Author: Cynthia

Agreement

The Vision and Agreement

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With the New Year upon us, it is important to make an agreement between you and your heart.

Before the New Year ushered in, I found myself thinking about what I wanted to do differently in 2014 in terms of growing my business.  It didn’t take me long to figure out what I needed to change in my life which spills over into my business to take me to that next level as a Christian woman business owner.

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My design business, Cyndi’s Light Work Designs, has been my passion and I want to share my gifts from God with more people; a lot more people.  I began doing extensive research on marketing my design business.  I was praying and asking the Holy Spirit for His help in this area of my business.  Dear Holy Spirit, please counsel and instruct me and tell me what I can do to help my business to soar like never before and this is what He spoke to my heart.  Don’t just think outside the box, but create a new box and put everything that I tell you into the box.  Listen and heed my every word.  At that moment I made a covenant with my heart which is where the Holy Spirit lives to do exactly as He prompts me.

I realize that with God in my life and with Him helping me to run my business there is a never-ending reservoir of tools that I can use to grow my business like never before.  I have a wealth of knowledge and now He is blessing me with the wisdom I need to prosper and enjoy my business.  I am powerful, bold, courageous, amazing, awesome, fantastic, spiritual, worthy, valuable and the list just goes on and on.  My business is a conversation that never ends and I have all the tools I need that will keep me soaring for as long as I’m an entrepreneur.

For me, being an entrepreneur is a blessing that has blessed my life beyond the walls of home.  I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to share what God has gifted me.  Gifts that glorify Him and gifts that bless, touch, warm and transform lives.  As I have reflected on 2013 I quickly realized that I have the skills along with the ability to go beyond amazing and to do some of the most awesome things I have ever done in  and with my business.

I am crafting some of the most phenomenal masterpieces the eye has ever seen.  God’s splendor, His love, unconditional and His Divine presence in my life and business are the reasons I am able and capable of doing what I do.  He speaks to me and He tells me what to do and how to do it and then He equips me with the tools to do wondrous works.  Every day I view God’s majestic and excellent works which tells me that a plan from God has been in place for me since before I was even born.  As God slowly reveals His plan for my graphic design business, I am taking notes and applying everything He speaks into the depth of my heart to my business.  I love God’s brilliant plan for me.  I love the way He shows me how to put the colors together when I sit at my desk to create a new masterpiece which is almost everyday because I do need time to write as well.

And so it is that I have made a pact and a remarkable covenant with me and my heart for my heart belongs to Jesus.  This is how I’ve created my business; trusting Jesus and having all my confidence and faith in Him.  Success just doesn’t get any sweeter than this.

 

 

I, Woman, Inspired

CynthiaGBoyersIamawomanseries7758cbo777I, Woman, Inspired, have made a commitment to honor, obey, love and serve the Lord thy God with all my heart, soul, mind, might and strength.  My Heavenly Father is the Source of Everything I long for and all that I will become; I am because He is.  Because of the Great I Am, I am here and all my dreams and aspirations have become a part of my heart, my passion.


I, Woman, Inspired, have embraced the Word of God and as He speaks to my heart to reveal His plan and purpose for my life, I work in life and in business to fulfill my God-given gift called potential, to reach and touch a star achieving each and every one of my Spirit-filled and God-given goals.  To God be the Glory!


I, Woman, Inspired, has been written, created and designed exclusively for women.  This journal offers women a heart-warming collection of pages filled with Scripture that helps women to build their faith as they are reminded of the greatness of the Lord.  


In pursuing your goals, this journal promises to help you grow in business increasing your understanding of what it means to love the Lord and just how He will guide you through life and your business so that you will be able to comprehend His understanding of the plan and purpose He has designed exclusively for you.   


So be inspired and follow the dreams that Jesus has imparted and planted within your spirit that is now deeply rooted within your soul.  


The I, Woman Inspired, Journal has been created to help you to implement everything God has in store just for you, your life and in your business.  It is also designed to help you strengthen your relationship with the Father; the most important relationship you will ever have.

 

How to Avoid Networking Mishaps

How to Avoid Networking Mishaps

Most young professionals have a good idea of what networking is and why it’s important. I would guess that many of us in our twenties invest a decent amount of time working it into our lives. After all, new connections have the possibility of turning into valuable relationships, or even friendships, over time.

