and Make Them Successes” by Ali Brown

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:58:00 +0000

“How to Critique Your Failures and Make Them Successes” by Ali Brown

It’s often said that hindsight is 20/20, but it can turn into foresight when we start to learn from our mistakes and apply our new knowledge to future situations. So, how do you look at your failures and turn something negative into a positive? Let’s take a look…

Do a “post-mortem” examination

When something goes terribly wrong, it’s in our nature to analyze it and play the “what if” game, where we play different scenarios out in our mind about what we could have done differently to change the outcome. Some say this exercise is useless, but in a business context, doing a post-mortem can actually be a healthy and productive way to handle the situation.

The key is to go beyond what you’ve done wrong as part of your post-mortem. Also examine what you’ve done right. Make a list of the pluses and minuses so you recognize your strengths and what you should repeat—and what needs improvement, or needs to be thrown out entirely.

Avoid complacency

Oftentimes when something goes wrong, we write it off as something that was meant to be. But in business, if you’ve lost a client or some mistake has happened, you can often figure out why. Let’s say you lose a client. Why could this have happened? Maybe your pricing isn’t competitive enough. Maybe someone on your team just dropped the ball without a valid reason. To start, you could do a little investigating by asking your team and the client what went wrong.

Ask your client which company won their business. If you don’t want to lose the client, you could meet your competitor’s price, if that was the issue and you are willing to go lower. Instead of feeling dejected or threatened by your competitor, take it as an opportunity to improve your services or business and learn from the strengths of others in your field.

If it was an internal issue, you can implement new tools or training, so your team can better manage the situation next time.

If you investigate why the mistakes are happening, and are willing to make improvements, you can go after new business with the confidence that your operation is capable of taking on more volume and meeting client expectations.

Stay informed

Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, keep your ears to the ground level of your business. Survey your employees and your customers regularly to find out what they think is working and what they’d love to see improve.

You might discover a new system that could increase internal productivity or boost morale. And your customers could show you exactly what your next hot product should be!

Most successful people earn success through the lessons of their failures. Remember, serendipity typically happens after a lot of trial and error ;).

==========

“Entrepreneur mentor Ali Brown teaches women around the world how to start and grow a profitable business that make a positive impact. Get her FREE CD “Top 10 Secrets for Entrepreneurial Women” at www.AliBrown.com“

What is an Entrepreneur?

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:17:00 +0000

One question that always gets asked...

Entrepreneurs Unite!

"Find what you love and sacrifice for it."~Delesa J

~Delesa J

Delesa J Presents...

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Delesa J Presents: My Heart & Soul Oldies Mix: http://www.sendspace.com/file/dr6cpt. Only for the Grown & Sexy. #RylMusic Enjoy! Share it alone or with someone special. Don't forget the candles and wine ;).

New Single Is blog entry: Lessons From A Child

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:17:00 +0000

Please support Single Is. An awesome organization dedicated to empowering and inspiring women.

Check out my new guest blog entry for Single Is at: Lessons From A Child by @delesaj http://ht.ly/5B2wP

News! I'm the new Director of Operations!

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:14:00 +0000

In case you didn't know, I am now the Director of Operations for the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce. I'm excited to be a part of the team and I am looking forward to this new opportunity.

With that said, I am always looking for Businesses to feature in our monthly newsletters. Email me for an appointment. I would love to come to your venue, office, or location to do a review with my photographer. Let's support each other and grow small businesses!

"Find what you love and sacrifice for it."-Delesa J

Thanking God for all my blessings <3,

~Delesa J

Check this out!

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:31:00 +0000

Please check out my client's new website: www.networkingnet.net. It houses all of your cities' networking events and mixers all on one convenient web page for you! Again that is: www.networkingnet.net.

~Delesa J

Congressman Joe Baca's 2011 Women's Conference Event

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:42:00 +0000

Please join us at Congressman Joe Baca's 2011 Women's Conference hosted by Cal State University San Bernardino. There will be great conference sessions and networking opportunities. Hope to see you there!

"Network to increase your net worth"-Unknown

~ Delesa J

Check out our new Feature!

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:07:00 +0000

Check out my new feature on Single Is: http://singleis.com/blogpost/one-woman-spotlight-jasmine/ thank you to #SingleIs and @ShontayeH for the feature!

We are excited to publish our first article for Single Is, stay tuned for details!

~Delesa J

Seeking Intern

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:24:00 +0000

Delesa J Writing Services is seeking an Intern! We need someone who is flexible, creative, coachable, open to learning, and must have excellent writing skills. Internship is credit only (Paid assignments may vary). Serious inquiries only please. Submit resume to be considered.

Thank you,

Delesa J

Faith Will Get You Through

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 05:08:00 +0000

Hey guys here is a quick free write that I did one day. There has been a lot going on in my life recently; both good and bad. I feel like I am being pushed to my full potential only to breakthrough into a stronger, wiser person.

The journey has been hard and I am nowhere near the end (although, I'm closer today then I was yesterday) but I wouldn't change it for anything. So please take from it what you need and/or pass it along to someone who may need it.

