First Word

Fiction   Grains of Truth by Elizabeth Ferry-Perata -- the tangled web of love, family loyalty, and loss weave this story about friendship, love, loyalty and loss in this heartfelt drama about the characters who populate a Texas feed store. Harris Estate by Stacey Cotter -- a family mystery unfolds deep in the heart of Texas as a woman discovers the grisly remains in a farm house she has inherited. As the truth unravels so does the woman's sense of identity and self. The Abused by Michelle Gamble -- nine addicts go to rehab only to have one of them start murdering the others. This psychological thriller takes readers on a mental thrill ride into the deepest secrets drug addicts hide and the deadly consequences. Nonfiction Smile Power: How a Simple Smile Can Help Achieve Health, Wealth and Success by Dr. Ramin Bahrain -- did you know that a smile can change just about every aspect of your life? This well-written book outlines research from world famous experts on how th...

I have learned over the years it's mission critical to "mind" your mindset. Every time I allow fear and anxiety to run my business, it shows up and manifests itself in negative results. Whenever I do small things like meditate and "mind" my mindset to positivity and success, positive results happen. Some people are skeptical about this belief system. They falsely believe that mindset doesn't matter. Business will be what business will be dependent upon the marketplace, supply and demand, and competition. I'm here to tell you the biggest factor that determines success isn't about the market at all. It all has to do with YOU as the business owner. Here's how: Like attracts like . Who is attracted to work with you is based on the Law of Attraction. Positive people attract positive people. Positive people attract more positive, successful people to your business. Positive people spend money without fear, and the net result; it's easier to wor...

I always see this self-help advise that suggests women, in particular, need to learn to say "no" more often. We say "yes" and over book our lives. The funny thing is that many women probably say "yes" to things that affect their personal lives, but they do not say "yes" often enough to professional opportunities. In fact, I would suggest the opposite. They say "no" way more often than they should when it comes to seizing opportunities. The reasons usually have to do with fear: fear of failure, fear of change, fear of even success (yes, some people are subconsciously afraid of success). When asked to "leap" fear holds them back. Opportunities show up daily if you look for them. Opportunities to take risks and try something new with great potential. So, my challenge is not to tell women to learn to say "no" more often, but rather than to "yes" and take those risks. Try new things. I'm always experimenting...

Networking and meeting people is essential to business promotion. You never know whose hand you might shake that could profoundly change your business and life. If you own a business, you cannot hide in your office and falsely believe the Field of Dreams tagline, "build it and they will come." In this case, part of building it involves networking and putting in the time to get out and seek your opportunities. It's a kind of "manifest destiny" for entrepreneurs. You have to manifest and create your business, and you have to meet people who can either become clients or lead you to the next client. A piece of insight, too: Don't falsely believe that if you encounter a small networking meeting, it's not worth your time. I can't tell you how many amazing people I have met in small, intimate groups. I've also watched other people walk into those group meeting, turn heel, and walk out. Here is what you might not realize: small groups give you a real ch...