Lolita Cleveland

Time is like credit you have to build it properly.

 

Lolita grew up on the South Side of Chicago, where she witness many friends and families struggle without having the basic necessities to live and many faced other social ills. She used this information to assist her in achieving her dream of serving others in need. She has earned her Doctorate of Theology which she received from the Empowerment Theological Institute and Bible Seminary. In 2013, she completed her Master’s Degree in Public Administration conferred by Walden University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Grambling State University.

Lolita is the founder of “The Open Hands Project”, which is designed to assist entrepreneurs and ministries bridge their purpose with local and global humanitarian efforts to address spiritual needs, medical needs, water shortage, education and homelessness. Lolita has used her compassion to help businesses with their charitable and philanthropic objectives.

Lolita currently serves as business coach where she captivates the minds and hearts of aspiring, new and established business owners by providing them with sustainable business tools. She is also an adjunct professor who leads her classrooms with passion and purpose. She is the author of Next Level Evangelism Training Manual and a Co-author of Moments in HerStory: From Pain to Purpose I and II.

Since 2006 she has dedicated her free time to humanitarian mission efforts in Mexico, Jamaica, Haiti, India, Trinidad & Tobago, and Africa. Always a visionary, Lolita’s passion is community, she serves on the board of directors for PEER Plus Advocates and Diadem International. Lolita was awarded the Marketplace Pioneer Award from The Kingdom Empowerment International Covenant Fellowship of Churches for her exemplary service to the marketplace community. Lolita is a highly sought after trainer and speaker both nationally and internationally. She targets transformational business because she believes that investing in people, positively impacts lives so that hope and possibilities become change and new realities.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

Many people aspiring to start a business or are newly established they need someone that is willing to walk with them through the process as becoming an entrepreneur can be scaring yet exciting. In journaling I realize that people need someone with creativity that can assist them in bringing their vision to manifestation.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

My typical day starts with inspiration which sets the tone for the remainder of my day. I then see about me, by ensuring I have a meal, lunch and snacks for the day. If I do not see about me I can not be productive to anyone else. I proceed to look at my calendar and things to do for the day. I prioritize them so that my day is intentional and productive.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I have strategic vision casting meetings with clients and potential clients that allows them to talk through their vision this in turns enables me to assist them in strategizing ways to make their vision a reality with action plans, steps and tasks list.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Global change agents.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Reading.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Make decisions that will positive impact your future.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Time is like credit you have to build it properly.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Incorporate generosity in all that you do.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Implementing key performance indicators.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Blending bank accounts, I obtained an accountant, took a business finance workshop series and became aware of how business budget, categories etc. worked and implemented it.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Editorial Service.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

The best $100 spent was in Dubai on Camel Riding/desert dinner because it allowed for me to experience something new and adventurous.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Calendar appointments with Calendly. I use it to keep my appointments organized.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time
Book by Brian Tracy

This book should be read to assist every aspiring, established and seasoned business owner with essential keys that needs to stay focus and not become a procrastinator.

What is your favorite quote?

“A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.” Ghandi

Key Learnings:

  • To be productive you have to implement systems
  • Procrastination is a hindrance to vision
  • Obtaining help is a mature entrepreneur mindset
  • Be sure to include regular self care time
  • Financial understanding can grow your wealth

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