Measuring Your Success in 2017


As the new year approaches or is already upon us (depending on when you read this), I wanted to take this time to go over a very important topic that we sometimes need to be reminded of: and that is Measuring Your Success.

Every year we all set goals and declare that which ever year is our year. I see a lot of people are planning SLAY 2017. Well do you, boo. I ain't mad at ya. But for those of us who don't want to be relegated to certain years, but a for life, here a few tips I share in my book, 70 Tips of Women in Business: A Compilation to Get Unstuck (Literary Candy Books, 2013). I think it can be applied to your own personal slay plan.

1. Set Resolutions throughout the year, not just for the new year. Every day, hour, and minute is an opportunity to set a goal and to start fresh.

2. If you slack off, start over. There's nothing wrong with picking up where you left off. Just remember to keep moving forward.

3. Be patient. Depending on what is required to reach your goal, it may not happen overnight or in a year.

4. Take time out to measure your progress and see how far you've come.

5. Measure YOUR success against YOUR OWN success. Don't look at what other people doing and question why you aren't where they are. You don't know what they put into their work or what connections they have. You will get to where you want to be in your own time and in your way.

Bonus Tip: Write down your goals in a notebook so you are able to map everything as you see it in your head. This is a great way to flush out your ideas and to sort your short and long terms goals. Plus every idea you have may not be doable, but the ones that are, you don't want to forget them.

Bonus Tip #2: If one of your goals is to write a book, don't put it off any longer. I wrote and self-published my first book eight years ago. I've published seven titles and completed a screenplay since then. Get it out of your head, If you keep saying you "want to write a book", you'll never write a book. You should be "writing your book". Just changing the wording in your mind is a great way to be self-motivated.

I wish you a very healthy + prosperous New Year and I want to personally thank you for visiting and taking the time out to read.

Check out our Events page for more information about connecting with us in person + sign up for our VIP Newsletter to receive our messages in your inbox.
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Upcoming Event: Let's Do Brunch! Philly - December 11th

The year has flown by so fast! Join us for an enlightening afternoon of information and knowledge sharing over brunch. Meet new people and connect with like minds.

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What to Do When You're Tired of Building a 'Brand'

There comes a point in our journey where we may begin to feel a bit weary. When we question why we even bother with what we're doing? This is the perfect time to remember you WHY!

Why did you start your business?
Who do you want to help?
What legacy do you want to create for your family?
How do you want to spend your days?

I may have a few ideas per day that I write down and sometimes I just question why do I even have them lol. I know it sounds crazy or maybe you understand and have that thought as well. I've come to learn that:

Your gifts aren't about you!

Yup, that's right.

Your purpose involves helping others. And in giving you get what you need.

You don't need to 'build a brand' to do that.

It starts with being who you are and having the desire to keep learning and growing. Eventually buzzwords such as 'branding' fall to the wayside, but you need to keep evolving and stepping into your greatness.

We all get tired, but the object is to keep moving forward.

If you need to take time for yourself, please do. You don't do yourself or anyone you want to serve a favor by suffering from any type of exhaustion: physical, mental, or emotional.


- Jamillah Y. Johnson
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Do You!


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Recap: #100BusinessGirls NYC Fall Meetup

In this Picture: Nzinga Basir, Jamillah Johnson, Denisha Choice, Tamika Rose, and Brandon Slaughter

This past Sunday, October 2, we hosted our Let's Do Brunch! NYC meetup at Clyde Frazier's Wine + Dine (485 10th Ave). Our Business Girl Topic of the Day was "The Rules for Life + Business" and our special guest was Brandon Slaughter, who spoke about his The Rules 4 Life project. The Rules 4 Life is part social game, part collaborative scrapbook that allows you to write down thoughts on various topics. The book can also be passed around to others so they can include their take on life.

It was great to share our stories about the rules we've learned along the way.

Here are the topic questions that were discussed for you to think about:

What are some golden rules you live by?
What rules have you learned during your entrepreneurial and/or professional journey?
What do you wish you could tell your younger self about life?


Learn more about The Rules 4 Life  or The Rules for Marriage 



Nzinga Basir ~ Blue Mystique Fashion
Tamika Rose ~  Girls in Ballet School - The Bodysuit Specialist
Denisha Choice ~ Black Diamond Getaways
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Drive Your Business


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Necole Kane (@JustNecole) Breaks Down the Real on Her Transition from NecoleBitchie to xoNecole

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Are You Sick + Tired of Networking Events? This One is for You

Do you feel like you're not getting anything out of your networking efforts? Do you attend events and leave without meeting anyone you would want to keep in contact with? Have you completely given up even attending networking events?

Well this is for you. I know you're sick and tired. I've been there and this is how I got out of my rut.
One major thing I did was create my own networking group that catered to my needs and the needs of so many other women. But if you're not up for going that route, I know it can be a lot to take on, here are some keys to getting out of that "I don't like networking" rut.

1. Attend Events That Speak to You
Sometimes you just have to trust your gut and not bother attending every single event that doesn't fit in to what you want to accomplish. Find a meetup group and be active. Groups cannot survive without your support.

