Category: Small Business Development

2020, Leadership, Motivation, Self-Improvement, Small Business Development, Social, Vision, Women & Leadership

International Women’s Day

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Today is International Women’s Day.   International Women’s Day is a global day where we celebrate, the social, economic, and cultural achievements of women.   It is a day where we are reminded of the importance of equality.   Together we can fight bias, stereotypes, broaden our perceptions, and challenge our own thoughts and actions.   We must recognize the struggles of women globally and continue to encourage women, to find their voice, understand their value, and demand their worth.

We must encourage the next generation to become Doctors, Lawyers, Entrepreneurs,  Professors, CEOs, Artists, Speakers, Authors, Engineers, and Scientists through mentorship, empowerment, support, and education.  The theme this year is #eachforequal where the focus is on creating a global embrace of equality, that enables everyone.  Therefore, as you celebrate today and continue to celebrate women’s history month, celebrate the achievements of women in the classroom, workplace, churches, businesses, and community centers.   Find someone who is struggling with understanding their worth, and place them under your wing.  Help them see they have value and purpose.   When we continue to support and encourage each other, we embrace the importance of equality.   Most importantly, we create a pathway for the next generation.

Women’s History Month is about us, therefore, embrace your history, embrace your journey, embrace who you are.

 

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall

 

 

2020, Entrepreneurship, Growth, Leadership, Motivation, Personal Development, Self-Improvement, Small Business Development, Social, Vision, Women & Leadership

Embrace Life

Today, I want to talk about embracing life.  A couple weeks ago, I was meeting with someone who wants to start a business.  They believed that life was over for them, because of their race, gender, knowledge and education.  They spent a lot of time comparing themselves to others.  I began to share with them the importance of identifying their gifts, loving who they were, using all their resources and embracing life.

I realize that as people, we often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. We suppress our gifts, and allow others to make us feel inferior, because of our gender, race, education, size, etc. When we allow all the negatives to lead our lives, we limit our potential. In celebrating black history month, I was reminded of a quote by one of my favorite motivational speakers, the late Dr. Myles Munroe. He stated that the greatest tragedy in life, was living without a purpose. Dr. Munroe also stated that the wealthiest place on earth was the cemetery, because within the cemetery lies companies never created, inventions never made, books never written, masterpieces never painted, and music never recorded. The cemetery represented untapped potential and gifts unused.

When we embrace life, we must come face to face with our dreams, fears, successes, failures, setbacks, and our challenges. How we handle this confrontation, can open the door to our potential or derail us for life.  Therefore, I have several recommendations I want you to incorporate in 2020 so you can embrace life and unlock your potential.

#1. The first thing you must do is Embrace your dreams. As a future business owner, writer, professor, mayor, minster etc, you must embrace your dreams.  In order to do this, you must believe that dreams come true.  I will always remember my dream of writing a book, becoming a college professor, earning a doctorate degree, becoming a motivational speaker, and starting a family business.  I remember some people telling me that was a lot to accomplish.  I knew they did not believe it was possible.  However, I kept my dreams in front of me, because they were my dreams.  Today, I can say that I have accomplished them all, and now I am rewriting my story, because I discovered that I have more yet to achieve.

#2. You must let go of fear.  When you let go of fear, you allow yourself to receive the blessings that life has to offer.  For me to move forward I had to overcome the fear of failing.  I knew that failure was not final, because I could start over.  This is important,
when changing careers, leaving a terrible job, or starting a business.  It is important for you to let go of doubt and self -judgement.

#3. Step outside your comfort zone. Sometimes you must take small steps towards your dreams. This may require traveling into areas uncharted or new.  I began my journey into publishing by writing my first chapter in an anthology.  I had never done anything like this before.  Today, I have contributed to 6 anthologies, released my own solo project, and I am on track to release two additional books this year.  However, my finest achievement was becoming a professor, and now interim dean.  For me to achieve both, I had to step outside my comfort zone.  I had to push myself into areas unknown and take a chance on myself.

#4. Become resilient.  Sometimes in life, you will get knocked down. In these times, you must pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep going.  I remember my layoff from Chrysler, I thought the world was coming to an end.  One day while taking care of my father-in-law, I discovered by coaching and teaching ability.  It was in that layoff that I discovered my purpose.  Sometimes, your setback is nothing more than a setup, that leads you to your destiny.

