Establishing a Relationship - Steps To Foster Lasting Relationships

A relationship is a state of being connected. Every person that we cross paths with leaves an impression on us as we do to them. In business, they say big part in success is "not what you know but who you know." That saying is only half-true, if someone knows you and you do not have a good relationship with them, that can hurt you way more than them not knowing you at all.
Early in life we start meeting people and forming relationships. As adults, we are who we are but we still need people and relationships to survive. Here are some steps to help you set up positive relationships with people you meet.
1. Smile.
We only get one first impression, so make it a good one. Smiling doesn't hurt anyone. Even if you feel bad or stressed, smiling can also help you. The law of attraction is very real. If you seem happy and inviting, people will want to get to know you.
2. Listen when people talk.
All people are important and can add value to your life. Sometimes people talk to vent and sometimes they want advice. No matter what they want, you make them feel important by really listening to what they are saying. People will forget what you said and even what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Listening is part of making them feel good.
3. Honor your word.
Do what you say you're going to do, no matter what it is. Communicate if you aren't able to fulfill your promise. Honoring your word shows reliability. Being reliable goes a long way, in business, friendship and romantic relationships.
4. Always be honest.
Sometimes it's hard to tell the truth when you think the truth is going to hurt the person or make the person see you in a negative light. However, telling the truth tells the person that you are dealing with that you respect them. If the truth is hurtful, try to find words to express it that soften the blow. When the person gets over the hurt, they will appreciate your honesty. Honesty breeds trust in relationships.
5. Hold yourself accountable.
We are all human. No one is perfect. Sometimes, we make mistakes. Apologies are necessary to move forward with the relationship. If you are wrong, admit that you are wrong and apologize. Accountability is always better received than defensiveness.
Establishing relationships is a challenge but can almost always be beneficial to both parties. When meeting new people, smile at them. Listen to people when they talk. Really listen. Be a reliable person that honors their word. Honesty is the best policy and accountability is always well received.

Fancy Free, LLC helps people reach their financial and personal goals through mentoring, personal growth and leadership training everyday. Call us at (410) 929-0302 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Mentoring - Finding A Mentor And Benefiting

http://jobhuntercoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Mentor.png

The dictionary defines a mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor. Everyone should have a mentor,
maybe even multiple mentors. No matter the area of life you are working to improve, seeking advice from someone with more experience than you is always beneficial.

1. A mentor is experienced.
The age of your mentor does not matter because age is not always an indicator of experience levels. Someone younger than you may have accomplished great things and can help you along the way to your goals. If you are looking marital advice, someone who has never been married, even if they are older than you, cannot mentor you in that area of life because they have never experienced marriage.

2. Make sure you can trust your mentor.
It is important that your mentor is trustworthy and reliable. Look at their behavior patterns and talk to people who work with your mentor. Can you trust someone's advice if they don't honor their word? Look at some of the success stories of other mentees. If your mentor can help them, he or she can most certainly help you. Trusting your mentor will give their advice more merit. Your mentor wants your success as badly as you do. When you trust your mentor, you know that listening to them is to your benefit.

3. Do what the mentor tells you to do.
When talking to someone seasoned in the subject you are learning about, listen to what they say and consider everything your mentor recommends. Those recommendations come from lessons learned after making countless mistakes on their journey to success. They will help you reach your end goals faster. You won't spend valuable time learning from your own mistakes. Your journey is more efficient because you are making decisions based on lessons someone else made instead of your own missteps.

4. Successful people are passionate.
The average successful person loves to talk about what they do because they are passionate about it so they become mentors to those who have reached out for guidance. There is a genuine wish to help. This form of philanthropy is more valuable than giving money alone.

