Z Solves Problems - Wisdom

Job Hunting on Social Media

3/22/2018

Job hunting on social media has proven fruitful for many, so if you're in need of a new opportunity, I say go for it.

Recently I had a brief exchange with this lady who'd asked for RTs on her post about seeking employment. I asked if she was willing to relocate for work and she replied, "Do you consider loaning me some money?"

I was shocked. For all she knew I'm the CEO of a huge company with various job openings, but she didn't use wisdom when responding to me. Which technically in the scheme of things doesn't mean diddly squat except ... more higher ups than ever read tweets these days because of Donald Trump and because they know the power of social media. While a lot of companies have staff that tweet, there are some big wigs that tweet for themselves. T-Mobile's CEO and Marcus Lemonis of The Profit for example.

How many people's tweets have come back to bite them? More than just the viral ones we know about. Especially when they've asked the world to RT a tweet and they've done it.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised about anything people do or say these days because we're living in this, 'my space, my voice' culture. Regardless of what's culturally popular right now, the wisdom I offer is that you play the movie forward and think through all of the possible outcomes before you think or speak. If most of the possible responses or results of your words or actions are negative, I'd table them and remain silent if you can. You don't always have to respond.

What do you think? Are we beyond basic professionalism in our society or does it still apply ... even on social media?

90 Minutes

1/18/2018

I recently spent 90 minutes of a work day in a week when I only had 1.5 days for office tasks available calling companies and removing myself from their snail-mailing lists. Most of that time was spent on hold. When I hung up from the last one, I sighed deeply and almost declared it a waste of time.

It was not a waste of time. I only make it to the P.O. box about once every two weeks with my travel sked, so I always end up having to stand in line for the counter to collect a bundle. By the time I get done tossing the junk into the recycling bin, I only have enough mail for my size box.

So when I picked up the mail that time, I tore off the back covers of the catalogs so I could call and cancel the subscripts. Among the culprits were:

Anthony Richards (never heard of it until I looked to see who to call)
Massey's (again never heard of)
Vistaprint.com
Clarity Services (they claim they're a credit bureau - never heard of that one; they had me on hold for 30 mins and I even took to Twitter)
Bosley (hair replacement - and they were ridiculous. I asked to be removed from mailers and then the agent said, "Sure. Can I have your phone number and we'll call instead?" I said, "No!" Very forcefully, but not rude. Then he said, "How about your email?" I answered, "No (more forcefully)! I don't want to hear from you." Then he understood)

The time was not wasted; it was well spent because in just two short cycles, I won't have to toss these things anymore and my box won't be overstuffed. That 90-minute phone investment will save me innumerable minutes in the days going forward in 2018.

I also ditched an email address I had since the 90s; I'll share more about that next time. This is turning into a year of clearing out ... I'll have to keep an eye out for more of those dynamics and report back.

Now I submit to you fellow problem solvers out there around the world - the U.S. in particular - that the system of selling addresses via hidden terms in contracts is severely broken and needs repair. Who's up for the challenge? I'm not a fan of additional legislation because the government has too much control of our daily lives as it is, but something needs to change. Or perhaps there are already services who intercept your snail mail like Unroll.me does your spam email and I'm just not savvy.

I'm curious what solutions you have to offer.

Last Trip of 2017

1/4/2018

Before getting to work on January 2, 2018 I flew to Seattle for my first NFL game. It was quite a year-end treat and fun way to spend New Year's Eve. It was cold, too.

The friend who hosted me is a charter seat season ticket holder with a second-row view from the 15-yard line. Wow. I was so overwhelmed with the size of the stadium, the number of people and the concessions that I didn't pay much attention to the game. I was literally calculating how much money was circulating in that small section of Seattle, Wash. for that one event.

I reaffirmed the following about myself: I prefer to watch on tv because all the other goings on are way too distracting for my eternally curious brain. Not to mention being surrounded by drunk people, spitting and spilling, is a little beyond my patience.

