Posted by Beverly on
November 25, 2012
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
When I left my television news job at the age of 47, I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do for the rest of my life but I knew I didn’t want to go back to Corporate America. I decided to market the skills I had acquired as a journalist to train others how to market themselves to the media.
What I’ve discovered is, it takes courage, determination and foresight to decide to become an entrepreneur. Leaving the relatively safe corporate world, where paychecks arrive regularly, and benefits are guaranteed, you will be venturing into the uncharted territories of business and it can be a daunting adventure, but if you’ve got what it takes, it can be the best challenge you ever face.
Unlike men, our challenges as women entrepreneurs can be greater. In addition to pursuing our own goals and dreams, many of us also have responsibilities that include taking care of families. While there is no recipe for success, most successful entrepreneurs share many common characteristics. To determine whether you can be a successful woman in your own business, or if you are better off to work for somebody else, here are some guidelines to consider:
1. Do you have big dreams? To achieve the kind of success that you want, you need to dream big. Every success story starts with big dreams. If you’re going to be a successful entrepreneur you have to believe the sky is NOT the limit. Just making enough to pay the bills or getting a few customers is not enough of an aspiration to fuel you forward. No doubt, the journey to becoming a successful woman in business won’t be an easy one but you can do it with determination, motivation and inspiration. In addition, you dream should not only inspire you, it needs to inspire others as well. Your dream should be something that others will believe in, see as worthwhile and want to support.
2. Clarity and vision. You need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Along with dreaming big you should actively visualize success in your mind so that you can almost feel it, touch it or see that it is within your reach. You should play this image back at every opportunity. Create a vision board that you can look at daily as a reminder of what you’re striving for.
3. Passion for what you do. It is not enough to just have a good product or service, you must have passion. Success comes easily if you have a great love of what you do. The reason is because we are more motivated in our pursuit of goals for the things we love. Entrepreneurs who succeed don’t mind the fact that they are putting in 18 hours a day in their business because they absolutely love what they do and they believe in their mission.
4. Persistence and faith. The people who say that the road to success is easy are forgetting the drive it took to get them there. Even with all the hard work and good intentions imaginable many entrepreneurs will fail. Some successful entrepreneurs suffered setbacks and defeats and even bankruptcy, but they managed to stand up again and make it big in their fields. The courage to persist in the face of adversity and ability to bounce back after a temporary disappointment will assure your success. An entrepreneur must learn how to pick up and start all over again. Persistence is the measure of the belief in yourself and if you persist you can succeed.
Now all you have to decide is what you want to be when you grow up.
Posted by Beverly on
February 2, 2011
Top Boomer Men Named by Boomer Diva Nation
Feb 02, 2011 – Baby Boomer men who are making a difference will be honored throughout 2011 by the women of Boomer Diva Nation, LLC. The men selected were nominated by family, friends and people they’ve connected with via social media, according to Boomer Diva Nation President and Founder, Beverly Mahone. “We were looking for baby boomer hunks,” says Mahone. H.U.N.K. stands for: H-helpful, U-understanding, N-noble, K-kind and S-sincere. She adds, “We were looking for men of distinction who possess outstanding character and integrity.”
This is the second year in a row that Boomer Diva Nation is recognizing the contributions of baby boomer men. Anyone could submit a nominee to Boomer Diva Nation, LLC, along with an explanation of why they felt their selection deserved to be honored. ”This year most of our honorees are from North Carolina,” explains Mahone.
The Top Baby Boomer men for 2011 are:
Martin Brossman— Success Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Author from North Carolina
Dave Carpenter— Author, well-known consultant and recognized humanitarian from Massachusetts
Roger Madison—Entrepreneur from Ohio
Roy Montero—Search Engine Optimization Expert from California
Diogenes Ruiz—Composer and Musician from North Carolina
Dan Scala—Entrepreneur from North Carolina
Marlon West—Professional Musician and Arranger from North Carolina
Jim Vogel—Businessman from North Carolina
Mahone says, “These are boomer men who deserve to be admired for being all-around decent guys and Boomer Diva Nation, LLC wants to honor them and let the rest of the world know how much we respect and appreciate them for who they are and what they offer to the world.”
