Next Step Forward, LLC

Whew Chile... 2023!!! What an amazing year full of Focused intention and Purpose!

For the last few years, I have been sharing my list of books that I have read throughout the year, and in 2022 I made a BOLD declaration that rather than just reading for the sake of reading, which is good in itself.

I would level it up a notch, and pull out a few nuggets to begin to implement

Many of these Authors and so many others are connected to LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, so be sure to drop a personalized message with your thoughts about the books that you've read!



Here's my 2023 list of must-read Books, that will provide enrichment and nourishment for your brain and your life...

The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution by David A. Clark and Aaron T. Beck

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel A. van der Kolk.

God's Creative Power Will Work for You by Charles Capps, Chris Thom

The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho, Sean Runnette

This Is Your Time by Ruby Bridges and Listening Library

How to Stay Motivated: Developing the Qualities of Success by Zig Ziggler

The Goals Program: The How to Stay Motivated Series, Book 2 by Zig Ziggler

Body Language Secrets to Win More Negotiations: How to Read Any Opponent and Get What You Want by Greg Williams, CSP, Pat Iyer

Start Being Visible: Raise your profile, promote your brand, and attract your ideal clients – through LinkedIn! by 〰️ Mildred Talabi MCIPR

Disruptive Thinking: A Daring Strategy to Change How We Live, Lead, and Love by T.D. Jakes Ministries, Kyle Chapel

Do It! Speaking: 77 Instant-Action Ideas to Market, Monetize, and Maximize Your Expertise Book by David Newman, CSP and HarperCollins Leadership

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen M. R. Covey

Rich Dad Poor Dad: 20th Anniversary Edition: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Rich Dad's Guide to Becoming Rich Without Cutting Up Your Credit Cards: Turn Bad Debt Into Good Debt by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant: Guide to Financial Freedom by Robert T. Kiyosaki

I Heard God Laugh: A Practical Guide to Life's Essential Daily Habit by Matthew Kelly and Blue Sparrow

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth by T. Harv Eker

Rich Dad's Increase Your Financial IQ: Get Smarter with Your Money by Robert T. Kiyosaki

In Pursuit of Purpose by Myles Munroe

God's Creative Power for Finances by Charles Capps, Chris Thom

The Millionaire Booklet by Grant Cardone

Book More Business: Make Money Speaking by Lois Creamer

The Garden Within: Where the War with Your Emotions Ends and Your Most Powerful Life Begins by Dr. Anita Phillips

25 Keys to a Positive Mindset: LOA by Mark Cosby CVP 🎤

What's really important?

Is it the moments of joy that fills our souls

Or the echos of laughter as they spill throughout our homes

Is it the moments of peace after we've reconciled our differences

Or the loud silence that commands space as we try to manage our emotions filled expressions in the midst of a disagreement

What's really important?

Is it how we treat one another as a part of our normal practicum

Or how we leverage the energy that fills the atmosphere in anticipation of the holidays

My answer is all of it is important

God's greatest gift to us is mankind

How we treat one another and how we treat ourselves is our greatest gift to God

The loudest cries often go unheard

The deepest pain often draws no blood

The darkest time often falls in the peak of the day

Love beyond the holiday season

Extend gratitude beyond the exchange of gifts

Express compassion beyond those that we think or feel may be in the most need

Remember enjoy today...

❤️❤️❤️ LOVE often

🤗🤗🤗 Embrace freely

🥳🥳🥳Rejoice heartily

I wonder 🤔🤔🤔....

What if in the pursuit of personal success, we embrace the uncertainty, and be willing to push forward anyway?

What if success was measured by bold courage action?

Most of what I've set out to do in life, I've done so afraid

Afraid of what was, what is, and what can become

It is said that if what you're going after doesn't scare you a little then, you're not reaching high enough

I say... "To succeed in life, you must be willing to strategically move beyond where you are, and keep heading in the direction of your goals constantly" ~Kashaun Parker

Women Speakers Association Author Group

Our Stage, Our Platform, Our Message:

Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the content I share? It's a question I'm often asked, not out of rudeness, but out of genuine curiosity. Today, I want to share with you the essence of my purpose and invite you to take part in something truly extraordinary.

