Niquenya Fulbright - Executive Life Coach

Because It's My Birthday You Can Save Big!!!

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:34:45 -0600

Today is my 31st birthday! Woohoo!!!

*** SPECIAL OFFER ***

In honor of my 31st birthday, any new coaching client who signs up for a FREE introductory session between today and August 22nd, 2008 will receive each future 1-hour session for just $31 each (regularly $125/hour) for the first full month of service! Save even more by choosing to make an advance commitment of 3 months and pay just $310!

To take advantage of either of these exciting offers, just send an email to contactme@niquenyafulbright.com with "Happy Birthday" in the subject line. You MUST mention this offer by adding "Happy Birthday" in the subject line or regular fees will apply.

Coaching is conducted primarily via telephone or instant messaging service (i.e. Yahoo, Skype) for convenience and worldwide availability.

Opportunity's Knocking, Answer the Door!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:52:44 -0600

Maybe we are in a recession? Maybe we are not? President Bush describes the state of the economy as being in a “slow-down”. Whatever your description, one thing does remain true; times are hard for almost everyone.

The cost of living is on a steady rise right alongside inflation; however, paychecks don’t seem to be experiencing that same type of growth. Food is more, gas is more, and insurance is more. It seems that everyone is pinching pennies so hard that Abraham Lincoln is crying. In times like these, it becomes incredibly important to take advantage of every break that presents itself. Unfortunately, when opportunity comes knocking, many people slam the door in its face.

An opportunity is a chance or an opening to do something different than what you are already doing. It is a means for you to remove yourself from bad situations so that you can step into a good one. Never taking advantage of opportunities that lay before you can mean a lifetime of being stuck within your present circumstances. By now, we know that if we always do the same thing all the time and expect for things to change, that is the definition of insanity. You would have to be crazy to let your opportunities pass you by.

What types of opportunities is meant here? First, any opportunity to cut down your costs should be met wholeheartedly. For instance, coupons are provided in every newspaper, in most restaurant menus, on the back of receipts and even in a bound collection mailed out by your neighborhood association. Use them! Research has shown that coupons have been neglected as of recent. Every household throws away thousands of dollars in potential savings each year. Before your next shopping trip, check your local papers for coupons that could decrease your grocery bill. Combine manufacturer’s coupons with store sales and be amazed at your savings. You should also look for free stuff. Chicago has a lot to offer its residents in terms of entertainment. Visit museums on Thursdays, watch a free movie in the park, go to art shows and improv comedy theaters. Your local coffee shop may even have live entertainment.

Secondly, look for ways to increase your income. Nowadays, when someone is referred to as a “hustler”, there is a negative connotation to it. We think of a drug dealer or a scofflaw. Hustler used to mean that you did whatever you had to do to put food on the table for your family…legally. Take a look at your skills, talents and hobbies. Are you good with your hands? Can you build things or do you like arts and crafts. Sell your services and/or your crafts. Do you have good typing and administrative skills? Sign up for a temp service or contact your local small businesses to see if they could use some part-time help? Is the fast food chain on the corner hiring? Apply! Fast food is a great stepping stone for anyone who has little job skills. The training and experience will go a long way to open doors for future growth. It’s time to hustle.

Lastly, expand your experience by trying something new. Opportunities don’t always present themselves so obviously. Sometimes it is up to you to seek them out. Learn the art of networking and expand your circle of influence. Like the old saying goes, “it’s not always what you know, but who you know.” That doesn’t mean you don’t have to know anything either. Education is vitally important. Ignorance can prevent you from recognizing a golden opportunity even if it slaps you in the face. Knowledge is power.

The bottom line is to keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground for anything that can help your circumstances. Say YES to opportunities when they come your way and open the door to good financial times.

About the Author:

Niquenya D. Fulbright is a certified Christian executive life coach, management consultant, certified mediator, corporate trainer and motivational speaker specializing in inspiring small business owners, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurs, executives, groups and individuals in a career or life transition to use their innate abilities to master their goals and achieve successes beyond their wildest dreams. http://www.niquenyafulbright.com/

10 Stress Management Tips

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:53:41 -0600

1. Take the proactive approach: Stress can have a negative impact on your physical, mental and emotional health. You have a responsibility to yourself to maintain your well-being. Response-ability is the ability to choose your response. You may not have any control over the situation and you can’t change the way people behave but you do have complete control over the way you respond. Take the high road by readjusting your attitude toward more positive thinking.

