Minding Your Business with Author Larry Wilson aka DaPharoah69

Name: Larry Wilson aka Dapharoah69 

Accomplishments

* Three books on the Barnesandnoble.com Top 100 Bestseller's List at the same time in February of 2009, making him one of the first self-published authors to achieve that feat. 

* The Men of Integrity Award in 2016

* The Certificate of Recognition from The New York State Senate in 2016. 

* Featured in the late Stephen Maglott's Ubuntu Biography Project three years in a row

* Sixty- three 1st, 2nd, 3rd and honorary nods for my ten book “The Law of Beasts” Vampire series from the writing communities on Wattpad in Oct 2020 through December of 2020, including The Trendsetter Award and The Originator Award for completing ten books in an all-black literary vampire series.

Who are some of your mentors? My Heavenly Father. My husband John Wilson, James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, Janet Jackson, E. Lynn Harris, my mother, my grandfather and retired Master Sergeant Luther McCray. 

How does it feel to now be looked up to as a mentor to others? It feels a bit other-worldly. I never expected it. It means growth and evolution. It’s a testament to what one can achieve no matter how the odds weren’t in your favor or to your benefit. 

Its a means to know that my life serves a purpose and with that comes accountability and responsibility. 

When did you know that you wanted to go into business or build a brand? The day I wound up homeless and had a dream to publish a book. Ninety-eight percent of the people in my life laughed at the idea and said that I wasn’t smart enough to write a book. They were right. I was smart enough to write one hundred of them. My brand was built in less than a year.

How did you identify your audience? By accepting constructive criticism. By being fearless. By knowing your value and your worth. By being steadfast with your gift and breaking all the rules of what is considered normal or the status quo. By writing to express yourself, not to impress. Big difference. By using social media platforms to showcase my writing. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that my work would be loved by all races and age groups. My diverse audience found me.

What role has social media played in your marketing and networking? It played a vital part. To reach people in all four corners of the world with just the click of a button. You build relationships with like-minded individuals that aids your growth. Its how I met Mr. Cyrus Webb.

Offline life has changed due to Covid-19. How have you adapted? It actually returned me back to basics.  It gave me more time to write, edit and create. I was so focused on working a 9-5 that I neglected my books. If it wasn't for Covid-19 I wouldn’t have pulled my Vampire series out of my vault, a series I wrote 21 years ago in prison at age 22 years old. A series that was only intended to be a forty page short story.

Challenges come to us all. What helps you to fight through them and keep moving forward through the challenges? The love of prosperity, prayer and my firm belief that the Lord grants me what I ask for. Ask and you shall receive. I speak things into existence. I have an incredible support system. My husband John Wilson, my siblings, a close knit circle of friends, my grandfather. They keep me grounded. I treat people the way I want to be treated. 

What are you excited about next? I wrote 87 books during Quarantine. I’m looking forward to not only building my brand and releasing my now 11 book all-black vampire series, but I’m also looking forward to being fearless in everything I do.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs: If you have a dream, pursue it. To whom much is given, much is required. Get out there and make it happen. You have to be willing to do the work. You are what you put into your art. Never give up. Surround yourself around successful people in order to succeed. The phrase “I can’t” should never be your reality. Own your creations, don’t change your voice for commercialism. Be true to you, and everything will conform to you.

How can readers stay connected with you and follow the journey?  https://www.wattpad.com/user/JabreelWilson

www.twitter.com/dapharoah69

www.facebook.com/BestsellingAuthorDapharoah

[Inspiration] "Become Aware" by Mary Ellen Ciganovich

“Becoming Aware of yourself is painful. It is the first and most important step you must take to become who God intends you to be.” - Mary Ellen Ciganovich

If today were my last day on Earth this is one of the most important “life lessons” I would pass along. 

Before you achieve peace or happiness in your life you must become aware of yourself. This is never an easy task, as it is much easier to recognize the errors of others rather than take responsibility for your own errors. 

You must become aware of what you say and how you say it. The words you choose, your tone of voice, the expression in your face and eyes.

 You must become aware of what you do and how you do it. Always pay attention to details as these are the little things that will make a big difference. 