In my experience helping plan conferences and working launch parties and promotional events, I’ve had a lot of time to network and have seen wonderful connections develop. For example, I introduced my mentor to a designer I work with and to this day they work with each other during an annual gala.

From these experiences, I’ve learned that you have to be prepared for anything (and everything). A mishap is bound to happen here or there. What’s more important is how to handle them. Here my list of personal tips to handle things that might go wrong in a networking scenario, with my events and public relations perspective. 

You forget your business cards.  I’ve had several occasions when I went to grab my cards only to realize I left them in my other purse! Keep a few emergency cards stashed in your wallet and in your car, that way you’ll always have something.

You run out of business cards. You probably carry about 15-20 cards on a normal day. If you’re at a networking event and run out, don’t waste important face time explaining why you ran out. Simply suggest connecting on LinkedIn or another online profile and sharing contact information that way.

You get an invite to an event 5 minutes before you head out in the morning. If you’re anything like me, you have friends in many different industries. That means that during a normal workday, you could be dressed business casual and get a last minute invite to attend an event that calls for “haute cocktail attire” (this really happened). Keep one outfit (pressed and fully accessorized) set aside and only wear it during emergencies like this. The next time you get an invite like this, you’ll be ready to go.

You’re going to an event alone. I love to have a friend with me at a happy hour or alumni meet up but I’m an introvert and don’t mind going alone either. Someone recently told me if they’re alone, they come early to scope out the location. This helps to avoid the, “I don’t know where I am and I’m alone” look and helps them relax and anticipate what new connections they can make (maybe from the event staff or panel speakers who will be present ahead of time).

You RSVP to an event and then loose enthusiasm the day of. If for some reason or other you’re not in the mood to socialize but you’ve already committed to going, don’t feel pressure to talk to everyone in the room. Listen in on the sessions or participate in the activities and when it’s time to network, make a connection with just one person. That way you aren’t forcing anything unnatural and you’ve still given yourself a goal to accomplish.

Have other ideas to add to the list? Tweet them to me: @Janine_Clay.

Written by: Janine Clay


If I Knew Then What I Know Now

If I Knew Then What I Know Now

Everyone is familiar with the phrase, “Shoulda, woulda, coulda,” and however you spell it or whatever language you use to recite it, the same sentiment is shared; if only I knew then what I know now. I’m a 24 year-old public relations professional working and living in DC and although I have a lot to learn, I have learned a lot in my short time living on my own. Sure, it’s fun to be a twenty-something residing in an active and beautiful area like DC but being young also comes with making mistakes that probably could’ve been avoided had I listened to my parents, managers and even friends. Some say that’s the beauty of life and some believe being in your twenties gives you the right to make silly mistakes because it’s the time to be young and naïve. I can’t say I agree with the latter.

In the last few years, I have made decisions that ended up being mistakes, which taught me several lessons. By now you’re probably wondering, lessons like what? Well, if I could go back in time and tell my 18 year-old self what I know now, the advice would go a little something like this:

·       Time is of the essence (no, really, it is). Everything requires time; job training, career development, even getting over heartbreak. Time changes the seasons and it changes people, in good ways and bad. It brings experience and experience causes change and growth. Enjoy it, appreciate it and never take it for granted.

·       Mom knows best. My parents always told me, “When you get older, you’ll look back and realize we were right.” Well, my parents were right. I may challenge them just out of my stubborn nature and simply thinking “How would you know? You’ve never been 24” when in actually, they’ve been here before. Trust your parents, they’re always right.