On my page, I have an audience of unique individuals, each navigating their own path through life's ups and downs. It's a diverse community, and within this diversity lies immense power and potential for positive change. That's why I am committed to sharing content that touches hearts, uplifts spirits, and inspires action.

I share comedy because a simple smile emoji from a friend can transform tears of pain into tears of laughter. Laughter has the incredible ability to heal and bring lightness to even the heaviest of hearts. Together, we can spread joy and turn the darkest moments into beacons of hope.

I share love because it has the power to soften even the most hardened hearts. With a few heartfelt words or acts of kindness, we can ignite a spark of compassion and restore faith in the power of human connection. Let's be the catalysts for love and create a ripple effect of kindness that reaches far and wide.

I share stories of family because they have the potential to encourage and inspire. In times of doubt or struggle, witnessing the strength and resilience of others can be a powerful motivator. Together, we can support and uplift those who are trying their best and may be on the verge of giving up. Let's be the source of unwavering encouragement that helps them find the strength to persevere.

Lastly, I share memories as a reminder to all of us who have loved and lost that true love is never truly lost. It lives on within our hearts and in the cherished moments we shared. By honoring those memories, we keep the flame of love alive and inspire others to cherish their own connections.

This is my stage, my platform, and if I have accepted you as my friend, know that I am dedicated to finding something that inspires you. I want to create a community where inspiration thrives, where each of us plays a part in spreading joy, love, and encouragement.

So, I invite you to join this movement of inspiration and impact. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us. Let's become a force for positivity, compassion, and change.

If you're ready to be a part of something extraordinary, take action today. Engage with the content, share your thoughts, and let your voice be heard. Together, we can create a chain reaction of inspiration that reaches far beyond our wildest dreams.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Your presence matters, and your actions can make a lasting impact. Together, let's ignite the world with inspiration.

With heartfelt gratitude and anticipation

Join the community [ https://bit.ly/NextStepForwardCommunity]

Good Morning ♥️✨️💕

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Next Step Forward Community

"You take you everywhere you go!"

I have adopted this personal phrase gifted to me by my first personal development coach Mary!

What I have understood the simple phrase to mean is that we are consistent beings, even in our inconsistencies

As I began to set goals and achieve professional success, I realized that around every corner I was faced with my own habits and choices

As my habits and choices changed, so did my personal and professional footprint change

🌟💪✨ I am inviting you to participate in a poll with me that looks at various personal development strategies

Which personal development strategy has had the most impact on your career growth?

1. Setting Achievable Goals
2. Learning and Skill Development
3. Being Accountable for Actions
4. Develop Emotional Intelligence

Things are getting real now!!!

We are just under five short months until the release of my very first book!

Save the date: February 6th 2024

Let's gooooo 😍🎊✨️

When Maurice passed we had a memorial service a year following his passing. We thought it was a good idea to do a memory box, with notes to our angel

London found the box and looked inside and began reading the notes, then asked if she could write a note too...

"Hi daddy, I'm 9 years old now. I love you and I miss you. Love London"

Y'all she brought me to my knees with this one, God's answers wrapped in love

She was only 18 months when he passed away and over the years she has had so many questions that I don't have answers to

But when I look at her, all I can say is thank you!!!!

She models for me the huge spaces of gray that exists all around us. The art of both/and...

She is growing fast, enjoying every day and yet she still misses her dad

She has fun with her friends and their parents and she still has questions about why she doesn't have a dad

She is a beautiful example wrapped in so much love

Lord I thank you 😊 🙏🏽 🙌🏽 ❤️

***This post may disrupt popular opinion***

Happiness is a drug... are you addicted???

Sadness, frustration, anger have all been ostracized... yet we feel these emotions too and even more we PAY to not feel them

We're in the midst of an epidemic. The Happiness Epidemic

You can't scroll social media without seeing something about manifestation of things that create the illusion of happiness

Meditation... Mindfulness... Affirmations

The list is an endless route straight to the happiness trap.

Here's my question... what happens when you do all the things (Meditation, Mindfulness, Affirmations, etc...) and you're still SAD??? You're still disappointed??? You're still...

What then?

