A New Blogging Challenge Starts Today!

After I finished (barely) the June Blogging Challenge, I really slacked off keeping up with my blog.  Who knows why, since I absolutely love blogging, but I did.  So when I learned from a friend, Cindy Clemens, of My Business Marketing Mentor, last night about a new challenge, I knew I better sign myself up!  Of course, in my mind, I was trying to tell myself that I wasn't ready for another challenge, and that I had made a personal commitment to be more consistent with my blogging, but the truth is, I have been saying that for weeks now and it hasn't happened yet, so this is a great way to keep myself accountable.

It is also an excellent way to find new blogs to follow, people to network with, and friends to make, as well as learn some useful tips and tricks about blogging, business, and life.  In addition to that, it also keeps me up-to-date with my Twitter posts--another item that has been on hiatus this month.  Which is really not smart, especially when I created a new Twitter account right before I slacked off. 

If you have ever considered joining a Blogging Challenge, I highly recommend giving this a try.  What do you have to lose?  Each post only needs to be 100 words, and you simply write 31 posts during the month of August, tweet them to the Blog Challenge list, and Voila! You've completed a blog challenge!!

If you decide to join, let me know so that we can support one another as it is harder than you would  think to post something new every day, and by the end of the month, it's a race just to get it done!!  I hope some of you will accept the challenge and join me!

Of course, I'll be doing some serious brain-storming to come up with new and interesting things to talk about....if anyone has a topic they'd like me to write on, please let me know!!  I'm up for any and all ideas!

Until Next Time, Dream Large.....

Who Inspires You and Keeps You Motivated?

No matter who you are, what you do, or where you are in your life, there is someone out there who inspires you to keep moving forward....Who is that someone?  Any why?

Today, more than ever, we are inundated by Motivational Speakers, Books, CDs, DVDs, Seminars, etc...and it can be overwhelming!  I would like to know who it is that is keeping you moving forward in your life, and helping you to be the best you can be!

Let's get the discussion going--Leave a comment in here with the top person/persons on your list that you are currently listening to or getting advice from.  Be as specific as possible in case someone else wants to pick up a book or CD by your favorite Motivator!

I understand that God (however you may refer to God) and our families are generally always our biggest motivators to improve our lives, so let's just make that a given.  Let's focus on those outside influences we rely on!!

My list is pretty big, so I am going to list only the resources I am currently utilizing:

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Zig Ziglar's "Setting Goals" which is an amazing set of CD's that are easy to listen to and easy to follow.  Zig is always an inspiration!! 

Larry Wingett's "Shut Up, Stop Whining, & Get a Life! A kick-butt approach to a Better Life."  I absolutely love the way he just says it like it is.  He talks about taking responsibility for your life and then taking action to create the life you want.  I highly recommend this book!!  I plan on working my way through all his stuff!

Nightingale-Conant 50th Anniversary Collection, which is a 12-CD set of blips from the best of the best in the Nightingale Group.  Love it!  Perfect for leaving in the car, as most segments are only a few minutes long.

Charles Umphread, the co-owner of Scent-Sations, the company I work with.  He has been an amazing resource for me since I first joined the company.  He is always ready to help, and he says it like it is.  He truly wants everyone in the company to achieve success, and it shows in his attitude, work ethic, and business relationships.

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Okay, these are a few of my inspirations!  

Your Turn!!

Why "Trying" is not enough....

I am reading a book by Larry Winget called, "Shutup, Stop Whining, & Get A Life."  And, I have to tell you, it is one awesome book!!  He tells how it is, without all the fluff, and really makes the reader stop, think, and evaluate.  At least, he's causing me to stand up and take notice of my life--where I am now compared to where I want to be.