If you are already successful and are not mentoring the next generation, seriously consider it. Not only will you add value to someone else's life by helping them fulfill their dreams, mentoring offers just as much enrichment to the mentor as it does to the mentee. If you are venturing off into new territory in career, business, or life in general, forming a relationship with a mentor is one of the first things you should do. Watching someone in their element and taking things in can inspire you to create bigger things than you ever imagined. A mentor will help you clarify your goals and help you create a fool-proof plan to get what you want out of life.

Fancy Free, LLC. helps everyday people reach their financial and personal goals through mentoring, personal growth and leadership training. Call us at (410) 929-0302 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Excuses - How To Self-Sabotage By Making Excuses

http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/6a00d83454ca3969e2016305891840970d-800wi.png

Making excuses for why you don't have what you want in life does not get you any closer to having it. The best way to not be successful is to find a reason not to do something or make excuses for why you cannot do it. Here are the most common excuses people make.

"I forgot"
In the age of technology, there are multiple ways to remind yourself of something important. There are calendars that sync with your email as well as your smart phone. You can program alerts, notifications and reminders to go off at pre-selected times. Then there is always the good old-fashioned planner. If you have to get it done, write it on your planner. Set your alerts to tell you in time increments that allow you time to arrive to your destination in a timely fashion. If you have the money, hire a personal assistant to help you with those kinds of things.

"I don't have time"
If it's important to you, you will make time. Whether it is waking up early or going to bed late, making time for what is important to you is the only way to get it done. Even if you can only spare 30 minutes, that is 30 minutes of making progress.

"I don't have the money."
Just like making time, you will find money for what is important to you. In some cases, you may not have access to the total amount of money needed for something. However, there is always a work around. There are cheaper options. You can sell some unused items around your house. You can pester that person who owes you money. You can also borrow. There is always money for something you see the value in. Be honest with yourself and ask if that is a good enough excuse for not pursuing whatever it is that you think you don't have the money for.

"I didn't know."
If you have a smart phone or access to the internet, you have access to all the information you could need right at your fingertips. There is no reason to not know anything. The real reason you don't know is that you did not care to find out. There are plenty of free resources available. It's just a matter of deciding to tap into them.

"I'm scared."
Yes, stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something different is scary. But what are you really scared of? Uncertain death? The reality is most things that make you uncomfortable are not putting you at risk of losing your life. Stepping out of your comfort zone will only allow you to grow. Experiences mold you into a well-rounded person.

Success is the result of making intentional actions toward your goals. Sometimes there are legitimate reasons for why you cannot do something. Most of the time, you're just making excuses. There are many tools available to you to make sure you remember what you're supposed to do. You will make time and find money for things that you see value in. The internet and public library are at your disposal for free. Take the time to use them and find information you need. Don't be scared to do anything out of your norm, you can only benefit from the experience. No one ever created a success story by staying in their comfort zone. Stop making excuses and start making things happen.

If you are ready to give up excuses and make some new things happen in your life, Fancy Free, LLC. is here to help you do just that. Call us at (410) 929-0302 for your complimentary consultation that could be life changing.

The Definition of Leadership

http://www.indiaprwire.com/downloads/photo/201010/16996.jpg

The dictionary defines leadership as a person who guides or directs a group. A true leader has a way
of motivating people to move and work toward a common goal with enthusiasm with or without a title of authority. How can you recognize a leader in your life? How can you recognize the leader in yourself?

Leaders Listen More Than They Talk
Listening doesn't always mean hearing what people are saying or complaining about. You can listen with your eyes. Observing people work. Watching when people aren't working. Taking note tasks that stress people out. Usually, when someone is coming to leadership with an idea for improvement, it's a good idea. Why? It's coming from the people who are doing the work. They know what they are talking about because they are doing the work. Leaders will make changes according to suggestions from the team to help improve production. A leader will pay attention to signs of stress and step in to help without being asked. People are more willing to work with or for someone who values their advice.

