WHAT TYPE OF SHOPPER ARE YOU?

By Vernalee

Want to go shopping anyone? When you go to the stores, be prepared. Have a plan. Smart shopping requires research, skills, and time. For the most part, I have resorted to on line shopping. It’s reliable and time saving. My nieces, however are shopping divas with a skill set that can rival the best. They are the “shop till you drop” ladies. They can dig up a pricey Saks Fifth Avenue designer suit at a bargain warehouse for such a ridiculous price that it is laudable. I kid you not! I marvel at their skills! Their finds leave you speechless! I don’t know if they have telescopic vision, but they know where all the sales are (near and far; on line and off) including the moment of their occurrence. Finding the “blue light” specials is their specialty as they emerge into one or several of the smart shoppers categories below: 1. The Bargain Hunter – Gets the best price. 2. The Impulse Buyer – Acts quickly to snag a deal. 3. The Loyalist – Uses rewards to save big. 4. The Researcher – Compares every offer. 5. The Negotiator – Always haggles. 6. The Shopper on a mission – Plans strategically. To my nieces, I am recommending that you set up a personal shopping business. With your skill set, you will make a mint! Sometimes, I wonder which niece is the best shopper! It’s too close to call. They are all … just that good! Here’s my advice girls – To get you started, I’ll prepare your business plan and create the necessary documents. Use your skills and talents to shop for others and make big money doing something that you love – shopping! Cha Ching! Photo credit: www.essence.com; Illustration by Aimee Camilien; Source: Essence Magazine

STAY IN THE GAME

By Vernalee

Considered NBA"s greatest player, Michael Jordan once stated “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Those words carry an awe inspiring and powerful message.

Think about it!

If the greatest pushed himself, why don't we?

You can't win if you give up.

You can't win if you don't stay in the game.

Failure is part of the learning and growth process. “Nothing beats a failure but a try.” Shaking the dust off and starting all over again are prerequisites. It is only then that you become great. It is only then that you become the best that you can be. It is only then that you succeed .. simply because you didn't give up.

The Bottom Line is- - If we are to maximize our potential, it is imperative that we stay in the game, take it to the "basket" ... and of course make the winning "shot.”

Swish...nothing but net!

Photo Credit: www.pininterest.com

HOW THE MILLIONAIRES AND MIDDLE CLASS THINK

By Vernalee

Since my name did not appear on the Forbes Millionaire List this morning, I once again am pulling my professional “lickety stick.” Off to my day of work and chores, I go!

Drinking my coffee at my favorite hangout, Panera Bread, I read an intriguing article, “The Top 10 Distinctions between the Millionaires and the Middle Class.”

Allow me to share! Distinction # 10 - Millionaires think long term.

The middle class thinks short term. Distinction # 9 - Millionaires talk about ideas. The middle class talks about things and other people. Distinction # 8 - Millionaires embrace change. The middle class is threatened by change. Distinction # 7 - Millionaires take calculated risks. The middle class is afraid to take risks. Distinction # 6 - Millionaires continually learn and grow. The middle class thinks learning ended with school. Distinction # 5 - Millionaires work for profits. The middle class works for wages. Distinction # 4 - Millionaires believe they must be generous. The middle class believes they can’t afford to give. Distinction # 3 - Millionaires have multiple sources of income. The middle class only has one or two.

Distinction # 2 - Millionaires focus on increasing their net worth. The middle class focuses on increasing their paychecks. Distinction #1 - Millionaires ask themselves empowering questions.

The middle class asks dis-empowering questions.

Now then … What is your mindset? How rich (or poor) are you in your thinking?

No one has the desire to be a wannabe!

And of course, there is no gain to be pretentious by operating with Champagne taste on a beer budget!

The goal is to maximize and realize our fullest potential and land wherever that takes us! Photo credit: www.amazon.com