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Ignorance is Costly

10/5/2017

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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.
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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.
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On the Road Again

9/7/2017

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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. 
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Enjoying Work and Life

8/31/2017

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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:
  1. be a published and multiple bestselling author
  2. start and operate several successful businesses
  3. impart wisdom into those who desire abundance
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.
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Business Travel

7/20/2017

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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), that 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 some difficulties, 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  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 your 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.
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Another New Beginning

4/27/2017

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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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
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The 4th Annual Grow Your Dreams Conference

4/13/2017

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April 8, 2017-Virginia Beach, VA I sat on a business panel with five other entrepreneurs, coaches and authors. Everyone was most impressed with a 9-year-old entrepreneur who attended the conference for the second year in a row with his notebook and pen taking notes, and his very mature questions.

His name is Ellis and he's looking for sponsors to support his business dream. You can learn more about him on his page.

Having a mentor for various areas of your life is crucial. That's what parents are. They mentor, hopefully, and train us for adulthood. They're only given the first 20% or less of our lives to guide us in full measure, and from then on we're responsible for finding our own mentors and coaches.

I'm a mentor and I have several mentors. I LOVE to connect with experts and learn from them. One of my mentors told me at the conference this past weekend, that I'm not only mentoring and coaching because of the deep heart and personal issues I address; that I'm actually counseling. What's interesting about this is that a few people have recently suggested I return to college to get a doctorate. I've always said if I ever did get a doctorate it would be in psychology. 

I love The Grow Your Dreams Conference. It's served as a launching pad for greater things for me each of the three years I've been honored as a speaker. I expect even greater next year. 

If you want to be launched into your next level, you have to go where the launching pad is. Launching pads don't come to you. I'm available, and the conference has opened early registration for 2018. Don't delay. Windows of opportunity close.
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$6 Popcorn

3/23/2017

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Do you have a movie-going ritual? I do. When I go to the movies, I always get a soda, popcorn and a hot dog. It doesn't matter what else I've already eaten that day or will later, I get those three things every time. Candy's optional for me, but those three items are not.

Movies for two usually costs me around $50 so when I go, I'm going to see a specific movie. When I lived in Arizona, my friend Bryan and I used to go to the movies and lunch most Mondays because any showing before 1 p.m. was $5. We'd go see anything - whether we thought it would be good or not because ... who cares about $5, right?

I'll tell you who cares about $5. People who've been laid off from jobs and have mortgages, private school and all those other living expenses to pay day in and day out. Homeless people care about $5. Single moms care about $5. I've been in all three of those categories, so please take this message to heart.

First, as a business woman, I don't really fuss over what companies charge for their products and services because I realize they've broken the financials down to value per minute (services) and per item. Overhead has to be paid for the business to exist and it has to be profitable to continue. I get that.

That's a benefit of access to multiple companies that offer similar products and services. Everyone can't afford my services, and that's ok. I service a higher-income bracket. But, my client base allows me to have fewer clients and be able to do a lot of pro bono work. The services I provide free of charge are important to me because I've been laid off, homeless and a single mom and have needed the expertise of a professional but couldn't afford it.

I went to the movies last Wednesday, and when I paid I was kinda grumbling about paying $6 for popcorn, $4 for a hot dog and $5 for a soda. The grumbling stopped when I considered the alternative - sitting through a movie without the items I've conditioned myself to consume. I'm not willing to do that.

Let's look at a couple of the many lessons I see here:
  1. When I want something, I do what I need to do and pay what I need to pay to get it. I'd say this is true about most people - I'm talking 97%. I'm reminded of an article I read last year about this time regarding Verizon Wireless eliminating free phone upgrades for 2-year contract renewals. The logic posed was because people don't want to be without their phones, they'll pay full price ($600 and up) for new ones. I'm a witness that this is true. I paid $649 plus tax and fees to upgrade last summer.
  2. Budgets are created based on priorities. I (we, everyone) make sure I have enough income for the expenses that are important to me. When I want something that I don't have the money for right then and there, I write it on a list, put a plan in place and make it happen. Just last night I crossed off as received the first of four $100 items I have on a list of owning eventually. These aren't things with deadlines, but they're things I want and am not willing to live without. They're a priority for me.
  3. This is a side note: I worked my way out of homelessness with penny (and up to $5) investments so don't despise the day of small things. If you're broke, it's not wise to spend $25 (or even $6) at the movies. That $25 can be turned into a couple 100 for you, if you invest properly. Again I'm a witness of this.

I'm going to continue spending $25 and up to go the movies, I'm sure, but what I want you think about is this: If you're in need of a professional mentor's expertise, but think you can't afford it, you're wrong. If you want something, you'll do what you need to do and pay what you need to pay to get it.

What do you want? 
Do you want to break through and overcome blocks to success? Do you want to work from home so you can home school? Do you want to improve your communication skills and negotiate a raise, benefits or a promotion? I can help. Contact me today.
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I Say So #13: Priorities

3/16/2017

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H.A.L.T.

3/9/2017

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Focus on Today

3/2/2017

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Focusing on today is important. It keeps us from being overwhelmed, helps us to live in the present and allows us to win.

Think of all the hours we've spent (or for some, spend) contemplating things that are happening days, weeks or months from now. Or the conversations we've had when we've pretended to listen but were really previewing future events.

I've committed to stop doing such. And I admit that's a challenge for me because my brain moves quickly and I'm always planning ahead. Take this very post, for example. I'm writing it well in advance during an hour of my day that's scheduled for rest. There's nothing wrong with planning, everyone should plan parts of life. But you can't and shouldn't plan everything, and note to self: when you've planned to rest, rest. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

Let's take a closer look at the above reasons to focus on today:
  1. Our brains are powerful and amazing, but they function at a much higher level of efficiency when we're all in for any given moment. Being totally focused on the task, person or recreation at hand means there's less of a tendency to be overwhelmed because we have every sense and mental resource available to process the situation appropriately.
  2. Living in the present is a sure-fire stress buster. Get ready for a cliche ... the past is gone and every future moment has yet to materialize. All we really have is right now to enjoy. Take a deep breath, exhale and decide to be fully present in every minute available for participation. Being fully present (attentive) does wonders for personal and business relationships so it's worth the effort to practice and master this skill.
  3. Winning is the natural result of implementing reasons 1 and 2. Focusing to allow your brain and emotions to perform with excellence and being fully attentive to the people with you or assignments you're working on are processes that foster success.

Simple but not easy - like most things that create champions. Just keep at it. That's my plan. I'm going to practice 1 and 2 in an area at a time and let the wins stack up. Every biography of an extraordinary individual has a line that tells us they repeated a process too many times to count, and then it eventually paid off. The same can happen for you if you want it to be so.

If you need help focusing on today, read the book I Say So: Speaking My Way to Success. If you need one-on-one help, an accountability partner or strategy specific to your situation, book a mentoring package or schedule a call today.
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    Zari Banks, M.Ed

    Life-Hack Strategist

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