#5. Find a cause that brings you joy. While discovering my purpose, I found Toastmasters, and learned how to improve my public speaking skills.  I found the joy of passing out beads during Thanksgiving, by marching in the Michigan Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I never knew a strand of beads could bring so many people joy.  Finally, I learned through taking care of my father-in-law the importance of finding services for seniors and those with disabilities.

#6. Evaluate your inner circle.  One of the most important strategies I have used in life is protecting my inner circle.  I shared this in a speech I gave a couple years ago, the impact of starters and bench players.  Starters are those individuals who honor the best in you. They support your gifts, and give you feedback to move you forward.  They know that for you to make a friend you must be a friend, so they introduce you to others who will help you.  No matter where you are in life, they always have your back.

Bench players, on the other hand, want to be there for the ride. They like you, but not for who you are, but for what you have.  They constantly bring negativity to every idea you have.  Yet, when it works, they are the first to want to get on board.  Its so interesting watching them try to convince you that they were always in your corner.  Therefore, as you build your inner circle, be thankful for the people that serve you with their knowledge, support, love and kindness.  Also, never miss the opportunity to pour back into their lives, the love and support that you have received.

#7. Finally, you must live your life, and not the life others are creating for you. As a person of faith, I connect to my source daily, so I can live a joyful and passionate life.  I feed my mind positive quotes and words of motivation from people like Dr. Myles Monroe, Joel Osteen, Beth Moore, John Maxwell, and my husband.  I have realized that my passions and my goals have inspired me to embrace all that life has to offer. Therefore, my 2020 vision is off the charts, and I know those dreams will come true.

Now its up to you. Will you follow your dreams? Will you release the fear, and step outside of your comfort zone? Will you pick yourself up after a fall? Will you embrace life and untap your potential? I believe that you can, and I believe that you will. Most of all, I believe that your 2020 vision will come true. Never settle for anything less.

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall

 

Fall Forward Your Purpose Is Waiting for You – Book Promotion

In this book, I share my personal story of overcoming grief, and self-sabatoge. I did not realize I was falling into my purpose.

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2020, Growth, Leadership, Leadership Development, Motivation, Personal Development, Self-Improvement, Small Business Development, Vision, Women & Leadership

Be A Bridge

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Bridges are structures designed to cross an open space or gap.  When most people think of bridges, they think of crossing a body of water, valley, or road without hindering what’s underneath the bridge.  The bridge is designed for providing a passage over the obstacle, which is often difficult to cross.  Some bridges are unique because a pathway has been provided for you to walk alongside the bridge in order to get to the other side. Finally, bridges serve a particular purpose and are designed by bridge builders for different situations.

The concept of the bridge is very important when you think of people.  As I begin to narrow my 2020 vision, I want to focus on how we can become bridges of society.  As a bridge builder, we can use our knowledge, skills, and abilities to help bring people together.  When we become the bridge builder, we can often become the catalyst that introduces opportunities and learning experiences to others, allowing them to find and use their gifts.  We have all heard the saying, “Be the bridge.” Well, today is a great time to start.

If there were no bridge builders, many people would never know what is on the other side of the river, lake, stream, valley or ocean.  In other words, without bridge builders, so many people would never know what they could have become.  Remember, when we share our experiences, education, testimonies, wisdom, resources, stories, advice, connections, and gifts, we become a bridge of opportunity, possibility, and vision for those who have never seen what is on the other side.

So, I am challenging you for the year 2020.  Don’t be a wall, a border, or a blockade. Instead, be a bridge builder and usher someone over to a bright new future.

Dr.  Regina Banks-Hall

2020, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Growth, Leadership, Leadership Development, Motivation, New Year's Resolution, Personal Development, Self-Improvement, Small Business Development, Social, Vision, Women & Leadership

Look Beyond the Wall

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Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery on Pexels.com

Hello Everyone

Today is January 6th, and many of us, my self-included, have created goals that we want to accomplish for the year. As you begin to create goals for yourself, and think about how you will impact 2020, one area that I want you to focus on is looking beyond where you are. Often when I conduct vision board or leadership workshops, or do motivational speaking, I share with my audience the importance of looking beyond what is in front of them.

You may be saying to yourself, why is this important? Often as individuals we become accustomed to the status quo. We expect nothing better. We buy into other people’s comments about our abilities. We sometimes overlook the notion that they are afraid of what we might become, so they plant negative seeds. Finally, we hold back our dream, because we are waiting for someone to validate our ideas instead of moving forward with our vision.

