Registration Has Begun for the MORE Business Bootcamp!

Hi Love!

MORE MAGAZINE LAUNCHES REGISTRATION FOR THE INAUGURAL MORE BUSINESS BOOTCAMP POWERED BY MICROSOFT

Melinda Gates to Deliver the Keynote Address at the Second-Annual MORE Impact Awards on June 24 in Seattle

MORE, the magazine for women of style and substance, today announced that it has launched registration for the inaugural MORE Business Bootcamp (mb²), powered by Microsoft.

From June 23 to June 26, MORE and Microsoft will welcome 150 MORE readers looking to start a new business or grow an existing one to Microsoft’s Redmond, Wash. campus, near Seattle. The multi-day event will include panel discussions with successful female entrepreneurs, industry leaders and experts, and cocktail-hour networking events with local business owners and venture capitalists.

Confirmed speakers include Jane Park, Founder and CEO of Julep; Rebecca Lovell, Director of Entrepreneurship and Industry for the City of Seattle; and Connie Bourassa-Shaw, Director of the University of Washington Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship.

“One of MORE’s core themes is the power of reinvention,” says MORE Editor-in-Chief Lesley Jane Seymour. “Now we are bringing reinvention to life by partnering with Microsoft on this unique bootcamp. We hope that one-on-one time with experts, MORE editors and celebrated entrepreneurs will inspire attendees to reinvent themselves, and give them the tools to succeed in the business of their dreams.”

The programming features training workshops offering valuable takeaway skills, including how to turn your great idea into reality; find funding; build your personal brand; market your business on social media; use technology to grow your business faster; create an ethical and sustainable business model; bounce back from failure; and more. Additional activities include a pitch competition, where select early-stage entrepreneurs will receive feedback on their business pitch from a panel of expert judges, and lunch with Microsoft Ventures, where attendees will learn what it takes to join Microsoft’s startup accelerator program.

“At Microsoft, we are committed to enabling entrepreneurs with access to the technology, training, programs and connections they need to be successful, regardless of whether they sit in an aspiring startup or an established Fortune 500 company,” said Victoria Grady, General Manager of Developer Experiences at Microsoft. “This event with MORE Magazine embodies that commitment.”

As part of mb², MORE will also host its second-annual MORE Impact Awards on Friday, June 24, in Seattle. Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will deliver a keynote address at the dinner and awards ceremony recognizing women who are making a difference. The first-annual MORE Impact Awards featured keynote speaker First Lady Michelle Obama.

The early registration fee is $1,295, which includes a gift bag with more than $1,000 worth of Microsoft products. The regular registration fee of $1,550 goes into effect after April 1. For more information and to register, visithttp://www.more.com/mb2.

ABOUT MORE 

Launched in September 1998, critically acclaimed MORE is the only lifestyle publication that celebrates women of style and substance. MORE is the smart, stylish guide for women of influence, sharing the latest on beauty, fashion, health, career, finance, home, travel and culture. MORE serves a community of professional women interested in reinventing themselves and their world. MORE is published 10 times a year by Meredith Corporation with a rate base of 750,000 and readership of 1.5 million. The award-winning publication was named Advertising Age’s 2006 Magazine of the Year, named multiple times to the prestigiousAdvertising Age “A List,” as well as to the Adweek “Hot List,” and received the 2014 Clarion Award for Best Overall External Magazine and a 2015 Deadline Club Award for Magazine Personal Service.

Additional information may be found online: www.more.com | Facebook:Facebook.com/moremagazine | Twitter: @moremag | Pinterest: Pinterest.com/moremagazine| Instagram: Instagram.com/moremag.

-- Love Rae

Helping Women-owned Businesses Secure the Loans They Need

Hi Love!

The Credit Junction Pledges $100 Million in Loan Availability to Houston Minority Supplier Development Council Small Businesses in Landmark Partnership

New York, NY  - The Credit Junction, an online lending platform for small and mid-size businesses (SMBs), announced today that it has pledged $100 million in loan availability to the small businesses belonging to the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC), a non-profit organization for minority-owned businesses in the Houston Metropolitan area. This strategic alliance will help provide much needed support to the growing number of small businesses in the United States’ fourth largest city.

HMSDC’s membership, which includes more than 700 minority-owned small businesses, now has access to working capital that would otherwise be difficult to obtain by traditional financing sources. Access to capital remains a significant obstacle to the growth of small businesses, and as traditional financial institutions face increasing regulations and compliance costs, business owners will continue to seek alternative financing sources.

“This collaborative, multi-faceted strategic partnership will benefit both local businesses as well as the region at large, furthering The Credit Junction’s commitment to offering SMBs a financing alternative,” commented Sergio Rodriguera, Chief Strategy Officer of The Credit Junction. “As part of that mission, we will continue to build even more regional relationships to further facilitate the flow of credit to the small businesses that fuel our nation’s economy.”

