What it all means… for YOU

Imagine being in a forest covered with haze. As the old saying goes, one can’t see the forest for the trees and ironically it applies in my situation. This vision had been brewing and looking back, it took a lifetime to evolve. It’s like the puzzle pieces finally started making sense and came together. The elements were all there, just not in focus and aligned on the right path. 

What evolved? I found my What’s next? First for some context, I was an early retiree with years of experience, training and supporting others realize their potential and capitalizing on their skills…. I was a teacher. My story is at the core of what emerged. Writing the book, The Wealthy Teacher: Answering the question, What’s next? became an exercise of self discovery and started me on a path to alignment. All of the pieces of my life were placed on a tablet before me as I discovered my needs.

So, what does it all mean and how does it have any impact for you? There are many people, consciously or unconsciously, looking for what’s next? However, many don’t realize that it is not the what that is important but actually the why. The secret is grounded in your core – your passion – your purpose. That is the element that ties everything together and creates lasting satisfaction. It also is at the core of what came next on my path to serve you.

Finding alignment, internally and externally was important. This alignment was the vision behind the launch of new services that connect with existing brands.  Externally, they may seem unrelated, however there is a strong thread that transcends and connects them – Passion for community service. Utilizing my story, experience and expertise as a trainer, nonprofit specialist, believer in social enterprise and corporate social responsibility, became the foundation.

Your needs –  Help you find meaning, purpose and be profitable too.

Are you asking what’s next as I did? Where does your passion lead you? Want to start a nonprofit, envision a business or combine the two? Supporting your needs has been central to our services and here’s how they work together.

• Are you a Philanthropist by nature? the Galaxy group provides guidance and support to the nonprofit community.  From conception, to launch, to developing the systems, we assists building strong foundations with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Are you an Entrepreneur by nature? The Wealthy Teacher provides guidance to reignite and rejuvenate core values and passion. Then using that as the foundation create an entrepreneurial venture based on a social enterprise model. 

       Where we are today….

Merging philanthropy and entrepreneurs under one umbrella The Philantrepreneur suite of services was launched. Providing support via consulting, coaching, training and multi-functional website we can deliver resources, strategies and insight to for profit and nonprofit entities. A new website gathers together in one location and allows access to the broad suite of services. Explore the Hub, Radio Show, Journal, Institute and interactive forum. Coming soon will be the Learning Library to round out our goal to create a community of passion driven individuals and social enterprises. Join the movement and excitement! Explore and register to become a member of the forum to add your voice.  You can have it all as a Philantrepreneur!  

To celebrate our launch please accept this complimentary copy of the Premier Edition of The Philantrepreneur Journal!!

http://thephilantrepreneur.com/journal-editions/

Finding Meaning

When was the last time you asked, “Wonder what I’ll do today?” Or did you use the phrase, “What will I do today?” These and similar questions are asked more and more often by early retirees and those dissatisfied or unfulfilled in their current work situation.  In a recent post I mentioned because of pension programs established 30 + years ago adults of this generation will spend 1/3 of their life in ‘retirement’.  Some opted willingly, some enticed by incentives offered by companies trying to streamline and some were just ready to take on something else.

Unconsciously some of us think we have a visions of what will come next. I thought I did too. I thought I would have the freedom to pick an choose. However, it became a cycle of done this, what’s next.  I soon found, I HAD to go back to my core.  So I am speaking to those that still are searching for ‘that something’ and those that are dissatisfied. No matter your age – This is your time. Are you living your values and following your passion?

So I’d like to ask the question, How are you approaching your next journey? Are you exploring what makes you tick? Do you know what brings you happiness. Sometimes that is the issue. Have you forgotten what brings meaning into your life. Would you like support exploring your next journey?

Dr. Victoria Boyd, Author | Trainer | Mentor

Available on all major online book outlets.

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Business vs Hobby

Business versus Hobby. It seems that there would be a clear enough distinction between the two right? Not necessarily. I have run into many ‘budding entrepreneurs’ that indicated they were ‘building’ there business yet in fact they were supporting their hobby.  So what separates the two categories?

First, let me preface this with there is no right or wrong. The choice of business or hobby and which path to follow lies within you and only you can decide. Both have their merits and outcomes. It centers on what outcome do you want? So, you have a passion to share your skills, knowledge or product with the world. Many businesses started out as a hobby. What are the elements that cross the line to be firming planted on the business side of the spectrum?

