I'm Unveiling the Secrets

It doesn't matter how old you are.  It doesn't matter what you currently do for a living.  It doesn't matter where you were born, or what race, religion, or nationality you identify with.  In fact, none of the ways we label ourselves matters.

We all have something in common.

We want to be successful in life.

Now, every person's definition of success is different.  What I call successful may not be important to you at all.  Some equate success fame or power or wealth.  Others say they are successful if they have a strong family.  And still others call it success if they are living life on their own terms, regardless of whether they have any of the fame, power, wealth, or family life others desire.

So the first step to becoming successful?  Define success and what it means to you.  You can't be successful if you don't know what that actually looks like for you.  Set your goals.  Make sure they are clear.  And try to be as realistic as possible.

Plan ahead and plan big

Next you need to have a plan.  Every journey starts with a plan or a map.  I'm leaving for California next week.  I'm not going to step out of my front door Thursday morning and suddenly decide how I'm going to get there.  I have a plan.  I know what flight I'm taking, when it departs, and when it arrives in California.  I know what hotel I'm staying in and have reserved my room.  I have my rental car reserved.  I know when my meetings and events are scheduled.  And I know when it's time to return home.
  

Likewise you need to plan ahead for the things you want to achieve in life.  Do you want to start a business?  Great!  What will your business be?  What products or services will you sell?  How will you market and advertise?  What equipment or supplies will you need to start?  How much will it cost?  Will you continue to work at a job while you build your business?

A plan for achieving your goals is essential.  Otherwise they are just a dream.

And while you're planning, plan BIG!  I'm traveling to California next week in an effort to expand my business.  But I could just as easily have said I'm traveling to the next town to work on my business.  But why settle for that when I can do something bigger?  Never underestimate your worth or your skills! 

Lean how to balance life

Balance is crucial.  All work and no play and you will soon burn out.  All play and no work and you will soon be out of business!  Neglect your family and you may lose them.  Same with your health.  Spend your money as fast as you make it and you may not have anything for later years.  Save it all and you may have a heck of a retirement fund - and no family or health to enjoy it with.

Balance in all areas of your life - faith, family, business, health, finances - is the only way to succeed.

Find your purpose

This is a bit different than your goals.  I knew I wanted a business of my own.  And I tried my hand at several.  But I didn't really have any success with them until I figured out my purpose.  Helping others who want more for themselves and their families is what is important to me.  Once I focused my business on what was true to my heart, the rest began to fall into place.

Doing what you love, knowing that this is your mission, will keep you going when the going gets a bit rough.

Stay away from distractions

I call it shiny object syndrome.  And it can come in many forms.  New business opportunities.  New systems or programs that are supposed to help you grow.  New toys.  New friends.  

We all love new things.  Bright shiny new things!  But sometimes these things can distract us from our mission, from our purpose.  They can move us away from plans we made to reach our goals.  Be careful not to let all those shiny new things throw you off course.  Always ask if this new thing, new experience, new person is in keeping with your overall plan, your values, and your purpose.  If not, banish them!

Accept things as they come

Life can be really unfair.  You can put all your time and effort into building your business and then the market changes.  Or your opportunity shuts down.  Despite your best efforts, you have a major health issue.  Family problems can happen to the best of families.  

My family laughs at me because I love watching those movies about people who had something catastrophic happen in their lives but overcame it to achieve something wonderful.  Why?  Because they remind me of what is possible if you don't give up.  

I've had some setbacks in my life.  Health problems.  Family problems.  Lost jobs when I really couldn't afford to.  Divorce.  I could focus on all that and wonder why me and wish it hadn't happened.  Instead I kept stepping out in faith that everything would work out as it was supposed to in the end.  And here I am today!  

How many people can you think of that have achieved great things in the face of adversity?  What would have happened if they had chosen to sit around complaining about their misfortune instead?

Say goodbye to all your fears

Easier said than done I know.  Maybe I should put it a bit differently.  I'm terribly shy (no really) and I still get stage fright when I have to speak in front of people.  But instead of focusing on my fear, I thing about why I'm here, and what I'm doing.  What's the worst that could happen?  I don't get my message across.  So?  I can start over and try to improve my speaking skills.  But what if one person needs to hear what I have to say and doesn't because I was too afraid to speak?  What if I reach that one person and say the thing she needs to hear to move forward with her dream?  Ridiculous you say?  I assure you it has happened.  And if I can change the life of even just one person, then I am fulfilling my purpose.  That is way more important than whether I'm afraid. 