“Houston is a growing, thriving city, thanks in many ways to a diverse number of industrial, oil and gas and healthcare businesses to name a few,” said Robert Gonzalez, Director of Development and Consulting Services of HMSDC. “Traditional sources of capital have often fallen short in supplying the needs of small businesses, particularly when it comes to minority-owned businesses. Our partnership with The Credit Junction helps to ensure that our small business community receives the opportunity to access the capital essential to develop and thrive as leaders.”

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About The Credit Junction
The Credit Junction is an online lending platform focused on providing working capital and supply chain financing solutions to small and mid-size businesses. The company employs an asset-based lending credit evaluation model, and offers businesses up to $5 million in capital availability, both in term loans and lines of credit. Using technology and data intelligence in conjunction with traditional asset-based lending metrics, The Credit Junction can better assess the health of a small business, and provide a more transparent and user-friendly experience. Our fast, flexible and efficient access to capital provides small business owners with the resources they need to grow their business, which ultimately supports job creation and local community development. For more information, please visit:www.thecreditjunction.com.

About Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC)
Established in 1973, the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council is a non-profit organization for minority business enterprises (MBEs) and major corporations interested in establishing relationships with minority entrepreneurs and assisting in the growth of their company. Included in the membership of HMSDC are more than 125 major corporations and more than 700 minority businesses. HMSDC services the needs of both MBEs and major corporations in the Houston Metropolitan area that are committed to the expansion of procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes. HMSDC is the certifying agent for minority businesses interested in doing business with major corporations. The council provides programs and services that are directed to the deliberate growth of minority businesses. Based on the results of an economic impact study conducted in 2015 HMSDC certified MBEs have a total economic impact of $22.8 billion which is composed of over $17.1 billion dollars in output that results in the creation and/or preservation of more than 67 thousand jobs. HMSDC is one of 24 regional affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. For more information, please visit: www.HMSDC.org.


-- Love Rae

Meet Inspiring Speakers and New Connections At The WNORTH Conference

Hi Love!

WNORTH CONFERENCE IN WHISTLER APRIL 20-22 ADDRESSES NEW YEAR GOAL SETTING FOR WOMEN WITH ACTIONABLE WORKSHOPS, INSPIRING SPEAKERS AND NEW CONNECTIONS

WHISTLER, B.C. January 21, 2016 – A new year often comes with new career aspirations and WNORTH Conference, a business summit in Whistler, BC, addresses goal setting for women who aspire to leadership positions. From balancing work and home priorities, to inspiring change and making connections that matter, setting career goals can be daunting and connecting with women, likeminded in their direction as they rise towards leadership, is a great place to start.

“Beyond an individual’s goal setting endeavors, the workplace in 2016 needs to support the next generation of female leaders and WNORTH provides that forum,” says Heather Odendaal, founder and producer of WNORTH Conference. “There is a desire to develop women in the mid-stage of their career but that sometimes doesn’t translate into action. It is my hope organizations consider supporting attendance at WNORTH as a way to develop their high potential female employees.”
 
Actionable workshops at WNORTH Conference will balance inspirational speaker content and provide real return on investment for attendees. From developing the ultimate skill set for executives, presented by author and executive coach Lisa Martin; to perfecting presentation and speaking skills with Narges Nirumvala, a world renowned leadership communication expert and author of the public speaking book “Capture the Spotlight”; participants will come away with a framework for success in each topic.
 
Speakers will come from all corners of North America and two additions to the roster include speaker Philip Grosch of PwC Canada and workshop facilitator Heather Rangel of Deloitte. Grosch will discuss “Career Sponsorship - How to Manifest Your Own Luck’. Different from a mentor, career sponsors not only advise on a career, but help to actively advance it. Rangel’s workshop ‘Business Chemistry – Using Science to Improve Relationships’ will show participants how they can use science to improve business relationships by exploring four scientifically based patterns of behavior. By understanding the patterns participants can then uncover insights about individuals and teams based on these observable traits and preferences.
 
“I am so excited about the insights the Business Chemistry workshop will present for our participants,” says Odendaal. “This knowledge will help you with every one of your important business interactions and help you optimize your teams. The resulting data-driven system is easy to remember, but has a sophisticated underpinning that highlights statistically relevant behavioral cues in a business environment.”

Tickets for WNORTH are now available. The Balance Pass is $699 and includes access to two days of WNORTH Conference programming in Whistler, an opening wine reception, West Coast Networking lunch, the Connected Breakfast and access to the WNORTH Community Networking app, hosted by Bizzabo.

Registration is now available at http://wnorthconference.com/register/
WNORTH Conference is proud to partner with McQuarrie Hunter LLP, Business Events Canada, BCBusiness, Nita Lake Lodge and is produced by Bluebird Strategy. 