 

 

1. Perception:

1. How you view yourself and your business.
2. How you present yourself and your business to others.
3. How others perceive you and your business.

It is the mindset you bring to the process. Are you serious about making a profit?

Moving from hobby to business.

So how do you shift that perception from one of hobbyist to one of business owner? Many struggle with the perception of what you do as a glorified hobby. So what do you need to do to go from hobby to business?

You need to get serious.

And I don’t mean serious and never have fun. I believe an entrepreneur’s business is  grounded in passion so the enjoyment is ingrained in the process. I want you to enjoy what you’re doing.  What I mean by get serious is that you need to make a commitment to doing those things that make your business into – a business.

• You need to get serious about the numbers.
• You need to get serious about your time.
• You need to get serious about the realities of running a business.

Get serious about the numbers

If you truly want to run a successful business, get serious about the numbers.  Numbers give you so much information – your income versus expenses tells you profit, sales data tells you what’s working and cash flow projections tell you if you’re going to have any money in the bank next month. If you are not tracking your numbers or paying attention to the number of sales or the number in your bank account, it’s probably for one of two reasons:

The first is that you legitimately don’t know how.  That’s an easy fix. Check out Quick Books or services like outright.com

The second reason, you think ignorance is bliss. While you may be able to get away with this in the short term, especially if you have a ‘pillow’ – income from another job or partner. This lack of strategy will eventually be the downfall of your business. Declaring independence from external support, will impact how you delegate your time and energy.

Businesses track their profits and at least a few other numbers. Until you do, you really aren’t running a business.

Get serious about your time.

Adopt this mantra. Stop saying “I didn’t have time for something,” and switch to “I didn’t make it a priority.”  Because often, lack of time is really lack of prioritization. To run a successful business, you need to carve out time to run your business.  And if that means you need to set a schedule for business hours, then by all means do so.

Running a successful business takes either time or money.  If you have one, you can make do without the other.  But you can’t run a successful business without investing significant amounts of one of those two things.

The next time you find yourself bemoaning your lack of time to run your business, ask yourself how you can reorder priorities to have time for your business.  If you never carve out some serious time for your business, you’ll find it hard to convince others (and eventually yourself) that you’re actually running a business.

Get serious about the realities of running a business.

Running a business is hard.  Sometimes you lose money.  Sometimes clients don’t pay on time.  Sometimes you want to bang your head against the wall.  Sometimes you’re filled with an overwhelming sense of panic about how you’ll pay your bills this month.  Sometimes you’ll stress over whether or not you’re making the right choices or heading in the right direction.

And in order to run a business, you have to understand and accept that some days it might not be fun or you’ll have to do tasks you don’t really want to do. Yes, it would be great to pretend all that stuff doesn’t exist.  To just try and sell your products.  But ignoring the fact that running a business is hard doesn’t make that reality go away.  It just means that you aren’t really running a business.

Wait, there is an upside to all this.  Once you accept the realities of running a business and that is not the same as a pursuing a hobby, you open up to the possibility to something really, really great.  You have a chance to create something bigger than yourself.  Something that can provide a great life for you and your family. 

Dr. Victoria Boyd, author of The Wealthy Teacher: Answering the question, What’s next?

http://www.drvictoriaboyd.com 

0 to 60 What’s Next Business Development Program

What will you do?

Did you know that most people spend 1/3 of their life in ‘retirement’? The concept of retirement has changed drastically over the years. It used to be a term used to describe someone in the last quarter of their life, 65 and up. In a post by the Social Security Administration, contrary to common belief most people do not opt for retirement because of poor health, rather from a combination of reasons such as unpleasant job, cut backs or just wanted to do something else. They are yearning for ‘something’ much earlier.

I can totally relate to the new retirement era. I had the perfect combination of life events merge which allowed me to retire early. At the time I might have called it the perfect storm but in reality it was the urging of the universe pushing me to my purpose. It was not ‘my’ plan at all.

