tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91984118779528165912024-03-13T13:38:50.858-07:00Real World Olive AngelThis blog is about several things:
Starting A Business,Shea Butter and Black Soap benefits, Social Media, and Advertising.
And most of all the journey from the beginning.
Check us out at www.oliveangel.biz.
Please tell us what you think ....every opinion counts.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-9299938002131835262012-12-06T17:33:00.000-08:002012-12-10T10:07:56.963-08:00Shea: From Nuts to ButterAs consumers we are all learning about being natural and using Shea Butter Products. We should also look at the process of how Shea Butter is made. I attended a Shea Butter conference in August and I learned a lot about the process. After all the work....It's these Ladies that make about $37 to $77 USD per month to do this work.<br />
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Its up to us as consumers to use products that promote Fair Trade and that will help our international vendors to understand the economic value of these products. <br />
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Watch this video...to learn the process.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q7ktkxQuCjI?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
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When I visited Ghana I went to the castles ans saw this sign<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42e4FpyKac8/UMFFzdt97WI/AAAAAAAAAFg/owSSjtlziSg/s1600/IMG_2436%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42e4FpyKac8/UMFFzdt97WI/AAAAAAAAAFg/owSSjtlziSg/s1600/IMG_2436%5B1%5D.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were all asked to repeat the words"Never Again"....in reference to slavery. Yet we still give away the treasures of the Motherland for free. Our people are still receiving peanuts for a $14 Billion Industry. This economic enslavement happens with diamonds, salt, cocoa, and now Shea Butter. Let's be contributors in the empowerment of this industry.<br />
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I see something happening over and over again. We keep misjudging (undervaluing) our worth. As African Americans, as Women, and as a collective society. Why do we keep voluntarily enslaving ourselves?<br />
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Now, I am a distributor at Olive Angel of Unrefined Shea Butter and Organic Black Soap, but I also advocate for those in the Shea Industry. We actually are on the cusp of a new industry and the success and/or failure of it depends on us...the consumer. On this blog I try to inform consumers and business owners more than anything about using economic power. I will post things that I think are helpful and contact me if you want to contribute, network, or just comment. <br />
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Ignorance is the enemy of Progress.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-27368351918382404472012-12-06T12:11:00.001-08:002012-12-07T16:03:09.558-08:00New TechnologyWe have so many thing we can do now to advertise. I'm just wondering what works. All this technology and new devices.<br />
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Reddit<br />
Tumbler<br />
Stumbler<br />
Twitter<br />
Blogging<br />
Vlogging<br />
Texting<br />
Email<br />
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I'm in my 30's and I sometimes get overwhelmed with all the stuff. <br />
In the next few weeks I might do a posting about all the new sites and hopefully help someone who is not used to using all the stuff we have. <br />
What ever happened to the good ole days of just talking and looking at a real person and not a pic. I'm not a picture person so I kind of try to skip over the whole Facebook thing. I just act like I don't see it. I personally LOVE Twitter but the connections are not so great. I am also a fan of LinkedIn . To me this is a really good resource for business people who are really interested in connect to other business people. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-45194679422364310962012-12-06T11:01:00.000-08:002012-12-07T16:03:59.459-08:00Bright idea to Big Business: Tip #3<br />
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<b><span style="background: #D9D9D9; color: #c0504d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Tip #3: No man is an island…</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #943634; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> No man is an
island…and going at it alone will leave you deserted.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Get some positive
mentors, industry related advice, and feedback from other business
owners. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ask, Seek, Knock</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> When I first
started getting information about starting a business, I was apprehensive about
asking for advice. I did not want to appear uneducated and I was afraid
that “people” would not have time to answer my questions. I was really
wrong; I find that most people want to advise others so they don’t make the
same mistakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I try to ask
questions to companies that are selling me something. I look at it as a
give and take, they have a sales pitch …you need sales tips…win,
win. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Support Staff</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Most of my support
system has been people that I met by chance who understood my struggles and
wanted to help. It pays to be personable and nonjudgmental because I
believe people are placed along your path for a reason. Team
building is very important because you can only do so much before you either
get burned out or drop the ball on something important. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Customers Come First</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>1. </b>Some of these important support areas become very
evident when writing your business plan others present themselves when the
time comes. For instance I mentioned in a previous post that “we
jumped in head first with no idea of what we were doing”. It is
important to have and maintain a customer base. In business, the
customer is the lifeblood, so someone must always be in charge of what is
going on with the customer. If this person is you then make sure
that you remember that vendors are customers too. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Right Hand Man (Woman)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>2. </b> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">In the beginning having
an administrative person seems like a luxury and many people try to do this
themselves. If you have never been doing this type of work then it can be
a BIG mistake to manage the business, the customer, and the finances. Do
yourself a favor…Hire a (Secretary, Administrative Assistant,
Co-Manager…Whatever title) person to handle the daily operations. The phone
calls, letters, emails, door answering, package delivery, filing, paperwork
person is very important. This person manages the distractions and
facilitates the actions in your business. This is often a very
imperative, yet overlooked part of organizing your system in business.</span></div>
<h4>
The Green</h4>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">3. The third (and sometimes
the most glorified) person that you need is the “Money “Person. This
person is in charge of bringing in the money (investors, creditors,
banking). The person who handles this aspect of the business pays
everyone or brings in the money. Now one thing I have learned in my
Accounting studies is that the person who handles the money coming in (inflows)
should not be the same person who handles what gets paid out (outflow).
This is a management and accounting control measure that ensures that there are
checks and balances in a business. If you are not a math, money person,
then you should be looking for an Accountant or Bookkeeper, to be a part of
your team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Team Building Equation </span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let’s recap: Team
building<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Administration +
Accounting/Finance + Customer Service (Inbound/Outbound) = Team.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You (Jack of all
trades ....Master of None) + No one Else = Hot Mess </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Of course, each business
has to consider how to compensate these people but in the very beginning you
should at least have these three areas covered. Now before those who are
reading this start asking questions like:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What about Marketing?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What about Advertising?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What about Human Resources?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pump your brakes because
you are the person who has to do all this work, delegate this work, or hire
(pay) someone to do this work. One thing at a time , one day at a time.