Anyhoo, 2017 was easily one of my hardest years in a while. More changes in 12 months than I really needed, and things were difficult until December 30th. Going to this game on the 31st was the signal of and start to a new season for me - Seattle lost and their season ended but mine was just beginning. I'll share more about that throughout 2018 as I enjoy what unfolds.

Here's a brief recap of my travels for 2017:
Seattle, WA
Virginia Beach, VA
Dallas, TX
Seattle, WA
Moved to Seattle part time
Chicago, IL
Atlanta, GA
Dallas, TX
Chicago, IL
Portland, OR
Los Angeles, CA
Raleigh, NC
Norfolk, VA
Tucson, AZ

I logged some serious miles flown in 2017. I'm expecting more in 2018. I bring up these travels because in April 2016 a colleague said it was time for me to start traveling and I said I didn't like to travel. I believed that until March of 2017. Then I started traveling and now I love it. My wisdom to you is: get out of your comfort zone. Do those things that you don't like to do - at least once and as long as they're healthy behaviors - and grow.

I have some mentoring sessions available in February and March and even more in April. You can book me right from this page or send email inquiries to zsolvesproblems@gmail.com.

Happy New Year!

Another Year Gone

12/28/2017

It never ceases to amaze me how fast time goes by. As a child, life seemed to take forever. As an adult it goes by so quickly I always feel like I'm running to catch up.

I bought my 2018 planner earlier than normal this year. I usually get it and pens for Christmas but I already had some things to write in so I couldn't wait for December to receive it. An advance-booked schedule is always a great thing for a business owner.

Looking back over this year, I felt as if I didn't do much because I only wrote two books, but I did quite a bit. I spoke at five events, attended a couple conferences, published two books, hosted my first conference, completed two stealth missions, taught nine or 10 courses, mentored about 25 people up close and influenced hundreds from afar. More than hundreds if you count the people influenced by those I influenced.

I also fulfilled a goal I wrote out two or three years ago: travel for work one week a month and be home the other three. Below are pics from some of my Zari Banks, Inc. travels of 2017. Enjoy.

Los Angeles, CA
October 2017

Raleigh, NC & Norfolk, VA
November 2017

Tucson, AZ
December 2017

If you'd like to book me for 2018, send an inquiry to info@zaribanks.co with detailed information regarding your event and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. If you're interested in booking mentoring sessions, you can do that right from this website.

Happy & Blessed New Year!

Don't Talk About It, Be About It

10/19/2017

Don't talk about it, be about it is one of those sayings that basically means: produce something.

I was thinking over this statement tonight and here I am producing this blog post instead of doing what's on my schedule to do right now. Let me walk you through my rabbit trail of thoughts.

First, I heard the comment, "You're always telling what you're gonna do and sometimes you do it and sometimes you don't." Then the title saying popped into my head.

Third, reasoning came into play. I am always planning to do things. A lot of things because I'm hyper-creative and productive. Not artsy creative, but building businesses and making improvements type creative. Most of the time I plan to do things I do them. But other times, my partner pops up and tells me to go a different route than my original plan, and because He's my angel investor, aka The One With The Funds, I follow instructions because I want to stay in business.

Therefore, if I drop the ball on a project or cancel, there's gotta be a good reason because generally I'm a finisher. I get things done.

Also, there's nothing wrong with changing plans. That's the great thing about successful businesses. On the one hand you're structured and have systems in place, and on the other you have fluidity that keeps you market fresh. And I can say after six years in business, I have more completions and successes than drops and cancels. I'm still here.

Think about where you want to be six years from now. At the rate you're going, will your business or relationship still be around? If you need some help becoming a finisher, schedule a call or book a package and I'll help you prioritize and organize so you can finish those business and personal projects, too.

Ignorance is Costly

10/5/2017

Ignorance is costly. Here's one example:

People still pay the IRS up front by having money taken out of their paychecks which the IRS invests and collects interest on. They use this money to do what? Not really sure because U.S. citizens pay state taxes that cover most of their day-to-day needs. And they (the IRS) can afford to pay Equifax millions of dollars to do quien sabe que. That tells me they have a surplus somewhere.

