Rebuilding Your Tribe

 ‘You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.’

Jim Rohn

 

There comes a time in everyone’s life when you have to re-evaluate the people in your life. You may find that its necessary to rebuild your tribe.

Consider This

The people you spend the most time with influences your behavior, thoughts, confidence and decisions. In other words your network can make or break you. Japanese Koi will grow in proportion to the size of its environment. Like the Koi, your potential for growth is directly affected by your environment.

Are you surrounded by people who are supporting or hindering you? Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who support your goals and who are committed to achieving their own can be extremely powerful. You need these people in your tribe to help you stay motivated.

If you are committed to growing, it’s inevitable that you will have to leave some folks behind. If you are determined to live an extraordinary life you will have to watch the company that you keep.

Surround Yourself with People who Make you reach higher

 

Need to rebuild your Tribe? Here are a few tips:

1. Step it up-There is nothing gained by always being the smartest person in the room. Find your area for growth and follow/connect with people who are better at it than you are. If you expect to grow, you have to be a life- long student.
2.  Meet with your mentors on a regular basis-The right mentor will provide the feedback, wisdom and advice to help motivate and stretch you
3. Get Social-Join a supportive community of like-minded individuals . Make it a priority to attend events where you can engage and connect with other people with similar interests and values.

Try this exercise

• Who are the 5 people in your life that you spend time with? As in, if your day has 24 hours, how many of those hours are spent with which people. (I’m guessing amongst people will be some members of your family, your spouse, co-workers and some close friends.) Write those 5 people on a piece of paper. (It’s ok if they are less than 5.)
• Once you have a list of those 3-5 people, ask yourself this: Who are they? What do they do with their lives? How ambitious are they, how successful have they been, how happy, optimistic, and enthusiastic are they?

• Evaluate carefully if those people will really be those that will help you get to the next level you want to get to. Do they push you forward when you come to them with new ideas, no matter what? Or do they tell you that what you have in mind won’t work? Will they keep you going once the birds pick up your seeds, once your seeds fall on shallow or thorny ground?
• Make a choice of who in your list you want to continue spending time with. Don’t be afraid if none or only 1 or 2 amongst your 5 people today meet the standard of excellence you want to set for yourself. Keep going, decrease the time you spend, and increase the amount of time you keep your eyes looking for people that you want to have as one of your 5 closest people.

(www.lifehacker.com)

Diva in the Spotlight: Autum Hairston

What is the greatest piece of advice that anyone has given you?

Never give up on your dreams!

What is your favorite quote?

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

If money were no object what would you do?

I would start an organization for female runaways. I want them to have a safe place to go and someone to love them. I would Give them that validation that girls need and let them know they are not alone . Oh there is so much I want to do with this!

Why did you join the Diva Movement?

I joined diva movement because of the empowerment and the love and encouragement. And the like minded positive business women.

If you could talk to your 18 year old self what would you say?

Stay at OSU on that full ride scholarship!

Want to be in the Spotlight? Learn More Here

About The Diva Movement

The Diva Movement provides resources, tools, information and support to women leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals. Our supportive network empowers, motivates and inspires ordinary women to live extraordinary lives. The Diva Movement is changing the way women connect!

 

Confessions of a Goal Digger Podcast Debut

 The Confessions of a Goal Digger podcasts debuts on Thursday July 14th. Our series will kick-off with our guest Marcie Littlejohn

Marcie is a transitional facilitator and author of “Why Buy The Cow” a book on developing your best self as a leader

Listen Here:http://www.womensradio.com/2016/07/confessions-of-a-goal-digger/

Find us on itunes:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-goal-digger/id1132350515

Confessions of a Goal Digger is a podcast series presented by The Diva Movement that provides resources, information and inspiration for women leaders,professionals and entrepreneurs

Listen to the stories, inspiration and advice of some of the world’s most inspiring and enterprising women

Diva in the Spotlight:Diana Amison

Meet Diva Movement Inc member Diana Amison. Diana is the owner of Studio4one9,llc and the founder of the Beauty Barber Gala. This annual charity benefit showcases the latest trends in beauty, hair, and fashion.