Honor your word and the promises you make by always keeping them. Be on time as this shows respect to others and it shows others you respect yourself. Learn proper manners and language as these are important parts of a civilized society. 

At the same time, stand up for yourself. Say, “yes” when you mean “yes” and “no” when you mean “no”. Never pay  attention to gossip as this type of talk is far away from the peace you seek.

 Honor yourself by taking time for yourself every day. It can be in a quiet setting of mediation, a walk, reading, exercise, going for a run, a massage, a manicure a pedicure or a gentle bubble bath while listening to music. Whatever works for you!

 Become aware of your motives, judgments and assumptions. Question anything you do with a motive behind it. Do things for others simply because it is the right thing to do and you want to do it. When you judge someone else, you are judging yourself. Ninety-nine percent all assumptions are false.

Become Aware of your fears because as The Bible says, “your fears will come to pass”, unless you drop them. This is not to hurt you; God works His plan to help you learn. So, learn and “let go” allowing God to work His plan.

Become Aware of what you focus on because, “what you focus on expands and what you think about happens “! Put your thoughts, choices and your focus on the life you want as if you already have it. Concentrate all your energies and choices toward creating the life you see in your mind. 

Become Aware of the goodness and love you have in your life. No one ever knows how long we have to be here on this beautiful planet. Appreciate everyone and everything in your life. The good and the bad because without rain we would never have the flowers. 

Most importantly help someone else to “Become Aware”. Do this gently and with kindness. It is always easier to see someone else’s faults. It is difficult to see your own! 

Wouldn’t it be a fantastic world if everyone would “Become Aware” of what they need to learn instead of projecting it on others! It truly is a wonderful world and we can ALL come together to Become Aware and make everything better. The view, your view, is how you perceive it ! 

Sincerely with love, 

Mary Ellen Ciganovich 

www.askmaryellen.com 

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Kneika Robbins, co-author of THE POWER OF PAIN

by Cyrus Webb

As part of our Author Spotlight series I had the opportunity to catch up with Kneika Robbins, co-author in the anthology called THE POWER OF PAIN. Enjoy the conversation. 

Kneika, glad to have you back with Conversations. How did you decide to come up with the idea for the project THE POWER OF PAIN?

I decided to create this book because so many people are dealing with pain and have no idea how to survive it. Many are waking up breathing everyday, but do not know how it feels to live. Living is more than breathing; it is being peaceful and happy. The question is always asked “What is wrong with you?”, when it should be “What happened to you?” I wanted the authors to discuss what happened to them that caused the pain and toxic choices in their life, and show them that there is nothing wrong with us except we need to free ourselves from pain. Rather it be through forgiveness or etc.

Your collaborators are also included in this feature with Conversations in 2021.  How has knowing you’re not alone helped you in getting through the difficult times in life?

Dealing with so many hurt souls besides my own I knew I was not alone, but I also knew that being human we struggle to face our reality and when you don’t admit to your reality there is no room for change or to make things better.

It’s not easy to share your personal story with the world. What made you want to do it?

I’m not afraid to say that I was broken. Too many people want to pretend like they are happy and not hurting. Yet they are hurting themselves and the ones they say they love everyday. I use the word say, because how can you love someone else and you don’t love yourself. When you begin to love yourself, other people’s perception of you don’t matter.

 Have you always known that writing was something you wanted to do?

Yes, I have been writing since the sixth grade. I never thought my words would go past the notebooks  that I collected of empowering words that were hidden from the world.

What has been the response from your part of the book?

“Wow” is what a lot of people say. They are speechless. Many want to know how I’m still standing and my response is “If you don’t fall down, you will never learn how to get back up.” Life is about experiences and trial and error. My trials and errors led me to where I am today.

 For aspiring authors that are reading this what advice do you have for them with it comes to pursuing their goal of publishing?

No matter what you are going through or how hard the struggle is, let that be your motivation to keep pushing and don’t stop until you get what you want. Life is like a boxing ring: you are going to get knocked down or out, backed up against the rope, not mentally strong enough to win the beginning rounds. As time goes on, you master the skills that are needed to fight, and no matter how hard the blow, you can’t be stopped.

