Canadian Small Business Women

Connection, Synergy, Community

Doing What Matters – because……..

Sheralyn

It’s time for a little reality check.  This is a business blog but it’s really about the business of life.  Haven’t we all occasionally spent just a little too much time trolling the internet, facebook and LinkedIn for advice on how to live our lives, succeed in business and be happy, healthy and well- adjusted? We are locked in an inevitable search for meaning in life, for how to “add value” and how the understanding of these will provide meaning to our existence and therefore also, presumably, business success.  What we may not have done however is really figured out how to do what matters, when it matters and for whom it matters because we haven’t figured out our “because.”  The “because” is UP TO YOU and the “because” is the only thing that matters.  Whether you do what you do because you want to be successful, make money, be a great provider for your family or be recognized in your industry as a leader is, in the end, all that counts.

Doing what matters means embracing your destiny, career, business or even (if this is your choice) your decision to be a stay at home parent. Embrace this decision with full force, with no doubts, no questions, no reservations and no limitations. Let it settle in and become a part of every fibre of your being because if you don’t – it won’t. You will question your decisions, your abilities, your commitment and your competence and then your business will suffer. Quite possibly you will suffer.

It doesn’t matter what you are doing right now as long as you enjoy the doing and that you are confidant. This isn’t just a blanket suggestion to “be happy” as if life really was that simple.  No, it’s not a Law of Attraction kind of thing either.  It’s just common sense. It doesn’t need to be labeled anything other than what it is. I don’t know about you but I am tired of all the current buzzwords around being “authentic.” Buzzwords set us up for failure as we fall short of these often false and pretentious expectations.  We judge both ourselves and others by the standards of these new (and constantly changing) “realities.” The reality of our daily existence is simply that each of us has to do what we do for reasons that matter only to us. For the most part these coalesce nicely with an overall “raison d’être” that makes the world go round. In other words, by each of us doing what matters to us, enough people do enough good things to help others and to offset the people who do bad things (because unfortunately, there are people who by doing what matters to them, do bad things.)

So stop worrying about the labeling and naval gazing.  Stop reading every site you can find that will help you determine your “brand.” I don’t care what your brand is. Are you a brand? Are you a box of cereal? Seriously? We are human beings not brands and who you are as a person, as an individual, this is what matters – not who you are as a “brand.”  A simple search on Google will tell you that a “brand” is “a type of product manufactured by a particular company under a particular name” or, even better, that a brand is “an identifying mark burned on livestock or…former criminals or slaves…”* Is this what you aspire to be?

Let’s not lose sight of the fact that we are PEOPLE not an inanimate object manufactured for the express purpose of a corporation. While we may occasionally feel like a “slave” to the corporate machine, we are not.  We are reimbursed for our efforts and if you go back to my earlier point – hopefully you are doing something you love and that has meaning and purpose to you, thus negating the feeling of enslavement. This is ever more true if you have chosen the path of an entrepreneur. Be who you want to be and do what you want to do and your sincerity, drive and passion will naturally flow because it is founded in confidence and in being true to yourself. So do what matters. Do it because it’s what matters to you.

As Owner and Principal partner of “Writing Right For You” Sheralyn is a Communications Strategist – working together with entrepreneurs to maximize profit through effective use of the written word. Looking for web content that works, blog articles that engage or communications strategies that help you get noticed?  Contact Sheralyn today. Sheralyn is also the mother of two children now entering the “terrible and terrific teens” and spends her free time volunteering for several non-profit organizations.

Sheralyn Roman B.A., B.Ed.

Writing Right For You

Communications Strategies that help you GET TO THE POINT!

416-420-9415 Cell/Business

writingrightforyou@gmail.com

Is Leadership Relevant for Everyone?

yvonne

When many hear the word ‘Leadership’, it is easy to associate it to someone who leads others, is in a position of power or management. However, this is easily one of the biggest leadership myths and misconceptions that is slowly changing.

Very early in life and my career, I felt that in order to effectively lead others or have others do something, you needed to be in a position of power. However, over time I have seen and learnt otherwise. I have observed the most influential and effective leaders are those who are able to lead and influence others without relying on the ‘stick and carrot’ approach e.g. leaders of volunteer organisations.

John C. Maxwell, regarded as one of the top global leadership experts, defines the true measure of leadership as Influence – nothing more, nothing less. Leadership is not directing, commanding or managing, leadership is influencing others to take action or follow; be it family, friends, colleagues, your boss or team.

Position provides a platform for anyone, but Influence is what keeps you in that position and takes you to the next level.

John also shares in his book “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” that our Leadership ability is the LID that determines our level of effectiveness, known as the ‘Law of the Lid’. Where our LID is the maximum level at which we can be effective.  Therefore, if our leadership ability were to rate at a 6, our level of effectiveness, and ability to lead others or impact our organisation could never be greater than a 5.

