Category: Finances/Entrepreneurship

Hi All!

By now, you may know that I think the #Harriet movie is a MUST SEE film.  Yes, like many, I’ve known of Harriet Tubman’s incredible heroism in bringing hundreds of slaves out of bondage into Freedom via the Underground Railroad for years.  But seeing her story as a young woman when she first started out on her improbable journey opened the door to many important insights into her character.

The most powerfully consistent insight was her belief in God.  Without maps, a flashlight, sometimes without shoes or food, she found her way to Freedom the first time by herself, guided only by God.  Harriet couldn’t read or write, but she had her own GPS:  God’s Personal Signals – to follow.  God led her to the paths and the people she needed.  She prayed mightily and leaned heavily on this to direct her thoughts, courage and steps.

Seeing those scenes in the film reinforced for me how powerful prayer can be to strengthen us on our journeys through life.  So often, we may see prayer as a Sunday only thing to do.  But I’ve found that prayer, which is not the same as meditation, even though that is also a great thing to do — does something else.  For me, it reinforces Faith, “which makes things possible, even if those things aren’t easy”.  That quote is on the wall of my office.

For those who believe, prayer can be an intimate and on-going conversation with God.  Something that can be done while driving, walking, doing the dishes…and of course in repose as well.  I enjoy church, and go when the feeling hits me.  Every day, however, I talk to God.  I’ve found that having a personal relationship strengthens me in ways that continue to astound me and fortifies the foundation of Faith I need to Press On:

PRESS ON

PRESS ON, ALTHOUGH THE ROAD IS ROCKY

PRESS ON, THROUGH RIVERS OF DOUBT

PRESS ON WHEN “NO” SEEMS TO GREET YOU OFTEN

 JUST SMILE AND SIMPLY PRESS ON

PRESS ON WHEN OTHERS TRY TO STOP YOU,

 EVEN WHEN THEIR HEARTS ARE TRUE

PRESS ON TO SHARE YOUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS

 BECAUSE GOD MADE ONLY ONE YOU!

As I’ve gotten older, this personal relationship is even more important.  As life continues to challenge us all, with losses, health issues, dreams deferred, patience tested, as well as with triumphs — knowing from whom all things flow helps to keep my perspective about who really is in control.  I’ve spoken before about how letting go of the need to control is freeing.  Realizing the God has everything under control is that and more.

Here’s some examples.  A good friend from my Bible Study group shared a tip to use when anxious about things.  Who doesn’t get anxious from time to time?  I know I do.  She suggested that when anxiety bubbles up, just breathe and remember to put God into that situation in your mind — because God is about peace.  Putting God reflexively and immediately into an anxious situation, and knowing that He really controls it — can help direct your actions by calming the spirit, mind and body.  It’s GREAT for reducing stress, and you know how important that is for your health.  Another good friend sends me Bible verses and spiritual quotes every morning.  It’s her ministry, is truly amazing and is a blessing to me and to so many.

As Harriet showed us through the movie, keeping God front and center is also great for doing what seems impossible.  She persevered through incredible odds, personal pain and challenges time and time again to use her gifts for others.  Through the gifts God has given each one of us, we can do much more than we think we can.  And putting on The Full Armor of God every day (Ephesians 6:13-18) equips us to do so in every situation.

So, while each of us has a unique journey, don’t let the distractions and noises of life dull the impact of your own GPS – God’s Personal Signals.   Tune into it to help you navigate the terrain.  I will share testimonials and ideas more often…but please feel free to share yours here, too.  You never know who it might help to Sizzle!

Hugs,

Amy

Hi there.

Many of you know that I recently made a pivot in my career and started teaching Marketing at Loyola University’s  School of Business.  I’m here to tell you…

I. Love. It. 

It is one of the most gratifying things I’ve ever done.  When I walked into the classroom for the first time, and looked at those 45 students looking back at me, it was like an epiphany.  I said, “Hello.  I’m Amy Hilliard, And I’m here to not just to teach you Marketing, but to make it come alive for you.  I want you to feel it.  As business students, and ultimately business people in the world, you will have the to power in your hands to change lives.  As marketers, never underestimate this impact.  We will learn together, and I will be tough on you, but we will have fun.  Are you ready?  Let’s GO!!”