Love that! Social media is a big part of marketing these days. How has it benefited you?

It has allowed me to share with other people in the world.

When people finish reading THE POWER OF PAIN what do you hope they take away from it?

If you are not living your life in peace and happiness and for you, then you are not living. You are just breathing. Stop waking up everyday just to live by the perceptions of others. No matter how hard you try to hide the pain, it is steadily eating you up inside. Take the steps of change: (1) Diagnose the pain that is hurting you mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually (2) Dig through that pain and find you and get to know that person (3) Once you get to know who you are start loving that person and (4) Love will allow you to gain control over your own mind, body, and soul. Let The Power of Pain give you THE POWER TO CHANGE!

Thanks so much for the time, Kneika. How can our readers stay connected with you?

Linked In: Kneika Robbins

Instagram: Kneika Robbins

Facebook: Empowering Words

Website: kneika.wixsite.com/empoweringmindsinc

SPOTLIGHT: Tracy Allen, CEO of Digital Marketing Supply

 by Cyrus Webb

I've known Tracy Allen for years, and it's been amazing to see how her passion for helping others build and grow has expanded over the years. When our mutual friend Shari Alyse (Creator and Co-Executive Producer of Heart to Heart) mentioned her to be our Producer on the talk show Heart to Heart I was excited about the opportunity to work with her in 2021. 

Tracy is a perfect example of why it is so important to never stop growing and learning. What she has built with Digital Marketing Supply and the other work she's involved with is truly inspiring. 

Enjoy this conversation. 

Tracy, glad to have the opportunity to feature you here. When did you discover your passion in life?

I'm still discovering "who I am," but when I think back to being a child and watching Bewitched's Darren Stevens work in the world of advertising, something about that seemed rather cool to me. I always liked art, and thought it would be nice to create ads for businesses.

What has it been like to use your passion in your professional career?

I love it when I create videos or images that make my clients happy! It takes me back to that child-like feeling of bringing your artwork home from school and your parents raved about how amazing it is! There's nothing like it. 

Fear is a dream killer for most people. How have you not allowed it to stop you along the way?

Fear is always present... Whether I move forward or backward, the fear is always lurking. I am MORE afraid of returning to work for someone as an employee than I am being free to work for myself. I continually learn more about who I am being self employed and knowing that whatever I could do for someone else to grow their business I can do for my own.

Coaching and sharing is a part of our work. How were you personally affected during the pandemic when it came to staying optimistic and moving forward?

I wanted to help more people overcome their fear of getting on camera, but it was difficult trying to get people to move forward. Most people that needed help didn't want to use the money they were dearly holding on to. So I did a lot of services for no charge. I had to hold onto the belief that it will all come back to me in other ways. Thankfully it has.

What are you looking forward to the rest of the year?

I want to continue doing what I love: serving my online community, creating videos that inspire others and definitely growing financially. I want to be like you! (laughs)

I appreciate that, Tracy.  And I appreciate you. Thanks so much for the time. How can our readers reach you?

My pleasure. They can reach me at www.DigitalMarketingSupply.com or service@digitalmarketingsupply.com. 

Author/Coach Lisa W. Beckwith: Sharing How the Teacher Also Can Learn From Life Experiences

by Cyrus Webb

Just because you have found yourself in a position where you have been able to help others doesn't mean you won't at times need help yourself. If you find yourself in that situation, know that it's okay. Lisa W. Beckwith is someone who knows this firsthand. With her first book FOOD FOR L.I.F.E. she shared with the world how her life experiences had taught her lessons that she could share with others. 

In her book GOD IS CARRYING ME: I am His Warrior she is reminded of the importance of using those lessons learned to stay strong in spite of  what life throws her way. 

May this conversation inspire you as you deal with your own challenges. 

Great to catch up with you again, Lisa. Let's go back a bit. What has it been like to see the response from your first book FOOD FOR L.I.F.E. to the newest book GOD IS CARRYING ME?

The response has been interesting. My book Food for L.I.F.E. is about developmental stages that we face as we grow and mature. God is Carrying Me is a personal experience that causes you to exercise your faith in a situation.  

2020 was a year of challenges for many. How did you personally navigate it?