To learn more about each man, visit:
http://www.boomerdivanation.org/top-baby-boomer-men-2011/
Posted by Beverly on
December 26, 2010
50 and Fabulous Top Bloggers Named by Boomer Diva Nation
Boomer Diva Nation has revealed its list of Top Bloggers 50-years-old and older for 2010. This is the first year bloggers in this age category are being honored, according to BDN President Beverly Mahone. “We have quite a diverse group of honorees from various parts of the country,” says Mahone.
As a blogger herself of several blogs, Mahone says Boomer Diva Nation wanted to highlight baby boomers who were having their say on the world-wide web. “Those represented on the list demonstrate just how well the middle-aged crowd has adapted to the blogosphere around them. We have boomers who share their expertise on a variety of subjects. The point is they are out there and making a difference in their own small and unique way.”
The criteria for being selected as a 50 and Fabulous Top Blogger for 2010 included the fact that the blogger had to be at least 50 years old and writing consistently throughout the year. “I’m a blogger”, says Mahone, “so I know the type of boomers we were looking for. And yes, we have one man represented.”
This year’s honorees and their blogs are:
Rhea Becker: The Boomer Chronicles
Carla Ives: The Reluctant WAHM
Eileen Williams: Feisty Side of Fifty
Regina Baker: Keepin It Real
Rosie Horner: Blogging for Boomers and Rosies Boomer Review
Heidi Richards: WE Magazine for Women
Evelyn Kalinosky: Evelyn Kalinosky
Nancy Mattison: Storybookquilts
Debbie Zipp: In the Trenches Productions
Karen Batchelor: Amazing Life After 50
Linda Alexander: Famous at 54
Pat Montgomery: Parents Rule with Pat
Mitch Mitchell: I’m Just Sharing
Each honoree will receive a 50 and Fabulous Top Blogger certificate from Boomer Diva Nation and promoted throughout 2011.
Posted by Beverly on
January 17, 2010
Meet Featured Diva Beverly Mahone
Beverly Mahone is a veteran journalist, author, media coach and motivational speaker who writes about issues affecting middle-aged women in her book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age. In addition, she is a Featured Writer for Bonkers Magazine. She also hosts a weekly show on BlogTalk Radio called Passions.
After spening more than 25 years in the news business, Beverly traded it in to write full-time and become a work-at-home-mom. She is now using her media expertise as a consultant to train individuals how to market themselves to radio, television and newspapers professionals. Her Company is BAM Enterprises.
Through her online marketing skills, she has created a Boomer Diva Nation; which consists of women over 40 who represent the baby boomer woman from all walks of life and career endeavors.
Beverly has been classified as a baby boomer expert and appeared on numerous radio and television programs, including MSNBC and FOX News. She was also featured in the New York Times.
Beverly describes herself as a “Baby Boomer Diva on the Move” who has a passion for God and family. Her favorite scriptures are Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 4: 4-8.
She may be reached at: Beverly@talk2bev.com or 301-356-6280.
Her Other website: The Baby Boomer Diva
Blogs: BoomerWorld; Talk2Bev; BabyBoomerBev; MenopauseMama;
Posted by Beverly on
January 14, 2010
5 Tips on Preparing for Disaster Recovery
In the wake of the happenings in Haiti, this is an important post. As a woman in business, you must be prepared for just about anything because on any given day some type of disaster could strike in your community and create havoc in your business and personal life.
You must recognize that your business can suffer a natural disaster. Small businesses the world over have been affected by disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and fire.
Develop your recovery plan before disaster strikes. Make sure everyone in your company(if you have emplouees)—and your immediate family—is familiar with the plan and knows what steps to take in emergencies.
Have adequate insurance. You’ll need coverage not only for property damage and loss (including inventory), but also for business interruption.
Draw up a list of telephone numbers for all employees if you have any. I would also recommend maintaining a customer list as well. Assign certain employees (or family members) to call others if disaster strikes. That way, you can learn who is all right and who needs help, and you can quickly communicate instructions about your business.