Acknowledging The Team
One of the benefits of being the leader of a team is that when the team is successful, the leader gets most of the credit. However, it's the team that does most, if not, all the work. The leader is there to give structure, help with trouble shooting, and offer encouragement along the way. It is important to give credit where credit is due. A team is more willing to continue to work and follow your instruction when the leader is able to make to show appreciation. A coach instructs his team on what plays to run and when to run them. The players actually run the play to win the game.

Hold Yourself Just As Accountable As You Hold The Team
True leadership will not make any exceptions for himself. As a leader, you set the tone for how your team is functioning. When the leader does what they say they are going to do, the team follows suit. A leader publicly owns up to any mistakes and makes a plan to fix it. Leaders follow through with commitment, even when it is difficult. The team can count on their leader to keep their word, therefor the team keeps their word.

Telling vs. Showing
You ever notice that when there is an authority that start barks orders, no one listens? And if they do listen, it's begrudgingly? A great leader will show the group what to do. Leading by example creates team morale. A group is more enthusiastic about working along a great person than working for someone who does not show that they know what it takes to get the job done. Being in charge is not about pushing people around, it's about getting people to work toward a common goal.
The dictionary defines a leader as a person in charge of a group or team but we know that all people in charge are not leaders. Leaders listen to verbal and non-verbal communications and make improvements for the better of the team. Leaders acknowledge the team's efforts when there are successes. Leaders are hold themselves accountable by follow through with commitments. Leaders will join the team and show them how to get the work done instead of just giving orders.

Fancy Free, LLC. helps everyday people reach their financial and personal goals through personal growth and leadership training. Call us at (410) 929-0302 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

First Name:
Last Name:
Email Address:
Yes! Please add me to your mailing list today!

Open Minds Learn More

One of the things that I've learned in life is that everyone can teach you something. EVERYONE. I pride myself on adding value to all of my relationships. However, always being a giver can be draining. The blessing in being a giver and a helper is that you attract other givers and helpers. I am surrounded by awesome people who are always willing to lend a helping hand offer knowledge.

In the past 3 months, I have learned a LOT about people around me as well as learned a lot from them. 

Most importantly I learned two very pertinent things that have changed the way I look at my health and how I take care of my hair. Priorities. LOL!

http://www.foodandtravelfun.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fruit-smoothies.jpg

Lesson #1: All smoothies are not created equal.
I have a girlfriend and business partner who battles with high blood pressure and has to watch her diet so she does not become an insulin dependent diabetic. We're having girl talk at her dining room table and she's telling the story about how her doctor tried to come for the nutritional supplement we are marketing. The doctor compares the ingredients to one of the products they are marketing in the doctor's office and sees that what we have is better. My girlfriend had been putting the product, a protein shake, in her breakfast smoothie. And just like me, the breakfast smoothie had been consisting of mostly fruit and maybe some kale or spinach. We all know fruit has natural sugars but what we didn't consider is that making a fruit smoothie may overload you with sugar. Even though fruit sugar is not bad for you. Too much of anything is not good. The doctor explained that the breakfast smoothies should have more vegetables than fruit to avoid sugar overload. 

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7418/11026441715_35960b97b4_b.jpg

Imagine that. All these years, I've been doing the breakfast smoothie and was going it wrong. Now I know. LOL!

Lesson #2: Beauty secrets in unexpected places

With my natural hair consults business, I also make a product. Whipped shea butter with some added oils to help with the most common problem in our natural hair community, keeping hair moisturized. I was at my cousin's birthday dinner, talking with her friends about hair and different products and techniques. My mother just so happened to have some of my product samples in her purse. Gotta love mothers. Then, my cousin's friend tells me one of the best products to seal moisture in skin and hair. This product helps protect from heat when heat styling. Something else you can get from the grocery store. The product is......Crisco. Yes, the Crisco shortening that our grandmothers use for cooking. Go ahead and Google it. People have been using Crisco for YEARS in their beauty regimen. Just don't eat it. LOL!

