Taking Responsibility for Your Actions

[Note: Before I forget, my next 4-Week Accelerated Coaching Program starts in a few weeks...are you ready for BIG transformation results in your career? Achieve your dream biz goal in just weeks, space is limited so check it out now! Here's to your success! ~Alex]

Image: Facebook.com/RyanSLochte

Hopefully most of you have been watching the Olympics and seen my favorite Gator swimmer Ryan Lochte win a few Olympic medals, including 2 golds. Lochte stars in a commercial from AT&T in which he says "Luck didn't get me to London, I swam here."

That is so powerful. (And not just because he's a gold medal winning Olympic champion and world record breaking swimmer!) Instead of leaving it up to luck or destiny, hard work, discipline, persistence and commitment will get you results. 

Very successful people realize they are in control and take ownership of the results in their lives. They are decisive and confident in their decisions. 

On the other hand, it is very common for most of us to see ourselves with blinders and not realize how we act or our role in our decisions and actions. We give lame excuses that involve everyone and everything other than ourselves.

Last week I mentioned that many people use the term "I can't" very loosely. Be very clear about what you can and cannot do.

Are you holding yourself accountable for all your decisions and actions? Blaming other people such as your family, boss and other external sources is a common way to avoid taking responsibility. Instead of looking at your role in a situation, many of us think thoughts like "if only he/she/they would do/say/be..." things would be better. 

If you're not getting the success you want in your life, you may need to take a step back and assess your thoughts and behaviors. 

Taking full responsibility for your life is extremely empowering... and will lead you down the path toward success. Blaming outside forces (or even holding on to our own shortcomings) is irresponsible and will keep you stuck in the same status. 

Action Step: Notice the next time you say "I can't" or blame other people or outside forces for the events and results you get in your life. Catch yourself before you say these words. Instead of
"I can't" use terms such as "I choose" or "I prioritize." When something you are working on does not pan out, acknowledge your role and that you can try harder or try a different approach. You'll be on your way to Empowerment! 

This article is derived from Ch. 2 on Creating a Powerful Mindset from Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM). This success program presents the 12 most powerful strategies for success and is designed to motivate you to increase your productivity, reach your goals and ultimately fulfill your purpose toward your masterpiece life!

Taking Action is the Key to Success

[Note: Before I forget, my next 4-Week Accelerated Coaching Program starts in a few weeks...are you ready for BIG transformation results in your career? Achieve your dream biz goal in just weeks, space is limited so check it out now! Here's to your success! ~Alex]

By J. Howard Miller, public domain poster used by the War Production Co-ordinating Committee

Action is the foundational key to all success

 ~Pablo Picasso

Such a simple quote, yet so impactful. This is probably one of my favorites because it really emphasizes an important point.. success is measured by results, or “action.”

I often read this quote on Mondays or on days when I’m feeling down, and realized that I needed a pick-me-up just to write this blog article, which is why I chose “Action” as the topic.

The last few weeks I feel like I’ve been doing a lot of reading, learning and planning…which is all great and will pay dividends later. But I haven’t felt like I’ve been “doing.” I’ve felt stuck in the planning stage.

Now I do realize taking action is not my biggest strength… which is probably why this is one of my favorite motivational quotes. In The One Minute Millionaire by Marc Victor Hansen, I’m referred to as a hare (creative/idea generator) and owl (strategic planner), NOT a turtle (risk analyst) or squirrel (details/action implementer). 

Since I'm more a "big picture" person, I have to work extra hard at implementation, details and organization (thankfully I'm a naturally positive and ambitious person!). I'd like to share a few ways that have worked for me that can help you psych yourself to take action:

1. Take 3-5 steps each day: It only takes a few positive steps each day to get far! Assume you take three steps every day; when you multiply that over 30 days, you’ve moved almost 150 steps closer toward your goals. A little can go a long way!

2. Get Help: When you’re overwhelmed and don’t have the drive to move forward, get help! Perhaps you delegate some of the busy work to part-time administrative or marketing assistants, or partner with another company or agency that can implement your projects.  

