What's stopping you?

Hey Hey Hey! 

This installment was supposed to be about Vegas. Realistically, I can’t put into words what a great convention can do for your mindset, vision, belief and business. I will say the relationships I made while there are priceless. But over the last week something else has been pulling at me leading me to write about what’s on my mind.

Today I want to ask, well, there are a lot of questions running through my mind….

Where is the community that believes “it takes a village to raise a child”? The lack of community is where the fuel for my vision stems from. There are too many adolescents running around without guidance. They enter adulthood without having a clue what it takes to be a productive member of society. I know people that are “awake” that feel they are doing their part because real life lessons are being taught at home. IMO, that’s not enough. What about the ones that aren't getting those lessons in their home? Can it be considered a “win” if your child is the only one equipped with the knowledge to be successful? I encourage, no, beg everyone to STEP UP and be a part of the solution. Talking about how bad some parenting skills are, does NOTHING to HELP that child. If we want to see our people rise to the top, where we belong, then the time is NOW to do your part.

Where are all the black business owners? I recently read an article on a couple that made the decision to buy exclusively from black owned business for a year and was frustrated to learn how hard it was to accomplish. Not because of poor service but lack of options. It was only one black owned grocery store in the entire state!  What is holding so many intelligent black people back from business ownership? It can’t be because it’s hard. Too often we live “hard lives”; work hard for other people; “go hard” for all the wrong reasons but won’t do what’s perceived as “hard” to get ahead in life. Black people have contributed so much to the world yet tend to sit back and let others profit and take credit. We consume the most goods; just imagine if all of that commerce was spent in the black community. Imagine the power that will come with that level of success. Imagine being able to lower our unemployment rate by opening doors to your OWN business.  For those less business minded, imagine being able to find a job with employers that can relate to you. Why is it okay to continue to make strangers wealthy but do nothing to ensure the same for yourself?   

Why is there a lack of caring? I hear so many different ways people express how little they care for/about something. Today I read “I don’t give a gram of F**k” attached to a picture. I can admit I laughed and possibly “like” the picture on FB but it got me thinking. With the world being in the state we find it, why don’t we care? Why don’t more people take pride in their communities, family or self? I’m so sick of the “I mind my business and take care of home” way of thinking. I can agree with minding my business when it comes to love, religion and politics. Too often the things we ignore add to the problem. 

Take this scenario

You hear that your neighbor is having yet another domestic dispute the next day the wife is wearing sunglasses with no sun in sight. You put two and two together but decide to mind your own business. Fast forward a few years the family with the abusive husband still lives next door with their children who are now in their teens. You hear of multiple violent robberies in the neighborhood, you suspect one of the teens is responsible based on loud bragging. You continue to mind your business; after all they didn't rob YOU. One night a loud bang wakes you from your sleep. You jump up and go for your weapon just as you feel it something knocks you back. It’s the teen from next door. You begin to plead your case “Hey, you know me! I keep to myself and mind my business! At this the teen laughs “You’re right, you do. Every time my dad would beat on us I would pray that you'd hear and call for help. Help never arrived. Let’s see if someone decides to call for help or mind their business.” 

I’m not saying put yourself in harm way or suggesting that if you do say something the results will be what you want. I’m simply saying CARE about your fellow man.

I've said plenty today but I’ll ask one last question, what is stopping you from playing your part in a better society? Next installment will be on whatever is on my mind! Until next time, Have a GREAT day, on PURPOSE!

Mia

Contact me to found out how I can help your business Expand and save on your overhead.  For contact information text “Mia” to 55469.

Follow me on Twitter @MommaMiaB

Like my page on Facebook Mia Bowers

Follow me on LinkedIN

Finding Balance

Hello Hello Hello!

