3 Places You Can Find Caregivers That People Least Expect

As a previous home care provider, I know firsthand how hard it is to find reliable caregivers.  I posted ads to the local newspaper.  I posted to Indeed.  You name it, I did it.  I even hosted job fairs, and “maybe” two or three people would show up.  It was the most frustrating thing.

One day, while alone in my office, I began writing down all the things that had not worked for me.  I started to think outside of the box.  While staring at my pad of things that did not work, it can to me to jot down why they were not working. I came up with 3 ideas, and they actually worked!!

1.        I was holding my job fairs during the week.  Most people are already at work at that time but may need a second job and are unable to attend.  I decided to do a job fair on a Saturday and had a massive turnout!  From then on, Saturday it was. 

2.       I partnered with the Unemployment Office.  Where do most people go that are out of work? Duh! Yes, I created a partnership and had job fairs with them, at their offices.  They did most of the marketing for me.  It was a total success.  I was also able to find administrative staff.

3.       I saved the best for last.  I partnered with four-year nursing schools.  Nurses must first become certified as caregivers, so why not?  These were the absolute BEST CAREGIVERS EVER!!  They were smart, dependable and compassionate; everything you need and want in a caregiver.  Not to mention observant. 

So, reach out to your local unemployment offices, your local nursing schools, and start having those job fairs on Saturdays.  And don’t forget to use your social media to tag and tweet the school.  FYI, they repost for their students.  I hope this helps someone that is suffering from caregiver shortages.  Happy Hiring!

Where Are Your Social Media Followers?

Where Are Your Social Media Followers? The Rise of the Nano-Influencer

By: Portia Wofford

Social media is still a thing. It’s still here, and if your brand or business isn’t utilizing it...why are you waiting? With social media comes social media marketing and social media influencers -and this billion-dollar industry is taking a recognizable shape. There are four categories of influencers:

• Mega-influencers

• Macro-influencers

• Micro-influencers

• Nano-influencers

Nano-influencers are quickly staking their claim in this billion-dollar industry. Although a relatively new breed of influencers, nanos are boasting higher numbers of engagement and conversions, leading many brands to seek them. 

What is a Nano-Influencer?

Nano-influencers have a smaller number of followers -between 1,000 and 5,000. Usually, their influence is local -in their community, industry, or niche. They are considered “friends” to their audience and have built the know-like-trust factor with their followers. As with the other categories of social media influencers, nanos have perfected the skill of content creation and know how to talk in-depth on a specific subject. They’ve built a tribe with similar interests, and their followers are generally niched-down. This is great for brands because a brand can collaborate with an influencer who has an already built-in audience that’s their target avatar. A recommendation from a friend will convert better than an ad and nano-influencers provide a level of friendliness to their tribe. 

Better Engagement

Nanos are everyday people. They are relatable and likable. The idea behind a brand using a nano-influencer, is to get the “everyday” person to influence the brand’s product or service to their friends and family - usually achieved through content such as social media or blog posts. One of the significant benefits of utilizing nano-influencers is that they have high levels of engagement. Consumers often relate the brands represented by a nano-influencer as more authentic and relatable. Why? The influencer has already built a real-life, intimate relationship with their followers. It’s important to remember that consumers choose who to follow. If their “chosen” influencer is using and promoting a specific brand, why shouldn’t they jump on board? Why would they miss out? Nanos seem more approachable. This approachability has allowed them to generate high levels of engagement with their audiences. Research into engagement levels on Instagram revealed that:

• Influencers on social media with less than 1,000 followers were able to engage over eight percent of their followers, while

• Those with over a million followers only engage their followers 1.7% of the time, and

• Those with fewer followers receive more comments

The increase in engagement is likely due to nano-influencers seeming more tangible. Their followers feel if they leave comments, the influencer will respond. With smaller amounts of followers, nanos can take time to engage their followers by answering questions and direct messages.

Cost-Effective

Sure, you might want Kylie Jenner or Kim Kardashian or maybe even that blogger with 200,000 followers to endorse your brand, but how much do you think it’s going to cost you? Many brands or businesses don’t have the money, name recognition, or bargaining power to open up a dialogue with mega or macro-influencers. Generally, nano-influencers are more approachable and are eager to work with the brands they use everyday. Many are using their social media influencer title to supplement their income and may just be starting out - making it more likely that they’ll support your brand for a small fee, or may only ask for free products to showcase. It’s easy to begin working with nanos immediately.