3. Find an Accountability Partner: When you tell another person what you want to accomplish, you are more likely to do it. Imagine telling your partner that you want to run a marathon in 6 months, but a month goes by and she doesn’t see you training. Find someone who will bug you and actually hold you accountable.    

4. De-Clutter/Clean Up your life: You may feel like you’re in a rut because you have a ton of extra baggage on you holding you back. A little cleaning up of your home, car or even emotional baggage can free up a lot of extra time and energy in your schedule. Plus it will free up “room” for positive movement in your life.

5. Remember your Purpose: Ooooh this is a good one. When I start to feel deflated or de-motivated, I remember what I’m here to do. I can’t just sit back and NOT do it… it MUST be done. 

6. Take Vacation: Yes, I said take vacation! Perhaps you’re stuck because you’re tired, or bored of the same old rut, and need to recharge. I try to take a couple days off each month, and boy does that down time help me recharge to re-focus on my goals.

Life can sometimes feel as though not much is happening on a day-to-day basis. When you’re frustrated and feel that you’re not progressing, remember that it only takes one step at a time. The key to accomplishing great things is to keep moving forward!


This passage is derived from Module 5: Taking Action, of my Success Program Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM) designed to help you set and reach your goals and ultimately lead your best, Masterpiece life!

For more FREE tips and strategies and to get instant access to the "12 Secrets to Success Strategies" video with more great insight from Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM), sign up now and receive my newsletter of success tips (don't worry, I value my client's privacy and never sell information to third parties!):

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What we can learn from our Fathers

Me and my dad in Granada, Spain

It shouldn't take a holiday like Father's Day for us to honor and show respect to our fathers... although it is common for us to take our loved ones for granted. Many of us are blessed to still have our fathers alive and healthy (including myself), so that in itself is something to celebrate.

In high school I wrote a cheesy essay about how I admired my dad, that my hard-ass teacher actually loved and gave me an "A" for. In it I included some qualities that many of us can relate to with respect to the father figures in our lives. Here are just a few of those admirable qualities:

1. Integrity: Doing the right thing, no matter what. Your parents are your first source of discipline, and that also goes with learning what's right and wrong. We usually know when we've disappointed our parents by not doing the right thing... I'm getting a visual from the Lion King where Simba has a heart-to-heart talk with his dad after finding the elephant graveyard.. along with hyenas.


2. Being a leader: There's a reason that fathers are typically referred to as "head of household"...they are the figurehead and CEO of the family, receiving the pressure to keep it all together without always getting the credit. 

3. Sense of Responsibility: Similar to a maternal nurturance, most dads I know seem to have this sense responsibility gene inherently built into their DNAs, as though it is their duty to step up and take care of their families. 

4. The Steady Rock: In a household of all women, my dad was always the (emotionally) sane one. We would ask our dad for advice on any issue--my dad has heard it ALL!--and he was always there to support us, no matter what. 

5. Conflict Resolution/Mediation: A parent automatically must learn to become a mediator... my dad was the one that kept everything in line while the rest of us fought over seemingly "important" things like who stole who's makeup, who didn't wash the clothes they borrowed, who ate who's leftovers, etc. 

I'm not even going to mention all the times my dad took me shopping for clothes, attended a loud concert or musical with me, or bailed me out of some dumb monetary bind.

Damn, being a dad is a challenge! In honor of our fathers who took all the crap we put them through... Cheers to them (or cheers to you, if you are one)!   


Many of these success strategies are discussed in my Success Program Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM) designed to help you fulfill your life's mission while increasing your productivity, reaching your goals and ultimately leading your best, Masterpiece life! If you or your dad would be interested in a success program designed to help heart-centered professionals, read more here.   

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Networking up: The do's and don'ts of befriending higher-ups

I wanted to share an excerpt from this really excellent article on MSN from Career Builder writer Kaitlin Madden (in which I also happen to be quoted). Here's to your success!! 

 

Networking up: The do's and don'ts of befriending higher-ups

Kaitlin Madden, CareerBuilder Writer

Whether you work for a large corporation or a small business, you probably feel at least a little intimidated by your company's executive team. After all, they not only call the shots, but they essentially hold your job security and the future of your career in their hands.

