Exceptional People Magazine May-June 2021 by Atela Productions, Inc.

May/June 2021

Traci Sanders Campbell

HOW TO HARNESS THE POTENTIAL OF SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP DO YOU HAVE THE PERFECT PITCH?

Nurturing the

Inner Beauty

THE ART OF PERSUASION: HOW TO GET OTHERS TO AGREE WITH YOU AND TAKE ACTION

of Disadvantaged Girls

Founder and Publisher Editor-in-Chief Monica Davis Writers & Editors Jon Crump Marla Gem Suzanne Harris Company Writers & Contributors Donna Carletta Kathy Kentty Pat Markel Other Contributors Andrew Horton Greg Williams Jack Canfield Annemarie Cross Art and Graphics Designer Jenette Antonio Sityar Exceptional People Magazine is published bi-monthly by Atela Productions, Inc. The opinions of the contributors are not necessarily those of Atela Productions, Inc. Exceptional People Magazine is a copyright of Atela Productions, Inc. The contents of this publication may not be printed, copied or distributed without the express written consent of the Publisher. Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved.

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P R O D U C T I O N S , INC.

LETTER FROM

the Publisher Dear Friend, Persistence and consistency win every time!

Have you ever been excited about a new idea, or maybe you wanted to start something new – something you’re not familiar with, but you’re willing to take the risk, and for some reason, it doesn’t turn out the way you expected? I’m sure you have. It could be something as big as starting a business or even as simple as learning how to ride a bicycle. What will you do the next time if you don’t get the result you were expecting? Will you become discouraged? Will you walk away, or will you be more determined to achieve success? Persistence is key to achieving great results. Most of us never achieve success the first time we try something new. It requires continuous action and optimistic thinking. Develop a solid set of values and principles and consistently apply them in everything that you do. Be consistent in your approach to life, your thinking, and your actions. Don’t become discouraged by setbacks. Consider every setback as an opportunity to prepare for your next giant leap of success. Every day we see examples of people who didn’t give up because their plans didn’t come to fruition the first or even the second or third time. Persistence and consistency are directly related to your outcome. So the next time you don’t get the results you are expecting, develop a new mindset and a fresh approach and go for it – again. With every wish for great achievements,

Monica Davis Founder

CONTENTS EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

TRACI SANDERS CAMPBELL Nurturing the Inner Beauty of Disadvantaged Girls

MINDING MY BUSINESS

10 Ways to Motivate Part-time Employees

How to Harness the Potential of Situational Leadership

Implement Money-saving Strategies by Hiring an Accountant

21 22 24 26 28 30

Do You Have the Perfect Pitch? How to Build a Powerful Team Business Analysis: A Key Process for Success Your Business Strategy Checklist Two Ways to Create Loyal Customers "What Do You Do?"

Ambition is the path to success; persistence is the vehicle you arrive in. William Eardley IV

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Nurturing the Inner Beauty of Disadvantaged Girls

Traci

Sanders

Campbell All photos, courtesy of Ernest Collins

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

hen Traci Sanders Campbell authored her first book, she wrote it straight from her aching heart. Geared toward helping pre-teens and teens in single parent households to survive and thrive against all odds, The CHAMP Within reveals Campbell’s own personal journey as a child in a financially-strapped fatherless family. Campbell was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, the youngest child of a single mother driven to lift her children out of the poverty cycle. When the teenage Campbell wasn’t at school or studying, she earned money as a print fashion model and hostessing at a prestigious local restaurant. These seemingly glamorous jobs hid a secret insecurity which plagued Campbell. Like many single-parent kids, she lived with the anxiety, anger, and stress of financial and peer pressure. At the University of Maryland, she chose Computer Science as her major because she knew it would lead to bigger paychecks than her preferred journalism. It was a wise decision. She moved up the tech ladder, excelling as a business analyst and IT consultant – and bringing in enough money to also scratch her journalism itch by writing, podcasting, and radio broadcasting.

Around the same time, Campbell became the primary caretaker for her mother, now too sick to care for herself. Despite this massive added responsibility, Campbell continued working while she transformed The CHAMP Within into The C.H.A.M.P Within Community Project, a 501c3 organization. Providing mental and emotional supplemental education to over 450 at-risk teens and single parents in Nairobi, Kenya, the program soon expanded to Chicago, where Campbell had moved with her husband after her mother’s passing. Campbell was a natural at promotion, raising awareness for her non-profit with movie nights, high profile wine and cheese receptions, and celebrity golf outings attended by well-known NFL athletes. This was her first love, after all: Sharing her valuable knowledge to help the struggling families she knew so well and cared so much about. Now Campbell was on a roll. Using her business, tech, and project management expertise, she founded the Beauty In/ Beauty Out (BIBO) Tour to empower inner beauty as well as outer beauty, along with the BIBO Awards to honor female role models in local communities. Encouraged by BIBO’s popularity, she started the BIBO Foundation to provide mentorship support to financially disadvantaged young women in and beyond the Chicagoland area. Through BIBO, Campbell has touched thousands of young lives vulnerable to the mental and emotional hardships of low morale. To date, BIBO has honored well over 100 exceptional women that have given back to their local communities in Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Today Campbell appears on her own BIBO Weekly TV show, empowering women with candid perspectives and valuable guidance on business, entrepreneurship, beauty, and fashion. Her B Zone radio show attracts over 400,000 weekly listeners and offers affordable advertising and SEO services as well as business development classes. She’s currently recruiting mentors for her latest initiative, The S.H.Y.N.E. mentorship program, designed to partner young women between the

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

ages of 15 and 25 with accomplished business women as they prepare for college or entrepreneurship. The CHAMP acronym originated from Children Having A Missing Parent. But Traci S. Campbell was sure to flip that coin to reveal the positive outcomes she’s seen with every young lady she’s helped: Character, Happiness, Attitude, Mentality, and Purpose. Monica: You’ve had many achievements and successes over the years. What has been the driving force behind your desire to succeed even as a young person? Traci: My driving force was my mother. She was a struggling single parent, and we functioned not just as mother and daughter but also as a team. We relied on each other quite a lot. And as a young person, I saw a lot of the challenges that she encountered, not just financially but also mentally and emotionally. There were many things she wanted to do and was not able to do in her lifetime, so she poured all of her energy and all of her desires into her children, especially me, being the baby of the family. She spent quite a bit of time with me. She wanted to see me do far beyond what she was able to do. As I got older, graduated from college, and went into Information Technology (IT) consulting, I became her caregiver at age 23 or 24. Unfortunately, she had poor health, and she had me late in life, so at that age, I was a caregiver. Those 12 years that I took care of her, I wanted to live a life that she would be proud of. I also wanted to do what I could to help other young people that grew up as I did with a struggling single parent, and then having to become head of household at a young age. Those were things that motivated me early on.

really focusing on building my career. In college, I had a choice between studying journalism formally or going into technology and science. I think I made the right choice at that time, which was technology and science. That allowed me to come out of college to make a nice income, which allowed me to take care of her and move us from a low-income area to a lovely place. I could travel and do all those things which I would not have been able to do had I not finished college and got into IT consulting. So that was my way of figuring out how to kill two birds with one stone – being a good daughter that my mother could be proud of while still realizing some of my own goals. Monica: What advice or encouragement would you give young ladies who might be experiencing something similar today? Traci: Despite the challenges and the world we live in right now, there is a price to pay later if you don’t pursue what you want to do, what you feel connected to, what drives you and your passion in terms of your career. Eventually, you’re going to experience a time in your life where you’re going to regret that decision. If you’re lucky, you’ll still have an opportunity to realize that dream, but many don’t.

Monica: Having to take care of your mother at that age, did you feel that you had to make some sacrifices? Traci: Absolutely. I tried to figure out a way to realize my dreams and my aspirations and, at the same time, be a good daughter and good caregiver to my mother. The best way to do that was through education and through

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

Monica: If I’m correct, the BIBO Foundation was derived from your BIBO Awards, which celebrates and honors female trailblazers, as well as role models and leaders in local communities. Can you talk about the thought process and mission behind the name Beauty In Beauty Out? Traci: Beauty In Beauty Out is kind of a throwback to my own life. In Baltimore, where I was born and reared, I had a situation where, as a young person, despite our financial conditions, I was able to do quite a bit. My mother did a miraculous job making sure that my experience was not too different from some of my counterparts who came from middle or upper-middle-class families. Some of those things included what would be perceived as glamorous jobs, including modeling for three years. I did it to help pay bills, quite frankly. But my colleagues and my friends thought, “Oh, that’s so glamorous,” to model and be a hostess in a formal dining room at a young age. They perceived those things as glamorous and atypical. I guess in some respects, they were, but what people didn’t know was that I was highly insecure, uncertain and constantly doubting myself. Nothing was good enough. Some of that pressure was driven by me. Some of that was caused by my mother.

As I got older, I realized that I met so many people through travel and consulting, and many women have this façade of confidence – a façade that they put forth to survive in a male-dominated work environment. But when you sit down and talk to them, they’re dealing with a lot of insecurities, family issues, and so many other things. I wanted to create something that celebrated and paid homage to that internal beauty, those internal things. We sometimes don’t realize how strong and beautiful we are within. We’re so pressured by the external that we don’t understand our true value. I’ve met some absolutely beautiful women that are suffering and struggling. Through our BIBO mission, we’ve been able to help and support them. I authored a book in 2009. And dealing with single parents and teens, the question they would often ask was, “What can I do for myself? I’m a grown woman, but I need a mentor. What can I do to get to the next level? I don’t know where to go and don’t have any role models.” At the same time, I was thinking, “Wow, that’s another void.” All those things brought me to the realization, in 2012, that I needed to do this, or something like this needed to be created where we add glamor. We keep the glamorous element in it because women like that. But our awards are not about the external. They’re not about the superficial. They’re about serious and significant contributions of women. I almost let the idea go. I’m very thankful to my girlfriends who urged me to keep going with it. Sure enough, about a year later, we had our very first award show in Chicago, and the rest is history. I think we’ve honored close to 100 women to date. Monica: The BIBO Foundation focuses on educating and molding young ladies to become future leaders. You also work with them from a mental and emotional health aspect. Why is it important to start there?