Why did you join the Diva Movement? Networking opportunities and the opportunity to be around like minded people

If you could go back and talk to yourself as an 18 year old,what would you tell yourself?  Put God first and don’t sweat the small stuff

What drives you as an entrepreneur? Control-I like being my own boss

What advice would you give a woman who wants to start a business? Stay focused, learn all aspects of your business, shadow someone and learn as much as possible.

Who has been your inspiration as a business owner? Reverend Woods and Ms. Lori Fisher

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years? In 5 years, planning the 10th annual beauty and barber Gala.  In 10 years, I plan to be retired, traveling and planning events

What motivated you to start a business? Making my mother proud

Learn more about The Diva Movement Inc here

Diva in the Spotlight:Aleatheia Mason

 

Meet Diva Movement Inc Member – Aletheia Mason

Tell us what inspires you? Bring Productive

What is the greatest piece of advice that anyone has given you? Love People right where they are!

Who has had the greatest impact on your life and why? My Dad. Always positive always enjoyed life even when his health was not good!!!

If there was a soundtrack to your life what would it be? A Good Life

What drives you as an entrepreneur? People

What advice would you give a woman who wants to start a business? Pray and Go for it even when it’s seems like it can’t be done

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years? Relaxing and Traveling

What motivated you to start a business? I’m not sure I just decided to do what I loved and that was kids and people and pictures and now I am A Childcare Provider and A Photographer

Stop Networking and Start Connecting

Let’s talk about how to build meaningful connections and authentic relationships. A.K.A.-networking.

By definition networking is

“Creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit.”

But successful networking involves your ability to connect in genuine and authentic ways. Let’s face it, we do business with people we like.

How many times have you gone to a local coffee shop to work? Most of these shops offer a wireless network for their patrons to use. Now tell me, what is your first step in accessing their network? That’s right you have to connect. If you want to gain access, you must first establish a connection. When you are presented with your next opportunity to network, in order to tap into the information, resources, and trust of a person, you must first establish a connection. Connecting is the gateway to endless possibilities.

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” – Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People

 5 Ways to stop networking and start connecting:

1. Be Genuine– Be sincere, show that you are truly invested in the conversation and your commitment to connect with the person. Give sincere compliments and be yourself. Truly connecting with someone often means you are willing to place yourself in a position of vulnerability by revealing your true self. This will open the door and invite the other person to do the same.
2. Practice Active Listening-This means listening to understand not to be understood. This is where you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is saying but, more importantly, try to understand the entire message being sent. This is critical when you are communicating with your clients or customers. Look at the person, clear your mind and give verbal and non-verbal cues that you are listening. Provide feedback by summarizing what was said.
3. Ask open ended questions-Ask questions that will help you understand more about the person you are speaking with, without getting too personal. A question like “How did you get into this line of business?” Is a good follow-up to “Tell me what you do?
4. Use the person’s name-Learning a person’s name is one of the first steps in showing respect and building a relationship with someone. I like to use the person’s name at least 3 times in the conversation.
5. Follow-up-what is the point of building a connection if you have no intentions on following up. A true connection will develop over time and eventually turn into a meaningful relationship, but you’ll have to make that phone call, send that email or schedule that meeting. Don’t just collect the business card, actually use the information on it to start connecting.

 

Join us for our next opportunity for you to connect and start building meaningful relationships.

Join us for Cocktails, Conversations & Connections onThursday May 19,2016.  Learn more

 

 

Women Making a Difference

We’re celebrating ordinary women who did extraordinary things to make an Impact. These women used their gifts, talents and desire to strengthen their communities to make a difference.It does not take large sums of money, extensive education or knowledge to make an Impact.  Use what you have and start where you are

Dolores Huerta-Activist/Labor Leader

Along with Cesar Chavez, Huerta co-founded the National Farmworkers Association, which eventually became the United Farm Workers (UFW), in order to unite farmers into a union that fights to protect their rights. She is a labor leader and civil rights activist who has also advocated for immigrants’ and women’s rights, earning her the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights and Presidential Medal of Freedom. (Latina.com)

Candy Lightner: Stood Up Against Drunk Driving

After her 13-year-old daughter was killed by a repeat DWI offender, Candy Lightner founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in her home on March 7, 1980. Before MADD, there were little to no legal consequences for driving while intoxicated; her organization transformed American attitudes about drunk driving and successfully fought for stricter laws across the country.

