Little Known Facts About Gratitude And Why They Matter

I started to go within and seek out questions about where my life is at this current moment and where it's been and I must say it's been a roller coaster of a ride!

This blog is simply to say THANK YOU! to the people that have supported me and continue to support me in my endeavors. I'm a "Solopreneur" and even though we get to work by ourselves and make our own choices how to go about our business I can't help but to thank each and everyone. It's through the amazing people we have in our lives that we feel we can climb heights! :)

A couple of years ago my life was very different and I have to pinch myself right now as we speak not because I have it all figured out or because I'm a Millionaire but because life would of went totally the opposite direction. When we are at our weakest is when we need God, our families, friends, neighbors, pets etc... in our lives to strengthen us.

This blog is to each and every person that has walked into my life and hold a special meaning in my heart. Every favor, assistance, helping hand, advice has been of great service to me. Strangers become friends and friends become family and it only gets better from here on out.

Thank your family, friends, acquaintances that have helped you be where you are at right now as a token of appreciation. I sincerely have heart for each and everyone.

I've said it before not many females would of made it this far however I do understand indeed I'm a strong female and the support is greatly appreciated.

I used to work as a longshoreman (woman) at the dangerous Ports Of Los Angeles/Long Beach for 10 years. I was blessed to not get hurt while I was working down there but I've seen many injuries and heard of heartbreaking injuries as well. 

And as I think what I've done to make good money $$$ I don't regret it. I was able to learn Leadership skills which is valuable in today's life. When I think about what I had to go through just to work out in the docks I shake my head. I must of really wanted that job really bad as I was willing to do anything to get in there. I was picked through a lottery pool drawing and just because you get chosen does not mean your in. You still have to go through rigorous testing and a written math test. Ugh math! (I passed though) :)

Talk about hunger games! 

Container lashing poles secured 

Never had I experienced anything quite like it. My body was not prepared for it and got injured as I thought I was ready for the test. Boy was I wrong! Had to train to pass the test and at that time had just arrived from Phoenix, AZ needed a job and money was something I lacked. I remember my family helping me in getting steel toe shoes to 20 lb heavy arm bell weights. I practiced daily to have enough upper strength to take the test. It really helped a lot but the test was still difficult.

Have you ever been criticized or someone not believing in you that you have what it takes to do a job? 

Well I remember as I was taking this rigorous test 2 powerful men in HQ were watching us and one said Oh, she is not going to do it! too slow!  We only had 13 minutes to hang ridiculous heavy bars a set of 10 I believe. Not sure the number as it's been a while but there were plenty of bars.

As soon as I heard the man say that something in me FIRED ME UP! and gave me the strength to go hard! In my mind I was saying Oh, I'll show you! It was soo weird as I haven't experienced anything like it. The body is amazing! When it's provoked it switches into survival mode! :) 

I proved them wrong and I passed the test and their face was priceless ha! :)  I still can't believe what I did but that's part of working for a blue-collar job that pays well. That has been the hardest thing I've ever done physically! There are some guys/men that couldn't pass the test but were able to re-take the test. It's all about physical endurance.

And so in order to achieve my goals which were to pass all 3 tests to be officially a casual longshoreman I had to have my family's support in which they did and I am very GREATFUL! :)

What are you Greatful for today? Did you overcome a challenge and had people cheering you on? 

Think about those things. It's in those times that we are thankful and greatful to be alive! :) 

Had it not been for my special people I would not be here writing this blog and for that I am full of Love. XOXO! 

With Much Love
Laura 
XO! 

If Cupcakes are bad why do they make organic cute ones?

Where are my cupcake lova lovas?

I'm writing on today's blog my favorite cupcake spot in our town San Pedro called "With Love Bakery!"  Happen to pay a visit this past week at the farmer's market in our town. There are many things I loved about this really cute place from the decor to the creamy fluffy organic cupcakes but what I loved most was getting to know the owner of the place. 


She is really down to earth, humble and friendly. As I entered her cupcake shop just as any curious person would be I looked around and asked her questions. We had a sweet conversation how her business began and it all started from working at the farmer's market. Now she has her own business and sells cakes, cupcakes and pastries. 

