Are You Socially Inadequate in Your Business?
March 3, 2010 by Alison Prentice
Filed under Business, • Feature
Do you think Facebook is a joke and who wants to read about other peoples’ personal business anyway? Is Twitter for twits and LinkedIn just another way to hook you in? Are you ignoring these and other forms of social networking and social media because you think it is a waste of your time?
Then you my friend are socially inadequate in your business - at least as it pertains to social media and the impact in today’s business world.
Whether it is to support or influence sentiment about your business, or to generate sales, social media even today remains a phenomenon that many businesses are not using – or using effectively.
Did you know that a Fan page is searchable by Google while a group page is not? So why are people still using group pages?
Check out some of your friends Facebook pages – do they also use their pages to drive their business? What does their picture look like? Is it blurry? Is it a webcam photo where their forehead looks 3 times larger than their body? Is it one of those pictures where all you can see is an eye? Is it a professional photo? Are they mixing up family and business photos and content on the same page? How does that reflect their brand?
What about the florist, who really is an outstanding florist, who posts a picture of themselves with their dog on LinkedIn? How does that support the brand? Have they trained their dog to create flower arrangements?
- 80% of companies use LinkedIn as their primary tool to find new employees. Are you there?
- 80% of Twitter users tweet (post their message) outside of Twitter – what would that mean if you had a great customer experience? How fast would a bad customer experience get around?
- Facebook has over 300 million users. More than 1.5 million pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) are shared on Facebook…daily.*
That is a lot of content my friends. And a lot of ways you can get your message out to your customers and potential customers each day. Not by “selling” them anything – oh no! By engaging with your customers. By offering content (information). By allowing them to post their own messages on your page so you get instant feedback on how well you are doing – or not. And if someone does have a beef … how quickly and appropriately you respond to resolve the issue (that does not mean deleting posts you do not like!).
If someone searches for your company on Google – do they get only your website?
What if you were coming up on Fan pages? On blog posts? On ezine articles? What if other people were blogging about you? So now your company is showing up on 5, 10, 20 or more pages. Now you are showing a “presence” on the web that goes beyond your web page.
And once you get the hang of it, it is really not that hard to maintain your social networking site as long as you make the commitment. For example, on our own Fan page I am up at 7 am to check posts and add a new post to the page…every day. It might be a link to another interesting article. It might be a quote. It might be a post about an upcoming event.
The point being that I am committed to make our Fan page a page that engages our customers or potential customers. One that has someone saying “I like this quote – it reflects my own life right now” or another commenting on the taste of one of our products. Or an article that gives a new perspective on an old problem.
Our Fan page (on Facebook) is linked to our Twitter page, which in turn is linked to our LinkedIn profile. So a single post on the Fan page goes to 3 places instantly. Our blog is also linked to the Fan page – so a blog post goes to 4 places instantly. The Fan page is also linked to our website home page – and you can “Become a Fan” right from there.
Other sites are similar – Intent.com posts can be linked to your Facebook AND Twitter accounts. YouTube videos can be embedded in your blog…which goes to your Fan page…which goes to your Twitter account…which goes to your LinkedIn profile…do you see how this works?
There are literally dozens and dozens of networking and social media sites. You should search out the ones most appropriate to your business, and get cracking on setting up your pages.
Here are some more statistics*:
- 25% of search results for the World’s Top 20 largest brands are links to user-generated content
- 34% of bloggers post opinions about products & brands
- People care more about how their social graph ranks products and services than how Google ranks them
- 78% of consumers trust peer recommendations
- Only 14% trust advertisements
- Only 18% of traditional TV campaigns generate a positive ROI (return on investment)
Learning about Facebook and other social media is not a “when I have time” activity. It is something to prioritize now, for the life of your company, your cause, your brand.
*Statistics sourced from: Socialnomics by Erik Qualman
VividLife.me Contributor
Alison Prentice RN BScN
President
Creo Mundi Inc.
(905) 571-3663
(New) www.linkedin.com/pub/alison-prentice/10/a91/0
All Natural Creo Mundi Intentional Protein ¾in TIME magazine March/April 2009 and voted Fan Favourite on The Dragons’ Den season 3 (episode 8)! Available in Loblaw Company stores (in the Natural Value Section) across Canada; working on getting this into the US… ask your local stores to carry us!