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

WOMEN CAN SHOW COMPASSION IN A WAY THAT DIFFERS FROM MEN. WHEN IT COMES TO LEADERSHIP, ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE VERY IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY IN THE DAY AND THE AGE WE LIVE IN RIGHT NOW. Traci: It is essential. Again, I use myself as an example of a young woman who was very fortunate in many ways in that I grew up with a very resourceful, strong, independent woman who was an extremely devoted parent. However, she could not give me some of the business and career lessons or career perspectives that I needed because she just wasn’t able to do that in her own life. Luckily for me, during college, post-college, and traveling on the road, I had two or three women along the way that were mentors to me in other aspects of my life. That was a huge blessing. It truly shaped my career trajectory.

Monica: You also provide other services to help them become well-rounded. Traci: In 2009, I created a program called The CHAMP Within, with a 170-page book plus a companion workbook. I wrote that book after I lost my mother in 2007 and realized I was at a crossroads. I said, “Okay, I’m no longer a caregiver. I have a great career in technology. I need to assess where I want the rest of my career to go.” I was encouraged to write the story of what my mother and I experienced and to use that as a vehicle to help others. I was also inspired to go into podcasting at that time. So, I started podcasting. That led to the formation of our first 501c3 C.H.A.M.P. Community Project, based on The CHAMP Within book and workbook program. I had other people work with me regarding testing and assessments because I wanted to build an actual program. I come from a technology background, so we believe in systems and processes. We used that program to help quite a few people between Illinois, Georgia, and Nairobi, Kenya, for the better part of seven years. This was all before BIBO. That book and workbook program forms the mental and emotional side of things for young women. It can also be

I am a huge proponent of mentorship of young women, at an age where hopefully we can prevent them from getting into harmful activities and situations. From early teens onward, as they get closer to 17 and 18 years old, we want to start with the mentorship as it relates to career, business, entrepreneurship, and preparing them for college. It’s crucial to me because if it were not for my mother and the other women I met along the way, my career and path could have been different.

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

used with young men, but for BIBO Foundation’s purposes, we’re going to use it with young women because it gets into character building, helping them understand and realize what true happiness is and how to obtain it. It gets into mental constructs; it gets into discovering and defining their purpose. These are essential for a young person to have. Now we are dealing with the pandemic, and it couldn’t be any more relevant. I am very grateful that things happened to me personally that allowed me to get into those areas and allowed me to write this book back in 2009 and to be able to continue using it today. Monica: To become a leader, you often have to step out of your comfort zone and make unpopular decisions. Does the work you do help young ladies prepare for that? Traci: Yes, because we get into candid conversations. At any given time, we’re looking at about four generations in our organization. We have Gen Zs, Millennials, Gen Xers like myself, and a few baby boomers. The perspective that you get lends itself to an interesting and candid conversation. To be an effective mentor you first have to establish that level of comfort and trust. It’s more than just the

mechanical side of being a mentor, like showing them how to use a piece of software or how to create a spreadsheet. That’s what we look for in our mentors – successful people who aren’t afraid to get into those uncomfortable conversations with these young people. Monica: In working with the young ladies, what common issues have you found regarding their views of themselves? Traci: Maybe this is attributed to social media and to the world we live in right now, but a lot of them feel that they need to use their sexuality, their innate female traits, in a way that will get them ahead. But the way that they’re looking at it is somewhat skewed. Sometimes we talk about dating because all of those things play into it, even though that’s not our primary itinerary. Dating comes up because you have to understand where a young person is in all aspects of their life. In having those candid conversations, we hear and uncover some disturbing things about how they feel they need to get ahead, what they need to do, and how they view relationships with men. We’re trying to nip that in the bud and say, “No, you can still focus on the internal person. You can still focus on your mind and your intellect, and use that as your driving force.” Monica: How can fathers and men in general play a role in uplifting young ladies’ spirit so that they have more faith in their abilities and impact as they grow up? Traci: That’s a timely question. If they didn’t get it from their mom, aunt, or their sisters, if they didn’t grow up in an environment where women were a driving force, men may not have the sensitivity that is so important for them to show support for women in general. If that is what you do, and your daughters see that, they’re going to have a healthier attitude towards men, and they’re going to have a more beneficial level of expectation of men in the future.

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

If young girls see their dad or their brother support and honor women when Women’s History Month is recognized, for example, if they’re doing their part to have the conversation or to celebrate it, that’s going to cause this young woman to say, “Wow, I’m important as a woman.”

to participate or bring that into your business, that’s the decision you have to make. You need to understand what’s going on and why and how it impacts a given group. Regardless of color or anything else, you have to be willing to be a lifelong student.

Monica: Would you say that The BIBO Foundation has been your most significant work to date, or is there something else?

The second thing is effective communication. As a person of color, it’s even more vitally important because we’re fighting stereotypes and preconceived notions constantly. To command and get the respect to do what you want to do starts as soon as you open your mouth, essentially.

Traci: I think it’s The BIBO Foundation’s work because we’re still growing The S.H.Y.N.E. Mentorship Program. Again, we hit a snag like a lot of other entities in 2020 due to COVID19. The BIBO Foundation is a significant part of the work. We still have different aspects that we will add to the mix, but The BIBO Foundation is genuinely a vital part. Monica: What do you believe women can bring to leadership roles that are impactful and different from their male counterparts? Traci: Women are innately empathetic. We are naturally, arguably a little bit more intuitive in some respects than men. Women can show compassion in a way that differs from men. When it comes to leadership, all of these things are very important, especially in the day and the age we live in right now.

Monica: What has working with the young ladies taught you about yourself and your role in serving humanity? Traci: It’s taught me to be constantly mindful and appreciative of perceptions. By that I mean we may perceive ourselves one way, but it’s when you interact with different people, and especially when you interact with different age groups, that you understand how you indeed are being perceived by others, good or bad. I think one thing I’ve learned in working with younger people is it will give you a good education on how you think and feel about something and how your perception is translated to other people.

Monica: As a successful Black female and role model, what do you believe are key factors or conditions for achieving consistent success? Traci: You have to be a lifelong student. I know that sounds like a cliché, but it’s so true. It’s especially true in specific industries like technology. You have to be willing and understand that for you to stay competitive or relevant, you have to be a lifelong student. You can’t get complacent and think that what you did 10 or 15 years ago is going to suffice for now, because it’s not. Things are changing faster than ever, and you have to stay at least in the know; whether or not you choose

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

Monica: Everyone has their definition of success. For me, success includes adding value to the lives of other people. What does success mean to you?

a young and disadvantaged age group, and we’re giving them nutriment and encouragement. In many cases, it’s enlightenment. The bigger picture is nurturing them.

Traci: I would concur with adding value in a way that is functional. I’m big on whatever we talk about. Whatever we do or endeavor to do, whatever we create, needs to be something that they can actively use in their life to make a difference now, not 20 years from now.

Monica: What would you like your legacy to be?

I like to think that we add value they can utilize from day one. That, to me, is a big win. If five or ten years from now, they’re still using it or referencing it, then that, to me, is icing on the cake. Being able to affect lives directly in a meaningful way is very important in a value-added way. Monica: Can you talk about The S.H.Y.N.E. Program and your vision and mission behind it? Traci: S.H.Y.N.E. is our flagship mentorship program that’s a part of The BIBO Foundation. And it stands for Supporting and Helping Young, disadvantaged people through Nutriment and Encouragement. I know that’s a mouthful. Every word of that means something to me. We are supporting and helping young women. But we’re targeting

Traci: One of the things I want to do, and hope I will be successful in doing, is developing a scholarship fund or something that will allow another young woman, ideally, to realize her dream and not have to worry about the financial burden. I had to go through that, some of my counterparts had to go through it, and it would be great to be in a position to say, “Look, we’re going to give you X dollars because you have so much potential. You’ve demonstrated your potential and we want to help you get there a little faster.” Especially if she’s coming from a disadvantaged background, I would love to be able to put that in place through S.H.Y.N.E. or The BIBO Foundation. That’s a legacy that I would want to leave. And of course, my love of communicating with and interviewing people, I would hope that the treasure trove of interviews and media projects that we’ve done, which are focused on information and education, can be preserved. Monica: Other than mentors, how can others support you in your endeavors? Traci: For any nonprofit to be successful, there’s got to be financial support. My husband and I bootstrapped for many years this dream of mine with BIBO. Whether it was the award show, the media projects, and even the nonprofit work, we bootstrapped for many years. Only a few years ago did we start getting corporate support. And then the pandemic happened. I view where we are now as hopefully being able to reach back to some of our previous supporters, but we are at that critical impasse where we also have to

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

bring in new financial support. We have to bring in new people that understand and believe in what we’re doing. We’re in the process of developing two mobile apps. One app will be specifically for those who follow us, our media platforms, and podcasts. The second app is possibly going to introduce our E-commerce platform, with the purpose of a large portion of those sales going towards The BIBO Foundation. We’re mapping that out now, but we’re pretty sold that that’s going to be the next mobile app project coming down the pike this year, with the first one being completed soon. So, if someone said, “I just want to be a regular person that purchases things on the mobile app knowing that a large portion of my purchase is going toward helping the work of The BIBO Foundation,” that’s another way to support us. We’re developing different ways in which someone can support The BIBO Foundation if they don’t want to, or cannot be, a mentor. Monica: I would like for you to close the interview with your last word.

DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF. AND DON'T THINK THAT ONE PATH IS THE ONLY PATH IN YOUR LIFE BECAUSE IT MORE THAN LIKELY WON’T BE. I didn’t know back then that we would impact people in the way we do right now through BIBO and C.H.A.M.P. I didn’t think I would write a book. I had no idea I would do what I do with media-related products. I had no clue of any of that. My final word is not to put yourself in a box. Don’t limit yourself. And don't think that one path is the only path in your life because it more than likely won’t be. 

Traci: Your journey in this life, career, and relationships, is comprised of so many different paths. When we’re young, we think, “Okay, I’m going to go to college. I’m going to become a lawyer. I’m going to have this great law firm. I’m going to get married, and that’s going to be it. I’m going to have this great life.” I say that to say this: Don’t get discouraged or think that you failed, or think that you’ve made a mistake, if your life doesn’t exactly go in the direction that you thought it would go, or what you dreamed and thought it would be when you were younger. I’ve had two or three careers, and I’m still managing two or three careers right now. I didn’t think that at the age of 19 or 20.

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

MINDING MY BUSINESS

Success starts with a mindset, and different attitudes give different outcomes. A poor attitude leads to poor results. A positive mindset leads to success. While your experience, education, and skills can matter a lot, your mindset can make all the difference. If you want to achieve greater success, you must focus and take action to bring you the results you are seeking.

10 Ways to Motivate Part-time Employees BY JON CRUMP

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

MINDING MY BUSINESS

bout 33 percent of the American workforce is classified as part-time employees. Keeping them motivated over time can be difficult, but it's worth the effort. After investing in their training, you don't want them to become discouraged and quit.

Here are some things to consider:

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In a larger office, it's a temptation to assign all low-level work, like filing and copying, to part-time and temporary workers. Consider not doing that. Find out what skills they have and be clear about who is allowed to give them work. In a business that serves the public, you need to set a good example. Employees watch you and follow your lead. Be a role model by arriving on time, having a good work ethic, being pleasant, dressing appropriately, and treating the public extraordinarily well. Establish a training procedure for your part-timers. When they are familiar with the business, set up rules that will allow each employee to make on-the-spot decisions to resolve a customer's complaint. It helps them develop the confidence and knowledge it takes to deal with the public.

Don't be stingy with compliments. When you see a part-time employee doing something right, praise him or her for it and do it right away.

Hold regular staff meetings that include part-timers. Pass on information, discuss procedures and policy changes. Take time to congratulate employees for a job well done.

Explain the value of teamwork. Remind them that they are part of a team working toward a common goal.

Surprise them. Keep track of birthdays and hiring dates. Bringing coffee and cinnamon rolls or pizza to celebrate will keep the atmosphere light and show people that you value them.

Give non-monetary benefits. Include them in your Christmas party, picnic, contests, and activities full-timers are involved in, including access to the credit union or child-care program.

Involve part-timers in planning teams and committee assignments, which will help them become accepted as part of the organization.

Always encourage good relationships between all workers. 

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

How to

Harness

the Potential of

Situational Leadership BY DONNA CARLETTA

MINDING MY BUSINESS

ituational leadership is a versatile approach to meet the demands of a society, which is becoming increasingly complex. Sociology textbooks can explain how various researchers have contributed in this area; however, it’s a pretty simple concept. It’s about “adapting a leadership style to different circumstances” rather than sticking to a one-size-fits-all. Maybe your company is in a bottleneck, or perhaps you want to be more effective and successful in general. This article describes the benefits of situational leadership. Evaluating the Circumstances is at the Core of Situational Leadership When you’re cooperating with a group, there are many factors to consider. Your goals and the nature of your team are among them. Keep the following tips in mind:

Measure ability. Being willing to do it will only take you so far. Your team must be capable of executing the tasks required. You may want to ask for selftests or administer tests.

Explore engagement. You need to look for enthusiasm and drive. Involvement in professional development activities and going above and beyond expectations are two clear signs of employee engagement.

It’s essential to explore personalities. Discussing work styles and work values can help you decide how to handle conflict and motivate your team.

4 5

Define tasks. Think about the type of work you have. Is it varied and complex or simple and routine?

Don’t miss deadlines. Think about whether there is room for talks and extensive consultation, or you’ll need to make decisions fast and independently. Don’t forget your timeline.

Make expectations clear. Adopt ground rules and develop individual as well as group targets. It would help if you had your goals and rules in writing.

Effective Situational Leadership - Know Your Options We need more than one type of leadership skill. This will help you prepare for various opportunities that will be open to you in today’s workplace. 18

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

Different strategies can help depending on the situation:

Provide coaching. As your team becomes more experienced and builds stronger relationships, you will offer less direction and more support. You need to foster a culture of high standards, constructive feedback, and ongoing learning.

Give direction. In the initial stage, leaders need to give clear and concrete instructions. If your team’s abilities are limited, this may be the case.

Give responsibility. Identify which tasks you can delegate to someone and which you need to take care of yourself. This may include tasks that allow staff to improve their skills or routine activities.

Lead by example. Your behavior speaks volumes about your abilities and your personality. Your team notices what you say, but they see what you do even more. Be a good listener and honor your commitments.

Earn trust. You need to build trust even if your role comes with a great deal of authority. A team that feels respected and safe is more likely to be successful. Communicate openly and take responsibility for your actions.

Identify your stars. Who’s the top talent on your team? By identifying and supporting talent, you’re creating the leaders of the future. Don’t limit your attention to current performance; look at potential too. It’s the best way to be prepared for new chances and emerging needs.

Build meaningful connections. Personal relationships and shared ambition help make great teams. Good leaders can establish rapport and demonstrate appreciation. Always be approachable and positive.

The most successful leaders are those who never stop growing and keep applying everything they’ve learned for the common good. By developing your situational leadership skills, you contribute to high morale, enhance productivity, and advance professionally. 

Implement Money-saving Strategies by Hiring an Accountant BY MARLA GEM

MINDING MY BUSINESS

s you stabilize and strengthen your business, it’ll be wise to build a relationship with a certified accountant for the following reasons. First, they can help you implement moneysaving tax strategies. Business taxes are complicated. There are several specific actions you can take to reduce your tax burden. For example, you can: • Change the depreciation method used on your assets • Defer income to the following year • Restructure your business • Maximize expense deductions Because tax laws are complex, many of these strategies are not intuitive. An accountant can give you guidance on what actions to take. Second, an accountant may be able to help you secure financial assistance from your local, state, or federal government. Small businesses are good for the economy, and many government agencies are willing to provide financial aid for struggling businesses.

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

The Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans and grants to qualifying businesses. Some state and city government organizations also have relief programs designed to strengthen small businesses. An accountant can guide you in this area help you make sound decisions. Finally, an accountant can help you think through critical financial decisions. Many business owners struggle to absorb all the financial details about their company. It is common. It can make it challenging to stay abreast of important numbers like cash flow. An accountant can crunch all the numbers for you and then provide you with relatively easy-to-digest reports. They can also guide you as you make important decisions like what costs to cut. So, if you don’t have an accountant, now might be a good time to research and find one that can support your business as needed. 

DO YOU HAVE THE

PERFECT PITCH? BY PAT MARKEL

n elevator pitch (as it's been called for decades) can work in halls, during convention coffee breaks, or at any 'unexpected' meeting.

A brief-encounter speech is still important, but your chances of giving it in an elevator are decreasing. Elevators move so fast these days that the average trip is down to 50 seconds in a very tall building. What's more, most of the people on elevators are talking on their mobile phones. Elevator companies are working hard to give you less and less time to pitch because their elevators are designed to move much more quickly these days.

KEEP IT SHORT. Communicate what you want to say in a way that the person will remember you.

BE DIFFERENT. Share how what you do is different or better than others in your industry.

TALK ABOUT YOUR IMMEDIATE GOALS. Make what you want apparent to the other person.

ADD VALUE. Briefly describe how you can add value to the company's customers.

To be effective, you need to work on your pitch, tweak it and practice it. Try to deliver your message without appearing too pushy. 

Regardless of whether you call it an elevator pitch or not, the most important thing is to do the following: Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

MINDING MY BUSINESS

HOW TO BUILD A

Powerful Team BY JON CRUMP

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

MINDING MY BUSINESS

f you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, you know what it means to build a business from the ground up. It takes innovative thinking, ingenuity, and a ton of hard work to create a successful business.

How to Find Good People

Many small business owners are very protective of their vision because they know exactly where they want to take their business. However, sooner or later, most entrepreneurs recognize that they need help to grow.

Before you can hire the perfect team, you’ll need to determine what type of help you need.

They may work 80 hours a week, but it’s going to take a team to meet the demands of their business. If you’re ready to start growing your team, here are some ideas to help give you the skills to find an incredible team and the knowledge to create a productive work environment.

Avoid the Hero Complex and Build a Team You may be the type of person who does everything for themselves. You trust yourself the most, you’re the one who best understands your vision, and you’re the best person to see that vision come to fruition. That’s a good plan if you have a very small business that depends solely on your efforts and you want it to stay that way. There are some small businesses that one person can run. However, if you want to expand your business significantly, you will need help from others. For most businesses, great success arises from having an incredible team of workers - a group of people who: • Understand and share your values • Have a strong work ethic • Have the skills to push things forward

You know you need help, but how do you decide what’s missing from your business?

Do you need employees who can take over some of your responsibilities, or do you need to hire people with specific expertise that you don’t currently have? At some point, you’ll probably need some of both. Determine What Your Business Is Missing Here are some quick and simple ways to know when it’s time to expand: • You’re not able to do big tasks because you’re spending all your time on rote work or focusing on small details. • Your customers are not getting the attention they need. • You have steady, consistent work - not just a week or two of intense work. • You or your current staff are consistently overworked and frustrated. • Hiring new people will increase revenue. • You’re turning down work because you can’t keep up. • It would help if you had someone to do a specialized task. • You’re making enough money to hire employees. Having a few busy weeks doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s time to hire additional employees. Taking on a full-time employee would be a mistake if you can’t provide them with ongoing work. You don’t want to pay a salary to someone who is not consistently working.