As most of us do, we start envisioning the future and ‘what will I do” in retirement. At the time it was just a vision, forecast to be several years down the road. Being from Michigan my dream was to move to a warmer, dry climate.  However, believe in the power of manifestation. I released the vision into the universe and a higher power created a timeline for me. My 5 to 7 year plan went to a brief 4 month whirlwind. In a blur I went from working a prestigious job, receiving options for layoff or retirement, opting for the latter, moving to a totally new state, building a house then – “starting my retirement”. It was my life plan, it happened a lot faster than anticipated. In this vast whirlwind of events, I had some unfinished details. What will I do?

I went through a series of experiments and ‘worked in several capacities. Until the realization that I needed to get back to my passion and create my purpose. Retirement is actually the beginning of something new. It is an opportunity to shift focus and become more purpose driven. Delve into it and start asking What’s next?

Dr. Boyd is the author of, The Wealthy Teacher, Answering the question What’s next? Morgan James Publishing, NYC

Visit: http://the-wealthy-teacher.com

It’s about Improving Life

In my book The Wealthy Teacher: Answering the question What’s next? there is a section on distinguishing between ‘selling’ and ‘serving’ in a business setting. It is the basis for creating your message. You are there to solve a problem or improve someone’s life.

Richard Branson, the consummate entrepreneur, wrote a dynamic article on this exact topic so I would to share it with you – Richard Branson on Social Entrepreneurship 

 

Follow your Passion and Success will follow you….

Dr. Victoria Boyd, Author of: The Wealthy Teacher: Answering the question, What’s next?

Pre-sales available at all major online outlets: Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Brick and Mortar Powell’s + many more

Finding the answer to “What’s next?”

What’s next? These two little words carry a lot of weight, have significant meaning and ask a big question. Two words that cross boundaries, sectors and all walks of life. Two words that are so simple and often taken for granted or conveyed with a sigh, gesture or nod. Yet, these two words – what’s next – hold the future.

For me the question, “What’s next?” seems to be popping up everywhere. In my work and life, and has been playing a masterful dance around m

y subconscious. You know how the subconscious works. Remember the last time you finally decided which car you were going to purchase. You thought to yourself, “Not too many people have that model and I can be a little unique.”  Then BAM! like a miracle, don’t you see that car everywhere you turn. Everyone has it – YOUR car. Your subconscious has been put on high alert. So I guess, in terms of what’s next, I am on high alert for you.

“What’s next?” seems to have become my battle cry and mantra of what people SHOULD be asking. In the development stages of my book, “The Wealthy Teacher: Asking the question What’s next?” many titles floated through the  shredder on my path to finding what true meaning it was conveying. As others reviewed the manuscript the conversation evolved and it became crystal clear that was the only logical choice. However, I should have recognized sooner that I was in the ‘What’s next?” business my entire career.

As a former educator, students constantly asked, “What’s next?” However, as I transitioned out of that world and mindset, the significance diminished.

But whoa! It’s back and it’s back strong. I am still in the “What’s next?” business. However, this time around, instead of providing the answers, it has become a journey of discovery.

When was the

last time you asked “What’s next?”  It is a question that appears over and over in our life. It can also have a different meaning and origination point. Is it a question brought on from frustration or from anticipation? You will need to know the difference in order to respond and to get it right. A lot hangs on the answer. Will a choice be made that brings the question up over and over? Or will a choice be made that generates opportunities and alignment? Or, will you rely on others to provide the answers?

What I have been discussing falls in the realm of change. There are so many change theories and strategies that have evolved over time. However, what I have found to be true for me, and continually works best for the individuals and organizations I assist is this simple formula. Let values and passion design the purpose that becomes the compass for the next journey. That is my mantra.

So my question is, how do you approach, “What’s next?” in your world? Do you know how to respond and take action? Do you make sure your decisions are grounded in your values and passion?

Follow your Passion and Success will follow you….

Dr. Victoria Boyd, Author of: The Wealthy Teacher: Answering the question, What’s next?

Available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Brick and Mortar Powell’s

What’s Beyond the Trees?

Most of us have used or heard the saying, “Can’t see the forest for the trees”. Well I am guilty of not seeing beyond the trees. So my question to you – Are you blinded by the trees in your own life?

Recently I gathered a group of insightful women to share, explore and brainstorm some of the ideas I had percolating. I was stumped and needed input and outside perspectives on what I thought were fabulous ideas.  These women came from different perspectives, walks of life and skill sets. What they did have in common however, is they are playing a role in this chapter of my life’s journey. I met and connected with them for a reason.