As daunted as you may feel at the prospect of networking with your organization's higher-ups, getting to know them could be one of the best things you do for your career. 

"It is quite worthwhile to get to know senior leaders [at your company]," says John Millikin, clinical professor of management at Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business and former vice president of human resources at Motorola. "From the leader's standpoint, by getting to know you as more than a name on a roster, he or she can have a face and personality in mind when making decisions that might affect you and your job. You, conversely, begin to have a clearer understanding of who this leader is and how she or he thinks. This can be very helpful in better aligning your actions with the goals of the firm. The leader may also gain from a connection with you, because he or she is getting an unfiltered view from the 'floor,' which can be very helpful."

So how do you form relationships with the upper management at your company? Consider the do's and don'ts of networking up.

Do find a mentor: Having a mentor in a management position at your company is helpful, because he can introduce you to other executives with whom you may not have a chance to interact.   

"From my experience, working in a corporate position as a banker for many years, networking with higher-ups works," says Alexandra Figueredo, motivation and success coach and author of "Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece." 

"I was mentored by a senior officer, and she pushed me to meet periodically with every one of the senior executives at my company. I was scared to death at first. But within a few months, I was meeting with the top five executives of my company, including the CEO and [chief financial officer]. Eventually, I used their insight and guidance to get promoted within the company."

Don't be a brown-noser: Though networking up is a good career strategy, trying to get an "in" with management shouldn't monopolize your workday. You don't want to develop a reputation as the office politico -- that won't sit well with colleagues or executives.

"Building relationships and networking within an organization can be quite important in a career," Millikin says. "But that doesn't mean that you should spend all your time playing politics in the negative sense of the word. Good working relationships facilitate communication and understanding in an organization, enhancing efficiency. Carried to an extreme, of course, it can become counterproductive. Relationships need to be sincere and transparent. Nobody likes someone who is obviously ingratiating and always agreeing with the boss."

Do create opportunities to network: If you don't have a chance to interact with your CEO on a daily basis, look for ways to do so outside of work. "Employees can network with executives in their own companies by joining and/or heading up committees that are companywide that will have to report to upper management," says Cheryl Palmer, owner of career-coaching firm Call to Career. "This will give employees visibility with the higher-ups as well as networking opportunities."

Other places to "run into" executives? The company gym, office-sponsored happy hours and corporate charity events. 

...

Read the rest of the article HERE

Kaitlin Madden is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.

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Moving Beyond the Terror Barrier to our Dreams

[Note: Before I forget, my next 4-Week Accelerated Coaching Program starts in a few weeks...are you ready for BIG transformation results in your career? Achieve your dream biz goal in just weeks, space is limited so check it out now! Here's to your success! ~Alex] 

I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.

~Georgia O’Keefe

Reflect on this quote for a moment. What a powerful message from a female artist who succeeded in a man’s world!

Fear is always in our path. Fear is a feeling or emotion one gets from the presence or imminence of any danger, according to TheFreeDictionary.com. The danger may be a real threat or perceived threat; in our lives, many times it stems from a challenge we are facing.

All people, no matter how confident they are, confront fear in one form or another. We mistakenly believe that successful people have no fears. In actuality, they do have fears but are courageous enough to move past them.

Throughout your life, you will continuously experience fear. I recently listened to an audio recording by Bob Proctor (bobproctor.com) where he talked about how we constantly hit the “terror barrier” at certain points when we want to grow or advance in our lives. The “terror barrier” is both when you are excited and terrified at the same time.

Moving past the “terror barrier” can give you amazing success beyond what you ever imagined. But many times when we hit the “terror barrier”, instead of pushing forward, we sulk back into our comfort zone accepting the same results we’ve been getting all along. To become your best, highest self, your challenge is to move beyond the fear and the “terror barrier” and reach for your dreams anyway.  

In my case, one of the biggest risks I have taken was leaving my corporate job to start my own business. There was no certainty that I was going to succeed. I was terrified! I finally decided that fulfilling my Masterpiece Purpose was more important than any risk I was taking. In fact, my fears turned into a “Must Win Big” mentality. 

