The April 2006 Issue of the Gots To Have It, Newsletter contains:

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone!

Have you ever regretted missing out on an opportunity because you were scared to face it? There are so many things that we bypass each day because we let our fear hold us back. Maybe we don’t think we’re good enough to pull it off. But if you don’t even try to strengthen areas in which you are weak, how will ever know what you are capable of? Practice, indeed makes perfect, and as you’ll learn in this month’s issue, being prepared eliminates fear.

Writing, networking, and speaking are the most popular areas that stunt our growth professionally when we don’t work on sharpening these skills. I brought along some friends to share their tips on how to improve in each area and I also share my personal story of how I've dealt with this problem.

This month we are featuring Alicia M. Rivers who is the creative brainchild behind the latest newsstand hit, Jolie Magazine. I met her at Give 'N Take a few years ago and now Jolie is one of our newest partners! Find out more about Alicia and her new magazine that she is publishing with Editor at Large, Vivica A. Fox.

Enjoy!

Simone Kelly-Brown

 P.S. And don't forget to share with me how this issue has helped you in any way!

Alicia M. Rivers, Co-Publisher/Editor in Chief of Jolie Magazine, LLC

1. How did you discover your passion? A magazine junkie since the age of 9, I was tired of not seeing publications truly celebrate and educate the beauty, sex appeal and power of women of color! There's a mystery in our eyes, a playfulness in our smiles and an intensity in the sway of our hips if we just learn to embrace it. So, I wanted to shout it to women everywhere...release your inhibitions and revel in your sensuality!

2. What do your find most rewarding about your career?

The heartfelt responses that I get daily from women thanking me for helping or touching them in some way is definitely the most rewarding part of my career.

3. What have been your major obstacles and how did you overcome them?

Major obstacles that I've had to face were and still are people telling me “no” or “you can't do this”. However, I've overcome them by ignoring them and doing what my heart and soul leads me to do.

4. What advice, if any, do you have to offer women about defining their own beauty?

Simply, believe in your beauty! Because if you believe it, they'll believe it! Remember how the world responds to you is up to you! So nourish your spirit, play up your assets and enjoy being you!

5. How do you relax, or spend your down time?

Reading good books and sleep!

To get to know Alicia a little better, here are her responses to a few random questions:

·      Zodiac Sign – Libra

·       Who/What inspires you? Music & people

·      What turns you on? Giving and receiving pleasure

·      What turns you off? Disrespect

·      What motto do you live by? Live Pretty!

Jolie is all about beauty, wellness, empowerment, fashion, and celebrities. Pick up your issue of the latest Jolie at your local newstand or visit them online here for your own subscription: http://www.jolielivepretty.com

Bonus Tip: For those coming to the NYC Give 'N Take event on April 5th, Alicia will be there offering discounted subscriptions for attendees! Come on down and meet her.

My Own Personal Battle To "Stay Comfortable."

By Simone Kelly-Brown

I know from experience that getting out of your comfort zone and forcing yourself to JUST DO IT can take your career into an entirely new dimension! Out of those three areas I mentioned earlier, writing is my first love. It comes easily for me and is even a hobby. I write fiction books and poetry.

Networking—believe it or not—was something I absolutely dreaded! Just the simple fact that I had to make small talk with “strangers” was something I avoided at all costs. I’m sure I missed out on several new clients or business alliances, because of my fear of ‘getting out there’ and mingling in sometimes uncomfortable environments. Slowly but surely, I started forcing myself to attend a function at least once a month. I stopped asking people to introduce me to others and started to become brave enough to go up to people on my own. I beefed up my networking skills by going with a purpose and plenty of practice! A few years later, I started my own networking organization (The Give ‘N Take Network for Women) that has members across the United States!