Thank you for joining me on my journey. It’s been rough as I continue to find a balance that works for me. I’m learning that “balance” is an illusion. The fact of the matter is the balance of your life is thrown completely out of whack the moment you go into business for yourself. It’s easy to have a set rhythm for each day when someone else is dictating your time. It’s hard to miss out on time with friends and family, especially if you are working your business around your full time job. At a recent training a leader in my company, 5LINX, stated “You must find your main event for each day. That will change day to day based on need.” Those words as simple as they are were exactly what I needed to hear. Before, I ended each day feeling like I could have done more. From spending more time with the kids, volunteering, training, relationship building, follow-ups, prospecting, cleaning or one of the many thoughts that would pop into my mind as I lay in bed. Now, as long as I am accomplishing my “Main Event” each day I am satisfied with the outcome. A good friend, an entrepreneur, said to me “I’m always irritated about how SAH (stay at home) parents are often looked at like we’re lazy underachievers…” This brings ties into what have I been doing this past month, not being a lazy underachiever I can tell you that!

Prior to that training I was guilty of trying to do EVERYTHING all at once. Last month I became a networking machine, creating over 100 new contacts in less than two weeks. The problem was over that two weeks I saw very little of my kids; not much housework was completed; zero volunteer time was clocked and I couldn't tell you what was going on in my husband’s life. I was out of reach and out of touch. Taylor, my 6 y/o said to me one night as I crept in to steal kisses, “Mommy I hate your new job, I want you to quit!” Her eyes filled with tears broke my heart. I took a look around and had a mountain of clothes to wash, electrical problems to address, school work to check out, lessons and lectures to give, bills to pay, a husband and mother to check on and more. With all of my running I didn’t even factor in time to follow up with all of these new contacts. I broke down and over the next two and half weeks I paid my business little to no attention. I didn’t even attend my weekly training events or calls. Instead I focused on home and being a SAHM. After sending the girls off to school I went to the school myself. Helping out where ever I was needed. That included an environmental field trip, two days being outside for Field Day, Parent Involvement meeting and after-school program activities all in one week. Tackled well over 10 loads of clothes, cleaned the house, washed walls and dusted, put way winter clothes and sorted for donations, cleaned out my van and got up the trash blown into my yard. I also took steps to prevent bed bugs or other creepy crawlies from taking residence in my home. Figured out the electrical issue, hit the electrical store to replace blown breakers and got new wiring. Somewhere in there I got quality time in with each family member and even family game night or two. So are SAHM lazy?? I think not!! At the end of the month I was overwhelmed with my thoughts. I knew I couldn't have another month like that one, but didn’t have the answers to make it so. I knew I had to get back to business but never wanted to see the hurt in my baby’s face again. Focusing on a main event a day has helped solve this issue. So if timing is an issue for you remember "If you chase two rabbits they will both get a way". Find and focus on YOUR Main Event each day, it will get you to where you want to be!

Next Installment I’ll touch on Vegas and who knows what else. All questions or suggestions are welcomed! Until next time, have a GREAT day, on PURPOSE!

Mia

Contact me to found out how I can help your business Expand and save on your overhead.  For contact information text “Mia” to 55469.  Click to Save money or Earn residual income.

Follow me on Twitter @MommaMiaB

Like my page on Facebook Mia Bowers

Follow me on LinkedIN

Late, but on time!

Shame Shame Shame on me!

Hello, it’s been far too long!  Let’s just say not having the internet has proven to be a bigger problem than I expected. Right now I am on a plane headed to Las Vegas! It’s our National Convention with 5LINX! I couldn’t be happier, it was a close call. The challenges from April didn’t stop just because May showed up. I wasn't able to purchase my ticket until just THREE days ago! With so many things getting in my way; I never for one moment gave up on finding a way to this convention. It was the Morning Prayer call that lifted my spirits when I was at my most frustrated level. Thank GOD for the great team I have! I’ll fill you in on what’s been happening and how the convention went later. Today, as promised, I want to Spotlight a fellow entrepreneur, a longtime friend and one creative Momma!