If you have your customers flowing and your budget allows for these areas
then go for it. I am just giving out some perspectives based on
past experiences Also remember that there are interns (and
teleworkers) that are looking for this type of work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Cost Saving Tip</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where to find
teleworkers and freelancers:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elance: <a href="http://www.elance.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.elance.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fiver :<a href="http://www.fiverr.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.fiverr.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Craigslist :<a href="http://www.craigslist.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.craigslist.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Task Rabbit: <a href="http://www.taskrabbit.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.taskrabbit.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I mentioned in a
previous post that the local Chamber of Commerce, Colleges and universities, as
well as SBA, and government sponsored organizations are all good place to ask
questions, do research, and network. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #76923c; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There Is No I in Team
and No Team with One Person.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-44601704504879290222012-12-05T12:55:00.001-08:002012-12-07T16:05:27.612-08:00Bright Idea to Big Business Tip #2<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #943634; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Tip #2: It Works if you Work</span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do
something every day for your business.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If you are in the idea phase that means writing, researching, and
checking out the market.</span><br />
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This will be a little off topic at first but I will tie it
together in the end. I want to share a
story that I hope will help someone. A
few years ago, (2004)…I was in Nursing School (actually on the waiting list to
be accepted), and a single mother. I was
not rich but I had a roof over my head, a job, and some avenues if I needed
help. I was so miserable and I wanted to
do something totally different. </div>
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So I moved away from my hometown to another state because I
wanted something better for my life and my son.
I kept starting and stopping the Nursing School thing until one day I
realized that “I did not want to be a Nurse”.
I discovered I was not following my dream I was doing the “thing”
everyone said I should do. </div>
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**** I still get
lots of gossip about that one --- (mostly behind my back but some pretty in my
face). </div>
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I did not really know
I would or even wanted to have my own business at this time. </div>
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Long story short…New
state brought New dreams. </div>
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I started meeting people who had their own businesses who
were not really different from myself. What I learned from that experience was
that businesses were easier to start than I thought. I started a business that was basically me
and some family members. We had no clue
of what we were doing…<span style="color: blue;">One down</span>.</div>
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So the next time because I was determined to get it right, I
started another business with my boyfriend. This time we went all out and
started a restaurant. A Partnership… (not the best way to go for
me). It was lots of money but I never
made a dime. Everyone was either
stealing from us or we owed money out. We had too much business, too many employees,
and still no clue of what we were doing. ....<span style="color: blue;">Two down</span></div>
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Well I learned a lot and we lost a lot.
In our ignorance we never sought out advice and that “partnership” ended with losing a business and leaving me with a huge tax bill (about $30 k). Partnerships can leave you personally liable. </div>
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Lesson: Get Tax Advice, Monitor your Cash, Hire a Good Manager </div>
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It was during this time that I began to
wonder if I was crazy or I was just destined to do something else. I had pretty much
given up on trying another business. I
was broke, unsure of my career path, and a little ego bruised. So after some time I tried again. </div>
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This time I started different.</div>
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First I wrote out a plan, not just a few pages but a clear
plan for the next few years. I needed to
clearly map out how I saw things going in this business. I didn't forget to mention this before…we just didn't do it and that is a rookie
mistake. We were acting like we knew it
all when in essence we didn't know enough. See the difference between the times before
and this time boils down to learning the lessons. The first time we started with no money, no vision,
and eventually no business. Then, we had
lots of money to start but no knowledge, no clear vision, no discipline, and we
failed again. This time is different I
have the school of Hard Knox education, some professional business advisers, access
to money, working CPA knowledge, and a clearly written, well defined business plan.
We are not breaking the bank but we are still in business.</div>
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Without the initial cash to do everything at once, you have
to make decisions about what is important.
Now each day has a goal and purpose.
Each day there is a focus in our business, sometimes its product development, other times its marketing and
networking, or some other aspect of the business. The reason I like having a business is not all
about the money. It is about the process
for me, I needed to learn the hard way that the process was just as important
as the outcome. Now I’m learning that everything cannot be
done in one day but every day I can do something to make the business a
success.</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow <u>Your</u> Dreams and Don’t Give Up.</span> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-85792041463840608112012-12-05T11:20:00.000-08:002012-12-07T16:06:07.478-08:00Bright idea to Big Business: Five Beginner Tips<br />
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Bright idea to Big Business: Five Beginner Tips</div>
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Some of us have dreams of owning a business. We have some special gift or talent that we
have that we want to capitalize on or just something we enjoy doing. Some of us have done the entrepreneur thing
before and maybe were not as successful as we wanted to be. ----- (That would
be me). Some of us are just tired of working for
someone else and want to make our own money.