And public speaking, oh boy…don’t even get me started! As a manager and then eventually a director in Corporate America, I couldn’t avoid it, but I absolutely wished I could lock myself in my office and hide. Meeting after meeting, conference call after conference call, I had to present ideas to upper management, discuss employee issues, and present results from various projects. With 5 or less people in the room, I was cool; but once the crowd was any bigger, my hands would sort of tremble, my voice would crack, and the beads of perspiration would form on my forehead. I know…very attractive, right? As talkative as I am one on one, public speaking and me didn’t mix. :)

I hate to admit it, but I even remember turning down speaking engagements when Gots To Have It started to take off. I just wanted to stay in my comfort zone, behind my computer monitor where I was safe from making a fool of myself. But after finally saying “yes” to my first panel discussion, I found out that I was actually making an impact by encouraging others with my story and advice. I enjoyed seeing the warm faces and reassuring smiles in the audience looking back at me and nodding their heads. I especially loved that they had no idea my knees were wobbling under my skirt and how my hands were shaking every time I took a sip of my water. The line of people waiting to speak to me after my presentations confirmed that I was doing the right thing! Five years later, I actually get paid to speak at universities and business groups. Who knew? I’ve learned many tips from picking the brains of successful professionals who were amazing at public speaking.

My favorites on being prepared are:

-Know who your audience is and speak their language

-Be yourself, it truly shows

-Write out your presentation

-Practice in the mirror

-Tape record yourself to hear what needs improvement

Photo: Jackie Robinson Scholars and Simone

I’m proud to say, my knees no longer wobble and now, you have to drag me off the mic!

 Photo: Jack of All Trades Launch Party

GETTING OVER PUBLIC SPEAKING JITTERS

Getting out of your comfort zone means you must be willing to grow; and most of the time that is a very uncomfortable feeling.
One of the universal fears most people face is the fear of Public Speaking. Sweaty palms, jittering teeth, upset stomach and nervous twitches are some of the ways this fear manifests itself. The good news is: anyone can overcome this fear if they are willing to step out of their comfort zone!

Below are a few practical ways to conquer fears of Public Speaking:

1.  Think of Public Speaking as a conversation with a group of people. When you have conversations, your words flow naturally. You aren’t nervous, and people can feel your natural passion in regards to what you are saying. If you think of the audience as a group of your friends you can release some of your anxieties.

2.  Before making a presentation it is imperative that you properly research your subject so your thoughts can flow with ease. No one likes to feel like they are being lectured to in a presentation. It is much more pleasant to feel like the person in front of the room is sharing useful information/advice that would make for good conversation later.

3.  It is important to prepare an outline of your presentation to give your listeners a proper introduction, body and conclusion of your thoughts. An outline shouldn’t be used to read from, but as a summary of the main thoughts you will share. With enough practice you will become very familiar with your presentation so that you won’t need to read your outline. You will be able to just occasionally look at it in order to keep on track.

4. You must know your audience. For instance, you probably wouldn’t want to present a medical lecture to group of photographers. Researching your audience helps you to prepare a presentation that will be of interest to them. This will also help you to feel as if you have a connection with your audience.

5. It is only through consistent practice that you are able to overcome your fears. Start off with practicing your Public Speaking today! Practice presenting as much as possible by introducing yourself at networking functions, testifying in church, presenting at staff meetings, etc. Remember practice will make you more confident. Confidence is what makes you not as concerned about other people’s acceptance of your presentation because you have done your homework.


Remember, no one knows what you are going to say before you open your mouth. If you make a mistake no one will know except you. The mere fact that you had the courage to come out of your comfort zone and stand in front of a group of people makes you successful. It’s all in how you choose to approach things in life…either to seek to conquer or to be defeated.
 
I wish you continued success on your life’s journey.
 
 
Stacie N.C. Grant

Stacie is the NYC Event Manager of Give ‘N Take Network and founder of C&G Enterprises in 1994 as a motivational speaker. Since then C&G has developed into three main entities: The C&G Youth Scholars Program, C&G Professional Event Coordinators, & C&G Technology Support. She has also published various motivational articles and is a prominent motivational speaker/lecturer/trainer. View her site online: http://www.cgenterprisesonline.com/.