In order to grow and truly live out your purpose in 2020, it will be important for you to look beyond what is in front of you. It is important for you to visualize success. There is no limitation to your success, there is only the limitation to your vision.
Today, find the courage to venture out. This venture can lead to a new promotion, a new book, or a business opportunity. For years, I had a dream of becoming an author, professor, life coach, and motivational speaker. Yes, I wanted it all. I knew the odds were stacked against me, because I knew there were people who did not want me to succeed. However, I was willing to look beyond what was in front of me, because what I saw was people standing in my way.

I began to change my attitude and my inner circle. I began to put action behind those goals by writing the book, becoming a motivational speaker, coaching others to success, and my favorite of all, becoming a college professor. I held onto the faith I had, that I could do it. I realized that the purpose of my goals was bigger than me. These goals were associated with helping others see that, if I could do it, so could they. But most importantly, I held onto my faith in God, knowing that he had a plan for my life.

As we begin to move throughout this year, and you begin to formalize your goals, think about how your desire to change your story can affect your community, your family, your church, or your organization. Do not sit back and accept the status quo. Instead, step up and accept the challenge of looking beyond the wall. Realize that today can be the day that changes everything.

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall

2020, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Growth, Leadership, Leadership Development, Motivation, New Year's Resolution, Personal Development, Self-Improvement, Small Business Development, Social, Uncategorized, Vision, Women & Leadership

Don’t Bury Your Talents in 2020

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Well, today is the final day of this year.  As part of my own goal planning process, I conducted my 2019 year in review.  I checked off my accomplishments and reprioritized my goals for 2020.

Like many people, I worked through some challenges in 2019.  But through it all, I will enter 2020 renewed and ready to use my gifts and talents in this year.  As you evaluate your 2019, reflect, evaluate, and celebrate your story.  Remember that your failures or setbacks do not define you, because you still have a chance to rewrite your own story.

I want to remind everyone of an important biblical story.  In a biblical passage, a Master gives his servants several talents, according to their ability.  He then plans to take a journey but vows to return.  The Master gave one servant five talents, which the servant doubled.  The next servant was given two talents.  He did the same.  The last servant was given one talent and he buried it in the dirt.  This servant, in his mind, played it safe.  He was afraid of the unknown, or possibly lazy, so he buried his talent.  The servant expected his Master to be thankful for protecting the talent.  When the Master returned, he congratulated the first two servants for their diligence.  But with the third servant, he was infuriated and dealt with him harshly.  The key point in this story, is that we have all been given a portion of talent or ability.  However, it is what we do with it that counts.  Do we multiply it, or do we bury it?

As you enter 2020, know that it is okay to step outside your comfort zone.  In order to change the world and leave a lasting impact, it requires that you take a risk on yourself. Do not be like the servant in the passage and bury your talents.  When we bury our talents, we hold back solutions, knowledge, skills, innovation, and creativity.  We literally rob the world from utilizing and benefiting from our giftedness.

As a professor, author, speaker, coach, and leadership expert, my goal for 2020 is to convince you not to bury your gifts.  Tomorrow is the beginning of a new year, start the year off in grand fashion by utilizing your God given gifts and talents.

Join “Dr. Regina’s World” by following me on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube and let’s start using our gifts together.

From my family to yours, I wish you a healthy, successful, and prosperous New Year.

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall

2020, Growth, Leadership Development, Motivation, New Year's Resolution, Small Business Development, Vision, Women & Leadership

2020 New Year’s Resolutions for Small Businesses

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Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

For many small businesses, 2019 was a pretty good year.  As I spent time evaluating my  community, I saw several help wanted signs.  I noticed local coffee shops and restaurants full with customers, and I saw the opening of several new businesses.   As a small business coach, I know that many business owners sometimes just want to enjoy their success.   However, we must always take time at the end of the year to reflect, evaluate, and strategize.   As you get ready to end the year, I wanted to share five areas to review,  to ensure a successful 2020.

