RTDM: Charlene Nichols
Charlene Nichols
CEO/Founder
Centereach, NY
We want to get to know you! Briefly tell us about yourself: Where you came from, where you've been and how you live your dream (or are working toward it).
I worked for a global corporation- one of the largest companies in the world and walked away because of their bully tactics. Now I own SellSMART not hard and Optical Near ME which are ecosystems designed to empower their respective industries. I build ecosystems for my clients that are interested in approaching an entire industry as opposed to marketing one client at a time.
How do you define success and how do you stay motivated to keep working toward it?
I define success in stages. Every major goal should be way beyond your imagination and then you can build a ladder to get there. Each rung of the ladder is a step towards that goal. Even if you miss your stretch goal, usually you exceed your imagination of what you could achieve. The goal is to dream as big as you dare and let reality surprise you.
What’s been your biggest challenge, perceived failure or fear and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was my self limiting beliefs. I overcame it through a client, surprisingly. inspirationalbalancing.com is a customer of mine and she helps her customers by eliminating their self limiting beliefs through empowerment technology. Her blend of therapy, technology and holistic realignment are beyond anything I have ever seen. Once she got me past the initial hump, the rest was just hard work and commitment to not sliding backwards.
What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?
Enjoy the ride. At the end of the day, that’s all there is. You will get to your destination one way or another but you have to enjoy the ride.
Share a book, quote and/or idea that's impacted you the most:
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That is the original thing that grounded me and to this day is still a true north .
What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!
My fearlessness and ability to keep being an amazing mother and wife as well as bad ass business woman.
What is something surprising about you?
I am actually very humble and shy but I don’t let that show because I ain’t got time for that :)
What is your favorite vice/guilty pleasure/strange habit? Come on now, we all have them’!
I love to work...its sad but I do. I also love to sing and write music and I would help everyone for free if I could afford to do it because i just love helping people so much. (working on it lol)
Share a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise.
I put my job on the line to go to an interview that didn’t work out. It felt foolish at the time but only 2 months later I left my position after years of being terrified to take the leap. If I had not put myself out there, I think I would have never had the courage to jump. Little leaps sometimes are easier than big jumps. There are always puddles but better to splash into a puddle than a river.
What's the smartest investment you’ve made for yourself?
I’ve collaborated with two women that have changed my life. The exchange rate of services were several thousand dollars which I really needed but what I received in return was invaluable.
What’s MOST important to you right now?
Results. I am so close. I have to make it.
Who is the Risk Taker Dream Maker(s) that inspires you? Why?
Bal Dharar of Inspirational Balancing. She is the most unsung hero you will ever meet in your life and she is a blessing to anyone she meets. She has built an empire and is just too shy to brag about it. You NEED to tell her story.
Follow Charlene:
www.sellsmart-nothard.com This is our 20/20 challenge link which will help people find out where they stand in their current marketing strategy and even give them a chance to with a $500 social media program. https://snip.ly/qgk0ec