RESOURCES TO GET YOU MOVIN’:

Fear of Public Speaking

• http://ezinearticles.com/?Making-Communication-Effective:-4-Language-Filters&id=163112
• http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Tame-Speaking-Butterflies&id=162340
• http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Trouble-With-PowerPoint&id=158508
• http://ezinearticles.com/?Public-Speakers!-What-Face-Do-You-Want-to-Present-to-Your-Audience?&id=157118
• http://ezinearticles.com/?To-Overcome-Fear-of-Public-Speaking,-You-need-to-Understand-the-Underlying-Causes&id=156190

Links to Speaker Clubs/Coaches

• www.toastmasters.org
• http://www.presentationtrainers.com/
• http://careerplanning.about.com/blny3.htm

WRITING TO GET AHEAD

Yes, writing can be hard. Writing to promote your business can be even harder. Some of the worst writing I've ever seen has included the tight, joyless, airless copy that a businessperson has put up on their website, in a press release, or in a brochure describing their work or services. Usually this kind of writing is gripped in fear! The good news, though, is that improving your writing can be fun! You let loose, let go, and don't be afraid to show your true colors. Here are a few tips on how to do that:

1. Find examples of marketing materials from other businesses that you like and study it. You may find it in the most unlikely places, like your junk mail pile! When an ad makes you want to buy, figure out why. What kind of verbs does the copy use? What kind of descriptors?
2. When you sit down to write, don't agonize over your work for hours and hours. Give yourself a time limit. Work for only an hour and pour out your heart with NO EDITING. Don't worry about being flip, silly, or un-businesslike.
3. Pretend that you're writing for someone else who you think is the absolute best at what they do and you want to totally RAVE about them. Sometimes we hold back because we don't want to toot our own horns, but it's the best thing you can do for your writing. 
4. Take a break and leave the copy alone for a few hours. Use the time to think about whether you've held anything back for fear. If you have, ask yourself, "Is this fear valid?" and "Is having this fear worth sacrificing being the best I can be for my business?" Ideally, of course, the answer is no!
5. Go back and write down what you've held back and put it in. Remember, nothing is written in stone. You can always test what you've done. If it doesn't work, change it. But don't let the doubt keep you from moving forward.

If you're having trouble jumping into being fearless, think about this: the more fearless you are, the more you can experiment, play and have fun with your business, and the more successful you will be. Isn't that why you created your own business in the first place?

Author and Writing Coach Sophfronia Scott is "The Book Sistah" TM. Get her FREE REPORT, "The 5 Big Mistakes Most Writers Make When Trying to Get Published" and her FREE online writing and publishing tips at http://www.TheBookSistah.com  

RESOURCES TO GET YOU MOVIN’:

How to use writing for your business

• http://www.gotstohaveit.com/april03_newsletter.html
• http://ezinearticles.com/?Less-is-More:-Editing-Your-Business-Writing&id=143666

• http://www.ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Write-More-Powerful-Business-Letters&id=1841
• http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Write-Powerful-Articles-to-Promote-Your-Expertise-and-Your-Business&id=107633

NETWORKING WITH A PLAN:

 I moved to New Jersey a few years ago, and I have made so many new friends and new customers by using the following five techniques. Networking can be rewarding in many ways.  The social rewards of making new friends and associates are long lasting.  The business rewards of making new customers and helping others with your own business contacts is vital to all of our businesses.

1. 3-Foot Rule:  anyone you are within 3 feet of, you start a conversation with them

2. Saying Hello:  this one word has made me so much money. You may find it uncomfortable to start conversations with strangers, but try it anyway.    

3. Listen to the person you are networking with.  You may find that you can fulfill a need or solve a problem with your business, product or your contacts.

4. Be prepared to talk about yourself, your business or your product.  Give a brief explanation of who you are and what you do.

5. Follow-up: exchange business cards and always follow-up with contacts that you make while networking.  Follow-up is key.  