Instead of worrying about the risks, I concentrated on success and continued to take small steps forward. Since then I’ve done phenomenal things I never imagined possible, including writing a book, Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM).

Look at your life and examine in what areas you have been hitting the “terror barrier.” Are you stepping up to the challenge or playing it safe? Imagine the possibilities if you looked your challenge in the eye and just went for it?

This article is derived from Ch. 7 on Overcoming Fears and Taking Risks from the success program Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM). This e-book program presents 12 strategies for success and is designed to motivate you to increase your productivity, reach your goals and ultimately fulfill your purpose and lead a Masterpiece life!

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Are You Aiming for the Stars?

Note: Before I forget, check out my newest Coaching Program which starts in a couple of days...July 26 (the day before the Olympics!) to get you big transformation results in just a few weeks, developing a high performance mindset to achieve your dream goal! Hope you can join me, space is limited!  Here's to your success! ~Alex

For my part I know nothing with any certainty,

but the sight of the stars makes me dream.

~Vincent van Gogh

Right here and now I’m giving you permission to aim for the stars with your dreams. Does that sound a bit cheesy? Well I am a motivational coach pushing you to reach your greatest personal and professional success! 

Always aim high with your goals, even if some seem out of reach. The worst that can happen is that you push yourself beyond what you ever imagined possible. Who knows, you may even reach your goals! 

In less than six months, I wrote a book, and can now say I’m an Author. That all started with a vision and a goal. I didn’t want to just keep writing articles; I firmly decided to write a book! Then I followed up and made it happen. 

There’s also the income goal. Whenever I start talking to my clients about earning hundreds of thousands of dollars or more, somehow it gets out of their scope of reality. Is earning this much income really out of your reality? If you’re working in line with your purpose—what I call your Masterpiece Purpose--you deserve to earn all the income to which you aspire. Since you’re getting paid to do what you love anyway, why not earn as much as you want doing it? You must first see yourself worthy of receiving it. 

Essentially, aiming for your real aspirations allows you to truly live a

purposeful life. Although it’s not always about money, focus on what you really want and don’t be afraid to think it, want it or say it. 

When you get some down time, meditate and reflect on your goals. Remember, don't just reach for the trees...aim for the stars!

*If you'd like to further your training, check out one of my upcoming Webinars including Strategic Online Marketing, Branding and Publicity! Sign up now before space fills up!


This article is derived from Ch. 3 on Goals from Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM). This e-book program presents the 12 most powerful strategies for success and is designed to motivate you to increase your productivity, reach your goals and ultimately fulfill your purpose! 

For more FREE tips and strategies and to get instant access to the "12 Secrets to Success Strategies" video with more great insight from Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM), sign up now:

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"Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece" Special Introductory Launch

It's finally here.. I've been working hard over the last few months to complete the Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece Program designed to get you to focus on your purpose in life, set goals, plan and take action, overcome fears and criticism and increase your mastery so you can lead your Masterpiece Life. Wow that's a mouthful!

I'm really excited to be launching this Program, which includes an E-Book and Call to Action Journal. I wanted to create a Program that was Inspirational--by using quotes and stories of the Master artists from the past--and also Motivational--to begin to take action now. If you still have aspirations that you have not yet accomplished, then this Program is for you.

I've designed this to be an affordable Program that anyone in any place in their lives can follow. To read more and see what other Bonus items you can get, click Here. You could even win a free Kindle Fire!

P.S.- Now during the Holidays, I'm thankful this year for my successes as well as my failures that have become learning opportunities. I wish you much love and prosperity this season and into the new year.

Here's to your success...Bon Voyage on your journey!

Overwhelmed and Can't Find "Enough Time"?

Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it.
~Leonardo da Vinci

How are we going to complete all our tasks today? Many of us entrepreneurs and professionals get caught in the trap of never having "enough time." We regularly feel overwhelmed with having too much to do all by ourselves. Guess what? You'll never have "enough time"!

In many cases, there is work you don’t want to do, don’t do well, or just don’t have any "additional time” for. For example, assume this week you must create a new website, set up accounting software and print marketing material. Even though each of these projects may not be particularly difficult to undertake individually, you prefer not to handle any of this “busy work.” Plus it may take an inordinate amount of research and execution time to perform each of these tasks properly because you are not an expert in any of these functions.

