Determination

Willie Mays:

Determination QuoteIn order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept constructive criticism. Without a total 100 percent dedication, you won't be able to do this.

Success Quote

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.”

Conrad Hilton

Even When You Don't Have It

Purpose Driven Life, The Secret and many more books have shared how if you find your pure passion you can go the extra mile. A lot of people are taking the dream and making it a reality. They are no longer just dreaming of being a designer, stylist or public speaker. Everyone is stepping out of the mole to create magic.

There are still people that don't think they can do it. They feel as if they need the capitol at day one.

Let us be the first to share that you can still do work before the cash is flowing in. So much time and preparation can go into a company that with that alone you can be ahead of the game.
If you are serious about the craft and want to do more then consider:

• Writing the business plan
• Looking into internships
• Finding sample clients
• Building a list of vendors based on the industry

If you take the time to get this things initiated then you are one step closer to making the business happen.

Money is not always all you need.

Proper Planning Equals Success

We Appreciate You!

Make It Happen Consulting has been able to do and see so many things through working with some wonderful people in the area and abroad.

We only hope that during this Thanksgiving season you know how much you mean to us. We are thankful for all the things that have come about this year to help us grow into a stronger team.

Up until December 1, 2009 we will be making appointments with potential clients to help them get started on the visions they have. If you are interested in a free consultation feel free to contact us at www.makeithappenc.com for more information.

We are thankful for where we have been and where we are going with you.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Expanding your business

Many companies are trying to find the next best thing to bring in more revenue. With the way the economy has changed it has become a important tool to be able to adapt and change companies to expand the reach of customers.

Depending on the original vision it can be easy to add new options for clients.

In evaluating what your company can do consider these options:
Speaking engagements
Workshop facilitation
How to books
Internships
Events
Recorded products
Interviews
Articles in business publications
Joint ventures
Community sponsorships

These basic products and services could do wonders for a companies credibility and also outreach. It all goes back to what is the mission of the company and how the company wants to be seen from its stakeholders.

Successful businesses are able to add and change the structure of the company quickly to serve the clients all over the world. Are you one of those businesses?

Happy Veterans Day!

Veterans Day, which is known as Armistice Day, is an effort of honoring the veterans of War I.

We Salute You!

Happy Veterans Day!

Respect

Respect is an act of giving particular attention (reference www.merriam-webster.com)

As your company goes through ups and downs you shouldn't compromise the integrity of the firm by bieng disrespectful.

When things are difficult that is the best opportunity to reach deep down and keep things at 100% effort.

Too many companies are not sticking to the mission or showing their customers the respect they deserve. If you want to have your company for years to come some core things need to always stay in place so that you can go above and beyond the competition.

Do not that the environment change you, change the environment.

Your Fabulous Style - Feature

Your Fabulous Style (YFS) is a full service boutique and image consulting company. The boutique appeals to the passionate, creative, outgoing woman, carrying high-fashion pieces from emerging designers, most unknown by the everyday shopper, however, frequently worn by A-List celebrities, socialites & the elite.

The image consulting firm educates you (the client) on the importance of personal appearance. We teach you how to obtain aesthetically suitable looks through the elements of art by adapting balance and harmony techniques while emphasizing self-awareness, self-consciousness, selectivity and self-acceptance.

Nadia Speaks
nadia@yourfabulousstyle.com
info@yourfabulousstyle.com
www.yourfabulousstyle.com

Price Accordingly

The economy has hit everyone in different ways. People are spending less; companies add services and other tactics are used to make the necessary changes in this time. That is the way of the world right now. This true fact however does not change that you have to be prepared to still pay for quality service.

It is a difference between being reasonable and ridiculous. If a company has a product or service that is unique they can only go so low to cover cost and earn a profit. Companies can decide to price themselves at the bottom of the market that could change the dynamic of the service. It is important to work with clients but do not break the company ethic code.

Each business is established with a direct goal in mind of making a profit. When a company makes adjustment to bend for clients but still give 110% then what?

Pricing and packages can be defined for the lower bracket but that means that some services and products have to be adjusted. McDonalds does not allow negotiations for the value meal. If the order is a 4 piece nugget, small fry and large ice tea there is a price adjustment but the products are different.

In order to continue success the current times can be evaluated but at no time should a company sell themselves short in order to get a client. Prices are put in place to deal with the structure of the entity.