Success comes from hard work.  There will be rejection.  There will be pain and disappointment.  But there will also be victories and celebrations!  You will feel pride in overcoming obstacles.  You will feel satisfaction at the end of a long day working on your dream.  You will feel elated when you start reaching your goals and seeing the rewards of your efforts.  So don't give up.  Stay true to your plan.  Dream BIG!  Find your purpose.  Maintain balance.  Avoid bright shiny objects.  Accept that life happens.  Face your fears.  Those are the real secrets.  The rest is just tricks and techniques that anyone can learn.

You really can have everything you want in your life.  Ready to learn more?  

Don't Be A Passive Reader: How to Retain What You Read

Regular reading is a valuable habit for solopreneurs. But it’s not enough to read a lot of books if you can’t recall anything about them. You need a system so you can track what you read, when you read it, and what you learned from it. Otherwise, you’ll be relying on your memory which may not always be accurate.

But that doesn’t mean that tracking what you read has to be boring or difficult. Here are the details you want to make sure you hold onto…

Start with These Facts

You want to record the basics first like the title and author name. You may also want the page count and publisher information. This can be helpful if it’s a resource you plan to recommend to friends or if it’s a technical book that may be updated by the publisher periodically.

Next, grab the book summary. You can write your own if you prefer to share your impressions of the book. But if not, then use the book blurb found on websites like Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Capture the Details

Now that you have the basics out of the way, it’s time to focus on recording details about the book you’ve just read. Note any quotes you loved or passages you want to remember. Be sure to add the page number or chapter title so you can find them again.

Next, rank the book. You can create your own ranking system if you like or you can keep it simple and use the five-star method that’s popular on Amazon. You may also want to include three to five tags to jog your memory later or help you if you want to recommend the book.

Take Notes

Finally, take some time to craft your own notes. These don’t have to be shared with anyone else and don’t need to be long or complex.

You can write 3-5 sentences talking about the book. You could say something like, “Great book. I love the points made in the first three chapters but the middle was a bit repetitive. I’d skim read those chapters on a re-read.”

Splurge on a Journal

Another way to keep track of what you read is to splurge on a reading journal. There are a plenty of journals available at a variety of price points, but one of the most popular ones is The Book Lover’sJournal. You’ll have plenty of space to record what you read and what you thought about it. It's the one I use and I love it!

Use an App

Some people prefer to track their reading digitally. If that describes you, then you might be interested in the Goodreads app.

You can post your own reviews and add books to your virtual shelves called tags. It’s part catalogue system and part social network so you can interact with other users and discuss your favorite books.


It doesn’t matter how you prefer to track your reading. It’s just important that you have a system in place so you can retain what you’ve read and refer back to it in the future.

Work Smarter: 5 Business Books You Should Read Right Now

Every entrepreneur has days when they don’t want to get anything done. It might be that you’re tired, stressed, or just plain overwhelmed. If that describes you, you’re not alone.

One of the best ways to overcome these emotions is to read a few pages of a book that you find motivational. Here are five books that won’t only inspire you, they’ll also help you work smarter, too…

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T Harv Eker

If you’ve ever wondered why one person is financially successful while the other struggles for years despite having similar business models, this book is for you. In it, the author tackles the biggest predictor of financial abundance—your mindset.

With a down-to-earth style, T Harv Eker explains the importance of preparing your mind for success and anticipating big business growth. If you’re tired of struggling and need a motivational book, reach for Secrets of theMillionaire Mind.

Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo

Communicating clearly is an important part of getting what you want from your life and your business. In Talk Like Ted, you’ll learn the secrets of public speaking from some of the world’s most inspirational minds.

This book will give you the tools to improve your public speaking and you’ll find the more confident you become with your speaking, the easier it is to embrace other forms of marketing like video streaming and podcasts. If you want to refine your communication skills, grab this book today.

Drunk Tank Pink by Adam Alter

Drunk Tank Pink is a fascinating read that discusses why humans behave in certain scenarios. This type of behavior analysis can be helpful for entrepreneurs as they make everyday decisions like what colors to use in their branding and what words will evoke the best response on their sales page.

Although the book references numerous scientific studies, it never slows down or gets dull. Instead, the author deftly explains the results of these experiments in terms that every layman can understand. If you’re curious about what drives customers’ behavior, this is the book you’ll want to read.

The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone

Setting your goals too low is a common cause of mediocrity. In The 10X Rule, Grant Cardone focuses on the importance of setting big goals and taking action toward them every single day.

His high-energy style and enthusiasm for business have inspired readers around the world. The author also touches on why some people succeed in business while others fail despite their efforts. If you’re looking to be challenged to dream bigger, this is the book you want on your nightstand.

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

If you’ve ever felt like something was holding you back from hitting the next level, then you need to check out The Big Leap. In it, Gay Hendricks discusses the four false beliefs that can hold you back and sabotage from success.