For years, I wanted to be in business for myself.  I spent literally years thinking about it and even "tried" my hand at my own clothing business.  I failed.  Why?  Because I "tried."  I didn't just "do" it!  I was not immediately successful and I had all kinds of excuses for why I was not (the economy was bad, I didn't have the right contacts, it took too much time away from my family, etc.....)  However, what are those but excuses??  The bottom line is that I "tried," and truth be told, I didn't really try that hard.  I was so scared of failing that I just didn't go for it!  I had failure in my head, which showed in my actions, and I got exactly what I manifested.....a failed business.

After that experience, I put business on the back-burner.  I kept my feelers out there for an opportunity, but nothing really moved me.  Until, that is, I found the company I am with now.  I am passionate about fragrance--I love perfumes, candles, oils, anything that smells good--even a good grilled steak!  If it smells good, I am attracted to it!  That passion led me to my own gourmet candle business.

When I found this business, I did my research on the company, the products, the compensation plan, etc.  I learned all I could find on the internet because I did not want to fail again.  What I found was that I could find nothing negative about any aspect of this company.  Nothing Negative on the internet.  Knowing that people are quick to complain about anything that rubs them wrong, I assumed I would find at least something out there to raise a red flag about this opportunity.  But nada....Pretty amazing in my eyes!

What does that tell me?  That tells me that I can be successful.  That tells me that I can have everything that the company promises I can have.  That tells me that other people (thousands of other people) are making money and enjoying their experience with this company and their products.

That tells me that it is up to me to make it happen!  So, I signed up.  I attend webinars.  I read the training materials.  I talk to the leaders of the company.  I pick up the phone and call the owners.  I do what is recommended.  Hey, I even started a blog.  I ask friends to host parties for me.  I go to networking meetings to meet people and introduce my product and my business.  I get out of my comfort zone to do the things that I see successful people do.

I am involved.  That is the bottom line.  I cannot "try" to work this business.  I already know what happens when I "try"--I set myself up to fail.  I have to do.  I have to think about what I want in my life and then go out and make it happen.  I need a plan, and then I need to follow that plan.

Have I reached my goals?  Not by a long shot.  But I continue to do  the next right thing.  I continue to emulate the successful people I admire.  I continue to get out of my own way.  I no longer "try" to do something, I just do it!

And I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will achieve my dreams.  I believe in myself, and I am willing to do what it takes to be where I want to be.

Are you headed in the direction you want to be going?  What is stopping you from achieving your goals?  Or what have you done to get where you want to be?

Leave me a comment and let me know!!  We can all work together to Achieve Our Dreams!!

To read more about my business, please see my page, "CandleLight Dreams..."  

Until next Time...

Small-Town Shopping hidden in the City!!

As promised in yesterday's post, and in honor of the kick-off to my Friday Featured Business, I will be taking you on a "tour" of Catlin Court.  Yesterday afternoon, I grabbed my daughter and my camera and went to a little district, 2 blocks off a main street in the City of Glendale, Arizona, where "Mom & Pop" Shops are alive, and if not flourishing, determined to survive!! 

Because pictures really are worth 1000 words, this will be largely a photographic journey back in time.  Where people are happy to see you, the yards are lush, green, and maintained.  Where there is an air of peace and tranquility.  Where these people are devoted to keeping their businesses alive in this unstable economic time.  

As one shop owner said to me, "I've been here 18 years.  I do it out of love."


Off we go....

First Stop--a trip to Halo to visit my friend Ronda

and get Taylor's nails done!!

In case you can't tell, Taylor didn't like it at all....

After Ronda, we walked directly next door to....

Where we spent a few minutes talking to Shelley, who is one amazing lady!!!  

You can't buy this quality in a grocery store!!

This is my kind of cookie!!!

The store across the street was closed, 

but worthy of a picture!!

Down the street we go....almost every store is a converted house on tree-lined streets that make you feel right at home....check out these pics.....

I had so much fun, and even Taylor had to admit that there really is something special about this place.  I have so many fantastic pictures...of all the incredible merchandise inside the stores & more of the outside...Believe it or not, there are over 80 businesses in this district!!

I think, however, that I will save them for another day.  I do want to leave you with a couple final thoughts.  

