A2Z Dreamz

Dear Dreamers,

Thank you for your feedback from those (individuals and organizations) that have received our annual letter (the blog post below) and messaged us via email, facebook, etc! I truly appreciate all of the support of those that have believed in the Dream since the beginning of this "journey" going back several years to 2007. 

Many of you have seen the Dream Workshops coming together over the course of this time, the growing number of colleges we traveled to and the success stories of those whose lives have been changed from participating in the workshops. It is our mission is to lead by example - to show that if we can build a company such as A2Z Dreamz, that you too can create your own business endeavors when you follow your Dreamz!

As grateful as we are to receive your gratitude for inspiring others, please know that it is YOU who inspire the Dreamz Team to continue doing our work and building more materials and products. The 'Dream' has come true (in many ways), but it is only just beginning...

We look forward to working with you to set up more Dream Workshops at campuses across the country and beyond! Please get in touch with us via phone 805.500.3036 or email info@a2zdreamz.com

Sincerely,

The Dreamz Team

Our messages of the Dream Workshops include encouraging our audience to time to reflect and express gratitude to the people and for the things in your life. My reflection on the previous year included nothing short of an amount of gratitude that can never fully be expressed in words, however I tried my best to thank everyone who has helped A2Z get off the ground not just in the past year, but what has been years in the making! Enjoy this letter and feel free to visit www.angelabrandenburg.com for the previous years. ~ Angela

Dear Friends, Family and Brothers:

Once again another year has gone by and the New Year upon us brings a time to reflect on new beginnings. The new beginning may be different for each of us or may simply mark a new chapter in our lives. To some it is the beginning of a new journey entering in or departing from school; some are starting a new job or a seeking the next step in their career; and others may make changes in areas such as health, family and relationships. Last year was the “Year of the Tiger,” an animal that was a bit rough on me at times (I have a few scratches left to prove it!). I’m hoping the “Year of the Rabbit” offers the strength to keep going like the Energizer Bunny!

It was quite the year in 2010 when my new beginning was starting my company, A2Z Dreamz, an endeavor that was equally full of challenges as well as rewards. After years in the making, it can only be described at times as a dream come true. To say that it happened just in the past year is an understatement. Instead, when taking the time to reflect I realized it was something I had been training almost my whole life to do, but in the past few years was when it actually all came together like pieces of puzzle that finally made sense. It began with a simple request from a student for help bringing more speakers to college campuses. Having no idea at the time that I would become one or what I was about to do in the upcoming years, my passion to help his organization (and one of which I am a proud alumnus, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity) prompted my reply, “Yes, I will help you.”

Summarizing the journey to my dream, it was apparent that each year since I began writing my annual letter had led me closer to finding and being able to serve my purpose as founder of the A2Z Dream Workshop. First, there was “A Year of Change,” when I went from being a campus leader to a college graduate and began my career in the real world. Next, during “A Year of Inspiration,” I continued to volunteer mentoring a student organization, realized the need for the more college speakers and was inspired to DREAM BIG about the possibilities. Then, during “A Year of Wishes,” I conducted a countrywide research and development mission, proposed my plans for my Dream and continued to wish for it to come true. After all of that, it took “A Year of Transition,” when the Dream started to become reality as material was written and the Dream Workshop launched on various Midwest campuses.

Finally, in 2010 the Dream was no longer something I was wishing for, but a company that came to life and became known as A2Z Dreamz. Audiences responded very positively to the A2Z Dream Workshop saying they had never attended anything similar and loved it! Just as the past few years has taught me, we teach our audiences the steps to make ones dream their reality - making the company’s mission to teach as well as serve as an example of what it means to “Live the Dream from A2Z.” Our audiences know D.R.E.A.M. means more than just thinking about the possibilities. It means staying focused, finding ways to overcome challenges, and taking the action steps: 1) Discover Passions, 2) Realize Entrepreneurial Abilities, and 3) Manifest your Destiny.

Along the way I remembered what my mentor, Art Bettuzzi, told me during my research of the Dream, “You can’t go from A2Z without hitting all the letters in between.” More than anything, helping me to learn the lessons that each of the letters represent, as well as making this dream come true is a great network of professionals, their empowering words of inspiration, and those who continue to “be the change they wish to see in the world.” (Gandhi)

As the Dreamz Team grows we are building upon the foundation we’ve created over the past “Year of Dreamz” and would like to give a special thanks to those that have participated as a Dreamz Team advisor, the Venture Center E-Seed Entrepreneurship Training, Toastmasters International, our featured authors and A2Z Entrepreneurs, and everyone who has continued to watch it grow, supported and invested in the belief of making a Dream come true.

Most of all, it wouldn’t be possible without the members of today’s generation from campuses across the country and beyond – YOU are what continue to inspire A2Z Dreamz more than anything! Your efforts to plan the events illuminate your creativity you put forth in every workshop which makes it fun, exciting and a magical journey that will continue for years to come! YOU are the Dreamers, the Doers, and the people that are changing the WORLD to make it a better place – continue to follow your dreamz!