“The higher you want to climb, the more you need leadership. The greater the impact you want to make, the greater your influence should be” – John C. Maxwell.

Why leadership is important

  • It determines our level of effectiveness in all areas of our lives; helping us to be more effective in taking a lead in our personal and professional lives
  • It increases our sphere of influence with others (team, colleagues, boss, family), as well as in leading others, and getting things done
  • It enables us manage and deal with change more effectively; helping us build character traits and skills to respond to change more quickly, and deal with the ambiguity that often comes with change
  • It differentiates us in a crowd to be singled out and recognised, and to rise higher and higher

To help raise your lid and develop your leadership skills, consider some of the following:

  • Identify your leadership gaps, have a leadership mindset and be intentional about developing yourself as a leader
  • Find a mentor(s) for 1-2-1 mentoring, or consider mentorship from a distance by studying, observing and learning from leaders you respect
  • Read books on leadership and self development
  • Attend leadership training, events and conferences
  • Surround yourself with other leaders – iron sharpens iron

Leadership is NOT always about title, position or power. It provides required traits and skills for everyone that when applied to both our personal and professional lives it helps us excel… “Everything rises and falls on leadership”.

What are your thoughts on the value of leadership?

To learn about Yvonne’s latest book on Changing your Mindset for greater results, visit http://www.oliveblue.com/changeyourmindset/

Yvonne is an Author, Speaker, Change Consultant & John Maxwell Leadership Coach who is passionate about working with Individuals, Entrepreneurs and Organisations to help implement change they want and achieve their goals.   

She can be reached at: www.oliveblue.com . www.facebook.com/oliveblueinc . www.twitter.com/oliveblueinc.www.youtube.com/ChangeYouWantTV

Why We Keep Getting Limited Results, and What You Can Do Differently Starting Now in this Year!

yvonne

Have you ever wondered why you’re not getting the results you want despite doing your best or following the ‘guaranteed’ formulas and products everyone else is using and getting results?

Do you feel procrastination, lack of time, fear of failure or lack of finances is holding you back?

Or why when you have been working so hard to get promoted or kick-start your business idea, but still not happening?

Or you can’t seem lose weight and keep it off, yet others are experiencing great results?

It may not be what you think!

I too have struggled. I know the feeling. But thankfully my outcomes are now different because of the simple but foundational principles I was fortunate to apply, and I began to see fantastic outcomes; getting multiple promotions in my career, kick-starting my business and seeing the results and momentum build, and the hardest had to be losing up to 90lbs.

I have discovered from my life, and working with many individuals and organisations that a significant part of getting our desired results is not in finding the solution to the problem or knowing ‘how-to’, but lies with the person and mindset of the person who has the solution.

Have you heard the story of the two salesmen who were sent to a foreign place to sell shoes? The first salesman arrives and sees that nobody on the island wears shoes, and he immediately sends a message back to the office saying “Dead end. Nobody wears shoes here”. The second salesman arrives, sees the same situation and immediately sends a message back to the office saying “Magnificent opportunity! Loads of shoes to be sold”. What was the difference between these two salesmen? Mindset!

Yes, their mindset. Mindset is what differentiates two people with the same opportunity. Mindset is what allowed the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Walt Disney, Michael Jordan, President Barack Obama and Albert Einstein recognise opportunities that others did not, made them persist, and succeed in the face countless rejections, adversity and opposition. Mindset is also what finally allowed me achieve success using existing knowledge and ‘how-to’ information available in the public domain.

A right mindset is foundational to us getting and exceeding the outcomes we desire; it will turn things around and help us become creative in finding solutions to barriers such as procrastination, overcoming fear, finding the time and resources we need, and more.

In my book coming out soon on mindset, I go into more detail on mindset principles and examples that individuals like Walt Disney, Michael Phelps presently regarded as the greatest Olympian, and Nick Vujicic, born without arms or legs, have used to achieve significant success and how you also can easily apply these same principles to your specific situation and take your outcomes from good to great!

Please leave a comment below: Have you been successful in achieving your goals, what worked for you? Or what are you currently struggling with, and what barriers are you coming against?

Comment below. I would love to hear, discuss and share insights with you.

 

To learn about Yvonne’s latest book on Changing your Mindset for greater results, visit http://www.oliveblue.com/changeyourmindset/

Yvonne is an Author, Speaker, Change Consultant & John Maxwell Leadership Coach who is passionate about working with Individuals, Entrepreneurs and Organisations to provide the tools and help implement change, drive results and achieve their goals.   She can be reached at: www.oliveblue.com . www.facebook.com/oliveblueinc . www.twitter.com/oliveblueinc.www.youtube.com/ChangeYouWantTV

 

When The Going Gets Tough… What Next?

yvonne

 

When the going gets tough as an entrepreneur…

When you’ve done all you know to do. When your inner circle of strong supporters have encouraged you. When you’ve repeated all of your affirmations to stay motivated… what next? Perhaps you need to go back to the very beginning. The beginning being the dream and vision of ‘Why’ you started in the first place.