                                                                                                                                                    

I caught up with Mrs. Anita Beeghley of Make it Sweet Cakery, while in the process of filling a cake order for prom and a birthday party. She was so excited to have found her stride, being able to complete an order in mere hours opposed to all day event. Anita has been making cakes for a little over a year but started fueling her passion of crafting in 2008 creating homemade soaps. With four children and a husband to say this is one busy lady is an understatement! You can catch Anita in local and national cake competitions, check out Makeitsweetcakerybyanita on FB to see some award winning cakes!

Mia: Anita thanks so much for taking some time for me today. I know you enjoy being creative, what made you decide to take that passion and go into business for yourself?

Anita: I don’t like making money for other people. And this allows me to spend more time with my children and watch them grow-up.

Mia: What would you say was/is the biggest challenge going from working for others and being an entrepreneur?

Anita: You must have a positive mindset that’s for sure. You have so many obstacles to conquer and if you are negative you will fail at any business. And discipline, with my children at home it can make it very challenging to complete a task with them competing for your attention.

Mia: I certainly understand that. You have so many talents when it comes to crafting, what are some of things you have mastered?

Anita: Well, there is my jewelry line I make earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Most of my pieces are OOAK (one of a kind). There are my soaps and scents such as the carpet and room freshener. Last but not least are my cakes, pastries, candies and after weeks of trails my granola is ready!! But I am constantly learning more, there is always something to learn.

Mia: Wow, talk about a wide range of creative outlets. What would you say is your favorite?

Anita: I’ll have to say I enjoy making cakes more as each cake is a different creation and it gives me more creative freedom.

Mia: I know you’re creating as we speak so as promised I’ll keep this short. Before we part please tell us how to get our hands on your creations.

Anita: You can like my Fan Page on Facebook orders can be placed there or on Etsy.com

Mia: Thank you so much for your time I look forward to seeing the final product for your cake order!

Please take some time to visit MakeItSweetCakerybyAnita on FB and etsy.com. You’ll find pictures of more cakes and sweets, inspirational quotes and funny photos/sayings. I would also like to add that Ms. Anita is one heck of a vocalist! Look out for her next vocal contest entry and vote vote vote!

My next installment will take you on my adventures in VEGAS!!! Until next time, Have a GREAT day on PURPOSE!!

Mia 

Click to Save money or Make money

Follow me on Twitter @MommaMiaB

Like me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Mias5linx

Find me on LinkedIN http://www.linkedin.com/in/miabowers

April Showers (when it rains, it pours)

Hola Hola Hola!

April has been a true test of my patience and commitment. I can sit here now and talk about it with no anger. Last week however, it was hard to smile. I will keep that part short as I don’t want to dwell on the negative. I said I would be an open book so I shall be just that. It goes right back to mindset and how you respond to roadblocks. I kept it moving through it all, quitting never entered my mind, it’s not an option!

April was a month of relationship building. In my field friends and family help launch your business and gain stable ground. For me this has been a daunting task as I have lived in a “bubble” for the last 5 years. I was working overnight full time, volunteering, homeschooling, looking after my mother and taking care of my children and husband. As a result I was out of touch with friends and family. I didn’t feel like I could just pop back in the picture saying “can you help me out, please”. Being coachable I made those calls anyway despite my discomfort. The results were poor so I decided to take a step back and really reconnect with everyone. This relationship building was not just with friends, I have been connecting with investors and business owners patiently waiting for the seeds that I have planted to bloom. Along the way my phone was broken, it took Verizon over two weeks to produce a working phone. During this time I realized my problem with Verizon wasn’t exclusive to my cellphone. My DSL and home phone took me through three weeks of drama only to be told in the end that my area was not accepting any more DSL customers and Fios is not yet available. To make it sweet, since I’m in a small town Verizon has the only center for DSL in the area so I can’t even go to a different company. I have no internet connection at home now. I have to depend on places with free wi-fi to handle business. While battling with Verizon three other companies decided to over charge my accounts with auto bill pay. The only company that solved any problems with no fight was Bank of America. To top off this lovely month Toyota joined in the ranks of companies not producing as promised. My engine overhaul still has yet to happen and now the warranty company says they “might” cover it and I must be without my van for days while they decide. GRRR! At the end of it all I must say I am very pleased with the connections I have made or reestablished. Some have followed through with support and some even want to join me on my journey!