Price fairly
Be Strong
Succeed

39th Congressional Black Caucus - ALC Pre-Mixer

Join us as we focus on this year's theme reinvest, rebuild, and renew. The networking event is to support entrepreneurs and business owners, while learning more about the Annual Legislative Conference and ways you can become involved.


Mixer Perks:

Industry Contact Matching

Recession Proof Your Brand Resource Guide

Professional Image Consultation

For more information visit: http://alcmixer.eventbrite.com/

The secret is out

We track a lot of debates and conversations about new businesses, customer service and the growing trend across the world.

The main thing that people are discussing is that just because you have a company does not mean that everyone has to utilize your services. With the economy change a lot of people have now started to start companies or sign up with a direct sales company. These tactics have only been to create more income but not necessarily to work in a passion position.

This in turn has people thnking that they can do, say and act anyway they want. The good thing about the direct sale companies such as Avon, Mary Kay, etc is that they already have the business plan, policies and procedures for you to follow. When you start your own company it is your duty to create all of that yourself. People are not creating the foundation. If you do not set the foundation then you can in time cause your company to go down in flames.

Also you cannot promise results that you cannot provide. Russ Parr from 93.9fm discussed that a lady sent him a letter saying she found a speciality company that said they could plan, design and provide food for a event. They showed so much promise. They did not execute correctly and the client was left unsatisfied. When the client expressed her dismay the company just stated that they did all they could. That is not providing the service that you committed to.

As business owners it is a duty to have integrity.

If you do not provide good service, offer spectacular customer service and make sure your foundation is set then you are really saying I just want money with no real work. A business is not easy. It takes work and time to be successful.

The secret is out if you do not take pride in all you do.

Be the best you can be.

Customer Service

Do you know what good customer service is?

Does your office offer training to help the team offer better customer service to the customer.

Many companies have cut the quality out of customer service. It is a very essential task to make sure that your employees are assisting your clients. If people are working with you or want to utilize your business it is only right to show them repect.

What kind of customer service is your company offereing?

Support

One of the most important parts of a successful business is a strong support system. When you have support you are able to go above and beyond the norm because someone is there to cheer on all that you do.

Even on the low days it helps to have a team, staff, family and friends that really believe in what you do.

Also there are many professional organizations that can give you industry support to help your business be informed and up to date on the trends.

If you don't already have the support you desire now is the time to start building your team.

Real Talk!

WPGC presents
REAL TALK LIVE with TC
from
THE DONNIE SIMPSON SHOW!

It’s REAL Talk, REAL Women and a REAL conversation about THE COLOR PURPLE!
Join us this THURSDAY, JULY 9TH, 6:00PM, at Eatonville Restaurant, 2121 14th Street, NW, DC 20009. Eatonville is named after the hometown of Zora Neale Hurston, author of “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”

Ladies, come unwind, meet TC and members from the cast of The Color Purple! Enjoy wine, hors'dourves and dialogue with TC and the cast. We’ll discuss issues from The Color Purple (domestic violence, infidelity, lesbianism, father/daughter relationships, etc.) and how these issues affect women today.

Experience Eatonville’s food & folklore atmosphere, register to win tickets to see Oprah Winfrey’s The Color Purple at The Kennedy Center, massage gift cards compliments of Massage Envy and much more!

This event is absolutely FREE, but space is limited. Early arrival is strongly suggested.

To RSVP, go to WPGC.com. KEYWORD: Real Talk
Location: Eatonvile Restaurant, Northwest DC

Time To Relax and Regroup

July 4th is coming up and how are you planning to celebrate. Have you decided to take a mini vacation from everything to relax? Will you be attending some events that will help enhance your company?

Whatever you are doing on this weekend take a moment to evaluate your company. Where is it going? How has the year been so far? What changes can be made to make it more successful?

Once you come back from the relaxing weekend you will be energized and ready to take your company to another level but you must regroup.

Goal

A lot of companies are taking their focus off of just the task at hand and working with everyone to find out what the true goal is.

Of course the initial thought would be money, success, and fame but once a full evaluation it done many companies find that the goal is much more deeper than that.

Goals consist of:
Helping the Homeless
Mentoring
Supporting the community
Giving
Renting out office space to help other companies succeed

What is your company goal?
Why are you a company?