Have you ever heard of “superhero syndrome?”

If you need occasional help finishing a project, you may want to look into freelance workers or contractors. You can also hire consultants to help with specialized skills.

Superhero syndrome means you feel that you’re the only one who can do things well, and you should be the one doing everything.

However, if you have enough money in the budget and a new employee will help increase revenue, it’s probably a good time to bring on a new hire.

If you’re an entrepreneur, establishing a good team is key to your overall success.

You may only need part-time help initially, but as your business continues to grow, those positions will turn into full-time work. 

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

Business Analysis:

A KEY PROCESS FOR SUCCESS BY KATHY KENTTY

MINDING MY BUSINESS

f you want to succeed as a small business owner, you must evaluate how things are going honestly. You can’t ignore problems. You can’t just hope that things will get better. You must take a long and hard look at your business and then make changes based on what you see.

A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis provides you with a framework for analyzing your business. It helps you identify what is and isn’t working, spot potential growth opportunities, and prepare for external threats. Here’s a look at each aspect.

STRENGTHS

OPPORTUNITIES

These are the things you have control over and are working well in your business. Focus on and try to develop these areas further.

These are external factors that have the potential to benefit your business. The more you can capitalize on these opportunities, the more success you’ll have.

For example:

• Effective sales team • Proprietary technology • Proven marketing strategy

• New technology • Less competition • Fewer taxes • New markets • Improved economic environment

• Powerful systems/processes • Strong customer base

WEAKNESSES

THREATS

These are the things that aren’t working well in your business. Your goal is to change or eliminate these things so that they don’t continue to limit the success of your business.

These are external factors that could hurt your business. Either avoid these things or adapt to them.

For example: • Ineffective marketing strategy • High production costs • Low-profit margin • Poor customer retention • Ineffective internal processes

For example: • Increased competition • Changing customer preferences • Worsening economic conditions (recession) • New regulations • Significant technological changes

Performing a SWOT analysis is hard work. It’s essential to be honest about the current state of your business and acknowledge areas where you’re struggling. This analysis will help you overcome your weaknesses, capitalize on your strengths, and take advantage of unique opportunities. 

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

YOUR BUSINESS

STRATEGY CHECKLIST

MINDING MY BUSINESS

In the first 3-36 months of my business, I completed a sales and expense forecast. Over the first three months, I completed a start-up cost budget that includes equipment and capital expenditures and organizational expenses. I have thoroughly outlined in a reporting form what each staff member’s job entails and how often they should report to me. Having charted a step-by-step plan of action, I have ensured a smooth procedure that anyone can easily follow. I keep my tasks and those I delegate separate, and I monitor them as needed. I hired a competent attorney, as well as a CPA, business consultant, and business coach to assist me. I utilize well-sourced sales projections to establish inventory, personnel, and monetary needs. My ultimate goals are clearly stated, visually displayed, and tracked so that everyone, including myself, thoroughly understands them. If current market indicators prove that a plan that I have implemented is weak in certain areas, I am always willing to rethink, rewrite, or even scrap the initial plan. I make sure that I am always on course by tracking my plan of action daily. I target new demographics and devise effective ways of defining their needs and wants. My business plan is constantly changing, as is the market. I have studied successful business models and educated myself about modern business practices. 

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

Two Ways to Create

Loyal

Customers BY DONNA CARLETTA

MINDING MY BUSINESS

Get Feedback From Your Customers After you’ve launched your business, you must be diligent in improving. If you want to achieve the kind of success that will change your life, you need to constantly better the product or service you’re offering. Some people will buy an average product or service, but most people will buy an outstanding product or service. This is where customer feedback becomes invaluable. Your customers can honestly tell you what is and what isn’t working for them. They can help you see past your blind spots and identify areas for change that you would never have seen on your own.

Provide Amazing Experiences For Your Customers In addition to getting feedback from your customers, you also want to ensure they encounter great experiences with you. One of the best ways to get new customers and keep your existing customers is to create unforgettable experiences for them. These experiences don’t need to be anything over the top. Your goal is to show them that you care deeply about them and want them to be incredibly happy with what you have to offer. How can you create incredible experiences for your customers? There are dozens of easy ways to do this:

Ask your customers these essential questions so you can gain insights into how well you are performing:

 Provide fantastic customer support

 What do they like about your product or service?

 Send a handwritten thank you note with every product

 What features do they find most valuable, and which ones could use improvement?

 Include an extra surprise with your product

 How has your product or service benefited them, and what benefits would they still like to see?  Which pain points could you more effectively solve?  What features could you add that would make your offer even more valuable to your customers?  How can you create the absolute best experience for those who have bought into what you’re selling? Seeking feedback from customers is a way of being transparent and authentic with them. It shows that you care about them and their opinions and that you want to offer them the best possible product or service. The more authentic you are with your customers, the more they’ll support you. As they see how dedicated you are to constant improvement, they’ll want to continue working with you and become loyal customers.

 Dedicate extended time to helping your clients work through their challenges  Send a card on the anniversary of their first purchase  Create short, custom videos thanking each one of your clients or customers  Call each customer to say thank you The list goes on and on. The goal is to make your customers feel special. You want them to feel like they really matter to you and aren’t simply a way for you to make money. The more you can delight and surprise your customers, the more likely it is that they’ll tell their friends and colleagues about you, which will generate referral business. If you go over the top with how you treat your customers, you may even get exposure in prominent publications. Ultimately, it’s not about getting referral business or significant exposure, although those things are indeed valuable. It’s about treating your customers like real people and showing them that they matter to you. 

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

"What Do You Do?" BY PAT MARKEL

an you quickly answer that question? Have your 'verbal business card' ready to present.

When you're at a meeting or business gathering, either in person or virtually, you will be asked the question, "What you do"? But many people who are good at their jobs don't know how to explain what they do in a few words. Unless you have a verbal business card ready, you could miss a meaningful connection, a future sale, or more. You should be ready with an answer you can give in 30 seconds or less because your listener has a minimal

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

attention span, especially when they're in a group. He or she may not even care what you do and is just trying to make a little conversation. That's where advanced preparation will allow you to grab his or her attention quickly. Don't just give your job title; talk about your business briefly using verbs, numbers, and PR techniques, say the experts at Nightingale Conant. You may have spent a great deal of time designing your paper business card, but you will give your verbal business card far more often. That means preparing it and rehearsing it to pay off by capturing and holding the listener's attention. 

WELCOME TO THE TOP SECOND EDITION

Learn from the best and get proven and time-tested advice needed to succeed. Discover powerful strategies and systems, and endless possibilities to rapidly grow your business in any economy. Gain powerful insights to help you achieve growth quickly and save your most precious resources—time and money. Wow, I simply love this book. I was personally empowered by this tome of collective wisdom and insights. WELCOME TO THE TOP IS A MUST-READ FOR EVERY PERSON WHO IS SERIOUS ABOUT LEADING A FULFILLING AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE. My heartfelt thanks go out to Monica for providing us a clear way to manifest our destiny. Dr. George C. Fraser, CEO, FraserNet, Inc.

WELCOME TO THE TOP IS A MASTERPIECE AND AN ABSOLUTE MUST-READ FOR ENTREPRENEURS. It should be mandatory reading in every business school. Many of the ideas and the advice they offer can be applied immediately to any business. I have used them for my business and had great results. The wisdom they each share is profound and will shorten the learning curve for readers and save them from making a boatload of costly mistakes. Chrissy Carew, Hall of Fame Master Certified Coach & Founder of Insightful Player, LLC

Only

16.95

GET YOUR COPY TODAY AT www.secretstosuccessbooks.com

May/June 2021

Two Ways to Create Loyal Customers How to Build a Powerful Team How to Support Someone Who Is Unemployed Long-Term

Eliyahu Jian

MASTERING THE ANCIENT ARTS TO HELP OTHERS

CONTENTS EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

ELIYAHU JIAN Mastering the Ancient Arts To Help Others

EMPOWER YOURSELF

The Art of Persuasion: How to Get Others to Agree with You and Take Action

Are You Living in a World of Abundance or Scarcity?

How to Support Someone Who Is Unemployed Long-Term

How to Use the Law of Cause and Effect to Your Advantage

How to Handle a Boss Who Doesn’t Like You

LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE

Falling Asleep is as Easy as Pie, Penguin, Paraguay

Recipes

Knowledge is like money: to be of value it must circulate, and in circulating it can increase in quantity and, hopefully, in value.

