Holistic Business

Jenn Givler, (I’ve recently embraced Jenn in to my circle of friends) and I are having a conversation at the Holistic Business Networking forum about dropping the ball. I posed the question as to why we let it happen. Jenn commented that she has recently worked with some of her clients on that very subject - and quite often it comes down to fear.

I can relate to that. I have to admit there have been times its held me back.
All those what-ifs.

What if I start a Web site/blog/workshop/tele-seminar/newsletter and nobody shows up or signs up?

It’s not fear of the work involved in doing those things (well, maybe a little). The fear of failure can often times put us right there in the failure mode. Law of Attraction at its finest (or worst).

Taking steps and putting yourself out there is frightening - but it is so empowering when you do!

Check out Jenn’s article about promoting your Holistic Business and be sure to sign up for her newsletter.

And - get out there and show us your stuff!

Namaste ~ ~

Technorati Tags: Jenn Givler, Holistic Business Networking, Law of Attraction, Holistic Business

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,