The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

Has anyone tried this besides Adrienne? Her and her husband LOVE the plan and I mean LOVE it. It’s definitely worked for them. It also worked for my neighbor with his ex-wife. I will fully confess that I am terrible with money. Live for today! That’s my motto. Who cares about tomorrow? I could be dead!!! Well, at 35 I should have a better plan than Carpe Diem — or my fall back plan, marry rich!

So what did you find helpful? What were obstacles and how did you overcome them? Did you do some tweaking of the plan that seemed to work a little better for you? I’m honestly curious since Rockefeller I ain’t. I’ll take as much advice as people want to give!

You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman’s Guide to Purpose, Passion and Power

Book Synop: For over twenty-five years, Judi Moreo has studied the lives and habits of highly motivated and successful people. She has unraveled the mystery behind the illusion that only a chosen few are allowed success, and has become a respected authority on high level performance, personal development, and self-esteem.

Judi has now translated her wealth of knowledge into a meaningful and motivating guide. Writing in a comfortable, conversation style, she gives you simple, usable techniques that you can apply to your everyday world. It’s like having afternoon tea with your best friend.

In this book, she discusses how to:

· Recognize and release the fears that are keeping you from finding your purpose
· Turn your thoughts, hopes and ideas into positive action
· Ignite the spark of your creativity to find ways of overcoming obstacles
· Motivate yourself to set powerful goals and passionately achieve them
· Use your imagination to visualize and fashion the future you desire
· Associate for success, increasing your influence and power
· Build on faith in yourself, your life, and your source

The moment you start to apply what you read in this book, you’ll come to the realization that you really are….more than enough.

BBB:Welcome to Bewitched, Judi! Can you start off by telling us a little about yourself and your background?

Since I was l6 years old, I have been studying successful people….what they believe, the things they do, the things they don’t do. In 1970, I started my first business with my $2,000 savings. People told me you couldn’t start a business with such a small amount of money, but I believed I could, so I did. I sold the business in 1986 for cash. By then it was the largest and best model agency and convention service company in the state of Nevada. I then moved to South Africa to work for a media group of 24 newspapers, 2 radio stations, and a television station where I was the Group Promotions Manager and in charge of customer service training for all of the newspapers.

BBB: Please tell us about your book, You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman’s Guide to Purpose, Passion and Power.

“You Are More Than Enough” is a guide to discovering your purpose, unleashing your passion, and shaping your habits to realize the success you want in all the areas of your life – personal and professional relationships, career, finances, and security. In this book, we discuss how to:

• Recognize and release the fears that are keeping you from finding your purpose.
• Turn your thoughts, hopes, and ideas into positive action.
• Ignite the spark of your creativity to find ways of overcoming obstacles.
• Use your imaginations to visualize and fashion the future you desire.
• Associate for success, increasing your influence and power.
• Build on faith in yourself, your life, and your source.

BBB: What is the number one “lesson” you would like the reader to take away from your book?

I would like my readers to “get it” that they really are more than enough to be, have, and do whatever it is they want. I’d like them to quit under estimating themselves and over estimating others.

BBB: What do you think are the primary factors in people not reaching their full potential?

Fear and lack of discipline.

BBB: What would be the number one step in overcoming those factors?

Step into the fear and do what needs to be done.

BBB: What made you want to write this book?

I am a motivational speaker and so many of the participants in my audiences have expressed their doubts and fears to me that I wanted them to have something of me right in their office, their home or on their shelf, that when they are having these doubts, they can open the book, read and bit and feel like I am right there supporting them…..because I am.

BBB: Do you have any others in print or to be printed?

I have several other books in print. “Conquer the Brain Drain: 52 Creative Ways to Pump Up Productivity”; “Ignite the Spark: 52 Ways to Fire Up Your Team”, “Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Success”, “Make Up Your Face”, “Good Stuff to Know” and a new “Achievement Journal” which is the companion to “You Are More Than Enough”.

BBB:You have worked with many prestigious companies! What was your most challenging assignment and why?

Going to work and live in South Africa during the end of apartheid. It was such a difficult time in their country and yet such an incredible time. Many days and a lot more nights, I didn’t feel safe. I don’t think anyone else did either. The best part was being there during the first free election in their country and seeing people of all colors line up together to vote. What an incredible day that was!

BBB:Thank you so much for answering my questions! Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you and/or your book?

Thank you for the interview. I’ve had such great reviews and comments about the book. It is definitely achieving the purpose for which it was written….to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

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The Art of the Business Lunch: Building Relationships Between 12 And 2

Bewitched is very happy to have her stop by for some questions about her work while she is touring blogland!

BBB: Welcome to Bewitched, Robin! I’m very excited to have you here! Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Robin: I’ve lived in Las Vegas for about 33 years and have really seen some changes here. There were just 250,000 people here in 1974…now there are 1.8 Million! It gives me a very surreal view of business. I sold advertising for 18 years and resigned in 2003 to get my book published and launch my speaking career.

BBB: Now tell us a little about your book, The Art of the Business Lunch: Building Relationships Between 12 and 2.