The year was challenging, and I learned how to understand that life will happen and I must be prepared for it by doing what I can do and allowing God to do what He has to do.  I had to put all of my hope and faith in God, because there was nothing that I could do about something I did not cause.

You have told me that your book GOD IS CARRYING ME is more personal for you. Explain that to our readers.

This book is personal because it was written to share my experience with a medical condition that I was totally shocked that I had.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2020. The book was my personal diary that I shared with the world because even though it was personal for me I know that it happened to thousands of women in the world.  I was not alone and wanted to share how I handled the condition.  I have a movement  and product line called Be Courageous (B.C) and it replaces the words that are hard for any woman to hear. 

Thanks for sharing that with us, Lisa. How has social media helped you to share the message of your book and platform during the pandemic?

Social media is a great platform because I can reach people all over the world to share my story and hopefully inspire others

What has it been like for you to be a source of inspiration for others?

It is a great feel to know I am a part of other's inspiration as it relates to life and finding a way to deal with it in peaceful way

Not only are you an author, Lisa. You also serve others as a life coach. When did you realize that gift, being able to help others? 

I discovered it when I paid attention to the feedback others were giving me after they shared their feelings with me. I knew then I was able to gain people's trust just by me being an active listener.  As a Life Coach I help people not to allow their minds to get in the way of their desires. I help them to change their thinking and actions. Then their world transforms; because of the results they set.  

Mindset is the first step toward the results people are seeking. The Result in L.I.F.E. is based on the action that you take. Life Coaching helps people to get from where they are and find a way to get to what they want. It’s a place for someone to be heard and seen. My technique is to listen and be present in all of my sessions. The highest good thing to say is asking my clients questions about themselves. That allows them to share more with me. When I show curiosity, it builds a stronger conversation with my clients. A Life Coach must be courageous in order to direct their clients into uncertainty without causing them to be fearful of the unknown. I have to led my clients on a path that they typically want go themselves 

What would you say to people who might feel shellshock by what has been happening in the world?

I would tell those people it is a natural reaction and it's okay to be shocked about a sudden unpredictable situation. The quick shift could traumatic anyone, but we must find a way to calm our spirits.  I would also tell them that without darkness light can not appear.  

How do you plan to continue to use your platform?

I plan on walking with humility and grace.  My focus this year is to understand  that the result in L.I.F.E. is knowing that it may cause us to wait patiently for the outcome. 2021 has an even and odd number, so we have to make sure that when negative energy is around we have to take those two negatives and turn them into a positive. 

What advice do you have for others about not allowing fear to stop them as they move forward?

The advice I want to give to others is understand that fear is a part of our nature, and its okay to have that emotion, but don’t allow it to overtake their life goals. 

Thanks for the time, Lisa. Excited to see what you do this year. How can our readers stay connected with you?

It has truly been my pleasure and I appreciate you so much.  My website  is www.lisabeckwith.com and there they can find my other media handles there as well.

DREAM BY DESIGN ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT: Carlotta Taylor

by Melissa Banks

Carlotta, you have many different businesses and you’re successful. I also noticed you are passionate about helping and inspiring women to be the best version of themselves. Why is this important to you?

Inspiring women is a passion of mine. All my life I heard women do not support each other. I am a leader in my field. One of the most important things I have learned over the years is to never present a problem without presenting a solution. The reason I inspire women is because I desire to be a part of the solution and to change the narrative. 

You shared with our audience on the radio show DREAM BY DESIGN how your start was tough, and you went through a lot. That said, look at you now. What made the difference for you?

I believe it has been the roughness and toughness of my biological father, the softness of my mother, all my life’s lessons, and the favor of God. 

What is your Secret Sauce to being able to keep going? How do you stay motivated enough to go hard every day?

I have experienced a lot of pain. When new painful situations arise that would normally break the average person, I normally tell myself, “If I can make it through the storms that have already passed, I can make it through this!”

Why is it important to you to bring as many people as possible along with you?

I want to make a difference. It is not about me. It’s about impacting lives, one person at a time. 

I love that! Carlotta, what is next for you?

Well I cannot tell it all just yet. Be sure to stay tuned, because something wonderful is brewing. One thing for certain, continuously working on personal growth and development is always present as I move forward. 