Louis L'Amour

Eliyahu Jian

MASTERING THE ANCIENT ARTS TO HELP OTHERS

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

magine you’re watching a small snail as he struggles to hang on to a slippery marble ledge during a rainstorm. The snail suddenly loses his grip and plunges down, smashing his shell on the cement below. Is your gut reaction alarm, horror... or joy? In Eliyahu Jian’s children’s book, The Snail With No Shell, Joshy the Snail falls and cracks his shell during a storm. But Joshy doesn’t worry – he just continues on his way. His friends don’t recognize him without his shell. But when he arrives home, his parents know him instantly. Now freed of his external armor, Joshy can live his genuine destiny. Eliyahu Jian used to wear a shell when he was young too. He grew up in a poor urban neighborhood in Israel, the son of an atheist father and an Orthodox-mystical Jewish mother. His grandfather was known as the family guru – the man everyone would seek when they needed help solving a problem, a blessing, or even a cure for an illness. But despite Jian’s traditional religious school education and grandfather’s influence, the young teen viewed religion and spiritualism as highly un-cool. Living in Israel, he was no stranger to bombings and hate crimes, and he developed a hard shell early on. He leaned more toward his father’s skepticism about religion, and

rebelled against his mother’s unquestioning faith in hers. The problem was that deep down, he was fascinated by the ancient arts, and he found himself helping friends and acquaintances with his understanding of the ancient texts. So at age 16, he started working with spiritual masters, rabbis, and mentors, setting him on the path he’s been walking ever since. When he observed one of his mentors maintain genuine loving kindness in the face of constant abuse, Jian was hooked. He studied and practiced for years, becoming expert enough to write lectures for some of the world’s leading spiritual teachers. In 1990, Eliyahu dedicated his life to serving people in a non-proﬁt organization called the Kabbalah Centre, which allowed him to connect with thousands of people around the world looking to improve their lives and the lives of those around them. Jian had no intention of becoming a frontline spiritualist; he preferred being a student. But his reputation had grown. He became known for his ability to help people and for revealing truths to his clients that they themselves didn’t know. Celebrity clients followed, including Madonna and Demi Moore. He started traveling around the world helping the rich and poor discover their life purpose and find true happiness. Now based in Los Angeles, Jian is internationally recognized as a spiritual channel and Kabbalah master. He guides men and women worldwide to connect to a higher power and purpose while strengthening relationships, living healthier, and improving their businesses. He’s known for his easy laugh and sense of humor, and for reminding his followers never to take life too seriously. Jian believes strongly that the key to ultimate happiness and success lies in serving others. To use one of his favorite phrases, the proof is in the pudding: He freely shares his esoteric wisdom and practical methodology with the world on his own Vital Transformation website. His lectures and seminars are available to all on dozens of free podcast and video platforms. Like Joshy the Snail, Eliyahu Jian shed his hard shell to find his true purpose – sharing his love and skills to help

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

others. He wants you to do the same. Here’s what he told us recently. Monica: What was your life like, growing up? Eliyahu: My family is from North Africa. My father grew up in Sicily, Italy, and my parents met in Israel. I grew up in the Middle East. Growing up, I feel that spirituality found me. Both my parents were into spirituality, particularly the mystical side of spirituality. But years ago I refused to open that door. I thought that being spiritual wasn’t as cool as what everybody else was doing. But somehow spirituality found me again. I started to practice different methods, and at age 23 or 24, I started to become known in New York. People started to hire me for my services. New Yorkers demand results, and people felt the results they were getting were wonderful. As they say, the proof is in the pudding, and I found myself advising a lot of people. My method is a mix of common sense, logic, mentortherapist conversation, and the more spiritual. It's not only based on what someone tells me; I actually have the ability to read people. That is really the gift that people are looking for. I tell them things that they don't tell me. I help them to get out of the box and see things they don't see at that moment. Many coaches do this, but I can give them a little something more that comes from the esoteric level. They want to see if it works, and when it works, everybody's happy.

Monica: So, it was more of a natural ability for you. Eliyahu: It was natural ability, and the spiritual side really fascinated people. People sometimes try to hide some things. If someone tells me, “You have to help me with my relationship. It's terrible,” I look at their face, and I see what I see. I say, “First, you have to stop cheating on your wife. Then I can help you.” And they say, “What are you talking about?” I say, “That's what I can see. Do you want to open up, or we should leave it as a secret?” Of course, at that moment, we become very close because we see the issue we need to work on. It's a game changer. In a way, I'm telling you your story. Or I'm telling you the story you don't want to tell me. Monica: Society has conditioned us to believe that being rich or wealthy is the path to happiness. What are your thoughts? Eliyahu: Being rich is an external achievement. Being happy is an internal achievement – a different type of success. Happiness comes from overcoming something. Money comes from achieving goals.

Monica: What did learning about spirituality teach you about yourself? Eliyahu: First, it taught me that I was stubborn and not open-minded enough to receive the information that I was supposed to receive. Then it taught me that I truly care about people. When I was young, it didn’t seem cool to care about people. I believed that you cannot be overly nice because life basically will crush you. But I often found myself giving advice to friends and others around me. And they used to call me and say, “Eliyahu, it's really helping.” I never took helping people as my life mission. I was just trying to do a favor. So what I'm doing now found me; I didn't find it. Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

To make money, let's say you want to sell a sandwich. Instead of selling it for $3, you're going to sell it for $10. Then you'll make a factory that sells many sandwiches, and make lots of money. So, you didn’t have to change to make money. But to be happy, you have to change. You have to change something inside. Maybe you have to be more forgiving. I meet many people who have made a lot of money in their life, but they’re stuck. They're not happy. It's sad. They have everything they want in life. They say, “I have it all, but I cannot even smile.” So I guide them. I see where they are. Do they need to work on the internal, or the external, or both? Happiness does not always mean money, and money does not always mean happiness. If you see people with both money and happiness, that means they chose some path of overcoming something internal. They changed something. They forgave. They let go. They’re kind and they share. Monica: Some people say that when it comes to attracting wealth, that it's better to focus on living your best life, serving others, and allowing those blessings to flow to you. What do you think about that? Eliyahu: I love that. Let the blessing go through you. Not to you, but through you. I love the phrase “through

you.” It's part of a lecture that I give. If you're looking for blessings to come to you, you will be miserable. If you like the blessing to go through you, you will be very happy. Monica: When the blessings go through you, then they impact others. Eliyahu: If love goes through you, you also feel love. If happiness goes through you, you also feel happiness. You just cannot hold on to that. Life is beautiful, but if you hold on too tight to what you want, you are miserable because all day long you have to protect it. My clients come to me for different reasons including jealousy. If they’re jealous of someone, they don't enjoy the love life they could have because all day long, they're checking their text messages and phone. They may even be proud if they find something. But it is silly. Why? Because jealousy kills what you have. Where does jealousy come from? You love your partner but you're afraid to lose them. The fear of losing your partner makes you want the love that you have to be coming to you, not through you. That's what I'm saying. Everything in life is to be transformed from “What can I have?” to “What can I share?” or “What's coming through me?” If you have wisdom, you use your wisdom not to manipulate people, but to guide people for a better life. Then the energy is going through you; the wisdom goes through you. It’s the same thing with money. If you know how to make $1 billion and you teach other people how to make money, that's beautiful. That means that the wisdom of how to make the money is going through you and being passed to others. Monica: Why do you believe that many people associate money with happiness? Eliyahu: They call it happiness, but they mean safety. Thousands of times, in China and other countries, I’ve asked people why they want money. Some people say freedom. Others say power. But they don’t use the word happiness. Now, safety and power might make them feel relaxed. But when they have money, they're still who they are.

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

They might have $1 billion, but they’re still the same human beings. Nothing has changed. If they didn't change before the money arrived, then they're really miserable. So, the poor person wishes to have money to become happy. But the rich person says, “What's wrong with me? Why is that poor person smiling and I cannot smile?” That's the funny part. The point of view is different from the rich eye and from the poor eye. Monica: As you know, the coronavirus has added a whole new level of fear and concern for millions of people. What can people do to get themselves back on track to a level of satisfaction within their lives? Eliyahu: Whatever you experience is what you choose to experience. You can experience the chaotic time of COVID, and you can experience the biggest success of a company during COVID. There are some companies, like food delivery companies, making really good money. But on the other hand, many people have lost their jobs. Some people are afraid to go out. Being social becomes an issue. People don't want to go on a date. They get nervous. So there is a lesson we need to learn – how to live with the people we’re with. We have a lot of lessons we need to learn. I want to make sure people are thinking positive; that they don't blame COVID for everything.

we have to find a solution and to bring the community together. I believe when the community comes back together, the global community over the world, it will be such a sweet time. Some of the people I work with are ill. Let's say they have cancer. I tell them, “When you go to the treatment, say hello to the nurses and the doctor. Get out of the point of view that you are the sick person and you're going to die. Look at it from the point of view that you are a healthy human being. Ask the nurses, how was their day? Ask the doctor, how are you?” All of a sudden, these people develop a different point of view that elevates them above the problem. That's what I'm talking about. In everything there is a blessing or a curse. You choose what you want to connect to. I cannot tell people to stop suffering. But pain will be there all the time, because pain helps us to earn whatever we have in life. Monica: In order to live your best life, you have to know what it is and what it means to you. How can a person determine what their best life is, if they haven't yet experienced it?

From an astrological point of view, it's a time of healing. As much as this disease is negative and has taken so many lives, from an astrological point of view, you would see it's a time to heal the global community. So the global community needs to be shaken to understand that we don’t care about one another enough. The whole global community is suffering from the same thing. Don't we see the message? Let's look for the blessing in it. Of course, there is pain. People who have lost a mother, father, sister, husband, wife. Unfortunately, true appreciation happens when we lose something. Without difficulties to create gratitude for something I already have, I take it for granted. I'm sorry for the people who’ve lost a dear one. It's very painful and we should be very careful in this time when Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

Eliyahu: This is the best question anybody has ever asked me. How do we know what is the right thing for me if I never experienced it before? This is where people have to do something they don't like to do: You’ve got to jump into the water before you can learn how to swim. Once you jump in, you're not necessarily going to learn how to swim, but you're going to learn a lot of things about yourself.

When we live in the unknown, the unknown gives birth to a desire to study or the desire to know. And when you develop that desire, then you will be fulfilled with an answer.

Life will navigate you as you navigate life. We are here to be navigated and to navigate. We need to see that some of the things we do are not going to work. When you are open-minded, you will know.

Eliyahu: Excellent question. I believe that one of the keys to success is how you deal with yourself. Every person has things which are achievable and things which are unachievable. For example, if people talk about numbers or making money, there is an area which is above you.

The second thing is that everybody has to have a coach, or somebody who can help you. When people come to see me, the answer I give them is very simple and to the point. And they look at me and say, “Oh my God, why didn't I think about that? I say, “You didn't have to think about it. You had to come to me. I heard your story and then I told you what I think.” I help people to come to a very simple answer in a very short time so that they will start seeing who they are and what they're all about. Of course, I don’t get involved with their decision. I just guide them toward a decision.

Monica: You are also a business coach. From a business coach's perspective, what would you say are key conditions for achieving ultimate success?