Many years ago when I decided to get an MBA, I remember attending my first semester and speaking with other students who seemed so far ahead of me on the pre-assignments and required readings, and it made me feel “Wow, can I catch up?”. I actually attended the first semester with the intention of asking to defer, but the administrator suggested I give it some time and see how I feel before making a concrete decision. I did give it some time, and found myself continuing with the programme. I have to admit that my plans to continue and not defer were bolstered by a fellow student who had encouraged me saying we had it in ‘us’ and would succeed one way or the other. So hey, I continued.

However, one thing I learnt and has stuck with me through my MBA (and life now) is that I always need to have a clear picture of my ‘Why’ before me. And for all those tough times I faced or was remotely tempted to throw in the towel during the programme, it was always that picture of my ‘Why’ that kept me going, and of course many strong hazelnut lattes!

Believe me when I say there were a few tough moments juggling the MBA with a full-time job, as well as a very challenging dissertation supervisor (to say the least), who I later found out was dealing with a personal crisis, which was in turn being taken out on me. Upon graduation at the end of the three-year programme, a few of my colleagues whom we started together had dropped out, deferred the program or were struggling to complete it for one reason or the other. All I can say is I was thankful to God, and having the picture of my strong ‘Why’ always before me.

Your strong why is that dream, vision or goal that you have clearly defined and desire to see it come to fruition. In John Maxwell’s ‘Put Your Dream to the Test’, he says that “If you can see your dream clearly – and keep it in front of you continually – it will help you to understand what you must sacrifice and what you must dedicate yourself to in order keep moving forward”.

Some guarantees on our journey to living our dreams and achieving our goals is that we will face challenges and setbacks, and that voice in our minds that keep asking us ‘why bother?’, quietly challenging us to quit and play it safe. It is at those times we will need to remind ourselves of our strong ‘Why’ amongst all the other strategies that keep us on track when the going gets tough. You are not allowed to play it safe “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for” – John A. Shedd. You can’t afford to play it safe!

When the going gets tough, we keep going because our dreams speak louder, clearer and stronger, and remind us of ‘Why’.

Confused about what you need to do to start a business or take it to the next level? Need a to ensure you are on track with building your business? Download my Free “Business Start-up Checklist” to help you get started now and keep on track. http://bit.ly/bzchlist

 

Yvonne is a Change Consultant, Speaker & John Maxwell Leadership Coach who is passionate about working with Individuals, Entrepreneurs and Organisations to implement change, drive results and achieve their goals.   She can be reached at: www.oliveblue.com . www.facebook.com/oliveblueinc . www.twitter.com/oliveblueinc . www.youtube.com/ChangeYouWantTV

Your business is not a ‘Do-It-Yourself’ project; you need all the help you can get!

Uchechi

Lately, it’s become evident to me how critical support communities are needed in order to grow, develop and achieve your goals. This is relevant both in your life and business.

I saw just how important this was when I was fortunate enough to enroll in Marie Forleo’s B-School program in Spring 2013 (if you haven’t heard of Marie, google her, you won’t be disappointed!). One of the strongest benefits of this program is having a network of 12,000+ amazing, supporting and loving entrepreneurs. These are business owners who get what you go through on a daily basis. As different as we all are, there is always a level of love and support within the group. It’s fantastic because you can post a business or tech related question, to questions regarding support launching a new business and program, or even support of a personal nature where all you’re looking for is a virtual hug and reassurance that all is well. And you get an influx of support no matter what you’re looking for. It can be quite empowering.

We all know that business ownership can feel lonely at times, and when you’re a female business owner with family responsibilities and obligations, the feeling of overwhelm can add up. This is why it is so critical to have a network of people you can call upon to help you navigate through the ups and downs.

This support network should consist of those who understand what you’re going through and are able to inspire and motivate you to keep going. Your network should also be able to hold you accountable to your business goals, in addition to supporting and sharing resources with you to help achieve your goals. Forming or joining a mastermind group is an amazing way to get this support and bring like-minded people together, along with various social media groups that you can join.

Another benefit to having this kind of support is that a funny thing tends to happen as you start to grow and evolve in your business. Sometimes, those closest to you become distant and may not support your growth and aspirations. They no longer become aligned to your goals and needs as a business owner. This can be difficult and lonely because it’s hard for these people to understand the risks that you take, and the committed needed to achieve the success you crave. They may resist the change in you as you start being the person needed to reach your goals. Consequently, you no longer become comfortable in the crowd you’re currently in.