Chocolate Salted Caramel Cupcake <3

 I bought this yummy cupcake and in all honesty I'm not really a salty person I'm very into sweet cupcakes but as my mouth devoured into this luscious chocolateeee creamy organic cupcake I was sold! It was fluffy not really too sweet just perfect! The cream gave me a mustache and had fun licking it and laughing! I kept telling Chef Alyssa Van De Vort the owner how amazing these cupcakes were! You just know when it's a great cupcake and when it's not! :)

Cute Pink Decor 

Loved the cute pink decor from chandeliers to LOVE signs everywhere inside the shop. From a branding perspective I would classify her cupcake business a PASSION business. It's warm, friendly, welcoming, smells yummy, fashionable, happy and loving. At a young age Alyssa fell in love with baking and spent lots of quality time with her parents in the kitchen. She experienced the loss of her father and baking became her grieved outlet. She is very open and super friendly. Love that! <3

As we chatted I asked her if it's busy and just as any new business it starts slow and picks up as time goes by. Many people stop by while shopping at the farmer's market and today is 1st Thursday Art Walk in DTSP (Downtown San Pedro) and for those that are curious in tasting yummy cupcakes they are open from 9-8pm! Food trucks arrive at 6pm however her shop is open earlier for business. 

I feel really confident her business will do well. The cakes are soo cute and baked with the finest organic ingredients of highest quality. As I got to know more about her business and clientele she mentioned while hollywood was filming "Live By Night" with Ben Affleck, Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldana and crew they were busy as they were filming across from the bakery shop. One of the crews bought dozens and dozens of cupcakes especially after he found out Alyssa's father worked in the entertainment industry as an employee. 

I thought that was cool! :)  

Last pic of Minnie Mouse Baby Shower Cake... Vanilla Cake, Italian Butter Cream and Fresh Strawberries inside!  Take a Look! :)  Is it cute or what?!

Minnie Mouse Baby Cake 

So, there ya have it! Give some love to her shop if your in the area of San Pedro. To know more about her cupcakes, pastries, breads, cakes....  Click Here For Cupcake Love

XOXO! 

To your sweetness

Laura Ramos <3

'I really shouldn't but I will anyway"

           The Language of relationship

What makes the PASSION advantage and where are these passionate people at?

Passion makes our hearts beat and our emotions rise. It excites us and encourages. It cheerleads and plays. It inspires us and intoxicates us. It flirts. When you communicate with passion you make people feel like they can do more, be more and become more. 

People that effectively speak the language of relationships, on some level other people will fall in love with you! XOXOXO

Does your brand inspire and motivate others to connect with you?

A PASSION brand is; 

• EXPRESSIVE (vivid words, colors and images)
• OPTOMISTIC ( are the "life is good" brands. They bring out the best by how good things can be, making us want to jump with both feet)
• SENSORY (engages with our senses)
• WARM  (passion brands wrap us up in warm blankets and serves us hot cocoa)
• SOCIAL (these brands make us want to share and participate in conversations)

On a personal level I'm a PASSION Advantage and use the word "Wow' a lot when I find out something exciting! I use hand signals when speaking, colorful words and action. It's difficult to not be expressive or engaging when your passionate it's as if it's in your blood. 

One prime example of passion is Marilyn Monroe! She communicated with openness. Her voice was soft, feminine and very whispering. She was known as the "wet voice". When we see something we want to eat, when we receive praise, and even when we hug our children, our mouths literally water. Our mouths produce more saliva. Our tongue moves more fluidly within the mucous membranes of our mouth creating oral wetness. (Page 91 Fascinate Book 2016) 

So, where would you find these passionate people? At sport games, traveling, eating, amusement parks, concerts, clubs.... 

Who are they? They wear clothing with hearts or the word "LOVE" they love hershey kisses chocolates, they love to laugh, dance, sing, take selfies, joke around, excite you, surprise you, they are creative and put lust before logic. 

On the less positive side: Passionate peeps attract stalkers, obsession from others, are seen egotistical, immature, child-like...

Your GOAL is to attract fanatical fans and pull your audience closer. (Marketing) turn transactions into attraction! 

In a nutshell these are some traits of the PASSION Brand and how to distinguish it or them. 

Desire how to use the trigger passion in your business to attract loyal fans? Go to http://laurapreneur.onlinesalespro.com/businessinquiry77

To your relationships <3

What Do Stars Do To Be Happy... :)

Wikipedia defines "Celebrities"  as fame and public attention in the media, usually applied to a person, group of people (celebrity couple, family, etc.), or, occasionally, to animals. 

Celebrity status is often associated with wealth (commonly referred to as fame and fortune) and fame can often provide opportunities to make money.