We’re looking forward to visiting more campuses, learning about your dream for the future and helping you make your dreamz come true! Our DREAM for you in 2011 is that you Make a Wish, Make a Dream, Make a Difference – and Make the Most of Today!

Enthusiastically,

Angela M. Brandenburg

 At the start of a New Year most of us have begin to reflect on the years past and our experiences, we set goals for the year and set action plans. In the Realize workshop we share our experiences. What experiences have you had last year, good or bad?

Well, I graduated from college and gave a speech to my graduating class something I never thought I would have the chance to do. In closing, I quoted my college’s slogan, “think, act, change the world”. In August, I joined the DREAMZ team, I followed my own advice, one campus at a time we’re changing lives with our workshop. We’re encourage people to follow their dreams, a vital message we often forget.

So as you look back at 2010, what strides did you take in following your dreams? Did you reach your goals and what lessons were learnt on your journey? What are your goals for this year and how will you make them happen?

I’d love to hear from you dreamers! Please comment below and share your experiences.

Khetsiwe

*Follow A2ZDreamz on twitter to keep you inspired through out the year.

What an exciting time we had this past Saturday at Rockford College! We kicked off the morning with our Dream Workshop Series (DRE Workshops) as part of their Leadership ELITE (Enthusiastic Leaders Inspiring Through Excellence) Conference. ELITE is Rockford College’s newest leadership program, providing the opportunity for students to develop and cultivate solid leadership skills that will benefit them throughout your college years and beyond. We couldn't think of a better fit for the DREAM Workshop than at a conference where students are just beginning their journey into the future.

From the beginning of the day getting to know the students, right up until the end they had me on my toes - and always guessing what creative, imaginative, entrepreneurial comments and ideas they would present next! From the personality tests and learning to recognize common leadership traits (Discovering Passions Workshop) to playing blackjack and learning to take risks (Realize Workshop), the students were engaged and very outspoken making the workshop so much fun to teach! 

This was the first time we were able to present the Entrepreneurship Workshop along with the other two - Discover & Realize - and all I can say is WOW!

The ideas that they presented for their "House of Cards" (represents their businesses) were some of the most creative I have seen yet.  They even came up with names as follows:

1. Imagination Nation - each member of the team built their own house, creating the first Dream Workshop town. They decorated with the M&Ms handed out as prizes to give it the true "Willy Wonka" creative aspect.

2. Bow Wows "Dog Whisperers" - the company that handles dog training and beyond.

3. The Drink Company - flower based card architecture with a "cup" to top it off where their "head honcho" CEO works. This company believes in customer service and puts their "heart" into it.

4. Sky is the Limit Graphic Design - house of cards with skycraper design as they saw themselves working in downtown Chicago.

The 'House of Cards" exercise gave them an opportunity to work with others, building their business or network out of the most valuable resource - People (cards).  The additional tools that they found throughout the room such as tape, staples, clips would represent the grants, loans, and additional resources that they may need to start the business. When asked, "How many times did your house of cards fall?" it was refreshing to hear that they all found the same message, the better your team works together and the more people you surround yourself with, the more you are able to continue building "your business" without letting it fall. All of them concluded that their houses never fell.

We'll be posting pictures and videos shortly - check them out, as well as adding more of the students recaps to our testimonials page.  We can't wait to get back to Rockford again, we already have heard success stories from the students whose lives have changed since participating in the workshop this past spring and have faith that this past weekend has done the same!

Thanks again to everyone who helped make this a great event - especially Lindsay Kent, Director of Student Activites - you are truly an example of someone who is passionate about what she does and is "living the D.R.E.A.M."

Sincerely,

Angela

 Workshop attendees:  Click here to take survey

Angela Brandenburg will be at Rockford College for the second time this year, Saturday 20th November for their ELITE: Leadership Explosion.

It is very exciting for the DREAM workshop to be returning Rockford College after we had a successful event there Spring 2010. I was a participant and know it gave me the push I needed to follow my dreams, as well as the other students whom attended.

Looking forward to making more dreamz come true.

Khetsiwe

khetsiwe@a2zdreamz.com

‎"Dreams are today's answers to tomorrow's questions."- Edgar Cayce

Hello Fellow Dreamerz,

Thank you again for your continued support of  A2Z Dreamz as we continue to grow and bring you more resources that will help you in your journey to Your Dream.  I wanted to share with you a little bit about one of the organizations that has helped me the most in the past year, Toastmasters International.

When I think back to when I first began speaking at career development conferences in 2008 I remember some of the questions posed to me by the students.  Most of them continued to ask how it was that I appeared so well prepared and didn't seem at all nervous.  Well, my first response what that I was so nervous driving to the conference that I almost got into an accident.  I also told the student that it was my passion for the material and how it had changed my life and most importantly, to me, the power of prayer before the session began that helped me get over it and just do it!