As we discussed the topics at hand, with numerous sidebar conversations, it was obvious that we were all were striving for similar goals… not paths, but goals. Sharing our own unique gift. Yet we were blinded by that gift and not exploring all of the opportunities that exist right beyond the edge of the forest. We couldn’t see beyond the trees.

Many times we get caught in the framework of ‘our expertise’. Not looking at how our gifts can be transferred successfully to support and impact a whole new audience. In my book The Wealthy Teacher: Answering the Question, What’s next? I encourage readers to expand their vision and reach, look beyond the forest, find those opportunities that utilize your valuable gifts in new and exciting ways.

I have discovered a whole new niche that I can support with my expertise. Not abandoning the education and nonprofit sectors, but increasing my reach I am able to share with independent event planners and speakers. The also can benefit from training related to corporate sponsorships… I so excited about the opportunity and look forward to serving in a new capacity.

So – What do you see beyond the forest in your life?

Nuts & Bolts Webinar Training – Get the Corporate Sponsor Advantage

45 minute webinars designed for busy schedules. Registration open now!! www.theGALAXYgrouplv.com/training

Information on The Wealthy Teacher book can be found at www.The-Wealthy-Teacher.com

Follow us on facebook – The Wealthy Teacher and The Galaxy Group

Building Your Tribe

Over the last 18 – 24 months, my life, career and perspective on who I am has taken a major shift. It wasn’t a big “AH HA’ moment but a gradual shift and realization of my strengths and weaknesses. Concepts I had to embrace include, I do not have super powers, live on an island, know everything, and must do everything myself.  This was an eye opener…. for those of you that know me. Touche! Feels so good to acknowledge and put it out there.

These discoveries came during restructuring my company and writing the book The Wealthy Teacher: Answering the question, what’s next?  I was exploring my roots, re-living past experiences and looking at how my career and life evolved. It was an adventure down memory lane that stirred and reignited some of my own passions. It was the message I was conveying to my readers, yet I had strayed from that path and was not honoring my own passions. However, that is not the purpose of this blog. I digress….

My time writing is significant because it became a time of isolation and it made me realize the power of being connected, to your tribe, your community. My entire career had been based on building relationships, creating bonds and tribes, watching others grow and succeed. I still need that and it is my passion.

Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos in his bestselling book, Delivering Happiness details his journey building his tribe. 75 years ago Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, introduced the concept of mastermind groups, a highly successful business strategy widely used today. People with similar goals, challenges and interest gather to gain multiple perspectives and use this time to solve problems and gain insight. A tribe…

My goal is to help others build their tribe, a community to call their own. You will be my tribe too.

Come join my tribe. Join a community that will support your goals.

So here’s the plan – I’ll offer two main streams of support.  The use of virtual meetings and webinars has grown in significance as a useful tool, however the POWER of live interaction can not be totally overlooked. For me personally it has two outcomes, provides a vehicle for me to support my clients needs, and feeds my soul. Sounds like a win-win. It will allow me to embrace my passion for training and serving.

Monthly Mastermind Calls – Building Your Tribe and Community

Starting February 12th the Nuts & Bolts Community Forums will launch. A mastermind group for individuals that want to ‘build a tribe’ of others facing the same challenges and successes in their nonprofits. Strategies, guidance and most important a group of like minded, passion driven people coming together. For more information visit: http://thegalaxygrouplv.com/nb-community

Also, pick you your FREE – 10 Tips for Effective Nonprofit Management.

In the spring, The Wealthy Teacher forums will launch to coincide with the official release of the book. Stay tuned for more details. Know a frustrated educator? Please pass on the information.

Sign up for 10 Tips to Get Off the Roller Coaster at: www.The-Wealthy-Teacher.com

Live Workshops

I LOVE live workshop – this is where I get my energy and thrive.

Nuts & Bolts NPO Training series

The next series is February 7, 14 & 21st. Get registered for this exclusive live training. Here’s 5 Powerful Reasons to Attend a Workshop in Person, a few tips on why live training is so powerful. They are from Steve Coxsey’ article in the January 2013 newsletter The Trailblazer.