Did I rehearse that?  Not at all.  It just came out.  And in every class since then, it has just gotten better.  I’m working harder than ever, for a LOT less money than I’ve made before.  But when I saw this diagram and read the article from Ideas From Ted,  it all made sense.  Take a read when you can:

http://t.ted.com/1Xh1eNL

To sum up this article by Kate Torgovnick May, here’s my take on the 7 Lessons to Learn About Finding Work You Were Meant to Do:

1. Your calling is at the intersection of a Venn diagram of three things: doing something you’re good at, feeling appreciated, and believing your work is making people’s lives better.

That’s EXACTLY how I feel in the classroom!  Anyone who knows me knows that Marketing is my Thing.  Has been forever.  My students are getting a kick out of the stories from my corporate career and my entrepreneurial journey that I mix in with the textbook learning.  Heck, I’m loving reading the textbook myself!  (OK, I’ve got it bad, LOL). But they appreciate my approach, and they let me know.  Importantly, I feel that when they go out into the world, they have the chance to make people’s lives better, and my work will have something to do with that.  It’s an awesome feeling.

2. Your calling often comes out of difficult experiences.

You all also know my Mom passed recently.  Well, my Mom was a teacher.  A dedicated teacher.  She left a nursing career and went to college at night after having 4 daughters to become one.  I totally remember how she prepared lessons for her classes…she taught Science, for example, and I had to feed the snakes and frogs she had in aquariums on our back porch for her students.  Yuk!  But she wanted to bring real stuff to the classroom.  I also remember her being my substitute teacher while she was getting her teaching certificate.  Now, THAT was something.  Having your Mom as your teacher!  She was no-nonsense, but her passion to make her students be the best they could be came through loud and clear.

When she died, in my grief I had to reflect deeply on what my own legacy would be.  Sure, I’ve had a great career.  But that sweet spot on the Venn diagram got me–BAM!  I get why she loved this honorable profession so much.  And though I miss her deeply, she’s still teaching me.  Now, as a teacher myself, I am channeling her spirit when I stand before my students.  I feel her energy helping me to do and say the right things, to challenge them and cherish them at the same time.

3. Calling often takes courage and ruffles feathers.

Making the decision to teach took courage for me.  I’ve been asked to bring back ComfortCake.  Every day, I get a mention about it.  Every. Single. Day.  It was an absolutely wonderful and life-changing journey.  But after much thought, I’ve decided to focus on teaching, though I know with the brand equity, the right business model and a good team I could build it one more time.  If I do bring ComfortCake back, I will still teach.  That does ruffle the feathers of some.

4. Other people often nudge you toward your calling.

This one is totally true.  Last year, I was really struggling to think about my next act.  I had consulting projects and speaking opportunities.  But also wanted more steady income.  A friend looked me in the eye and said, “What are you doing?  There are all these colleges and universities right here in Chicago!  With all that you’ve done, you can teach!  Send out your background to them on-line THIS WEEKEND.  NO EXCUSES.”   That’s what I did.  And months later, with perfect timing, and the perfect opportunity, Loyola got back to me.

5. What comes after identifying your calling is what really matters.

Truth also.  Teaching is a LOT of work.  Prepping for each class.  Developing homework assignments and tests.  Presenting.  Grading exams and Marketing Plans.  Whew!  But you know what?  I wake up in the morning and check email to see if “my babies” need anything from me.  I have to give them what they need to make a difference in this world.  And, I find that doing so is almost addictively enjoyable.  My friends are amazed at how busy I am doing this.