Managing Generation XYZ
March 3, 2010 by darcelle
Filed under Business, • Headline
So how do we motivate our employees when we have 3 diverse generations are in the workforces at one time? Understanding the needs and how each generation is motivated and where their technology expertise is will be crucial to succeeding in today’s world. Here is my take on what may work best on methods for working with each generation from my experience as a business owner. There is no consensus on where the dates truly lie so these dates below are an estimation of the classifications for each generation. Did I forget to mention how Generation X rules the world…? Kidding… back to the article.
The Baby Boomers – Born 1946-1964 are 40% of the working population in Canada (Stats Canada 2009). Boomers are career focused mainly because of having to work hard hours in order to stand out from the crowd. Boomers like to put their stamp on their projects and take pride and ownership in their work. Many of today’s baby boomers (soon to be called zoomers perhaps?) also lead healthy lifestyles as well. They thrive on a personally supportive work environment where they can be given small rewards tied to their individual performance. Cash rewards, and promotions work well and resonate with this group. Supporting time away also works as they begin to deal with aging parents and their own children at the same time. They want to be known for who they are and prefer face to face as opposed to email or phone. You will want to show them how to collaborate and often having face to face meetings work best. Helping them work on a part time basis past retirement age is what this generation prefers as they ease into a new way of life.
The Generation X’ers – Born 1965-1980, and we are 30% of the population in Canada (Stats Canada 2009). Ok I will say it… they grew up in the shadow of the boomers and are pretty independent if I say so myself. They have seen an incredible amount of change during our generation with the introduction of AIDS, the Shuttle and many airline disasters, the fall of the Berlin Wall and multiple wars and conflicts. However they are a resilient lot who have entered into the workforce when companies and governments were downsizing. This led to remaining marketable as an employee, positive and determined but also gave us a love for more in life than simply working for another company. They place high value on life outside of work and are unsure of our retirement standings. Generation Xers are independent and are more adapt to change careers or jobs and remain competitive in the marketplace because of this. They love working from home and so managing this group differs from Boomers. They love technology but are also used to old school methods and so possibly more research is done before purchasing or believing its worth. The downfall is that Generation Xers want immediate action, feedback, gratification and so being direct is key. Be straightforward and dealing with issues quickly are the best way to provide feedback and support. It is about telling them what needs to be done and then letting them go to it. There won’t be micromanaging necessary here, but to entice them with good pay, or flexible work times and vacation time.
Generation Y – Born 1981-2000 comprise about 29.5% of the population in Canada (Stats Canada 2009). This generation has been born into a culturally more diverse community with more acceptance of everything different from themselves which is a great thing. They have been encouraged to have their own voice. However they have been surrounding by a lot of violence and support from adults other than their parents which has added to them being used to receiving a lot of guidance. They have been told yes but with options, almost to the point of a barter system, and do not place the same value on work as the other generations. With technology changing at a rapid rate they also not used to many traditional methods and may need more direction around certain company “methods” with an explanation why. They want absolute instant gratification and are used to calling the shots and love being seen and so job shadowing and mentoring programs can work well for this group. They are used to learning about technology on their own and need that informal constant gratification so let them know when they are doing a good job… often. They are also multi-tasker oriented when it comes to communication and technology so forming teams and collaboration can work well. Since unrealistic expectations on salary may be present let them know that the position will help their resume and support bonuses and creative pay methods.
Regardless of which category you fall under or which employees you have working for you the main point is that everyone is an individual and that recognizing the differences in everyone is crucial to understanding people and having employees that are happy and that remain with your company. Employee retention is so important as it costs time and ultimately dollars when we lose employees. Working with each group does require some thought and consideration and starts with understanding and acceptance to all that is great about the world of business.
VividLife.me Contributor
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? Feel Free. Simply include this blurb with it: Darcelle Runciman is a Mentor, Author, Speaker, and CEO of Strategic Biz Builder. Darcelle coaches entrepreneurs and business owners on understanding their brilliance and how to increase their profits for their companies by taking strategic steps to gain clarity and retain that balance that we all strive for. Darcelle works with groups, through speaking engagements, tele-classes, online products, and Adventure Mentoring Programs. For more information visit www.darcellerunciman.com or www.strategicbizbuilder.com .