-- Love Rae

Toni Braxton's Upcoming Biopic Premieres January 23rd!

Hi Love!

Tonight is the premiere of Unbreak My Heart, a biopic following the success of R&B singer Toni Braxton. After filing for bankruptcy, having a divorce and being pressured to have plastic surgery Toni has really paved a way for aspiring singers. Despite how the media would like to portray her, Toni is one of the best and most legendary singers of all time. To this day her voice is unmatched and her style is impeccable.

This evening Lifetime is revealing some of Toni's most heart wrenching moments. Despite having to fit in with singers at the time and tension between her family, she has been able to remain at the top of the entertainment industry. Today she has an extremely successful reality show and numerous opportunities to gain more fans and recognition.

In my world, Toni Braxton is a modern day Dorothy Dandrige. She is beautiful, elegant and overall decadent.

Tonight we honor Toni Braxton for all of success. Please check out this link to see the extended trailer provided by lifetime: http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/toni-braxton-unbreak-my-heart

Money & Success : Reading

Hi Love!

I love reading. I can read the advertisements on the train to the art of war. I am fascinated with learning or what most people would see as reading. The reality is I am obsessed with consumption. I enjoy consuming the positive information around me so that I can expand my knowledge and apply it to my ventures.

So I am asking you to consciously read. Pick up a newspaper, an inspirational book or even hop on over to Huffington Post and pick an area of interest and consume every little bit of information that you can. I think it is brilliant to feed your mind at all times but more importantly to educate yourself in your areas of expertise.

My area of expertise is Marketing and Public Relations. To keep myself up to date with new technological advancements or marketing strategies I just read as much as I can. The internet provides an oasis of knowledge however it is more important for you to use what you are reading and apply the lesson to your ventures. Instead of holding all of the information as a fact or truth, simply use everything you are reading as a guide.

My philosophy: consume new knowledge everyday.

-- Love Rae

Money & Success : Focus

Hi Love!

I am the Queen of Ideas and Innovation. Today, I thought we could discuss staying focused. One of my biggest challenges so far is staying focused on one task. I have this really unique ability to multitask on a variety of projects. This ability also happens to be my weakness. I love juggling projects but at this stage of my life I am continuously thinking about the amount of success I would like to achieve and more importantly how crucial it has become for me to really focus.

Since the year is fresh let's begin by picking a task and seeing it through. To help make things easier for the both of us, I've created a list of solutions to help everyone stay focused.

1. Step 1 is to create a routine - add it to your calendar, make sure to set an alarm and complete the task. 
2. Ask someone to hold you responsible - reach out to a close friend and join in the venture together so that you can have someone give you a verbal reminder to complete the task. 
3. Create a list of tasks and deadlines - make sure that you check this list everyday so that you are conscious of your goals.
4. Put in the effort to make your project the best - when you are completing the project make sure to review it so that you definitely dedicated your time and attention into every little detail.
5. Use all of your spare time to achieve your goals - once you finish the first project then you can dedicate your attention to another. The goal is to be as productive as possible. 

So here's my philosophy: complete the task! Check off your goals one at a time. 

-- Love Rae

Thrive! 7 Ways to Get the Most Out of Every Day

Hi Love!

Thrive!  7 Ways to Get the Most Out of Every Day 

It's still pretty early into 2016, and already only 8% of those who made New Year resolutions are still on track. We can have the best intentions in the world, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or discouraged by multiple demands when we get back to the daily grind.

Executive coach and transformational leadership expert Donna Stoneham, Ph.D., author of The Thriver’s Edge:  Seven Keys to Transform the Way You Live, Love, and Lead, says that it’s challenging not to fall into old patterns of behavior when we get back on the treadmill of daily life.  And usually, it’s because our goals and resolutions feel like chores rather than things that make us feel happier, more productive, and more fulfilled.  She identifies the key actions you can take to operate at your peak every day so you can thrive in your life and career and be the best person you can be in the coming year.

1. Be Grateful. Identify what you have to be grateful for today!

Action: Each day, take a few minutes to pause and think about all you are grateful for: Your loved ones, the roof over your head, plenty of food to eat, your friendships, good health. Really think about each thing and take a few moments to relish the feeling.  Then get a notebook or journal and write your blessings down every day.  If you have a challenging day, go back and review them.  This is a fail safe way to lift your spirits!

Practice: Make a Gratitude Jar. Every time someone in your family has something good happen, write it down on a piece of paper and put it in the Gratitude Jar. Then once a month, create a family ritual during which you pull out the jar and one by one read all the wonderful things that have happened during the past few weeks. Feel the joy and gratitude for all the good things that have transpired. These little victories will inspire you to continue this practice each month.

