Preparation for a new start

The re-invention stage of developing your business and brand is overwhelming at times. Honestly, I understand how hard it can be to place yourself in a position within your business that is pleasing and fulfilling only to be disappointed with your results. Time and time again you hear people say, "don't give up or you are on the right track". Well, it's true and there is no excuse for you to give up on the one thing that will help you achieve the most important goal in this life, becoming what you were put on this earth to be.

Here are a few steps that I am using to stay motivated:

1. Setting a daily goal. I have to tell myself that it doesn't matter what time of the day it is, how late or how sleepy I am. I need to accomplish that goal each day. 

2. Weekly researching of other companies related to mine to determine how I can stand out and become more appealing to the public eye. Look for new marketing aims, I have to remind myself that it's better to make a mistake now rather than later.

3. Stay in communication with my contacts and resources weekly. Write down your results and asks mentors and those your connected to for advice on how to implement a strategic plan within your business.

4. Start investing more in others, whether showing interest and being more involved in their projects or business ventures as well. Sometimes it hard to make time for others because your more focused on elevating your own business. When you show interest it provides encouragement and confidence for them as well as yourself. 

5. Be consistent in everything that you do.

6. Be pleasant, kind and patient.

Best,

Creator and Founder, Miriam Dixon-Davis

N.B.S

The Writer's Experience- A Notebook Thought

At the moment, I'm focusing on the direction that I want to go in for my next book, Intolerable Boundaries, Part-2. I tend to doubt my lines in between writing each paragraph or wonder if the direction of the book will be relatable to my audience. Then I remember that it's my book, my vision, and interpretation of the world. I can only hope that it heart-warming, touching, appealing and over all that they are liked and loved by my readers. My desire is to become known as a writer with purpose; inspiring, heart grasping and depicting hope. I would be disappointed if there was no criticism.



-N.B.S
Writer & Creator, Miriam Dixon

Intolerable Boundaries- The Release 12/18/2015

In life, we tend to seek validation, guidance and understanding from those near us or that we barely know. We forget that what makes us stand out are those pivotal moments. The moments where we are forced to no longer procrastinate but step out on faith.

This past year, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a new journey with my family. It's was the best decision that I've made in years and I'm without regrets. I asked that you join me today in celebrating one of many more accomplishments; the release of my first short story, "Intolerable Boundaries."

Being a wife and mother has truly inspired me to pursue my life long goals and this is only the beginning. Intolerable Boundaries will only be available for $2.99 on Amazon for the remainder of today and my paperback book will be available for purchase after the new year in January of 2016.


Feel free to click on the link below and share with your loved ones. I hope that you all enjoy it!


Wishing you peace and joy this season. Happy Holidays to you and yours.


Miriam M. Dixon- Davis
Creator/Blogger
N.B.S

http://www.amazon.com/Intolerable-Boundaries-Attraction-Role-Position-ebook/dp/B018RIWJM8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1450426197&sr=1-1&keywords=Intolerable+Boundaries

My STL Bridal Show Xperience

An engagement brings the excitement of planning, researching and gathering details to start the process of planning the perfect wedding. Selecting the theme of your wedding and the colors for the flower arrangements may seem simple but it’s usually the small necessities that set the tone on that special day. Today, I attended the St. Louis Bridal Show at the St. Charles Convention Center. The event was well organized for the bride-to-be on her mission to plan out that special day. Each table was prepared to present their services from beautiful bridal bouquets to samples of tasty reception treats. It was nice that some of the vendors offered one-stop shop services as well for the bride.

Although, I enjoyed the wonderful set-ups and music coming from the various DJ tables; it was quite overwhelming. It can be challenging for a bride-to-be to make decisions on a venue, florists and bridal salons when you’ve been offered information on 4 or more for each of the same services.

I realized after stopping at the first 8 tables it would be in my best interested to get more personal with each representative. Here are a few ideas that came to mind following my observation:

First thing first brides-to-be:

Create and set your budget. Do whatever you can to stay within the lines that you and your significant other have agreed on. You need to be willing to give up somethings to have what you desire the most on your special day. Everything else will come out amazing for you. I’m sure of this.

Secondly: Have your mom, mother-in-law, sister, close friend and/or maid of honor right by your side to assist when making decisions. I learned this today by having my friend with me. Your friend should be encouraging once your decisions are made. Be confident in knowing what you desire but be open to accepting the fact that your vision may change. You need someone there to remind you that everything will be fine. Take a breath!