Successful careers in sports and entertainment are commonly associated with celebrity status; political leaders often become celebrities. People may also become celebrities due to media attention for their lifestyle, wealth, or controversial actions, or for their connection to a famous person.

I began to research what celebrities do to stay happy as they are like all of us only difference is they have more chi-ching! And this is what I found and you will see your not any different. We are all people and next time you see one... don't be star-struck (note to self) ha! 

• 1) THEY FOLLOW THEIR PASSION - it takes nerve to do what you love! They’ve done just that and show what can happen when you commit to a dream the rest of the world thinks your crazy. They don't quit or let others get in the way of their goals
• 2) THEY DEFINE THEIR OWN SIGNATURE STYLE - forget the trend du jouivez. Enduring icons develop their own unique style and identity. Think of your all time idol. Chances are she can claim a signature look or defining fashion statement.
• 3) THEY TAKE RISKS- Whatever its playing an unexpected role, experimenting with a new hairstyle or speaking up about controversial issues, trendsetters have the courage to put themselves out there
• 4) THEY ARE GREATFUL - The benefits of cultivating gratitude are endless.  Being thankful opens doors, enhances self-esteem and improves emotional mental and physical states.
• 5) THEY FIND INSPIRATION IN OTHERS-Why go it alone? Mentors offer guidance and support professionally and personally. Models are admired because they recognize the importance of asking for help.
• 6) THEY KEEP IT POSITIVE - They are optomistic, root for themselves, live in the present and understand the importance of self-care, our most admired stars approach their goals holistically from all angles and find balance in work, family and play (One star comes to mind: Gwyneth Paltrow)

These are pretty good traits we can also follow as our self-care matters and should be a priority in our lives. When we inspire others, take risks, define our own style, keep it positive and most importantly follow our passions we can be unstoppable! 

Have a great one! 

XO

Don't Be Fooled By Horses, They Lack Confidence Too... Read How...

Many times we don’t always have Confidence in our abilities to our work, project, assignment, mission etc…. and so I think what separate confidence v’s insecurities? I’ve been on both sides and I can attest that as we speak I am in confident mode. When you are passionate about what your doing you are confident. When you have a purpose you are confident. You know where you are moving towards... Just like horses...

Horses are very similar like humans. They pout and smile just like us. They also need to be trained and coached to built up their confidence. They were not born with it it's trained. They have a social life and have a rich communication with their eyes, their movement, their mouth and so on... And so I wondered how do they appear with great stamina and energy to do their work which is run races...

Well... 

It brings me to the analogy of the"GPS" If you are driving without a GPS trying to find an address what happens?  Imagine yourself being in a different city and not able to find your way. You will feel lost, insecured, nervous… Geez! I speak for myself as I had recently was on a mini vacay in the woods of Big Bear County. I was pet sitting for “honey” my sister and brother in law’s kitty (meow meow) and completely got lost trying to find my way back home.

Even if I had GPS I would not be able to find it. The streets were very dark and with lots of swirls and wide turns. But prayer worked and lots of affirmations telling myself “You got this!” Had to train my brain to and keep repeating myself Your there, your there your there and then lower the music in the car ha! Why do we do that? Why do we lower the music when we are lost or trying to find an address? (Million Dollar Question?)

As soon as I reached the cabin I knew I found the place and was able to breathe and thank God for guiding me into safety. I even had to call my sister but somehow knew she was not able to help me and I was right, she couldn’t help me so it was just me, God and dark roads to nowhere!

I started to feel confident as soon as I was reaching  home. Just got in time to feed the kitty and rest assured that even if you feel lost you will find your way around as long as you don’t give up. You have to keep going and don’t stop! It's usually towards the end that people give up when it comes to their aspirations, goals, ideas.... 

My question to you is “What Do You Have Total Confidence In? Everyone has talents some might be creative, artistic, some may sing, act, some may do missions, charity work, philanthropy work… You don’t have to be born with that talent you can discover it while doing something else. Some are born to speak, influence, lead while others are comfortable following, getting taught and growing

To find something your confident in you have to believe in it first! What are you passionate about? Find that! The skills will come after because you will be so in love with it by achieving results that you will completely forget about the skills or money. It will come believe me! It always does when you love what you do! What fires you up? Find that!

And so I end this blog with one of my all time favorite quotes:

Have A Great One! 