 
 Fadila Gathers, FG Marketing, LLC
Are you optimizing your health? Find out how? Click on Nutri-Physical at http://www.fadilasshop.unfranchise.com

Fadila is also the New Jersey Event Manager for Give ‘N Take Network, New Jersey
 http://www.giventakenetwork.org/events.html

Dig a little deeper and understand how to deal with fears and conquer them by adding Jack of All Trades, Master of None? to your personal library. Also SIGN UP for the special one-on-one 8 week course based on the book. Get affordable personalized coaching from Simone Kelly-Brown to help you streamline your business and get focused! Go here for more: www.gotstohaveit.com/8weekcourse.html BECOME A GTHI AFFILIATE AND EARN CASH! Get paid by spreading the word about Jack of All Trades, Master of None? Become an Affiliate: http://www.gotstohaveit.com/affiliate.html

RESOURCES TO GET YOU MOVIN’:

Networking Tips

• http://www.gotstohaveit.com/summer2003_newsletter.html
• http://ezinearticles.com/?Networking-Strategy:-Just-Say-No-to-Business-Cards&id=161618
• http://ezinearticles.com/?Connections-at-Conventions&id=161307
• http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Become-A-Natural-Networker&id=160464
• http://ezinearticles.com/?Network-Marketing-Tip:-A-30-Second-Tool&id=159594
• I found this one funny: What not to do when networking:  http://ezinearticles.com/?How-NOT-To-Network&id=156669

A Quick, Easy And Low-Cost Way To Increase Your Credibility In The Marketplace

By Habiba Abubakar, The Profit Diva

Copyright © 2005 by Habiba Abubakar and Emprez.  All rights reserved.

Have you heard of the know-like-trust factor? It's the ONLY reason why prospects convert to clients!

Prospects who come across your products and services for the first time will only buy from you when they get to know you, like you, and trust you. This therefore means that amongst other things, you have to build CREDIBILITY in the marketplace.

But how do you do that without breaking the bank?

The easiest and most profitable way to fast track your credibility in the minds of your prospects and clients is by implementing joint venture marketing in your small business. This involves joining forces with a reputable business, i.e. a key player in your industry (your joint venture partner), so that you can piggyback on their credibility and shine in their glow.

How will that be of benefit to your business?

Your joint venture partner would have probably spent years building a good reputation within their industry. They therefore have influence and credibility with their clients. By partnering with them, you’ll be tapping into this resource.

You'll enhance your credibility and reputation as a direct result of associating with a respectable joint venture partner. This will subsequently magnetize more clients, more sales, and more profits to your business!

Why would another business be interested in partnering with your business?

Because joint venture marketing is about combining business resources like credibility, time, capital, expertise, skills, and so on, to create a win-win situation that will benefit the businesses involved, and benefit their clients at the same time.

Talk show host, Dr. Phil, was a virtually unknown psychiatrist before Oprah Winfrey introduced him to the world. He gained credibility as a result of Oprah's influence. The case study section of this article explains why a world-renowned mogul like Oprah Winfrey would partner with an unknown psychiatrist.

How do you know whether a potential joint venture partner is respectable?

• Find out what the media, and their prospects and clients think about them
• Examine their business ethics
• Review and ensure that their products and services are of high quality
• Evaluate their customer service standards

It's imperative to ensure that your potential joint venture partners are reputable. Associating with a business that has a bad reputation will hurt your own business, and that defeats the purpose of increasing your credibility.

Case Study

Oprah Winfrey knows what her audience wants to watch, and therefore created a strategic alliance with Dr. Phil, a psychiatrist who was a virtually unknown doctor before appearing on Oprah's show, and had never been on television.

He started doing guest appearances on her show and his “tell it like it is” style was very popular with Oprah’s audience. Over time, the audience wanted to see more and more of Dr. Phil. Eventually, Oprah offered to produce a show for Dr. Phil, and he began a daily afternoon talk show of his own.

Dr. Phil has benefited from this alliance by gaining exposure and CREDIBILITY through Oprah’s influence. Oprah has benefited by adding another program to her empire, and getting a percentage of the profits from that show. Also, the television audience enjoys getting a program that offers free advice and real-life case studies that affect their lives. They would otherwise have to pay thousands of dollars for private sessions with Dr. Phil.

