Tag Archives: Joy Mangano

5 Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read

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 

This post contains affiliate links.

Four Perfect Briefcase Options

 

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

3 Must-Haves for Business Travelers

3 Must-Haves for Business Travelers

No doubt about it, traveling for business it tough! Whenever you can find small items that will make a huge difference in your travel experience, it’s worth it to find the precious space in your luggage to bring them along. Here are three items that will definitely help to ease the travel pain. Links are at the bottom of the post.

  1. Hunter Personal Humidifier. This thing is awesome! The air is always so dry on airplanes and in hotel rooms, this little baby solves that problem. It’s only about four inches high and uses regular tap water in a one liter water bottle. Just flip it upside down and turn it on. It runs quite a few hours on one bottle so you could get a whole night’s sleep before you need to refill. It also works well in an office or dorm room, or even a hospital room. During my mom’s last hospital stay, I put it near her bed and it took all that dry, static air away. I couldn’t believe the difference! This is worth every penny.
  2. Personal air purifier. I’m a big fan of Joy Mangano, so these next two items are from her. This little machine is a workhorse! It not only purifies the room but it also infuses it with one of her Forever Fragrances. Great on the road or at home.
  3. My Little Steamer Go Mini. Joy is the queen of steam! This steamer has great power considering its size. No need to pay the hotel to have your clothing pressed. Just a few minutes with this little machine and you’ll be ready to go. It’s often sold in sets of two, with a larger steamer for home and this one for travel. It takes up about the same amount of space as a hair dryer but can save you a ton of money in pressing charges. As all Joy Mangano products do, it comes in a wide variety of colors.

What are your favorite travel must-haves? I’ll share more favorites in the future!

Sparkle On!

Aunti Cindi

Amazon link:
Hunter QLS03-RD Ultrasonic Personal Air Humidifier, Red