Category Archives: Office Essentials

5 Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read

I love to read – as well as write! I’m amazed how many people do not read! As they say in school, reading is fundamental! Sure, you might spend hours each day scouring Twitter, Facebook or even blog posts, but a book allows an author the opportunity to go into far more detail on a given topic than any blog or tweet.

I always have something interesting on my night stand or desk, and although I do read fiction, I generally read more nonfiction. Business books and biographies or motivational books top my list.

Here are five books that I think every entrepreneur or small business owner would enjoy – and learn from! And – they make great gifts!

Finding My Virginity by Sir Richard Branson

I love Sir Richard Branson! I must have read or listened to his first autobiography, Losing My Virginity, at least five or six times. He’s very open and honest about struggles he’s gone through in building his business. Plus, he’s an amazing adventurer and holds several world records. Talk about living a full life! I’m always very envious that he has such a simple but multi-use global brand. I’m not good at headlines or product names like Sir Richard! He is also very giving of those in need. The books are quite detailed and long but worth every second of your time.

Inventing Joy by Joy Mangano

I’m a huge fan of Joy Mangano. If you watch the movie, Joy, starring Jennifer Lawrence, you’ll get a bit of background on this lovely lady. Both she and Sir Richard came from humble beginnings and built gigantic businesses. She, too, looks at things and always tries to improve on them. I have a number of Joy items in my home and I’m very pleased and impressed that she created so many different products. Building a business is a lot of hard work and struggle while finding the best path for you. This interesting but quick read will lift your spirits and know that it’s possible to overcome obstacles.

Your Right to be Rich by Napoleon Hill

This audio CD set is very hard to find, but if you can locate it, you must have it! Napoleon Hill is best known for his book, Think and Grow Rich, but this CD series is audio recordings of seminars he taught many years ago. Hearing him speak rather than just reading his words will give you goose bumps and get your mind moving forward. I wish someone would re-release them. An absolute must-have!

The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone

Just 10 pages into this book and my mind was racing a mile a minute! I’d never read anything by Grant Cardone, but this book is truly motivating. We all have gifts and talents and it’s up to us to share them with the world. Not only does our work help others, it inspires others to use their gifts and talents, too. Again, nothing is easy; it takes a lot of effort – maybe a bit too much effort in Cardone’s case – but you will definitely find cherished nuggets in this book.

How To Screw Up A Good Idea

Aunti Cindi Presents: How to Screw Up a Good Idea by Cindi R. Maciolek

Seriously, did you think I’d create a list and leave off one of my books? Having worked with numerous startups over the years, I’ve seen repeated mistakes made by both seasoned executives and newcomers. In this book, I detail a number of common faults that cause businesses to fail. Do you see yourself falling into any of these traps? Better check it out before you are doomed to repeat other people’s mistakes.

That’s it for this list! I’d love to hear your thoughts, and to find out some of your favorite books. Be sure to leave a comment down below.

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Sparkle on!

Aunti Cindi

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Gift Guide for Entrepreneurs

Greetings Sparklers!

The holidays are not the only time of year when we worry about buying the right gift. There are birthdays, anniversaries and thank you gifts, just to name a few. We want to purchase something that is both useful and memorable – more than a gift card but less than the food and alcohol options which might not be anxiously received. Then there’s that whole budget issue…

Here are a few gifts sure to please!

VuPoint Magic Wand Portable Scanner

I first bought this scanner to scan all the family photos I have, but it does so much more than that! It will scan contracts, receipts, and anything else that can slide through the scanner. There are two main reasons I really like this product. First, it scans at 1200 dpi in the dock. That’s awesome! Second, the wand can be removed from the dock and scanned over anything from images to articles to fabrics to pretty much anything your heart desires! It’s super easy to use, a great price, and if you do a lot of scanning, it won’t wear out your printer/scanner combo that most people have nowadays.