First, I have been to this district only two times in recent history.  (Yes, I am guilty of choosing convenience over character.  A flaw I am working very hard at correcting.)  Yet, there are shop owners who already recognize my face, and are happy to see me.  They introduce me to other shop owners who wander in, and love to tell stories about all the awesome things to do in their beautiful little corner of the world!!

I ask you:  When is the last time you walked into Wal-Mart and someone, not only recognized you, but was happy to see you, and talked to you like a long-time friend?  If that happens to you, I need to shop at your Wal-Mart, because it does not happen at mine!!

Next time you need a unique gift, or just have the urge to do a little window-shopping, search out that hidden gem in your city....and give your business to the people who deserve it.  And who will give it back ten-fold.

Thanks to the shop-owners who allowed my camera and my questions...and thank to you, for going on this tour with me.  

Until Next Time.....

Implementing 10 ways to stay Organized...can I do it???

Okay, so if you read my post yesterday, then you know I am a self-proclaimed clutter-brain!!  If you didn't read it, it's still below this post, so feel free!  To find tips on how to organize my day, I did a Google search for "Tips to organize my day."  There were a few  Thousands of sites to choose from...one even boasting 1,000 tips to get organized!!  This seemed just a tad daunting, so I chose something that is a little more my speed... 10 ways to Organize Your Time !!

Surely even I, the most unorganized and unstructured person on the planet, can implement 10 simple ways to keep myself on track!  Right?  Well, let's find out!  On to that list!!!  

1.  Have Time Management Tools.  (i.e. Computer, Calendar, Notebook, etc....)

Okay, So I have these things. I have always had these things.  That's awesome.  It tells me to "have" them, but not how to effectively "use" them.  I mean, I get it.  Keeping a calendar is a fantastic idea--but it seems to work better for other people.  I buy calendars and planners....I just forget to use them. 

2.  Know Your Priorities. 

Yes, this is important.  In fact, this is one that I am generally pretty good at.  Of course, because life has a way of shifting priorities at a moment's notice, it is also important to be flexible.  But, overall, I think I am okay on this one.

3.  Have a Routine.  

What?!   This one is really really really tough for me!  I'm a "fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants" impulsive kind of girl!!!  Just like the Time Management Tools, I get that this is important, but implementing structure seems ....oh, what's the word...."structured?"  Hmmm.....On to Number 4.

4. Stay Organized.

Hmmmm....this is truly perplexing....isn't that why I am on this site to begin with?  How do I stay organized when I was not organized in the first place????  Clearly, the author of this article thought that "9 Ways To Stay Organized" didn't sound nearly as good, so they threw this one in to make 10.   I'm on to their game!!

5.  Always Have A Plan.

Alright.  I think I was pretty cool with the "Get Organized/Stay Organized" thing, but isn't "having a plan" suspiciously close to "Having a Routine?!"

6.  Don't Waste Time.

Okay, I am really feeling like there is way too much redundancy in this list.  Like perhaps this page is a "waste of time."  But we're already halfway done....let's just get through it.

7.  Have Extra Time That You Need Personally.

Okay, so now we're talking!  If there is one  thing I am good at, it's taking personal time.  Perfect.  I am feeling more organized already!!  

 8. Track Your Time.

This one is all about using tools (software programs, notes....mainly the same stuff we are supposed to use for Tip #1.)  I think we all know how I feel about this.  It's great in theory, but I really think I require baby-steps on using all these programs that are supposed to save time!  And what does that take???  That's right--Time!

9.  Use The Right Resources.

Okay, so this one is in complete contradiction to both Numbers 1 and 8!!  This tip talks about how computer programs and tools can take so much time to find and implement.  DUH!!  Isn't that what I've been saying???

10.  Ask for Help You Need It. 

Isn't that why I came to this site??  

IN CONCLUSION:  I AM SCREWED!!!