This case study illustrates what I call a win-win-win situation that can only be provided through the power of joint venture marketing.

On March 6th, Simone spoke at the Jackie Robinson Foundation www.jackierobinson.org to hundreds of scholars about her career path during the panel discussion called "Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit."  She also attended the Jackie Robinson Foundation Annual Awards Dinner Waldorf Astoria, NYC which was hosted by Bill Cosby and honoring Hillary Clinton. In Photo: Panelists Sheila Eldridge, Miles Ahead Entertainment Simone Kelly-Brown and Brian Moran, Moran Media Group

Simone at Awards Dinner with a few Jackie Robinson scholars.

Give ‘N Take Atlanta, we're a coming! We have finally found an event manager and location, so thank you to all of those who responded to my requests. Get ready Atlanta, we'll be coming early this summer! A date will be announced in the next newsletter, so stay tuned. If you'd like to become apart of our team, please fil out our application here:http://www.giventakenetwork.org/volunteer.html

DC Give 'N Takers, where are you? We are still looking for an Event Manager! Please get the word out and share the link below with potential candidates for the commission-based position. Keep in mind, connections with local venues, Event Planner and/or Marketing background is a definite plus! Please see if you qualify before applying. For details and application, please go here: http://www.giventakenetwork.org/eventmanager.html

98.7 Kiss FM and Hot 97's Raqiyah will be our featured guest at the next Give 'N Take Network in NYC! Come and meet her and get tips on the Entertainment Industry.

Raqiyah is a DJ in New York on Hot 97 FM, the number one Hip Hop and R&B station in the country. Her Sunday afternoon show mixes celebrity news with current events and social commentary. While during the week, she spends mornings as the entertainment reporter on “The Kiss Wake Up Club,” the morning show on Hot 97’s sister station 98.7 Kiss FM.
Although she broadcasts to 4 million listeners a week, Raqiyah prefers to deem herself “a writer on the radio.”

Along with a night of down-to-earth networking, you'll learn tips in her topic of discussion: MAKING MOVES IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY.

Go here to RSVP to our APRIL 5TH event located at Manahatta in Soho.

http://www.giventakenetwork.org/events.html

JOIN OUR TEAM AND GAIN EXPERIENCE AND AMAZING CONNECTIONS:

Florida Marketing Interns Needed for Miami and Fort Laurderdale areas. Simone Kelly-Brown is in search of a personal admin. assistant/intern in Florida who can work from their home 75% of the time.Work on exciting marketing projects for her clients and even event planning! Send your resume to her marketing assistant Paula at paula@gotstohaveit.com.

Promotions Intern Needed for local NY/NJ Tri-state area and national online promotions. This is a virtual assistant position where you will work from home 100% of the time and report to our National Promotions Manager, Dannielle Brantley.

Interested in making and difference and building up your contacts while you do it? Fill out an application found here for consideration: www.giventakenetwork.org/volunteer.html

Gots To Have It Award Winner! Gots To Have It awards team members for their creativity, perseverance, hospitality at events, ability to be a self-starter and team player. Prizes range from gift certificates to spa packages!

ABOUT US: Simone Kelly-Brown is the President and CEO of Gots To Have It Marketing, Inc.. For over 10 years, she has been working with small business owners who are just starting out and want to get their businesses off the ground with innovative marketing.

GTHI is a firm that specializes in marketing and empowering entrepreneurs with a series of workshops and networking events.

For further information view: www.gotstohaveit.com
For Women's Networking view: www.giventakenetwork.org

For April, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Make a small effort each day to do something you are scared of. You'll see that within time, you can eventually feel at ease with practice. Being prepared eliminates fear my friends! Take it from someone who has done it.

Until Next Month!

Own Your Power,
Simone Kelly-Brown
CEO/PRESIDENT, Gots To Have It Marketing, Inc.www.gotstohaveit.com
If you want it, you Gots To Have It!


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