2. Laughter is the best medicine: Laughter is a great way to relieve stress. You would be surprised at how much better you will feel after a great laugh. If the situation is one in which a good belly burst would be inappropriate at the time, you can simply smile. Both laughter and smiling provide a physical release of stress hormones such as cortisol, dopamine, adrenaline, epinephrine and the growth hormone.

3. Forgive: Forgiveness is a sister to taking the proactive approach. It is human nature to hold on to past hurts; however, by choosing to forgive the offender, you are actually releasing yourself from the stress associated with harboring grudges. It takes much more time and energy to obsess over someone who has wronged you than it does to just move on. Most likely he/she already has. Realize people are only human and we all make mistakes from time to time. That includes you so remember to also forgive yourself.

4. Take a purposeful pause: A purposeful pause is a break away from your daily tasks with a specific intention in mind for that time. The type of activity you choose to engage in during the “pause” is reliant on what you need at that time. If your intention is to relax, then your purposeful pause could be meditation, prayer or a bubble bath. If it is to reenergize, then the pause could be a nap or a coffee break. A purposeful pause can be as long as an hour or as short as 5 minutes. Try to work several purposeful pauses into your day.

5. Exercise: Physical activity relieves stress in a couple of ways. First, it offers a purposeful pause. Secondly, it promotes better health which in turn aids the body in its ability to handle stress. Take up yoga, join a gym or start walking.

6. Eat well: Having a balanced diet packed full of energizing nutrients aids in combating stress. Heart-healthy grains, fruits and veggies should be eaten regularly. Also, drink plenty of water. Steer clear of foods high in unhealthy fats, sugars and salt. Caffeine should also be avoided.

7. Tell the truth: Honesty really is the best possible. Lies, even small ones, can place terrible stress on the mind. It can be very difficult to keep up with lies and often more lies have to be told in order to maintain the initial one. Dishonesty also puts undue stress on great relationships.

8. Say NO: We often say “yes” to things we really don’t want to, either out of obligation or guilt. It really is okay to just say “no”. If a particular request takes you too far outside of your comfort zone then it is probably best to say no. It is also better to simply say no than to take on a task that you don’t have time for. You are much more productive when you only assume responsibility for those things that are important to you.

9. Plan: Time management skills are a great stress reduction tool. Write important things down, maintain a schedule and stick to it. Organize your files in a manner that makes them easily accessible and create a plan for routine maintenance. Don’t forget to schedule time for you. Add your purposeful pauses to your planner.

10. Delegate: You really can’t do it all by yourself much as you might think you can. Learn the unique talents and strengths of those within your circle of influence and use that knowledge to share your tasks. Doing less is quite often doing more.

About the Author:

New Website Venture - For Black Professionals

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 01:29:10 -0600

On a never-ending pursuit of ways to diversify my income and expand my circle of influence, I am reaching out to my fellow people of color. I have created a new website catering to Chicagoland black urban professionals (buppies). The site is located at http://www.chitownbuppies.com.

Chitown Buppies is intended as a resource for Chicagoland black urban professionals to meet and greet, network, share wisdom and expertise, socialize and take advantage of opportunities to grow both personally and professionally in pursuit of their goals.

Buppies have certain issues that are completely unique to the black experience and it is my desire that this forum provides a safe and welcome haven for us to connect and discuss these issues responsibly.

To your dynamic success and continued happy living!

Great Article on the Benefits of Executive Coaching

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:12:46 -0600

Check out this article from yesterday's Wall Street Journal.

Executive Coaching - Worth the Money? by Laura Lorber

Have you ever utilized an executive coach? How much did it cost and was it worth the money?

FREE Life-Changing Teleseminar + $2654 in BONUSES

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:26:59 -0600

Happy New Year,

"A good goal is like a strenuous exercise -- it makes you stretch."