Calling your client base is also a good idea to let them know what has happened—especially if you have projects you’re working on for them or have products to be shipped, etc.
Don’t forget your computer system. Keep backup programs and duplicate records (accounts receivable, client information, and the like) at a different, safe site.
Brought to you, in part, by SCORE, America’s small business mentors, at www.score.org.
Posted by Beverly on
July 18, 2009
Add Video to Your Marketing Strategy
In case you haven’t heard, Boomer Diva Nation is taking the plunge into the world of video marketing. On Thursday, July 23, BDN will launch BoomerDivaTV.com. Our new internet network will feature the talented women inside BDN. We have small business owners, entrepreneurs, best-selling authors, virtual assistants, marketing strategists, photographers, life coaches, health and fitness experts and we even have someone who can cook as good as, if not better than, Rachel Ray, so why shouldn’t we showcase them?
BoomerDivaTV.com is a part of a hot new trend sweeping the Internet today. Savvy Internet marketers are integrating short videos into all of their media such as their Web site, blogs, and in some cases even e-mails. These entrepreneurs are using videos to replace long-form sales copy, because it is more appealing, and tends to retain a person’s interest longer. Instead of copy that runs on for several thousand words, most current website copy is limited to a few short paragraphs, and then supported by and integrated with one or several video clips.
The reason for this is simple – videos are an effective way of communicating a marketing message. Because the video is essentially interactive, it tends to capture the viewers’ attention more thoroughly than does displaying written copy. For convenience, the viewer can start and stop the video as necessary, but if it is compelling and interesting, they will remain engaged.
The other obvious aspect of a video is that it allows a viewer to see the person who is promoting the message. As opposed to written copy where the reader has no idea as to who the author is or what the author is all about, a video enables the viewer to get a sense of the person on the other side. Particularly if the person featured in the video is adept at speaking on camera, they can go a long way to establishing the all-important credibility and rapport that is so necessary in a sales situation.
As a woman in business, I encourage you to consider video marketing and come join us at Boomer Diva Nation so we can showcase your talent and expertise.
Posted by Beverly on
June 22, 2009
Are Your Customers Satisfied?
If you’ve got a good product or business and a gift of gab, you should have no problem attracting customers. But the question here is, how often do you get repeat business from the same customer?
It’s one thing to sell lots of items but it’s also equally important to have customers who want to keep coming back. Why? Because exisitng customers are more profitable than finding new ones.
Once you make the sale, the business connection between you and your customer is just beginning. This is the time you spend on nurturing your relationship so that your customer will want to do more business with you and even provide referrals.
One of the things I recommend is to take a look at the successful business women around you and see what makes their customers attracted to them.
Remember this: a satisfied customer is more likely to be a loyal customer and a satisfied customer is a reflection of who YOU are as a woman in business.
Posted by Beverly on
June 8, 2009
What is Your Marketing Soul Plan?
Every woman in business needs a marketing plan if she wants her business to grow and become successful. Your plan should outline details of what you want to achieve and how you plan to achieve it.
According to Business Coach, Kendall SummerHawk, there’s something called a Marketing Soul Plan—which is just as vital. Here are some tools Kendall says you need for this particular plan:
Marketing Soul Plan Element #1: Clarity
There is no virtue in trying to help women entrepreneurs who don’t value what you do. Instead, choose a tribe of women entrepreneurs who are hungry and eager to have their problem solved and are generous in paying for that help.
Marketing Soul Plan Element #2: Money
Who else wants to be a Spiritual Millionaire? I do, and I am well on my way to achieving that goal with my woman-owned business. If you’re one of those woman business owners who have been holding back from allowing money to flow abundantly into your business (and hence, your life) then it’s time to do some soul-searching to clear out your old money stories.
Yes, it’s okay to be spiritual and rich… so how much do you want to make in the next year? Choose a number to include in your Marketing Plan that is both a stretch and realistic. Write it down, and then decide how much you want to create every 90 days and write those numbers down too. Stay focused on your Marketing Plan numbers as you decide how you spend your time each day.