It has been a learning process just like anything else - the more you do it, the more comfortable you feel. As the #1 fear in the world, public speaking is dreaded more than death and we all have the butterflies in our stomachs at times.  The best description I've heard about Toastmasters is "it teaches you how to make the butterflies fly in formation."

If you are in a position where you are giving presentations, or just would like to practice your communication skills for interviews or your own personal growth, Toastmasters is a great organization that focuses on public speaking education. Through its member clubs (found in 113 countries worldwide), Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking – vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind.

In our Entrepreneurship Workshop, we talk about the importance of building a strong support network to help you in your journey to Your Dream.  My local club, FoxSpeak Toastmsters, consists of a wonderful group of professionals that have helped me in my journey by becoming my coaches, my advisors and my clients! Toastmasters comes highly recommended by A2Z Dreamz, especially those that enjoy their involvement in student organizations, it is another great resource to continue developing your leadership skills.

We hope you continue to make your dreamz come true!

Enthusiastically,

Angela M. Brandenburg

info@a2zdreamz.com

805.500.3036

I joined the Dreamz team fall 2010. It has been an amazing experience and I look forward continuing journey with the Dreamz Team. I meet Angela in during the summer of 2009 and she inspired me and gave me the courage to follow my dreamz. I have already done things that I would have not imagine I would before.

I enjoy my work because of the essential message we give- follow your DREAMZ.  In our Realize workshop we go through the alphabet from A2Z. We learn G is GRATITUDE – giving thanks.

Thank you Angela for the amazing opportunity of joining the Dreamz Team and for being an inspiration to many people nationwide. I hope you all take the opportunity to thank those who inspire you.

 -Khetsiwe Dlamini-

Khetsiwe@a2zdreamz.com

"Nothing happens unless first we dream." - Carl Sandburg

We've recruited a team of dreamers from around the world, yes that's right A2Z Dreamz is going international!  We're working from around the globe, doing business via virtual meetings - meaning we skype a lot! We also, like our generation is known for, use social media to plan, implement, and stay in communication. Please join me in welcoming the following:

Hanna Weismayer, Iowa City, Iowa

Khetsiwe Dlamini, Swaziland

Kyle Bushey, Muncie, Indiania

Robert Hatcher, Cypress, Texas

Victor Weng, Nanjing, China

Victoria Gonzales, Miami, Florida

It's been fun so far as this team is getting to know one another. I've worked with them all in one way or another in the past year, whether they were students helping to plan a Dream Workshop at their campus, or someone that has stayed in contact with me since participating in the Dream Workshop.  I'm grateful to have them on board and know it's going to be a very successful year!

The best thing today is that Khetsiwe is actually sitting right here with me in Wisconsin as we work from my home office.  As a former student government president, she is an expert at planning events on the college campus like the Dream Workshop and was the one responsible for bringing it to Rockford College.  We know she will be a tremendous asset in helping other student organizations with their event proposals and answering any questions along the way.   Welcome to Wisconsin, Khetsiwe, I'm so happy you're here!

That's it for now... have to continue makin' more dreamz come true!

Angela

"Go for your dreamz honey! Never be afraid to dream things bigger than you will ever accomplish in this lifetime! There's a book that was just referred to me No Opportunity Wasted about getting yourself in the mindset to set goals so unbelievably big they seem unattainable. The guy who referenced it was featured in Runners World, because of the book he is now striving to run the Boston Marathon - one of the most challenging races in the world."

These are the words that I just wrote to one of the newest members of the Dreamz Team, Victoria Gonzalez!  There's been so much happening here over the summer and we are doing so much to prepare for what is going to be a great year! This includes bringing on a team of highly motivated individuals that have attended the workshops around the country and now want to be a part of seeing it grow!

We look forward to bringing more resources of what our students are doing, reading, and writing that helps them in their journey to their dreamz.  We can't wait to tell you more about some of our featured books,such as Graduate to LinkedIn and Upstarts! How Gen Y Entrepreneurs are Rocking the World of Business and 8 Ways to Profit from their Success.

At A2Z Dreamz, we're not just teaching you how to get from A to Z, but we're with you every step of the way on this journey with you...just a few steps ahead.  We look forward to getting back on the road and traveling to campuses and continuing to make the Dream come true!

Enthusiastically,

Angela

To set up the Dream Workshop at your campus please email the Dreamz Team at: info@a2zdreamz.com

Kicking off this month was an exciting adventure in sunny Miami, Florida!  I had the pleasure of meeting with students at both Miami University and Florida International University during my visit, and hosting the Dream Workshop at FIU! 

It was a great group! I was very impressed with the level of professionalism from the AKPsi chapter there.  Their participation made the workshops (Discover and Realize) a fun-filled night of stories about personality types and leadership, but even better were the stories about realizing their life lessons.  A few of the students loved sharing their stories with the group as they participated in the 21 Game. Oren Mor, FIU student, had a story about intuition for us that sounded a little like the movie "Final Destination."

Special thanks to students Andres Correa and Leilani Soto for organizing the event, and all the students for making it so much fun!

Angela