Knowing the goal of a company can make a world of difference on how things flow.

Be a Great Vendor at Events...

Summer is around the corner and if you are a product based company you are looking for ways to market and promote your products to new customer. This is especially true if you are making your own products that cater to women.

We want to provide a few tips to remember when you decide to become a vendor for an event.

Know what you are paying for. What is included in the vendor fee? For example the host/hostess is offering:
Marketing on flyers, email blast, press releases
Table
Refreshments

Create a plan to make the most of the opportunity. Once you have decided to become a vendor for a certain event it is time for you to create the plan of:
Sales and promotions you will be offering
Tracking plan (how to capture information from each person that stops by your location
Promotion tactics you will use for your current clientele

Communicate with the host/hostess. Stay on top of what is being done to promote your business and the event so that you get the most from vending. You can also use any information that is published for your portfolio or website.

Be on point. Before the event have your team in place, supplies (business cards, flyers, email list, etc), packages, and a variety of inventory.


Just by including these things in your decision and plan for being a vendor of an event you will increase your sales opportunity and also get informed of more events that can increase your revenue.

Happy Saling!

Planning (To Do List)

List, List, List!!!!

A lot of people don't like taking the time to write down the things they want to get done. It seems to be a hassle to sit still and record steps to a process.

Try this exercise:
Purchase a mini notepad.
In the morning before you head out the door record the things you want to accomplish. (For instance drop off client payment, research upcoming events, confirm RSVP for networking event, and more.)
Keep the notepad in your purse, briefcase, car, etc.
At the end of the week evaluate how productive you were and the time you spend on recording your plan.

You might find that a TO DO LIST helped you stay on task.

Let me know how it works out.

Entrepreneurship Career Studies Certificate Program

Yes, you can be a certified entrepreneur.

NVCC and CBP have come together to design a program that will meet all your different demands as a business owner.

The Information Session is on June 1st at 6:00pm at CBP to answer questions about the Entrepreneurship Career Studies Certificate Program program such as:
* Is it better to take the whole certificate or individual classes?
* How does FAFSA work?
* I have not been in school for many years, is this right for me?

For more information about the Entrepreneurship Career Studies Certificate Program, http://www.cbponline.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=186
Location: 7001 Loisdale Rd, Suite C, Springfield, VA 22150 Contact:
Contact : Dannelle dannelle@cbponline.org
Cost: Free

Spring Extravaganza

Invitation to Bliss
May flowers flourish all season, join us as we celebrate the beautiful flower in you at the 3rd Annual Spring Extravaganza. Bring your BFF, sister, and circle of friends as we salute moms and extraordinary women. Break from your every day routine as we provide the perfect scenery for relaxation, shopping, and sweet music.

The Spring Extravaganza brings fashion and beauty experts from across the East Coast to pamper and host our guests.

Spa Stations, Spring Fashion Shows, Decadent Appetizers, and Boutique Shopping awaits you.

Vendors are still being accepted for this event.

The Venue
The Westin Washington DC located in the heart of our nation’s capitol. Just minutes from the cities main attractions, National Art Gallery, Smithsonian Museum, and the Lincoln Memorial. You will be surrounded by warm colors, art deco furniture, sky scrapper ceilings, and beautiful garden plants.

Contact
Registration Services
ring: (800) 871-3980chat: info@mothersdayextravaganza.com
2465 Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
http://mothersdayextravaganza.com/default.aspx

National Small Business Week 2009

National Small Business Week 2009
May 17-19, 2009

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting events to help promote, support and acknowledge small businesses. The event will take place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Currently you can only register for the forums but that alone will be wonderful information.

For more details visit: www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com

Shop For Shelter (Join us May 9th)

A special Mother’s Day shopping event

Date: Saturday, MAY 9th, 2009

Time: 11am-3pm

Location: The Westin Alexandria
400 Courthouse Square
Alexandria, VA 22314-5700

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift?

Once again, you’re invited to join
tu-anh Accessories and the area’s most talented artists and designers for a fabulous spring shopping event benefiting the Carpenter’s Shelter for the homeless.

On May 9th, friends and families of Old Town Alexandria will flock The Westin Alexandria for some bargain shopping, social, and fun. This is the not-to-miss event of the season! Fathers, bring your children and drop them off at the KIDZ CREATIVE CORNER while you shop for that special Mother’s Day gift at HUGE savings (up to 60% off).