I am always listening and learning. My way is tried and true for me but I know there could be a better way out there. Life teaches us everyday. All lessons aren't taught in the classroom. Education can be anywhere. Have an open mind and you will be able to learn beyond what you ever imagined.

We would love to work with you at Fancy Free, LLC. We specialize in health and wellness but the personal growth you gain from working with us is phenomenal. Contact us at (410) 929-0302 today for your complimentary consultation to see how we can help you expand.

How To Create A Budget - Five Steps To Making A Personal Budget That Works For You

http://almeganews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Home-budgeting.jpg

What is a budget? The dictionary defines it as an estimate of income and expenditure for a set time. Large corporations have budgets. Small businesses have budgets. Households should have budgets. If you find that you are living pay check to pay check, odds are you need to create a budget. Not sure where to start? Here are general steps to follow for creating a budget.

Five Steps To Creating A Budget

1. Document all income and an exact list of expenditures.
Start with your monthly income and your monthly living expenses. Then include how much you spend every month on everything else. Everything else includes coffee money, gas money, groceries, hobbies, fitness center, debt payment, clothes, dry cleaning, etc. You need an accurate picture of what is coming in and going out.
2. Factor in a savings plan.
No matter what your financial goal is, make room to save 10% of your net income. For every $10 you bring home, put $1 in a savings account. Be faithful with this regimen and you will see your savings grow. Savings allow you to borrow from yourself in emergencies instead of using credit. Adjust your living expenses so that you can live on 90% of your net income.
3. Determine your financial goals and make adjustments to your budget to meet them.
By writing down where your money is going, you will get a good idea of the adjustments you can make to meet your financial goals. If your goal is to pay debt, a good place to start is using 10%-20% of your net income to pay debt. Adjust your other expenses so that you can do this. If 10%-20% of your net income does not cover your minimum payment requirements, look to see where you can make concessions or call your creditors to make other arrangements so that debt payment will fit into your budget. Creditors are willing to work with you when you express your plan to repay them.
4. Allow some wiggle room.
Creating a budget is not meant to deprive you of happiness or fun. Budgets will keep you from going into debt enjoying things that are not affordable. Depriving yourself can lead to bingeing, which defeats the purpose of budgeting. Create a vacation fund if you like to vacation or a shopping fund if you like to shop. Budget to contribute an amount to these funds so that when you are ready to take a vacation or go shoe shopping you aren't using money that has already been allocated to something else.
5. Stay within your budget.
Consistency is the key to success in anything. As your financial situation changes, adjust your budget so. If you suffer a financial loss, revisit your budget. If you have an increase in income, adjust your budget. Create a habit of staying within your budget no matter what your income is.

All households and income levels need a budget. Create a budget by writing down all the money coming in as well as what you are spending it on. Start saving 10% of your income, no matter what. Determine your financial goals and create your budget to meet them. To prevent binge spending, do not deprive yourself. Be disciplined by sticking to your budget.

Fancy Free, LLC. helps everyday people reach their financial and personal goals through various vehicles. Call us at (410) 929-0302 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

First Name:
Last Name:
Email Address:
Yes! Please add me to your mailing list today!

The Fancy Life On Fleek

Lordt. Jesus. Can time slow down? Life comes at you FAST!

Two years ago, I officially started my company, Fancy Free, LLC. I initially started it to operate my rental property expenses and my direct sales business but things happened and now it's an umbrella company, I like to refer to it as a lifestyle company. That includes "managing" my husband's Turn Up-ologist gigs and selling hair product and more. It's so funny how life hits you all at once. Like, it's literally feast or famine. In the times of famine, I don't get discouraged. I work on building my online campaign, generating content online and creating an online presence for my businesses. In the season of feast, I am a crazy person. And when I say crazy person, I mean, I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Always doing something. No days off. Gotta book me at least 2 weeks in advance. Show nuff crazy person. And what makes me so crazy is I LOVE every bit of it.