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"Man is a goal seeking animal. His life only has meaning if he is
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Beware of Internet Dating Scams

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:35 -0600

Internet dating sites have become a great option for lonely souls seeking to connect to their life partner. Typically, an eager dater has only to log onto a dating website, create and post a profile along with a recent picture and wait for like-minded individuals to show interest. Hundreds of thousands of cyberdaters all around the world have sought romance by following this formula with much success. Unfortunately, there are many sharks swimming alongside the sincere fish in the sea.

Internet dating scams are a growing concern. These scams come in many shapes and forms. Probably of the most popular include pick-up-artists, disguised as your soul mate, pilfering the hard-earned cash of unsuspecting victims. The false-hearted scammers lower their prey’s defenses by appealing to their romantic desires. This usually leaves those with true intentions in financial and emotional ruin and, incredulously, can often times lead to criminal charges pressed against the victim for unknowingly aiding a crime.

The way these types of scams usually work is that the scam artist creates their own profile on the dating website, often complete with an attractive photo and alluring bio. More times than not, the scammer will state in their bio that they are an American expatriate working abroad for a large corporation in another country. This plays on the potential victim’s fantasy which helps to add to the mystery and fascination of the connection. The scammer can then either wait for a potential victim to contact them through their profile or the scammer may initiate the contact themselves. Either way, an online relationship ensues. The enthusiastic dater and their scammer will communicate frequently over a period of several weeks or sometimes even months. Scam artists can be very patient while they wait for their prey to get really comfortable and hopefully fall in love with them. The correspondence will start in the online dating forum but will eventually move to the exchange of personal email contacts and perhaps even phone numbers. The scammer uses this time to scope out their ideal victim which can be anyone who is lonely, shy, isolated and vulnerable. Divorcees, widowers, single parents and naïve young adults are the perfect candidates.

Once the scammer is assured that their pretend love interest is head over heels for them, the scam begins. Scammers have several devices to trick their victims out of their money. There may be a sudden family emergency that requires the victim to wire the scammer money for fake medical expenses. There can be a supposed contract deal gone badly and the scammer begs for funds to keep it going with the promise to repay their victim on the back end. The scammer may say that they are having difficulty cashing a check or money order in whatever country they claim to be working in and request that it be deposited into the victim’s bank account so the cash can be wired to them. Of course, the check is counterfeit and the victim ends up eating the cost and can sometimes be jailed for illegally transferring money as this can be considered international money laundering in many locations. The scammer may also claim to have issues with their visas and need their victim to pay the fees required to apply, renew or release their immigration papers.

Probably the most egregious method is for the scammer to announce their undying love for the victim and desire to meet in person. The request may even include a suggestion of marriage. Clouded with the idea of wedding bells ringing, the victim agrees to wire untold sums of cash to the scammer for airfare, hotels, car rentals, engagement rings and in some cases, full wedding ceremonies. As long as the victim is willing to pay, the scammer will continue making requests. Then on the day the two are destined to meet, the victim waits aimlessly at the airport for their new love to show up but the scammer never does. In fact, the scammer is never heard from again.

It can be very difficult for a victim of an internet dating scam to receive justice. Dating scammers can be very crafty. They never use their real name and that gorgeous picture on their profile is most likely a stolen photo from a model website. You can never be too sure that someone’s profile is truthful about their image, profession, age, gender or even their nationality. For this reason, it is important to be wary of any internet romance. While most internet daters have good intentions, it is imperative to use your common sense when pursuing an online relationship. Don’t let your desire to find love obscure your ability to make good decisions. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

About the Author:

Niquenya D. Fulbright is a certified Christian executive life coach, management consultant, mediator, corporate trainer and motivational speaker specializing in inspiring small business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, groups and individuals in a career or life transition to use their innate abilities to master their goals and achieve successes beyond their wildest dreams. http://www.niquenyafulbright.com/

From LOL to Latte: Meeting Your Internet Connection Face-to-Face

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:01:00 -0600

Many internet daters are apprehensive about making that move from the comforts of online chat to an actual face-to-face encounter with their internet love connection. With all of the horror stories floating around concerning fake profile photos, dating scams and other criminally unsavory behaviors, it can be more than a challenge to gather up the courage to meet a person of interest offline. Since you can never be too sure that someone’s profile is truthful about their image, profession, age, gender or even nationality, it is really in your best interest to arrange a fact-finding initial meeting prior to an actual date. Thus we have the coffee date.