Complimentary goodies include: refreshments, chocolates, cash bar, door prizes-and plenty of street parking or in the garage for only $8. A large portion (50%) of proceeds will benefit Carpenter's Shelter.

This event is FREE if you RSVP by May 7th

At the door: $5

Please Call 703 888 3696 or email yahaira@tu-anh.com

This event is brought to you by:
polished by tu-anh

In partnership with:
The Westin Alexandria & Carpenter’s Shelter

Carpenter's Shelter,
Northern Virginia's largest homeless program located in Old Town, aims to end homelessness through services, education and advocacy. The
shelter's programs include a day shelter, a hypothermia shelter, an 80 bed long-term residential shelter, a community outreach program to formerly homeless families and an Education Fund.

"NOKIO" HOSTS MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT HAPPY HOUR AT THE PARK

If your dream is to be in the music industry come join MIH tonight.

Come out and network as Nokio hosts happy hour at THE PARK
http://www.park14.com

So you've been trying to break into the Music and Entertainment Industry...now is your chance to brush shoulders with top professionals in the game.Nokio has produced for Mya, Trey Songz, Foxy Brown, Capone-N-Noreaga, and Dru Hill.

With a new Dru Hill album scheduled to hit stores in June, and his A&R track record, Nokio is looking for new talent and ready to share hisconnections. Join us as we drink and celebrate the launch of "The New MusicBiz & You Movement". Bring your demo's and come prepared!!

Thursday, April 30, 2009 6-8pm
THE PARK 920 Fourteenth St. NW, WDC
INFO: 202.271.2553
dress: swag no sneakers please

"Speed Mixer" - Postponed

Make It Happen Consulting Host
"Speed Mixer"


Location: Eyebar
1716 I St NW # 1
Washington, DC 20006
http://www.eyebardc.com/
Near Farragut West Metro

Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Cost: $10.00 before May 1, 2009
$15.00 after May 1, 2009
Paypay to cthorpemakeithappen@gmail.com or mail payment to PO Box 575 Alexandria,VA 22313

Contact: makeithappenc@gmail.com
Website http://www.makeithappenc.com/

With so many different networking opportunities in the area it is very difficult for a business owner to leave a event and not know at least ten new people. The reality is that some people attend events and do not get the opportunity to meet anyone new. This event will change all of that.

Come and find out what "Speed Mixer" is all about.

Selecting Your Home Office

So you have a wonderful idea and want to start looking toward your own business. The #1 place you want to start to get creative or plan is your home. You are trying to select an area that will give you the space that will accommodate all your needs.

Here are some quick questions to review before you select your home office:
What are your needs?
What area of your home has space for an office to be created?
Do you have sufficient connections?
Is the space limited to distractions by family?
Can the office work be separate from everyday life?
Will the space make you happy?

Think of these things when you are determining where your home office will be setup at.

It will save you time and money.

Creative Entrepreneurs Bootcamp- May 16th, 2009

Fiscally Fit Fashionista
Creative Entrepreneurs Bootcamp
May 16th, 2009

Online Event Registration - Powered by www.eventbrite.com

Date(s): Saturday, May 16th, 2009
Time: 12-7pm
Location: Emergence Community Arts Collective- 733 Euclid St. NW, Washington, DC 20001 www.ecacollective.org
Cost: $205.00

Description: As a creative entrepreneur, you need to write a business plan, but perhaps the traditional business planning process is not relevant or even practical for your business. Here comes the perfect solution! To support the unique needs of creative entrepreneurs, EAB Creative Planning Services, LLC, is pleased to announce its first Creative Entrepreneurs Bootcamp.

The purpose of this workshop is to teach creative entrepreneurs how to successfully integrate and balance the concepts of creativity and business into one solid plan. In this workshop, not only will we focus on the business of your creativity, we will focus on the creativity that makes your business. As a participant, you will learn how to:

Create a mindset that supports success as a creative entrepreneur;

Redefine the business planning process, learn about the “Cosmic Business Plan” and how to write one that is relevant to your creative business;

Demystify financial planning, and create an initial financial plan that focuses on both your personal and business finances;

Create systems and process that work for you as a creative entrepreneur;

Strategize ways that will help you generate wealth from your creativity.

