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"PASSION: A Powerful force that cannot be stopped." Moliere

One life. One lifetime and one on-going journey to make a difference. Just stop to consider the possibilities! For those who are fortunate enough to be passionate about their life and livelihood, their day to day journey is filled with excitement, anticipation and reward. If you are going to pursue anything, why not give 100 percent of yourself in the process? Is there any other way to achieve results and satisfaction?

As a 6th grade teacher in the 70s, there was nothing more exciting than watching children learn and develop. In the course of a school year, the changes from day one to the last day before Summer were so gratifying. The children blossomed under my loving care and instruction; their minds got stretched, they got a bit taller and a bit smarter. I filled my days and years with challenging lessons, warm and loving reinforcement and instilled in each child love of learning and belief they could be anything they wanted to be as long as they were willing to do the necessary work. I was passionate about teaching.

In the early 80's I got the entrepreneur bug, needed a change and decided to buy a franchise. I bought one, then two and before long became the Greater DC Area Developer for Mail Boxes Etc. -- which eventually became The UPS Store. Once again, filled with the passion of developing a new business, creating relationships with customers and faced with a large financial commitment, I went all out to create the best service, solidify name recognition for MBE and most importantly become profitable. Twelve years later, I was responsible for supervising twentyeight franchises, owning 6 of my own! It was my passion for the business, the people who worked with me and who supported the enterprise that paved the road for a very successful venture. I sold my entire organization in '95 for a sizable profit and moved from suburban Maryland to Atlanta, Georgia.

My next calling - an opportunity to seek fame and fortune in network marketing, came rather quickly. From that first meeting, first enrollment and first 'pay check' I was hooked.

Knowing I could live life by passionately helping others was a dream realized.

I loved it. I was introduced to personal and professional development, to the most amazing and giving individuals and to the freedom of time.

What a concept -- teach and support others and get rewarded both in the relationships formed and the money generated! I built a sizable team which grew exponentially and gave my heart and energy to my organization. Unfortunately, the bottom fell out when the company closed and most of the individuals in my organization got discouraged and left. Once they hung up their hats, I, too, moved on and made a dramatic shift in direction!

Always passionate about creating and strengthening relationships, I decided to focus my time and energy to support women in business -- more specifically entrepreneurs.

I think this was self-evident especially during my Mail Boxes Etc days where I realized that my women franchise owners were more responsive to fresh ideas, female leadership and direction. They were less resistant than their male colleagues and our ability to relate to one another happened naturally.

In 2002 after 3 years of weekly mentoring, I decided to create a nonmembership organization specifically to support female entrepreneurs,business owners and professionals. In August of that year I launched a licensed program: The Joy of Connecting -- a customer acquisition/marketing venue.

Beginning in Atlanta, JOC has expanded nationwide and specifically serves women who believe in being resourceful, supportive and who are serious about building their businesses.

Women in direct selling and network marketing are deriving huge benefit from owning a license; participants are finding the model to be a perfect vehicle to expand their enterprise.

What has allowed me the good fortune to live life to its fullest, to establish abundant relationships and wake up each morning eager to greet the day? Passion!

The passion of sharing, the passion of having a role to play in others' success and the realization that there is no better way to enjoy the richness of life than by living it with passion! I hope you, too, are equally passionate about who you are and your unique contribution to the world. Passion is the key to a life well-lived. Do you agree?

Reprinted with permission from www.TheNetworkMarketingMagazine.com