Bell and Howell Tac-Bat

I’m really into emergency preparedness, and preparation for small business must be on the list! This Tac-Bat is a five-way light source (low, medium, high, strobe, SOS), a weapon and an escape hammer. So, in addition to helping you see when the power goes out, you can use it to knock out a window – or an assailant – if need be. It’s super heavy duty and operates on just three AA batteries. It comes in a variety of colors and a great deal at less than $20 (as of this writing). Buy a few for yourself while you’re at it!

Nate Berkus Gold Scissors

Nate Berkus Gold Swingline Stapler

I came across these at Target when I was redoing my office, with gold and rose gold accents. I absolutely L-O-V-E both! The scissors are the best I’ve ever had and so chic in gold. The stapler is made by Swingline and we know those staplers last forever! I had a trusty old black Swingline but fell in love with this gold one. Again, great gifts are great prices and so contemporary. Target seems to have the best prices on these.

Himalayan Salt Lamp

Pink Himalayan salt is all the rage these days, and for good reason. It’s supposed to clean the air and provide positive health benefits. Plus, these lamps are really cool to look at. Salt rooms are popping up all around the country. Be a hero and buy one for your favorite entrepreneur! Again, these are quite affordable – generally under $30 – and will be both useful and memorable to the gift recipient.

AA Batteries

Now, you might think this is the strangest gift, but I guarantee you every time the recipient needs a battery, they will think of you as they go to their stockpile. Wrap it pretty. Put a giant bow on it. It is both useful and memorable and works within your budget. You can purchase any quantity you like, but this lot of 100 will be used up just in time for you to purchase another package in a year!

What are your favorite gifts for entrepreneurs? I’d love to hear!

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Sparkle On!

Aunti Cindi

Four Perfect Briefcase Options

Greetings Sparklers!

Finding the right briefcase that works for you and your business can be almost as exhausting as buying a new pair of jeans!

Some people work from home nearly 100 percent of the time and really don’t need anything more than a laptop case. Some have events around town or make day trips and need room for clothing and supplies. Others have large client files or lots of product samples and need something a bit roomier. Quite frankly, over the years I’ve accumulated a variety of briefcases, and use them at different times.

Here are some options for your consideration.

1. Leather duffle.

A leather duffle is timeless and long lasting. If you’re a speaker, presenter or have need to carry a lot of stuff with you, get one with wheels. I have this particular one from Joy Mangano (sorry, it’s no longer available) and it’s great if I’m at an all-day event where I need my business resources as well as a change of clothing for an evening event. It’s simple and classic and works for both men and women.

2. Laptop case.

Sometimes all you need is your laptop and a file or two. I’m totally obsessed with this one on Amazon in the beautiful rose print! I seem to be in a pink/rose gold mood at the moment, so I’m sure I’ll add it to my collection. It comes in a variety of prints, so you’ll be sure to find one that fits your taste.

3. The weekender/underseater

This option is great if you need to make a day trip or overnighter out of town. I have this bag and it’s great because it fits under the seat in front of you on an airplane. There’s room for your laptop, files, product samples, clothing, shoes, large water bottle and grooming items. This bag is by Samantha Brown but Lori Greiner also makes one that is very similar. Works great for both men and women.

4. The Wheelie

The ultimate rolling briefcase here is by Joy Mangano. I’m a huge Joy Mangano fan, have you noticed? This bag has room for a laptop, tablet, separate compartment for files, plus room for either product samples or clothing. Color options will suit both men and women. I own the taupe which is like a nice khaki.

You might have noticed that three of the four options I’ve shown have wheels. Yep! I feel that we put enough stress on our backs and lugging heavy briefcases will not make you wealthier.

Joy Mangano and Samantha Brown products are sold on HSN. Lori Greiner works with QVC. But, you can always check eBay for these items or something similar. Sometimes sellers have the same items at good prices, or even out of production items such as my duffle.

Owning a business is stressful enough without hauling multiple bags or boxes of equipment, files and product. If you have a briefcase that suits your taste and needs, you’ll show up at a meeting looking relaxed and refreshed, and most of all, professional and pulled together.

What are your preferred briefcase options? I’d love to hear! Please share!

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Sparkle on!

Aunti Cindi