How to retire your Military spouse!

Being an Army spouse has allowed me the luxury of living in many places and making many friends! The downside is after every move, you have to give up a great job and search for another which greatly affects your income. 

If you are like me, your were approached from every "party invite" for jewelry, pots & pans, skincare, etc. That was NOT going to be me...lol! When you have more month at the end of the money, you eat your words or humble pie. 

Although it's not your mama's party plan, there's been much improvement in this profession. Hype doesn't move any one and a room of products are now in online stores. You can watch your baby play in the floor while on Skype with someone in another state or country. Doctors, Lawyers, Nurses, Soldiers, Teachers, etc. have broken free from their jobs and now have more time and financial freedom to continue their path to their dreams.

Honestly, making the decision to become an Independent Business owner in the Direct Selling/Network Marketing Industry was scary and also the greatest decision we could have ever made. Yes, I say we! My Soldier husband was able to work right along beside me so that we would have a Plan B after retirement. He retires July 30, 2014, 93 days to be exact...lol! How grateful we are that we will continue to build our legacy with our family and continue to change others lives to enjoy the same.   

Bowling in the private room with his son!

We realize many do not believe in the validity of this industry because of negative experiences from others as well meaning friends and family thinking you've done some crazy thing. That's okay. We must do better to educate and not become defensive. I was the biggest ignorant skeptic. The saying is true, "you don't know, what you don't know.  I now have become an "ambassador" of sorts for this life-changing profession and happy to see the Army Wife Network feature Amy Robinson of the DSA (Direct Selling Association) very helpful article: How to Succeed in Direct Selling: http://www.armywifenetwork.com/?p=7975

To read my story and learn more about the Direct Selling Industry visit: http://www.directselling411.com/seller_profiles/erikah/

Need help looking for your Plan B? Email us: erika@hilliardgroup.net or patrick@hilliardgroup.net

New Era of Entrepreneurship

We have one more month until it is 2012. 16 more months until my husband walks away from a 20+ year career with the U.S. Army. Although we are grateful for the experiences, we look forward to having the freedom to do what we choose. Recently I read an article and wanted to share it with those who are wanting the same. Whether it is to open up a Floral Shop or Bakery, there is no time like the present.


Achieving Your Entrepreneurship Destiny
 by Darwin J. Bruce

At this time, more than ever, it is paramount for
entrepreneurs to take control of their entrepreneurial
dreams and plan to succeed in this new era. Of course,
there are certain steps you should take to better control
your entrepreneurial destiny. Read on and learn how to
open the door to your future.

Have an Entrepreneurial Mindset


Entrepreneurship is much broader than the simple definition of small business. It is a mindset. You must think like an investor and act like an entrepreneur. You invest in an idea to create value that is separately identiiable
from yourself. However, as an entrepreneur, you still take full responsibility for it. Make sure that each of your ventures has its own unique purpose, vision, and plan.

The Map –Plan, Manage, and Strategize

There are always inherent risks in business. The word entrepreneur by its own deinition is someone who organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a business or enterprise. However, you can overcome many risks if you develop a succinct business plan, an organized management infrastructure, and strategies to create
value. Strive to be innovative and develop new ideas while balancing risks and costs. This will ultimately lead to proitability.


Expect to Succeed

What does it take to succeed? It takes an entrepreneurial mindset, a plan, and management strategies that create value through innovation and a focus on profitability. It does not come easily, but it can be done. The economy has changed, and change creates opportunity for those who are prepared to seize the moment. Don’t miss your opportunity. Expect to win. Plan to win. Prepare to win in this new era of entrepreneurship. The future of our economy awaits!






Darwin J. Bruce, J.D., is COO of The Potter’s House of Dallas and author of The
Map to Entrepreneurship. For more information visit www.darwinbruce.com

Follow your heart!

What a week, it's been! Having my husband on leave (military form of vacation) lol...has been a look into the future! In less than 2 years he will be retiring from the Military. As I reflect over our lives, our goals and dreams, nothing could have prepared us for how the end of this chapter would turn out. Yes, we both will be retired at the early ages of 42 and 44, wouldn't you like to know which age is mine! LOL!

When you focus on your dreams and solving other people's problems, amazing things begin to happen. God places people in your lives for a reason AND a season. We have watched relationships grow and others end. We have grown ourselves. The personal development we have received over the years as enabled us to not only change our lives but the lives of others. How because sometimes when you begin to change others begin to take a look at themselves. Sometimes that will be a good thing and sometimes a not so good thing. But nevertheless we all either change or stay the same.

Patrick and I have built an amazing life and business. Because it's in the Network Marketing Industry, we are often times misunderstood and have made many mistakes along the way. We take pride in just wanting others to live better lives and to see themselves as God sees them! Sometimes it gets discouraging but it days like these with my husband and family that let's me know we are doing exactly what we are supposed to be doing. I can't wait to have hubby home and we both will continue to be the change we want to see in the world. :)

What is it that you want? Are you allowing dream-stealers or emotional muggers to keep you from living your dreams? Stop it! When you make your intentions clear the how we will take care of itself just do it!