I know what it’s like to think that the lifestyle you want is out of reach. Just over 12 years ago, I would lie on my bed in my tiny 400-square-foot studio apartment and flip through magazines, wishing I could have the luxurious lifestyles I read about.

Despite that negative, nagging voice in my head that reminded me I could barely afford rent, I’m now living a beautiful life I created for myself from scratch. Instead of moping around an apartment I can barely afford, I now have the means to travel and to inspire others.

Question: How do you suggest dealing with someone saying negative things about your company when really the problem is them? This woman has a history of complaining, jealousy, troublemaking…

–Leslie Sturgeon, Women Inspiring Women, New Hampton, N.H.

Ali’s Answer: “First of all, know you are not alone. The higher you climb, the more a target you are for the ones hanging out below. Of course, we all want and need good feedback. There is definitely a difference between someone offering constructive criticism — such as how you can improve a program — versus someone talking sh*t about you online or offline.

Can I send you a CHECK every month?

Because I’d love to!

You see, I am very grateful that most of my sales come from word of mouth—people just like YOU sharing with others how much you love my products and programs.

And I want to make sure you know about my Affiliate Program, because it automatically keeps track of exactly whom you send my way. So I can send you thank-you checks!

But the reason I’m reaching out to you right now is to give you the chance to get in on what will be my BIGGEST launch ever for a brand new online training program I’m debuting in just a few weeks.

This Saturday is Small Business Saturday and though it started as an American Express marketing campaign to rally support for our kind in the frenzy of two of the biggest shopping days of the year (Black Friday and Cyber Monday), it did work, and here’s why YOU should be ready…

Since its incorporation last year, Small Business Saturday has really taken off. Businesses that accept American Express reported a 28% increase in sales last year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving compared to the year before. And, as I write this, nearly 2.5 million people—business owners and consumers alike—have joined the movement on Facebook.

On the front pages of the award-winning investing and money management site Kiplinger.com, you can read about me and five other entrepreneurs in a feature article, titled: “6 Rags-to-Riches Millionaires.”

The article shares more than the inspirational journeys of 6 entrepreneurs. Staying true to the prestigious Kiplinger organization’s mission, the article is chock-full of juicy nuggets on how to make it as a successful business owner.

I’m honored to be included, and I hope the piece inspires you, and all who read it!

As you know, last week I hosted my flagship event for women entrepreneurs, SHINE 2011 (November 2-4 in Dallas, Texas). I have to say this event was off the charts and I am so proud! (Even better to hear how transformational it was for all of you ladies (and gents) who were able to attend.) And, for those who weren’t able to make it out, I want to take a minute to introduce you to the winners of my “Reinvent Your Business Competition”!

Congratulations to Kim McGann, who took home the Grand Prize of $5,000, so she could reinvent her Australia-based business, Blush Brides.

Question: “Ali, when first starting out, is it preferable to set up a business as a DBA/Sole Proprietorship or an LLC? What are the advantages/disadvantages to each? Many thanks!”

—Sara Wise, Busy Bee Events, North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Ali’s answer: “Hi Sara, you’re wise (no pun intended ;)) to be thinking about how to structure your business right from the start. A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business owned by one person. (Hence the “sole”.) The most important feature to note about a sole proprietorship (SP) is that the law makes no distinction between you, the sole proprietor, and your business.

Fall is the time to sign up for business conferences to learn new skills, mingle with colleagues, and get inspired for re-energizing your business. Or, if you are thinking about changing your corporate hat for an entrepreneurial one, an event is a great place to get ideas for starting off quickly and profitably. Thoughtfully select an event that provides the type of training you’re eager for and is designed for your business size.

Out-of-town events (such as my upcoming event, SHINE 2011, November 2-4, in Dallas, Texas) are an investment in yourself and your business – one that you can easily offset with new contacts, strategies, and tools to boost your bottom line.