Holistic Business

I read a lot of coaches blogs and see my clients speak to their audience all the time on fear. Specifically how it can immobilize you and keep you from experiencing business success.

Fear of failure/success really go hand in hand. I’m experiencing that myself right now.

I’ve had some wonderful opportunities present themselves to me over the last week or two. These are things that if I bring them to their full fruitition will put me beyond my wildest dreams from when I first started my business over 5 years ago.

Do I know I can do it? Yup, without a doubt! Well, then, why am I frightened?

I’m not afraid of succeeding, I truly can’t be! I’m not just talking about the monetary end of this, although that is the springboard.

So, I have to believe my fear of success is directly related to (ta-da!) my fear of failure.

Who the hell do I think I am to achieve financial freedom (I don’t require a lot, I’m not a “stuff” person)? What makes me think I can pull this off? These questions I can quickly answer and set myself straight. That leads to the next question:

Are you actualy afraid (now, be real honest Joy) that you can’t pull it off and am going to fall flat on your face?

Yes, I’d have to say that is it. I don’t like that - need to work on it this week and pull myself out of it.

I know that these issues will keep me from taking chances. They really aren’t chances either, just a bit outside of my norm and new ground for me. I know I’m a smart, hard-working woman and anything in my life I’ve really put my mind to - I’ve achieved. So, this will be no different.

Ah, feel much better now. I give myself great pep talks.

I know one thing for me, no matter how many times I’m watch it, it always leaves me full of spunk and a real “can-do” attitude - watching “The Secret.” I apply LOA to my life everyday, but there are times it kind of gets pushed to the background and I need a re-charge. So, that is going on my to-do list for tomorrow morning.

I’m also real excited because I ordered some products (well, actually signed up as a distributor) that I believe are going to transform my life. I can’t wait to receive them, try them, and then be able to honestly promote the products. I’ve spoken to quite a few people about them, and have received some phenomenal feedback that I 100% respect and believe.

Here is my question to you -

What do you do to pull yourself together when this type of fear grabs you? Do you have a method you employ, or maybe even teach? What happens when someone has to consistently give themselves pep talks to get out of this mire?

I’d love to hear from you!

Namaste ~ ~ ~

Technorati Tags: Fear of failure, fear of success, The Secret, LOA

I tried my best to stay away from the news and keep myself from searching out the story on Michael Vick of the NFL and the allegations of running a dog fighting operation.

This morning, I received this link from a client that was passed on to her that gives the phone number to call and leave your thoughts with the NFL as to what should happen. Suspension is what is being pushed, I won’t get into what I think should happen to him outside of the NFL.

This is Maggie.

Look at that face. How can it not sicken each and every person reading this?

She is part pit bull. She found us close to 10 years ago on the streets of Trenton, NJ. She had open wounds indicative of dog fighting. There was evidence that she had recently given birth to a litter of pups. She had heartworm and was near starvation. The first vet we took her to recommended we just put her down. Fortunately, we found someone that saw what we did in her eyes and her heart.

I’ll be giving her some extra-extra love today.

I can’t really write any more because I’m just so disgusted about this whole thing.

Please, do whatever you can. This recent story is getting headlines because of who he is. He’s certainly not the only one - this abuse happens every day.

Technorati Tags: Michael Vick, dog fighting, pit bull

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO A CAPITAL SOLUTION!!!

5 years today! Whoop-EEEE!!!

I’m finally feeling the transformation from the larval stage. Do you know what I’m talking about?

Thanks to a great group of Virtual Assistants over at the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce and especially Danielle Keister I have a much different business than I did 5 years ago (heck, even 1 year ago). Danielle really was instrumental in pointing out better, smarter, and wiser business practices! Thanks Danielle - I could not have asked for a better mentor and friend (geez, I’m getting choked up, now I know how why actors blubber on stage when accepting awards!).

Oh, and of course, if it wasn’t for the support of my husband I never would have had the courage or finances to plunge right from full-time employment to full-time business owner.

So, all in all, I am one grateful gal!

OK, I was talking about transformations.

Take a caterpillar for example. You can’t point at it and call it a butterfly. Under the right conditions someday it will be, but the universe throws curve balls. It needs to evade predators (in the VA world there are people who prey upon new VAs), have the right weather conditions (good vs. bad business decisions), and a little bit of luck (good friends, family, and mentors).

I am so happy to have entered into this new stage of my business (my wings are almost dry) and am thrilled with my decision to work within the Holistic Business community.

One of the things I’m most excited about is the launching of the Holistic Business Networking forum. My vision is to provide a warm and comfy spot for like-minded business people to share, grow, make new friends, and prosper.

Here’s to the next year - Cheers!

Technorati Tags: Virtual Assistant, Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce, Danielle Keister, Holistic Business, Holistic Business Networking

This is a bit of a rant.

Customer service in retail establishments has withered away to where it is almost non-existant. Or at least where I live it has.

I’m not even talking about the large mega-stores. I’m noticing it at the small local gas station and liquor store. I was out running errands the other day and realized that I, as the customer, was the one saying “Thank You” after being handed my change and receipt.

This is just wrong. I have even been pretty sure that times this has happened it’s been the owner.

It really hit home when I received a handwritten thank you note in the mail from another Virtual Assistant, Vickie Turley. I had spent some time on the phone with Vickie as we were comparing notes and likes and dislikes with various auto-responders and shopping cart software we work with. I consider Vickie a friend (I know the feeling is mutual!) - and she sent me a thank you! Now - that’s class!

I know it’s not worth getting myself all stressed over, but I might try saying “You’re Welcome” instead and see how THAT goes over.

Technorati Tags: Customer service, Thank You, Virtual Assistant, auto-responders, shopping cart

I’ve been receiving and reading Betty Crowson’s newsletter, The Joy is in the Journey, for some time now. I always find inspiration and heartfelt advice.

February’s newsletter really hit home and I had to write about it and thank Betty.

Among other topics in this month’s newsletter, Betty writes about grief.

The month of February is a tough one for me. Both my parents and my brother-in-law passed in February. Dad 16 years ago, Mom 13, and my brother-in-law 2 years.

One of the points Betty makes is that you need to give yourself permission to grieve. I can so relate to this. I can remember being concerned that I was not “getting over” the death of my mother as quickly as I thought I should. Once I stopped worrying about it and just going with my feelings, things started to look up. Even all these years later, I find myself overcome at times of jubilation and tragedy that I don’t have Mom to turn to. Even for no apparent reason sometimes. The difference now is that I allow myself to go have a good cry and pamper myself a bit.

So, I wrote Betty a personal thank you for her inspiring writing and wanted to pass along the link to her Web site and newsletter sign up. I only recommend things I totally believe in - and this is one of them.

I also want to suggest to everyone - when you receive a newsletter and really connect or gain from something that is written - let the author know. I’m sure they appreciate it and really want to know what their readers find the most helpful. I know I would.

Thanks again Betty!

The Joy is in the Journey

Technorati Tags: Betty Crowson, The Joy is in the Journey,