·       Not everyone that smiles in your face is your friend. Sure, people may seem like they have your best interest at heart or that they are genuine but that isn’t always the case, especially in business. Be mindful of who you share personal stories with. Sometimes, the less people know about your personal life, the better off you are.
·       Network, network, network!  I can’t stress enough how important it is to build your Rolodex. Talk to everyone about their journeys and what led them to where they are now.  Ask them what their greatest life lesson is and ask them what inspires them. You learn from every person you interact with. Why not learn from their lessons, too?
·       Take pride in your personal appearance. First impressions are everything, that’s even outside of a job interview, so make sure you always look your best. This doesn’t mean wearing a $500 suit every day. Look like you but look like your best you. Any moment can bring any opportunity so be ready to meet it with confidence. As my close friend always says, “When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you play good. When you play good, they pay good.” Cliché, I know, but it’s true.
·       Heed the advice you give others. It’s always easy to give advice to close friends and sometimes strangers, but it’s typically hard to practice what we preach. Why? Because it’s easier to fix problems that aren’t our own. When we’re frantic over a breakup or job loss, we panic so our thoughts become clouded and our advice becomes obsolete. Try being action-oriented and a problem solver the next time you have a personal issue. Focus more on the solution and less on the problem.
·       What you don’t like in another, take time to change in yourself. I often hear people say “I hate when (insert name) does that! It’s so annoying.” Sometimes I think to myself, “but…you do the same thing.” If you despise a trait or habit in a friend, colleague, sibling, etc., be sure to step out of your personal arena and see if you share the same trait that you dislike. If you do, fix it.
·       If you’re not outside of your comfort zone, you’re not growing. Fear always stops me from doing something that I’m passionate or curious about. “What if I fail? What if I disappoint the people I care about?” Fear creates roadblocks that we turn into excuses. Don’t let it. Stepping into the unknown can be beautiful and life changing. Go outside of your comfort zone; you’ll probably learn your greatest life lessons there.
·       Humility and confidence shouldn’t be bragged about. Humility and confidence are two character traits that are rare but admirable. No matter how far you climb up the corporate ladder, keep your wits about you and maintain a leveled head. Remain humble, but confident, and don’t boast about it. If you have to convince someone you are either of the two, then you’re probably really not.
·       Don’t let technology consume you. It’s okay to put your phone, iPad or laptop down for a few hours; they’ll be there when you get back. Turn the TV off sometimes and pick up a book. Spend time sitting in a park watching nature in motion (sounds cheesy but it’s relaxing, I promise). Don’t forget that you come first, before the outside world. You were you before there was Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and every other medium in between. Take time for yourself and learn to enjoy being alone. It’s soothing and can be a huge help to clearing your mind.
Now I have to ask, what would you tell your 18 year-old self?


Written by: Jenna Boyer
Twitter @_JennaDanielle_
Email Jenna.Boyer89@gmail.com

Good Communication

Tips for Practicing Good Communication

 

Communication is a part of our everyday lives but we typically lose sight of how important good communication is. Between email and text message exchanges, personal and professional communication blends together and ends up becoming one in the same. Since the two types of communication are no longer separated, why not practice good communication personally and professionally? How? Consider the following:

 

 

·         Proofread your messages. Have you ever pressed send on an email then reread the messsage only to notice a typo? It happens to me all the time and I think to myself, “If only I had proofread my email.” Until Gmail creates an “unsend” feature, read your email two, three, and four times if necessary to ensure it is free of errors. 

 

 

·         Be genuine. People can usually sense your sincerity via email and text, even if they can’t hear your voice. Exclamation points are a nice way to add enthusiasm to your message but don’t overdo it (see tip #4). Using friendlier language and expressions can also spruce up a message but make it sound genuine. Consider using language you would use in regular conversation and be mindful of your tone (yes, emails have tones). Some words and phrases can come across as rude and if that’s not the tone you’re going for, don’t say it. This is also where proofreading comes into play.

 

 

·         Get to the point. I work in public relations so I’m used to reading reports and one-pagers in a format that presents the challenge first, the approach second then the results last. 9 times out of 10, readers only care about the results. Why make them do so much digging to find one or two sentences explaining the results at the end? The same applies to email. Don’t use an excessive amount of jargon that your reader may not understand; it isn’t helpful. Greet your reader, pleasantly give them the exact information they need, sign, and send.

 

 

·         Don’t overuse exclamation points. As I mentioned in tip #2, too many exclamation points can be overwhelming and insincere. I get it, you want to be enthusiastic over email but don’t frighten your reader. 

 

·         Be mindful of your reader. Consider what information you are trying to convey to the person on the other side of the computer or phone. What is it they care about? What do they want to know? What language would they understand? Be cognizant of the person you’re writing to and make an effort to include all of the information they need to receive an adequate answer to their question, a comprehensive explanation for a request, or a complete understanding of the information you are sharing.

Written by: Jenna Boyer
Twitter @_JennaDanielle_
Email Jenna.Boyer89@gmail.com