Delegating some administrative tasks may be a blessing! For affordable prices, you could hire an assistant or contractor to handle duties such as answering emails and creating marketing material. Many assistants are professionally trained and actually want to help you! Ask friends and colleagues for referrals, search online databases of freelance professionals or research a reputable local concierge service.

Apart from administrative duties, assess other areas in your life that may be zapping undesired time and energy every month. Can you eliminate or lessen unimportant routines, processes or frivolous requests? Can you create automated systems for recurring items, such as online billing services? Finding solutions to even these menial tasks can feel liberating. 

Imagine what freeing up 10 hours a week of this “busy work” would do for you and your business? Passing off these items will get your mind back to focusing on your Masterpiece Purpose. You can even use that extra hour or two a day for fun or rest! Delegating these tasks actually affords you more time, energy and the possibility for profits! Do you really want to sacrifice your sanity, health and potential masterpiece work to save a few bucks?

When life starts to get tough and you don’t know how to handle it, remember that all it takes is one small step forward. This may also be the right time to seek additional support, hire an assistant, call a success coach or attend a productivity seminar! You can handle it! 

   
*Excerpt derived from Ch. 5 of Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM) Success Program. This program has 12 keys to success and is designed to motivate you to increase your productivity, reach your goals and ultimately fulfill your purpose! 

I also encourage and welcome comments and appreciate you forwarding this article to others who may find it valuable.

Thank you for all your support!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support these last few weeks! 

Through last week I was working on the final touches of my book and have been highly immersed in completing and publishing the e-book program. This is a culmination of the best strategies to help you reach your greatest level of success! I'm really proud of the book and program! More details to come!

This week as well I had to leave town due to a family emergency, and have had little access to internet. Thank you for all the thoughts, support and understanding during this time. 

I will be resuming my weekly blog posts in the next couple of weeks and will share the details and date of the Success Program launch by then.

My sincerest appreciation and regards!

~Alex

Power of Partnership: Leveraging the help of others to succeed

In Western society (particularly in the U.S.), being a lone hero is somehow encouraged and respected. We often feel that we have to do everything ourselves, saying “Yes, Yes, Yes” and multitasking several jobs at once. No one’s ever surprised when we finally break down or get sick, because it’s just not humanly possible to do it all!  

To be successful, there is strength in numbers. “Group think” is highly synergistic. This means that it’s better to have several people working with you, than just you working.

Finding partnerships is a catalyst for elevating you to the next level. These are some ways you can apply the group approach to help your business:

1. Join a Cooperative or Association: There is power in community! These groups are designed to pool resources together to help their members. There may be business associations, chambers of commerce and other such organizations in your city that are available for you to join. Also take advantage of communities online, such as ArtistaMundo.com, which provide each member with benefits such as an online portfolio and search databases.

2. Create a “Master Mind” Group: A Master Mind is essentially a small group of 5 or 6 like-minded and successful peers that meet once or twice a month. You share ideas, frustrations, concerns, advice and requests with the group. You brainstorm together, benefiting from the experience and knowledge of others, plus they provide third-party unbiased objective views. Make sure that everyone in the group wants to succeed and they are more positive than negative. The last thing you need is a pessimistic “Debbie Downer” contradicting or bashing all your ideas. Another option is to join a group coaching program that functions in the same way, but is led by a professional (in this case, me).  

3. Find an Accountability Partner: If you can’t find a whole group, just one other friend or trusted professional such as a Coach can serve to keep you focused on and accountable for your goals. Similarly to the group, this person can provide valuable insight and advice on a consistent basis. If it's your friend, you can cross-mentor each other. The advantage of having just one other person is the flexibility and attention to strategize your issues more intimately.

4. Find a Mentor: Sometimes you do need to seek out others you admire who are where you want to be. A mentor can be a former boss, professor or some other highly respected person you meet with regularly, or anytime you need advice. Another option is to ask someone you don’t know personally but respect, such as the CEO of a company you greatly admire. Depending on their availability, you can ask just to chat on the phone or treat them to lunch. They may be highly flattered for the request and want to help you because successful people like to give back! Take advantage of these situations to ask for advice and feedback.