No, That's not necessarily true.  I can, in fact, implement these things.  Some of them (think "personal time") I already do!  However, if I take this list apart and really examine it, I come up with less than 10 actual individual tips, and honestly, nothing I do not already know in theory--I need to learn how to put it into practice.  I feel less than fulfilled.

Remember the "baby-steps" I talked about?  Yes, I need to go back to the basics.  

So, here's my plan.  Rather than hit up the "1000 tips" in hopes of finding 10 original, easy-to-implement plans of action, I am going to do the most basic organization of all.  The one thing that has stood the test of time.  Those words that husbands have historically dreaded since the days of carving notes in stone: 

"A Honey-Do List!"  But rather than a honey-do list for my husband, it will be for myself.  The simple theory of writing it down and crossing it off as I get it done.  In fact, for one week, that will be my goal.  If I can get that done, then maybe, just maybe, I can add one more simple organizational task....and eventually, I will find a system that works for me!!

Tune in Tomorrow when I take you on a visual stroll through historical old-town Glendale, with all its fabulous charm and Mom & Pop shops!!  

   

Organization--Not my Strongest Suit!!

Organization is a nasty little 12-letter word in my mind!!  I so envy those people who get up in the morning and just "know" what they need to get done, and the most time-efficient way of accomplishing it all.  You know the ones I'm talking about, and maybe you are even one of them.  They are always put together and are rarely seen scrambling around for misplaced keys, shoes, or brain!  They just grab their list, or calendar, or whatever it is that they use, and off they go!!! 

Okay, so this is maybe aiming a little high,

but what are we without dreams???

If I sound bitter, well, I am.  I have always wanted to be one of  those people.  I really am more of a "get out of bed, stumble downstairs, suck down a pot of coffee, sit down to check my email...."and somehow after that, it's a blackout until about noon!  Mind you, I'm up at 5:00 am most mornings, so that's a significant amount of unaccounted-time out of my day!  Don't get me wrong--I have great intentions!  Sometimes I even remember what they were!  But rarely do I accomplish even half of what is on my to-do list.  Rarely.  

This is my Starting Point...

Okay, so it's not this bad...but that's probably only because most of my work is "paperless!"

Because I am someone who doesn't like to complain without some sort of solution, I have formulated --okay, I'm still formulating--a plan to get myself organized!!  I want people like me to look at me and think, "I wish I was more like her!"  

Now, I don't know about all of you, but when I need clues on how to do something better-in this case, getting my day organized--I head to the one place that seems to have all the answers:  GOOGLE!!!  And here's what I learned.

Apparently getting organized is simple!  In fact, according to more than one site, they have over 1,000 ideas to simplify my life!!!  Wow, Really??  1,000???  Okay, clearly that site is not for me.  On to the next one.

Yes, this is better:  TEN WAYS TO ORGANIZE YOUR TIME!!

Sometimes baby-steps are best.  I understand, especially now that I am running my own business, that my time needs to be used more effectively.  Duh.  I meant to write a post for my blog this morning...and here it is, 9:30 pm and I am finally getting to it!  

One of  the things I love about working from home is my ability to manage my day--HAHAHAHA!  That is not happening right now.  But it needs to.  And it can (at least according to Google!)

So, tonight's homework for myself:  Read ALL 10 ways to organize my time--not just the ones I like....and then formulate a plan to start implementing these strategies into my day.  Check back tomorrow to see what I have figured out!!  Maybe you'll find a tip you can use in your life...or if you have a tip for me, please share!!  I won't hate you just because you're organized!

Until then....

Tips, Tricks, & Links for Building Your Business Online

Look at the perks of shopping small business!

Before I get into my blog of the day, I want to first thank everyone who has stopped by to show support for my new Featured Business plan.  The response has been great and I really appreciate it!  For those of you who have expressed an interest in featuring your business, I will get it formalized and started as soon as my new blog design is finished--hopefully next week!  I will be in touch as soon as I get it going!

For anyone who did not catch my Featured Business post, please read my blog from June 8 for details on how you can be a Featured Business right here!  