Jim Rohn says, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” So I ask you, look to those that you spend most of your time with. Are they ones that inspire you? Do they support your growth? Do they encourage you? Or do they sabotage your desire for growth and success? Be honest and strong enough to walk away or distant yourself from those that do not support you, and look for those that do.

Remember, you may be self-employed, however you need the help of others to achieve your business goals.

 

Uchechi Ezurike-Bosse is a Business & Lifestyle Strategist, Speaker and Writer, but most importantly, a proud Mother and Wife. Uchechi is Founder of My Empowered Living (http://www.myempoweredliving.com) a website aimed at helping women shift their mindset and live their passion! Whether it’s starting and building their dream business, or helping them create a lifestyle they crave, Uchechi is the modern woman’s secret to success! Visit Uchechi at www.myempoweredliving.com to get her FREE online video training series The 4 Keys to your Business Success! This free 4-day business training reveals her 4 key strategies needed to build a profitable and successful business, and how to put them to work in your business!

Easy Steps to Overcome Procrastination and Achieve Your Goals

yvonne

I’ll start my business this year, I’ll start writing my business plan next week, I’ll start my diet on Monday, I’ll follow-up on that new lead next week… and unfortunately we sometimes never get round to it and miss out on fantastic opportunities, or come next year, we are still struggling with the same goals.

Procrastination is one thing we can all easily fall prey to, but what differentiates each of us, as well highly successful people is our ability to overcome procrastination in order to achieve our goals. While it may be easier said than done, those who choose to be motivated and complete necessary tasks are those who are able to see results and move ahead onto bigger goals and aspirations. Here are five easy steps you can take to help you overcome procrastination.

 

1. Know Your ‘Why’

I love the story John Maxwell shares in his book ‘15 Invaluable Laws of Growth’. While a salesman looks out of the hotel restaurant window, he asks the waiter if he thinks the roads will be clear enough to travel the next morning. And the waiter responds, “Depends on if you are on salary or commission”. The first step to achieving your goals and overcoming that lethargic feel of procrastination is having a strong ‘WHY’; one that is worth fighting for and motivates you whenever you see yourself beginning to procrastinate.

 

2. Dive Right In

We often procrastinate because we fear that a task will take too long, or that we don’t have the skills to complete it successfully, or that we’ll magically find the time later to finish it. Oftentimes the best way to put a stop to procrastination is to stop thinking and simply dive right in. Once you get started, you’ll begin to figure out how to complete the task i.e. necessary steps or resources required, otherwise it’ll remain untouched, unfinished, and continue to be a roadblock to your success.

 

3. Learn Proper Goal Setting

Writing down a list of the top things you’d like to get done this year is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to goal setting.  Goals should be broken down into:

Overall goal > Monthly goals > Weekly goals > Daily goals

By breaking your goals into smaller and more specific steps, you increase the likelihood of them being completed. Also ensure your goals are time-framed, giving yourself specific target dates to complete tasks by.

 

4. Get Your Motivation Going

For many, once we have our strong ‘WHY’ in front of us, as well as see how easily a big goal can be broken down into manageable bite sized pieces, we feel less overwhelmed and more motivated. However, if you still struggling with driving yourself to get things done, analyse how procrastination is preventing you from reaching personal and professional success; make two lists of the pros and cons, listing all the drawbacks of procrastination that you can think of, and then list the benefits. This should remind you how much procrastination is holding you back. If necessary, tack that list up somewhere visible to remind yourself.

 

5. Practice Good Time Management

Getting things done is largely about properly managing your time. Not sure if you’re a big time waster?  Then do this: spend one week writing down how you’re spending your time from the moment you get up to the minute you go to bed.  Chances are you’ll be shocked by how much time you’ve allowed to go to waste.

 

BONUS:  By reviewing how you’re spending your time, you’ll likely find that there are tasks that you can delegate or outsource to others, or tasks that you can stop doing completely to free up more of your time. Here is a piece I wrote on how to delegate effectively.

Yesterday you said tomorrow, today is the day! Start doing.

Want to identify what may be stopping from achieving yours and find strategies you can implement to get you started? Attend our free and complimentary webinar on July 3rd Click here to sign up for the webinar

Download my Free eBook and uniquely designed Templates “4 weeks to Achieving & Executing Your Goals!” to help you get started now. http://eepurl.com/xeDrf

Yvonne is a Change Consultant, Speaker & John Maxwell Coach who is passionate about working with Individuals, Entrepreneurs and Organisations to implement change, drive results and achieve their goals.   She can be reached at:   www.facebook.com/oliveblueinc, www.twitter.com/oliveblueinc, www.oliveblue.com

Solopreneurship: reality or illusion?

sandra

I’ve heard the term solopreneur used quite a lot recently, and there was a time when I identified with it.  I am, after all, doing my business solo, am I not?  What I am now realizing is that just because I’m the sole owner of the business, it doesn’t mean that I’m really doing it “on my own”.