Run Your Business on Divine Time
Running a business that is successful takes work, patience and timing. So what happens when things don’t go our way? Well I think that we have to look back at the choices we have made and understand that those choices have an effect on what is occurring in our business at that very moment. Patience for something is important but understanding and recognizing it when it comes our way is another. Without patience we tend to worry, or have feelings of being insecure which can lead to bad choices. I have been told that I am very patience, however this was not always the case… so where did the change occur where was the discrepancy? Well some of it was timing of the person in my life and sometimes it can be a reflection on what they see at that moment.
I have come to learn that having patience requires faith and trust. It is the faith that everything will go as planned but that it may not always look how I planned it in the end. It is in the recognizing that it has the flavour of what you asked for that is the beauty of the result. Trusting that it is what you asked for and a knowing that based on what you know, that it is the best possible result for you. There are times when a delay is taken as a rejection of what we are asking for. But if we just have the faith that what we are asking for is around the corner and trust in that fact, that is when having patience brings forth the fruit of that trust.
So how do we take some of this knowledge and apply it to our businesses? Well the biggest challenge in business is waiting… are we making the right choices, doing the right things, having the right results and making a profit all at the same time? How do we know if we are on the right track? Well our results are shown in our profit margins, our employees are happy, and bills are paid, all the evidence is revealed that our efforts are paying off. There are times when we have asked for something however, and we get impatient, loose trust that it will come and what happens is we forget to have faith and patience and at times do not recognize it when it does come because it is in a format that we do not see.
What is missing is that inner peace and knowing. Understanding how to make the right choices at the right time in the right order and trusting your gut. We know that all successful business owners trust their gut, trust the divine, trust in spirit that things in the end will work out. I have learned to trust that every decision I make has a result and that when I ask for something that sometimes, God gives me the answer but in his own way and that it is my job to recognize that and have faith that it is on its way or that the answer is the best possible result.
We will always be tested that is for sure, but we must persevere and stay steadfast in our desired result. The challenge can sometimes be to remember that it is happening on spirits time and not our own…. This is where the patience comes into play! I am still learning to surrender even when doing business that the answer will come and the results I desire are on its way. Believe that as long as you do your best and have good intentions that the result will always be positive and assist you if you have asked for the right reasons. Life tests us at every turn, and the beauty of having true patience is if you are listening and aware when you are given results, that part of the success of life is simply to be aware of that. Remember that your business results will be based on what you do, what and how you ask, your patience level, how much action you take, and if you recognize the answer when it arrives.
VividLife.me Contributor
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? Feel Free. Simply include this blurb with it: Darcelle Runciman is a Mentor, Author, Speaker, and CEO of Strategic Biz Builder. Darcelle coaches entrepreneurs and business owners on understanding their brilliance and how to increase their profits for their companies by taking strategic steps to gain clarity and retain that balance that we all strive for. Darcelle works with groups, through speaking engagements, tele-classes, online products, and Adventure Mentoring Programs. For more information visit www.darcellerunciman.com or www.strategicbizbuilder.com.
Free Shares
February 17, 2010 by Marcia
Filed under Business, • Headline
Free Shares…
(Share with us and we will “Share” with you.)
According to the book, The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe , “The America of today feels worse, in its fundamentals, than the one many of us remember from youth, a society presided over by those of supposedly lesser consciousness. Wherever we look, from L.A. to D.C., from Oklahoma City to Sun City, we see paths to a foreboding future. We yearn for civic character but satisfy ourselves with symbolic gestures and celebrity circuses. We perceive no greatness in our leaders, a new meanness in ourselves. Small wonder that each new election brings a new jolt, its aftermath a new disappointment.
Given the current Unraveling-era mood of personal indulgence and public despair, now may seem like a hopeless time to redirect the course of history. But you will learn how, by applying the principles of seasonality, we can steer our destiny. It’s time to trust our instincts, think seasonally, and prepare. Forewarned is forearmed.”
We are creating that future Now, in the present… with your help we are building Stock Harmony. Stock Harmony is the Corporate Social Network whose mission is to Integrate Harmony between investors / customers and the corporations they invest in. We are building the currency of trust by creating the “FaceBook” of the corporate world, were YOU can connect, communicate and share like never before.
As investors / customers ourselves we know that open, honest communication between investors and the companies they invest in would make all of the difference in creating more lucid markets. Together we are building an online corporate social network designed to bring investors and companies together in a 24/7/365 virtual investor conference. Stock Harmony is a community that fosters an ethical dialogue between and among corporations and investors. This conversation creates an environment of transparency and trust.