Whatever your reasons there is a point in time when that idea must
become a reality. </div>
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Here are five tips for those that just need help getting
started. </div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #943634; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Tip
# 1: Be a Know it All ……(About your Business)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #943634; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;"></span></i></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><b><i><span style="color: #943634; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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First you are going
to be the expert in your business so be and expert and educate yourself on your
industry. Market research can be really insightful, especially about the future
of your business/ industry. It would be
very uninformed to go into the DVD rental business right now because the
industry is declining rapidly and the market is drying up for this type of
business. If you are determined to get
in this industry then gaming and Red Box leasing might be a better place to
start researching. </div>
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There are some legal and structural things that must happen
in the beginning or start up phase of a company, to help you to stay compliant, advertise, and
be in business. The best “worst” advice
out there is to just start selling something …..”Just go out there and do it”. Well, an experienced business person will
tell you this is almost the worst thing to do first. The very first thing you should do as a
person going into business is ask questions…lots of them.</div>
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I have given you a couple that are kind of universal to
start your mission.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do I need a business license to do this? ( Call
your County Business License Office)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">What industry am I in? What are the demographics
of my customers?</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
This information can be found by doing
some industry research at the local library, college, or Chamber of Commerce. Depending on your finances, you could also
pay for industry reports which many market research companies publish. In every business there is a typical
consumer. You must know where to find
these people. The internet and social
media has made this task easier but still you have to seek this information
out. Also you must have your product and
or service ready to present to the customer.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">What is the best area for my business?</span><!--[if !supportLists]--></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Who is my competition?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->What documentation do I need to get licensed?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most counties require identification, place of business
(POB), phone number, an agent (person responsible if trouble comes), a lease or
proper zoning, and an estimate of income from business. If you plan to get a bank account then most
will also require a business license, A Federal Tax Identification Number
(FEIN), and a state issued legal document.
This document explains the nature of your business and legal
structure. If you decide to do a sole
proprietorship then some of this is bypassed but remember you are taking
personal liability for anything that happens in this business and vice
versa. When a person says they lost
everything when they opened a business ….more than likely it was a sole
proprietor who risked it all for the business.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are lots of questions to answer in the beginning…I
think that is why it is called the start up phase and not the start up day. The good news is that most of this
information gathering is useful now and in the future – especially since most
of these questions need to be answered for the business plan. The bad news is that it will take some
time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are some statistics out there that say 1 in 5 new
businesses fail in the first year …and the numbers are worse for the first five
years. The (untold) is most of those
businesses don’t follow the advice given, don’t know their business, and fail
to do their research first. If you get
through the first stages and you still want to go into business for yourself…then
you are well on your way to becoming a success story.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-10391568736719995402012-12-04T14:16:00.002-08:002012-12-08T09:13:48.177-08:00Truth momentThe truth of the matter is ...blogging takes time. I am just starting out in this business and to be really honest it like walking in the dark at times. Once all the preliminary paperwork and licensing is done...the truth is owning a business is lots of unpaid (initially) grunt work. I wish I could say it in a better way but I promised to be honest in this blog. I have some advice for beginners about starting a business. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
A. Have the correct amount of money and<br />
B. Have a team<br />
<br />
I know this sounds kind of simple but trying to make money without money is like a dog chasing its tail. Also you must have a team that is good at doing something and willing to start off for free. Loyalty cannot be bought and a free worker that has real loyalty is actually priceless. <br />
<br />
I must apologize to anyone who is following because my posts have been sporadic but I have been very busy looking for money, customers, and vendors for this business. For the next few weeks I plan to be more active and hopefully get more interaction for this site. <br />
<br />
Just Remember: All Greatness has Humble BeginningsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-2621481007743838092012-11-06T13:27:00.002-08:002012-12-08T09:14:39.699-08:00GratefulBusiness is moving and my family is healthy. <br />
<br />
We eat, have shelter, and have clothes on our backs.<br />
I'm grateful.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
I really do not have anything enlightening to say today but it has been a month since I have posted and I thought it was time to reconnect. I learned a new term over the past month. Crowd funding. I'm still a skeptic but I'm doing some research. Like I have said so many times...if I had enough money I could do so much more.<br />
<br />
I decided I really have to make this business work. To be honest I need the success .... My scorecard is getting kind of low lately and I need this business to work. I have tried and failed a few times in the past and I need a winner. I kind of have to be my own cheerleader these days. I guess that is the lesson or tidbit of wisdom....Be your own Cheerleader.<br />
<br />
More to come later..Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-69269674756885387982012-10-15T13:07:00.000-07:002012-12-08T09:16:39.287-08:00Education: The difference<strong>Tips for buying Shea Butter.</strong><br />
<br />
There are many uses for Shea Butter but before you use it it is important to know how to buy it.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Finding the right Shea Butter</h3>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<br />
Tip 1: Buy Shea that has been tested and has a Grade (A-F). <br />
<br />
Grades are good for determining the length of time since the Shea was made and the conditions of which the Shea Butter was preserved. <br />
** Grade F is bad and not good for consumption and/or use for the consumer.<br />
<br />
Tip 2: Color range of Shea Butter is Ivory to Light Yellow. Golden Yellow is common in Ghana because of an additive that is used in the roots of some trees. <br />
<br />
Tip 3: Companies that use high grade products state it clearly<br />
<br />
Tip 4: White or Clear Shea Butter is mixed with gasoline like chemical that removes all the bad things in Shea and most of the good things. Neutralized with a lye like material, then bleached for the refined finish. <br />
<br />
Tip 5: Most Shea butter is graded by results of lab tests and length of time on the shelf.<br />
<br />
*** Everything that looks good is not good for you***<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-17020457748752340362012-10-15T12:42:00.002-07:002012-12-08T09:17:26.207-08:00Lets Talk Shea Butter<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Countries that Produce the Shea Tree
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For those that follow me and Olive
Angel, you all know that importing Shea Butter is the business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well as a company...we attended the
International Shea Butter Convention (2012) in Atlanta. It was informative and
many other things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I want to share some information