2. Be Present. Tune in and be 100% present for yourself and someone else!

Action: Practice being present for at least ten minutes each day. This can be as you’re eating a meal, helping your child with homework, participating in a conversation at work, or playing with your pet. Practice being present with those around you. Really be there. Listen to them without any agenda except being fully present. Appreciate them for who they are and how they enrich your life.

Practice:  Once a week share an “appreciation meal” with your family or friends. During this time together, have each person share what they have learned about themselves and each other by being more present to one another. Let each person know what you appreciate about him or her. 

3. Focus on Your Purpose. Feel more connected to your purpose today!

Action: When we lead busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget about the reason we do what we do every day. That’s why it’s important to remember and to focus on your purpose. Think of the difference that you’d like to make in your world. Maybe it’s being the best teacher you can be, or the most effective parent, or helping people to grow and develop if you are a manager of others. 

Practice:  Practice seeing and feeling your connection to your purpose by taking one action each day that helps you feel more deeply engaged with the reason you’re here. If you’re a teacher, then help someone in classroom learn something beneficial. If you’re a manager, then seek out and facilitate a development opportunity for someone on your team. If you’re a parent, then make it a point to let your children know how much you love them and appreciate the wonder that they bring to your life. Revel in the joy of knowing how instructive you are in the process of watching your children learn and grow.  Whatever your reasons are for doing what you do, take one action each day that helps you feel renewed and recommitted to your passion, purpose and mission. 

4.  Move Your Body. Feel more connected to the magnificence of your body!

Action: Practice moving your body, from stretching to walking to more vigorous exercise. Feel the power you have in your muscles and in every step you take. Feel how vibrant you are now, knowing you're getting even stronger with each movement.

Practice: Each day, turn off the TV, leave your phone behind, and get outside and take a walk, even if it’s a walk to the cafeteria on your lunch break at work. Breathe in the air, notice the beauty around you, feel the power in your steps, feel your connection to the ground beneath your feet.  Realize and be thankful for the magnificence of your body to take you wherever you want to go.

5. Quiet Your Mind.  Spend more time being and less time doing!

Action:  We're called human beings for a reason, but many of us have forgotten how to “be” in a world of 24/7 demands.  Carve out a few minutes every day to stop “doing” and simply be still.  Learn how to savor the silence, listen to the rain or even stare into space.  Hit the reset button on your inner hard drive at least once a day by being still. Notice what you notice when you’re quiet that you aren’t able to hear when you are caught up in the fray.

Practice:  Practice getting up 5-10 minutes earlier than your normal wake-up time each day.  This way, you aren’t losing productive time, so you won’t have an excuse not to do this.  Sit up in your bed with your back straight or find a chair in a place where you won’t be disturbed.  Set a timer on your phone or on your alarm for 5-10 minutes.  Close your eyes. Focus on breathing from your abdomen, rather than from your chest. Breathe in and out of your nose.  Notice where you feel your breath most prominently on your inhale and your exhale.  If you mind wanders, bring yourself back to your breathing by focusing on the sensation of your breathing until your timer goes off.  This practice will give you at least 5 minutes a day just to be.

6.  Appreciate Your Abundance. Identify where in your life are you truly abundant!

Action: When it comes to money and material things, enjoy what you have and make the most of it rather than always wanting more. Are there places where you spend money on things you don’t need? Where can you create experiences rather than buying things?

Practice: Instead of going out to dinner or getting take-out, how about staying home one night with the family and creating a meal together. Cook together, sit down together, and enjoy one another’s company without any electronic devices or television to distract you.

7.  Pay it Forward. Help someone else! Do it!

Action: Do something nice for at least one person every day that enables you to extend yourself to others without the expectation of anything in return.  What are the small acts of kindness that can make a difference in someone else’s life that require minimal effort to do? 

Practice:  Every day, practice delivering one act of kindness and notice how that makes you feel.  For example, pay the road toll of the person behind you. Smile at strangers and watch them smile back at you. Hold the door open for someone else. Buy a colleague a cup of coffee.  Let someone in front of you in your lane of traffic who wants to move over even when you’re in a rush.

The Thriver’s Edge

Seven Keys to Transform the Way You Live, Love and Lead

Donna Stoneham, Ph.D.

List $16.95

Trade softcover 200 pages. Also available in Kindle

ISBN: 978-1-63152-980-1

Published by She Writes Press, Berkeley, CA

About the Author

Donna Stoneham, PhD, is a master executive coach, transformational leadership expert, facilitator, author and speaker.

Donna's company, Positive Impact (www.positiveimpacellc.com) delivers break-through development programs that inspire people to create transformational results in their work and lives that create a ripple effect in the world. Known for her spirit of candor and compassion, Donna has written for the International Journal of Coaches in Organizations and Presence. As one of the world's top coaches, she will be featured in the upcoming Coaching Movie (coachingmovie.com/cast) to be released in 2017.

-- Love Rae