Marketing Soul Plan Element #3: Boundaries
The road to success isn’t paved with good intentions (or affirmations); it’s lined with great boundaries that honor you and your Soul’s Divine Mission. What are five boundaries that you’ve been soft on? Those are costing you big time in lost focus, lost income and a lost sense of your own personal power. List them out in your Marketing Plan along with one small action you, as a woman entrepreneur, are a commitment to taking to clean up each of them.
Marketing Soul Plan Element #4: Perfectionism
Perfectionism is fear in disguise. It’s simply a smoke-screen that women entrepreneurs’ egos create to keep them playing small or hiding out. Include in your Marketing Plan this statement: “I agree, commit and promise to take action before I feel ready, before I feel that I know enough and before I know how it’s all going to turn out!” Then do it and see how much you leapfrog ahead of where you are now.
Marketing Soul Plan Element #5: Receiving
There’s no point in practicing gratitude and attraction principles if you aren’t also practicing receiving. If you believe that the universe wants to give to your woman owned business then you must be skilled at receiving. So where do you start to practice receiving? How about starting by raising your fees, asking for a referral or even just accepting a compliment with a gracious “Thank you?”
Kendall SummerHawk, the “Horse Whisperer for Business” delivers savvy ways for entrepreneurs to turn hectic businesses into 6-figure successes. Get her “7 Quick and Simple Tips to Brand, Package and Price for More Money, Time and Freedom” at http://www.kendallsummerhawk.com.
Posted by Beverly on
June 5, 2009
Celebrate Baby Boomer Diva Day
The summer is heating up for the women of Boomer Diva Nation.
A celebration of women who are on the move and making a difference will be held on June 19 in honor of the Third Annual Baby Boomer Diva Day.
To commemorate the day, the women of Boomer Diva Nation will host a four-hour online event with guest speakers, prize giveaways and the winner of the Most Inspiring Baby Boomer Woman Contest will be announced. The virtual celebration will showcase the outstanding contributions of women 40 and beyond. To learn more and sign up for the event, click here: Divas
Posted by Beverly on
May 27, 2009
Women and Social Media
42 million women in the United States (roughly 53% of the 79 million adult women in the United States who use the Internet) participate in social media at least weekly. As they spend more time with social media, women are spending correspondingly less time with traditional media: 39% less on newspapers, 36% less time reading magazines, and 30% less time watching TV.
That’s according to a recent social media survey by BlogHer, the women’s blog network, along with iVillage and Compass Partners.
Women’s behavior online tends to be less transactional and more relationship-driven. They spend more time on social networks building relationships, communicating with friends, and making new friends. Married women use social networks to share pictures and treat their network profiles as family home pages to share with friends and relatives. And because they use social networks to be social, a dollar spent marketing to acquire a female user goes a lot further than on a male user.
Learn more at the All Women’s Social Media Summit October 17, 2009 in Raleigh, NC where top female social media and marketing experts will share their expertise and tips on how to get the most out of social networking.
To get some great video tips go to: BoomerDivasTV
Posted by Beverly on
May 27, 2009
You Have the Right to Relax
For many women in business, being busy is sort of like a bragging right–the hustle and bustle of life in the fast lane is a marker of success in your career. But research on stress suggests that the best way to trul succeed in life is to master the art of RELAXATION.
You have the right to relax. If you don’t learn how ro do it, it can take its toll on your health, personal and professional relationshops, productivity and overall well-being.
Relaxation is free and not only can save your helath but also your sanity.
Here are some tips:
Figure out what’s fun: Define what relaxing means to you and go do it. It could be a bubble bath, a long walk, prayer and meditation, going to the gym or doing absolutely nothing.
Schedule some down time: Learn how to enjoy being alone with yourself. Turn off the computer, your cell phone, iPhone, iPod and discover what happens when you’re not distracted by external forces.
Recognize when stress is winning: Whether stress comes from work, family or elsewhere, it’s bad for your health. When it starts gaining ground in the form of headaches, insomnia, or arguments, it’s time to take a break and re-group.
Keep your eye on the prize: Think about what relaxing will do for you–and focus on the rewards.