Selecting the right venue for your wedding:

Ask the vendor about space accommodation. It’s helpful to know as a bride-to-be that the venue offers more than one area or space within their facility for you to host your wedding or reception. Outdoor weddings and receptions should always be taken into consideration when having a spring-fall season wedding.

Also, be open to a smaller intimate wedding when hosting a smaller party of guests. Remember that the earlier you book your appointments and tour of your preferred venues the sooner you will be able to lock in your date. Narrow your venue choices down to three choices based on location, cost and space. Once you have your venue locked in and secured then your vision will become clearer. Trust me attending a bridal show can make things seem a bit foggy when planning.

Your vendor may become a one-stop shop for all the services you need. Some vendors may offer a checklist form that breaks down prices on meal plans, open bar, music, invitations, photographers and floral. This will buy you sometime in traveling or researching for additional services that they already have available.

Dress selecting process:

Your dress outside of the venue is the main attraction. Nothing lets everyone know who matters on this day more than your presentation. Your dress and your mood will set the tone for the day.

Leave negative, unhappy and opinionated people behind on the day you go to try on dresses. You cannot be confident and happy in your selection if negative vibes are flying around during your appointment. Be prepared to write your –“Misery Not Allowed” sign at your appointment for those interested in joining.

Allow yourself time in advance to find the right dress so that alterations can be made before the wedding. Review bridal planners, bridal gowns and accessories online prior to your appointment.

Lastly, remember that anything can go south before your wedding day and it will still be perfect.

STL Venues –

Andre’s Banquet Facilities and Catering

Andre’s offers a one-stop shop plan for their clients. (Invitations, Limousine Services, Music, Tuxedos, Photographers, Reception and Floral Designer. www.andresbanquet.com / P: 314-894-2622

Bristol Seafood Grill

Services include banquet, wedding rehearsal dinner, reception and bridal luncheon.

Contact: Private Events Manager, Vicki Houska, E: vhouska@bristolseafoodgrill.com /P: 314-567-0272

Saint Charles Convention Center

Contact: Connie Barber, Catering Sales Manager E: cbarber@scmocc.com P: 636-669-3006

STL Florists—

For Ever Roses

Contact: Karen McGowen or Michelle Fuhrmann /Site: www.foreverroses.weebly.com / P: 636-575-1996

Schnucks Florist & Gifts

Contact: Dena Fetsch, FTD Master Designer/Bridal Consultant /E: drfetsch@schnucks.com /P: 314-997-2444

STL Make-up & Hair Services—

Eye Do STL

Contact: Scheduling Coordinator, Kim Stahlheber / E: scheduling@eyedostl.com /P: 636-541-4618

Belleza Bridal Hair Salon

Call for appointment: 630-300-3437

STL Bridal Shops—

The Ultimate Bride- Bridal Salon

Schedule appointment online or by calling: www.theultimatebride.com /P: 314-961-9997

Frew’s Bridal & Formal Wear

Site: www.frewsbridal.com /P: 618-466-8820

Touchstone Crystal by Swarvoski Jewelry

Sip & Shop Party in STL

This Saturday, I hosted my first launch party for Touchstone Crystal. You can view my site now and checked out the latest Fall/Winter 2015 fashion catalog for this season. Our beautiful crystals come in fall friendly colors for this and you can now have Swarvoski Crystal jewelry in your collection for affordable prices. There is only 3 days left for you to receive 30% off when you spend $100. 

Join me in starting off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a big run by purchasing the Love & Miracles Bracelet for $36, the Open Heart Necklace for $56, the Pink Crystal Ball for $36 or the Heart Tac Pin for $36 as a gift to give a cancer survivor or family member.  With your help, proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. To order online go to https://sites.touchstonecrystal.com/sites/miriamd then enter Miriam in the “Look up Host Section” and click “Sip & Shop.”

Blessings to you all! Let's Beat Cancer together! #PayitForward #TouchstoneLife #IThinkPink

Sincerely,

Miriam M. Dixon-Davis

Writer of N.B.S

My New STL Connection

Meet STL Blogger & Marketer, Jeanne-Marie De Clue

                  Gaining confidence in yourself and your talents can increase your desire to meet new people. This is the perfect example of an unexpected connection. The professional connection between Jeanne and I was not made at your typical networking event or gathering. We encountered each other at a Starbucks Coffee located in the Creve Coeur area in Saint Louis. Jeanne was sitting across from me on a phone call discussing an event that she had planned on attending later on that night. I knew that once her call ended it would be the best time to inquire about her profession. In the mist of conversation, we clicked and now are beginning a new friendship.   