When I begrudgingly made Fancy Free, LLC. official, I had no idea that I'd be doing all of the things that I do as a part of my business. It goes to show that my daddy and aunties were right. Do what you love and don't worry about money. The money will come. I've discovered the underlining common theme is in all that I do that gives me fulfillment. So....how does that look in the Fancy Life?

Fancy Talk. I have a podcast that I record weekly with my god brother on his internet radio station VVCRadio.com. We talk about life stuff and give tips for improvement. Depending on the topic and who is
in my network that can speak on it, I bring guests and let them to give input. It's like having a conversation about life with your good friends, bouncing ideas off of each other, recording it and posting it on the internet for everyone else to hear how insightful and goofy your are. LOL! It does take effort and preparation though. A good thing about it is, I have been able to practice my non-regional dialect since the show began. No longer can visitors hear IMMEDIATELY that I am from Baltimore.

Direct Sales. We have two different companies. One of them, I run with my husband. The other one, I run it by myself. We have picked up momentum with both of them, so we spend some time on the evenings and weekends with my business partners helping them build their businesses. We pour into them because helping them get what they want is fulfilling in itself. Getting paid is just a small perk.

The Woods Entertainment Group. The training associated with building a direct sales business is so phenomenal. You begin to feel invincible, like you really CAN do anything you want to. My husband being a DJ/Turn Upologist is a perfect example of that. He practices, all the dayum time, and is getting very good. Now, he has a regular spot on the Friday night live stream on VVCRadio.com. His show is called The Preparation, what to listen to while you get ready to go out and party, the party before the party. LOL! The number if parties he's been requested to "Turn-Up" are becoming more frequent. I manage him and make sure all of the business is handled appropriately so he can focus on keeping the party popping. I go to most of the parties with him. Sometimes as the photographer, sometimes just as the "manager/hype woman" to get the party started. We are out with the people. Forming new relationships. Sometimes they even support our other ventures.

Natural Hair Consults. Originally, Fancy Free Hair Consults was something I started just to give a business card when someone asked more than three questions about my hair while I was out and about. It's amazing how there's so much information out there but we still prefer a personal touch and a plan catered to you and your needs. The consults have been picking up, face to face and virtual, and my clients are very pleased with the services.

Fancy Free Pomade. I started making it for my own hair because I couldn't find a product that met the
needs of my hair, was affordable, was easy to work with, and smelled nice. Then I started using it as lotion instead of my trusty Palmer's Cocoa Butter with all of those additives that don't really moisturize. Then I started making it for my friends. Then I started giving a sample of it to my hair consults clients. Then I put some samples in a swag bag for an event I helped plan and it's been moving like hotcakes ever since. I mean, I was gonna make it anyway, now I just make more and let the whole world enjoy it.

Real Estate. I have always invested in real estate but as an owner and landlord. I never ventured into investing and flipping because...well...I didn't think I had enough money to do that and I didn't know how to get started. So, when a really good friend of mine, who is VERY successful in real estate investing, offered a hands on mentor program, I was all in. It's been an amazing experience and I've started looking at real estate with a whole new set of eyes. The potential is limitless.

And don't forget, Fancy friends are being great, so I am often supporting one of their events and Fancy LOVES her a good vacation. So factor in a couple girls weekends or surprise getaways. BOOM! Calendar packed.

Surprisingly, I don't feel overwhelmed with everything I have going on. It may sound silly but I feel like my purpose is to expose as many people as possible to the Fancy Life and show them how they can have it, then help them along the way. When you're living in your purpose, you never feel like it's too much. Everything fits. I love to see people flourish. I am a helper. Is it your money? Is it your hair or skin? Do you need some pictures of your event? Do you need your party to be turned up? Is it just getting the courage to get started at whatever you're passionate about? Fancy to the rescue.

What do you want to do but just haven't gotten started yet? Contact Fancy Free, LLC. by phone or text, (410) 929-0302, or email fancyfreellc@gmail.com.