because as a company we distribute Shea Butter.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here are some Shea Facts: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shea butter is produced (naturally
in the continent of Africa). Most of the packaging that states Unrefined Shea
Butter from Africa, has it right technically. We will do more specifics later
but I think educating the public about Shea is vital to the success of the Shea
Butter Industry as well as the consumers of the product. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are 19 countries that have
access to this product and can be source of the Shea Butter that reaches the
United States.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sources
Of Shea Butter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Countries that have the Shea Tree:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">East Africa produces Vitellaria
Paradoxa</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 46pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cameroon ( Central Africa)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 46pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Central African Republic ( Central Africa)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 46pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chad ( Central Africa)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 46pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ethiopia</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 46pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sudan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 46pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Uganda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 46pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">West Africa: produces Vitellaria Nilotica</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 46pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 56pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Benin<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape adj="0,,0" coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_s1026" o:spt="100" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f" style="height: 50pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: hidden; width: 50pt; z-index: 251658240;" u1:preferrelative="t" u1:spt="75">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 56pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Burkina
Faso<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> <v:shape adj="0,,0" alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Flag_of_Burkina_Faso.svg/22px-Flag_of_Burkina_Faso.svg.png" coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" o:spt="100" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f" style="height: 11.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 16.5pt;" u1:spid="_x0000_i1034">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 56pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cote
D'Ivoire <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape adj="0,,0" alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/Flag_of_Cote_d%27Ivoire.svg/22px-Flag_of_Cote_d%27Ivoire.svg.png" coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" o:spt="100" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f" style="height: 11.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 16.5pt;" u1:spid="_x0000_i1033">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 56pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ghana<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape adj="0,,0" alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/Flag_of_Ghana.svg/22px-Flag_of_Ghana.svg.png" coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" o:spt="100" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f" style="height: 11.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 16.5pt;" u1:spid="_x0000_i1032">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 56pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Guinea<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> <v:shape adj="0,,0" alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Flag_of_Guinea.svg/22px-Flag_of_Guinea.svg.png" coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_i1029" o:spt="100" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f" style="height: 11.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 16.5pt;" u1:spid="_x0000_i1031">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Guinea
Bissau<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> <v:shape adj="0,,0" alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/Flag_of_Guinea-Bissau.svg/22px-Flag_of_Guinea-Bissau.svg.png" coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_i1030" o:spt="100" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f" style="height: 8.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 16.5pt;" u1:spid="_x0000_i1030">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mali<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape adj="0,,0" alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/Flag_of_Mali.svg/22px-Flag_of_Mali.svg.png" coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_i1031" o:spt="100" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f" style="height: 11.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 16.5pt;" u1:spid="_x0000_i1029"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">8. Niger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nigeria<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> <v:shape adj="0,,0" alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/79/Flag_of_Nigeria.svg/22px-Flag_of_Nigeria.svg.png" coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_i1032" o:spt="100" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f" style="height: 8.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 16.5pt;" u1:spid="_x0000_i1028">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 56pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senegal<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> <v:shape adj="0,,0" alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/Flag_of_Senegal.svg/22px-Flag_of_Senegal.svg.png" coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="Picture_x0020_14" o:spid="_x0000_i1033" o:spt="100" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f" style="height: 11.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 16.5pt;" u1:spid="_x0000_i1027">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sierra
Leone<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> <v:shape adj="0,,0" alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Flag_of_Sierra_Leone.svg/22px-Flag_of_Sierra_Leone.svg.png" coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="Picture_x0020_15" o:spid="_x0000_i1034" o:spt="100" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f" style="height: 11.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 16.5pt;" u1:spid="_x0000_i1026">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Togo <v:shape adj="0,,0" alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/Flag_of_Togo.svg/22px-Flag_of_Togo.svg.png" coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="Picture_x0020_16" o:spid="_x0000_i1035" o:spt="100" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f" style="height: 10.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 16.5pt;" u1:spid="_x0000_i1025">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">All the countries have Grades A-F but the information about how it was extracted, when it was extracted , and the process used are all diffrent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">As a US consumer ask the compnay that distributes your Shea...What grade is your Shea?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-63819034995251067162012-10-15T11:44:00.000-07:002012-12-08T09:18:58.914-08:00Successful AttitudeI said this would be a blog about learning (from the ground up) about building a business from scratch. For those that do not understand where scratch is that would be : from big idea to an actual business. So where did we leave off....Building capital I think. <br />
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Well After the bright idea: there is Phase 1... the start up phase or the planning phase . <br />
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To be honest I do not believe that starting a business without a "Good Business Plan" is a very smart idea. First because of a very old but very true saying:<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">"If</span><span style="color: blue;"> you fail to plan then you plan to fail "</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">When writing your business plan, you will be brilliant, and well researched, and sound so knowledgeable. Then when you spend 2-3 week or months (depends on the business...and the people) you think it is the most best thing since sliced bread. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Now you can talk to banks, businesses, and buddies.....about investing in your brilliance. They are going to read it, give you suggestions, and be impressed, but the truth of the matter is this. </span></div>
