Today, we are going to talk with JoJo Tabares of Art of Eloquence. I have had the pleasure of knowing JoJo for a couple of years now, and have been in different networking forums with her. She and I are also in the same mastermind group. JoJo is always very willing to help and is very dedicated to God, her family and her business.
- Can you tell us what business you are in?
Art of Eloquence provides creative and fun products and events that help the Christian community learn to communicate more effectively for the Kingdom of God. Our goal is to help Christians learn to stand up and speak out in grace for the things of the Lord. We do that through fun and interactive online events as well as creative and fun communication studies for all ages.
“Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1Peter 3:15
2. How long have you been doing your business?
It will be 6yrs November 1st, 2008.
3. How many hours a week do you usually work?
As many as I can. My day usually begins at 4am and ends at about 11pm. I first plug into my schedule things I need to do for my family: Meals, Homeschooling, Family Time, Errands, etc. Then I fill the rest in with whatever work needs to be done that day.
4. Tell us what an average work day is like for you.
I get up at about 4am to answer email and put finishing touches on my blog posts and newsletters that need to go out that day. At 6am I spend a few minutes with my son as he gets up and we have breakfast. I work a few more hours writing and networking until about 8am. From 8am –noon we school. My son and I have lunch together and then I get right back to work until about 4 or 5pm when I make dinner and spend time with the family. I do take breaks during that afternoon work time and do things with my son. After my son goes to sleep, I spend a few more hours (9pm -11pm) working and planning for the next day. Weekends are a different story. Very little work usually gets done on the weekends. That’s family time.
5. How long did it take your business to become profitable?
Art of Eloquence was actually profitable since our very first month in business. We have grown tremendously each and every year. Just last year we went from being more seasonal to making consistent income each month. It’s become quite a nice second income!
6. What is the best piece of advice or tip you could give someone who wants to get started in the same type of business you’re in?
Any business owner will become more profitable if they learn to communicate effectively with their customers, suppliers and business associates. Lee Iacocca said, “You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.” And the Lord tells us, “He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.” Proverbs 22:11
We believe so strongly in the power of communication for small business owners that we now offer a study for business owners called Say What You Mean When You’re in Business.
7. Anything additional you’d like to share?
I feel the reason that the Lord has blessed Art of Eloquence so much in just six short years is that I understand that I am not the real owner of Art of Eloquence. The Lord is the owner. I just work here. I have no goals apart from what He tells me to do. I strive to seek His wisdom in all decisions and in all areas of business. He leads and I merely follow.
” A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
Thank you, JoJo!
This was a great interview, since i have been listening to grace talk soup with JoJo Tabares I have been inspired to enhance my communication skills.
After reading this interview I realize that I need to become more dedicated in the things that I do.. 4am to 11pm, wow.
Thanks for your comment, Michael. Yes, JoJo is quite an inspiration!
I think communication is so important, however, I think sometimes we are under the impression that we’re either good at it or we’re not. But it can be learned and improved. We need to be willing to give the effort to working on it. As you know, JoJo has so many tools to help with that.
Laurie