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Bonnie, a.k.a. “America’s Connection Diva”, is a multi dimensional businesswomen/entrepreneur with a background in education, franchise development, publishing, mentorship, network marketing, and community development.  She combines vision with a unique set of skills.  Formerly the Associate Publisher of The Gazette Newspaper/Atlanta, she focuses her energies on supporting women. In 2002 Bonnie received The Athena Award ~ an honor designed to acknowledge women of leadership in cities throughout the United States.

In September, 2005 she was honored by the Women’s Leadership Exchange as an Influential Woman of Georgia and currently serves on their Atlanta Advisory Board.  Bonnie is a featured speaker with the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance. 

Bonnie was honored by The International Toastmaster’s Organization of Georgia with their annual Communication & Leadership Award in May, 2006.  She’s the author of  “Walk In My Boots” ~ The Joy of Connecting,  and Y.O.U. Set A High Standard for Being Human. 

Thank you Bonnie for taking the time to answer some questions for us! To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.
 
Passionate about supporting women, I have expanded The Joy of Connecting – unique marketing for women, nationwide.   I am now a Show Host for a soon to be launched community: WomensInformationNetwork.com  (September 26th in Salt Lake City where I’ll be attending a show host weekend.  My program is: Business Plus: Real Ideas for Real Results. Along w/my co-editor, Cindy Elsberry, we are launching a new book on August 29th:  42 Rules for Effective Connections
 
Have you received any awards for your work?
 
See bio for several awards – Athena, Leadership Award and Toastmasters, International
 
Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?
 
Absolutely!  Am speaking at the Georgia Coaches Association monthly meeting on August 11th. Recently did a networking seminar at Dekalb Technical College in Decatur and serving on a panel for Progressive Techniques, Inc Sept 18th.
 
How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your profession?
 
As a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, I have a diverse background that, collectively, has served as the background for all of my writing.  Whether it was franchising, network marketing, direct selling or publishing (Associate Publisher of an Atlanta publication) the experiences I’ve had led me to write about networking strategies and the value of relationships in strengthening business.  Being an author (3 books and 4 collaborative books) solidifies credibility and expands expertise exponentially.
 
What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?
 
Walk In My Boots - The Joy of Connecting
Y.O.U. Set A High Standard For Being Human
Contributing author in Build It Big (published by The Direct Selling Women’s Alliance)
Contributing author in 42 Rules for Driving Success with Books
Contributing author in  Wake Up..Live the Life You Love: Wake Up Women ( Sept launch)
 
Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?
 
I am an Expert at: IdeaMarketers.com – Marketing: Networking where I regularly share articles. I am a contributing writer to: TheNetworkMarketingMagazine.com where my articles frequently appear. And of course, The Joy of Connecting fosters book sales w/participants.
 
What will your next project be?
 
August 19th 2009 marks the 7th Anniversary of The Joy of Connecting and we will be launching The Joy of Connecting’s first publication:  42 Rules for Effective Connections.  We are also celebrating at a live Event on August 29th: www.SensationalYou.net

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?
 
I’m especially inspired by women who go for what they want and pursue with consistency. They don’t give up.  They overcome obstacles.  They maintain a positive attitude. Failure is never an option.
 
What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?
 
What I’m doing right now at this very moment – encouraging, supporting women who are serious about Growing business.  I consider myself like an orchestra leader.  I lead and they play their music. It’s awesome to bear witness to the growth that a woman can make when she exudes confidence and goes for what she wants and deserves.  I facilitate that with my writing, my speaking and with my organization, The Joy of Connecting.
 
What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Those are two separate questions. first, absolute laser focus on what you have to say. What is your message?  Why is it important.  What is your credibility? Then, promote like crazy – surround yourself with cheerleaders who will never ever give up on you.

How did you get started as a writer?
 
I first became the Associate Publisher of an Atlanta newspaper.
Loved sharing my ideas and the feedback my column generated.
Then I began doing columns for other publications:
“Personally Speaking: My View On Life As I Live It”
 
Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?
 
I devour anything that relates to personal and professional development.
I love the works of John Maxwell, Brian Tracy, etc.
 
What does a typical work day look like for you?
 
Working from home, I am mostly on line communicating w/licensees, training, writing – usually 10-12 hour days.
I also go to networking events 2/week.
 
Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?
 
No – I think that’s why I’m so passionate about helping others!
 
Who is your favorite writer/author?
 
Michael Gerber – The E-Myth
 
Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself? :)
 
To Dream The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha!

Thank you Bonnie! We wish you great success with the launch of 42 Rules for Effective Connections!