6. Age is irrelevant.

‘Nuff said.  At 67 years old, I feel I can do this for many more years to come in some form or another.  Classroom teaching.  Online teaching.  Writing books.  Podcasting.  Speaking.  It’s totally energizing.

7. Calling often doesn’t come with a big paycheck.

While that is true, I believe that it will open doors of income that will more than sustain me.  This is what matters–All money isn’t green.  These last 18 months I’ve lost eight loved ones, friends, mentors, mentees including my mother and just yesterday,

my friend and Howard University classmate, Congressman Elijah Cummings, shown here with his wife, Dr. Maya.  As I’ve said in a previous post, Stress Doesn’t Sizzle–It Fries.  I’m about doing what I love, what I’m good at, what others appreciate, and what can make people’s lives better.  My purpose is clear.  I’ve pivoted.  God will make sure I have a roof over my head and food to eat.  And then some.

Look forward to your thoughts.

Hugs,

Amy

As an entrepreneur, I have often had to craft an Elevator Pitch.  That 30 second to 1 minute pitch to tell a potential investor or customer about my business or product if I met them on an elevator to engage them enough to want to work with me, consider investing with me, buy my product…you get the drift.  Sometimes you only have a very short amount of time to make an impact.

The first slide above lists some key questions that are usually asked from a business standpoint.  These are very good questions.  So, for your business-minded folks out there, keep them in mind. Statistics say that Boomers are starting businesses faster than ever before!

But, speaking from experience, as you go about thinking what your next act will be, try this exercise:  What’s Your Personal Elevator Pitch?  If you had only a short amount of time to share what you are about with someone who could help you fulfill your dreams at this stage of your life, what would you say?  I’ve listed some questions to get you started.

Framing this out in your mind might pivot you toward your business elevator pitch in an authentic way.  There are endless opportunities out there.  Finding what fuels your soul is key, because, trust me, you will be spending a LOT of time, energy and money building your dream.  And if it doesn’t resonate from within, it will show from without.  Kinda like shoes that look good but hurt your feet.  You can’t walk very far in them.  And you’re smiling, but inside you can’t wait to get home to take them OFF!  They just. don’t. fit.

And this is not just for entrepreneurs or Boomers either!  You could be going for that next job or promotion, considering a move to a new city…a new relationship.  A Personal Elevator Pitch has a lot of uses, I’ve found.  It’s just a few snapshot questions to keep in mind as you think of options in front of you.  As you consider how you’d feel saying them to another, and if your answers feel true, you may find that you’ve hit upon a direction for your life or solidified the direction that you’re on in a way that helps keep you moving forward with certainty in your step.

So, let me know what you think about having a Personal Elevator Pitch.  Are there some questions you’d add?  Love to hear your thoughts!

Hugs,

Amy

As the seasons are changing, we can learn something from tall, strong trees.  They shed their leaves in the Fall, they let them go.  And yet, the trees continue to grow.  Season after season.

And we can learn from the exercise we probably did as kids, the monkey bars.  Swinging from one to the next one could be painful at times–hard work.  But the reality was, you couldn’t get to the next bar unless you let go of the bar behind you.

What great lessons in life.  You can’t grow unless you shed things that no longer serve you from one season into the next.  And you can’t move forward unless you let go of things holding you back from behind so you can move forward.

Perspective.  Ah, perspective.  It always seems so comforting upon reflection.  In the thick of things…hard to grab hold of sometimes.  That’s why I find it so important to take a moment and let the electricity of a situation pass if you can before responding.  I’m learning not to let my emotions vote!  Shedding the emotion connected to the immediacy of situations allows perspective to come in for better decisions.  Letting go of your hold on the moment, even for a count of ten, can sometimes open up possibilities that weren’t there before.

And, boy oh boy.  Letting go and Letting God!  How often have we heard that!  I’ve written before about how hard that has been for me.  I’m a Type A…Capital A person!  However, because the process of aging and surviving losses has provided indisputable lessons in how God really is the one in control, I’ve learned it is SO much better to let Him have it.  My faith has strengthened as I’ve learned to let go.  My stress has lessened.  My sizzle has turned up!  YAY!