Hundreds of millions of people are reaching out to connect, communicate and share like never before. By utilizing all of the tools and utilities currently available to social media, plus adding all of the necessary investing apparatus and some amazing new options, Stock Harmony’s intention is to foster and grow, “the currency of trust.”
With your help, we are attracting board members, management, investors and corporations to mentor and build Stock Harmony into becoming its full potential of being thee online resource for all conversation within the corporate world. This forum will not only provide investors the opportunity to learn about current and potential new investment opportunities but will provide corporations with a world scale audience that previously was only fractionally available. In exchange for your participation, we would like to give you a vested interest in Stock Harmony’s success in the form of Free Shares.
With YOUR input regarding what is currently working for you. What you like to see available and your selections as to who you would like to help create Change in the markets. We would like your suggestions for possible people for the Stock Harmony team who have a strong background in the corporate world as well as the passion to bring transparency to the markets. You are being offered the opportunity to add your voice, ideas and suggestions to the creation of the Stock Harmony Corporate Social Network. .
Why are we doing this and why do we want your help? That is simple; we are investors and business owners who have invested in some great companies and some not so great ones. It is the companies who are not keeping their investors informed with happenings that we intend to encourage to do better, to step up and start putting the best interest of the investor and the environment ahead of the lining of their own pockets. We know that creating new solutions to old problems will be the only way to correct the turmoil we are currently facing. Just imagine if you will, if the critical mass of social networkers were writing about your company and how well you were doing in running it …picture what that conversation could do for the stock price and on the flip side if they also wrote about the companies that were not being open, honest and transparent…it would be short order before the these company’s either changed their tune or went under. {to give you an idea, Facebook has over 360,000,000 members, My-Space has over 253,000,00 members.}
We are in the ‘Fourth Turning’ therefore we must adjust our thoughts and actions in order to transcend past this cycle in not only the financial world but also in life. By doing what we have always done, we will always get the same results. Therefore the time is right to do something differently; to step past old beliefs and start working together. We believe this is the fastest way to success. That is why we are partnering up with likeminded companies whose intention is to see a business world created on a win/ win/ win philosophy.
This note is your call to action to move past what is and help create what can be! Please let us know what you currently like in the markets, what features help you now, and what you would like available to you that is not presently there. Tell us who you would like to see a part of the team. Voice your recommendations and claim your FREE shares. You can BE a part of the change that you would like to see in the world.
Please click http://www.stockharmony.com because, we look forward to hearing from YOU.
Most Humbly,
Marcia Johnson
VividLife.me Contributor
Co-founder and President of Stock Harmony
Proud to be A Featured Author here on Vivid Life!
You can also join us on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stock-Harmony/97477988225?ref=ts or on our radio show page : http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=50153108325&ref=ts
P.S. If YOU know a company that needs to be a part of Stock Harmony … do let us know and WE will highlight them on our show!
Find a Green Job in 2010
February 4, 2010 by Julie Urlaub
Filed under Business, • Feature
Whether currently employed or looking for work, there is a new generation of professionals seeking to leverage their education and experience to promote eco awareness and business sustainability in the workplace. The question is, “Where do you go to find “green” jobs”?
First, pursuing a “green” career is a natural extension of living an eco friendly lifestyle. Those embracing eco awareness in their lives, naturally seek to have that expressed in the workplace.
In my sustainability consulting, I’ve noticed there are individuals seeking existing green jobs, some want to create their own environmental business, while others prefer to transform their current roles by integrating sustainability concepts in to their workplace. Regardless of the intent, there are several paths towards a green job.
Currently employed:
Keep in mind, every job is a green job: it’s all in how you do it. Granted, there are designated “green” jobs out there. However, if it is making an impact and making a difference that you are truly after, then transforming your current job into a green job is the ticket. How to do it?
- In your current position, be the change you aim to see.
- Become involved in projects and activities that embrace green concepts and promote business sustainability. If your company has a sustainability program, this is a great place to start.
- Consider your approach to your current position. No one knows your job better than you. You have a better chance of discovering ways to improve processes and integrate efficiency, waste management, and other green principals more than anyone. Perform your job from the perspective of how can I do my job in a more eco friendly manner.
- Take eco action in your daily activities: recycle, commit to paperless, share with others what you are doing and why you are doing it and get them involved.
- Engage management by incorporating sustainability concepts in your personal development plan.
- Take on new green roles and projects in the organization: start a recycling program, lead a paper free initiative, host a lunch and learn providing local and organic foods
- Become the “go-to” person for all things green.