In the Spirit of Promoting Small Business, I have a question:

What have you done this week to support a small business either in your area or online?

Today, I am simply going to list some websites that I find useful for tips on building your business, enhance your social media, and help get you noticed.

Some of these sites I have used already, some I am planning on using, and some I simply think look like they are worth checking out!  If you find one on here that leaves you scratching your head and wondering why I would promote it, just move down the line...I "guarantee" you will discover a new resource or learn some tips & tricks that are helping others take their business to the next level, and might be able to help the rest of us as well!!  

As a general rule, the most successful man in life is the man who has the best information.
- Benjamin Disraeli 

So, let's get out there and grab some new, and possibly transforming, information!!  Here are just a few sites that I have found useful....if you have one that you think needs to be added to this list, please put it in a comment and I'll check it out and try to get it up here!!  

Free Social Media Help Great info on optimizing your use of Twitter, Facebook, & More...

Know 'Em describes their service as "KnowEm allows you to check for the use of your brand, product, personal name or username instantly on over 350 popular and emerging social media websites. Grab your name and secure your brand before someone else does."  

Google Insights for Search find out what searches people are doing on Google in your area of business.

Chef Patrick  Great resource for "regular" people trying to build a business through blogging.  Lots of good stuff to check out!!  I highly recommend subscribing!  No tech-talk here....just simple ways to increase your exposure and get the most out of your blogging experience!

Daily Blog Tips  Another invaluable resource for everyday people trying to make their mark!!

Okay, so I am guessing that this list will keep you busy for at least a little while!  I know they are going to keep me busy!!  

On that note, I am going to leave you for today, but I will be back with more great tips and resources on building your business soon!!  

Sign up for my email and follow my blog so you don't miss any updates!!  You never know what you might miss--it could be that one resource that really explodes your business!!

And remember, to be a Featured Business on my blog, read the post from June 8 to learn more!

Until next time, Happy Blogging!! 

"Reality is the mirror of your thoughts. Choose well what you put in front of the mirror."

--Remez Sasson

Dream Large & Expect Success!! 

Supporting Small Business!!!

Wouldn't you support this future Entrepreneur??  Absolutely!  But what about when he grows up and continues to pursue his dreams to be his own boss....would you still support him, or would you take the "easy" way, and take your business to one of the more convenient "giants" who have taken over this country?

Every single day we lose "Mom & Pop" business to the corporate giants that have invaded every neighborhood in every city in every state in the country.  While I realize the convenience and often-times cheaper prices of shopping at these conglomerates, it is important to remember the "little guy" who depends on our business in order to stay in business.

I know that many of us, myself included, are involved in small businesses.  Many of us, myself included again, work from  home and the internet, and we depend on the loyalty of my customers to keep us going.  Do we carry exceptional products?  Absolutely!  Is it worth the extra dollar that it costs compared to say Walmart brand?  Beyond Absolutely!  Is it a little less convenient because you have to order directly from a person or website?  Absolutely!  BUT.....is it worth it to help keep each other in business?  Again, I say "Absolutely!" 

How do you, as a customer, benefit from shopping and doing business with small business owners? 
:
For Starters:

• You are doing business with someone who truly appreciates you and wants to keep you as a customer and a referral.  This means that you will generally receive more personal attention and an attitude of "the customer is always right."  Try to find that in Wal-Mart!

• You are doing business with someone who understands how important it is to support other small businesses, and are generally more apt to become your customer in return, or at least refer others to your business.

• You are helping the U.S. economy because as long as people are able to make a living in their small business, they are not out looking for a job elsewhere.  This leaves a potential job open to someone else. 

This is clearly a short list, but definitely something to think about.  Some industries that are easy to find small business owners are pest control, house-cleaning, yard maintenance, computer work, pool maintenance, pet supplies & care, dry-cleaners, coffee shops, etc....the list is limitless.

A great way to find local businesses is in your newspaper, Craigslist.com, MerchantCircle.com, or just plain ole' word-of-mouth.