As you examine these beliefs and how they’re formed, you’ll discover how to overcome them so you can live in your zone of genius. Be prepared to dig deep into your mindset to uncover the hidden obstacles that are keeping you from the life and business you want.

Make it a habit to take time to read each day. Doing this regularly refreshes you and gives you inspiration to work smarter on your business.

Rogers, Arkansas

I remember when I first moved to Arkansas.  It was 1993.  I was coming from Pearl Harbor, HI.  Retiring from the Navy.  I had spent time in some of the largest cities in the country.  San Diego.  Washington, DC.  Orlando, FL.  And now I was moving to Arkansas.  My friends laughed.  "Call us when you are ready to move back to civilization!"

I get asked all the time, "Why Arkansas?  And why Rogers, Arkansas?  Why not at least Little Rock, or Hot Springs?"  The answer is simple.  This is where my husband calls home.  We moved here to be closer to his family.  I grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania.  But I wasn't keen to move back there.  I had left there just as soon as I could for a reason.  Those reasons hadn't changed.  So Arkansas was where we would retire.

Almost everyone I meet has a noticeable reaction when I say I'm from Arkansas.  The type of reaction varies but it is always there.  Sometimes it is pity.  "Arkansas?  Really?  Poor girl."  Sometimes it's laughter.  "Y'all live in Arkansas? I done been to Arkansas."  Sometimes it's disbelief.  "You live in Arkansas?  Why?  You could live anywhere!"  True, I say, but we choose to live here.

You see many people have a preconceived notion of what Arkansas is like.  Backwoods.  Redneck.  Hillbilly.  Country.  Poor.  Uneducated.  I've heard all those words used.  But what they don't remember or choose to overlook are a different set of facts.

I live 35 minutes from the main campus of the University of Arkansas.  You know...the Razorbacks?  Woo Pig Sooie and all that.  It's a good school with some top programs.  And Fayetteville, AR is a normal college town with plenty to offer.  It's been listed as one of the top cities to live several times by major publications.

I can be at the Walmart Home Office in about 20 minutes.  Walmart.  Perhaps you have heard of them?  This is where they originated and where they still call home.  Just down the road is the Corporate Headquarters of JB Hunt, the trucking company.  And just a bit down the road from there is the World Headquarters of Tyson Foods.  Three of the largest and most well-known companies in the world call this area home.  Why shouldn't I?

There are advantages to having the Waltons, the Tysons, and other large companies based here.  They give back to the community.  And so we have an amazing Performing Arts center (Walton Art Center) where we can see everything from Broadway plays to children's theater, ballet, symphonies, comedy, international acts, and everything in between - all at an affordable cost.  The AMP brings in well know artists from all genres.  Just this week we are having performances by 30 Seconds to Mars, Kenny Chesney, and Janet Jackson.  Crystal Bridges Museum is a world class museum specializing in American art.  The Bentonville Film Festival brings many of your favorite stars right here to our little town.  And if that doesn't excite you, we are also home to the 3rd largest motorcycle rally in the country.  I never miss Bikes Blues and BBQ!  Oh, and don't forget the craft fairs.  People come from all over the country for the annual craft fairs! 

If you're into sports, we have Baum Stadium.  Football.  Basketball. Baseball.  Oh and speaking of baseball, we have a minor league team based out of Arvest Ball Park.  

We have excellent medical facilities.  Miles of biking and walking trails.  Wonderful restaurants.  Boutiques and galleries and shops of all kinds. 

And some of the nicest, most caring people you will ever meet.

We're not as redneck, hillbilly, uneducated as you might think.  But that's not my point.  My point is choice.  I choose to live here because I want to not because I have to. 

Yes, I could live elsewhere.  We have sometimes discussed moving to Florida where it's warmer.  Or to Costa Rica where it's warmer still.  We've talked about buying an RV and just hitting the road.  And yet somehow we always decide to remain right here.  Because we can do whatever we want.  As long as I have my phone, my laptop, and a way to connect with the internet, I can earn a living. 

This lifestyle isn't about 4-day work weeks.  It's not about working 2 hours a day.  It's not about being the next internet millionaire (although I won't complain about that).  It's not the pictures you see of big houses and fancy cars or some guy on the beach with his laptop.  I mean seriously...who takes their laptop to the beach? 

No.  What it is about is CHOICE.  And that is what's most important.

So the next time you get that look when I say I'm a network marketer from Rogers, Arkansas, ask yourself a question.  Are you where you are by choice or because you have no choice?

I choose the Arkansas life.  What will you choose?

WooPigSooie!  Razorbacks!

P.S.  If you want the freedom to choose your life, contact me.  Maybe I can help...

Terri Dennis Talks about Multiple Streams of Income

Thinking about adding some additional income streams to your business?  Wondering if it's time to reinvent yourself?  Just want to add something new and fun to your income streams?

