L to R: Etophia Lane, Asha Johnson, Jamillah Johnson, Debbie Louis, Dana Thorbourne, and Tanya Johnson
(Please note that none of the Johnsons are related)
On Saturday, November 9th, we hosted our last meetup of 2013 at Lexington Brass (517 Lexington Avenue). Over brunch we discussed what it means to "Measure Your Own Success". Here are some questions that you can yourself.
As an entrepreneur/professional, how do you measure your success?
What factors do you feel have propelled your success?
What factors do you feel have deterred your success?
As 2013 draws to a close, it is important that we evaluate our progress. Have you met your goals that you set at the beginning of the year? If not, continue to work towards them. Time is constantly moving and while the new year feels like a new start, every second, every minute, hour, that we are on this planet is a chance to start or finish a goal. Here are some more useful tips:
1. Set resolutions throughout the year, not just for the New Year.
2. If you slack off, there's nothing wrong with picking up where you left off or starting over. What's important is that you keep moving forward.
3. Record your goals in a notebook so that you are able to map everything out as you see it in your head. Nothing is too far-fetched when putting this exercise into practice. You might not be able to accomplish a goal by next week or month, but it doesn't mean it won't ever be possible.
4. Be patient.
5. Create a list of short and long term goals. Things that can be accomplished sooner should get first priority. Research counts as working towards your goals.
6. Always do your research before pursuing a new venture. There's a chance your new idea is already in existence, but don't let that discourage you. It means that you have a good idea. It just needs to have your signature on it.
7. Take time out to examine your progress to appreciate how far you have come.
8. Measure YOUR success against YOUR OWN success. With social media we are in constant contact with what your peers are doing and it can become competitive whether we realize it or not. Take what you see online with a grain of salt.
Thank you to those in attendance:
Debbie Louis - Owner, A La Mode Events
Tanya Johnson - Independent Consultant, Traci Lynn Jewelry
Asha Johnson - Consultant, Traci Lynn Jewelry
Dana Thorbourne - Consultant, Traci Lynn Jewelry
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After brunch, Etophia and I headed to Brooklyn to attend a book signing and discussion with bestselling author and "Covert Affairs" star Hill Harper. His latest book is entitled "Letters to an Incarcerated Brother: Encouragement, Hope, and Healing for Inmates and Their Loved Ones." I'm halfway through reading and although Hill stated that anyone may find the book helpful, not just those in prison, I will vouch that a lot of topics discussed can be applied to those of us reluctant to start a business or take our business to the next level. Make sure you check out Etophia's article on Examiner.com.