As you develop your marketing, don’t forget to adjust for influencer marketing. Don’t think you have to target bloggers or influencers with a large following. Nano-influencers have the potential and skills to engage with a small but loyal audience, which in turn can generate buzz (and visibility) for your brand or business.      

About the author

Portia Wofford is a nurse, millennial strategist, healthcare writer, entrepreneur, and micro-influencer. Chosen as a brand ambassador or collaborative partner for various organizations, Wofford strives to empower nurses by offering nurses resources for career development--while providing organizations with tools to close generational gaps within their nursing staff. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter for her latest.

The Importance of Networking

3 Ways Networking Can Increase Your Business Net Worth

By: Portia Wofford

Building a business is tough. There are long days and even longer nights. Financial uncertainty, sacrifices, and insecurity all rear their ugly heads at times you can't seem to catch a break. Going at it alone is even more daunting. Building a network of like-minded individuals and other professionals will prove to be useful and can save you some grief and business pains. BUT--in a world full of conferences, tours, and brunches it's difficult for even the veteran entrepreneur to navigate the task of networking. Networking is an art form--as an entrepreneur you should master it.

Added Value

What's the importance of networking? Why do you need to master it to become successful? Networking is all about connecting people who can add value to one another. Networking builds your knowledge power. The ability to connect with like-minded business owners and entrepreneurs allows you to learn and obtain advice from them. Expanding your network is an excellent way to gain the expertise and guidance that otherwise you wouldn't be able to achieve. Reliable information from the right person can be a crucial factor in business success. Often, networking provides opportunities for training, invitations to conferences, and mentorship that you may otherwise miss.

Visibility

Visibility is an important factor in a successful business. Being seen with the right people can increase your credibility among your peers and others in your industry. It's not what you, but whom you know holds in the business world, as well. People spend their time and money with people they trust. If you want a successful business, then you need to have a vast network of people and relevant connections. When it's time for a referral or opportunity, your visibility will help others to remember you. Stay visible.

Support

 We've all had those times when we just couldn't win. We've wanted to give up and throw in the towel. No one can do it alone! Everyone needs someone who understands and has been there. A good network can serve as a support system. A mentor or an ally can help you 

• Overcome hurdles

• Keep you accountable

• Manage challenges effectively by offering advice or referring you to someone who can help

Just as investing in money is important, so is investing in relationships. Networking is all about building long-lasting relationships. Simply handing off a business card or jotting down a phone number won't suffice. In a recent article for Forbes, contributor Shelley Zalis stated, "When you create connections based on shared interests and goals, you'll be more successful because people want to work with people they know and like." Building and nurturing relationships is an essential aspect of building a successful business.

About the author:

Portia Wofford is a nurse, millennial strategist, healthcare writer, entrepreneur, and nano-influencer. Chosen as a brand ambassador or collaborative partner for various organizations, Wofford strives to empower nurses by offering nurses resources for career development--while providing organizations with tools to close generational gaps within their nursing staff. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter for her latest.

I Can Buy My Own Lunch!

Have you ever had someone offer to take you to lunch while they “Pick Your Brain?”  Now I know I’m not the only one.  At least once a week I have someone offer to pay for my lunch in exchange for information.  Well, I have news for you. “I can buy my own lunch!”

Last year I made a sound decision not to allow anyone else to pay for my lunch. Here are 3 reasons why:

• It costs you money. When you allow people to treat you to lunch in exchange for information, it cheapens your business.  You are giving away valuable information for a $20.00 meal.  Just like the rest of your clients, they should have to pay for your services.  Don’t allow people to utilize your services for FREE!

• It’s time-consuming.  People will enjoy a 1.5- 2-hour lunch with you trying to soak up as much information as possible.  I’ve had people to bring a pen and pad to lunch.  I’ve even had someone to ask if they could record the conversation.  Your time, like mine, is valuable and unless you are charging $10.00-$20.00/hr for your work, you should not be satisfied with giving away your time.  And if you are only charging at that rate, you’re doing EVERYTHING wrong!

• You’re not getting anything out of it!  What’s in it for you besides a free lunch?  Absolutely nothing!  How is this fair to you? It’s not. You even use your own gas to get there. And not only that, they will take your information for free and go and pay someone else thousands of dollars for what they have to offer!