Here's what I am learning

Without sadness, it's really difficult to truly understand and appreciate happiness

Without disappointment, it's really difficult to experience satisfaction

Without chaos it's nearly impossible to recognize true peace

What I am learning is

I have earned every smile, just as I have fought against every tear

I am not exempt from my negative emotions, and to experience them does not indicate something is wrong with me

I am balancing the yin and yang offered by life through experiences

I am a being having a human experience and that experience ebbs and flows with life.

Our emotions are an alert system to our surroundings and our well-being.

Understand that ALL emotions are normal the key is to recognize them and learn what they are trying to communicate to you

If you have been feeling out of place and space because you are operating against the epidemiological current, you are NORMAL! There is nothing wrong with you or how you think or feel.

If you're sad all the time, get support to find out what's going on that has created such a chemically induced imbalance. (Professionally where feasible)

If you're happy all the time, check in with yourself just to be sure that you're not becoming an expert at avoidance, pleasing, and/or hiding

I wonder what would happen if we allowed ourselves to just be... Without robbing ourselves of the true experiences of life

Could we see a change in mental health?

Could we see an increase in social engagement?

Could we see a better appreciation for life?

Could we experience connection like never before?

What if, instead of trying to discard the discomfort of what we don't understand, we embrace to learn and then help one another through it.

If this post resonated... let me know your thoughts

Proud to announce that I have joined The Forbes BLK Community to amplify the voices of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders and creators

"What landed you into the world of entrepreneurship?
You wanted to be your own boss and call the shots huh?...."

This is the question and assumption that I'm most frequently met with when getting to know someone new

Without hesitation or offense, I reply "no, I was led to this path..."

I don't have a problem following nor do I have any fear of leading

I am driven by passion, I have a passion for making my life and thumbprint count.

I have a passion for helping others develop their own thumbprint

I am pro entrepreneurship AND pro business and organization

The point is to find what you love, your unique gift (the heart) and develop the skills necessary to execute ( the intellectual)

To go into entrepreneurship strictly for autonomy, will challenge you and test you almost immediately

This journey of entrepreneurship has afforded me the experience of a lifetime

One that I don't take for granted, and wasn't built from a rebellious spirit

My encouragement to you is to find your gift and date it, develop exclusivity with it, then marry it!

Your gift will make room for you, but you gotta do the work!

I choose to release love, happiness, and gratitude into the world today.

Life is precious and beautiful and I choose to focus on the positive.

Good Afternoon Beautiful People, Happy Friday 😊

I didn't get here alone...

I pray constantly because often my faith is weary and fleeting...

I am often corrected and many times against what I believe down to my core is right....

I seek counsel, advice, and second opinions...

I didn't get here alone...

I can be found taking notes, sitting quietly, and observing because I understand that every teacher was once a student, every parent was once a child, and any great leader has followed...

Don't be too good to learn, be taught, or seek help

You don't get there on your own!!!

Seeking a coach or mentor and ready for a discussion, reach out today!!!

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (779)279-6290
Website: www.nextstepforwardcoach.com
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kashaunparkernextstepforwardcoaching/
Instagram: Next_step_forward_llc

Let’s talk about Brand

Creating a Brand is more than about fancy logo designs with cute color schemes. Your unique brand should be reflective of the unique personality that you are bringing to the market via your business.

If you are looking to officially brand your business, consider the following as it relates to branding

Defining your Brand: who and what you are, what do you want customers to associate with your brand, why do you exist, what do you believe in, who is your target market, what are their wants and needs.

Choosing a company name: Choose a company name that reflects what your business is and why it exists.

Media Presence: Develop your logo and all marketing material such as website design and social media presence. Consider an aesthetic that reflects your company thing like color pallet and other design elements. Colors logos and other design elements all say something about your company

Platform: Choose the platform that suits your brand the most. Think about your demographic and how you could best reach them on social platforms. The platform that is used the most by your target market will be the platform you want to have the biggest presence on.

Remember, The mission and purpose of your company are mirrored in your brand, which greatly aids in effectively and consistently communicating with your consumers, enabling instant brand recognition.

More helpful information: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10549-brand-building-guide.html

Who are you serving?

You likely have heard the phrase if you’re talking to everybody, you’re talking to nobody!