- Expand your corporate green network: engage in internal business activities, networking events, internal and external training, professional organizations, and business communities. An easy option to engage in your company’s community outreach programs.
Job Seekers:
- Utilize traditional companies: Begin by listing companies that you are familiar with or that you have expressed interest in employment. Visit their websites to identify the company values, determine if there is a sustainability plan or environmental business section. The goal here is to confirm your values and those of the company match up. If so, apply for a posted position and during the interview process, distinguish yourself from other candidates with your intent, actions, and commitment you can apply to that position that promotes and accelerates eco awareness and the environmental policy of the company.
- Leverage social media to connect with other sustainability likeminded folks. Learn about where are they working or how they found their green job. For example, participate in environmental businesses, and green tech groups on LinkedIn.
Finally, check out the job boards. Listed are several places to get you started in your pursuit of sustainable employment.
- Directory of Green Jobs
- Green Dream Jobs
- Green Profs
- Technical Green
- Juicy jobs
- Renewable Energy Jobs
- SustainLane
- TreeHugger
- GreenBiz
- GreenGigs
- GreenCareerCentral
- Bright Green Talent
- Green business opportunities
With a desire to extend green living to the workplace, there are employment options available to you. Make 2010 a green year!
Balancing Business and Spirit
February 4, 2010 by darcelle
Filed under Business, • Headline
The start of a new year can mean a fresh start and an opportunity to set new goals and priorities. So how can we prioritize and be productive at the same time? By spending time on what matters to you the most and recognizing that it is ok to have some downtime in your life.
One of the most common time wasters is procrastination. We are all guilty of doing it and what it creates is negative vibration which surrounds us until we complete the task. We postpone work, leave the call for another day, or reschedule appointments. What is it we are afraid of? Perhaps work, success, failure or all of the above?
Well the largest time waster can be from lack of focus. I have to say my partner is exceptional with his ability to focus, which is what I value and love about him. So how about the rest of us? Once we have structured our goals for the year, what will keep us on track to keeping those commitments we have made to ourselves. The most successful people keep their focus on their passion and what they want to achieve and do not sway from that. They do what it takes to commit and have created a plan for their day.
Planning is vital in eliminating time-wasting and procrastination. It helps you to accomplish what you set out to do and gives you guidance along the way. So create a plan and then apply action steps towards its achievement. It does not have to happen overnight however if you have a laid out guidance system for what it is you want to achieve in your work day you are more likely to be able to accomplish more than you would have if you did not write it down, or decided it was ok to leave it in your head. Writing it on paper the night before or first thing in the morning leaves your mind clear and gives you the energy and direction you need when you begin your task.
Making sure you understand what your own sabotaging behaviours are will also help you to keep focused and on track. The following list is things you can do to ensure you are taking positive action towards achieving your desired results.
- Focus on your priorities before you start your day.
- Tackle the hardest things first.
- Not answering the phone in the morning or letting people into your office until your difficult tasks are complete.
- Have clear objectives to what you want to achieve.
- Start early in the day.
- Focus on the most productive tasks.
- Make phone calls short and sweet.
- Clearly define your desired results.
- Accept personal responsibility in your life.
- Love yourself and don’t take life so seriously.
- Love life and have confidence.
- Keep on track to what it is you want.
- Don’t give up. Never. If it is your passion. Never give up.
- Keep distractions in check.
- Stay motivated by taking time for balance.
Honoring your spirit and taking time for yourself are true keys to more focused business and life. It is ok to ask for help in trying to achieve your goals. Have a mentor or a focus buddy that will assist in keeping you accountable and on track. Create more balance by nurturing your spirit and taking the downtime necessary for each day.
By spending time each evening to review your day and staying accountable to your results, enables you to see the wonderful accomplishments that have been made for that day. In the end, when you celebrate each tiny step forward toward your goal, you celebrate yourself.
VividLife.me Contributor
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? Feel Free. Simply include this blurb with it: Darcelle Runciman is a Mentor, Author, Speaker, and CEO of Strategic Biz Builder. Darcelle coaches entrepreneurs and business owners on understanding their brilliance and how to increase their profits for their companies by taking strategic steps to gain clarity and retain that balance that we all strive for. Darcelle works with groups, through speaking engagements, tele-classes, online products, and Adventure Mentoring Programs. For more information visit www.darcellerunciman.com or www.strategicbizbuilder.com.