Some people cannot think beyond $60,000 a year. They just can't. It doesn't make them bad or not successful. This is their limit; it’s as far as they can desire. For other people, $1 million is not enough. That's their level of desire. So, success becomes success when you have a breakthrough, when you’re able to want things beyond what you expect. Then you become a successful person. It's in all areas of life. For that reason, we have to set up the mind before we set up the action. The action will follow the mind. If my mind is set up in a way that I'm capable of doing something, then I can achieve this goal. Unhappy people usually don't achieve great goals because they’re busy with misery. People who don't take responsibility usually are not going to become a huge success. Only if they accept working for somebody else and are okay with that, then success will be a goal. There was an exercise that I did with a group of people. I took a $100 bill and everybody put a little bit of glue on that $100 bill. They stuck it to the podium where I was teaching in the lecture. Then I asked everybody, “Who was responsible for the $100 bill being stuck to my podium?” Some people said, "All of us." Some said, "Me." Some said, "It was the glue." Then one person stood up and said, "It was me." I said, "Prove it." He came closer to me and he took the $100 bill off the podium.

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

I said, "Okay, it's yours." When you take responsibility for whatever has happened in your life, that's when you can achieve any goal that you want. When you are in the blaming game, it’s going to make you right – but it's not going to make you successful. And if you're busy being right, then you have to say goodbye to success. The need to be right unfortunately pushes the money away. Monica: We sometimes take on the mindsets of the people around us. If you want success, how important is it to be surrounded by people that model the success you're trying to achieve? Eliyahu: The only free will that the human being has is the choice of the people around you. If you choose wrong, then it will affect you in the wrong way. But sometimes we don't have the luxury of choosing the people we’re with. Sometimes because of the condition of your money, you have to go and have a job anywhere, and the place is terrible and it affects you in a terrible way and it doesn't bring out the best side of you. In life there are two paths you can choose. If you choose your own place where you feel comfortable, then you have to be ready to take responsibility. If you lose and it's not working, it's because of you. But even if you're okay being with the wrong people, you can’t blame them for your not being successful. You have to look at it as a training camp for you to be successful.

So yes, giving back is by giving more than just physical, tangible, physical things. It's giving back a direction of thought, a direction of doing things better. Of course, without giving back, we are miserable. People who don't know how to give time, money, love, and compliments are miserable. If you don't know how to give, you basically are miserable. The fun part of life is always giving. Give part of your gift, your talent. You’ve got to ask, “How can I give more?” That's what life is all about. Monica: Can you provide three principles by which you live your life? Eliyahu: The first two principles are very important for me: Certainty and excitement. What does that mean? I am certain that the situation that I'm in now, good or bad, is the best thing for me. Not because I'm a positive thinker, but because this situation is teaching me something and in the next situation, I will do better. Or this situation is the best thing for me even if I don't see it yet. When I have certainty, I live my life with excitement; I'm so excited about it and I'm going to go ahead and make it happen.

Monica: Marianne Williamson once said that, “Success means that we go to sleep at night knowing that our talents and abilities were used in a way that served others.” Would you say that giving back plays a role in our overall success and joy? Eliyahu: Yes, but we have to be careful. Sometimes when we give back, there is ego involved. If I'm only giving back because I want to show off, that's not giving. That's receiving. Giving has to be when I can give to someone independently. In other words, I'm giving you money, I'm giving you food, I'm giving you direction, but I want you to be independent. I don't want you to develop some type of dependency on me. I want you to be on your own. Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

The third principle is balance; to be aware that maybe I'm missing something. Maybe I'm thinking too small – or too large. I recheck myself and say, “Let's turn down the excitement a little bit.” It's like balancing a scale so it doesn’t go all the way to the right or to the left. It doesn't kill the certainty and excitement. You can’t sit on it for too long. It’s just a pause for five or ten minutes, and then move on. The fourth principle is to forgive. You have to forgive if you want to move on. If you are not capable of forgiving, you’re stuck. And people who can't forgive are stuck forever with the problem. Those are the four principles of how I live my life: Certainty. Excitement. Balance. Forgiveness. Monica: What do you want your legacy to be? Eliyahu: My legacy is human education, from kids to teens. I wrote three books for children. I write about education for school. It's something that I enjoy because if I can impact kids from three years old and up, and help them think differently, this is when you shape personality. This is when you help people the most. When people are more mature, it's more difficult. But even there, I coach and educate people on how to think differently and use their ability, their character, and their gifts to make their lives better.

THINK BIG. A LOT OF PEOPLE FEAR THAT THINKING BIG INVOLVES EGO. BUT WHEN YOU THINK BIG, YOU NEVER GET FULFILLED SO EGO WILL NEVER BE PART OF YOUR LIFE. I believe in education; not school education but education of life. I want to see kids after college getting an education on what to do next. The educator is the one who’s going to make a change. I want teachers and professors to start to understand who they are, because they can truly affect the world in the best way. We need to help our society. We need to help people truly get educated about love and forgiveness, and get educated about the fact that nobody's against you. People sometimes make stupid mistakes. It doesn't mean they hate you. We all make mistakes. That's what I would love to give to the world. Hopefully I can do it in this lifetime. Monica: Will you close the interview with your last word? Eliyahu: My last word is: Think big. A lot of people fear that thinking big involves ego. But when you think big, you never get fulfilled so ego will never be part of your life. Don't think too big because then it's going to stress you out. If it's money, just add 18% above your income right now. That's the message I want to leave with people: Simply think big. 

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

Start Your Business Right

A Comprehensive Guide to Entrepreneurship Success SECOND EDITION Monica Davis’ book ‘Start Your Business Right, A Comprehensive Guide to Entrepreneurship Success’ is a musthave tool for every entrepreneur and anyone contemplating that decision. She gives you the tools first and follows it with the roadmap. Your journey is mapped out. Judy Hoberman, President, Selling In A Skirt

Ever wondered what it would be like to read a relevant guide that can take you through each step of starting your business the right way? Monica Davis has brilliantly written that guide. If you want to start your business the right way or turn an existing business around in the right direction, I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ THIS INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE. THANK YOU, MONICA, FOR THIS MARVELOUS RESOURCE! Faye Hill, CEO, The Hill Agency International LLC

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EMPOWER YOURSELF We all have ideas that we’d like to see come to fruition. But it takes more than a thought to create something from a mere idea. Moving from an idea to reality is a skill that anyone can learn. One key thing you need to do is be clear on your outcome. Many people have vague ideas of what they would like, such as more free time, more money, or better health. This is very different from specifically knowing that you want to make $100,000 per year or weigh less than 160 pounds. Specificity is important. If you’re not clear on what you desire, you can’t expect to achieve it. How would you even know if you did?

The Art of Persuasion:

HOW TO GET OTHERS TO AGREE WITH YOU AND TAKE ACTION PROVIDED BY ATELA PRODUCTIONS

EMPOWER YOURSELF

ave you ever wondered why some people are so persuasive?

Why can some people masterfully move people to take action, while others can never seem to get anyone to agree with them? Why are some people able to command a room while others struggle to get their attention? Why are some people able to make things happen while others struggle to get people moving on anything? Is it charisma? Is it intelligence? Or are some people just born with a knack for winning people to their side? No, no, and no.

On the other side, if you don't understand how to persuade people, you'll often find your requests begin ignored or turned down. You'll find yourself frustrated, unable to understand why you can't get someone to do what you ask. Persuasion is different from manipulation. Manipulation is using words and actions to achieve things that, usually, are wrong. Persuasion uses words and actions to persuade people to do good things, both for you and them. Persuasion is about getting what you want and helping others to get what they want. It's a win-win for everyone. So, how can you be more persuasive? Here are three proven ways.

Well, then what is it?

Focus on Them, Not You

It's all about the art of persuasion.

Ultimately, persuasion is about them, not you.

Yes, persuasion is an art, and the good news is that you can learn it. And if you know the art of persuasion, you can use it to accomplish so many good things.

In other words, to be persuasive, you absolutely must focus on the other person, not yourself.

You can use persuasion to: • Sell more products or services

Focus on their:

• Needs

• Wants

• Pain points

• Desires

• Hopes

• Dreams

• Get paid what you're worth • Get a new job • Receive well-deserved vacation days • Enhance your relationships • And so much more Additionally, being a master of persuasion gives you a distinct competitive edge. If all things are equal, being a clear, masterful, persuasive communicator allows you to stand out from the crowd. It allows your message to be heard loud and clear above all the other messages. It enables you to cut through the noise. 46

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

Persuasion is ultimately about tapping into the desires of other people. It's about enabling both you and them to achieve a specific desired outcome. Remember, we spend almost all our time thinking about ourselves and what we want. We spend hours obsessing over things like our health, love, and financial status. If you want to be persuasive, it's essential to put yourself in the other person's shoes and first to see things through their eyes.

EMPOWER YOURSELF

• What do they want most? • What are their deepest desires? • What do they fear, love, and dream about? The more you can focus on the other person, the more captivated and easily persuaded they'll be. You can't just immediately start talking about what you want to accomplish. Persuasion starts with the other person. When trying to persuade someone, speak their language. Talk directly to their desires and speak clearly about their pain points. Use the words they use. The more you use words and phrases that resonate with them, the more persuasive you'll be. Communicate Clearly

If your argument is muddled, convoluted, or confused, you'll have trouble getting anyone to agree with you. The clearer you are about your argument, the greater the odds of success in persuading them. For example, let's say you're applying for a new job that you believe is the right fit for your skillset. If you can communicate in a clear, persuasive manner with the interviewer, there's a much higher probability that you'll get the job. Of course, this implies that you need to prepare ahead of time if you want to be persuasive. It's important to know:

Know your argument well and communicate so clearly that even a 7th grader could understand what you're saying.

• What you're going to say and how you're going to say it

There should be no doubt about what you're trying to persuade others to do.

The more prepared you are, the more you'll be able to communicate in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.

If you can't communicate your argument clearly, you won't persuade others to your point of view.

