Revamping My Groove...

I can admit that I have become so focused on being successful I forgot a couple of things about myself on the way.

1. I appreciate great shoes! Why don't I dress the part?
2. I love to write and create stories that capture my readers minds. Why haven't I created anything new?
3. Networking makes the dream work. Why haven't I gotten out to any events lately?

These things just weigh heavy on my mind and heart. I feel like I have become lazy. However, I know that it's just that I am working so hard trying to do too many things at one time. Therefore, for the remainder of this month I am going to focus on Envisage Publishing and my new diet. Everything else will have to eventually fall into place, right?
Now as part of my committment to Envisage Publishing, I must freewrite daily. Freewriting is something I learned in English Composition. It's like a worm-up exercise for a writer's mind. Freewriting will help declutter my thoughts and allow my creativity to flow. Tomorrow I will challenge myself to first do my physical exercise and then my mental exercise.
We are in the second half of 2012 and rapidly approaching my 36th birthday. It's way past time to get back on track!
Who is ready to Revamp their Groove with me? Let's get on it! Where are we on our goals list? Have you charted your goals? The time is now. Let's do it!

Books, Beauty & Bliss,
Danette Maroney

Just Because...

I have once heard someone say, "Man proposes and God disposes." I must say I have never heard wiser words be spoken.

All week I have been beating myself up about the things I need to get done. Me, of all people, should know that it will get done when God sees it time to be done. I have planned to write a Coupon 101 - Beginner's Guide for all my friends and fans who are also looking to stretch their dollars. As much as I try, something keeps me away from the computer. I blamed it on my crazy work and school schedule but that wasn't it. I know because in the midst of all that I found time to do other things, like fix a home meal for my significant other and son, home-school my 15 year old, do laundry, go shopping and rest. I began to feel that maybe it just isn't my story to tell. Yet these words continue to ring in my ear. “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” So I began to ask myself, am I trying to share this information with people that want to learn, or am I trying to force people to change their ways? And there it was, I was begging people to listen to my coupon adventure and force feeding them knowledge they actually were never going to use.

My dilemma...

I need to learn how to allow people to stumble, fall and get back up and try again on their own. When, and only when, they asks for my assistance should I lend a hand. Lending a hand does not mean taking over and doing it myself. But holding their hand as they cross that road or motivate them through their transition.

Just because I have mastered, or at least come close, to certain lessons does not give me permission to take the opportunity from someone else to learn. To all my friends, fans and otherwise associates, please know that I will always be here to offer words of encouragement and share lessons but only if you are truly ready and willing to use this information/ support to move forward. Otherwise, it will be a waste for everyone involved.

Books & Blessings,

Danette Maroney

Learning How to Reintroduce Myself

Over 8 years ago, I was in the center of every Networking circle in the NY area. No matter what I made it my business to show up and show out. In doing this I was able to get my name out there and a few copies of my books in the hands of some very good people. My sales reflected my hard work and dedication. Two years later, I was recouperating from heart surgery and have not been able to get myself or my focus back to where I once stood.

Even though I tried to maintain communication with alot of my readers, network friends and business affiliates, it is extremely hard to break into the new business network circles. For the most part, I am unfamiliar with a lot of the events in Atlanta. It is not as easy as searching Google. Then when I do find something where I can begin my fresh start, reality kicks in and reminds me I am not ready (financially). However, I will not become discouraged and I will not sweep my dreams or desires under the rug anymore.

When building a business we have to keep in mind that every minute of our day is an opportunity to make a new business contact. Therefore, it is crucial to remain professional because you never know when you are making that "first" impression. Part of learning how to reintroduce myself is to practice my lines. Not that I have a script that I read from but I must remember that I must use each meeting as a chance to acquire a new contact. Have a personal and professional resume about myself that I can ease into casual conversation. When someone asks, "So, tell me something about yourself.", this is the time to make it POP! Never look down on yourself or your achievements. Even if your career is at a stand still, be exciting!

I would say, "For the last 8 years I have been working very hard at beoming an Essence best selling author." After all this is my dream. "I have written and published 4 novels that have been well received by readers of all ages, races, and genders. Currently, I am in the process of finding a way to merge my passion for writing with my love for giving back to my community. I see myself becoming a Motivational Speaker in the near future and have already started college courses to obtain a degree in Communication."

If you are genuine and passionate about your work than your listener will be interested in you and your work. Passion is what binds us as a group, unit or couple. Sharing the same drive to become successful, break into a specific line of work or even just improving ourselves draws us closer as we support each other.

These are not things I learned over night. I had to look deep and figure out what was holding me back. I found that it was me. I was my own worst enemy. Passing up on many opportunities because I always felt like I was not ready. My fear of failure is what was keeping me from soaring to my success. I had to stop doubting myself and my skills. I have already broke the barrier, it is just a matter of finding the right audience. The only way for me to do this is putting myself on display and making a GREAT first impression.

When looking for ways to break into your market do not look down on the use of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and so many other social networking forums. We are in the technology era. Everyone finds comfort in the ease of online marketing and networking. Become a fan to some markets familiar to your line of work to meet and network with business affiliates and future clients/customers/fans.

Network with me. Find me on Facebook @

1. Envisage Publishing: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Envisage-Publishing/134267513289794 or
2. Mary Kay & Me: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Mary-Kay-Me/119443978162333

I can also be found on Twitter @ladydiva821 and on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/danettemaroney.

As always, I wish you all success ad prosperity for the many years to come.

Books, Beauty and Bliss,

Danett Maroney
http://envisagepublishing.yolasite.com