How to see what you need to succeed.

OMG, again, it's been over a month since I've been in here. That's just a crying shame. I will make a better effort in 2011. Just so busy, which is a good thing, that I can't get in here...

So, today we allocate time to see how YOU can see what you need to succeed and we are going to talk specifically about 2 things.... and then some general thoughts....

First , let's talk about my annual mixer, "Cross the Line" which took place last night at the beautiful Foundation Room of the Showboat. What an awesome staff, crew etc... in this venue . If you haven't checked it out yet, book and event there or attend an event there. They are listed on facebook and have lots going on. It is a private club but there are plenty of things you can do there. Consider a membership and it will be well worth it.... So........ this is the 3rd year we are doing the event there. The first year we had about 45-50 people, last year we had about 75-80 people and this year we had about 90-100 people so the first thing we share is CONSISTENCY. Be consistent in what you do....even if it takes you awhile, stay with it, stay consistent and it will eventually pay off. We have been invited back to do the "Cross the line " Mixer again next year !
How special it was , too, to have a great alliance with Ken Schaffer who invited the beautiful and talented Juanita Holiday , Jimmy Wells and Ceasar Berry- famous entertainers to my event. ALIGN YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE

Next, I want to talk about a great group of up and coming artists, RESIDENT STONE. Through connections with FOXX CODE MAGAZINE AND ANGEL RAZE 88, I was able to meet up with Goldheart Records and sign Resident Stone to their label in N.Y. My own trained ear and that of Carl Van Nevius 111 of Angel Raze88/Foxx Code Magazine and Vince McCartney of Goldheart records was able to see the talent and potential in the Rock music forum of RESIDENT STONE. The reason I bring them up is many fold....first of all, they are willing to do what it takes to succeed. They know what they want, how they want to go about it and what they are willing to do to get it. This is so important. I couldn't be any prouder to represent this group for they talk to each other, they talk to me and they are open to new ideas without sacrificing what they have created.

So from experience I say this: Align yourself with the right people and not the "quick " people. Don't always take the short fast route. Weigh it out, and align yourself with those people. Make sure your health is good so you have time to weigh it out and align yourself with the right people. Even in our busy lives, any little effort on your health, is better than no effort at all.
Stay true to who you are...do unto others as you would have them do unto you.... How true is THAT statement. Never let the nay-sayers get to you. Stay focused on your goal. The only one who can change things is you and at the end of the day it is YOU that makes or breaks your success. Don't give up ! Learn to work hard and play hard and I don't think I have to explain that. I truly believe everything in moderation is a good thing but know when to work and when to play. Make true relations, both personally and professionally. Make sure you laugh !

These are all things that come with time and practice, like a good rehearsal, a good game or a good show. You are always selling yourself no matter what line of work you are in. YOU need to be in the game. Just like the foundation room experience, just like RESIDENT STONE. If you are not serious about YOU, don't expect others to be.

So this has no technical support my friends, and many of you may have heard this stuff time and time over but you need to practice this, on a regular basis, to succeed. YOU have to do it, no one else can do it for you. See the raw material, see the end result, have patience, have goals, ALIGN YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE, roll with the punches, give back, stay focused, stay positive, work hard, play hard and you WILL get there. Make sure that when you look at yourself in the mirror, you like who is looking back at you !

As always with much respect,
Ava Holly Lewis
President and Founder of 4 A STAR, the eeFuerst Foundation for Brain Cancer Research, founding member of the Galloway Twp. Business Association, Board member of the South Jersey Network, Entrepreneur, mother, and friend.