Whether it’s the business coaches I’ve worked with, colleagues I’ve masterminded with or the team that I worked with to have my logo designed, there is no way I can say that this has been a solo endeavour.  Not to mention the love and support of friends and family along the way!  My first workshop, ice storm ridden book launch parties and even my very first client wouldn’t have been possible without my support network.

When you don’t have regular employees, it can be very easy to feel isolated and have the mistaken belief that you have to figure out everything on your own, but this isn’t the case.  I know from personal experience that it isn’t always easy to ask for help.  Many of us consider reaching out to others to be a sign of weakness, but this isn’t true at all.  The truth of the matter is that it is impossible to know everything there is to know about your business, never mind be capable of doing it all!

We need to be honest with ourselves about what our strengths and weaknesses are, as well as be aware of what activities generate revenue and those that don’t.  You don’t want to be spending your time doing things you find difficult or challenging if it’s not making you any money!  Hire people to do the things that aren’t revenue generators and focus your time and energy on making that money!

As entrepreneurs and small business owners we can fall into the trap of believing that we’re saving money by doing everything on our own, but that isn’t necessarily the case.  We can be missing out on the opportunity to generate significantly more revenue in our businesses if we focus our energy on doing what we do best and hire others to do the same for us.  Being the sole owner of a business doesn’t mean that we have to do it all on our own.  It means that we must be willing and able to build a team we trust and delegate as needed so that we can provide the best service to our clients!

Sandra Dawes is a certified life coach specializing in helping women who feel unfulfilled with their 9-5 follow their dreams and pursue their passions. She holds an Honours BA, an MBA as well as a certificate in Dispute Resolution.She has completed her first book,Embrace Your Destiny: 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve!

Connect: 
www.embraceyourdestiny.ca
www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestiny

www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestinythebook
www.twitter.com/sandradawes

Easy Steps to Kick-Start Your Business … Practical Tips for Success!

 

yvonne

You’ve been thinking about it, but something keeps stopping you from starting your business? And by now you’ve most likely come across many articles such as this on ‘How to …’. If the truth be told, giving advice is sometimes easier said than done. I myself can testify to that. However, here are a couple of practical tips you can easily implement today to help you raise finances and kick-start your business.

Do your research. Research simply put is knowing your market and customers. How do you know your market? Read trade magazines and newspaper, visit industry seminars or conferences, check online or take a drive round your business geographic area and see what similar services and products exist, sample some of these services or products, ask suppliers about the market, and ask potential customers who they currently patronise. All these and more will help you build a broad picture of the market before you entering.

How do you know your customers? If they will want your products or services and what exactly it is they want? As many people as you come into contact with and see as potential customers, ask them questions. When you go to an event, take the opportunity ask people pertinent questions in a conversation-like manner. Develop a questionnaire, and email to all your family, friends, colleagues and former colleagues, ask them to email to their network of people, and voila! you have conducted your research. However, do bear in mind that the bigger your investment risk and the more complex your business model, the more structured your research should be.

For more information on business research check this article Business Research Demystified

Raising finance. The usual advice is personal savings; loans from family, friends or the bank; government funding; grants; venture capitalists etc. But what if these sources don’t quite cut it for you? You don’t have the savings, you can’t get a loan, or you fall outside the qualifying criteria for grants and funding. Here are some additional avenues and tips;

  1. Trade by barter. Offer your services, products or skills in exchange for goods or services that will help build your business i.e. you need to develop your website, and you are a marketing consultant, why not offer some free consultancy to the web designer in exchange for your website development
  2. Cut down on your personal overheads, which may include; downgrading your car or moving back to live at home saving on the monthly rent, reduce your spend on social outings such as cinemas, suspend club memberships (except of course it is required for effective business networking purposes)
  3. Start your business with incremental steps such as piloting your business idea, or starting with one product or service, and as the business starts bringing in returns, you can then consider expanding and implementing more plans and ideas
  4. Consider alternatives to reduce your start-up cost  If you are low on capital. This includes working from home without needing to lease office space, converting your garage, shared office space, virtual assistants, start with offering your services and products online etc.
  5. Consider crowd funding or sourcing capital from customers or suppliers. With some services pr products you could actually seek to get upfront payments or deposits from clients, which could then be used for your initial capital requirements. A successful example is that of a hosting company who offered potential clients a lifetime hosting package if they would pay a certain amount upfront to help fund the start-up of the business.

These tips are not all-encompassing, and there are many things that go into having a successful business such as a business plan. There is no running away from it either now or later in your business life cycle.  If you need help with your business plan, also read Business Plan Demystified, Writing Your Business Plan Once And For All.