Of course, I have to put a shout-out to a stay-at-home mom that I found on a blog-site who creates custom blog designs and is working on mine right now.  She has been amazing!!  No matter how many questions I have asked and how many emails I've sent, she assures me that she does not "hate me."  I know because I ask her all the time!!  Not only am I getting an awesome new blog, but I have made a new friend.  This is the beauty of supporting the small business owner!!  So, if you are looking for a blog design, check out Lindsay at

and be sure to tell her I sent you!!!

As I move further along into the blogging world, I will be featuring small business owners on my site!! 

If you would like to be featured, send me an email or leave me a comment with your site name/url, a description of your business, and a quick note about why supporting small business is important to you.  I will get back to you for more information and do what I can to get your business listed on my site!!!

So, to all those who frequent small businesses, I say THANK YOU!!!  And to anyone who will at least look into switching some of your regular services/goods to a small business, I say THANK YOU!!!  

YOU are the reason small business exists!!

A Brand-New Episode of "To Work or Not To Work (from home)" TODAY'S TOPIC: LEGIT COMPANIES -- WHO ARE THEY & WHERE DO I FIND THEM?

What your pet might think about you working from home!

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Like the title suggests, today's topic is about how to find those legit companies for those people who are looking for a "telecommute" type of position.  Some companies offer Independent Contractor positions and some are looking for employees.  At least one of these companies even offers health benefits!! 

So before I get too far into this series of "Working From Home," I want to point out a couple important things to know:

1. I am not an expert on the subject of working from home. (WHAT?!)  All my information, links, etc. come from my own personal journey or through talking with friends who work from home.
2. My list of companies I believe to be legit, are simply the ones I have some experience with.  Clearly there are countless reputable work-from-home opportunities, but I will only add links to ones that either I, or someone I know, has researched.
3. Don't take my word--or anyone's word--on any opportunity.  While the people you know have your best interest at heart, no one knows what is right for you--except you.
4. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!  Google the company and add "SCAMS", "COMPLAINTS," etc to the search...and read what real people are saying about anyone you are thinking of doing business with.  The things I have learned by that one simple search have stopped me from making what could have been many potentially disastrous mistakes.
5. If you have a company that I have not listed, and many people will, please put it in a comment and I'll do my best to get it in one of my next blogs!!

Okay, Okay, I get the point....On to the Good Stuff!! 

m

my baby, Jax

I just did a Google search for "Work from Home Jobs" and this is what it came back with:  
"About 77,500,000 results"   Can you say "YIKES!"  No wonder so many people just give up the pursuit and stick to their day jobs!!


Now, on to that list!


Sutherland Global Services provides various types of outsourced support for companies.  They offer positions in various fields:  Customer Service (answering phones, taking orders, handling complaints, etc.) for some very well-known companies.  They also have positions for you techies out there, providing tech support for the clients of these companies.  They may have added new positions as well.  They hire employees, rather than Independent Contractors, and even offer health insurance!!  I have a good friend who works for them and loves it!  You will have a set schedule with this company rather than being able to make your own hours.  But, hey!  You can do it in your pajamas!!


FlexJobs has literally thousands of jobs to look through and apply for.  This is what they say about themselves:  "You'll find the best telecommuting and online jobs, from freelance to full-time, in over 50 different job categories. Every job is hand-screened and legitimate. Guaranteed"

I have picked up a couple piece-work jobs off their site and been happy with their service. They even have a "Research Companies" tab right at the top of their page.  This is a perfect site for someone who isn't sure what they might be looking for.  Definitely worth checking out!!!


LiveOps is a call-center outsourcing company.  These jobs will primarily be providing telephone customer-service for their clients.  While I did not work with this company, I did my homework on them and was impressed enough to leave them in my contacts.


LiveWork is also provides outsourcing to their clients via at-home workers.  They offer positions in many different areas, including answering telephones, providing customer service, data entry, etc...