5. Assemble your “Dream Team”: You excel at what you do best. Find other people that excel at all the jobs that take away valuable time from your creative process. Search online for concierge services that can hire a part-time assistant or intern so you delegate all the administrative work, social media or marketing that are time and energy zappers. Seek experts who are holding workshops or informational sessions in areas you need help in. Perhaps you need professional consultants such as accountants and attorneys. Ask your local SCORE or arts and business council if they recommend affordable professional resources. For example, in Miami there is a group called LegalArt that provides affordable or pro-bono legal services to artists. Even if you think you can’t or shouldn’t spend money on hiring these folks, remember that what you’re not delegating out may be costing you a fortune!

Sometimes all we need are little nudges along our path to success. Leveraging the help of others will help you tremendously, if nothing else to free your time and energy so you can continue to do what you do best. 

*If you need additional help on your road to success, check out some additional resources: my new book Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM), join me in Individual or Group Coaching, check out an upcoming webinar or workshop.

The Art of Networking and Making Connections

Have you ever been to a networking event in which you talk to dozens of people but don’t seem to find a connection with anyone? Or worse yet, you find yourself in the corner by yourself?

Many artists and arts professionals I know are shy or simply dread networking events. In order to elevate your success to the next level, you’re going to have to communicate about yourself and your work. By not attending these events, you are forgoing possible opportunities to find new leads and sell your work. 

Recently I participated in a really great tele-seminar “Mastering the Art of Quick Connection was as easy as 1 - 2 – 3!” about networking and making connections. The chat was hosted by Lisa Marie Platske, President & CEO of Upside Thinking, Inc. who was interviewing Bonnie Ross-Parker, CEO & Founder of “The Joy of Connecting®”, two fabulous ladies that help other women and entrepreneurs succeed.

Bonnie's approach takes the “work” out of networking and her three-part connecting system is easy and effective. In order to make a quick connection and increase your success in any networking event, remember to do the following:

1.     Differentiate

2.     Be Memorable

3.     Make a Difference

Differentiate: Always be yourself and feel free to be different. If you’re shy, an easy conversation starter that gets others to approach you is wearing your own personalized name tag with your name, business and logo. Also try going out of your way to make a connection. Rescue that person who’s alone simply by introducing yourself; they’ll be so grateful and more likely to be interested in learning more about your work. You can even connect people you’ve met that have things in common. One time I connected a young designer who needed copyright legal advice with a qualified attorney I had met earlier in the night.     

Be Memorable: This refers to your appearance and behavior. As far as your look, people remember those who stand out. Go ahead and wear your wild jewelry or blue hair if that’s “you.” Even simple things make a big impact. Once I attended a professional networking event where everyone was wearing black or neutral colors while I wore a red outfit. I made a lot of good connections that day. When it comes to behavior, try to leave a positive impression. Be a great listener, invite people to come to your next opening or send articles they would enjoy. And try not to be remembered for the wrong reasons, such as having one too many drinks.

Make a Difference: People see right through those who are too sales-y or self-serving. What are you doing and saying to others? Are you leaving positive imprints in people’s lives? Think of those who have made a difference in your own life and model yourself after them.

Although you should try to stand out and make a good impression, it’s about making real connections and fostering those relationships. It’s better to have a great conversation with one potential lead rather than have superficial chats with 30 people. And if you do make some positive connections, remember to follow up with them with an email, call or personal invitation to your next exhibit.

Lisa Marie Platske is the President & CEO of Upside Thinking, Inc., an international leadership development company which provides coaching/consulting to leaders and business professionals; she can be found at http://www.upsidethinking.com and http://www.DaretoShareEvent.com. Bonnie Ross-Parker, aka "America's Connection Diva" is CEO & Founder of “The Joy of Connecting®” which helps business women and entrepreneurs create relationships and professional alliances through connections: http://www.thejoyofconnecting.com.

