Who is the President of Your Life?

I woke up yesterday to a divided nation. One half feeling victorious and the other half feeling defeated. We have all had a chance to start digesting the news that Donald Trump is our 45th President-Elect of the United States. 

Now, I know a lot of my readers are disappointed, confused, frustrated and angry at the results. Some are feeling helpless and uneasy about the future of the United States but why? Why walk in despair and defeat?

Who is the President of YOUR Life? Who is YOUR Commander-in-Chief ? Who are you putting TRUST in? Government? Donald? Hillary? The Senate? Congress? 

Some want a solution so desperately that they cling to the only glimpse of hope they see. Most of us want the same things. We want equality, better education, affordable healthcare, our children to be safe, our elderly taken care of and our economy fixed but are looking in the wrong place for the answer. The government CANNOT heal our land! Congress CANNOT provide security! Your vote wasn't the end all be all. You were devastated by this election's outcome because you are leaning on the  wrong source for help and assistance. 

Only Jesus Christ and the Word of God can restore this beautiful Nation. Only the love and faith in God will change our circumstances. The Word brings healing, peace of mind, prosperity, hope and everlasting love.

In John 14:6, Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

The Presidential results didn't matter to me because I CHOOSE to place my faith, trust, hope and actions in the Lord's hands. I'm walking by faith not by sight. Know that God is the Alpha and Omega! He created this WORLD, GALAXY, OUTER-SPACE in 6 days (1 reserved for rest) using ONLY WORDS!

Now, thats power! God is omnipotent!

What does that mean?  

• Having complete or unlimited power

• Almighty or infinite in power, as GOD

God has the ultimate authority and is the writer of the story anyways. God's plan and power supersedes anyone and anything. Focus on him and YOUR path gets straighter, smoother, & simpler. 

“Matthew 6:33-34 (NKJV)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

— The Bible

RULE OF THUMB:

Pray for our leaders whether they are in your party or not! Pray for wisdom, guidance and the renewing of the mind. Ask God to order President Donald Trump's steps that he may walk in God's PLAN. Romans 13:1 states, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." God clearly states that we should comply with authority but also keep our lives aligned with God's laws.

Jesus Christ is President of my life and thats why I'm not worried. The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords trumps The President of the United States.

 

WE ARE ALL AMERICANS!!!

WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER REGARDLESS OF WHO SITS IN THE

OVAL OFFICE!!!

So, Who Is The President of YOUR LIFE?

Comments are Welcomed. 

InspireUtoday respects ALL opinions and Ask that we ALL keep this community a place of compassion and acceptance! 

Recording a Professional Voicemail.→

In business, sometimes our voicemail greeting is the first point-of-contact for our clients and coworkers. This is the perfect opportunity to make an impactful first impression. Your personal voicemail greeting is also another way to establish and strengthen your brand. Remember, recording this greeting should only take about 5-10 minutes of your time. 

Here are some tips to recording an unique professional message.

No Noise (Feedback). Be sure to find a relaxed and quiet environment to record your professional voicemail.

    Places not to be:

•     Car (Squeaky Brakes, Car Noise)
•     Bathroom (echos)
•     Around children (Crying and Whining)
•     Any public place around people

Know your Audience. What’s your industry? Who will be contacting you? Are they financial straight legs or creative bloggers? You must gauge your audience to know the tone of the message. That answer determines how serious or cleaver your message can be. 

Length. Make it short and sweet! If you don’t want to receive a long message, don't leave a lengthy one. Please keep your personal voicemail greeting to about 10-30 seconds long.      

Smile. When you’re first meeting a person or closing a deal with an investor, you’re probably smiling from ear-to-ear. Smiling through the phone is the perfect way to set the tone of your voicemail greeting. Remember, to smile and maintain an upbeat attitude when recording your message. Your customers need to feel that you care and will get back to them at your soonest convenience. Did you know your smile is your BEST ASSET?  Find out why!

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.”

 -William Arthur Ward

Write & Practice. When you record your message off the top of your head, you can forget to include key information. Write it out! Write down your greeting before recording it. Then, just record while reading it aloud from the paper. This will help you stay focused on the wording and pronunciation. The more you practice the message the easier it is to recite. When you know exactly what to say, it sounds more confident, clear and professional. 

Examples:

"Good Morning. You've reached the voicemail of Christina. Today is July 6, 2016. Please leave me a message with your name, phone number and a brief message. Here's my motivational quote of the day: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door! Have a great day"

"Hello! You've reached the voicemail of Christina, Content Writer and Creator of InspireUtoday! I'm currently either away from my desk or assisting a customer on the other line. Please leave your name and contact information after the beep, and I'll be sure to get back to you as soon as I'm available. Thanks!" 

Let me know if this was helpful!

Comment Below, Family!

The Art of Networking: 5 Tips to Effective Networking

I would consider myself an extrovert but even I get uncomfortable at marketing and networking events. I guess it’s the awkward small talk and the uneasy silence that makes me cringe. Networking is so much more than just company happy hours or a community service event. Networking can be done almost anywhere and at anytime. 

What is networking exactly?

According to Webster’s Dictionary. . . . 

net·work   netˌwərk/(verb)

gerund or present participle: networking

1. connect as or operate with a network.
   • "the stock exchanges have proven to be resourceful in networking these deals"
2. link (machines, especially computers) to operate interactively.
   • "networked workstations"
3. interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one's career.
   • "the skills of networking, bargaining, and negotiation"

My definition:

Networking = The Art of Relationship Building

People buy from whom they trust. People only do business with people they think possess integrity! How do you build trust? You build trust by establishing and nurturing a relationship, a friendship. My first client in real estate was a referral from my financial planner. God is Good! I trusted my financial planner to invest my money successfully (very, very hard to do by the way) and he trusted me with one of his clients. I have truly experienced the positives of networking and being a friend first.