Faith is what keeps me going; faith is that little flickering light at the end of the tunnel, faith is that tiny mustard seed, faith is seeing someone worst off than you, faith is hope, faith is...

So when in doubt, despair, pain or whatever the case may be just remember Faith will get you through.

Faith Will Get You Through

We often do things on our own and seek God’s help after we have failed. Then we have the nerve to question why he did not save us or how could he let us struggle?

Here is a wake up call: He does not operate like that. The problem is you.

You have to remain faithful to the Lord and pray everyday. Pray before and during a crisis not just after.

The most important lesson you can learn is that prayer works and faith will get you through the darkest hours. However, you have to make God your plan A instead of your plan B. He cannot be placed on standby.

Challenge yourself this week: increase your faith and mediation time. Then watch miraculous things take place right before your eyes.

Remember; when in doubt always remember that faith will get through.

²⁰ He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17:20

New International Version (NIV)

Passage taken from: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+17%3A20&version=NIV

~Delesa J

Question to ponder: What is Faith to you? Please feel free to share.

What a Refreshing List.

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 22:06:00 +0000

I came across this list from one of the many newsletters that I am subscribed too. I found it refreshing and eye-opening. Next time someone uses one of these words you can correct them and yourself ;). Read on!

*Picture courtesy of Grammar.net.

"Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill." - Buddha
*Read more:http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/words.html#ixzz1Od91U5Fd

Peace,

~Delesa J

Look at me Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:03:00 +0000

Hello all! A lot has been going on recently and I feel so blessed and favored. I recently became a writer for Feva La Bella Magazine and one of my articles was recently published in the June edition of FEVA!!

According to Fevalabella.com:

The mission of “FEVA” LA BELLA MAGAZINE IS TO GIVE HOPE TO THE LEAST, THE LOST, AND THE LEFT OUT!

“FEVA” LA BELLA MAGAZINE seeks to provide insight into issues that affect and impact women of color, to inspire women to achieve, to educate women in both practical and intellectual subjects, and to create a supportive and nurturing community.

I am so excited to begin this new relationship and to write articles that will inspire and motivate other women and women of color. Everyone knows, I'm a feminist at heart ;). So once again I am blessed to be combining my passion of helping others with my passion for writing. Who could ask for a better job?

So cheers to my new journey! I look forward to continuing my work with FEVA as well as building new relationships with other magazines and newspapers. So let the writing begin!

Note: In order to view my article (page 56) (and other upcoming articles) you must purchase the magazine, either in print or digital. Here's a link if you are interested in purchasing: @FEVALABELLA officially welcomes @delesaj in June with “Recession with a Lemon Twist” http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/200221 “FEVA”!!

Thank you all for your continued support.

"So remember when life gives you lemons, do not just make lemonade, plant your own grove of lemon trees."-Delesa J (quote from my June FEVA article)

~Delesa J

Check out Delesa J's feature in the For Colored Gurl's May Newsletter!

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Sat, 21 May 2011 00:05:00 +0000

The May edition of @forcoloredgurls' newsletter was sent today, and @delesaj is featured! Check it out http://conta.cc/kZB3tu! Thank you FCG, we look forward to doing work with you.

"Find what you love and sacrifice for it."-Delesa J

~Delesa J

Take Your Business To The Next Level by ANN BROWN

noreply@blogger.com (Delesa J) — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:06:00 +0000

Take Your Business To The Next Level

Just Let Your Keyboard Do The Talking

By: ANN BROWN

Don´t have cash to boost business? Well, according to business and social media coach Pam Perry, you can power your business on a shoestring‏.

"Business is about relationships," she says. "People do business with people they know, like and trust."

She says digital is one way that is cost effective and can lead to business opportunities. "Email marketing allows you to get to know your customer and your customer get to know you over time. By having constant contact with your customer, you won’t be out of site or off their mind," she notes.

And, says Perry, social media is an easy task to perform and something not to be ignored. "Social media has changed the way the world communicates," she says. "Smart marketers are taking advantage of this because they can promote their message faster and further than any time in history. Use of Facebook, blogs and online video is a way to communicate to your potential customers/clients your VALUE and what you offer."

She also points out that you can reinvent the wheel--in a way. "It’s not about it being new; it’s about being consistent," she points out. "You can’t decide to blog this week and in 90 days abandon the blog because you feel it’s not working. Patience is the key and sticking with your social media marketing plan for at least nine months will make the difference. If doing an email newsletter is taxing for you and you find it hard to be consistent – don’t do it. Do something else. Do a podcast instead or do a contest on Twitter or Facebook. But whatever you do, build brand equity by being consistent."

According to Perry, those businesses that ignore socal media will most likely lose in the long run. "We are in the world of “search” for information via the search engines. If you are not online, you will get left behind," she comments. "And not only must you be online, but you must be active and optimized so that your core customer/client can find you. Email will just put you in front of them more – and they will remember you when they are ready to buy! KaChing!"

see http://pamperry.posterous.com too

*This article is courtesy of http://www.socialmediapr.blogspot.com/ (@pamperry).