Five Steps to Own Your Dreams

I had the privilege of talking with Ona Brown, life coach and founder of World Impact Now (WIN) consulting firm. We discussed the steps required to own and clench your dreams in 2015. The truth of the matter is most people desire to live a meaningful, successful life. The craving is natural. As her father, world-renowned motivational speaker and author Mr. Les Brown, often says – “You Gotta Be Hungry” for it. Let’s take a look at five quotes from Ms. Brown on how to savor the sweet, delicious flavor of owning your dreams:
1. The Value of Connection: “One of the most important connections you will ever have is the one with yourself. The very thing that others may consider ‘wrong’ with you may

be the exact thing that is GREAT about you. We are all born originals so celebrate your uniqueness. Use your distinct characteristics to command your life and make a difference in this world! Embrace yourself, your special qualities and take full custody of your dreams.”

2. Don’t Sell but Share: “As an entrepreneur you plant seeds every time you talk to people about your business. Turn up your work ethic in 2015 and allow your focus to be more about what you can do for others, not what you can make from others. Remember, in the garden of life you eat what you grow. You make a greater impact to the world by sharing NOT selling because there is never really a shortage of money, only a shortage of ideals.”

3. Get Ready to Take the Leap: Launching her business in 1995 was a big leap of faith for Ona Brown. Many suggested that she already had a dream job, working for one of the top 5 motivational speakers in the world. However, she insists that “when you feel an urge to do something, you need to listen and act on it with urgency. You have to be willing to shift, accept change, be flexible and adapt into the process of doing business.”

4. Balance Work and Life: “When you’re in business for yourself, it’s a given that your life will impact your work and your work will impact your life. As my dad was my greatest motivation in business, my mom, Phyllis Nutter,

was my greatest inspiration in life. They both taught me not to compromise who I am or my values just to gain new customers because not every business deal is a good deal. Learn how to respectfully say no and lovingly decline without feeling bad. You do not have to chase every opportunity in order to be successful. When you work smart success will chase you.”

5. Develop Your Team: “You may start solo but you must build a strong power team that knows the importance of serving others. In fact, the greatest among you should be your servant. Anyone that comes within three yards of you is someone that you have a blessing for or they have a blessing for you. Know the value in

creating beneficial alliances and bury outdated clichés like ‘you can’t trust people’ and ‘if you want it done right you must do it yourself.’ Spend time developing your dream team so you will have the capacity to grow and succeed.”

Marquita Miller is the founder and CEO of Five Star Tax and Business Solutions — a full service accounting firm in Kansas City, Missouri. A small business expert contributor on CBS & FOX morning shows, Miller is a published author, business strategist, motivational speaker and well known advocate for entrepreneurship. A recipient of Kansas City’s Influential Woman and Woman Who Means Business award, Miller is also a conference speaker and workshop facilitator for TD Jakes Ministries. www.marquitamiller.com. Twitter:@MarquitaMMiller www.facebook.com/MarquitaMMiller