Staffing at Home is also like LiveOps and LiveWork.  Many different types of positions with various companies.  Worth a visit!!

Okay, so as you can clearly see, this is a very small list indeed.  Even I have many more legit sites I used to frequent before I found my dream job...if you would like further info, shoot me an email, or leave me a comment, let me know what you are looking for, and I'll see what I can do!!


However, this list should keep ya busy for awhile and give you an idea of the opportunities available to anyone who is looking to work from home in a virtual office environment.

TUNE-IN TOMORROW FOR MORE ON THE CONTINUING SAGA OF

"TO WORK or NOT TO WORK (from home)

To Work or Not To Work (from home)...is it for you?

While some of us thrive on the hustle and bustle of the 9 to 5-- including the water-cooler talk, lunch with co-workers (aka:  other adults), commutes, a reason to get up, get dressed and get out of the house....there are more and more people who are looking to work from home.  There is an infinite number of reasons for this shift:  high costs of daycare, downsizing of companies, longer commute times as our cities continue to grow, etc...But regardless of your personal reasons, the big questions remains:

TO WORK or NOT TO WORK (from home)

This is certainly not an easy decision, nor is it one anyone else can make for you. We are all wired differently and what excites and motivates one person may be another person's worst nightmare!  A great book, by one of my favorite motivational speakers, Tamara Lowe, explains Motivational DNA and helps you figure out your own personal Motivational make-up, as well as those of the people around you (kids, husband, co-workers, etc....)  You can find it online anywhere--it's a very informational, yet easy read!

Another thing to consider about working from home--What to do?!  There are so many options, but they boil down to just a couple main categories:

Work for Someone Else (Virtual Assistant, Data Entry, Telemarketer, Transcriptionist, etc....)

OR

Work for Yourself (Independent Distributor for a retail company, Freelance work, or starting your own business (online or brick-&-mortar, in your field--whatever that is...), etc.

How to do you decide which option is best for you?  Where can you get honest information about legitimate opportunities?  How will the current economic instability affect your career choice?  What will be the effects on your family life--good and bad?  What is the first step?  And the second?

There really is a lot to think about...so for those of you looking for online resources to investigate, I will post some of the sites, information, and experience I found most useful as I waded through the world wide web to find what is now my personal Dream Job.

***TUNE IN TOMORROW AS I DIVE FURTHER INTO THE "WORK FROM HOME" TOPIC***

30-Day Blog Challenge---We're Off & Running!!

So, fellow bloggers, bloggettes, and blog-followers, this begins Day 1 of the 30-Day Blog Challenge!!  The timing really could not be better, for me anyway.  I just started my blog last week, and so far, I love it!  This challenge will not only keep me motivated, but will also help me to meet new people and learn new things!
If you are a blogger, or have ever thought of blogging, whether for personal reasons or as part of your marketing plan, check out this awesome opportunity!!


There has been lots of talk on what to blog about, and lucky for me (and hopefully my readers), I never seem to be at a loss for words.  I am one of those people who can strike a conversation with strangers in the grocery store, standing in line at Home Depot, or walking down the street.  The challenge for me, I think, will be to really define my focus, keep in line with my ultimate goals, and stay on track with my message.

I originally started this blog as a way to talk to other people out there who are looking for a way to make money from home.  Whether hoping to make enough money to pay bills, plan a dream vacation, or to earn a full-time salary, now really is a great time to start a home-based business!!  And the great thing is that anyone can do it!  No matter where you are, where you come from, or where you are going, we all have the opportunity to realize our dreams!!  The difficulties often lie in overcoming our doubts and fears.  My hope is to show people through my stories that these obstacles CAN be overcome...and that success IS attainable!  For Everyone!

How do I hope to accomplish this?  By sharing with others who I am, what I stand for, my fears, my hopes, my dreams, and both my failures and my successes.  And showing others how we can climb through the clouds to reach the sky!