Get a free eBook to get started on your goals: http://eepurl.com/xeDrf

Yvonne is a Change Consultant, Coach and Speaker who is passionate about working with Individuals, Entrepreneurs and Organisations to implement change, drive results and achieve their goals.   She can be reached at:   www.facebook.com/oliveblueinc,www.twitter.com/oliveblueinc, www.oliveblue.com

Christmas is The Time for Reflecting

anna

Our home is full of Christmas!  The tree is decorated with beautiful loving ornaments chosen with love from all our family and friends.  As I place each ornament on the tree I remember the story behind the gift.  The final two ornaments in hand and they are the most special of all.  They are handmade and over 25 years old.  My children made them for me when they were in kindergarten.  They are the most simple and yet most precious gifts I have ever received.

Each year I reflect on what I have completed and where I want to go.  I look back on my year on a business and personal level. I look at the great accomplishments of my year.  I begin to analyze my business in all respects.  The hardest part is being objective.  Taking out the emotions is the most difficult part of being a business owner.

What is your business doing? Are you being successful?  Are you actually making money?

Here are some ideas to ponder when looking at your business plan for the upcoming year:

  1.  Take a look at all your revenue streams.  Which have made you money? What are you going to do about those revenue streams that lost money?
  2. Take a look at your marketing/promotions and advertising.  Which methods worked?
  3. Take a look at the sales targets you set for the previous year and even more importantly take a look at the actual data.  Have you been successful??? Do you see a trend?

Setting the plan for the upcoming year is a great way to ensure your success.  Take the time to see what has and has not worked and focus on the business plan you have revised.

On a personal note I want to thank you all for reading my notes.  I hope that I have informed you or given you some reason to reflect.

 

Anna Ottaviani is a Board Certified NLP Master Practitioner & Master Coach, Board Certified Master Hypnotherapist,Creating Your Future® , Time Line® Therapist Practitioner and Reiki Master. Her methods are unique and tailored to each individual client. She can be reached at www.sucessfullyyou.ca or by phone at 289-221-5772. You can follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/successfullyyou?ref=ts&fref=ts

Sandra Dawes – Canadian Small Business Woman of The Month of November 2013

sandra

Sandra Dawes is a speaker; author and certified life coach specializing in teaching women how to stop arguing for their limitations so that they can reclaim their power and live the life they deserve.  She holds an Honours BA, an MBA as well as a certificate in Dispute Resolution.  After the passing of her father and circumstances that followed, she suffered from bouts of depression and sought the help of psychotherapists. Unwilling to seek pharmaceutical assistance to deal with her chronic unhappiness, she was lead on a journey of self-awareness and forgiveness that changed her life in deep and meaningful ways.

Through meditation, affirmations, yoga and mirror work, she has learned to achieve balance and awareness that has helped her to discover her desire and passion to help others to do the same.  A student of A Course in Miracles, she works with clients to help them rediscover their connection with the Source of all Creation and the power it provides all of us in the pursuit of making dreams a reality.

Sandra enjoys spending time with friends and family, her partner Satnam, her dog Lulu, as well as writing articles for her blog www.embraceyourdestiny.ca.  Her first book, Embrace Your Destiny! 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve, is available at major book retailers or directly from her here.

 

Our Q & A with Sandra Dawes

*What inspires you?

I’m inspired by inspiring and motivating others to really step into their power and take control of their life!  I know from personal experience how challenging it can be to live your life the way you want instead of striving to please others all the time.  I also know how rewarding it is when you reclaim your power and live your life authentically!
*As a small business owner, what achievements make you most proud?

Completing my first book is definitely an achievement I’m proud of!  I’m also proud of being at a point where I’m really ready to step into my business on a full-basis!  Both of these achievements happened this summer!  Life has really just been a blur since July! J
*What advice would you give to other aspiring small business owners?

Be clear on your goals, both for the business and for yourself personally.  Remember “overnight success” takes a lot of work.  As long as you’re committed to your business and it aligns with your personal values, you’ll be able to maintain momentum and focus regardless of the challenges and obstacles you may face along the way.
*What new things can we look forward to from your business in the upcoming year?

Look for more speaking engagements as I start to promote my book!  I also plan on doing more workshops, both locally and virtually.  I’m looking forward to doing my first retreat in 2014 as well!

You can contact Sandra Dawes via the links below

www.facebook.com/sandra.n.dawes

www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestiny
www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestinythebook

www.twitter.com/sandradawes

 

Dreams vs. Goals

sandra

Can you believe that there are just over 5 weeks left in 2013?  I don’t know about you, but time seems to just keep speeding up.  It feels like just a few months ago I was ringing in the New Year with friends and loved ones!  As we head into the final stretch, now’s as good a time as any to review our accomplishments for the year.