It’s all so connected.  Exercise.  Meditation.  Prayer.  Letting go of those moments that you think need your immediate attention, action and resolution and the thinking that ONLY YOU have the answers.  Really?  Maybe not.  Letting go and letting situations unfold in God’s timing.  Letting go and letting thoughts and solutions simmer a bit.  Adding that bit of spice or a seasoning tip from a friend that wasn’t in the cookbook.  Sometimes like a wonderful dish, solutions taste better the next day.

I’ve found letting go is powerful.  Of course, I’m not suggesting you sit back and expect God, the Universe or your friends to handle your business while you lie on the beach.  No, it’s taking a step back, taking that pause that can refresh while you indeed make your moves to press on.   Keeps burnout at bay.  I’ve been there, and do not want to go there again.  And, if you haven’t guessed, letting go works in business, in relationships, on days when your body needs a rest…for so much of life.

So, tell me your stories of Letting Go–

When did you let go of something you thought you had to hold on to only to find something better was trying to make it’s way to you in the end?

Hugs,

Amy

I love this mug I got from the former “O” store in Chicago.  I love drinking coffee from it and thinking about my “what’s next”.  Life’s journey certainly hasn’t been a straight line.  People look at me and think, “She’s got it made.  What a success!”

If they only knew.

This Harvard MBA and marketing executive has had to weather MANY storms–the Weather Channel ain’t got nothing on me!  Divorces. Lawsuits. Layoffs. Foreclosure. Bankruptcy.  Uh-Huh.  Didn’t know all that, did-ja?  But I’m still standing.  Still smiling.  This mug says is best.  “Use what you have to run toward your best.”  That’s all anyone can do.  The key is–don’t get stuck.

I read.  A lot.  I’ve read about how when setbacks happen, the best way to get over them is to outgrow them.

Outgrow rejection.  Outgrow heartbreak.  That job that didn’t work out.  That lover that broke your heart.  Be someone that would NOT want to be in that job or with that person because you have GROWN into something better, bigger and stronger.  In this way, you can be sure that a life changing event does not have to stop your life.   It change just change your direction.  It can help you PIVOT.

Pivot Points are there to to show you when to make the turns that can help you grow, and growth sometime hurts.  The term “growing pains” isn’t a fallacy.  In physiological terms, muscles and bones actually hurt as they go through growth spurts.  I remember, don’t you?

And, JE-SUS!  When your heart gets broken, when you lose that job, when your business doesn’t gain the heights you thought it would, when the ride or die friend doesn’t ride anymore….you think life is over.  Well, IT ISN’T, unless you decide it is.  What you are facing is a Pivot Point.  Which way will you go?  Forward, Backward or Stuck?

I choose Forward.  And most times, I don’t know what that means.  I only know that if I keep putting one foot in front of the other, through tears, through fear, through …PISSOFF-ITY (that’s my new word for being mad!), I will see a light at the end of the tunnel.  Sometimes, you can’t see the light, unless you see the darkness first.  Because if you don’t see darkness, the light seems frivolous, not worth pursuing, not pragmatic, not practical, not SAFE.

Well.  That’s when Faith steps in. And as Stormie Norman says, God gives you just enough light for the step you’re on.  And guess what else?  YOU are the light at the end of the tunnel.

One of the biggest “AH-HA” moments of Pivot Points is knowing when to turn to YOU! 

Stop giving away your power to someone else to solve your problems. To find solutions.  To make a way.  Seek advice, yes.  Decide for you, NO!!!  You’ve done it before.  You can do it again.  I get it.  Sometimes you are just TIRED.  You want someone else to take over for a minute so you can rest.  Then that minute turns into a week, the week into a month, a month into a year.  Next thing you know, your power is reduced, and you start feeling like you aren’t a BadAss anymore.