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If you do not invest your own time and resources into the business (first) and show profit.... its just hard.</div>
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[ <em>I really don't want to say this because once its in the universe I won't be able to take it back.]</em> </h4>
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But anyway....</div>
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It is disappointing to find out that your friends and family may not be your biggest supporters in the beginning....they probably will be your biggest critics. </div>
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They are going to remind you of all your past mistakes, failures, hair-brained ideas, and the failure rate of most other businesses. </div>
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They will point out everything you do wrong and why they are not buying from you or using your service. </div>
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And to add insult to injury all this great advice and criticism will probably be a deterrent for a few potential customers.</div>
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****I do want to say that when no one else will say something good you can count on your mother to still think you are OK. ****</div>
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That is the bad part...... but the good part .........is they are Right???. </div>
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Just think about it: </div>
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<strong>How many times have you bought something out of guilt not desire?...(</strong>Not that many?...me either.)</div>
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Want - Need - Desire? These are Market Analysis Questions...This is key in your business plan and your business...If you are not filling a want, there is no need for what you are offering, and you are not bringing it, i.e. creating desire......You are in trouble and so is your business. </div>
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<strong>How often do you invest in a company that has a bad/negative history?...(</strong>Just watch the stock market for a few months and see how bad news hurts profits.)</div>
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Credit + Collateral + Character = Financials .</div>
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<strong>Credit</strong> is based on your ability to pay your bills, loans, and/ or any other contractual obligations.</div>
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<strong>Collateral</strong> is the items of value you spend your money on: What is important to you? </div>
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<strong>Character</strong> is your reputation and your mentality: </div>
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What type of person are you?</div>
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Do you honor your commitments? </div>
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Can the public trust you with their safety?</div>
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Can the public trust you with their money?</div>
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( Its not just the banks but the investors that are looking for the 3 Big C's). They are looking to find out if you are the real deal or just a taker. Investment has one key element: Return on investment(ROI). Most of the time people that look at business plans already know the information you are presenting.... they want to know if you know and the financials are the very 1st place they look. The basic formula for creating a business is pretty easy to find and follow. The success of a business is a talent that must be developed. </div>
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<strong>Why is the your personal economy in and out of recession ?</strong> (Business fails when people do not buy.) </div>
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Industry Analysis: The best product has to make adjustments based on the condition of the consumer economy, the technology, trends, and the regulations in the industry. </div>
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<strong>How many times have you got suspicious because you don't see foot traffic in a store or restaurant?....</strong>(Maybe it is my business background but whenever I'm dining out I always mentally count how many people come in and out of a restaurant.)</div>
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Advertising - Customer Service - Promotion: </div>
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Is your business open, accessible, and inviting?</div>
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How are you handling your customers? are they Happy? Satisfied?Recurring?</div>
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Is the word out about your product/service and Are you keeping your word?</div>
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One of the wonderful things about our country is the democracy and the capitalism we have. </div>
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Democratically: we are free to consume what we want. ( with laws...of course)</div>
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Capitalistically: we can also chose where and when we consume (market)</div>
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These are all valid questions that we value when strangers want to know but get defensive about when friends and family ask. In one way or another you have to ask yourself (and answer) these questions and a few more before you throw $$$ behind a good idea. Sometimes you have to be really honest with yourself and find out how to solve your own problems. Once you get past these beginning little hurdles then you can start cooking with gas....( I live in the South now ...so I have picked up a few sayings...)</div>
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I will be the first to admit I have had some crazy ideas in the past without planning. I have started and failed at more things than I am comfortable admitting to (right now), and I REALLY do not handle criticism with the greatest of ease. Most businesses do fail in the first few years of opening and I am not really happy with the level of service I can provide at this stage (beginning). </div>
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I have a big problem with disloyalty....especially with those I allow to stay in my circle. I have been more than quick to write people off and be judgemental, and patience is one of those virtues I was not born with. </div>
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Why is this important? </div>
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I heard Oprah Winfrey say recently, on her show that:</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">" Success is about attitude"</span> </div>
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This sounds a little too simplistic but the wisdom in those words is very true. I read in the Bible somewhere ( I think Proverbs) that wisdom comes from understanding. Well I'm starting to understand what my success is about. </div>
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Its about my attitude during the down times, the disloyal times, the failing times, the times you need uplifting and support, the critical times, the frightening times, and the blessed times that determines my success. I will be a better success when I see myself as the success I want to be, value the success that I am, and appreciate all the success I have along the way. Thats my truth...</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-22947360948494939622012-09-04T08:47:00.001-07:002012-12-08T09:20:45.964-08:00New directionsWell...now that I have taken a 2 week break. I guess I have some catching up to do. <br />
<br />
The best thing about having a business is the flexibility. The worst part is that you are responsible for everything ...Good and Bad. Just to fill you in about the Olive Angel world I will give you a rundown of what has happened in the past few weeks. <br />
<br />
We are closer to obtaining funding for the business...Thanks to new banker friends that we have. The equipment for our business is very expensive so we need to find some investors. I found out that real estate outside of the US is totally useless in the US. And that this distribution thing is a massive project. <br />
<br />
So it looks like we back to the drawing board.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