Robin: This book is based on my experience courting clients. I have been on more than 3,000 client lunches and I saw my sales increase by more than 2000%! I knew I was onto something….a special way to treat clients that was paying off in a big way. It wasn’t long before my clients and friends started calling me “The Queen of the Business Lunch.” The tips and techniques in my book aren’t just about lunch. They are really about building solid, long-lasting relationships. People prefer to do business with people they like – and there’s no better way to get to know someone than by sharing a meal with them. Also, everything in the book can pertain to breakfasts, dinners and mixers.

BBB:What do you feel is the number one mistake people make in regards to business lunches? (Besides not scheduling any of course!)

Robin: You’re right – they have to book them first! And people are reluctant to make lunch appointments – especially with people they don’t know. It can be as awkward as a blind date. That’s where my book comes in; I teach people how to prepare for these meetings so that they can stack the deck in their favor. As for the #1 mistake? It’s talking too much. We are there to get to know our clients and if we’re doing all the talking, that’s not going to happen. We’re all guilty of this, especially if we tend to babble on when we’re nervous!

BBB: Are there some definite “no-no’s” while at lunch?

Robin: There are LOTS of “no-no’s” while at lunch! The book is 55,000 words on what to do and what NOT to do! The reason you want to meet your clients at a restaurant instead of in their office is because we tend to let our guard down when we are in a social setting. This is ideal for getting to know someone. The problem is that we, too, may fall prey to this relaxed atmosphere and loosen up a little too much…or say something we will regret. I’ve even done it myself! You get to laughing or having fun and forget that you’re there for business. It should be relaxed…but not too casual.

BBB: Besides the lunch route, do you recommend any other way to get yourself out there?

Robin: Networking functions are a great way to meet new people and expand your circle of friends and clients. Join industry associations, too. And, most importantly, volunteer! Being on a board of directors puts you in touch with the movers and shakers in your industry. You will soon be on a first-name basis with presidents and owners of businesses and as your network grows, so will your business.

When I started in advertising sales, I became friends with many assistant marketing directors, marketing directors and agency buyers. As time passed and my new friends were promoted, my level of influence grew. We want our friends to do well, of course! As my friend’s careers changed and grew, it wasn’t long before I knew someone in every office in town. Now, many of the professionals I worked with twenty years ago are entrepreneurs. Some are still where they were when I met them. I know people in politics, government agencies, hotel mega-resorts, restaurants….nearly everywhere. And if I don’t know someone at a specific place, the odds are pretty good that I know someone who knows someone….and so on!

BBB: Since you do so much – programs, conferences, etc. – where do you find the time to write?

Robin: Hmmm….let’s see….it’s 10PM right now! I’ve been sitting here today since 7AM, working, writing, networking, making appointments, sending out media kits and I finally wrote that press release I’ve been wanted to send! I usually start my day around 7AM and my goal is to shut down by 11PM – when Jon Stewart and The Daily Show come on. It’s a good thing I DVR it, though, as many evenings I end up watching it around 1AM. This just doesn’t seem like work to me. It’s fun and every day is different.

Last week, I spoke in Chicago for a technology consulting group. It literally took three days, between preparing and traveling back and forth. I ended up working all weekend as usual. Saturday afternoon I went shopping for an hour and came back by seven, started working again and shut down at 1AM. I had to make up for that time away. I am hiring a virtual assistant this week which should help to free me up for more writing time. Oh – and I found an outlet near a chair in the Chicago airport and wrote two articles while I waited for my flight. I never waste a moment unless I choose to.

BBB: And the question I am always nosy about with writers. Do you write with any particular props, such as music, movies or NPR playing in the background or do you need silence?

Robin: I’m afraid I’m one of those who requires silence. I am a singer (I think!) so if music is playing, the lyrics rattle around in my head. I suppose I could listen to instrumentals, but then I see the music in my head. I don’t know how anyone could write creatively with noise in the background. However – I am fairly good at tuning out chaos. In the Chicago airport, I managed to focus on my writing. I was sitting there for about an hour before I heard, “You are approaching the end of the walkway,” which apparently was going off every 15 seconds! Of course, once I tuned in on it, I was toast. It took a few minutes to get back to my writing. And I absolutely love the sound of my little shih tzu snoring in the background.

BBB: Thank you very much for answering my questions! Is there anything else you’d like for us to know about you and/or your book?

Robin: Only that I’m very excited since I just found out that a chapter I submitted to the “Chicken Soup” series (for the wine lover’s soul) has been accepted. It will be out in November and it ties in so well with my business lunch book. In my chapter, I explain how to order wine when out with clients so that you don’t lose control of the check. People are intimidated by enophiles, or wine lovers, and therefore tend to surrender the decision making. It’s not necessary. There is a simple way to handle ordering wine, even if you’ve never had a glass in your life.

Also, my book, The Art of the Business Lunch, is in ten languages worldwide. It seems that everyone wants to know how to do a business lunch the right way!