                 Jeanne is inspiring because she writes on behalf of other plus size women that are uncomfortable with weight or size. On Jeanne’s blog Finesse Curves, she shares tips and secrets on how to maintain an appealing, sexy and professional appearance. Most importantly, she gives some of the latest and stylish looks for any plus size woman. Jeanne is also pursuing a career in photography. To learn more about Jeanne-Marie De Clue visit her website www.finessecurves.com. You can also view a recent photoshoot for me done by Jeanne below.

Social Media:

Facebook – Jeanne De Clue

Instagram- Finessecurves314

Photos by Jeanne-Marie De Clue:

What you know Vs. Who you know

If you are skilled on comparing data, navigating systems and determining how to incorporate the overall resolution to a problem, it is based on what you know. Connecting with different people who have similar interest in your ideas, thoughts and business can possibly  provide you the referral needed for a position or a new client is built on who you know.

I can tell you this because within the last 10 years out of the last 3 positions I held; 2 out of 3 were given to me based on referrals. The last recent position I left due to relocation for my family was my place of employment for 5 years.  Each one of the references I received was from a friend and past colleague I worked with at a previous company. Not to mention each connection was fully aware of my educational background, my ability to communicate and connect with anyone. I understand the importance of treating people with respect regardless of age, race, gender, mental or physical abilities and which does not determine their levels of achievements.

What you know can be a factor in many of the accomplishments that you obtain with understanding a few points:

1. THE OPENNESS TO LEARN – Becoming a blank canvas will give you the chance to make mistakes and learn in the process. As we all know, some of the most prominent and greatest success stories are from those that took risks and experienced failure.

      2. ADMIT YOUR MISTAKES- I know this can be difficult. I must admit myself that I am a work in progress on this but it will get better. Have faith and believe. It has aided me in the process of getting over my fears and learning more about varies topics.

      3. INCREASE YOUR LEVEL OF EDUCATION – If you wish to pursue a degree or attend a training course but fear the cost of taking out student loans do not stop there. There are plenty of training courses that you can take online for affordable cost and don’t forget to check your local library for online classes that are offered as well. Remember that the more training and skills you pursue the more you will get to achieving new goals and completing tasks needed to have a thriving business. 

      4. CONFIDENT IN YOUR DECISIONS – Once you make a choice to start a project or make an investment than give it your best. How can you make your creation or project better? Anything that you touch can be better if you give your best. Call or email your mentor and request some time to learn more about that particular field. Contribute anytime that you have free to volunteer and volunteer work does not always have to be in person. Utilize your technical skills and put your ideas on paper then present it to your mentor.

Who you know can be a factor in many of the opportunities you receive once you understand a few points:

1. There are certain accomplishments that you were able to make because you’ve had the assistance or help of someone.

2.   BE OPEN FOR CHANGE.

3.   SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION with follow-up emails, cards or small gifts. It will be one of the greatest investments as an entrepreneur or employee representative that you have given.

4. RESPECT YOUR INVESTMENT - When you respect yourself and your brand than you show others that there is no lacking on your end in your business. You are a walking reflection of yourself and the abilities that you possess. Start talking LESS about yourself and your associates will start talking MORE about how amazing you are. Give people a reason to like you, love you and accept those that challenge you. At the beginning most people might not like you at all or even have interest in you and that is okay.

5. SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT YOU! You will not feel as if you've wasted energy into those that have not even given you a word of encouragement. There will be people in your life that may not necessarily need a service or product that you offer. It does not matter because the process of networking does not always mean that I should always see a self-serving benefit. Show up to an event, refer someone else to them that can help them earn a sale or offer you volunteering. If you feel uncomfortable with supporting them in their journey of successes than what benefit have you gained from your connection with them. You became a walking promotional tool when you discussed their business with someone else that was looking for their services, right? Than show some love, what do you have to lose?

You have to show and prove at the end of the day. That's what makes you so great in your business, position and maintaining your reputation.

Thanks for your continued support and I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Mimi