Do you have a long list of things you wanted to achieve back in January that still remain undone?  If so, then it’s time to consider why you didn’t make the progress you wanted to this year.  Many of us make New Year’s resolutions, but we lose focus as the year continues.  Think about how packed gyms are in January and how the numbers start dwindling in February.  Why do we lose momentum so quickly?

One of the reasons is because we don’t see the immediate results we desire.  We live in a world where instant gratification has become the norm.  When we don’t see the results we want as quickly as we want, we become discouraged.  Another reason is the fact that we haven’t put a plan in place to achieve our goals.  I’m sure we’ve all heard it said that a goal without a plan is just a dream.  Without a strategy to achieve our goals, it is easy to get distracted and/or discouraged.

Plans don’t have to be static.  The most effective plans evolve as we put them into action.  When we take action on the goals we want to achieve, we learn new things and often encounter unexpected outcomes and challenges.  The plan needs to be flexible if our goals are to become a reality.  Remember to focus on what you want to achieve and not be too stuck on how you think it should happen.  It’s impossible to know all of the avenues that exist to take you to the realization of your goal.  Keep an open mind and you’ll be amazed at the opportunities that present themselves to you!

As we get closer to the end of the year, now is a great time to start thinking about your goals for the New Year and develop the plan to make them a reality.  Consider what you want to achieve in all areas of your life: personal, career & education, health & wellness, relationships, financial, and contribution (charity/giving back).   Break them down into short, medium and long-term goals and keep track of your progress at regular intervals throughout the year.  As you see the progress you are making, you will be more motivated to keep going.   Your goals can become a reality; you just have to be committed to making them happen!

If you’d like to get a head start on 2014, join me for my Jump Start Your Year workshop on December 1st.

Here’s to making 2014 your best year yet!

Sandra Dawes is a certified life coach specializing in helping women who feel unfulfilled with their 9-5 follow their dreams and pursue their passions. She holds an Honours BA, an MBA as well as a certificate in Dispute Resolution.She is working on her first book,Embrace Your Destiny: 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve!

Connect: 
www.embraceyourdestiny.ca
www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestiny
www.twitter.com/sandradawes

The Mind – The most incredible computer ever!

anna

Our mind is an organizational and functional computer.  Taking a look at our computer and noting that the information that we enter and process is exactly what it will give expel back to us.   This goes to deduce that what information we learn and experience is what we will use to make our decisions.  Therefore if we want to improve ourselves we need to start with improving our minds.  Reading, learning and experiencing our daily lives is what creates even more information to be added and processed.

However our brain can go into brain overload.  We can have too many circuits going off at the same time and to many programs to try and analyze.  The computer freezes when we overload the circuits and so do our incredible brains. Our minds then stop working effectively and we take more time in decision making and work less effectively.

Here are some ideas to help you prevent your brain freeze:

1. Recharge – Do something for you! Pick something that relaxes you.  Exercising, swimming, reading or meditations (my personal favourite) are some ideas. Choose the time that works best for you and do this consistently.

2. Plan the time – We all lead extremely busy lives and we tend to put ourselves last.  How can we possibly give to others when we have nothing left to give?  Take out your calendar or agenda and book in “you” time for the month!!!!!  It is the most effective way to create time for yourself.

3. Write out what is in your head – Take the time to write out your thoughts. Not just tasks, everything. Writing crystallizes thought!!!!  Once they are out of your head you can then decide the

Take care of your mind (a.k.a. computer)!

Anna Ottaviani is a Board Certified NLP Master Practitioner & Master Coach, Board Certified Master Hypnotherapist,Creating Your Future® , Time Line® Therapist Practitioner and Reiki Master. Her methods are unique and tailored to each individual client. She can be reached at www.sucessfullyyou.ca or by phone at 289-221-5772. You can follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/successfullyyou?ref=ts&fref=ts

Overcoming Barriers to success …KFC’s Colonel Harland Sanders did it, so can you!

yvonne

How do you overcome a barrier? By first identifying what the true barrier is. Else the situation continues to be like one rowing a boat, but yet remaining stationary. Take for example, you may have tried your hand at many business ventures, but no luck; you keep applying for jobs, one application after the other but still no luck; or perhaps you continuously find yourself in the same type of destructive relationship again and again?

Before you can move forward, you need to identify what the true barrier is. Note the use of the word ‘true’, which is about identifying the root cause to why you are not getting the job, or your business ventures not working out, or why you’re producing the same results every time.

These barriers can either be internal – barriers within our control or specific to us as individuals i.e. fear, lack of knowledge, poor communication, lack of funds, limited self-belief;  or external – barriers outside of our control i.e. location, health, economy etc.