Have Your Heard? Nature Is Your Best Bet To Rejuvenate!

Gotta love nature! :)  Whose with me? The trees, the animals, the greenery, the plants, flowers, the lakes, the friendly people. That's what's buzzing! This week I've been cat sitting for my sister and brother in law which they took a mini-vacay and when asked if I would like to pet sit I was all over it! See my sister lives out in nature not the normal city life or non-cabin like homes and knew already I needed this vacay to spend time in nature and ponder about life.

I can say this week has been transformational when it comes to mindset, eating healthy, pampering myself, being by myself, healing from my beloved bird "Einstein" that recently passed away but "Honey" the kitty cat (meow) has been very loving and attentive to me which lots of the heartbreak I received when my birdy passed away was replaced with pet sitting.

And so as I had the house cabin to myself and became sort of a hermit but not really because I was still connected with social media and had lots to think about where my life is headed. These are changing times and times of new beginnings. Times when you need to make your own choices, decide what you want out of life and how your going to make it happen.

This week I learned how to cook new dishes and experimented cooking white rice and quinoa together in a rice cooker. I eat rice (maybe not much) however I only have eaten quinoa twice and it's really good. And so I cooked rice and it came out delicious! Cooked also chicken, bow tie pasta with alfredo fettucinni pasta sauce also delicious and a side salad. I was pretty proud of myself as I don't take this much time cooking and savoring the food.

Here is a picture of my rice (white rice + quinoa) it's soo easy and soo healthy :)

White Rice + Quinoa

What I really love about nature and the outdoors is the weather and breathing the fresh pine trees surrounding where I'm staying. It's soo beautiful and for the past day it's been raining so it's even more beautiful. Heard tomorrow will rain as well I can just imagine what it's like to see the snow.

Here is a picture I took overlooking nature in the morning drinking coffee

Balcony Overlooking The Pine Trees

Soo much green! 

And so as you can imagine I've been having a peaceful, relaxing retreat by myself. Pondering on life, meditating, being in stillness and overlooking the stars at night in the balcony. What's amazing is that even though it seems country like as soon as you go downhill your back in the city! It's reasonable to live out here and mostly retired folks live here or Enterpreneurs. There is scarcity of jobs out here due to the area unless you work from home and who would not want to work from home living out here. 

I decided to get real estate out here in the near future. It's great to retreat yourself out in nature and just relax. Can I live here forever or retire here? Not really. I'm very much a city girl love the action, the people, the cars but it's nice to once in a while get away. So my takeaway of this getaway from home has been to spend more quality time taking care of self. Loving myself by eating healthier, pampering, hiking, getting lost! Yes, I also got lost in the woods not knowing how to get back home as it is very confusing but prayer and affirmations work! Had to keep telling myself I got this! Until I finally found myself back home. It was pretty funny and I laugh now but then it wasn't that funny :)

So, you can pretty much say I feel rejuvenated! Ready to tackle the world one blog at a time. I'm on a 21 day blog challenge that ends on April 17th exactly on that date and tomorrow will do my best to write 3 more blogs to be up to date of having written 12 blogs! Yes I Can! Anywhooo I digress from the topic and ready to get my beauty sleep as I am wearing a mud mask on and it's cracking a bit which means I need to wash off my face pronto! Yes beauty costs and we need to be up to date not only from the inside but outside as well :)

Goodnight :) 

How To Make Leadership The Ferrari Of The Film Industry

If you can make a controversial film yet bring change you have succeeded.

There are  many great films that have sparked change in people's lives and have provided a different  type of perspective. One example was the film "Precious" based on the movie "Push" by Sapphire. This film ignited a controversy a year after the release. At that time New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg had a strong reaction watching "Precious" as it centered in the fizzy soft drinks we all have grown to love!

The Mayor wanted to push a limit size of soft drink in NYC due to seeing the film. The plan was to stop selling the sugar rush drinks no more than half a liter in cinemas, restaurants, sports stadiums. In 2012 The NYC Health board accepted the limit yet due to objections and appeals and not acting quick it was dismissed before it could pass law.  This is just a prime example of what can happen when great films are made and it inspires authorities, people in Leadership to step up and take action! 

