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

HARD TIMES

By Vernalee

Raise your hand (nobody is looking), if you know what it's like to live from check to check? No shame … hey, times are hard! Ain't nobody's business anyway. The old folks would say, "Hard times don't last always. Daylight comes in the morning." Keep working! Keep praying! Keep it moving. Be thankful.

Sounds like a plan to me! Photo credit: www.cartoonstock

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