Not only is the IRS acting in ignorance and without wisdom in the above instance, but American citizens, aren't rushing to change their tax withholding statuses to exempt. Why not? It's foolishness. Do you go to McDonald's and pay in advance for food you may not eat before the year's over? No. So why then do so many pay the IRS in advance just to get a refund on their own money? Especially when the IRS multiplying your money without giving you dividends!

It's common knowledge - or should be - that it's not against the law to keep your money to invest for yourself throughout the year and then only send the IRS a check for your actual taxes owed. Businesses do this. People have been told to select their withholding without employers actually explaining how the tax system works. And that's ignorance at its best - allowing the status quo to set an information standard.

Thankfully, I was taught that I don't have to pay them up front and then get a refund on my own money after they've earned compound interest on it for months. I know that I can keep my money to invest, increase and multiply for my household and only give them one payment each year based on what I owe and no freebies.

I'm not in the business of making everyone else rich but myself. There is plenty of money to go around, and I'm getting my share and learning how to increase what I spend so that I make more than I'm putting out, and I'm doing that without dishonest business practices. I've simply learned how to make my money work for me instead of me working (striving) for it.

I can teach you to do the same. I have a financial course coming in 2018 that'll teach how to break out of the rat race and prosper by the principles of wisdom. Look out for it. But, if you can't wait until 2018 and need a financial breakthrough now, schedule a call or book a package with me. I'll even give you a 2-for-1 if you book a Financial Deliverance Session by 12/31/17.

On the Road Again

9/7/2017

I hope you all enjoyed the Labor Day holiday and got some rest. I rested from work over the weekend, but not from fun. I take being a tourist seriously, so I was out sight-seeing and visiting museums in the Pacific Northwest.

I toured the Boeing factory, the Future of Flight Museum, the Mukilteo Lighthouse and the Museum of Flight and stayed in a luxurious hotel suite. It was an av geek's dream weekend. But by Monday evening I was totally worn out so I flew home and rested for the next 24 hours.

Flying twice a week is fun, but it's also tiring. I was told a couple years back to eat healthier because I would need it for all the traveling in my future. Let just be honest and say I'm working on it.

I was thinking earlier today that I need an accountability partner for weight control. Being a business woman on the go I don't have time - kinda - to run as much as I used to. Truth is, I have time for what I make time for and running, after 20 years, is one thing I've pushed aside during this new season in my career.

It's all about priorities, and it's time for me to make a decision. I have to choose to continue eating whatever I want without running and getting giganticer and giganticer or to change my eating habits. That's a tough one. I'll keep you posted.

Now, I don't want you to think I'm an incompetent mentor because I'm experiencing weight issues for the first time in my life. Of all the areas of discipline we face day to day, eating junk food has always been my area of carelessness, but it's only affecting me visibly now in my 40s. And while I'm being totally transparent, I may as well admit that I'm vain and cheap enough to restart my running regimen before I'd buy a bigger wardrobe.

If you need help starting a business, tackling communication issues or improving your financial realm, give me a call or book a package. I've done these things myself and have been assisting others for the last four years to do the same.

Enjoying Work and Life

8/31/2017

Business travel can and should be fun, and not all work. At least that's what I believe.

I was invited to speak at The 1st Women After Restoration (W.A.R.) Conference in Atlanta, GA this past weekend. I was able to feed, uplift and encourage others by sharing how I was homeless August 26, 2011 and six short years later, I'm standing in front of them proving you can be restored after losing everything.

Getting back on your feet after losing EVERYTHING doesn't happen over night, but it can happen if you get your mind right, set goals, seek and secure wise mentors and - most importantly - FOLLOW THEIR ADVICE.

