New Latina Cleanings

New Latina Cleansings

Serrendipitously, the first week of the Latina Challenge is about shedding as a way of cleansing the old to make room for the new. I have a tradition with my family that is just about this topic that we have been practicing for years.

At this time of year, it is very nice to do a cleansing. A way of taking old things out of your life to make room for the new. However, it can be hard to part with treasures and it can be hard to let go sometimes. One of my New Year’s traditions if I am hosting the dinner at at my home is to do a White Elephant Gift exchange, where I provide all the White Elephant gifts. It is a nice way to part with some items I no longer want and so much fun to see family and friends bargaining and exchanging for the items they would like to treasure for a few more years. I always make sure to add in some goodies for the kids.

So after we eat on New Year’s day, we all sit around and I pass out numbers and we just start choosing gifts, exchanging gifts and having a good time.

Other cleansings is to play Bingo and be the one who wraps and provides the gifts. Again a chance to part with the old to make way for the new, but to make sure the old goes to a good home. As an added bonus, I collect the bags used for Christmas wrappings and use them to wrap the White Elephant gifts and it is such fun. (PS, if you are not hosting a New Year’s Dinner, this makes a great party activity for any time you are hosting...a gift of treasures--for Dia de los Reyes Magos, Valentines Day, Easter...etc...anytime you have la familia over, you can cleanse...and make room for the new.

How do you let go of the old to make way for the new in your life.

Con un pan y cafecito,

Seguimos adelante,

Zulmara

New Latina Renewal Challenge, Week I

McCormick Foundation 11

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

11) Any additional thoughts: (1500 characters)

Latinas are up and coming in the business world. We are the Entrepreneurs to watch for in the next 20 years. We start businesses from our homes to help our families and we are motivated by deep cultural roots to be the matriarchs that hold our families together. We want to have it all and then some. We don’t want to sacrifice, make choices, or deny ourselves a fulfilling career, children, a loving extended family life, or a life of abundance.

We have seen our parents work hard to provide us with opportunities and we are big on paying back and paying forward. We want success, but we want it on our terms. We want to share, give back, pay it forward, and pay it now.  We want to ensure that what we have to offer adds value to the lives of others and we want to know that we are making a difference: a difference in the world, in our communities, and in our families. We do not want to leave anyone behind.

I offer coaching—both personal and professional—to help Latinas achieve their dreams by realizing how their Latina Roots can give them the wings they need to soar. The coaching can be one-on-one, to a group, online, or with an e-course. I love what I do and I do what I love. This allows me to connect with people no matter where I am at. I give freely of my time, advice, and products. As a matter of fact, I gave away my responses to these questions and encouraged other bloggers to apply as well. I do not believe in a zero sum game, there is enough for all of us and we come from a culture of abundance.

As I honor my cultural roots, I am motivated to develop the tools needed to help mi gente soar with the eagles. I want to be able to “ride the thermals,” as Dewitt Jones says and bring along mis comadres, mis amigas, y mis companeras.

McCormick Foundation 10

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

10) Why I know I can make this happen: (2500 characters)

I know I can make this happen because it has been in the making for the past 20 years. I have already tried and failed at launching a website and a blog, I have already tried and failed at selling items online, and I have already created materials that are wonderfully received by the people that have had access to them and I am ready to give more people access to my material. Overall, I am sure that I can make this happen because of the experiences I have had and what I have learned along the way. This is not my first time out. Now I know that you have to build trust, be part of a trusted network and work with others who are doing similar things. I have also learned that I need to follow my passion, ask for help, and not try to do it all on my own. I know I need to have a team behind me and I need to put my creative energies into what I am good at, which is coming up with the content and not trying to do the technology aspect on my own.

I have vision, clarity, and focus. I know what I want and I know how to go for it. In the past month, after attending the Coca-Cola Tour: Adelante, I have more than 10 times the amount of traffic on my blog site, I have been posting regularly, and I have been learning how to use the technology to my best advantage. Latinas need self-help, personal development, and professional development materials that are unique to us and our way of being and knowing. We want there to be a place for La familia in our professional lives, we want there to be a place for la cultura in our business ventures.

I possess the organizational, developmental, and executive skills to be a success. I know that my content resonates with Latinas and I am ready to reach a wider audience and make it happen para mi gente. I know that a program to help Latinas achieve their dreams, celebrate what is right with their lives, and take themselves to the next level—no matter where they are at—in their personal or professional lives, is going to be a success. I am excited about this grant because it offers me an opportunity to focus on what I know is important in reaching a wider audience...getting visible and getting my work out there. I truly believe in networking and collaboration and I am excited about all that we are able to accomplish when we put our resources together and create great content to be shared. Latinas are a force to be reckoned with and my dream is to pave the way and lay the foundation for high levels of success within la comunidad.

My passion for education and what I want to accomplish is overflowing. I love what I do and I do what I love. My curriculum is awesome and gets people involved and hooked in right away. It allows me to see what needs to be done and how to do it, the path becomes clear as I am working on the various aspects of what needs to be done. I have a lot of material, it is just a matter of organizing and putting it into a format that others can use and access. My years of training as an educator have served me well. I am truly blessed to have so many of you on this journey with me. Yes, si se puede. We are awesome.

McCormick Foundation 9

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

9) Here is how I will get the word out about my project: (1500 characters)

First of all, I have been using my extensive network on Facebook to start connecting with other Latinas and to start building a network of support. I am already building an infrastructure for success as I work to build networks and connect with others in the same business. I have already strated working my blog to see what I can do to drive traffic to my page and to engage others. I have schooled myself in how to be an online marketer and have studied with the best, Joe Vitale on how to make things happen.

