The Gatekeepers Are Gone

I get lots of questions about how I've been able to build The Broke Socialite brand.  While I am always eager to help, my schedule simply does not allow me to take the time for all of the one-off conversations that I'd like to have.  In the past, I've done Empire Building 101 virtual courses which is a case study of the steps that I have taken to create a viable business model with the investment of $0 and a lot of sweat equity.  As soon as I can, I will resume the courses.  What I will say is that your destiny is your own to create; especially in the realm of social media.  If I've said it once, I've said it a million times: there are no rules...mostly.  Now is a great time to reinvent yourself, create your own brand and fulfill your vision.

My friend, Lamar Tyler, has created a web series called "The Gatekeepers Are Gone" and he speaks truth.  I encourage you to subscribe, reflect on your vision and determine what you're willing to do (or do more of) to be more successful.  If a country girl like me can do it, so can you! Enjoy!

Boundaries: I'm Tired. There. I Said It.

This has been a whirlwind year for me and The Broke Socialite brand; so much so that I have not had a real break from work (whether corporate or my own empire) since June 2009.  I'm not as young as I used to be and my bad habits are finally catching up with me.

I have been mostly head-down building my own brand, networking, creating lifestyle experiences in the form of tours and conferences and helping other small business owners build their own empires.  When my friend, Melenese, gifted me with a trip to Europe to visit she and her husband for birthday, I was floored.  I did not want to accept it at first. "It 's too much", I protested.  She insisted and I finally gave in to her nagging me pressure.  You see, Mel has been watching me burn the candle at both ends since January.  She detected that I needed a respite and that I did not have the sense enough to take my self.  Mel did what real girlfriends do...took control.  I love her for it.

I want to make the best of my vacation and benefit from the respite.  When I return, we'll be going into the last quarter of this year, so I've decided that there will be no major commitments made for the balance of it (unless, of course, Oprah calls...LOL). A serial over-extender, I want my life back.  For that reason, whatever is on my calendar when I leave in a few days will be IT for 2010.  I've a nicely orchestrated fall with wonderful speaking engagements, new tours, great consulting projects and lest we forget the production of my novella, Instantly!: How Quickly I Hate My Job and lavish!, the lifestyle bloggers conference in December 2010 that I'm producing.   I'm committed to giving my all to my existing portfolio of projects and am looking forward to strutting into 2011 with a better work/life balance.

As difficult as it is to admit, sometimes boundaries are necessary plus I need to begin prepare for this half-marathon in February. Great. Of all things, that happened to make the cut (*rolls eyes*).  Though I sorta protest, I'm looking forward to it.  My cousin-in-love, Natalie and I have made a pact to train together and run the Disney Princess Half-Marathon. Each of us has different reasons for doing it so we're supporting each other.  Natalie married one of my favorite cousins a few years back.  As busy families go, we do not see and talk to each other enough (though everyone is in the Atlanta area). The funny thing is that she and I have learned more about each other through being friends on Facebook. I'm happy to share this experience with her and to get a portion of my life back whilst building my empire towards the sky!

How good are YOU with boundaries? Any tips/ideas to share?

We Came. We Sparked. We Hustled. A Vlog.

Resources (No need to wait until next week. Someone may need them NOW!)

Women For Hire

Spark+Hustle

Tory Johnson - Facebook

Staples

Jane Falter

My Skin Concierge

True Southern Elegance

Success Not Sabotage

Beverly Lewis

Golden Parachutes

Authentic Beauty

What's YOUR passion?

Instantly! How Quickly I Realized I HATE My Job: Sneak Peek

As some of you may remember, I've written a novella entitled Instantly! How Quickly I Realized I HATE My Job.  It's the story of two snarky co-workers who bond over the hatred of their seemingly miserable workplace.  The main characters, Nia and Harper, spend their days rolling their eyes about the cast of characters in their office whilst exchanging witty and obnoxious instant messages (hence Instantly!...get it? Of course you do...)

Well...I'm closer to its release: Fall 2010. *grabs a paper bag*

I'd like to invite you to take a sneak peek of the novella HERE. You may also follow updates about the book on Twitter. I must know what you think.

Thank you to Lucky + Lovely for the cover design. Isn't it delightful?

I hope you enjoy!

Have a great weekend, y'all.

Empire Building 101: The Remix

I hope that it's clear.

I'm having a blast as a blogger, social media enthusiast, brand builder, Chief Lifestyle Office and Empire Builder.  I can not imagine being happier.  Each morning, I rise to the day's possibilities and get to create things: concepts, ideas, events...I'm giddy just thinking about it.

So often I'm asked about my experience as a blogger and brand builder. It's been nearly four and a half years of working a full-time job and burning the midnight oil as I would come home from work each evening and work on The Broke Socialite interests for hours on end.  My friends would ask (and still do): When do you sleep? Well...I don't but that's another matter! Ha!

One of the critical elements of building my empire has been monetizing my brand.  While most will tip toe around the need to profit from passion, I am not ashamed to say that I've been able to do it and want to help other folks do it to.  I have been able to find my voice in the social media realm and if I can do it, so can you.

A couple of weeks ago, I conducted the first in a series of empire building webinars.  It was an absolute smash! Having been in corporate educator in my prior life, it was like "home".  Here are a couple of quotes from Empire Building 101 students:


"The class was excellent! If you want to learn from the best, take this course! " - Tamara via Twitter


If you're interested in monetizing your passion and need a little nudge, won't you join me? Don't know where you should go with your blog, empire or online business? My tips and tricks are applicable to most all lifestyle brands. Invest in yourself; you'll be glad you did.  The link to registration is here.

For TBS readers, use the discount code TBS for a $20 savings through July 13.

Hope to see you there!