Diversifying Your Circle of Influence

As I embark upon the first anniversary of living the dream, I reflect upon the wondrous journey of entrepreneurship.  The first thing that comes to mind is I AM HERE and STILL I RISE!  Being a womanpreneur is a unique and sometimes bitter sweet divine appointment for me.  I would be lying if I said 2008 didn't present "bitter" moments so in full transparency I must say there were moments when I thought I was not going to make it.  There were two occasions where I opened Career Link to look for a job and became physically sickened by the mere click of it all.  There were two jobs I applied for yet turned down.  There was a little voice inside that said "no! none of that is for you, keep walking in faith even when you don't see the next step or know the outcome.  Obediently, I walked my journey sometimes in darkness yet I kept moving.  Today I know for sure that if I just focus on living on purpose all my needs will be met!

It's amazing the support, guidance and mentorship I received during the past year.  Women from diverse backgrounds came to my aid, offered to help, listened to my story and walked with me on this journey of freedom and personal power.  When I stepped out on faith to live my dream of entrepreneurship, I thought a "certain" kind of woman would be right there with me.  I just knew that woman XY or Z would be willing to help along the way.  Boy was I surprised.  Then reality set in.  I needed to diversify my circle of influence.  I needed to step outside of what I knew and what was most comfortable and reach out to people who were genuinely interested in helping another woman live their dream. 

I even took huge steps to reach out to women who seemed unreachable, and what a wonderful surprise it was to see them embrace my vision.  I share my story with all authenticity because it is important that we as women not fear asking for help.  We must look beyond what is right in front of us and see the possibilities even when they can not be clearly identified.  We have to be willing to believe that women from diverse backgrounds have a tremendous amount of value and contribution to help us manifest our desires. 

I live to give!  I now more than ever realize the importance of just seeing people with no expectations.  In the past month women have reached out to me seeking a variety of things and many reaching out and not really knowing what they need but knowing they need something.  Women of all ages, races and geographic locations are seeking to be inspired and empowered.  I have recommitted to consistently displaying the aura of acceptance.  An aura that allows any woman to know that I am reachable despite who she is, what she looks like or where she lives. 

There is great power in diversifying your circle of influence.  There is great spiritual reward in creating an aura that speaks to the souls of people.  As I continue to diversify my circle, I know and eagerly await the opportunities to engage with fabulous women.  I offer you a few suggestions on diversifying your circle:

1.  Seek to add women who are smarter than you and glean from their wisdom.

2.  Seek to add women who are more financially prosperous than you and learn how to create your own prosperity.

3.  Seek to add women who look different than you and become enlightened by their cultural experiences.

4.  Seek to add women who have yet to arrive where you are and give back to the world by mentoring another woman.

5.  Seek to add women who are fully living the dream and be inspired to live your dreams.

I am living the dream, a vibrant life and loving my newfound diversified circle of women. 

For more information www.catricejacksonspeaks.com

 

 


Posted Jan 16 2009, 09:14 PM by Catrice Jackson The Diversity Expert!

Comments

Carmin Wharton wrote re: Diversifying Your Circle of Influence
on 01-17-2009 12:23 AM

Together, Catrice and I walked this exhilarating, often scary, but never predictable road of living our dream during 2008.  

I must say that Catrice has been a strong support system for me and I bet for a large circle of other women as well.

I had to laugh when she mentioned opening a career/job search website and becoming physically ill.  All I can say is "Amen!"  I find that when I search for a job, I feel a strong disconnect from that way of life.  I believe that "strong disconnect" is God whispering in your soul, "Go on, live your dream.  You can do it and I'm right here to help you."

Carmin Wharton, Founder & CEO

e-BlackWomenNetwork.com

Entrepreneurship on Your Terms

Lougenia J. Rucker wrote re: Diversifying Your Circle of Influence
on 01-17-2009 1:38 AM

Dear Catrice and Carmin,

Here is my brief story......on 1/14/09, I prepared myself to go officially on my first local, well advertised, Job Fair, after intentionally missing  a few in 2008. However, when I arrived at the 5-Star Venue, I was stoped in the lobby and asked if I could be helped. I informed the service gentleman that I was here to attend a Job Fair. It was very surprising  to find out that the Job Fair was CANCELLED...I thought to my self "unbeleivable".

So, I quickly returned back home and asked my self, "what's next?"

The answer is - back to being an empowered entrepreneur and creating a vibrant personal life and a brilliant business life all designed by destiny!

Back to a cicrle of sustaining support, Catriceology and  powerful diversified networks of information, inspiration and  revelation.

Back to Dreaming Big, Living on Purpose and Releasing Brilliance!!!

Lougenia J. Rucker, MA

Divine Diamonds Minsitries

LJR Training and Consulting, LLC

Catrice Jackson The Diversity Expert! wrote re: Diversifying Your Circle of Influence
on 01-25-2009 11:20 PM

Carmin and Lougenia

Thanks for sharing your stories, I know they will inspire other women who read them.  You are amazing women for your faith and determination!