This blog is not about Hollywood or film it's just an example as to what can happen when great Leadership is in place. The changes one can make around the world, the influence, the transformations... When I think of great Leadership I see people in power taking action for the greater good. It's not stepping on others to achieve what you desire but in being a servant to others, it's knowing the great need and inspiring others to be at their best. One of my favorite quotes:

"If you can inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more you are a Leader"

 We don't need more leaders. But Great Leaders not only in Government (Politics) but in Business. Reputation is everything. How are you perceived. This is why when political figures are candidates for presidency the first thing that is revealed is their dirty laundry, it gets exposed from what they've done, where they've been and what impact have they've done in society. But, then again you had Bill Clinton and although he had an affair with Monica Lewinsky and declared he never had an affair with that woman people didn't care they just wanted him to make things happen in the white house and I'm not talking about secret affairs :) 

So what defines Great Leadership? It's simply inspiring others to become better but you must Lead first. See when I worked at the west coast ports and we were assigned jobs to lead it didn't mean waiting on others. We had to take action or else someone would get hurt or die. It was that serious. Most of these jobs were called ,"signaling" Lots of people hated these type of jobs because you were always on alert and your eyes were not only a crane operator but all others working with you in the team. I already knew when taking those type of jobs I needed a redbull, strong coffee or sweets. Why? I needed to be on alert. 

Those were the days that stay with me and humble me because I don't have it like that anymore however doesn't mean my Leadership skills are void. Running a business takes Leadership Action! We impact people's lives. We can lead them astray or lead them in the right path. So which path are you leading? What changes can you make just as the film industry that makes a person in power change as well or get inspired? 

Just some questions to think about as I end this blog because it really does matter how you lead today. 

To Leadership! 

Make Your Opportunities A Reality

Merriam-Webster defines the word: "OPPORTUNITY" as a good chance for advancement or progress. 

When  I hear of opportunities to me it just means an opportune time to make something a reality however it doesn't always pan out that way. Truth is you need to align yourself with people who want to see you succeed!  We often hear lots of opportunities... yet you need to do your diligence and research or you can be a risk-taker and not be afraid of the circumstance but make that leap!

I've ventured in several opportunities and from my previous blog posts I'm here to say I have not been a millionaire just yet. It does take determination, perseverance and integrity. Don’t be a one hit-wonder otherwise other will want to be one as well. We are here to set examples of who we are. It's our responsibility to let others know truth is this is what is required:

1. Investment needed
2. Social Media tools / guidance / branding 
3. Hours applied
4. Skills set
5. Mentorship needed

Upon taking a leadership/coaching class I was clueless as to what I just signed up for!  I am a life- long learner (student for life) and a risk-taker and have leaped into several businesses and don't regret not one of them. They've all taught me something it's called Growth. When I encountered the opportunity that would change my life it didn't come in a gift with a big giant red bow. It came disguised as an obstacle.

And so I think are we able to discern an opportunity when it's concealed as an obstacle?

Many times we go for the easy route and decline opportunities that seem hard. The way I see opportunities is that no matter where you go, what you do there will be challenges you will need to encounter. What's easy is sleazy. (As I've heard Leaders quote this awesome quote!)

I had just left my 1st networking marketing company as many changes were happening with the company and felt it was in my best interest to do something else. I also was not passionate about the service and had to be real. Being that I am a volunteer for The City Of San Pedro and was volunteering at the local mental health center a couple of hours was recommended to work for the city.

Upon recommendation from Doctors at the clinic was asked If I'd be interested in taking credits for a course in which I can use the education to apply for the city job. I needed a job and therefore it wouldn't hurt to get some education.  I received lots of breakthroughs not only was I learning about myself but also learning about the brain, depression, anxiety and mindsets. The class was taught by Harvard PHD's and was fascinated in learning more. To say the least I learned what I needed to learn and mastered the logic that I once heard a Successful Leader say "When a woman has mastered logic, men and done".

See in order to influence women, it's not through logic, it's through the heart. In order to influence men it's through logic. And when women have mastered the logic, more women can take over leaderboard room meetings, speaking venues and make hard choices. Our emotions can lead us astray and can be very deceiving. You decide! 

Everytime we use see a male receiving lots of attention  from the opposite sex it's because they use their heart. And males who are philosophical, who teach, who are worldly-known (think attorneys, engineers, professors,  architects) use their brain. I'd like to think of myself as both but can be a little more logical as I question everything. My curiosity get me everytime! 

In order to find a solution... Key is asking a question. Your brain will answer.