I'm a proven mentor because of what I've done, and believe it ... if I can do it anyone can:

be a published and multiple bestselling author
start and operate several successful buisnesses
impart wisdom into those who desire abundance
purchase a car with cash or pay one off in three months
purchase a home with cash or pay one off in three years

If you're ready for a mentor who wants to walk you into breakthrough and deliverance, schedule a call, book a pack for yourself, you and your spouse or your children or invite me to teach a group of any size.

Business Travel

7/20/2017

I got to experience Chicago, IL for the first time last week. It was exciting. It was a trip of quick work that allowed me to be a tourist for the majority of the visit.

On the shuttle to the airport when heading to Chicago, I sat with a curious young man who'd just begun his working career. He asked me tons of questions about my life and businesses.

By the way, asking questions is a skill that is taught in 1st grade (I know because I taught it for many years), can improve just about any endeavor but isn't as highly valued as it should be.

He'll go far if he keeps up with that inquisitive nature. He said something that really made me stop and think. He said, "It sounds like you have an exciting life." I then had one of those revelatory moments of my life flashing before my eyes, and I realized that yes, even with all the sacrifices, pain and heartache, my life is exciting. And the funny thing is, the losses that I've nursed in the back of my mind weren't included in the flash. I'm reminded of what my son said after receiving the PS4 he'd been saving for since last year, "It seemed like a long time while I was waiting, but now it doesn't seem long at all."

So I do have an exciting life. I have made sacrifices and experienced tremendous losses, as are a part of life. But I have more blessing, joy and abundance than sorrow; and even greater still to look forward to.

How can I help you live the life of your dreams? I'm qualified - master's degree in education, I've taught PreK to adults, I'm published. More importantly, I have personal experience of building from the bottom against all odds, and creating a life and career that a 20-something recognized as exciting.

If you're ready for you next, schedule a call, select a package or book me to come speak to your group or business. All facets of success, abundance and joy are within your grasp. I'm a witness.

View more photos of this trip and others.

Another New Beginning

4/27/2017

I'm getting ready for another new beginning. And I'm excited about what's in store. Are you?

As each month starts I pull out my calendar and fill in my plans for the days ahead. I can't plan for everything, but I plan for what I know is coming to the best of my ability. Planning enables me to focus and be intentional about my priorities.

April 2017 was really busy because I traveled the first three weeks of the month. While I planned pretty well for my trips, there were things that came up that weren't on my schedule. But, guess what ... everything worked out for my great because of wisdom, problem-solving and support.

I'm thankful for new opportunities to travel, mentor, speak, teach, etc. but I'm reminded more than ever how important planning, preparing and prioritizing are. As my life gets busier and demands on my time increase, I have to be diligent about how I spend it.

This is true for everyone, of course, but crucial for me now that I've (and everyone else who has) launched out into greater realms of influence.

Here are some tips for those who have entered new seasons of more - more clients, activities, travel, opportunities and like:

PLAN: Schedule everything you possibly can, including rest and recreation. My first two weeks of May are so busy, I had to change the date of one of my sabbaths. That was never an issue working with my little bit from home, but being out in the world serving larger populations means I'm subject to others' schedules at times.
PREPARE: Get things ready in advance. Rushing doesn't do your work justice and it doesn't help to resist stress. I had several layovers in airports across the country so I used those times to prepare lessons I needed for future classes. Implementing that bit of wisdom allowed me to get to my next stop, or home, able to rest instead of in a hurry to put a session together.
PRIORITIZE: Over the last three weeks I kept running into obstacles with a new project I'm working on. My mentors forced me to prioritize. They reminded me to make a chronological list and to keep moving forward while dropping what I could, rescheduling what could be rescheduled, adjusting what could be adjusted and accepting changes that didn't take me off my path with grace. Their support in this new season has been priceless.

We all need mentors and coaches. I have mentors who help me succeed and I love to help others succeed. I want to mentor you to the new levels of success you desire to achieve. Schedule a call or book a session and we'll get started right away!

If you're interested in having me teach a large-group session or speak at an event you can message me for booking inquiries at Zari Banks.

Photo of Sea-Tac International Airport by Zari Banks 2017