Thank you for your time. How can our audience stay connected to you?

IG: @officialcarlottataylor 

FB: Carlotta Taylor 

Clubhouse: Carlotta Taylor 

www.carlottataylor.com 

shor.by/carlottataylor 

Text Carlotta to 888111 

Entrepreneur and Author Clifton McKnight talks life, overcoming challenges and helping others along the way

by Cyrus Webb

Having known Clifton McKnight for a number of years, I can attest to the fact that he is a man of purpose, passion and principal. His book IF YOU CAN'T CALM THE WATERS LEARN TO RIDE THE WAVES gives you a glimpse into the lessons he has learned and what he hopes you are able to glean from them when facing life's challenges. 

That is just the way Clifton is: always looking out for others, wanting to add value. In this conversation we talk about how he got where he is today, the importance of helping others and how financial stability is something everyone has a chance to achieve if they're willing to do the work. 

 

Clifton, so glad we have this time to catch up and share your story with our readers. I first got to know you because of your inspirational book IF YOU CAN’T CALM THE WATERS LEARN TO RIDE THE WAVES. Have you always known that you have been meant to inspire others?

Cyrus, I can say I have always desired to encourage.  Being encouraged was always good for me and it always felt good to me so I wanted to spread it.  

Life has a way of shifting for us all. What has helped you to ride the waves that life throws? 

The inspiration for Chapter 4 in part and Chapter 5 more directly was born out of this question.  The short answer is Prayer, People and Perspective. When the waves are choppy, we can consider what actions we need to take.  We step out of ourselves to gain more perspective, to consider our problem in a way that perhaps is less alarming or concerning.  

It also can help a situation by appreciating another's vantage point .  If the waves are a bit more violent, we can talk to people who have our best interest at heart.  Sometimes we seek out those who are wise or knowledgeable or just who will listen. Perhaps it is so we can hear ourselves, we can just get it out and really look at it.

Now, when the clouds, the winds and the waters are very dark and ominous, when we are completely overwhelmed, then we discern the need to connect on a spiritual level, to take our minds off of ourselves and our problems, serving others while seeking divine guidance peace, grace and love.  This is actually where we could have begun.  Isn't it written "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

 After the year we had in 2020 many people are looking for ways to adjust and to stay afloat. You have also made adjustments. Talk with us about it. 

Cyrus, one might say I have been knocked around quite a bit over the years and 2020 certainly was no exception.  I dare say many of us if not all contend with sometimes overwhelming challenges.  Many centered around one theme, "loss." Whether loss of loved one(s), loss of finances, foreclosure,  bankruptcy, loss of confidence, loss of others' confidence in us, loss of reputation, loss of relationship, in these days in particular, we add loss of health, and confidence in our systems, loss of employment or business failure.  The list goes on.

I frame it quite differently, though.  I acknowledge being knocked around, mind you.  But the truth is I suggest we are blessed with being knocked "ON course." Over the years I had pursued real estate investment quite successfully for a time, while working in service of others as a counselor and professor, conducting live workshops, keynotes and more.  When it all at its foundation seemed to shake and shudder and even shatter.  I tell you, it felt very much like travelling, "through the valley of the shadow of death." What it did was it opened my spirit to look at new possibilities.  

I reentered the world of voice acting, an area I had been encouraged to pursue for decades but only had stuck my toe in and retreated from a decade before.  I did not see how I could pursue this with so many other competing priorities. 

I did not feel I had the luxury of taking time to learn something new, then in a few years maybe make a few more dollars.  "The hole is too deep." Here I had just "retired", walking away from what grew over the years to be a six figure income so I could retrieve my retirement account to rebuild my assets only to lose much of that.  

I endeavored to learn about FOREX, foreign exchange, and more.  I enrolled in IM Academy.  For a little under $250 and a monthly subscription fee that I could pay from profits or even have waived by referring a couple of others, IM  Academy offers systems and technologies to help me earn as I learn to trade in the market with as much as 80 to 90% accuracy.  It helped uplift my entire outlook, in the midst of turbulent times. 