I didn't plan to become a Life Coach. It was not in my radar. As a matter of fact upon graduation I couldn't even get in the door to get hired at the clinic. I can still volunteer but not have a city job as additional education was required. Another year of clinical school besides a college degree. I was not too excited of having a job as I had just left a business working from home in which I had control of. I was making the decisions not a boss.

So, because I didn't get the job a light bulb appeared and decided to take it online because that is where all the eyeballs are at and to be an Enterpreneur you must find the need and fill it. Many people suffer from depression and often take medicine and although I am not a PHD I do believe it's all about mindset. Mindset is just a "SET-MIND" 

This is how I birth my career as a Life Coach unexpectedly. Through a connection that lead to nowhere after I graduated however it was a blessing in disguise. See we don't know where God will lead us. We may see it as an obstacle however what it has taught me was the necessary skills needed to dive in the infested water of sharks. Forewarn is forearmed. Am I able to use it for business? Definitely.  Do I need to use it? No. My services are not for intimidation purposes. It's simply to help people overcome their addictions, problems, mindsets ect….

As I end this blog think of opportunities as blessings in disguise.  Are some risky? Yes. Are you guarantee to succeed? Of course not. Can you succeed? Of course. Life is a risk itself but will it matter 10 years from now? No unless you become a wealthy person then it will be inspiring however if you didn't succeed your still a bad-ass as you don't think like everyone else. Your different.

To know more about my coaching services go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2LZJXXB and fill out questionnaire. Will contact you and we will go from there. 

Have a great day! :)

Being A Rockstar In Your Industry Is A Matter Of Giving

FOR TICKETS:  www.classy.org/cdvgolf2016

Was doing some research on the meaning of giving and stumbled upon a video from Tony Robbins on giving and how transformation happens when you give. Also read prior to becoming a multi-millionaire, speaker, coach, motivator.... he experienced major setbacks such as living with scarcity of food and reason why now he gives to food banks to help the needy.

What can Tony Robbins teach us today?  When you focus on just what you are getting and not giving is when you need to change. He challenges you to make your life a masterpiece. He challenges you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk.

I love to get inspired and reading these stories get me fired up because they show you in life you don't have to be born with a silver spoon but the opposite. See many times we see successful people and think they were born into it when in fact in order to get where they are at it took lots of sacrifice, strength, perseverance and a ton of passion which Tony Robbins doesn't lack I might add! :)

The more you give the more you receive. Some of the most wealthiest people have one thing in common they GIVE. Why? Because they are always giving. Think Bill Gates. Some may lose businesses or fail in business but as soon as it was lost they gain it back one way or other and then you wonder how did they do that? How were they able to purchase a large home? a luxurious car? A nice expensive watch? Nice alligator shoes or red bottom heels? Yes these are all material things however the point is there is seldom lack.

From what I can remember I've always been giving due to my upbringing. Was I always like this or did I have a generous gene? No. As a kid I was sort of selfish and as I grew up my mom raised me to be selfless, giving and that is when it was ingrained in me and wanted to give to people. I noticed the more I gave the more I got. Charity does not always come in the form of money but advice, value, time etc... :)

And so now that I am older (as the oldest child in my family) I've always been responsible for helping my peers and siblings and neighbors. This is why I volunteered in my community, politics, became a philantropist, give back to charities and desire to one day open my own non-profit sometime in the future. (God willing) There is nothing more full filling then to give but you must have it in you to give.

I love to promote charity events as it's a form of giving. 3 years ago I ran the L.A. Marathon (26.5 miles) from Los Angeles to Santa Monica Pier. It was challenging however I did it with passion and a happy heart for the kids. What kept me going was my WHY!  Had I not been running for a charity and know kids were depending on me I must say I'd probably would not of ran unless I wanted to challenge myself but in this case it was not about me but about the kids

There is a special charity coming up and reason why I am writing this blog post as well. It's our 1st Annual Corazon De Vida Golf Charity Tournament in partnership with Kingdom Coalition for Kids. Take a look at the video below of the event and anyone interested in attending, avid golfers, athletes can attend and have dinner. Tickets are available at: www.classy.org/cdvgolf2016

Check Out Corazon De Vida Golf Video! By the way just received news celebrities will be attending. If you enjoy networking this is an event not to miss! You never know what one person can lead you to another and another and another.... Connections! :)




Have a great day! :)

Will This Be Your Best Leap Year In Business?