Sales are slow but we are at a steady networking pace. I made the decision to not involve my friends and family at this stage because I need support both financially and emotionally. I know that is probably the opposite of advice that most people give but for now that is the best way for Olive Angel. I guess in that respect we are not really working the grass roots strategy of communication. We have done a few other businesses but this time it is just different. I really think this is the business that is going to take us over the top.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-46393501801987532432012-08-17T16:37:00.002-07:002012-12-08T09:23:45.996-08:00Brand New Day<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: right; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40295335@N00/5637511745" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="Shea butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) below H..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5637511745_751f92a4ae_m.jpg" height="180" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 240px;">Shea butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) below Hotel Printania (Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40295335@N00/5637511745" target="_blank">Joel Abroad</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well all I can say is the book by Catherine Ponder really works. <br />
<br />
I have been positively affirming myself and others and things are going well. I still have to do the closet clearing today but at least I can see a improvement. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">Good News </span><br />
Olive Angel made some very good networking contacts today, we are soon going to have some new versions of our <a href="http://www.oliveangel.biz/" target="_blank">Shea Butter,</a> and <a href="http://www.oliveangel.biz/" target="_blank">Black Soap</a>. We are definitely attending the Shea Butter Convention in October.<br />
<br />
It has been a productive day is all I can say. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Blogging</span><br />
<br />
I am new to the blogosphere, at least as a marketing tool for the business but I am working on my blogging technique everyday. I am very interested in your feedback so please leave comments. <br />
<br />
Speaking of Shout outs...I want to Thank Veronica for the kind words. My teammates Varetta and Kwabena, and of course my biggest promoter <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G_%28New_York_City_Subway_service%29" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="G (New York City Subway service)">GG</a>. <br />
<br />
I also want to point everyone to a site of a company that is doing good things...Sometimes we just have to honor those who do good without asking. Please check out <a href="http://www.globalsoap.org/">www.globalsoap.org</a>...they are a company that is doing something big, philanthropic, and inspirational.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Business </span><br />
<br />
Well we are in the first official month and we are gathering a following. We are ironing out a few kinks in our distribution and <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marketing_research" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Marketing research">product testing</a>, but for the most part we are learning how to be our Brand. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Branding</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22484764@N05/2256054209" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="Shea Butter" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2098/2256054209_40d2865a57_m.jpg" height="180" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center;">Shea Butter (Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22484764@N05/2256054209" target="_blank">LilyBaySoap</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is more than a logo and a sticker....that is for sure. After you order all the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.business.com/sales-and-marketing/business-cards/" rel="businesscom" target="_blank" title="Business Cards">business cards</a> and join 150+ <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.wikinvest.com/concept/Social_media" rel="wikinvest" target="_blank" title="Social media">social media</a> sites ....There is still the real business of advertising. If you want to promote your brand well then expect to shell out something <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_sample" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Product sample">free samples</a>, volunteer work, or money. There is this myth that is lingering in the world that free means FREE...<br />
<br />
Everything costs something in business and sometimes it costs more because you are a business. This is not a bad thing but it is something to educate others of that are on the entrepreneurial track. <br />
<br />
Okay now for my favorite part of the day.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Tip of the Day: Meet with people in your industry.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shea_nut_processing_in_Burkina_Faso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="A woman processes Shea tree nuts into Shea but..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Shea_nut_processing_in_Burkina_Faso.jpg/300px-Shea_nut_processing_in_Burkina_Faso.jpg" height="133" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 300px;">A woman processes Shea tree nuts into Shea butter. Shea butter comes from the nuts of the Shea tree (Parkia biglobosa), and for women in poor rural comunities it can provide a pathway out of poverty. (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shea_nut_processing_in_Burkina_Faso.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-944812631642618092012-08-16T16:52:00.003-07:002012-12-08T09:25:50.156-08:00Elevation<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Gifts</span></b><br />
<br />
I recently was given a gift of knowledge that I found invaluable. The key to prosperity is to give more than you receive. It sounds simple but it takes practice.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">Books</span></b><br />
<br />
I am <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_%28process%29" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Reading (process)">reading a book</a> by <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_Ponder" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Catherine Ponder">Catherine Ponder</a> and it is called "Open the Mind to Prosperity"<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
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Initially I thought the information would be outdated and not useful but thankfully I was wrong. <br />
<br />
Anyway , Mrs. Ponder goes on in the book about changing your <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thought" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Thought">thinking</a> about prosperity.<br />
<br />
Ok....Not the first time I have heard this but for some reason it was exactly what I needed to hear today. <br />
<br />
More on the book later......<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">Knowledge and Quotations</span></b><br />
<br />
There is a saying that says if you want to keep "the people " ignorant , then put information in a book. I found that to be kind of cynical (at first) but as I grow older and have more experiences , I realize the wisdom in those words. <br />
<br />
If you want to know about something you should read about it. <br />
Maybe that is not the end all but it is definitely a start.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">Business Preparation</span></b><br />
<br />
Over the past few weeks I have been preparing myself for something big...<br />
Im not really sure of the details but I feel it... and I know that Im right.<br />
If you really want to learn about starting a business from scratch ...I would definitely advise you to follow this blog for the next few weeks....I plan to share a lot of information ...especially about <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butter" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Shea butter">Shea Butter</a>, Black Soap, Organic Products, and much more. <br />
<br />
I have been getting us ready for this business to develop into a major corporation.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Blogging about this business</b></span><br />
<br />
Now this blog is about starting from nothing and growing into something great....so I have to say this.<br />
<br />
It takes some time to build a real business...to be honest I have done it the other way before .<br />
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I have bootlegged my business and products in the past. I can say it is a fast track to nowhere and you never really see any profit. <br />
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Mistakes in Business : Not taking the time to develop self, a good team, or products .....and it taught me a very valuable lesson. <br />
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" If you do not do it right the first time ...you will have to do it again"<br />
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I will never go into a business again without planning, preparation, a committed team, and a whole lot of patience. It is not easy to think about progress when the $$$$ is low, slow, or just $0...but the key is to keep looking forward and making contacts.<br />