Register soon as space is limited at the introductory price of $200. The fee includes all workshop materials, workbook, and small snacks throughout the day. A 30 minute lunch break will be provided.

Special Note: Discount code is available. Please sign up for the EAB newsletter to obtain the code. Service Coupons: Participants will be allowed to redeem up to 4 ECAC service coupons for this workshop.

Spring Clean

Spring is here and it is no excuse now. The weather is beautiful and you can now air out that stuffy office.

In the winter we don't want to get out and that can sometimes create a office that needs some extra attention.

Here are some spring cleaning tips:
Open the window (fresh air is good for the office)
Clean the office
Scan old documents (tax, client files, etc)
Clear off the desk (only immediate work should be on the desk for easy processing)
Remove supplies or equipment that is not needed (give back by donating your supplies to other businesses or schools)

Once you have completely just these quick tips you will feel good and ready to get work done. When the office is clear so is your mind.

Twitter

Yes, Make It Happen Consulting is on twitter. The lead Organizational Strategist is available to share her day, promote companies across the country and also share tips that she is learning as the days go along.

It is a wonderful tool for any company big or small.

Many articles have been published to suggest that Twitter is the place to be if you are serious about getting exposure.

We look forward to seeing you follow us and tweet.

Upcoming Event- "Painting the Town Pink"

Divas In The City

(Entertaining-Educating-Empowering)

team host

"Painting the Town Pink"

Launch Party

March 20, 2009

Divas in the City (DITC), an all-women social and professional organization with many different features to help empower and share information with woman.

If you are in the NYC area take the time to attend

Visit www.divasinthecity.com for more information.

Make It Happen Consulting will be attending

Coming Back

We appreciate your patience as we have been working through some personal issues.

We will be returning March 2009.

Thank you for your visiting our blog.

Be Apart of History

Back by popular demand, WHCTP returns with some familar faces and new elements! With live music, food, drink, and performances by the "unkowns" of Harlem's artistic renaissance, come and experience a night in Paris set in 1934.

Ticket Price: $55 Alliance Member | $65 Non-members
To purchase tickets call 202.234.7911. Mention "LSP" to receive the "Member" pricing.

For more details log onto: www.harleminparis.com

P.S. We are currently looking for sponsors, volunteers and more. Feel free to contact us today for more details.

It is a new day - We want to help you

What are you doing now that change has come?

Make It Happen Consulting is now extending a invitation to all potential business owner, current business owners, brides/grooms, and others that are looking for ways to use their talents.

If you contact us by January 28, 2009 we will give you a free gift that will help towards your goals as a business owner or new bride.

We are here to help make your dreams a reality.

Use Your Creativity

So far it has been a productive year for our firm.

We have decided to use our gifts more and really create a environment that helps us and our clients thrive. The one main thing we have started to do is utilize multiple ways to promote the firm.

For instance
Flyers
Free gifts (yes bride we are giving away free planners)
Business cards
Donating to events throughout the area

With these different avenues we have been able to use our creative side to design and circulate infomation to necessary locations.

It is no fun to be in business and not use your gifts to go a step farther.

Come one everyone Create!

Cross Marketing

In todays economy everyone is looking for new ways to get customers. Some people have established new services (Make It Happen Consulting is now offering wedding coordinating services), relocating, or expanding the way they network.

Another idea that not that many people have been utilizing is cross marketing. It is good to have a power team in place for the products and services your company needs but cross marketing is having the preferred vendors or individuals you network with have you as the primary referral. It is simply finding companies with products and services that complement yours and work with them to promote their offerings and yours simultaneously

For instance, if you are a graphic designer the printer that you utilize for all your needs would also be the company to promote your services to customers.

Who are you cross marketing with?

If you have not thought of the concept it is another creative way to increase sales and not expenses.

What do you think?

Celebrate and Move Forward

Happy New Year

This is a new year which many people take as a new beginning. Everyone is setting resolutions and trying to make decisions so they can be the person in their dreams.

While you are planning on what goals you want to pursue be sure to think about who you are and your passions. It is only when you work in passion that things work perfectly.

We would love to hear some of your goals and aspirations.

This year will be what you make of it.

So...
Start your business
Plan your dream wedding
Write that book
Organize your finances
Volunteer in the community
Travel

Live in your passion today