So, while I will be talking about my business with Scent-Sations and why I think this is the greatest company, creating the best products, and offering the best compensation plan, for the best home business ever, and how being my own boss benefits not only me, but those around me as well...I will also talk about my life, offer some savvy shopping advice, why networking is important, aromatherapy info, and other topics that catch my eye, touch my heart, or make me laugh!!

See you Tomorrow for Day 2 / 30!!

"IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, 

YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT!"

-Walt Disney

DREAM LARGE!!

Networking Events--More than just Business

While I had every intention to get this post up yesterday, I woke up with one of those headaches that just beats against your brain like a bad bass beat on steroids!!  I tried a lovely combination of ibuprofen, vitamins, and lots of water--but it was determined to stick with me, so what did I do?  Yes, being the trooper I am, I gave in to the headache and schlept around all day...

So, here I am today to tell you all about my adventures in business networking!!  Having always worked for other people, business networking for myself seemed daunting.  All those doubts crept in...

Will I fit in?
Will I sound like an idiot?
Will I be dressed right?
What will I talk about?
and on and on and on.....

These thoughts ran around my brain like a hamster on a wheel, and I almost abandoned the idea of attending my first event.  Almost.

But I pulled up my big-girl pants, got myself ready to go, pulled my materials together, and headed out the door....and what did I learn?

I learned that the hamster on the wheel needs to take an extended nap!  Being in business for yourself can be emotionally stressful, but the way to combat those doubts and stresses, is to just get out there and do it!  Remember why you went into business for yourself.  Remember why you joined or started the company you represent.  Remember that everyone can be successful if they have a passion and determination for what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how they can help others do the same!

I also learned that the community of entrepreneurs, regardless of their industry, social status, professional status, sex, color, race, or religion, are, for the most part, always willing to offer advice, share experiences, and support each other.  No matter who you are, where you come from, and where you want to go, you will have your own personal group of cheerleaders and mentors to help you achieve your dreams!

In a short time, these people have become my peers and my friends!  So get out there, be yourself, meet some new people, share ideas, and build new, valuable relationships with other people who are succeeding in their industries!!

What is holding you back from achieving your dreams?

Friends take the "Work" out of Working

Starting, building, and running a home-based business--or any business--can be daunting, intimidating, and confusing, to say the least.  There is always some self-doubt, insecurities, and questions about what your ultimate goals are, and how best to achieve them.  This is especially true with all of the information out there on the internet today.  For me, some of the big questions are:
1. Who do I want to talk to?
2. Where will I find these people, or where will they find me?
3. How many hours do I need to work to accomplish my goals?
4. How can I most effectively show others how they can reach their goals doing what I do?

Obviously, this is a very condensed list, but you get the point. 

On my own, fumbling through, trying to figure it all out--what to do, how to set it up, what's working and what's not working--is very inundating.  In fact, I have had several days where it seemed I spent hours online and accomplished nothing but filling up my spam folder in my mailbox.

A big reason I am in business for myself is for the flexibility and freedom of being able to manage my own time and to lifestyle my business in a way that suits me.  Working all day is not my goal...my goal is to work part-time and keep my full-time income.

Last night, my friend and fellow Mompreneur, Ronda, came over for a creativity brainstorming session.  We originally planned on taking a couple hours, sharing our information with each other, trading tips, etc....what we ended up doing is spending all night working together and having a blast!!  I had no idea what time it was until my husband said he was going to bed!!  We sat side-by-side at the dining room table with our laptops and notebooks and just blasting through ideas and sites, coming up with plans that worked for each of us. 

What a great way to keep motivated, share information, and get a lot of work done--all while spending time with a good friend!  It didn't feel like "work" at all!!

So next time you are feeling overwhelmed and it seems like you are doing nothing but chasing your tail, grab your "Ronda" and have a work party!!  Trust me, when you are feeling self-doubt, a friend is always a better person to go to for advice than yourself, because they understand you, your goals, your strengths, and keep you moving in the direction of your dreams!

Thank you, Ronda, for a great night--can't wait til next week!!!

DREAM LARGE!!

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