Well, Welcome back to BADASS LAND, Dorothy!  Click your heels, three times.  You were already Home.  Time to pivot back to YOU.

What I’ve found is that when you keep moving forward, keep pivoting and making the turn toward a better direction, major surprises are in store!  I am SOOO excited to begin teaching marketing at Loyola University!  Got great advice to seek it out, and I decided to reach out about it months ago, just put it OUT THERE.  And through a long time relationship with a friend who already was teaching there, we became re-connected, and I invested time to explore possibilities.  Was it worth it.  YES!  How did I know?  Even though I wasn’t paid to audit her class, I was EXCITED.  I loved being back in the classroom with students.   Had a ball.  Market-TING is my THING!!  So, I kept moving toward it.  Then when I got the call about an opening to teach with only two weeks to prepare, it was an easy YES.

So, here’s the the deal as I see it.  Life will show you road signs: turn left, right, stop, slow down, speed up.  But the most important thing is:  KEEP IT MOVING.  If you come up to a stop sign, do like you do when you drive…stop, look both ways, but then MOVE ON THROUGH!!

I could keep this post going forever…but I won’t.  You get my drift.

Pivot Points.  Knowing When To Make The Turn.  The benefits are huge: Build Resilience.  Ignite Reinvention.  Embrace Resurrection in all its many forms. Jesus taught us all how to rise from the dead.  Keep the Faith, Trust Yourself, Just Pivot and Make the Turn.

That’s what Sizzling is all about.

Tell me about your Pivot Points!!  I Want to KNOW!!!

Hugs and Love,

Amy

You are doing it whether you realize it or not.

We are in Women’s History Month now, and because of the recent loss of my Mom, I reflect often on the lessons, wisdom and joy she gave me.  In doing so, I also recognize that like many women, she created history.  It wasn’t widely celebrated in the media, but it’s historic nonetheless.  She was a renaissance woman as many women are today–reinventing ourselves as our careers, families, communities as the world evolves.  We create history in our spheres of influence.  That is important to realize!  We all know of someone who touched our lives either long ago or recently that changed our trajectory.  We all know or have ourselves changed paths after seeing what someone else has done, and thought–“Hey, I can do that too!”  Many life changes have improved situations for countless others.  When you change a job, start a business, write a book or article that is thought provoking, volunteer in your community…you are putting your imprint on history.

Often, we tend to step back and not look at the value we create with our actions, big and small.  I didn’t always focus on that.  But as time inevitably marches on, I have embrace the mindset of somehow creating value everyday, even if it is just with a smile.  Every day we can ask ourselves: what are we doing to create value in our families, careers, and communities?  Each one can reach one, and create history.

So often, we compare ourselves to more known people–celebrities, politicians, entrepreneurs who have done incredible things that have changed the world.  We think-“Wow, what I’m doing can’t match or top that!”  Well, if it possibly can, great–but I submit it doesn’t have to.  The question is, what are you doing with YOUR gift to change lives or a life?  We cannot have the mentality of just “Looking Out for Number 1.”  That was a popular book some years ago, and lots of people bought into that philosophy, more often  tuning into their favorite radio station, WIFM–“What’s In it For Me.”  Doing so may feel good for the moment, yet can also lead to feelings of isolation from the collective needs of us as humans.

The world today needs everyones talent and best thinking.  Seismic change is happening so fast, it’s hard to keep up!  Yet, it is indeed possible to not only keep up but move the needle forward with a mindset that says, “I matter.  What I can do matters.  Every Day.”

It truly doesn’t take much.  Pass on that article. Or write it and pass it on.  Make that phone call.  Paint that picture.  Shoot that shot.  Try something new and share the results to inspire others.  It’s amazing the things that can make a difference and motivate others, who may then indeed change the world.

So, as we celebrate Women in March, go out there and create YOUR OWN HISTORY.  Own it and don’t forget to pass it on!

See you soon Sizzlers!

Hugs,

Amy