Bonnie Ross-Parker, Creator, The Latina Joy of Connecting.What do you need to be an entrepreneur?
There are so many factors that make for a successful entrepreneur. First of all, it is critical to possess an unwavering commitment to what you want to accomplish. You must line up financial and emotional support to ensure that negativity does not keep you from your focus. Planning is essential – create a business roadmap so you can monitor your steps and progress.
What did inspire you to start your business?
With a background in franchising, the company I was with as its Area Developer lacked strong support for its female franchisees. When I sold my entire organization w/28 franchises, I made a commitment I was going to find a way to support women – especially the entrepreneur. I wanted her to get the benefit of my years of business experience and to guide her both personally and professionally.
How did you finance it?
I borrowed from our home account and replenished it as soon as I could (within a year)
Being Hispanic…Does it have any influence on your business?
I am not Hispanic; I have a strong desire to bring the Latina business women into The Joy of Connecting community to create a collaborative sisterhood of professional women.
In the face of adversity, how do you decide to keep going?
I live by the motto: Doubt and Faith can’t co-exist – I choose faith.
What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
Women losing the will to keep on going to develop their business. In today’s economic times, many women are working for someone else while building their entrepreneurial endeavor. They are working to balance home, family and business which can lead to frustration and disappointment. I do my best to support and encourage women from giving up.
If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?
More expansive growth so women in communities everyone get to expand their business using The Joy of Connecting customer acquisition/business building model.
What was your childhood ambition?
To be an enthusiastic leader! (I was a cheerleader for 4 years!)
Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire
Paula Fellingham who created: http://www.womensinformationnetwork.com/
Nicki Keohohou who created: http://www.mydswa.org/
and George Madiou, CEO/Founder: http://www.thenetworkmarketingmagazine.com/
I mentioned these three individuals because of their commitment to educate and motivate the solo entrepreneur. Each began an online organization to bring the richness of information to their respective communities.
For business meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
All three work as long as the individuals who participate are there to add value to one another.
What sacrifices on your personal life did you have to make in order to become a business success?
Time is a big factor – no always being accessible because of the demands of work. I travel quite a bit to support national chapters of The Joy of Connecting.
What is your favorite quote?
“If it’s to be, it’s up to me!”
Is it difficult to be unconventional?
No. I find it exciting. When we were young, we faced peer pressure so we ended up looking and acting like everyone else. In a competitive market place, it’s critical to differentiate yourself from everyone else who offers what you do. I say, “Be Memorable” if you want to be remembered and that comes from serving others.
Biggest mistake made?
Partnership with someone other than with my husband.
Do you consider yourself an innovator?
Absolutely. My program, The Joy of Connecting is an innovative marketing system. There is no membership requirement so female entrepreneurs, business women and professionals can participate where and when it’s convenient. This fits beautifully with the demands of a women’s schedule which must be flexible.
About the Company:
The Joy of Connecting is a licensed program that has expanded nationwide. Women who buy the license and women who participate in their local community do so to learn about the products/services women offer, to create and strengthen lasting friendships and who want to foster business with one another to create financial well being. The Joy of Connecting is often referred to as a “Ministry for Women” and “The Joy of Sisterhood”. It’s the goal of JOC to create a bridge between English and Hispanic female communities to learn, to encourage, to appreciate and strengthen one another. http://www.thejoyofconnecting.com/ http://www.thelatinajoyofconnecting.com/
Bonnie Ross-Parker, a.k.a. “America’s Connection Diva”, is a multi-dimensional businesswomen/entrepreneur with a background in education, franchise development, publishing, mentorship, network marketing, and community development. She combines vision with a unique set of skills. Formerly the Associate Publisher of The Gazette Newspaper/Atlanta, she focuses her energies on supporting women. Bonnie is a graduate of George Washington University, & earned a Certification in Network Marketing at the University of Chicago. Several of her articles on owning one’s own business and entrepreneurship have appeared in publications including: Wealth Building, Home Business Magazine, Business to Business and Entrepreneur’s Business Start-Ups.
In 2002 Bonnie received The Athena Award ~ an honor designed to acknowledge women of leadership in cities throughout the United States. In September, 2005 she was honored by the Women’s Leadership Exchange, a New York based organization, as an Influential Woman of Georgia and currently serves on their Atlanta Advisory Board. Bonnie is a featured speaker with the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance. In May of that same year, Bonnie was honored by The International Toastmaster’s Organization of Georgia with their annual Communication & Leadership Award. She’s the author of “Walk In My Boots” ~ The Joy of Connecting, Y.O.U. Set A High Standard for Being Human and 42 Rules for Effective Connections. In 2002, Bonnie licensed The Joy of Connecting™ gatherings for women. Nationwide, The Joy of Connecting® is a customer acquisition/marketing program serving entrepreneurial, business women and professionals who are serious about growing their business. Locations are available in cities throughout the country. Bonnie lives in Atlanta with her husband, Phil, who is also a professional speaker/author. Bonnie can be reached through her websites: www.BonnieRossParker.com and http://www.thejoyofconnecting.com/ or by email at bootgirl@TheJOYofConnecting.com
1 comment:
I was actually just given a really cool book called “Young Guns” as a gift. For those of you that are trying to establish yourself in the business world like I am, I’ve been reading this book and it actually gives you the best and most specific tips for achieving success at a young age.
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