Meet Terri Dennis!  She's the expert on all of that and more.  PopArtDiva.  The Martini Diva.  Diva of Tiny Foods.  Author.  Artist.  Jewelry Designer.  Coloring Book creator.  She does it all.

Come listen while she shares how she manages to juggle all of this and still stay true to her brand.

How to Squeeze in Time to Read During Your Busy Days

Solopreneurs wear so many different hats. You juggle marketing campaigns, product creation, client recruiting, software updates, and more. You do it all and that has you wondering where on earth you’ll find time to squeeze in some reading to better your business.

But making time to read doesn’t have to be difficult. It can be easy if you follow these simple tips…

Read in the Mornings

If you already have a few morning routines that allow you to start the day feeling energized and enthusiastic, then add a new reading habit to the mix. But remember, you don’t have to devour an entire tome. You can start by reading one short chapter in the morning.

Sneak a Few Pages before Bed

If you’re more of a night owl, you might find it easier to read before bed. You won’t have the pressures and interruptions that most people experience during the day. Reading also helps you unwind so you might find that indulging in a few pages before bed also improves your sleep quality.

Keep a Book with You

Thanks to smart devices, it’s easier than ever to tote a huge library with you wherever you go. When you find yourself waiting in line at the grocery store or in a doctor’s office, skip the magazine rack and go for a book instead.

Choose Fascinating Books

Pick books you actually want to read, ones that excite and inspire you. Not only will you be more engrossed when you do read, you’ll also be on the lookout for pockets of time in your day when you can crack open a book.

Put Down the Book

You don’t have to finish every book you start. Maybe you find the author’s word choice irritating or their writing style boring. Whatever the reason, you don’t have to complete a book just because you started it. 

Some people find it helpful to have a minimum pages rule. For example, you may decide that if a book isn’t interesting to you, you can release it after thirty pages. How many pages you pick depends on your reading habits and personal preferences.

Set a Daily Goal

One of the best ways to create and stick-to a reading habit is to set a daily goal. This could be a certain number of pages or chapters read. If you don’t read a lot currently, start with a small goal like two pages a day.

Each week, you can challenge yourself to read an extra page. Keep doing this until you’re at a number that you find a number that’s fun to aim for and challenging to you.

Reading regularly is like having a gym membership. You’re not going to experience the amazing benefits unless you carve time out of your schedule and make it a priority.

5 Book Recommendations to Grow Your Business

Reading is one of the easiest ways to grow your business. That’s because reading can help you see a problem from a different perspective, approach a customer complaint with wisdom, and provide you with the insight you need to do something new. 

But picking a book to read is hard. There are thousands of books already out there and dozens are being published weekly. So what should you read next? How about trying one of these?  I recommend each one of them!

The Power of Moments by Dan & Chip Heath

In this gripping book, Dan and Chip Heath examine what makes some moments memorable while others seem to slip by entirely unnoticed. In the book, the authors describe the four elements that create a special moment—elevation, insight, pride, or connection.
You can use the insights from Dan and Chip to create special moments for your subscribers, clients, or customers. These moments can strengthen and deepen your business relationships in exciting, new ways.

Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed

Kristen Hadeed’s book on how to fail is not only laugh out loud funny, it’s also authentic and inspiring. In Permission to ScrewUp, Kristen recounts how she began her business and the mistakes she made along the way.

But Kristen doesn’t just share her journey. She goes on to explain the mistake she made and what she should have done instead. This book will encourage entrepreneurs who are floundering in their business and give them insights into how to course-correct.

Ask by Ryan Levesque

Some entrepreneurs waste months or even years trying to guess what their community wants from their business. But with Ask by Ryan Levesque, you’ll be armed with the information you need to get real answers that can transform your business.

Ryan breaks down how to create surveys that give you valuable data about your customers and shows you how to create customized sales funnels that turn visitors into raving fans.

The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan

The One Thing is a short and simple no-fluff guide. The idea behind it is that you can only focus on doing one thing well at a time. So, the authors recommend cutting out many modern-day distractions so you can get the work done that really matters.

But if you don’t know what those activities are, the book will help you sift through and identify the activities that will give you the biggest return on your time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your business, this book is the essential guide you need to get back to basics.

Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller

One of the biggest challenges for an entrepreneur is defining their brand so that customers can understand it. With Building a StoryBrand, you’ll discover how to clarify your brand and share it with your customers.

The author gives clear advice on how to share the message that you’ve been struggling to communicate. Plus, he devotes plenty of time to the seven story points that allow customers to truly connect with your brand. If you’re ready to level up your marketing, grab this book today.

Don’t put off learning from these fantastic authors. Pick one book and get started reading today!