Understanding where your market is saves you time and money by allocating your resources to potential buyers of your unique product or service.

When understanding your market you want to:

Define your Market: Identify characteristics such as demographics like age, gender education level, and income, then psychographics like interests, hobbies, and desires that influence their consumer choices and products or services the target market wants and values

Define your Offer: What makes your product or service desirable? This will help you to better figure out the type of people who might desire your product.
Create Market Research: Using things like surveys and having social events to get to know the consumers are great ways to collect information

Track your Data: Take note of things that work and things that don't work. Reflect on the things that don't work and try something new.
Developing a target market doesn’t limit your reach, it actually refines your scope and drives your focus to concentrate on potential buyers that are looking for your unique products or services

More helpful information: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2959&context=extension_curall

One of the most fulfilling experiences for me is when I am sitting with my clients talking about why they decided to start their business… Their unique “WHY”
The passion in their vision takes over as they begin to paint picturesque images of what they want their business brand to represent.

One of the things that overwhelm these masterminds is the influx of emotion as they are thrust into the overwhelm that every entrepreneur has felt when getting started but almost feel shame when admitting, that starting a business is hard work!
Here are a few tips to help manage the stress and feelings of overwhelmingly endless things to do when getting started in your business

-Create lists and develop habits that keep you grounded and
structured to put first things first

-Take note of what needs to be done and how long you expect to have to work on each task

-Focus on your unique business proposition for what helps you to stand apart from the competition

-Create your business plan, it serves as a road map for establishing your business. It makes it easier for potential investors and financial institutions to understand your business, while also helping you flesh out your ideas and spot any potential problems.

-Stay consistent with marketing your business, whether on social media, networking, or blogging build a routine and stick to it
Starting a business takes a lot of work, effort, and perseverance, but if you are willing to put in the work it can be a great way to achieve your dreams and goals. Once you're operational, don't forget to stay focused and organized so you can continue to grow your
business.

More helpful information: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/how-to-start-a-business/

There are many reasons why people choose entrepreneurship, including:

1. Autonomy and Flexibility: Being an entrepreneur gives individuals the freedom to work on their own terms and schedule.

2. Pursuit of Passion: Often entrepreneurs start their own businesses to pursue a passion or interest that they may not have been able to explore in a traditional corporate setting.

3. Financial Rewards: Entrepreneurs have the potential to earn more money than they would as an employee. They also have the opportunity to build an asset that could eventually be sold for a substantial amount.

4. Problem Solving: Entrepreneurs enjoy the challenge of creating a solution to a problem in the market or society.

5. Control: Entrepreneurs have more control over their business and its direction. They are able to make decisions and take risks without having to answer to a boss or board of directors.

6. Legacy: Some entrepreneurs want to leave a lasting impact on the world by creating something meaningful and leaving a positive legacy.

7. Personal Growth: Starting and running a business requires individuals to develop a diverse set of skills, which can lead to personal growth and self-improvement.

New entrepreneurs often face a number of challenges when starting and building their business. Some of the common daily challenges the face include:

1. Lack of experience: Many new entrepreneurs may not have previous experience in running a business, which can make it difficult for them to know where to start or how to handle certain situations.

2. Limited resources: Starting a new business often requires a significant investment of time, money, and other resources. Many new entrepreneurs may face challenges in securing sufficient funding or finding the right resources to support their business goals.

3. Competition: Depending on the industry, new entrepreneurs may face significant competition from other businesses that have already established a strong presence in the market.

4. Uncertainty: Starting a new business involves a degree of uncertainty. Entrepreneurs may not know how their product or service will be received by the market or what challenges they may face as they grow their business.

5. Balancing priorities: New entrepreneurs often must juggle multiple responsibilities as they build their businesses. They may need to handle day-to-day operations, while also managing marketing, finance, and other key functions.

6. Maintaining motivation: Entrepreneurship can be a challenging and demanding journey. New entrepreneurs may struggle to maintain their motivation and stay focused on their goals, especially during difficult periods or setbacks.

As an executive coach, there are several ways to gain visibility and increase your reach. Some of these include:

1. Establish an online presence: Create a website and social media profiles. Share content that your target audience will find helpful and valuable.