*If you need additional help on your road to success, check out some additional resources: my new book Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM), join me in Individual or Group Coaching, check out the Masterpiece Guild, or one of my DVD Training courses.

I also love reading comments, feel free to leave your thoughts or what has or hasn't worked for you. Please feel free to share this article with others who may benefit from it. Cheers to you!

Financial Freedom: What does this mean?

In my business I’m constantly challenging the notion of the “struggling artist.” Certainly many people nowadays, including artists and creatives, are trapped in the Month-to-Month financial game. However this happens no matter what industry you are in and how much income you make. I’ve had clients earning over seven figures who scrambled every month to make payments. 

Working in banking many years, I learned that Financial Freedom is highly subjective and personal. For some, it means living “comfortably” now and when they retire. For others, it’s having millions of dollars set aside to be able to live whatever lifestyle they wish.  

Whatever it means to you, Financial Freedom starts with Saving. In order to save, you must have an idea of your budget, income and expenses. It may not be easy at first, but saving requires discipline. The beauty is that small actions today have a great effect on what happens to your tomorrow.  

How about being a slave to debt and your expenses? We’re in one of the worst debt crises of all time. Yet, if you are disciplined, you can begin to turn around your life from a position of indebtedness to independence.  

Even with a financial background, I’ve made mistakes with money. It was glaringly apparent when I became an arts entrepreneur and had to deal with fluctuating income. Fortunately, I used my past experience as a wake up call to learn and implement “the way”!  

We all need a Plan that works, and stick to it. Financial Freedom doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to get out of indebtedness, and it takes time to build a nest egg. BUT, you can begin to change how you manage your finances immediately, which can lead you to a positive path. Little by little you’ll find your way to your golden eggs. It just takes the first step.

Remember the great quote by Vincent Van Gogh: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” 

*This article is derived from Ch. 9 on Business from my new e-book Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM) designed to give you the 12 Strategies for Success!

For more FREE tips and strategies and to get instant access to the "12 Secrets to Success Strategies" video with more great insight from Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM), sign up now:

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Art Marketing Workshop was a success!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 we held the first of a series of educational workshops for artists and arts professionals. In this workshop, we discussed multiple marketing tactics and ideas for strategic long term success.

We were joined by special guest Rosie Gordon-Wallace the executive director of Diaspora Vibe Gallery in Miami. Many thanks to Rosie for providing valuable insight from the point of view of a Gallerist. Diaspora Vibe is a wonderful organization which supports emerging artists from the Caribbean and Latin America. 

Rosie and I discussing marketing tips and strategies

The workshop took place in "La Cueva" (the cave) of Casa Panza Restaurant in Miami, the site of many flamenco shows in the popular Spanish restaurant. The setting was a beautiful backdrop for learning and interacting with the group. A happy hour was held afterward in the adjacent bar. Sangria is refreshing during the hot Miami months! 

Marketing presentation

Thank you to all who attended and who helped to make the event a success! 

Check out our next Workshop on Achieving Financial Freedom!

Taking Action: Are you ready to jump?

The last article I wrote on the power of Positivity sparked a few comments on the part of taking Action in this down economy. Many of you are tired of going to the same art circuits, tired of sending out another email to your same distribution list, tired of spending money on advertising, etc., with little or no results. 

So what is really holding you back from making it? Many times we think it is the fear of failure; but oftentimes when we self-reflect, we realize it is actually the fear of success.

“Fear of success, really? You mean, we don’t all want to make millions?”

Yes, that’s correct.

Subconsciously, of course.

In self-help talk, this may be in the form of emotional baggage from the past telling us we're not good enough, so we aim low. 

Usually we just get comfortable in our own little world, doing the same things we’ve been doing all along. Anything apart from our same routine seems like “work.” Success requires action, and many times this is outside of our comfort zone.

Remember that quote from Albert Einstein? “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

So it’s simple: if you’re not getting the results you want, then change your methods and do something different. Okay so... change requires action. Which means you might actually have to work. 

If you’re an artist, then by nature you're passionately and creatively pushing the limit with your artistic style. Use that same passion and creativity to think outside the box and push your work! Stop being so damn comfortable!

