The New Economy

" The richest people in the world build networks. Everyone else is trained to work"
 - Robert Kyosaki

Thirty some odd years ago women were tapping pencils into the glass ceiling, hoping to make it past secretary or elevator host and sacrificing the most precious of cultural capitol - a husband.  Now women can have a thriving career and keep the husband, but still have to sacrifice time with their families, that is, assuming that women don't have the most precious cultural capitol we have now: stay at home dad's. (God bless you all!!)

But what if you don't have a man that's willing to stay at home with the kids? Or what if the hubby's income barely makes ends meet? Is it still possible to be a mogul and be with our babies as much as we want to? Yes.

Allow me to drop a statistic:

82% of all women that earn over $100,000 a year in the United States, do so in the world of network marketing.

Why is this? Because many of us have kids that's why.  Since women finally clawed our way through and above The Glass Ceiling, we found out that most of  Corporate America does not jive with what mommy's need to do. One could argue that the inequality between men and women's salaries reflects that. But now women are turning on to an economy that billionaires such as Warren Buffet and Robert Kiyosaki have touted as the smart way to make money: Network Marketing.  Coupled with The Internet, Skype and Smart Phones, Network Marketing is morphing from risky business to smart business. Women across the US are making cash money on their own terms. Building networks and making their own hours thereby flipping the patriarchal business model on it's head.

Consider Kandi Burress, a single mom and cast member of Real Housewives of Atlanta that is also a successful songwriter and performer. She launched a company through network marketing that both empowers women and makes her some serious dough.

Her website, which sells pleasure toys for women, includes a portion that allows you to be your own entrepreneur, and market yourself online. Whether or not you agree with sex toys one thing is for sure, there is always a gap in the market ( no pun intended) for products such as these.  Especially ones made and designed by a woman. What's great about her company, however, is not just the market demand, but that it spotlights products made for women sold by and created by women.

Kandi is teaching women to be their own moguls. To achieve what Kandi has in her life, not to think of it as unattainable.

Her website offers positive affirmations like, "You are creative", and "You are an entrepreneur". While some seasoned business owners, might chortle at these sayings, or perceive them as condescending, if you're a single mom living in the hood, these types of affirmations are absolutely important and necessary. Sisters need some positivity to cut through the perils of poverty and disenfranchisement. And don't forget the check coming in every month. Everybody needs that.

When Kandy addressed her company on the show at an event to thank the consultants, she welled up in tears. I can only imagine how that might feel, helping others that are helping you. Women helping women get rich. It doesn't get better than that.

There is a new economy coming everyone. And while male billionaires confirm this, it is women that are driving the bus (and men are more than welcome to come take a driving shift).

Will I be jumping in? Absolutely. Will I be working for Kandy? Probably not. I don't care how excited I am about this new economy, I don't think I could make that phone call or meeting without giggling.

I'm jumping in because now that there is no glass ceiling, and woman can find success without having to personify Sigourney Weaver in Working Girl, we can make business that supports our lives not runs against the grain of them. And now that technology has placed all the tools for business on our laps and desktops, thereby erasing alarm clocks and rigid schedules, we can define success on our own terms in our own damn time.

 91% of direct sellers say that direct selling meets or exceeds their expectations as a business where the harder they work the more money they can make. 

Things can change. Anything can happen. Now that The Glass Ceiling is gone, the the sky's the limit. Literally. 

Faith, The Lakers and A Plate of Wings

Blog Post Circa April 21, 2008

 

As some of you may know I've been going through some health problems lately. So I seeked out a holistic doctor to help me diagnose my mysterious illness. As I walked into the office I was in horrible spirits. Not because of my health problems mind you. But because when I tried to record the first Laker playoff game on TIVO, the east coast ABC feed was showing no such game.

I went through the weird procedures that holistic Docotor's do to read one's body. All I wanted was for him to give me some herbs and tell me that all of my fatigue, hives, and severe allergic reactions would be over with. But all I got was, "your body's talking to me and it's not good. I'll call you in a couple of days with a diagnoses once I've reviewed your chart".

As I left the office, and looked at my haggard sleep deprived reflection of myself in the subway window, I had never longed to be back home in LA more. I wanted to be watching the Laker Game with my family, drinking a beer and laughing with friends. I thought of all the years at Chris Sendrey's house with Vic, Dave, John and all my boys, Chick Hearn's animated play by play lilting in the background and the feeling of the sun on my skin as we celebrated another Laker victory with a post-game swim in the pool.

"Those days are gone" I thought dejectedly. But something in me, some voice deep inside said, " Jen, get on the NRW and go to Time Square". At this point, all I wanted was to maybe see if I could find the game on in some sports bar where I could be anonymous. Where I could watch my team in peace, eat a plate of wings and not care if someone saw me with bar-b-que sauce all over my face. I looked and felt like shit. And I was not looking for a social experience. Just some wings, a beer or two, and, god willing, a victory.

When I got off the subway immediately in front of me I saw The ESPN Zone bar. The first thing I thought was, "Overpriced beer and annoying tourists". But if anybody would have the game on they would. I walked in, and, sure enough, they had the game on. But not only did they have the game on, it was on a big screen with AUDIO!....AUDIO!!! There were people with Laker Jersey's on and looks of wonder on their faces. The Lakers were up at half time. I needed a seat.

There was no seat at the bar so I asked if I could get a table at the restaurant. What happened next was truly a dream come true. I was led to the very first row of tables right in front of the big screens and just when I was content having a nice view I realized where I as sitting. Everything stopped. The waitress though I was crazy when I said " SWEET!" out loud; But I didn't care. Because right in front of me was my very own Barca-lounger. There was a beer cozy on the right, a tray right in front for food and, get this, it reclined!!!!

With a belly full of beer and a face covered in barbeque sauce, I happily ate my wings and watched my beloved Lakers wipe with the floor with the Denver Nuggets. And in the midst of all the cheering I said a little thank you prayer to God. Because I felt this was her way of telling me that everything was going to be okay.

Sometimes bad things happen in life but before you know it your sitting in a recliner with your very own big screen TV showing the Laker game in front of you as you stuff your face with wings. And that's when everything becomes clear and the saying, "everything happens for a reason" becomes a truth and not just some fairytale people shove up your ass to make you feel better.

I got the message God loud and clear! Go Lakers!!!