Let's look at some stats about how effective networking can be and the benefits of doing it THE RIGHT WAY! Right Management, an arm of the Milwaukee-based staffing giant Manpower Group, provides job placement and career coaching. 59,133 of their clients were surveyed and the data showed: 41% of Clients Landed a Job through Networking.

Concluding that making a human connection is the most effective way to land a job.

                                      2010                       2009                    2008

Networking                                                   41%                          45%                        41%

Internet Job Board                                       25%                          19%                        19%

Agency/Search firm                                      11%                           9%                          11%

Direct Approach                                            8%                           8%                          8%

Online Network (2010)                                  4%                           0                            0

Advertisement                                               2%                           7%                          7%

Other                                                              10%                        12%                          14%

Networking is really just starting a conversation!

<a href='http://www.freepik.com/free-vector/people-social-media-interaction_715145.htm'>Designed by Freepik</a>

Here are 5 Tips to Effective Networking:

1. BE Yourself! You are awesome and have a lot to offer. People want authenticity! Networking is about building relationships and seeing if the two parties can mutually benefit from the relationship. 

2. Know the Goal! Is it Learning? Volunteering? Just a Social Event? Making contacts? I have noticed that knowing the objective makes it easier to navigate the event. How do you ask questions when your objective isn't clear?  Know before entering the event why you are in attendance. Goal example: I want to connect (name and email) with 5 people. If this is your goal, create a follow-up process as well. A follow up email and scheduling lunch with every contact made is "MY" goal. You need a clear and attainable GOAL!

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions. Don’t ask questions that can be answered with a simple YES or NO. Questions should ask the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW.

• How long have you worked at State Farm? (Not So Good Question)
• What role do you play in the A/R management division at Sony? (Great Question) It gives the person the opportunity to speak about themselves (every loves to talk about themselves) and gives you information to build a connection.

4. Know your Role! Have a clear understanding of your duties, responsibilities and your business/company. When you are absolutely sure of information, your confidence level increases and the information is easier to articulate to others.

5. Join a Group (Your city Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, church outreach ministry, etc) is a great way to network with like-minded people.

• Visit a couple organizations to experience the tone and functionality of the group
• Get Involved! Don’t just be a spectator but get in the race! This is an awesome way to stay visible and give back.

Quotes of the Day:

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” –Albert Einstein

“Love cannot remain by itself- it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.” –Mother Theresa

Things to Remember Before Attending Your Next Networking Event:

1. Dress for Success
2. Follow-Up.
3. Be Prepared.
4. Be On Time.
5. Be Yourself.

Do you have more tips on networking to add?

Comment and Share below!

Thanks For Reading!

Why Your Smile is Your Best Asset!

For the past week, i have been tested beyond belief. If its not one thing, its another. Right now my baby and I are fighting sickness! Congestion, Coughing, Discomfort! Not fun! When you are sick it is hard to complete even the simplest task let alone with a positive attitude! So, you know what I did ? I watched the Three Stooges (Remake 2012). I laughed so hard! That movie made me reflect, cry and smile! I didn't focus on being sick and I actually started feeling better. 

You may not be sick in body but maybe your spirit is wounded. Maybe your sales at work have decreased or you have lost motivation in general. Are you being the best mom or partner you can be? Do your co workers enjoy your company and respect your opinions? 

MY MOTTO: FAKE IT 'TIL YOU MAKE! 

Your #1 Asset:

Your Smile!

It all goes back to ATTITUDE and how you decide to approach situations. Statistics show that smiling not only provides health benefits but also improves your overall mood.

Let's discuss the benefits of SMILING! 

1. Exudes Confidence. Walking into a room with a genuine smile will catch the eye of everyone! 
2. Makes you more approachable and relatable to others
3. Improves your mood and other peoples mood around you. Nobody wants to be around a debbie downer, whining adult. We all want to be surrounded by positive people and experiences. How do you welcome anything good? With a SMILE!
4. Uses less energy and muscle usage than frowning. Being negative, pouting and complaining is draining and not productive. 
5. Smiling is Contagious! The next time your being interviewed and the interviewer is intimidating and giving their best "Game Face" , SMILE! That will make them uncomfortable and wonder why your so happy. That smile shows a lot about your character and attitude! You may get the job just because you would increase morale and create a friendly work environment. 
6. Reduces Stress and Anxiety. Neurotransmitters in our bodies release a chemical called endorphins. This chemical is responsible for blocking pain and regulating our emotions through interacting with receptors cells found mainly in our brain.When you smile, you send a signal that you're feeling happy (even if your faking). Your heart rate decreases and you become naturally relaxed.  
7. Makes your more attractive! A research sturdy conducted by Orbit Complete discovered that 69% of people find women meow attractive when they smile than when they are wearing makeup. WOW! Check out my point of view of the #NOMakeupChallenge started by Alicia Keys!

SMILE VS. FROWN. IT's YOUR CHOICE!

 Next time your stressed out about balancing worklife and home life or you realize your favorite jeans don't fit, don't stress.  Yes, my jeans are snug and  it still bothers me lol But then I tell myself, "Christina, You just had a baby. Cut yourself a break"! I don't have a melt down.

I JUST SMILE!

What makes you SMILE? 

When is the last time you smiled your way to real happiness?

Can't wait to hear from you guys! Comment Below!

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Check out other blog posts and #getinspired!

• Lifestyle
• The Professional
• #Be Yourself
• Fashion/Beauty
• Travel