People will take what they can because they don’t want to do their own research.  Just like you invested in yourself, do them a favor and allow them to invest in themselves.  I found that people appreciate things more when they have to pay for them.  They feel that it holds value.  And this is the reason you should be charging for your services and your time. So, the next time someone offers to buy you lunch in order to pick your brain, you just simply say, “I can buy my own lunch.”  Then give them the number to your assistant and let them set up a "paid consultation."

- Tammy Jurnett-Lewis

"Put It In Writing"

"Put it in writing" are words that I have learned to live by.  I am a Registered Nurse by trade and the first thing they teach you in Nursing 101 is to document everything that you do.  If you didn't chart it; you didn't do it, is what I was taught.  This is something that every business owner or potential business owner should remember.  Why should you put things in writing?

• When it's in writing, it becomes binding- When you enter into a contract, this is something that will hold up in a court of law, whereas a verbal contract can be disputed.
• For clarity- When things are put in writing, it makes everything clearer, so there is no misunderstanding.  It also gives you a chance to voice your concerns.
• You can see it- When things are in writing, you have a visual.  You can look at it, read it and decide if any changes or corrections need to be made at that moment.
• For Protection- Putting things in writing is a form of protection for you and all parties involved.  That is why companies have contracts in place.

One of the biggest mistakes I made when going into business for myself was bringing on a business partner without a binding contract.  This later came back to bite me where it hurt the most.  That was both a hurting and costly experience.  So remember, no matter if it's a friend, family member or stranger, for everything you do, "Put It In Writing."

Camouflage Anthology

I am so excited about the release of my "Camouflage" book.  The launch was awesome!  I first started my journey of writing in a book called "D.I.V.A.S."  It too was an anthology.  My chapter in the book was called "Camouflage."  My book is actually a spin off of my chapter.  My vision for the book is the reach as many women as possible to allow them to transform their past hurts into future prosperity.  The purpose of this anthology is to promote healing, by way of sharing our stories.  This is just the beginning of the Camouflage series.  Vol. 2 will release in early 2017.  My hope is to start a 501 c3 to assist women and young girls who have experienced abuse of some sort in their lives.  I am grateful to God for the vision that He has given me, as well as the ladies who took part in this book.  It takes a lot of courage to stand up and open your life to strangers.  I commend each and every woman who has and will go forward with the Camouflage journey.

Do You Know Your Business Partner?

Often times we make the mistake of going into business with someone just because we "think"  we know them, or that person is our friend.  That can be a costly mistake if you are not 100% sure you should be in business with this person or persons.  Before going into business partnership, you should always:

• Make sure that you hire an attorney to put everything in writing so there are no misunderstandings later.  You don't want to have a verbal agreement that doesn't stand up later because there is no proof of it.
• Be sure that you know the person and their character traits.  How are they with money? Do they have good customer service skills?  Are they trustworthy?
• If there are any differences prior to signing the agreement, make sure they are ironed out before you sign any paperwork.  A partnership is like a marriage.  If you go into it with problems, they will only escalate.
• Ask yourself if you really need a business partner, or if you just need to hire someone that can do the same job.  You can save yourself a whole lot of time, trouble and money by employing someone.  It's a lot easier to fire an employ than to rid yourself of a business partner.

So again, I ask, "Do you know your business partner?"  If you do, that's great!  Move forward with your business relationship, and go make lots of money together.  If not, you may want to take a second look at some resumes and employ someone else to do that job.

4 Common Mistakes Made By Small Business Start-Ups

1.  Lack of Resources and Capital:

Way too often small businesses fail before they have a starting chance due to of lack of resources.  Before starting a business, you should always create a budget.  This should be included in your business plan.  Not everyone will have enough money in their savings to support their business start-up; however, you may try to obtain a business loan with your local bank or credit union.  The Small Business Administration also offers small business loans with low interest rates + prime (www.sba.gov).

      2.  Lack of Knowledge:

Just because you think a certain industry is glamorous doesn’t mean you have what it takes to be successful in that industry.  I think being an actress is way past “glam” but I know I don’t have the knowledge, nor the skill set to make it in that type of industry.  You don’t have to have an education, but you do have to be educated about your industry.  Do your research by reading related books, taking a couple of classes, or getting a mentor that’s already doing what you desire to do.  You will go a lot further in your business if you have the required knowledge.