Focusing on the internal barriers –which are more within our control – we need to take a step back to reflect and identify what the root cause could be. Usually the help of an outside party such a successful entrepreneur, a coach, consultant or even a friend can come in very hand to help identify what the root cause may be. An example of a barrier could be a simple case of someone having vast experience, yet because they are not able to sell or represent themselves effectively on their CV/Resume, they are not being called back for interviews. I have seen this happen several times as a hiring manager, I spend less than one minute first browsing a CV, and if it does not immediately grab my attention, I move on to the next, as I have a pile to get through.

There is a popular quote that says “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. For change to come, we have to be prepared to take a different action to overcome the barriers that keep us from moving forward. My favourite recipe for overcoming barriers includes an intentional reflection of where we are, a generous serving of self-belief, a big dollop of persistence, a dash of fearlessness, and the ability to turn barriers into bridges.

Colonel Harland Sanders of KFC is great example of someone who overcame rejection, poverty and family adversity to create a world renowned brand. At the age of 65, with great belief in his tried and tested recipe, he is said to have set out with $105 to seek out the KFC franchises, and he succeeded. Identify what is holding you back, and persistently work towards overcoming it to get ahead!

 

Yvonne is a High Performance Consultant, Coach and Speaker focused on working with Individuals, Entrepreneurs and Organisations to execute and achieve their goals.   She can be reached at:  www.facebook.com/oliveblueinc,www.twitter.com/oliveblueinc

Courage Is A Trait We Grow Into

anna

The definition of Courage is the ability and willingness to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Physical courage is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.

Such an emotional definition to a part of our being that is so deep within us.  I think back on my life and remember times when I felt I could have been more resourceful or brave in sticking to my wants, needs and ideals.  And as I reflect I notice that I did the best I could with what I knew about myself and the situation at that moment in time.

I believe that there are great levels of courage.  Do you remember the time in school where the bully was picking on someone and you could have said something but didn’t because we were too afraid in that moment?  Were you really afraid or was it that you didn’t know what you could do? At the age of 10 or 12 we knew right from wrong.  Now our more complex brain (our unconscious mind) has influences on our thoughts as well and they are even more powerful.

It is our unconscious that sizes up the situations we are faced with in seconds.  Our wondrous mind looks at the situations and as in the case of the bully asks and responds faster than the speed of light at its own questions.

The questions start:

Should I let this person do this to someone else?

Why isn’t anyone else jumping in?

Am I big enough to help?

What if I am not and no one jumps in to help me?

Will I be able to ever get away from this bully again?

All these questions and more run through and are answered instantaneously.

 

So, let move back to my first thought and that is that courage is a trait that grows as we grow.  The more information and experiences we are introduced to, the more able we are to respond to difficult situations.  We are just people doing the all we can in the best of moments and in the difficult times. Never doubt your courage and trust your instincts.  Your courage is directly connected to that very wholesome part of yourself.

Anna Ottaviani is a Board Certified NLP Master Practitioner & Master Coach, Board Certified Master Hypnotherapist,Creating Your Future® , Time Line® Therapist Practitioner and Reiki Master. Her methods are unique and tailored to each individual client. She can be reached at www.sucessfullyyou.ca or by phone at 289-221-5772. You can follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/successfullyyou?ref=ts&fref=ts

The Importance of Confidence in your Business

sandra

When I first started off as a life coach, I was excited about my new career, but I was also scared.  I was afraid that no one would hire me.  Fearful that no one would believe that I had anything to offer, or that what I had to offer had any value!

If you’re struggling with confidence in your business, your potential clients will sense it!  In order to have a thriving business your clients need to have confidence in your ability to do what they’re hiring you to do.  If you don’t have confidence in yourself and your abilities, how do you expect them to believe that you should get their business?

How do we develop or regain confidence in our abilities when it comes to our business?  The first step is remembering why you started your business in the first place.  You had a calling, a desire to put yourself out there and do something that you love to do.  Maybe you were encouraged by friends or family who recognized your talents to start a business and share your gifts with more people.  Whatever it was that got you excited about your business is what you need to remind yourself of when you start to doubt yourself.  There was a reason you believed that you could make this work, don’t let the challenges and obstacles allow you to lose sight of that!

One of the elements of a business plan is identifying your competitive advantage.  What makes your product or service offering different from all of the others out there?  Once you’re clear on what it is about your business that makes you special, your confidence will take a massive leap!  You’ll know that you have something to offer in a way that no one else does.  When you believe in yourself, your abilities and that you have something special to offer , you’ll be amazed at the opportunities that present themselves to help you grow your business and take it to the next level!

 

Sandra Dawes is a certified life coach specializing in helping women who feel unfulfilled with their 9-5 follow their dreams and pursue their passions. She holds an Honours BA, an MBA as well as a certificate in Dispute Resolution.She is working on her first book,Embrace Your Destiny: 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve!

Connect:
www.embraceyourdestiny.ca
www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestiny
www.twitter.com/sandradawes

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