My home life has been a wild ride in April as well. Racing events, birthday parties and school activities kept me on the move. I had to have a more in depth “sex talk” with the 8 y/o thanks to some nasty little boy saying “My bottom lip is fat because I eat _____” WOW! I couldn’t believe my ears! The 6 y/o kindly brought home bedbugs. Thankfully I was able to completely eradicate the issue over one weekend and the kids were never aware there was an issue! They were more than happy to camp out in the living room. Report Cards came, Jordan made honor roll and Taylor got all “P’s” (P = A)! All they wanted as a reward was…….Burger King and ice cream!! TJ has finally decided to talk to us AND use the potty! So all in all my April was pretty good even with all of the annoyances. May is here and I am preparing for my convention in Vegas at the end of the month! Are you traveling this month? If so, where are you going? This will be my first trip out of state without my husband; it’s going to be great! Just kidding ;-D

My next installment will focus on what it takes to be an entrepreneur and spotlight a savvy business owner. Until next time, have a great day, ON PURPOSE! 

Mia 

Click to Save money or Make money

Follow me on Twitter @MommaMiaB

Like me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Mias5linx

Find me on LinkedIN http://www.linkedin.com/in/miabowers

Freedom

Hello Hello Hello!

Welcome back! I received such a great response from my first installment. Thank you everyone for your kind words and encouragement. I had such a busy and Productive day yesterday I never made it online. I was very eager to share with you what's been going on with me and the business. I will admit that I was annoyed when I realized I wasn't going to be able to make my post. But then I remembered why I couldn't and quickly dismissed those feelings. Why be mad about having a productive day? Sometimes we forget to put things into perspective; it's something I have been working on mastering. In life it's all about your mindset. Having a positive and grateful one goes a LONG way. I had to ask myself "What's the big deal? Is there a deadline?" NO! I have no deadline and if I don't get it done when expected there is no boss in which to report and hope my job is still intact. I have the Freedom to work at the pace of MY choosing. So let's talk about Freedom.

To me being free means having the ability to do as you please (within the law) without having to ask permission first.  I was conversing with someone that I respect a great deal and we have a difference of opinion on what this means. This person makes a six figure salary, and is highly educated. In their opinion they are free because "...money isn't an issue for me. I can go where I want and buy what I want". I had to ask "Do you have to request time off to go on that trip? Can you go to the mall and shop till you drop on a Wednesday morning without requesting time off?" I received an odd look, "Of course I have to request time off, who doesn't?". I just smiled I had more to ask "If you didn't work for say three weeks and wasn't paid leave could you pay your bills without tapping into savings?”. This time the look was a bit annoyed "Of course not, anyone with a job will always have to ask and use their leave if they want to be able to pay bills. That's why you work hard and get a good job". Exactly! When you work for others and have to ask permission to spend your money when you want to you're not free. If you stopped working, even for a short time, and have to hope your savings (if you have any) will cover it all, you're not free. Obviously it's great to have a nice paying job but if you can't enjoy it when and how you want, that's a problem IMO.

I said before I don't like to be told what to do. I'm not a morning person so I hated having to wake up early because my boss wants me in at 8:00. I want to be able to wake up when I'm done sleeping and not a second before. I'm a workaholic so needless to say I was PISSED when I was told "You're working too many hours you HAVE to cut back" and then get complaints when production goes down. WTH? Don't tell me how long or when to vacation. I want to be able to have the ability to go where I want without hoping my request for time off is approved. While on vacation I want to check my account and see that I've MADE money while kicking back and relaxing. In other words I want to be FREE.