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Tip1 : On days like this ( Slow Progress Days) try to do something positive and get around your support system (fast)<br />
<br />
Some days you are on the phone, some days you are in the field, some days you are behind the computer- answering the telephone,emails, and writing letters. There are days when everything is a challenge and days when you are not yourself.<br />
<br />
The good news is that there are also days when everything runs smoothly, when money flows ...even overflows, and days when you are moving too fast. On those days deals come thru, new customers give rave reviews, and you actually feel good about all the bad days....<br />
<br />
Tip 2: Enjoy them both (<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_and_evil" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Good and evil">good and bad</a> days) both are opportunities to grow.<br />
<br />
But at some point you have to spend time planning.<br />
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Now I am a mother and I have a life outside of this business but for the next few months Im praying that my family, friends, and associates understand that there is a time for everything but now is not your time. We are developing Olive Angel and that is the baby of the family for now. <br />
<br />
I have <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_partner" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Business partner">business partners</a> that have just as hectic schedules but they are also committed to making this business a success.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>Watch the progress of Olive Angel.....www.oliveangel.biz</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<h2>
<b><span style="color: purple;">Message!!!!</span></b></h2>
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We have haters and negaters (made up word) in our midst....but don't mind them because they will not stop this movement that we are on. I have also learned that in time those same people will need something from you. <br />
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So I am saying all of that to make this point:<br />
<br />
<br />
We are wishing everyone who crosses our path a happy and prosperous journey. <br />
We are hoping that you will enjoy this journey with us but if not we enjoyed the time we had.<br />
We hope that all your dreams are fulfilled and beyond. <br />
We forgive you for any words, actions, and thoughts that may have stumbled you along the way. <br />
We at Olive Angel wish you a path of success because that is what we are on. <br />
<br />
Blessings to all Olive Angel's<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-37037755963819495872012-08-15T08:07:00.001-07:002012-08-15T08:07:24.424-07:00IntegrationTravel in Africa<br />
<br />
Recently I went to Ghana and I found many things that I wanted to bring back to America and share with others. <br />
<br />
Starting a business<br />
<br />
When we went to Ghana we saw many opportunities for doing business. I had already been using Shea Butter from Ghana and I had heard about the Black Soap so I wanted to go out and see things for myself. This was the beginning of Olive Angel and the foundation of our company. <br />
<br />
I will share some photos over the next few days for everyone to see. Here is a photo of my mom and two of my friends modeling some of the fashion from Ghana.<br />
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Fashion from Ghana<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrlZi_SDHHM/UCu4Z0YPc6I/AAAAAAAAADs/UqEYbWKeSjg/s1600/DSC02421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrlZi_SDHHM/UCu4Z0YPc6I/AAAAAAAAADs/UqEYbWKeSjg/s320/DSC02421.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEGUTbvCDnE/UCu4xNkjlYI/AAAAAAAAAD0/OXw_FMONx4g/s1600/Family+in+gear+from+Ghana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEGUTbvCDnE/UCu4xNkjlYI/AAAAAAAAAD0/OXw_FMONx4g/s320/Family+in+gear+from+Ghana.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
These fashions are in the following order<br />
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My mom is modeling Pink Linen with the matching scarf.<br />
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My friend Angie is modeling a traditional African print .<br />
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My friend Deanna is modeling a Kente cloth dress with the matching Bag.<br />
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We will be adding the remaining bags and dresses along with a few other products on our new site.<br />
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www.oliveangel.biz.<br />
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Things are really looking up for us we just need to organize things well first. We are all really excited about the things that are going on in the company and we look forward to sharing these successes along the way. <br />
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Stay tuned.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-38929981518456759712012-08-09T17:52:00.001-07:002012-08-09T17:52:51.766-07:00ChangesWe are making a lot of changes internally so for the next few days this blog might be a little random. We have been doing a lot of research and refocusing in the hopes the education will make us better business owners and people. <br />
<br />
When we first started this business ...we wanted to do something good as well as make a profit. The lesson we are learning is that the money will follow the cause. It is obvious that money is important but it is not the main reason for this business. <br />
<br />
We all want to help our family, friends, and anyone who might learn from this ground up experience. We know too many people who are professional workers and they never see the benefits of making the decisions for themselves. There is nothing wrong with a Just Over Broke(JOB) but having your own business opens more doors and strengthens yourself, your family, your community, and the economy. We understand it and we just cant go back now that we know better.<br />
<br />
<br />
We know that these first months will take a lot of faith, hard work, and a strong team that has the same focus as we do. We know that in the end it will be worth the journey and that we will do it bigger and better than we are even imagining. <br />
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We just want to say that fear, unfamiliarity, and waiting to see others do it first are all very bad reasons to wait to start a new business. We are starting with basically a strong desire to not have to ask anyone else for permission to live our kind of life. We are not waiting on anyone or anything else...we are running forward. We want to enjoy this journey because we deserve to and we will be earning it. <br />
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To be honest today was more informational and enlightening in the sense that we are learning to understand the consumer so we can serve the customer. <br />
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Olive Angel Inc., is not about being a huge corporation that isolates from the people and focuses on the $$$$... we are about uplifting, encouraging, educating, and serving our customers. It sounds more like a mission than a motto but its real so that is all that matters.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-61913537868282368712012-08-08T14:32:00.000-07:002012-08-08T14:32:20.251-07:00WebsitesToday we made a decision to separate Olive Angel Inc from Mega trade Investments...( at least corporately). We are now separate and Olive Angel Inc uses the site <a href="http://www.oliveangel.biz/">www.oliveangel.biz</a>.<br />
<br />
We are getting official.<br />
<br />
The project of the day has been finding a web domain name and a web hosting site. The price of the features can be a little tricky. The domain names are super cheap but the site features and security makes things pricey. My experience has taught me to make money then create expense. I am making some decisions. In the meantime .... the site will be hosted by me. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow we will get a few more things and everyday we will just keep things moving. It is my goal to have 3000 customers before the end of the year. I know we can do it.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-51854374349544089602012-08-06T15:23:00.001-07:002012-08-06T15:23:50.422-07:00MondaysWhen I was younger...and until about an hour ago. I really did not like Mondays. Sometimes it was because I didn't want to go back to work after the weekend. Often they just ended up being the worst day of the week. I decided that Olive Angel would not have bad Mondays...from now on Mondays are Money Days. <br />
<br />
I had a money day today and it was good. I think positive affirmations will help us along in these economically competitive days of starting this venture. <br />
<br />