Sometimes we’re just not ready or willing to Act. If that’s the case, then don’t blame anyone else for your lack of success. But if you do try something new, you may actually get a new result!

Don't get caught up in other limitations such as your age, experience or level of immersion in your work as a reason why you can't succeed.

One of the best examples of pure drive is from a relatively new artist in his late 50’s who jumps at every possible opportunity presented to him. Once I held a Call to Artists for an ArtistaMundo exhibit, and he was the first to apply. Come to find out he has an exhibit about every 2-3 months, some in other countries, and he is always asking me about possible future collaborations. Other artists who know him personally comment that he gets around and really moves his work. He even works a regular full-time job! Geez, talk about dedication!

You don't have to be pushy or aggressive. But you must take a Risk. If it’s the fear of rejection that is stopping you, remember there’s no real threat in taking action. It’s amazing what will happen if you actually knock on a door or two. You may be surprised at the positive response you get. And if the response is not what you were expecting, perhaps it leads to something better!  

So again I ask, what’s holding you back?

If you’re scared, it’s okay. If you want, I’ll hold your hand.

But just jump!


*If you need additional help and motivation on your road to success, check out my new book Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM), or join me in Individual or Group Coaching, check out the Masterpiece Guild. 
 
If you enjoy these articles on marketing and success, please subscribe to my blog in the upper right-hand section of the page. I also love reading comments, tell me what marketing tips have or haven't worked for you! Please feel free to share this article with others who may benefit from it. Cheers to you!

Interview with Rosie Gordon-Wallace, Diaspora Vibe

Interview with Rosie Gordon-Wallace from Diaspora Vibe Gallery in Miami (December 2009)!

I'll be interviewing Rosie in the Art Marketing Workshop this Wednesday in Miami from 4-6 pm.

Commercialization – Selling Art vs Selling Out

This week I chatted with several people who scorn certain “artists” making millions from trendy pop art styles. Many love and buy Romero Britto’s colorful and happy paintings and a plethora of everyday items in his trademark style such as mugs, umbrellas and clothing.

"He’s no artist, and that's not art!" I hear.  

[Keep in mind that commercialization exists in many different artistic genres. I've been singing since I was 3 and have accepted that many mediocre singers writing mediocre music make millions of dollars just because they have a popular style or certain “look.”]

The reality is that this type of work is considered “art” by most of the general audience. But many artists still fear being portrayed as too commercial. They see the over-commercialized artist as the big, bad business guy. To them, this is the epitome of selling out in the art world.

But unfortunately, many with this attitude end up subconsciously limiting themselves from succeeding. In the process of purposely trying not to sell out, they inhibit themselves from selling.

In some of my previous articles [Positivity and Action] I've discussed overcoming fears in order to become successful. It’s human nature to be insecure and unsure about ourselves while we’re moving up, and along the way we often sabotage ourselves from reaching success.

Do you fear 'selling out'? Do you purposely avoid publicity and fame? Do you price your pieces too low so as to not appear overly ambitious? Do you avoid other business practices that may seem too commercial or aggressive?

If any of these sound like you, reflect and be honest with yourself. Why are you really doing this?

Instead of wasting your energy thinking or complaining about these commercial artists or business practices, take a workshop on public speaking or pricing techniques, ask others for feedback on your work, or request advice on how to improve yourself.

Whether you like this type of commercial art or not, you must appreciate what their creators have done. They are entrepreneurs who need to survive off of their work, just like any other artist. Perhaps your mission and business model are different. That's perfectly okay. Art is still a business.

Appreciate the tenacity, persistence and other skills which have gotten these so-called “artists” where they are today. Learn from them, extract what’s valuable, and apply that to the business side of your art.

Always remember, if you sell your art: You are an Artist first, and a Business person second. 

*You can read more about elevating your business practices in Ch. 9 of my new book Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM). This book is sure to drive you down the road to success!

If you enjoy these articles on marketing and success, please subscribe to my blog in the upper right-hand section of the page. I also love reading comments, feel free to leave your thoughts or what has or hasn't worked for you. Please feel free to share this article with others who may benefit from it. Cheers to you!