On the other hand, if you fail to prepare, you most likely won't be effective in persuading them.

• How you're going to respond to objections

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

EMPOWER YOURSELF

Start Small Now, let's get into some of the lesser-known elements of persuasion. As you combine each of these, you'll become increasingly persuasive. Research has shown that if you can get people to agree with you on small things, there's a much higher probability that you can eventually get them to agree with you on much more significant issues. If you can: • Create a sense of mutual agreement around minor points, • Get people nodding their heads early in the conversation, and • Generate consensus on lesser parts of your argument, then ...you'll have a much better chance of generating agreement around more significant issues. The implication is that instead of going straight to the heart of your argument, it's more beneficial to start with statements that you know the other person will agree with.

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

Don't immediately bring up the most significant, most important parts of your argument. Start small. Build up slowly to your main points after you've gotten them to agree with minor and less significant issues. This allows you to build a foundation of trust and agreement. It also implies that, if possible, you should avoid making controversial statements in the beginning. Even if the controversial statements are important to you, you don't want to start on the wrong foot. You want to begin with a mutual agreement. If you begin with disagreement, it will be difficult for you to get a person to agree with you about anything eventually. From the very beginning, they'll have a posture of suspicion and cynicism. 

ARE YOU LIVING IN A WORLD OF

Abundance OR Scarcity? BY KATHY KENTTY

EMPOWER YOURSELF

our worldview will dictate your outlook and thus your life in all sorts of exciting ways. It will determine what kinds of possibilities you consider feasible for yourself, the expectations you have, and the success you will be able to achieve. The two ends of the worldview spectrum, abundance to scarcity, essentially reflect whether you see your cup as half full or half empty. How does this translate to your lived experience? If you see ABUNDANCE all around you, you will be more positive and will tend to expect good things to happen. You may also be less selfish in your behavior because there is plenty to go around and help others more readily. In contrast, if you see SCARCITY all around you, you will be more selfish and more negative. This worldview will convince you that you must get what you can for yourself, even to the detriment of others, as there is not enough to go around. An abundance worldview is the more optimistic and can have a significant positive impact on those who choose to see the world in this way. There are five key benefits of an abundance worldview:  The belief in plenty means that you can embrace a sharing, giving attitude. There are enough jobs and resources to satisfy everyone, enough people for all of us to find loving partners and friends. If you see the world as suffering from scarcity, the opposite is true, and you must fight for your piece of a pie that is too small to feed everyone. With an abundance worldview, no one needs to lose for you to have what you want.  Seeing the world as full makes life easier. Your expectations for yourself will be higher, and you will be more eager to try and more positive in your expectation. With a scarcity worldview, life is a struggle. Success can appear almost impossible, and you will tend to expect failure, which will deter you from trying and taking risks. It makes success a lot harder to achieve.  If the world is full of possibilities, opportunities will be easier to spot. With an abundance worldview,

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

opportunities are everywhere, and you will be able to make the most of your circumstances. If, as is the case with a scarcity worldview, the world is a closed door, opportunities will be invisible to you.  With an abundance worldview, you are inspired to take more significant risks. Why not? After all, the world is brimming over with possibility, and you see success as likely. Greater risk, greater reward. You are confident and bold, which will help you do better than those who hesitate and doubt themselves. In contrast, someone with a scarcity worldview will want to risk the minimum possible as the fear of losing will torture them. For such a person, a loss is the most likely outcome.  Finally, if your world is an abundant place, your life will be essentially more relaxed. The world can easily provide you with what you need, so you can take a breath and relax. Opportunities are plentiful, and there is no reason to expect things to go badly. However, a scarcity worldview is a pessimistic worldview where opportunities are few and failure is likely. This, unsurprisingly, promotes a negative outlook and one in which you jealously guard what you have and see the world as a stressful, even predatory place. If you enjoy the five benefits above, you probably have an abundance worldview. If not, you may wish to think about how you see the world and whether a new outlook would improve your lot. If you want to cultivate an abundance worldview, the ideal first step is to be more giving. You may wish to give away some possessions or money and be generous with your time and attention. By giving more, you may come to realize that the world is indeed plentiful and there is enough for everyone. Allow yourself to be positive and to see the world as a great place full of possibility where success is likely, and compare this experience with how you usually view things. Spend some time living differently and reflect on the following question: which worldview serves you better? 

How to Support Someone

Who Is Unemployed Long-Term BY JOHN CRUMP

EMPOWER YOURSELF

eople are increasingly finding themselves out of work for extended periods. Long-term unemployed individuals need support, and many of us are keen to do what we can to help out. Happily, there are several things you can do to help the long-term unemployed, whether they are your friends and family or total strangers. What can you do? The first thing you may wish to do for family and friends is to provide them with emotional support. Being unemployed can have a devastating impact on a person’s mental health. To help, be positive around and encourage your loved ones to stay healthy by eating well and taking regular exercise. Above all, keep in touch and ask them to join you in social engagements that can distract them from their troubles and stop them from feeling isolated. Actively providing people with financial support can be a delicate issue. So, if your family and friends are uncomfortable taking money from you directly, exchange money-saving tips, such as recipes for cheap meals and information about where to shop inexpensively. You can also offer to babysit or assist with household maintenance to help them cut their outgoings. You can also help by keeping an eye out for job opportunities. Is there anyone in your private or professional network that you could introduce your loved one to? Could you act as a reference for your relative or friend? Perhaps you can give them feedback about their resume or help them to prepare for interviews. Alongside emotional, financial, and job-search support, you can also help your loved ones spiritually. If your relative or friend is religious or spiritual, allow them to find solace in these beliefs in this challenging time. Be there to drive them to their house of worship and nurture the comfort they get from their belief system, even if it differs from yours. There is also a lot you can do to help resolve the general issue of long-term unemployment. Firstly, keep yourself abreast of the latest changes in policy and changes in your local community’s social and economic situation and the country. If you are educated about this issue, you will be better placed to take meaningful action.

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

Armed with the correct information, you can now advocate for policy changes to support the long-term unemployed in your role as a citizen. Governments worldwide are endeavoring to resolve unemployment and not simply extend welfare. Are there retraining programs in your area that you can support through the investment of money or time to help get people back into work? If you are an employer, you can have a direct impact on this issue. You can assess your existing hiring policies and update them. This way, you don’t exclude otherwise qualified candidates because of poor credit and gaps in their employment history. In this way, you can hire longterm unemployed individuals who have a lot to offer. Also, take a look at older candidates. They will have a wealth of experience that can benefit your enterprise. Suitable workshare arrangements can help you to accommodate such workers or hire additional staff. You can also help the long-term unemployed through your consumption habits. Check out Etsy or Craigslist, visit garage sales or look for freelancers to help you with the jobs you need to be done. In this way, you can support people trying to make ends meet simply by purchasing the goods and services you already need. You can also exploit your skills to become a volunteer. By volunteering with local charities or offering your services free on the internet, you can make a real difference. Community groups face a significant rise in demand for their services, particularly community gardens and food banks, and they need your help. You may also wish to take a leadership role and ask your place of worship, for example, to host a jobs fair. Alternatively, you could write advice pieces for local papers or online forums about cutting household expenses and finding work in your industry. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, exercise more patience and kindness with those around you; they may be struggling more than you realize. Sadly, the long-term unemployed is a growing cohort. Still, there is no reason to feel powerless in the face of this phenomenon. Instead, be alert to how you can help your loved ones and beyond so that we can create a society capable of supporting all of us. 

HOW TO USE THE LAW OF CAUSE AND EFFECT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE BY DONNA CARLETTA

EMPOWER YOURSELF

piritual leaders and scientists show equal appreciation of the simple idea of cause and effect. Every action has a specific effect. Every effect is the result of a specific action. For example, spending money will have one effect; saving it - quite another.

It’s not challenging to grasp this simple idea. Underestimating its power is just as easy. It can be challenging to determine what action you need to take to achieve the desired results. Here’s how to make the most of the cause and effect law.

By acting a different way, you can get new results. Einstein defined a fool as someone who always acts the same way but expects a different result. A new course of action can improve the outcome. It will as long as you take the proper steps. All you need is the courage to perform them once you’ve identified them correctly.

Review your past outcomes. Think about a great time in your life. Now, think about the actions that led to that positive experience -- it’s the same with bad times. Your actions played an equally important role. You need to understand how.

3 4 5 6 7

• Your outcome is the direct result of your actions, which is good because you’re responsible for it. All the good and all the bad things that have happened are mainly our own doing. We have the power to shape our experiences and our environments.

• It’s possible and perfectly doable to apply this knowledge in your favor. You can use your experience to avoid history repeating itself concerning negative results. Start by identifying the actions that will bring a desirable outcome. For example, doing some exercise every day will impact your weight loss goals. So will eating a big bar of milk chocolate every day. The “cause” determines the effect. • Don’t take anything personally. The idea that actions have consequences is the basis of the law of cause and effect. The universe is indifferent. There is no mystical power that sets our fate. Act because results only come from action. Acting is the only way to get the results we want. Once you establish what the right actions are, get down to business. Successful people have something in common: they find a way to do what has to be done to get the desired results. Take credit for success and hold yourself accountable for failure. Celebrate when things are going well, and don’t wallow in misery when they’re not. If you want something to change, recognize that your way of doing things is not effective or not effective enough. Don’t ever give up. It’s the exact opposite of what you should do because inaction leads to nothing. Change the course of action, but don’t give up. We must keep trying even when things aren’t going the way we want. Identify the best course of action and record the results. Don’t stop changing your actions until you’re satisfied with the results. To live the life you want to live, use the law of cause and effect. You’re doing something wrong if you’re not getting the outcome you want in life. Isn’t it obvious?