Daisy Bates:First Lady of Little Rock,Journalist/Activist

In 1957, Daisy Bates became a household name when she fought for the right of nine black students to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Anne Mahlum/
Founder and CEO, Back on My Feet

Anne Mahlum started running when she was 16, as an escape from turbulence in her family life. A decade later, in 2007, she began a running club for a group of men in a local homeless shelter with the belief that running could give them the confidence and sense of control they needed to rebuild their lives. In the years since, her nonprofit Back On My Feet has grown exponentially, adding programs that provide educational support an…d job placement, and helping hundreds of members through chapters in nine states.

Everyday Heroes: 50 Americans Changing the World One Nonprofit at a Time (Welcome Books).

Join is for The Power Lunch Series-TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT-Register Here

Changing the Way Women Connect

Collecting business cards is not networking.  Networking requires a person to build relationships and make genuine connections.  Let’s face it, we buy from people we like.  The most effective promotional tool is word of mouth.  But before they will spread the word, they have to know you.  That’s where networking comes in.  Here are some useful tools to help you connect.

1. Give Value to receive value.  Be a giver,always seek ways the connection can be mutually beneficial. In other words,ask yourself “Why would someone want to connect with me?”

2.Be strategic-everyone should not have access to your time.  If you have a business or want to grow professionally,create a strategic connection plan.  Make a list of people who have the resources,knowledge and attitude to help you reach your goals

3.Think quality over quantity.  It is not a business card collecting competition.  Build a strong and intentional pool of contacts.

4. Find a mentor.  A mentor is a vital part of your personal and professional development.  The right mentor will help you expand your network and help you deepen your network pool.

5.Look for the untapped power within your existing network.  Allow these contacts to help you expand your network by asking them to make the introduction.

The DIVA Movement is changing the way women network.  We create experiences where women can connect and build relationships in fun and meaningful ways.  Join us for one of our next events. Find more information on our website http://www.thedivamovementohio.com

Connecting on Purpose:The Art of Intentional Networking

Connecting on Purpose:The Art of Intentional Networking

Life can get demanding.  Most women are juggling family, careers, businesses and other responsibilities.  It’s easy to become overwhelmed.

Who pushes you to become the best version of yourself? Who helps you dust yourself off when you fall down?

That person is part of your network of support.

It is vital that we develop, maintain and nurture meaningful relationships with other women.  Building a network of supportive, motivated and empowered women is a critical part of your personal and professional development.

Your time is valuable. The last thing that you need is another meaningless and unproductive networking event. Be intentional about the way you network. To be intentional means being able to distinguish what to embrace and what to let go. It is important to identify and connect with a community of like-minded women.  When women connect great things happen.

The Diva Movement is changing the way women network.  We offer experiences where you can connect in meaningful ways. It is magical to watch women build relationships, learn from one another, and share experiences. I encourage you to try it for yourself. I guarantee that you will experience a boost of motivation, focus and growth in your personal and professional life.

One woman can make a difference but together we are unstoppable.  I invite you to join us for our next experience. When women succeed, we all win.

The Power of Positive Female Connections

One woman can make a difference but together we are unstoppable.

As a woman business owner, I have experienced firsthand the power of female connections.  From mentors, to teachers to youth leaders-these women have made a significant impact on my personal,spiritual and professional development.

We live in a world where women are often objectified. Leading us to believe that our lives,roles and identities exist for the pleasure, enjoyment and judgment of others. Naturally, it can lead to fierce competition. We must resist the urge to compare our lives,bodies,job titles,etc. to other women.  When we let go of the need to compete and decide to combine forces-we become unstoppable.

Connecting is a powerful skill.  But most importantly,it helps you become a more fulfilled individual, a more caring friend, a more loving partner, a more successful parent, a more productive colleague and a more effective leader.

One of the best moves you can make is one toward strengthening your positive female connections.  When women connect great things happen.

Be Empowered:Find a supportive and uplifting network of women like the Diva Movement.

Be Inspired:Connecting with like-minded women will provide a pool of inspired and empowered women.

Be Motivated:The right circle of positive female connections will motivate you to become the best version of yourself.

Connect with The Diva Movement.  Join us for one of our upcoming events.

For more information visit our website