2.  Arrive Early
Arriving early to an event gives you the opportunity to possibly meet the host and see who's who coming into the event. You can get a jumpstart on your conversations and connections.

3. Bring Business Cards
But talk to people first before giving them out. Make sure there is a connection before just giving them out.

4. Initiate Conversation
If you're someone that hates small talk, one great lead in question after introducing "How did you hear about the event?" that always leads into more conversation. Don't open with "Hi I'm Michelle, what do you?" Being nice helps. Ask "How are you?" Don't be afraid of feeling awkward, everybody feels awkward. It's okay to feel uncomfortable.

5. Follow Up
If you ask someone for their email address, be sure to follow up. And if someone sends you an email be kind and respond. Following up doesn't have to consist of a lunch or coffee invite. If you have a question you want to ask, save time and ask it in your email.

6. Lower Your Expectations
Every event you attend is a new experience. Some will be unorganized and some will exceed your expectations. Be open to the possibilities.

7. Invest When Necessary
Some events are worth the financial investment of who will be in the room. You have a higher chance of meeting people like you who are willing to invest in themselves.

8. Travel
Get out of your hometown and attend events in other cities. This can be a nice refresh if you find yourself attending events and running to the same people.


Jamillah Y. Johnson
jamillah@100businessgirls.com
For more great tips get your copy of 70 Tips for Women in Business (Click Here)!

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Upcoming Events in Philadelphia + New York City *Updated

This Fall we kick off our 5th anniversary season! Join us in Philadelphia and New York City for great conversations and connections over brunch. Space is limited.

RSVP 
Philadelphia  |  New York City

Update: Due to scheduling, our Philadelphia meetup has been cancelled. Please be on the look out for a new date or join us in NYC, thanks!
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How to Start Your Own Networking Group in 7 Quick Tips

If you're someone frustrated with type of connections you have or lack, are tired of attending lame networking events, or just want to connect with like-minded individuals, then starting a networking group could be right for you.

Are you organized? Enjoy meeting new people? Open-minded to trying new things? These are just some of the qualities that you should possess when taking on this task. Maybe you want to collaborate with friends or colleagues.



Everyone needs help building their network. We switch careers or jobs, start businesses and really don't have the connections that a traditional work environment provides. So starting a networking group not only helps you but serves the greater good.

1. Start with a small free event, by small I mean no more than 8 people. You want to get in the swing of learning who people are and engaging in conversation.

2. Have a discussion topic that pertains to something current in your industry or business, an issue or news topic that will allow for people to engage.

3. If you have an area of expertise, offer a discussion based around that or give tips for people to acquire new skills.

4. Choose a location that will allow for conversation without disruption (such as loud music, foot traffic, etc.).

5. If you host at a restaurant, choose affordable options with entrees under $24. (This will be different if you select to offer a prix fixed menu, have a caterer, etc.)

6. Promote on social media, email your LinkedIn contacts in your area, and utilize sites such as Eventbrite. (Eventbrite is just a suggestion, if you don't want to utilize direct email. If you host future events you will be able to reach your past attendees more easily.)

7. Give a thank you gift or parting favor. It adds a special touch to your event.


These are just a few quick tips, if you have any questions don't hesitate to connect with me at jamillah@100businessgirls.com.
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The Benefits + Dangers of Competition: 10 Major Keys to Remember

competition: the opposite of cooperation. It arises whenever at least two parties strive for a goal which cannot be shared or which is desired individually but not in sharing and cooperation. 


Having started #100BusinessGirls in 2011, I sometimes question if it's still necessary. When our meetups first started it was new and exciting. There were only a few groups like ours and we were niche. Well now that niche is no more. And while that's a great thing, it can be daunting if you're someone that has a competitive mindset. It's natural. It's one of the main things that you're taught in Marketing and Business 101. But is having a competitive spirit really healthy?

Competition can be empowering, it can keep your ideas fresh and business interesting. It keeps you sharp, determined, maybe even driven. You can learn from where your competition has failed. Most of all, when others enter your market or niche, it provides validity to the problem you want to solve.

 
 The Benefits + Dangers of Competition 

1. Competition can be empowering, it can keep your ideas fresh and business interesting.
2. Competition keeps you sharp, determined and driven.
3. You can learn from where your competition has failed.

4. When others enter the market, it provides validity to the problem you want to solve.

Focus on Your Own Race

5. Your ego is your biggest competitor. It will keep you from accomplishing your goals and keep you in a state of comfort. Comfort is your default setting that you need to break out of and continuously add things to make you grow stronger. You must master the ability to quiet your ego. So for every negative thought, combat it with two positive thoughts. With practice this will become a habit.

6. In our daily interactions with social media, we can get bombarded by individuals sharing their pictures and good news. Don’t look at individuals as your competition. Don’t believe the hype of the pictures being painted for likes. This will create the spirit of envy because maybe your life doesn’t look like their pictures, and neither does theirs. There are social media strategies and systems that are put into place to earn followers and likes strictly for the purpose of building social media clout. What you want is longevity. Longevity will sustain your business past the latest social media trends.