     3.  Trying to do everything yourself:

So many times small business owners wear too many hats.  If you are business owner, you can not also be the Marketing Specialist, Payroll Specialist, Human Resource Manager, Secretary, and the list goes on.  You must make sure that when you are creating your job descriptions you are not the person fulfilling all of them.  Find qualified individuals to work in the positions needed and you do what you know how to do.  You don’t want to be a “Jack of All Trades and Master of None.”  Find that one thing at which you are “GREAT” and stick with it. And let everyone else be great at what they do!

     4.  Improper Structure

If you don’t know how to set up your business, find a professional who does.  Seek out proper council before setting up your business to make sure that it is done properly.  Make sure that you speak with a business or tax attorney and CPA to assist in deciding which business structure would be the best fit for you. 

There are so many resources out there to assist with start-up businesses.  Community colleges are a great place to start, as they usually have small business centers that offer “FREE” resources and seminars. The Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) is also a great place to go for assistance with business start-ups.  I’ve also found that SCORE (www.score.org) is very helpful.  SCORE is a non-profit organization that offers mentorship opportunities to business owners.  You are paired up with someone within the same industry to assist with your needs.  These are usually people who are retired and have chosen to become advisors to assist small business owners.  There is no reason that we all can’t be successful.

Discipline and Balance

Being in business for yourself requires discipline and balance.   So many times I've seen business owners start off strong and then run out of steam.  This is sometimes because there is no discipline and/or balance in their lives.  Entrepreneurs are sometimes so excited about their business ventures that they feel they have the strength of ten men, initially.  This can be short lived once fatigue sets in.  Here are a few reasons for disruption of discipline and balance:

1.  You bite off more than you can chew:  Taking on multiple tasks and trying to do everything yourself to either save money, due to lack of capital will cause immediate burnout.

2.  Not making a schedule for yourself or not sticking to the schedule you have made:  Schedules should be made in advance without deviation.  The reason for the schedule is so you can track your time and stay on course.

3.  Taking on extra duties for others:  "No" is NOT a bad word.  You can not spread yourself too thin.  Others will utilize your time and not be respectful of it, if you are not clear in the beginning.

4.  Not taking time out for yourself:  If you do not take time for yourself and your family, you will become resentful.  This is time that should be previously set aside for you.  You should also treat yourself to something nice every now and then, so you don't feel like you are working just to pay bills.

Business owners that follow these tips are much happier and more successful than business owners who work on a consistent burnout.

What's Holding You Back From Living Your Dream?

I can remember a time as a child when I was extremely shy.  I was often teased by the other kids because I didn't talk much.  When I originally started my home care agency, I had the same problem.  I feared walking up to others and introducing myself.  I feared going to networking events, marketing my business and speaking in front of large crowds.  Well, I quickly learned that I was going to have to run my mouth, because I was running out of money.  I thought that I could just run paid commercials and ads and my business would flourish.  That was a hard lesson learned and a lot of wasted time and money.

Many of us allow things such as fear, feeling inadequate, unqualified voices, and lack of resources to keep us from the things that we want the most.  Sometimes you just have to step out on faith and make things happen for yourself.  Here are some of the things I did to conquer my fears:

1.  I did more research about my industry and my competitors.  This meant becoming familiar with case managers, social workers, discharge planners and other home care agencies.  Doing your research is vital in any industry.  If you don't have the knowledge needed, then you more than likely will not succeed.

2.  I started going to networking events, but I would show up early.  I figured if I was one of the first people there it wouldn't feel so awkward because people then had to come up to me.  That actually worked!  After a while, I knew pretty much everyone who attended those events and they knew me.  I then felt comfortable being at various events, and it didn't matter when I arrived.

3.  The last thing I did was to start attending a Toastmaster class to assist in getting over my fear of speaking in large crowds.  Before you knew it, I was hosting events of my own.

There are always going to be things we are afraid of; however, we should never allow those things to keep us from our dreams.  Figure out what it is that is keeping you from what you want and find a way to conquer those fears.

Know Your Worth

Too many times I run into business owners who do awesome work; however, their rates are extremely low.  This is a mistake that a lot of business owners make for more than one reason.  Here are a few:  They are afraid that people won't be able to afford their services.  They are afraid their prices are too high.  They have not done their research for that market.  Or maybe they are trying to build up their clientele, so they just want to get the customer in the door.  We as business owners have to know our worth.  If you have a product or service that someone needs, they are going to pay for it.  Small businesses and start-ups are more prone to making these mistakes. 