               Two Words: Leap Year

Today February 29, 2016 is considered "Leap Year".   Read last time we had a leap year was back in 2008! As I think back and try to remember what was going in that year I can tell you the world was upside down! We don't live in a perfect world however nothing good was happening in 2008.

First of all President Barack Obama was elected as President Of The United States. Bush had left office and Obama had to do lots of cleaning up in the White House. We were going through a major recession in the U.S. The biggest ever single-day crash on Sept 29, 2008. 

And so today 8 years after we experience the next "Leap Year". Should we be afraid? Of course not. What happened in the past is not what is now. Many transitions have happened since then and we continue to grow as we move forward... I do believe we are more innovative now with technology, scarcity of jobs are of the past, more people are educated, more are becoming ImCEOOfMyLife.com (Enterpreneurs) and more registered voters will be at your nearest poll. 

Last time we experienced the recession I had a job thank God. Many were losing their jobs and yet even though I worked as non-union I had a job to rely on that I didn't have to worry if I was going to get fired or laid off unless some drastic union movement or technology would wipe us out of a job! Worked for one of the strongest unions up to date. (even though I was not part of it but was classified as a longshore casual worker)

I was not an Enterpreneur. I never heard of Network Marketing although I was always around it. My aunt market "Shaklee" nutritional products from home, my cousins & friends sold Avon and Jafra. Friends market crystal glassware and home decor furnishings.. Little did I know it was a business to make a living off of. I thought it was a hobby or they just loved selling the products very much that they would get free products and they did. 

So back then I was a hustler. What I call a "diva". It urks me to hear the word hustler for a female perhaps because that is what I was labeled as when I worked with men. Diva sound more feminine and it's a word I heard Beyonce once say :) 

Worked in a very male dominant type of environment that wouldn't wish upon any female to work in unless you love the grind and love to be in power and get dirty. 

Like greasy dirty, torn jeans and out in the cold. rain or shine you were out there working for the bucks and yes we did do bucks for many not having a high school education and getting paid as much as a police officer, attorney, engineer, teacher, fireman. I often had to ask myself all my hours put in school, college to work here? But the money was good and so I stayed doing something I disliked for many years.

What is different now besides the name "Leap Year?"  Well, first and foremost I no longer work at the largest west coast port by choice. Many thought I was crazy for leaving and resigning however I didn't. Felt it was time to do something I love and I am passionate about without having to pray if I would get hurt or die. Life was risky and I have major respect for everyone still working out there. Lots of females out there working to put food in the table and take care of their families. 

Since it's a leap year today glad I was able to get my eyes checked for my annual checkup, clean my office at home, donate things no longer necessary, buy fresh flowers, write what I am greatful for drop it in my gratitude jar and prepare for birthday month March which will be super productive! I believe one of the most important months to date. 

As I end this blog here are a couple of questions you can ask yourself when making a leap! Note you get answers by questions. When you ask yourself questions write down your answers and that is how decisions arise.

What do you consider a leap year? Some questions to think about are:

What Does The World Need Now?

What Type Of People Does The World Need Now?

What Would You Immediately Do If You Knew The World Would Not Judge You?

What Impact Do You Want To Leave On The People You Love?

Have a heck of a leap year! :)XO!

You Are Your Brand, How Are You Seen?

How To Fascinate By Being More... :)

Do you run a business from home? from the beach? wherever? whenever? 

Then you know it's all about marketing and getting your products in the hands of your right audience. Many times we market to everyone without knowing what their needs are and we are seen as salespeople and that is not what we need to be seen as.

Times have definitely changed in this new era in technology. From magazine writers v's bloggers, from reading the newspaper to getting your news online, from blockbusters videos to netflix. 

As the growth in millennials rapidly advance it's all about trust what your selling and can you be trusted. Millennials do more research, are into technology & want to be part of something bigger then themselves. 

It's safe to say if your not branding yourself, not your company nobody will know about you or your services. People do business with people that is why we are in the relationship business. If you brand only your company there is not a mutual trust as they don't know much about you!  

How are you being perceived? Do you feel the way to sell is by changing how you are to please your audience? Must you sacrifice yourself to sell? Must you be looked upon as desperate?

Prior to branding myself had no clue as to how others perceive me and I've tried to be everything to everyone. I call it the people's pleasing syndrome! It was draining and tiring and felt as I was chasing down my customers like a dangling carrot haha :)

Here are examples of 7 advantages of fascination...






Have a great day! :)

Laura Ramos
@TheBuzzingCatalyst