By Adrienne Adams Do you hit the streets on the regular? Are you promoting your business at every networking event in town and still not getting the clientele that you would like? Here are some tips to network effectively. Nix the bio. When you meet someone, do you mention how old you were when you got started?  Do you list every direct sales company that you're working with, plus, the business you're launching and the ...

Family law attorney Jenny Jeltes' Chicago-based firm specializes in familial issues such as custody, divorce, parenting time (visitation), spousal support/maintenance, child support, orders of protection and paternity. She has an extensive and varied background in family law. "I consider myself a very compassionate, focused, and organized individual," Jeltes says.  "I enjoy putting these skills to use in my practice by assisting people who are going through a very difficult time in his or ...

By Adrienne Adams As a mom of five, I've sat through more shows featuring strangely colored characters, peculiar singing and dancing adults than I'd care to admit. But the lessons are hard to miss and they make for great blog posts. I remember watching  an episode of The Fresh Beat Band where they ordered their dream car. It was completely customized to suit their tastes.  A blue and orange dotted vehicle complete with a smoothie ...

We are always on the lookout for useful articles for our ladies in business and this one caught our eye. It confirms what we already know: moms are on the move when it comes to business and entrepreneurship. And, as the reporter points out, who better to develop, nurture and encourage such concepts into being -- not unlike having a baby -- than a mom? "We must play the roll of cook, maid, ...

Actress, comedienne and ABC's The View co-host Sherri Shepherd was no overnight success. In our January/February issue, Sherri shared the role her faith played in her career. Check out a snippet of Sherri's article: Running to the fear After finally breaking into Hollywood in the comedy Cleghorne! starring “Saturday Night Live” alum Ellen Cleghorne, Sherri was on her way. Another really big break came in 2007, when she was asked by Barbara Walters to fill ...

This past summer, we were ecstatic to welcome two of our members back to Chicago:  It’s Not Enough to Dream Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Bridgette Outten  and CEO of Inspired Graphics Media, Inc., Dequiana Brooks.   Both made the decision some time ago to walk away from their full-time jobs and head back home where they could build lives of purpose amongst the supportive foundation of loving family and encouraging friends. Here ...

Member Carla Stinson is in our spotlight.  She and her husband, Calvin, own and operate Stinson Concierge, LLC,  a company that offers an array of services for busy professionals. Q: How did Stinson Concierge Service begin? Stinson Concierge Service, LLC was constructed as a canvas to be used to display the talents and interests of myself and my husband Calvin. We both genuinely enjoy serving others by helping them to fill ...

It's Not Enough to Dream Magazine was able to catch up with bookkeeper Cassandra Watkiss. Cassandra makes our Spotlight Extra because after she found her job was hanging in the balance and she had to make a decision, she took a courageous step.  She convinced her job to lay her off, proposing to become an independent contractor with the company instead. It was a move that allowed her to take advantage ...

Meet Marietta Taylor, who is in our Member Spotlight. As the country's economy makes its slow turnaround, many find themselves or their spouses out of work. Mari's story about how she and her husband handled his being unemployed or underemployed for two years is something that we hope is a source of inspiration to our readers. Mari penned a book based on her experience, “Surviving Unemployment Devotions to Go,” a ...

Celebrity Makeup Artist Tia Dantzler started her business doing free makeup for family and friends. Today she has a slew of A-List clients -- and regularly tours with singer and Oscar-winning actress and singer Maxwell. Read on for a bit of what Tia shared with us: Doors opened for Tia quickly and suddenly. The order and structure of her home made the transition a lot smoother, but not completely without some bumps. “To be ...