The BOSS Network Blog

I have repeatedly seen a quote that reads “you are the sum total of the five people you spend most of your time with”.  So I want you to take a moment and consider who do you spend the most time with?   For those of us who are workaholics, it could be people from work.  For some of us, it’s friends.  Still others it's family.  There may also be mentors and business partners or associates.  It could be a mixture of all of the above.   As you think of your five, think of their influence on your life.  Are the pouring into you (positively) or are they pouring on you(negatively). Do they add value or are they tanking your physical, mental and emotional stock?   Think of the last time each of your five encouraged you, supported you, cheered you on or were there for you when you needed them.  Think of what deposits they have made into the food in your life.  How much positivity and sunshine have they provided?  ...

Have you ever been on the expressway stuck in a long, agonizing line of traffic and you finally start moving and see no signs of an accident? Many times I’ve found myself even more frustrated that we slowed down for nothing. Most of the time, we find ourselves in a slow-moving line of onlookers. An accident, a traffic stop or some other distraction catches our attention and causes us to slow down, take our eyes off what’s in front of us and focus all attention and energy on people heading in a totally opposite direction. I’m not saying we shouldn’t be concerned with the misfortunes of others. I’m one of those people who pray for people involved in accidents as I pass by. It’s a good thing to be aware of what’s happening with others. I’ve learned, however, that even though we are concerned about what’s happening around us, anything that causes us to take our eyes off what’s in front of us can cause detrimental consequences: front end and rear-end accidents, missed exits and tard...

I get calls all the time from business owners wanting to “get out.” Meaning they don’t want to be in business and no one knows about them. They want to be seen, heard and noticed by their ideal customers. Getting out there means doing media interviews (whether traditional or new media). This gives you “third party” endorsements which will build bring awareness and consequently trust if they see you often enough. You will grow your brand and elevate your stature as an expert. By showing up on radio, TV or in print publications is a way to educate your potential clients on your products and services. You want to generate trust – and buzz – by an objective media outlet. But once you have a media hit… WHAT CAN YOU DO NEXT to leverage it? Here are some ways to get mileage out of your media coverage: · Refer to their media hit a testimonial of your work · Frame the articles and put in your office/lobby · Promote “As Seen on TV” (name the station) · Show...

At the age of 12, Chrissy was cooking in the kitchen with Chefs at her Church (Trinity UCC). Chef Chrissy has been featured on WGN Chicago's Sunday Brunch news segment and has served Coldwell Banker, Burrell Communications, high profile judges/attorneys, and NBA Referees. Fork Fantasy started in 2019 by Chef Chrissy G. who has been cooking for over 20 years. 1. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? In the beginning, I had to figure out what I could do to bring customers my way as a new business. What could I do differently than others weren't doing? 2. What inspired you to break into your particular industry? My grandmother used to have a soul food restaurant and my mother was an amazing cook also, but she made more non-traditional meals. Everyone LOVED their food and it always brought people together. I wanted to make people feel how they did but on another level. 3. How do you balance your personal and profe...

Tameika is a Chicago native, Tameika is the creative mind behind En’Style Occasions. For years, Tameika was often complimented for her innovative ideas and detail-oriented work ethic in regards to planning events. She decided to merge all of her skills together and En’Style Occasions was born. Event planning for Tameika comes naturally. 1. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? My biggest obstacle starting was my pricing. I was shortchanging myself to book an event. I was so excited to do an event I was charging little to nothing to where I was losing money. My vendors were walking away paid and I went home broke but excited I killed the event. I quickly learned I would not stay in business doing that. I have worked with my mentor and learned how to properly price my events so I could turn a profit. My second obstacle was fear. I love to do events but I was scared to put myself out there. I always found a way to stay...

In last month’s blog, I talked about New Year, New What?  I shared how I now come up with a word to guide me through the year.  I also stated that this month I would share what my word for 2020 is.  But before I share my word with you let me ask a question.  How are those resolutions coming?  How many people can honestly say that they have stuck with their resolutions and are just as on track and excited as they were when they made those resolutions at the end of the year?  Do you even remember what the resolutions were?  Well as I shared, I thought long and hard about what my word for the year would be.  My process of choosing the word was a result of years of failed resolutions but also reading Shonda Rhimes' book The Year of Yes!  The year after reading that book my word was yes.  For those of you who haven’t read the book, it is a must-have for your library.  Anyway, on to ...

The currency today is attention. Everything is on speed dial; moving fast in nanoseconds. If you get someone's attention that's the key to getting them interested in your brand, business or book.  I've been in business for two decades and I know what it takes to build a brand. But trust me, it does not happen quickly. You want to construct a brand that can be not only recognizable but trusted, preferred and recommended.  Here's my "checklist" of some of the things that you must do to go from unknown to known in your industry: 1. Go to trade shows and conferences in your industry. Be seen. Network. Have great marketing materials to share.   2. Sponsor events.  Yes, quit asking for sponsorships... go and sponsors events where your target audience would notice you. Be a giver - sponsor charity events; take out ads in church bulletins. Yep. Old school. But it works.  3. Blog.  Don't roll your eyes. The reason why blogs work is that it ke...