A coffee date is not really a date at all. It is a simple, inexpensive, non-threatening meet-and-greet. Coffee dates should be scheduled in the daytime at a safe, public location such as a coffeehouse. It is best to schedule the coffee date between regular meal times (i.e. an hour after breakfast or two hours prior to dinner). This first meeting should last no more than twenty to thirty minutes. This is enough time to assess whether that gorgeous profile photo is a match for the real-life version. You can also determine if there is enough chemistry between the two of you to pursue the option of a real date. Most people will know if there is a physical attraction within the first five minutes.

The coffee meet-and-greet is a casual affair so dress accordingly. Keep the formal attire at home but dress nice enough to make a good first impression. You may even want to prepare for your meeting by having a list of questions ready to ask your online love prospect. There is no need to rehearse your lines but it can help to have a good idea of some specific items you genuinely want to learn about your potential mate. It can also be helpful to pay attention to that week’s current events so you can be properly armed to actively participate in a good conversation. Make sure that you stray from heavy, negative topics. You want to keep the conversation as light as possible but keep in mind that the purpose of this meeting is to find out who you are. Remember to stay relaxed and feel free to be yourself. This is a getting-to-know-you engagement so don’t take the person out of your personality.

Try to keep the coffee date from going longer than thirty minutes as any longer could invite boredom. You want to create an atmosphere conducive to a love connection, not a friendship. To make the coffee meet more interesting, select a location that provides extra amenities. Many coffeehouses now offer live music, a DJ, comedy shows or poetry slams. Some also include light menu items, pool tables, darts and other traditional “bar” games. Even if there is an additional entertainment element to the coffeehouse, do not go there with this as your aim. The idea of a coffee meet is just that, to have coffee. Should the two of you decide that you are hitting it off; the coffee meet could turn into a real date without the need to move to a second location. For this reason, arrange the coffee meet to occur at least forty minutes prior to any scheduled show time. That way if sparks aren’t flying, you aren’t locked into a commitment to stay. You can simply bail at the half hour mark.

If you don’t like coffee, most coffeehouses do offer many other beverage and snack items such as tea, sandwiches and soda pop. Another alternative to the coffee date is going for ice cream, an excellent idea during the warmer months. You might also decide to grab something to-go and simply take a leisurely walk through a scenic neighborhood. The point is to stay away from full-course meal offerings that involve longer time commitments. You want to avoid the pressures of being on a formal date so pick a location or an activity that is best suited to both of your interests. Hopefully your efforts to move from LOL to latte will eventually send you from latte to love.

About the Author:

5 Myths About Breaking into the Field of Professional Speaking

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:01:00 -0600

Many professionals have heard how the art of professional speaking can be leveraged to help build their businesses; however, most are reluctant to put their first foot forward to break into this field of endless possibilities. Their reluctance stems from fear as a result of several myths floating around regarding the difficulty of becoming a professional speaker.

Myth #1: I have to be famous.

This myth is completely false. There are many no-name six- and seven-figure income earners making their livings as professional speakers. Many organizations would rather hire those speakers who do not possess celebrity status because their audiences will have a much easier time connecting and relating to the average Joe or Jill. How many seminars, workshops and conferences have you attended in which you had never heard of the keynote presenter but he/she delivered a dynamic presentation?

Myth #2: I have to have great credentials.

There are literally thousands of well-paid speakers who do not even possess a high school diploma, let alone a college degree. The only credential that you need to be a speaker is a topic that you are both passionate and knowledgeable about and a true desire to help others by giving them access to what you know. There is a popular speaker’s bureau in Chicago that is completely composed of former prostitutes. This group of women travels across the country presenting motivational speeches to empower women and youth to value their own self-worth. Some of this group recently delivered a presentation to a meeting of key decision makers on Capitol Hill.