Here are a few issues you may run into when your prices are entirely too low.

1.  It can become extremely difficult to maintain your overhead.

2.  Sometimes customers have a hard time taking you seriously.

3.  You have to charge enough to make a profit; otherwise, you just have an expensive hobby.

4.  Your business will never grow if you don't have the revenue to assist in it's growth.

5.  You will never be able to leave your full-time job.

6.  You will find yourself with more customers than you have time or money.

So the next time you are pitching your product or service, whether it's $10.00 or $10,000.00, say it with confidence and know that your time is worth it.  When you start taking yourself seriously, others will too.  Know your worth and stop giving discounts!

You're Closer Than You Think

Sometimes as business owners, especially as a start up, we are tempted to get discouraged and quit.  Often times we are right on the edge of our breakthrough when we give up.  I'm here to tell you today that you are closer than you think.

Five years ago, I allowed a friend of to come into a business that I had already established.  One year after being in business with her, it just wasn't working out.  We both hired attorneys to fight for the company that I had built on my own.  You can image the frustration I felt.  I looked around and noticed that the people who were suffering the most were the clients who were caught in the middle.  I decided to contact my attorney to let him know that I had chosen to walk away.  And I did just that.  Crazy huh?  

I decided that I was going to start over again.   After I had signed everything over to her, I went to the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a new application.  Image my surprise when I found out they were not accepting applications, and wouldn't be for the next three years!  I was devastated!  I called back the next day to speak with someone else and they gave me the same story.  What was I going to do now?  I got into my bed and under the covers and cried.  I stayed there for two weeks.  

One day, I decided to go out and get the mail.  There was a letter in there from her attorney wanting me to sign a non-compete.  How dare she do this, after I brought her into my business.  I had just about given up, until I saw that letter.  It lit the fire under me that I needed.  I called back to the Department of Health and Human Services and got the same story.  I was just about to give up and then I started to pray.  I called again and told them my story.  The lady that was on the other end of the line told me not to sign any paperwork from the attorney, but to instead come in the following week for a survey.  When I went in for my survey that day, I was missing ten items from my policies.  She told me what they were and said that normally, they don't license anyone with missing items, but that she trusted  I would get them written and put in my binder.  She licensed me with an effective date that day.

Over the next year, I built my company larger than it had ever been and continued to grow it.  I received many awards and was featured in several magazines, including "Forbes".  The irony in the whole thing is that my ex-business partner sold the company one year later and the person that bought it, handed it right back to me.  He just called one day and handed it over, "Free and Clear."  I was amazed.  So, though things may look difficult, don't rule out the favor of God.  You have to believe before you can see.  Don't give up, because you're closer than you think!

- Tammy Lewis

Overcoming Your Fears

Everyone is afraid of something; whether it snakes, spiders, writing or public speaking. The best way to conquer your fears is to face them head on.

When I was growing up, I was very shy and timid. I didn't like strangers, it was hard to make friends and I didn't like for people to see me eat. I would take my plate into the bedroom.  So, can you imagine having a business with those same qualities? That's exactly how I was. I was so afraid of talking to professionals. I was afraid that I would say the wrong things or not be able to blend in with the conversations, because I wasn't  smart enough.  These are all real problems that people deal with everyday. The one thing that I figured out about myself was that because I was not willing to face my fears head on, I was about to talk myself out of my future. Sometimes we can be our own worst critics. We don't see what other people see in us.

I found a way to get over my fear of large crowds of people at networking events by arriving early. If I was going to be the first one there, then it was like everyone was coming to meet me, instead of me going to meet them. This little trick actually worked and before you knew it, I knew everyone. Since the the industry that I was in was rather small, everyone kind of ran in the same circle. Most of the time it was the same people and if not, someone was there to introduce you. 

After I tamed that lion, I started to visit facilities and introduce myself. I seemed to always find myself in crowds at that point. Before I knew it, I was speaking to small groups. The groups became larger and larger and I am currently planning my first conference.  Can you image that? Me, speaking to hundreds? 

So, I say to you that whatever fear that you are exhibiting that is keeping you from your destiny, it time to face it HEAD ON!

Do you feel that it is important for business owners to be healthy?