1. Meet people who share your deep values – they are like kindred spirits
2. Be part of a group that develops a feeling of community – they become your tribe
3. Participate in the power of the mastermind – it’s true, more minds ARE better than one
4. A strong commitment to yourself – demonstrates that YOU have value
5. Get in the conversation – put your ideas on the table and get feedback

To learn all about the Nuts & Bolts NPO Training opportunities visit:

http://thegalaxygrouplv.com/nutsbolts-2

Connect with these groups and Dr. Victoria Boyd

Join the conversations on Facebook: The GALAXY group & Wealthy_Teacher

Linkedin – Dr. Victoria Boyd  — Twitter: VictoriaIBoyd or thewealthyteacher

What’s Next?

“What’s next?” These two powerful little words ask a big question.  A question we have all asked some time in our life. We all want to know…. and we need to get it right. A lot hangs on the question and the answer. So what is your What’s next? Do you know how to respond?

For me the question, “What’s next?” seems to be popping up everywhere. Maybe because I use it as a key question in my book The Wealthy Teacher, or when helping nonprofits, or frankly it is a question I am also asking myself. You know how the subconscious works. For example, you decide to buy a car and like a miracle, don’t you see that car everywhere you turn. Everyone has it – your car. Your subconscious has been put on high alert. I am on high alert for “What’s next?”

The question has significance and I should have recognized sooner that I was in the ‘What’s next?” business my entire education career. Students constantly ask, “What’s next?” However, thinking I had transitioned out of that mindset, the significance diminished. But whoa! It’s back and it’s back strong. I help two separate sectors answer their What’s next? I am still in the “What’s next?” business.

HERE’S HOW I CAN HELP ANSWER WHAT’S NEXT?

Educators facing change, threatened with layoff, frustrated or realizing that an education career may not be for you. You are asking, What’s next?  Join the dialogue.

• ‘Like’ the educator group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/TheWealthyTeacher
• Watch for The Wealthy Teacher webinars.
• Get the FREE eguide – 10 Tips for Educators at www.The-Wealthy-Teacher.com

Nonprofits – Do you want to start a nonprofit? Are you a nonprofit needing assistance to create a strong foundation? So you are asking “What’s next?”

• Explore how Nuts & Bolts NPO Training series can help you. Visit: www.theGALAXYgrouplv.com/nutsbolts-2
• ‘Like’ the Galaxy group on Facebook. Updates and news for the nonprofit sector. https://www.facebook.com/#!/galaxygrouplv
• Get the FREE eguide – 10 Tips for Effective Nonprofit Management at www.theGALAXYgrouplv.com

 

What Does Passion Mean to You?

This time of year tends to provoke our senses to settle on the surface. It stirs up fond memories, the pain of a loss, the excitement of the season, and the inevitable closing of a year to begin a new one. We often think about things we’ve accomplished, wanted to, should have and the time-tested question – What’s next?

Much of the work and projects I did in 2012 evolved from a long existing passion that emerged to create a clear path for me. It wasn’t a conscious decision, nor was I aware of it until I started writing my book The Wealthy Teacher. My passion became the focus and core of how I moved forward. It solidified how I wanted to serve, that my skills were not lost after leaving the education sector, but now redirected. I discovered that helping others to build strong foundations, to share knowledge and expertise, is a modified version of my passion… I teach.

So let me ask what’s next for you?  Are you maximizing the value of your passions? Do you ground yourself and do work that supports your passions? What does passion mean to you? As the clock ticks down to 2013 will you let passion be your guide to answer the question what’s next for you. These questions apply to all the areas I support. Individuals, entrepreneurs and teachers embarking on a career shift, let passion guide your path to what’s next.

Nonprofit organizations and those thinking of starting one, passion created the mission, make sure you build a foundation to sustain that passion.

How can I help? Leave a comment on the support you may need.

Take advantage of the resources and training that supports individuals, entrepreneurs and nonprofits. Here is a list of sites to explore.

• www.The-Wealthy-Teacher.com – get 10 Tips to Get off The Roller Coaster
• www.theGALAXYgrouplv.com – 10 Tips for Effective Nonprofit Management
• www.theGALAXYgrouplv.com/nutsbolts-2/ – Nuts & Bolts NPO Training series details
• www.DrVictoriaBoyd.com – Let me help you “Create New Realities”