Myth #3: There is too much competition.

True that there are a lot of professional speakers and aspiring speakers; however, there are more than enough speaking engagements to go around. Every day, in the United States alone, there are approximately 7,000 speaking opportunities. That is over 2.5 million potential speaking gigs per year. There are more than enough speaking opportunities for you to take advantage of even if you share the same or a similar niche with other speakers.

Myth #4: I have to be a really good speaker.

While having good presentation skills can help your audience really tune in to your message, it is not necessary. Even the most wet-behind-the-ears speaker can earn a decent living. I have an aunt who has a speech impediment. She has always had trouble pronouncing certain words even though she is a native English speaker. At first, she thought this would be a hindrance but now she realizes that it is what makes her unique from her competition. Use your quirks and idiosyncrasies to build your brand. Again, the important element in any speaker’s presentation is that there is a real message to be heard. Know your subject matter and deliver it with passion. If you can do this, then nothing else even matters.

Myth #5: It is too difficult to get started.

No it isn’t! The biggest roadblock to getting started is you. Throw away your fears and doubts and just jump into it. There is nothing to it but to do it. Become an expert on a topic that you feel passionate about it and just start speaking. Share your message with every group you think could benefit from your knowledge and charge them a reasonable fee for your services.

About the Author: Niquenya D. Fulbright is a Chicago area executive life coach, mediator, professional speaker and corporate trainer with over 10 years experience specializing in motivating small business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, groups and individuals in a career or life transition to use their innate abilities to master their goals and achieve successes beyond their wildest dreams. http://www.niquenyafulbright.com

Are You Ready to MAKE 2008 YOUR YEAR TO BE GREAT?

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:27:17 -0600

Do you have your New Year's Resolution in hand?
Have you created a plan to achieve your goals?
How well have you kept your previous resolutions?
Are you truly ready to accomplish your wildest desires?
What are you doing to prepare for the New Year?

We often start off each new year with the best of intentions to accomplish our goals but what happens come March or April? Our fears, insecurities and lack of motivation set in to steal our thunder.

If at the beginning of the New Year you find yourself facing the same fears, obstacles and negative voices that have nagged you in the past, how will this year be any different?

If you always do what you have always done and expect a different outcome, this is indeed the definition of insanity. Stop driving yourself insane.

MAKE 2008 YOUR YEAR TO BE GREAT!

I want to be your personal success cheerleader. As a certified Christian life coach, I use the Holy Bible, the laws of attraction and the principles of servant leadership to partner with my clients in achieving their goals. I have over 10 years experience specializing in motivating small business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, groups and individuals in a career or life transition to use their innate abilities to master their goals and achieve successes beyond their wildest dreams. As your life coach, I will offer you support, guidance, encouragement, clarity, focus and direction. I will hold you accountable to your commitments and celebrate every success with you. Together we will stomp out fears and overcome obstacles so that nothing stands in the way of meeting your goals.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^SPECIAL OFFER^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
As a special to all first time clients, anyone who schedules and completes a FREE introductory coaching session prior to January 15, 2008 will receive 6 months worth of weekly coaching sessions for just $1000! This equates to receiving 3 months completely FREE!!!!!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

All coaching sessions are conducted via telephone for the convenience of serving an international client base. For more information and to schedule your FREE introductory coaching session, visit http://www.niquenyafulbright.com, call (773) 368-3575 or email inquiry to contactme@niquenyafulbright.com.

MAKE 2008 YOUR YEAR TO BE EXCEPTIONALLY GREAT!

Happy Living!

Niquenya D. Fulbright
Executive Life Coach, Management Consultant, Mediator, Author & Motivational Speaker
Building Bridges Between Your Dreams & Ultimate Reality
http://www.niquenyafulbright.com
http://www.inner-view.org/chicagolifecoach
http://chicagolifecoach.blogspot.com

Tune in to my weekly internet radio show, "Building Bridges", every Tuesday at 1:30PM CST. Visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/buildingbridges to listen in or subscribe for download to podcast.