  1. As an Economics Professor and Small Business Coach, I share with students the principle, that every business must understand the market or industry in which it operates.   Therefore, it is important to understand your particular industry.   What is happening in the coffee, t-shirt, restaurant, or retail industry.  Is your industry thriving?  Is your industry maturing?   Where are opportunities for growth?
  2.  When you create goals for your business, remember that these goals may require a full year commitment.  Therefore, the first quarter of next year should be used to evaluate your year-long strategy.   You may also find that the goals you created require a longer implementation plan.  Therefore, decide what’s first, second, or third on your list.
  3.  Review your cyber security measures.  Think about how you can back up your company’s data and create a firewall that prevents hackers from accessing your corporate newtork.   Determine if you are using the latest security software for your computers.  Is there more efficient way to handle moble transactions.   Finally, encourage employees to change their passwords on a regular basis.
  4. Reduce Debt –  As a small business owner, it is important to review and understand  your financial outlook.  Therefore, look for ways to eliminate debt.  For example, can you take out a business line of credit, and take advantage of lower interest rates.  Can you consolidate credit cards, or can you pay off a loan with a year-end bonus and free up your credit cards.
  5. Review your growth plans.  Look at your product and services.   The beginning of the year, may be a great time to add a new product or expand your services.   Researching growth opportunities in your particular industry, can also help you identify opportunities in this area.

As you end the year, review your 2019.  Reflect, evaluate and determine your goals for 2020.  You may not eliminate all your business debt, but your strategy to expand your product and services may increase your profitability.   You may find through your reflection and evaluation that 2019 provided a solid blueprint for 2020.  Remember business goals are designed to provide improvements to your business. Therefore, think about your goals carefully and strategize for a profitably 2020.

Best wishes,

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall

For more information, on how we can help you create your 2020 vision, please complete the contact form below.

 

2019, Entrepreneurship, Growth, Leadership, Leadership Development, Self-Improvement, Small Business Development, Uncategorized, Vision

Handle Your Business

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As a business coach, professor, and leadership expert, I have the opportunity to witness up close, new entrepreneurs launch their business ideas.   These entrepreneurs have fresh and exciting ideas, big dreams and a boatload of optimism.   This excitement is contagious and their energy is overwhelming.

However, I have also seen individuals stumble, fall, and ultimately fail in their business pursuits.  Sometimes, this happens, because success is a tricky thing, and not easily achieved.   Therefore, if you are ready to launch into a new business, let me share five tips that will increase your odds for success.

#1 Keep your vision in sight.   When things go wrong, you can use your vision to maintain your focus.

#2.   Understand your competition.   As a professor of economics, I share with my students all the time, that every business must understand the market in which it operates.  Therefore, you must identify the competition, and determine how your business will compete.

#3.   Provide a good service.  It is important to know your capacity to deliver what you’ve promised.  Therefore, do not overpromise and under deliver.

#4.  Keep track of your expenses.   As a new business owner, it is important to create a system for managing your expenses.   Managing your expenses, allows you to track your progress and keep a handle on your debt.

#5  Hire a business coach.   If you are starting a new business and are unsure of what you should do, hire a professional to assist you.   There is no substitute for experience, and a business coach will provide the expertise you need.

If you are launching a new business, I recommend that you attend my workshop this weekend, (Saturday April 27th at the VisTa Tech Center in Livonia), entitled: “Handle Your Business.”   See the video below for details.

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall

 

 

 

2019, Growth, Leadership Development, Personal Development, Self-Improvement, Small Business Development, Vision

The Characteristics of Grit – Do You Have It?

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Today, I want to talk about the word GRIT.   According to  Merriam-Webster’s dictionary,  GRIT is defined as, “firmness of mind or spirit : unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger”.    Angela Duckworth, Professor at the University of Pennsylvania  in a Ted Talk, associated GRIT to the passion and perseverance you need to achieve long term goals.     Perseverance, of course, allows you to maintain your commitment to overcoming obstacles that lie in the way of you achieving your goals.

As a motivational speaker, professor, author, leadership expert, and business coach, I beleive that our understanding of ourselves helps to define our GRIT.   As people, we have to know how we feel about courage, our knowledge, our skills, and our ability to handle adversity.   Often we can determine our grit when we overcome an obstacle.

As I look at the word GRIT, I agree with Webster and Duckworth, that it includes courage, perseverance, firmness of mind and spirit : unyielding courage in the face of hardship and danger as you pursue purpose and long-term goals.    Therefore, examine your grit today, by examining yourself.   Define who you are as it relates to courage, passion, purpose, and firmness of mind.   Utilize your strengths to overcome adversity, and learn from your weaknesses to challenge failures.

We are all uniquely made, however, when we truly understand our GRIT, we can strategize for success.

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall                                                                                                          President, RBH Professional Development Institute

Contact us today to learn about our leadership development programs, vision board workshops, business coaching, motivational speaking programs.    Please visit our website at http://www.rbankshall.com to learn about our upcoming workshop, entitled handle your business.     Let’s take what you know about your GRIT, and launch your dreams.

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