Next, I will tap into the networks of my partners and collaborators. This is a very important part of my marketing strategy; I will be working with Latinas entrepreneurs who want to see me succeed as much as I want to see them succeed. This is a win/win project where we will all be promoting each other. I am planning on my partners and collaborators to be promoting my works and projects as much as I am promoting theirs.

Next, I will offer to contribute articles to ezines that deal specifically with Latinas and Latina success in education, business, and professional endeavors. My goal at the beginning is not to focus so much on earning a lot of money, but to lay a deep foundation for success, sort of like a bamboo plant, knowing that if I lay the roots and nurture them, they will grow and prosper.

And lastly, I have schooled myself in the best and most effective ways to get people to my site and to get people interested. I will use those strategies of giving away ebooks with my contact information, providing services for free, as well as services for a fee. Allowing people to opt into an enewsletter, but also allowing them to download items off of my site that do not require them to leave information, knowing that when they are ready, they will come.

McCormick Foundation 8

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

8) My timeline for this project over the next year: (1750 characters)

Over the next year, I plan to be ready to launch my website, start my newsletter, get my ebooks on line, and expand my blog page. My blog page is currently being updated, I am creating materials as I write this. I have already hired a graphic artist to help me with my designs and branding. My plan is to hire a webdesigner as soon as I have the funds. Assuming I get this grant in mid February, I will have my chosen webmaster hired within two weeks. I already have the contents of my website ready to go, so I will have the webmaster start building it right away.

In the meantime, I will start looking for an ecourse developer to help me get my class online. I anticipate that with my website and blog generating a buzz, I will have a few ebooks to give away and start building my email list. When I am ready to launch the first ecourse, by midyear, I will already have my infrastructure in place.

Simultaneously, I will be looking for the greatest opportunities to attend conferences, meet-ups, and other social networking events to get and stay connected with my ideal customers. I will be looking to do presentations, workshops, and seminars at every opportunity that presents itself.

Timeline:

Jan-Dec	Start posting original articles and other Latino news related information on my blog and facebook page
January-March	Secure funds, work with graphic artist on branding design, continue building social media group
January-March	Continue building my social network, get sites such as Linked-In, Twitter, and Google Groups going
March-June	Work with webmaster to design and build my website
March-June	Work with ebook developer and start selling my ebooks online
June-August	Launch my website—start working with ecourse developer
June-August	Launch 1st ecourse and start making plans for the next one
August-December	Start working on second ecourse and continue marketing and branding in earnest

McCormick Foundation 7

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

7) Here are my specific plans for continuing this project after NMWE funding runs out: (2000 characters)

This is my life and the NMWE funds are just a starting point to help me launch and get going at a great velocity. The grant funds will allow me to get my print media done, my website launched, my speaking engagements in place, and my ecourses completed. (I still have my day job to pay the bills). Once I am up and running, I plan to work this as my business and in 2 years be at $250,000 revenue mark and in 5 years be at the million dollar mark. My plans are big and I am ready to launch and achieve. I feel that the past 20 years have been coalescing to get me to the place where I am today. My plans to grow are huge. I plan on hosting seminars and weeklong workshops at Easlen, I plan on adding video to upcoming ecourses, and I plan on expanding my materials once I have launched.  

I will continue to offer my products and services and use the money generated from this first round to expand to the next level and then to the next. I will be reinvesting all of my revenue for the next 3 to 5 years to ensure that Roots and Wings reaches the million dollar mark and employs at least 10 people. Social advocacy and activism are totally integrated into my products and product lines. It is my hope to build a cadre of Latinas who are moving forward in the world and making it a kinder and gentler place with our collective positive energy as we achieve our goals, take care of our families, and nurture our uniqueness.

Once I have the funds to launch, I will continue to market in earnest with social networking groups, in person, and online. I have a good sense of offering products for free so individuals will see the quality of my work before committing their funds. I understand that I need to do a number of promotional products to get the word out and connect with others. I understand how to drive readers to a site, giving away free quality materials to pique someone’s interest, and how to grow a list of subscribers by giving them something that catches their eye. I also understand how to collaborate

In all that I do and all that I write, there is a sense of understanding social responsibility and social justice and how do we leave this world and kinder and gentler place. I am narrowly focused on the Latina market, because that is my niche and that is where I find there is a lack of products like the ones that envision and develop. I know there is a market for my products and I will work to create, develop, and nurture that market.

McCormick Foundation 6

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

6) This is how I will raise the $2,000 in matching funds: (2500 characters)

I will raise the $2,000 in matching funds by a) giving presentations, workshops, and seminars, b) selling my online materials, c) offering professional coaching, d) monetizing my blog, and e) being a part of relevant and pertinent affiliate programs.

The Guided Journals will be ebooks that will sell for 2.99 each that individuals will be able to download to their computers and electronic devices. My goal is to have apps for tablets created as well to help boost sales.

The three ecourses will be self-contained and come with a series of free offers. They will sell for $29.99 and students will be able to download the course and move through them at their own pace. I plan on making the courses exciting and interactive to increase participation.

There will be guided support and personal coaching for the ecourses at an extra fee. The fee schedule is $100 for email review and comment and $500 for a one hour phone consultation that includes email review and comment.

My blog is monetized and therefore, I will be generating funds by driving traffic to my blog and encouraging individuals to look at what I have to offer. I know this does not offer a lot of money, but every little bit counts and I feel that it is one way to get started.

I am also part of a number of Affiliate programs that are generating some funds for my business venture. These affiliate programs include Abundance Abounds and MasterPeace. I have just started with these group and I chose them specifically because they offer products that compliment my products and are of the highest quality. Again, I realize that Affiliate programs do not always work to generate a lot of funds, but they do help with generating some funds and reaching a wider audience.