Thank you very much for sharing your great questions with me. It was a pleasure.

Robin

This book is definitely going in my basket at Amazon. I’m getting ready to start a business that I will most likely need to incorporate Robin’s advice! Here’s a synop.

Book Synop: (from B&N) What’s the one entrée you should never order at a business lunch? Is it ever okay to order alcohol? When should you bring up the subject of business?

The Art of the Business Lunch takes you through every aspect of the business lunch. Robin Jay, the “Queen of the Business Lunch”, teaches you proven methods for making the people with whom you do business choose to work with you, instead of your competition, time and time again.

Finally, there is a definitive guide to the business lunch! Here is just some of what you will learn:
Whether you should pick up your clients or meet them at the restaurant
How to pick the right restaurants for business and which restaurants to avoid
How and what to order
Cell phone etiquette
How to pay for lunch discreetly
Discover what companies are looking for in a candidate when the job interview takes place over lunch. Find out how to turn brief encounters at networking luncheons into solid, long-lasting relationships. Once you learn the secrets to The Art of the Business Lunch, you’ll never waste another lunchtime eating alone!

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Synop:
Legendary auto executive Lee Iacocca has a question for every American: Where have all the leaders gone?

The most widely recognized business executive of all time asks the tough questions that America’s leaders must address:

• What is each of us giving back to our country?

• Do we truly love democracy?

• Are we too fat and satisfied for our own good?

• Why is America addicted to oil?

• Do we really care about our children’s futures?

• Who will save the middle class?

A self-made man who many Americans once wished would run for president, Iacocca saved the Chrysler Corporation from financial ruin, masterminded the creation of the minivan, and oversaw the renovation of Ellis Island. Since then he has created the Iacocca Institute for leadership at Lehigh University and the Iacocca Foundation, which funds research for a cure for diabetes. Lee Iacocca believes that leaders are made in times of crisis — such as today. He has known more leaders than almost anyone else — among them nine U.S. presidents, many heads of state, and the CEOs of the nation’s top corporations — and is uniquely suited to share his wisdom, knowledge, and wit about the leadership of America.

Author of the gigantic number one bestsellers Iacocca: An Autobiography and Talking Straight, Lee Iacocca famously doesn’t mince words and offers his no-nonsense, straight-up assessments of the American politicians most likely to run for president in 2008, including Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain, Rudy Giuliani, Joe Biden, Bill Richardson, Mitt Romney, and John Edwards.

Confessing that he has “flunked retirement,” Iacocca calls on citizens of all ages to vote, get involved, and choose our leaders carefully. Along the way, he shares stories about the prominent people he’s met and known, including the time he smoked cigars with Fidel Castro, what Bob Hope told him about how to live a long life, what Lady Sarah Ferguson said to him as they danced, why Bill Clinton woke him up in Italy, what Robert McNamara taught him about success, how Frank Sinatra sang for him personally, and whom Pope John Paul II asked him to pray for. We learn what he discussed with Warren Buffett, DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche, Ronald Reagan, Senator John Kerry, Congressman John Murtha, Prince Charles and Camilla, former Saudi ambassador Prince Bandar, rapper Snoop Dogg, financier Kirk Kerkorian, Ted Turner, Bob Dole, and many more.

Knowing that the times are urgent, the iconic leader shares his lessons learned and issues a call to action to summon Americans back to their roots of hard work, common sense, integrity, generosity, and optimism.

Where have all the leaders gone?

Lee Iacocca has the answer.

Mostly I’m a fiction girl. I had enough non-fiction reading in college so it’s very rare that I read/listen to anything “informative” but Lee Iacocca’s new book Where Have All the Leaders Gone? caught my interest.

In high school I had to read Iacocca: An Autobiography and grumbled about it all the way through the first chapter, but then I was hooked. Iacocca is straightforward in his writing style and I like that. There isn’t a lot of BS about him and he gave some excellent advice in his autobiography.

So when I saw the new book, I knew I had to have it. But then I became worried that I might buy it and have it sit on my shelf and since I’ve already professed my love for audiobooks, I bought the unabridged version on CD and have been mesmerized from the first few sentences. Iacocca reads the book himself and at times it’s a little stilted but he brings up A LOT of good points about the lack of leadership in our country. If you are a Bush lover, you might want to skip this one because Iacocca points out much of what is wrong with his administration. But this is after Iacocca freely admits that he voted for Bush in the first election but didn’t in the second.

He reminds us all that we need to get our heads out of our butts. Politicians are in office to work for us, not against us and we need to carefully scrutinize candidates. Now, I freely admit, I voted for Bush in both elections and I am not a happy camper about how he is leading this country. Iacocca even offers up some policy ideas of his own. Do I think all of them would work as cleanly as he seems to think? No not really. But I do like that he’s thinking outside the box.

If you are looking for some straight shooting about the current presidency, the current congress and what the future may hold, then you’ll want to get this one. And let me also say that Iacocca points fingers at all the parties and he’s not just bashing Bush. This book will have me thinking twice about who I vote for in 2008.