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.....

The Importance of Gratitude

We all have those days when nothing seems to be going right, the bills seem larger than the income, energy is low, and we find ourselves caught in a funk that we cannot shake.  Face it, life can be trying at times, even for the happiest and most positive people out there.  The question is, "What do we do to pull ourselves out of our slump and find our footing?"

I find that writing a list of all the things in my life I am grateful for really turns my attitude around.  Sure, it won't fix the "problem" at hand, but it helps me to remember how truly lucky and blessed I am.  This doesn't need to be, and probably should not be, a complicated process.  Just grab a notebook, or the back of an envelope if that is all that you have handy, and write down the things in your life that you are grateful for.  Don't even think about it.  Just write it down. 

For fun, I will do my quick list right now....

My puppies
My flowers in the back yard
My friends
My husband
The dishes are done
I know what I am making for dinner, and I don't have to go to the store to get anything
We are out of our excessive heat warning for a day
The great book I am reading
I don't have any commitments today
I don't have to get up and go to work because I work from home
Taking today off will give me the energy to be fired up tomorrow

So, while some of these things may seem trivial....it was quick, simple, and painless.  Of course, I could continue on and on and on...but you get the point.  Sometimes all it takes is writing down 5 or 10 or even 15 things you are truly grateful for, even just in this moment, to make a difference in your outlook.

Next time you are feeling a little more like Eyeore than Tigger, put the bounce back in your step with a quick Gratitude List and watch that negative attitude fade away!

Until Next Time, Live in Gratitude....

Crazy Crazy Life & Other Musings from my week

Happy Thursday Everyone!

First, I would like to apologize for being non-existent this week.  I would love to have a really great reason for not posting anything new since the 4th of July, but the truth is that I had one of those weeks where life just got away from me. 

My kids went to Oregon to see their grandparents, but for some reason, their teenage drama seemed to not only follow them there, but somehow managed to elevate and affect me here as well.  So much for my Independence Day, but that's the life of a parent. 

In addition to the kids, I also had an emergency medical issue with Peaches, my awesome orange cat.  He was acting strange on Thursday, and when he was still not "right" on Friday, I took him to the vet.  He had developed crystals in his bladder and could not pee.  Simple enough, right??  NOT!  He has been in the hospital for 6 days now, and we are keeping our fingers crossed and praying that he will pull through.  We had to make a painful decision to give him through tomorrow to recover....In my mind, I know that he is a cat; in my heart, he is so much more.  We have been spending as much time with him as we can, but it is so hard because outside of this issue, and the catheters and fluid lines, he is still his sweet and funny self.  From his attitude, you wouldn't even know he was sick. 

Here he is before they had to add the gigantic cone on his head because he kept pulling out his catheter, and he'd chewed through his fluid line in his leg....but he let me take his picture.  He looks thrilled huh?

So, this is my "excuse" for not posting this week.  Hopefully, I'll get back on board and back to my schedule!
I have lots of stuff to write about in the next week--from Networking events to Biz Tips to a photographic journey through Jerome, Arizona!

STAY TUNED!!

YES! I finished the 30-Day Blog Challenge!!

Okay, so this is the final post of the 30-Day Blog Challenge!!  I heard about the challenge after only one week of blogging...and I thought, "hey!  I can write 30 blogs in 30 days..."  So I decided to sign up. 

Let me tell you (or perhaps you already know), this is not as easy as it sounds.  I originally started my blog as a way to talk introduce people to my products and my business opportunity.  I quickly found, however, that no one, myself included, wants to read a blog that is completely devoted to a home business--or any other single topic.

I decided instead to write about my life and all the wonderful, frustrating, crazy, awesome people, places, and things that make up who I am.  There is always something going on around here that I can turn into a funny, useful, or meaningful story. 

I also started a new feature for my blog called, "Friday Featured Biz" where I feature one small business owner each Friday on my blog.  Through my networking events, I have met the most incredible and dynamic people and have taken my appreciation of small business to a whole new level. This has been a great feature for me, and I hope, as I continue to blog, my followers will grow and these businesses will get some new clients through me.

Today I found myself 3 posts behind on the Challenge, and almost threw in the towel.  Another friend messaged me on Facebook and encouraged me to finish the Challenge.  I decided that she was right--how silly to go this far just to give up at the last minute.  So, here I am, pounding out this final post so I can get it sent out and can run out the door to another Networking Event!!! 

With that, I will say goodnight!  My goal is to continue writing new articles 4 times per week, so you will see me either tomorrow or Friday for sure!  I have another fabulous small business to feature on Friday, so if I don't see you before, I hope to see you then!!

Until Next Time....

Friday Featured Biz! Next Level Consulting & Virtual Ass't Services

It's Friday!!!  Which means it's time for this week's Friday's Featured Biz!

This week, I am honored to introduce you to another awesome lady I have become friends with through this wonderful world of Social Media!  I am always amazed at the people I have "met" through Facebook, MySpace, (yes, I have had a MySpace account--I have teenagers--it's a must!) and now Blogging.  The internet really does make the world a much smaller place, and open us up to people, places, & things we might not otherwise have a chance to experience.

This week, I would like to introduce Lisa Rodriguez with Next Level Consulting & Virtual Assistant Services.  Not only does she provide Small Biz Consulting Services, but her blog is filled with awesome tips, tricks, and links!  

This is what Lisa had to say:

Next Level Consulting & Virtual Assistant Services

 

"Next Level Consulting & Virtual Assistance is a small business consulting and virtual assistance firm that specializes in helping coaches, consultants, speakers and other online entreprenuers create productive businesses, while maximizing their internet presence and revenues.   Collectively our background spans over 24 years as both office and virtual professionals providing administrative and business support.  Our team members are willing to show initiative and play more of a “partner” role vs. simply taking care of specific tasks. 

 

I choose small/online-based businesses as my niche market because I firmly believe this market in particular is poised for the most growth in the next five years.  The current state of the economy and a shaky job market has been a catalyst for more and more of the "downsized" to take a risk and pursue their dream of working from home.  It offers flexibility, especially for those with families and the earning potential is not limited by your perceived value at a large firm.  Trends are emerging that indicate more and more people are on the internet, not in front of their television sets - and they are all searching for ways to create income.  And they also all have the same issue in common - they need support in their efforts.  I really enjoy partnering with entrepreneurs to help them achieve success with their businesses.

 

I also believe supporting other home-based business owners - not just my clients.  I offer business promotion on both my website, as well as my newsletter free of charge.  I love how social media and networking opens opportunities you might otherwise not have had.  Watching that happen for others is what makes my "job" so rewarding."

 

Be sure to check out Lisa's Blog, and tell her Happy Birthday while you are there--her birthday was yesterday, June 24, which I just discovered.  Also, make sure you join her Facebook Fan Page!  She provides such awesome information, you won't want to miss a thing!

 

If you are looking for some great biz tips or if you are in need of a Virtual Assistant (aren't we all sometimes???) or Consulting, consider talking to Lisa and finding out how she can help you grow your business, manage your time, and de-stress your life!  

Thank you, Lisa, for this awesome post, for the service you provide, and for being a part of Friday Featured Biz!

Please remember to Support the Small Business Owners in your community and online!

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:

********************************************

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.

******************************************************************

Okay, these are a few of my inspirations!  

Your Turn!!

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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