There are times in every career when progress seems slower than expected. For some people, this manifests as a prolonged job search, with numerous applications submitted without many responses. For other people, it surfaces in the quieter moments of building a business, such as creating, pitching, and networking. The long game is a challenge all its own.
Right now, many professionals are experiencing this slow phase.
It can be discouraging to put in hard work and not see the immediate results you hoped for and need. The effort and commitment are real, yet breakthroughs often take longer than anticipated.
It’s important to remember that periods of building are rarely visible to the outside world. Behind every successful transition, promotion, contract, or new role lies a time when someone persisted, even when the momentum felt uncertain and uncomfortable. It is here where resilience and continued focus are key.
If you are seeking employment, remember that your skills, experience, and perspective are still valuable, even when there’s a delay in results. The right opportunity doesn’t always show up right away. It’s the one aligned with where you can best contribute and grow.
If you are running a business, be reminded that entrepreneurship requires persistence that others may not fully appreciate. Every connection made, conversation initiated, and idea developed is part of a larger strategy that unfolds over time.
In either case, I encourage you to keep pushing forward. Do not self-doubt. Do not give up. Consistently taking small steps often leads to the most meaningful outcomes. Here’s one you can start immediately:
Make a list of 10 colleagues and 10 friends/family members, complete with email addresses and phone numbers. Email or call them directly regarding your employment and/or business needs. If you call first and there’s no answer, leave a message. Follow up with an email. If you start with mail and don’t get a response within a full business day, follow up with a call. That’s 20 touches this week. One thing to note: your friends/family members may not be your ideal clients or places to work. However, they have the potential to work with and are friendly with people within their circles who are.
I’m practicing what I preach. I’m believing in myself and my efforts. I’m working through my list now. If you have any tools, tips, resources, leads, or words of encouragement for all who may read and can relate, please share them in the comments. Let’s continue to transition, transform, and thrive-together.
I was recently honored with the opportunity to be interviewed on the Freeman Means Business blogcast. It’s an amazing platform that among other things, focuses on amplifying women’s voices through storytelling. I welcome each of you to read more and take a listen to the interview using the following link: https://freemanmeansbusiness.com/blog/2022/8/27/wonder-woman-in-business-joyce-kyles
I also strongly encourage you to learn more about the CEO, her business, and all of the awesome things she’s involved in.
Over the Labor Day weekend, I had the opportunity to encourage and educate the Whitehaven community about domestic violence at their Annual Community Festival. I am especially pleased to see a festival that is specific to not only having a good time for families, but also making sure it includes a social component. Unfortunately, domestic violence plagues communities around the world. In Memphis specifically, Whitehaven is among those ranked relatively high with regard to domestic violence incidents.
I wanted to make sure the attendees understood that Memphis reached a record number of homicides in 2016, with the two biggest reasons being cited as gang related activity and domestic violence. I also wanted them to be aware of the many services available, including the one I founded, Walking Into A New Life, Inc. Lastly, I wanted them to know they were hearing from someone who could understand what they may be dealing with as I am celebrating another year as a survivor myself.
Always know that you’re not alone. Help and resources are available. If you or someone you know is going through abuse, please contact your local police precinct or domestic violence agency. Learn more about our nonprofit, Walking Into A New Life, Inc. by visiting the website, www.wianl.org. And, if you’re in immediate danger, PLEASE CALL 911 ASAP.
I’m currently a Star Consultant for Paparazzi Jewelry. I wish I’d taken my business a lot more seriously a long time ago. Now, however, I’ve hit the ground running with no intentions of looking back. If you are a person looking for a source of income, whether it be primary or secondary, I would encourage you to consider direct sales as an income source option.
I will be honest and say that there was a time when I thought that direct sales were no more than a scam by the very rich to maintain their personal level of income. It is a fact that there are some companies who operate as more of a ponzi scheme than a reputable business. But, there are many businesses around the globe that are creating wealth for thousands of people. There are many reasons to consider direct sales, but I will share the three that have been the most convincing for me, especially if you’re seeking a full time opportunity.
Flexibility: I love having the option of setting my own hours and working as little or as much as I choose to. If there’s an event or unforeseen circumstance that arises, I don’t have to go through the process of requesting time off.
No salary cap: I can make as much money as I want to. Now, the REAL key to that statement has to do with what you’re selling and how you’re selling it. Minimal effort yields minimal results. If you’re putting a lot of effort into it and not seeing the results you need to see, then you need to take a step back and do some self and product reflection. That’s a completely different post for another time. The point of this bullet is to simply point out that while many companies have a glass ceiling for growth, direct sales provides an avenue for you to potentially make millions of dollars without considering age and number of years on the job.
Love helping people: As an advocate for those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, I love helping people feel holistically good about themselves. Having a sustainable income is a very important part of the healing process. I sell the jewelry because it makes me feel and look pretty on the outside, provides steady income and shows others that they can have the same. It provides a sense of ownership. It gives me something different and fun to do. It allows me to meet new people from all walks of life.
I’m on my way to director and beyond! Want to come with me? Click here or reach out to me in a message for more information.
I’m extremely honored to have been selected as the Mommy Maven of the week for the week of 10/8/15! So, just what is The Mommy Maven? It was founded in 2011 by LaTersa Blakely as an outlet to provide stay home mothers and mom entrepreneurs with useful content on how to balance having successful homes and businesses. The articles, tips, videos, etc. are outstanding. And, while all of my children have just crossed over the adulthood threshold, I was able to share my insights on how and why I started my journey of writing, speaking and training, the impact it had on me as a mother and some tips for those who may be starting out!