Forex is something that a lot of us have heard about or seen posts about on social media. I have to admit I know very little about it. Talk with our readers about what it is and why it appealed to you?

Forex or FX, refers to foreign exchange, the global currency market.  Anyone who has travelled to another country has had to exchange their currency with the currency of the country they visited.  

The value of money in one country is paired with strength of another currency around the world and positions regarding it's current position and what direction it is heading.  This is a multi-trillion dollar marketplace which greatly exceeds the more popular stock market, and it is no wonder most of us are unfamiliar with it, because it was previously only available to those with over a million dollars plus in income and assets.  

 With the advent of international retail brokers, anyone can participate.  Some people fund their account with a couple of hundred or a thousand dollars and some with as little as $50.  You can enter a trade with as little as 10 cents!  And in this market, you can make a great deal of money in minutes.  

You can also lose more than you initially invest so you want to understand the mechanics of a trade.  It is reported that 75% of investors lose money.  So I aligned with an academy where I can learn from seasoned, successful traders who make hundreds of thousands and those who make millions of dollars trading in this market.

 Even seasoned investors join the academy to access the tools and insights these masters provide.  It is a game changer. 

Helping others has always been something you enjoyed. Did you see the work with Forex as another way of being able to do that?

Directly, Cyrus.  At first I needed to see it work.  As soon as I did, it seems that all I can think about are those who have had to endure the setbacks and challenges of these days and times and those who are in the midst of personal devastation.  IF YOU CAN'T CALM THE WATERS LEARN TO RIDE THE WAVES: HOW TO SUCCEED IN TURBULENT TIMES was written to help people through.  Now I could help them through financial devastation or just help them grow or create a financial legacy.  

It’s not easy to start anything new. What about for you? Was it easy for you to introduce your business with others?

Cyrus, I was working on my on rescue here. The thought of talking to others about it was not even a consideration, at first.  I just wanted to balance my budget and see a future and leave a legacy.  Since it is never required, I liked that I could earn unlimited amounts of money without telling a soul...  I could learn and copy trade signals.  

I am not afraid of risk, but I hate the feeling of being "taken."  Whether we realize it or not life is full of risks.  Once I started trading, I would take baby steps. But when I experienced earning what to me was quite significant in a session trading the same pair, I knew there were people who could benefit.    

Still, I am reminded that we have all tried stuff that was not successful for us, stuff that may have worked for others but still eluded my greatest efforts so there may understandably be a reticence, even a fear to try again. I explored a bit and saw people of all ages, including a youngster whose mother watched a few videos and listened to an expert and I don't know the details but I imagine they copied a trade and her son had a very successful trading experience.

On the business-building side, Cyrus, I know of people in their 20s literally earning more in a month than I had earned in 10 years, not just because they knew a lot of people but  because they were willing to share with someone else who was willing to try or who understood how to use social media.  There is no requirement.  I could stop at any time! 

Social media is a must for us these days. You and I have discussed that in our personal conversations. How has it helped you in connecting with your audience?

Big blessings to you, Cyrus, for encouraging me about reconnecting on social media.  I have had a lapse in my social presence.  You reminded me that I only need to persist with some level of consistency to reach out to people who can benefit from my journey. Thank you for that.  

I don't have to try to force anyone.  I pray that they overcome their fear and their pain which may have occurred in the past but tends to cling to the now as if it is still so today.  So I do tend to reach out, encourage them to join me so they can see the miracle gifts of  the present.  Past experiences can be paralyzing. Been there and on occasion still go there.  Sometimes, we take action anyway.  I empathize.  I inform.  If I can, I inspire.  I will  follow-up and follow-through, but it is not out of desperate need but out of love.  I am already experiencing my blessing. If they see it for them, praise God.  If not, praise God.  I just want them to have the same success or better, if they are willing.  

Thanks for the time, Clifton. How can our audience stay connected with you and get more information. 

Cyrus, I am on Facebook "Clifton McKnight Motivision" and Instagram.  "IF YOU CAN'T CALM THE WATERS LEARN TO RIDE THE WAVES" has a Facebook page.  I am also available on WhatsApp and my google voice for text is 7048029283.  

Thank you for the privilege of addressing your audience.