How important is it to be a healthy business owner?  I'm going to have to say that I think that it is extremely important.  I'll give it a BIG FAT 10!  As a nurse, I feel that people who are healthier are more effective.  You can't run a business, if you are out sick.  How is that being productive?  It's not!  Have you ever heard the expression "Time is Money?"  Well guess what?  Time is not money.  Time is time.  But time is the one thing that you can never get back.  So, why not live the best life that you can? 

I can honestly say that being in business for myself, especially in the healthcare arena, has taught me a lot.  There were times when I had to drag myself out of bed, because I was tired.  I wasn't getting enough rest. I was up all hours of the night, while at the same time practicing poor eating habits.  Over a year's time, I had gained 30 lbs.  Not only did this cause some unwanted health issues, but in weighed in very heavily on my self-esteem.  I began to withdraw from activities, because I was always tired.  And I just didn't feel like doing anything!  One day, I just made of my mind that I was going to be healthy.  I took that necessary steps need to get back on track and it is still a work in progress.  I am not only healthier, but I am happier.

Here are some things that you can do promote a healthier you:

·             Have regular annual check-ups 

·             Get a good night's sleep 

·             Start a regular exercise regime

·             Make healthy food choices

·             Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day 

These are simple tips that can help you look and feel better.  Start small to prevent burnout which may cause you to fall back into the same routines and old habits.  Find an accountability partner to assist in holding you accountable.  With an accountability partner you are less likely to quit.  Also, track your progress.  Once you see that you are making progress you will be motivated to continue on your journey.  A healthier you is a more confident you!

What is your heart telling you?

From the time that you are a small child, there is always someone telling you that you can't do something.  "You can't go outside today." " You can't watch that."  " You can't do that; it's too difficult."  You can actually hear something so much that it will become a part of you.  This is what happened to me.  I was told that I couldn't do things so much that I literally thought that I could do nothing right. 

I can remember being in the second grade and my grandmother telling me that I could do anything that I wanted to do.  That was short lived, as she died early in my childhood, which silenced her voice.  In the fourth grade, I had two teachers that would spend extra time with me, as they must have sensed my low self-esteem.  They would always try and encourage me. The truth was I didn't believe them.  I was told that, "I can't", so apparently, I couldn't.

I moved away after the fifth grade and at that time I began listening to the unqualified voices, again.  Those voices haunted me long into my adulthood. I robbed myself of joy and success, because I was told that I couldn't do things.  One day, I decided that I would take a leap of faith and move to another state.  I was told that I would never make it away from my family.  Guess what?  I made it!  Once that I realized that I could do certain things, I reflected on my grandmother and my fourth grade teacher's voices, that had once been silenced.  I told myself that I would focus on those voices and silence the unqualified voices. 

 I decided to listen to my inner self and my entire life changed for the better.  I became a better person, wife and mother.  I began to focus more on my career.  I went back to school and finished my nursing degree, started and ran a successful business, all while maintaining my household.  I am now a mentor, author, motivational speaker, as well as a business consultant.
I say to you, "Listen to your heart" and never allow anyone to tell you that you "Can't." 

Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."  Dream and Dream BIG!!!!!  What you "can't" do, God "can."

- Tammy Lewis
 

What does success mean to you?

I have spoken with many people and asked this question many times.  It's funny because, I've heard so many people define success as, making a lot of money or being rich.  By definition, success means, "the accomplishment of an aim or purpose."  So naturally, it would mean something different to everyone.  What does success mean to me?  Well today, I went out to complete an assessment for an insurance company.  When I arrived, the elderly lady was just returning from her chemo treatment.  It was her first one.  She was very tired and a little unsteady on her feet.  Her daughter had to leave and go out of town, which was going to leave her home alone for several hours, until her son-in-law returned.  She lived about 45 minutes away from my house, but I went home and searched the garage, until I found a bedside commode that I had been storing.  I cleaned it up and took it back to her home.  I didn't want to take the chance of her falling and sustaining an unnecessary injury, while her family was away.  I put the bedside commode next to her recliner.  I asked her if she'd eaten anything and she had, but I offered to make something for later.  Prior to leaving, I asked if her colostomy bag had been emptied today.  Well, it hadn't.  I assisted her with that and made sure that she returned to her recliner safely, before I left.  She was very grateful and couldn't thank me enough times.  I felt a sense of gratefulness, as well.  Why?  Because God has given me a gift and this is how I chosen to use it.

So again, what does success mean to me?  Success is when I am able to help other people reach their accomplishments or purposes, in which they aim.