2. Publish articles and blog posts: Write articles or blog posts that showcase your expertise and thought leadership in your field. Share these on your website, social media, and other platforms.

3. Network: Attend industry events and conferences where you can meet other professionals and potential clients. Use these opportunities to share your expertise and connect with others in your field.

4. Partner with other organizations: Collaborate with other organizations, such as HR consulting firms or training companies, to increase your visibility and credibility.

5. Offer free resources: Provide free resources on your website, such as e-books or webinars, that can help potential clients learn more about your services and approach.

6. Gather testimonials and case studies: Collect testimonials and case studies from existing clients to share on your website and other marketing materials. Testimonials and case studies can help demonstrate your expertise and the impact you can have on your clients.

7. Leverage referrals: Encourage existing clients to refer others to you. Word-of-mouth referrals can be a powerful way to gain new clients and increase visibility.

Remember that building visibility as an executive coach will take time and effort, but by consistently using these strategies, you can establish yourself as a respected thought leader and sought-after coach in your field.

One day left to register! Celebration to support, Berwyn 6th Ward Alderwonan Alicia M Ruiz - 6th Ward Alderman 6 years of dedicated service

6 Strategies that Businesses can use to Grow

1. Expand your customer base: To achieve growth, businesses need to increase the number of customers they serve. This can be achieved by reaching out to new markets, expanding your product or service offerings, or improving your marketing efforts.

2. Improve your customer retention: It is important to keep your existing customers coming back. Referral marketing is effective in achieving customer retention, as it incentivizes customers to share your business with others.

3. Increase your market share: This can be achieved by strengthening your competitive advantage by establishing unique selling points, such as offering exceptional service or pricing.

4. Expand your product line: Adding complementary products or services can attract new customers, increase sales, and improve customer satisfaction.

5. Acquiring or merging with other businesses: Mergers and acquisitions can be an effective strategy to achieve growth if properly executed. By combining resources and customer bases, businesses can quickly increase their market share.

6. Partner with other businesses: Partnering with another business can help a business tap into new markets, expand product offerings, and reduce costs.

These are just a few of the strategies that businesses can adopt to achieve growth. The right strategy will depend on the company’s goals, resources, and industry.

Each and everyone one of us desires to live life on our terms without any influence from external forces. Join us a Sarah dissects the topic 'Life on your terms' and how you can achieve this in your own life. The session is organized by Need to Breath Coaching in partnership with Eluciid Energy Global.

Being an interactive session, we have limited slots available. Please use the link below to reserve your slot:

https://lnkd.in/eKFt2tNX

Or reach us on [email protected] to making a quick booking for the session.

Sarah Piedrahita ; Eluciid Energy Global; Chris Smith, Author of a series of westerns (Steve Savage, Bounty Hunter and Jim Taylor); kamba peter; Patience Kinengyere;VENRO Health Care; Vennie Mbaziira Nabitaka; Vivienne Mulema; Alison Kero; AiKA Health Consults;

; ;

Reinvention Experience!! Event Date: Friday 16th June 2023 Event Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm EAT 9:00am - 10:00am EST Platform: ZOOM Contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]

Remember that building a profitable business takes time and effort, but with dedication and smart strategies, you can achieve success.

Why do we do that?

Someone asks a question about what we're struggling with and.... we reply, only to not engage in the response

One likely reason we hesitate to engage is we don't want to be sold to and disappointed

Or, we don't want any more spamming messages cramming up our emails

Or, we don't want to join another group where everyone is pushing their offer... more sales

Let me help you.... you have power in the situation too

You have a choice to decide to invest

So here's how you engage in the conversations where help is offered on the other end of an investment

Explore the conversation

Probe, get really curious about the suggested solution as it relates to your problem

If the strategy leads to an offer to partner and you don't want to proceed further, don't take it! Don't say I'll think about it, or give me 24 hours...

Simply reply with thank you for your time in offering to help solve my problem, but I am not interested in proceeding forward

This saves BOTH parties time and energy

The truth is, sometimes the answer that is tied to solving your problem may be on the other side of an investment and other times it may not be

But the reality is you'll likely never find out if you don't get comfortable in exploring
Then making a decision

What are your thoughts, let me know in the comments