Although I no longer have a traditional job I am not free, YET. While no one is telling me what to do, I can't do everything I want. Most of you reading this already know about my vision for a Youth Center. But for now it's just a dream; a huge dream that I am working on making a reality. Money is holding me back; thankfully I've found a solution with 5LINX so it's just a matter of time. Do you agree with my views on freedom? What are your dreams? 

Join me next time as I will fill you in on my crazy week and spotlight another entrepreneur working hard to turn their dream into a reality. (If you would like it to be you please contact me with your information!) Don't forget to share on Facebook, Twitter and other social media! Thanks

Have a GREAT day, on purpose!

Mia

Do you use PEPCO or BG&E? Visit my site to get MY discount for partnering with them!  Click Here to get the hook-up!

Follow me on Twitter @MommaMiaB

Like me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Mias5linx

Find me on LinkedIN http://www.linkedin.com/in/miabowers

Who is Mia?

Hello Hello Hello!

Thank you for taking the time to visit my little corner of the web. I am excited, nervous, eager and so much more to take you along with me on my journey of self-discovery, growth and financial freedom. I will be an open book to all of the highs and lows I experience in my Network Marketing Business, 5LINX. But don't fret it won't be all business and no play. I will share with you my thoughts on current events, what's going on when I'm not working and even help YOU find solutions to problems you may be facing. My friends tend to come to me for solutions and until recently it was my profession so there is no reason you shouldn't ask away! This blog is meant to be interactive so I will have plenty of questions for you as well. I have SO much to say, but I suppose I should start with who I am.

I'm Mia! I am ::cough::cough:: years old a major nerd, opinionated, passionate about helping others, frugal and am Loving Life! I was born in Washington DC where I lived for a while but I came of age just outside of the city in Oxon Hill, MD. This is where I met the love of my life at the tender age of just 15. We have been together ever since and will be celebrating 10 years of marriage (16 total) this year!  We have three wonderful children 8, 6, and 2. You will be hearing a lot about them as my journey unfolds.  I am happy to say I am back at home full time with my children. Last year I left the house to do what I LOVE to do, help others. I was an advocate for the homeless, which turned out to be like having 25 extra family members to care for and love. While I love helping others I missed being at home for my children. Prior to entering the field I was a full time stay at home mom. Wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. Fresh out of high school I had BIG plans and entered the Real Estate field.  I quickly learned you need money to start so I got a job as a mortgage originator and never looked back. I enjoyed working with numbers as I'm a math fanatic but I didn't love what I was doing. As the country began to feel the foreclosure crisis I jumped ship. I felt that there were too many people in my position that was taking advantage of people and help to cause that crisis. This made me incredibly uncomfortable. So it was the perfect time to take a break from traditional work and start a family.

I always knew I would have to work for myself as I HATE to be told what to do, when I can do it and how to get it done. I did a few things from home, first it was mortgages, then wellness products and even educational toys/products. I had no success with the wellness products as the system was not designed to be done commercially which was my vision for that product. I did find success with the educational products but I was forced to give up that business as I began to work at the Crisis Helpline, was homeschooling and pregnant it became too much to handle. I always thought I would go back to the educational products but the universe had a different plan for me. I've always felt a urge to do more, learn more and help others. That's exactly what I have set out to do.

This is where we find ourselves now going down a new rabbit hole with a clear vision of the other side. Freedom! Before I go into what freedom means to me I want to find out what does that mean to you. When you think of being free, what do you think of? Are you free now? Are you taking steps to gain what you feel you don't have? Do you know what those steps are? Tomorrow I'll let you know my answers to those questions.

Thanks again for taking time to check me out, please let me know what you think! I welcome ALL feedback.

Have a GREAT day, on purpose!


Mia


Check out how to save on services you use EVERY DAY http://5linx.net/miabowers


Follow me on Twitter @MommaMiaB
Like me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Mias5linx
Find me on LinkedIN http://www.linkedin.com/in/miabowers