7. Hating your “competition” only has a negative impact on your well-being. Your goal should always be to focus on the people you serve (audience, customers) because those are the people who believe in what you have to offer.

8. Operate from a perspective of ‘Plenty’. There is enough to go around for everyone.

9.  Instead of seeing "competitors" see them as potential partners and allies. No one will understand your journey more than someone taking a journey similar to yours.

10. When you’re brainstorming new ideas, stay off social media. Social media cleanses can be a great way to set new goals and execute those ideas. They can vary from 24 hours to how ever much time you need.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you think competition is healthy in business? 
  • Have you ever doubted yourself based on what others were able to accomplish? 
  • What are some ways having competition has helped you succeed? Or has it ever? 


Written by: Jamillah Y. Johnson
jamillah@100businessgirls.com


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The Clearest Explanation On Money + the Law of Attraction (1 HR, 10 MIN)



Change your mindset, change your life. Take some time out and watch this eye-opening video. I highly recommend it. You will learn how we have been conditioned to place limits ourselves and how we can overcome that way of thinking + more.
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Let's Do Brunch! Philly Meetup -- Saturday, May 14th *new date + time

Join us at our upcoming meetup! 

Saturday, May 7th  Saturday, May 14th *new date
2pm - 4pm  1:30pm - 3:30pm
Conversations + Connections 
Private Location - Limited Space 


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Intelligent Boss Moves with Dame Dash + Dr. Boyce Watkins


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Event: Let's Do Brunch! NYC Meetup -- Saturday, April 9th


Join us at our upcoming meetup!

Saturday, April 9th 
2pm - 4pm
Private Location - Midtown Manhattan
Conversations + Connections


The next Philly Brunch meetup is May 7th - Get details here


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Are You Truly Inspired or Just Following the Crowd?




Nothing sparks more debate than Beyonce performing on television. It's never her classy subdued, ballad singing operatic ones, just the bold, brash, I'm sexy and I know it, move out my way, I'm about to kill it with an army of dancers ones. And you can never be critical, not online anyway. Beyonce's fans are like a mob of Johnnie Cochrans just waiting to defend their queen.

There's no problem in sticking up for your favorite artists. The problem lies when you are so closed minded you fail to listen to the truth. You fail to understand that everyone isn't being a hater and that it's okay to look beneath the surface.

You should know when you are being marketed to. You should know when something has been crafted to shape your opinion. Critical thinking is a skill we start learning in elementary school. The problem is that some of us fail to tap into it.

So when you say you are inspired, what are you truly inspired by or are you just saying that because something looks good and everyone else is saying it's great?

The amount of work and strategy that it takes to perform and craft something unforgettable that will have people talking way past 15 minutes, is what can inspire you. Beyond jumping on social media to share a pic or to join in on praise to show you are down, you should be taking down notes.

It takes vision, seeing what those before you have done, creating a strategy, and then going forward. Nobody just wakes up great. There is a method.

How do you plan to "slay" past 15 minutes or do you care more about the likes from the crowd?


1. Decide what do you want to accomplish? What will the end goal look like? How do you want people to feel?/How do you want to feel when all is said and done?

2. Who has done it before you and how did they go about it?

3. What inspired you about your predecessors? What did they get right/wrong?

4. Craft your strategy.

5. Gather those who can help you, if necessary.

6. Execute

7. Go over what you learned.






- Jamillah Y. Johnson





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10 Strategies for Tapping Into Your Magic


This past Monday, we celebrated Martin Luther King Day hosting our first ever Lunch Social (we usually have brunch on weekends). It was also Center City Restaurant Week, so we were able to meet at Del Frisco's and enjoy a 3 course lunch for just $20.

Our topic of the day was "Tapping Into Your Magic" and I just wanted to share some helpful tips that were discussed at the table and here they are:


1. Stop worrying about things that don’t matter or that you have no control over the outcome.

2. Connect with what you already have inside of you. Whatever dream you have, know you came fully equipped to make it a reality. If you feel you lack the skills, you have the ability to acquire whatever it is you need.

3. Live an inspired and authentic life by being who you truly are and doing things that make you feel good.

4. Trusting in your dreams will help you let go of self-doubt. For every negative thought, think of two positive ones to shut that down.

5. Don’t Panic – Evaluate your current progress not where you want to be in five years. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself with how much further you need to go.

6. Failure is not the end - Think like a 1 year old – when you couldn’t walk, you fell, got back up, and tried again and again until you mastered it.

7. Focus on what goes right – Things will always not go according plan, but think of all the times things have worked out for you.

8. Don’t listen to other people’s negative opinions concerning your goals, unless that opinion is advice to improve your chances of a successful outcome.

9. Work for your dreams and be persistent.

10. Nothing is new under the sun. Read about those that came before you, and charter your own ship.

Bonus Tip: Just go for it and see what happens. You won’t know the outcome unless you try. Take a big goal and break it into segments and conquer each one, one at a time.
- Jamillah Y. Johnson
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