The law of cause and effect is a powerful tool on your path to success. You will succeed unless you quit. It’s that simple. Nobody ever got it right the first time. Analyze, assess, talk to people, and above all, don’t stop trying.  54

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

How to Handle

a Boss Who Doesn’t Like You BY MARLA GEM

EMPOWER YOURSELF

esearch shows that, eventually, most people will have to work for a boss that does not like them. If this has not happened to you yet, forewarned is forearmed! The following is a list of the top ten tips to

help you get through a very challenging time. Having a boss who doesn’t like you can significantly impact your career, so it is essential to take the situation seriously.

OUR TOP TEN TIPS:

GET FEEDBACK: If your boss appears unhappy with you, the first step is to ask for feedback on your performance and guidance on where you need to improve. This simple process may be all you need to resolve the issues between you are your boss.

2 3

GET MORE FEEDBACK: Next, ask your colleagues for their feedback. Perhaps a trusted co-worker can give you the insights you need.

THINK BACK: When did the problems between you and your boss first start? If you can pinpoint a cause or identify when things changed, this may help you figure out how to resolve the tension.

WHO ELSE IS AFFECTED: Is this an issue just for you, or do others in your workplace also feel that your boss dislikes them? If your boss doesn’t seem to like anyone, this will significantly change the approach you should take. It may be best to do nothing, or perhaps you can discuss your issues with your boss alongside your colleagues as a group. At the very least, you can go to your co-workers for support. They will know what you are going through!

TRY HARDER: Bring your A-game to your job and see if this changes things. From the way you dress to whether you engage in workplace gossip, be a model employee. If your workplace has a “Best Employee” program, take some pointers from the reigning champ.

At some point, most of us will have to work for a boss we can’t please but, from finding the source of the issues to speaking with HR or even finding a new job, there are 56

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

IF YOU CAN’T BEAT THEM: Be yourself but align your behavior with that of your boss. Don’t be casual if your boss is formal, and don’t be stonyfaced if your boss enjoys a quick chat about what you did over the weekend.

7 8

GET TO THE POINT: Speak directly to your boss about your feelings. Don’t beat around the bush, but be respectful and polite and ask what you can do to improve relations. GET SUPPORT FROM HR: Human Resources is there to help you navigate these sorts of issues but remember, going to HR is a big deal. Taking this action may upset your boss, but it may also get them to adjust their behavior. Going to HR shows that you are serious about this issue and can feel empowering, but HR can tend to side with management in some companies. It’s important to reflect on your organization’s culture. If your company is big enough, perhaps there may be another job opportunity open to you.

LEAVE: Sadly, you may get to the point where the only healthy option available is to leave. However desperate you may feel, try to have a new job ready before quitting. Commit yourself to update your resume and hunting for opportunities and then, move on.

STAY POLITE: There is no reason for you to burn your bridges as you leave. You may want to vent when you quit but resist the urge to do so. You don’t want a reputation for poor behavior, and you never know whom you may have to work with in the future.

options. Whatever you do, don’t blow up your professional life in frustration. These issues are challenging, but you can get through them. 

t h e g i r

of Life e d i S

By Dorothy Rosby

Falling Asleep is as Easy as Pie, Penguin, Paraguay

ounting sheep doesn’t work for me. I close my eyes and imagine a sheep jumping over the fence. Then I picture another one and another one until around sheep number 106, I start getting bored and my sheep become increasingly uncooperative. Some refuse to jump and others run off to find better grazing. This keeps me entertained but does nothing for my sleep—or my sheep. I’m not much more successful with those visualization exercises where you picture yourself relaxing by a waterfall or the ocean. The sound of water, real or imagined, always makes me think my pipes are broken or my toilet is overflowing. Who could sleep through that? But I recently found a trick that does help me fall asleep. The Cognitive Shuffle was designed by cognitive science professor Dr. Luc Beaudoin, to facilitate sleep by scrambling our thoughts and keeping our mind off the issues that keep us awake. Dr. Beaudoin has created an app called mySleepButton which I haven’t downloaded yet, but I have tried his do-it-yourself version. Not only is it the most effective trick I’ve ever tried for falling asleep, it’s also the most successful do-it-yourself project I’ve ever done. Here’s how it works: Late at night, when you catch yourself thinking about your child’s algebra grade or your pending 58

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

lawsuit, pick a random word. It should be at least five letters long and it should be easy to spell because asking Siri how to spell “daiquiri” or “troubadour” might wake your spouse. Also, avoid words that might be upsetting in the middle of the night, for example, “audit” or “itchy.” The next step is to take each letter of that word one at a time and think of all the words you can that start with that letter, imagining the item the word represents as you go. When you can’t think of any more words for the first letter in your starter word, go on to the next letter. This has worked

LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE

for me many times, but I’m going to demonstrate using an unsuccessful attempt because I don’t want you dozing off. I hate it when readers do that in the middle of my column. Let’s say I choose the word “cabin.” It’s easy to spell and it’s not upsetting—unless the cabin is haunted or has no indoor plumbing. I start with the first letter. C is for cat, so I picture my cat. Then cow, and I imagine a cow. Then I picture cash, a cast, a clock. Then I wonder what time it is, which is never helpful. I picture chocolate, Coke, coffee. Wow! A lot of C words have caffeine in them. No wonder I’m having trouble sleeping.

Moving on to the next letter in cabin. A is for allergy, anger, alarm. Alarm! Did I set my alarm? Yes, I did . . . I think. Anyway, A is for avalanche, alibi, ax, arsonist, assassin. Maybe my cabin really is haunted. Next letter. B is for baby, ball, bat, bread, bed, bug . . . bed bugs! Ick, gross, disgusting. What letter am I on? You get the idea. If you make it to the end of your starter word without falling asleep, pick a new one, maybe “naptime” or “breakfast,” and repeat the process. Keep going until you fall asleep or morning comes. 

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

RECIPES

Delectable Ruben Sandwich INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

¼ cup ketchup ¼ cup mayonnaise 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. celery seed ½ tsp paprika ¼ tsp cayenne 3 cups cabbage, shredded 1 small yellow onion, chopped fine ¼ cup mayonnaise 2 tsp. white wine vinegar 1 tbsp sugar 1 tsp salt Corned beef (1½ lbs) thinly sliced 12 slices rye bread 1 stick unsalted butter 6 slices Swiss cheese

1. Place the ketchup, ¼ cup mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a mixing bowl and whisk, ensuring the sugar is completely dissolved.

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

2. Add the celery seed, paprika, and cayenne and stir until mixed well and set aside. 3. Place the cabbage and onion in a large bowl and toss. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt together. 5. Pour the mixture over the cabbage and onions and stir well. 6. Heat the grill to medium-high. 7. Place the slices of corned beef on the grill and cook for 30 seconds or just long enough to heat them through. 8. Butter one side of each piece of rye bread. 9. Spread the dressing mixture on the other side of each slice. 10. Place a slice of cheese on six pieces of bread on the dressing side. 11. Place all the bread slices on the grill, butter side down, and toast about 45 seconds or until lightly brown and the cheese is just beginning to melt. 12. Place the corn beef slices on top of the cheese. 13. Add the cabbage mixture and top with the other slice of bread.

Enjoy!

RECIPES

Spiced Butternut Squash Salad with Lentils and Goat Cheese INGREDIENTS: ¾ cup black or green lentils 6 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed into bite size (about 2 lbs) 3 tbsp olive oil, divided 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp hot smoked paprika ½ tsp kosher salt 4 cups baby arugula 1 cup goat cheese, crumbles, divided ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, plus additional to taste

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 2. Put squash in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons oil, cumin, paprika, and kosher salt, and toss together until coated well. 3. Pour onto a large baking sheet and mix until in a single layer. Then place in preheated oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir and flip pieces, then cook another 10 to 15 minutes until lightly browned and tender. Remove and allow to cool at room temperature. 4. Meanwhile, put lentils in a small bowl and soak for 10 minutes, then drain. Place in a large saucepan, cover with fresh water, add a dash of salt, and bring water to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Cook lentils until tender but firm, about 30 minutes. Drain in a colander, rinse with cold water, and allow to drain completely and cool. 5. When ready to assemble the salad, put cooked squash and cooked lentils in a large salad bowl. Drizzle on the remaining one tablespoon of oil and toss. Add the arugula, half of the goat cheese, mint, and vinegar. Season to taste with more salt and pepper, then toss. 6. Serve on cold salad plates and divide the remaining goat cheese among each serving. Makes 2 to 4 servings.

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2021

RECIPES

Tuna Melt INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

1 (6 oz.) can light tuna in water, drained and flaked ¼ cup of mayonnaise 1 celery rib, rinsed, trimmed and chopped ¼ cup of black olives, pitted and chopped 1 tsp parsley flakes 1/ 8 tsp pepper ¼ tsp lemon juice 2 slices rye bread, lightly toasted ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1. Set the broiler to preheat.

2. Cover a cookie sheet completely with heavy-duty aluminum foil. 3. Place the tuna into a mixing bowl. Fold the mayonnaise in with the tuna. 4. Add the celery and olives and blend to combine well. Sprinkle in the parsley and pepper. Pour the lemon juice into the mixture and stir until all the ingredients are mixed together well. 5. Place the rye bread slices on the prepared baking sheet. 6. Divide the tuna mixture between the two slices of bread and spread evenly. 7. Sprinkle the cheese over the top of both slices of bread. Broil six inches from the heat for two minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Makes two servings.

May-June 2021 | Exceptional People Magazine

Profile Resources Profile Resources

TRACI CAMPBELL www.thebibofoundation.org www.biboweekly.com www.biboweekly.com/bzone www.facebook.com/groups/BIBOBusinessClub www.facebook.com/BZoneWithTSC www.facebook.com/beautyinbeautyouttour Photo Credits: Ernest Collins

ELIYAHU JIAN https://eliyahujian.com/ https://eliyahujian.com/vital-transformation/

Design and Graphics

Magazine Design and Graphics, and Cover Design by Jenette Antonio Sityar

Exceptional People Magazine May-June 2021

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