Good Talk.....Terrific Tuesday should be even better.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-30493654663580941882012-08-03T10:49:00.001-07:002012-08-03T10:49:43.806-07:00The Hair Times of Free Spirit: Style Bloggers of Color Conference 2012<a href="http://naturallykela.blogspot.com/2012/06/style-bloggers-of-color-conference-2012.html?spref=bl">The Hair Times of Free Spirit: Style Bloggers of Color Conference 2012</a>: Saturday June 9, 2012 Atlanta, GA I was afforded the opportunity to attend Panel discussions during Mattieologie's Style Bloggers of ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-148653893914714202012-08-02T13:38:00.001-07:002012-08-02T13:38:36.040-07:00Benefits and BlessingsThere are a lot of good that comes from positive affirmations and good advice. Even though the situation with the business is slow, I got some good feedback today. One person gave me a suggestion about how our products are displayed and it was very useful. Feedback is a good thing. I know that with a little time and experience this business will be a hit. In the meantime we will be positive and everyday we can be productive then things will work out in our favor. Keep smiling, learn from mistakes, and listen to your customers. Those are a few of the things we can take from today.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-61432807791917861892012-08-01T12:45:00.000-07:002012-12-07T12:08:53.407-08:00Good days and bad days<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Keep Your Head up..</span><br />
<br />
I know it is probably bad form to blog about today but I want to tell the truth to whomever may hit this same situation. In the beginning of starting a business there are days when you hit a wall. I faced several things today but all of them were depending on money.<br />
<br />
Money... dinero...moolah...the cheese...and a whole list of other names. <br />
<br />
Money is a touchy topic for most people because it sparks so many emotions, and the lack of it can cause outright turmoil. I know that sounds a little tragic and negative but in truth lack of money (or anything you really need) is tragic and negative. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Entrepreneur</span><br />
<br />
I have to stay focused on the big picture...we are starting a new business. We will have many days when things do no go the way we plan them. I have not found the formula for solving how to fill the space of " I don't know. I try to find supportive people in these times but I think I am attracting the wrong elements because things are off balance. We have run out of funds both personally and for our business. It just happens to be the same day we have to pay for everything. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Obstacles and Opportunities</span><br />
<br />
<br />
I have heard all of these phrases in the past month:<br />
"NO",<br />
" Declined"<br />
" We regret to inform you",<br />
" At this time we will not be able to",<br />
"If you could only pay this today",<br />
" Do you have anyone else who might be able to help you ", <br />
" We cannot help at this time"<br />
" We can't "<br />
"We don't"<br />
and " Unfortunately" .... all too many times.<br />
<br />
I need a " Yes" to something. <br />
<br />
The funny thing is "Yes" you can do anything you pursue but the timing is the thing you have to get right. I vowed not to say the " shoulda, coulda, woulda " phrases. So I am not. I just want to say, if you are ever out there and you have started a business and you hit the money wall. Just remember there are two objectives for the wall being there. <br />
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1. To keep things outside<br />
2. To protect the things inside<br />
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Now you just have to find out which side you are on and if that is the right side for you. <br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Every Door has Two Sides.</span></h2>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-50192536815044505782012-07-31T09:34:00.001-07:002012-07-31T09:34:59.608-07:00Real World Olive Angel: Real World Olive Angel: N Technology<a href="http://realoliveangel.blogspot.com/2012/07/real-world-olive-angel-n-technology.html?spref=bl">Real World Olive Angel: Real World Olive Angel: N Technology</a><br />
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This is a repeatAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-60522122657463565382012-07-31T08:37:00.001-07:002012-12-06T12:16:50.630-08:00Real World Olive Angel: N TechnologyWow I just updated my page and I've come a long way...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-19792043231713031122012-07-31T08:30:00.003-07:002012-12-06T12:15:35.642-08:00N TechnologyI have just spent the past two hours connecting socially on the Internet because I need to get the word out about this awesome Shea butter that I have for sell. I have tweeted, tumbled, stumbled, linked in, Yahoo, face booked, Googled, iGoogle, hooted on a suite, emailed, feed, blogged,and after all of that I just learned that all of that probably doesn't matter unless I have a scan able app on Apple, Android, or Blackberry. Can somebody stop the madness. I am starting to miss the good ole days of landlines and letters in the mail. <br />
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Well, If you cant beat them join them.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-49617688132868802742012-07-19T14:08:00.000-07:002012-07-31T08:32:48.243-07:00My week of lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, Well....let me fill you in on a very eventful week. I have been trying to make this blog a daily thing but right now weekly seems to be my best fit. Last week I found a buyer but we were not ready to ship the quantity that she needed. Then I found out that the cost of our imports was double the price that was originally quoted. So in a nutshell (a Shea nut shell) I was not happy at the end of the week. I wanted to start this week very positively and productively. Other than a very expensive dentist bill this week has gone smoothly. We are moving rather slowly but next week I will start meeting with beauty supply stores to add to my client base. </div>
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So on Friday I got my new labels. </div>
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Let me know if you like them...I also have been trying to incorporate a little social media to my new business venture.<br />
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Facebook: Well to be honest I canceled my personal account about 2 years ago so I was a little shocked to see that the facebook ads for businesses was charging. I got a $30 charge today and I am not really sure why since I was not able to see my ad and I only saw about 3 names of others who had viewed my page. Olive Angel is my name ( if you get a chance to see it). <br />
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Twitter:https://twitter.com/1OliveAngel<br />
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I kind of love twitter...I only have 12 followers but I am taking a few days to really learn my social media. <br />
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Any tips or fans or hate mail just let me know... I am up for a little 2 way communication now.<br />
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By the way you can purchase these lovely items at <a href="http://www.megatradeinvestments.com/">www.megatradeinvestments.com</a> or on amazon at<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/shops/1OliveAngel">www.amazon.com/shops/1OliveAngel</a>
. Tell your friends , give me suggestions.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198411877952816591.post-37445696857429173492012-07-09T16:15:00.001-07:002012-07-09T16:15:13.561-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted to start this blog to share with everyone some of the trials since I opened Olive Angel products. The short story is that my boyfriend and I started a exporting company. It is going well but the majority of the business is dealing in cars and car parts. Since I am a girlie woman , my interest soon turned to other things. Along the way I started coming across a demand for natural products and Olive Angel is the product of some of my findings. </div>
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So her is some of the products I am rather excited about Black Soap. I have used this off and on for a few years but lately this is all that I use. and now we have it for sale. <a href="http://www.megatradeinvestments.com/">www.megatradeinvestments.com</a><br />
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I used it before because I am allergic to so many perfumes that I got tired of trying things that were not natural. I found this soap and it was nice and fresh and did not leave a film after I dried off. So now I import it and sell it online. I also have shea butter in both forms: white and yellow. So that is how we are starting. Totally organic, raw, and simple.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408457666897142128noreply@blogger.com0