Sustaining Your Business in 2010
What is the way to a sustainable business in this new decade? Running a successful business takes knowledge, passion and drive. Part of success is being conscious of our thoughts and how they determine our environment and at the same time being eductated on where our business is at and what we need to do to continue the success of our companies. Thoughts plus words, plus action equals our results which determine where our business will be heading based on what we do at the beginning of the year. So how and where do we begin? Here are just a few quick tips for creating the business you want.
- Being clear about your business direction. Do you have a strategic plan for your company? Establishing the direction for your business for the next year, 3, and 5 years or more are important in your overall plan. A plan that discusses your markets, direction of your company, vision and a solid direction of the financial status of your business.
- Have a strong product. Having a strong product and a solid brand adds to the continuity of the company. If the product is not strong, customers will not buy from you. Ensure that your knowledge about the product can be seen, and heard by your customer.
- Proper research and marketing that works. Who is your target market? What is the industry norm and how can you market your niche. Being able to adapt to changing market and not wallow in problems is vital for an entrepreneur. Working smart, having good systems and taking deliberate action is an important factor to being able to keep up with the giants in the industry. Advertise and market like crazy and create amazing fresh ideas that will get you noticed.
- Know your numbers. Having well laid out 5 year targets that are in line with today’s economy. Have a business plan and know what you need to grow. Have a balanced framework with your product, marketing and financial operations. Understanding where you stand, and what you need to achieve your end goal is important and really the key.
- Have excellent customer service. Client’s are gold. 20% of your clients give you 80% of your revenue. Encouraged your customers, show them you care. Consider referral bonuses, talk with your customers, advertise and make them feel like they are not alone. Listen to their stories about their lives let them know they are valued as people.
As Entrepreneurs we were never meant to do it all alone. Having a team to support the overall plan and business is vital to the success of a company. You can understand aspects of your business but you can never do all things 100% effectively on your own. Doing what your brilliance is and having a team to manage the rest while you oversee the process makes a successful company.
VividLife.me Contributor
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? Feel Free. Simply include this blurb with it: Darcelle Runciman is a Mentor, Author and CEO of Strategic Biz Builder. Darcelle coaches entrepreneurs and business owners on understanding their brilliance and how to increase their profits for their companies by taking strategic steps to gain clarity and retain that balance that we all strive for. Darcelle works with groups, through speaking engagements, tele-classes, online products, and Adventure Mentoring Programs. For more information visit www.darcellerunciman.com and sign up for her Free audio on 12 -Tips to Profiting in Business, and Free weekly Ezine “Inspired Business”. Also you check out www.strategicbizbuilder.com .
Travesty at the Airports!
January 20, 2010 by Marcia
Filed under Business, • Headline
As someone who fly’s more than average, I was very disappointed to learn about the latest airline idiot who has created even more Fear and panic than there ever needed to be when it comes to flying. It is not that I am anti safety measures, nor am I someone who lives in a bubble, it is just that I feel that we the majority (people who fly should have human rights, respect and humility) when we walk through the rouse of “sovereign” nation of the international airport.
What is it going to take before people say…enough is enough! Stop wasting money on treating the symptom and let’s start considering curing the causes. These band-aid solutions are not going to keep working for too much longer before people get wise to the “swindle” taking place right before our eyes. What if instead of spending more money to hire people to scavenger through the underwear in my carry on …we start looking outside the airport to once and for all correct the problems. Outside, like the other 750 redundant levels of government bureaucracy that was set up to police the suspected terrorists in the first place. “I am sure that these systems of government run almost as effectively as every other level of government” I say extremely sarcastically ..(with the exception of the tax department blood hounds.) That is why it gets a lot more press announcing changes at the airport rather than the pulling up the governments’ socks and communication skills between departments.
It was all a magic trick pulled on not only the nation but also the world by broadcasting no more liquids over 100ml. Magicians use diversionary tactics in order to successfully pull off a trick. This diversion involved participation by every single audience member…we the flyer’s, all of the sudden the government is doing something! Outstanding…but wait, hold on a second, what has this accomplished? Countless hours of lost time, billions of government (our $) debt spending, and loads of money spent on site at the airport by bilking customers that now have to get their liquid fix behind the gates.
So before everyone is subject to pre-flight enemas, can we have some changes in the places that really could make a difference? In the agencies that were set up to combat it all from happening. Why didn’t anyone listen (this time) when President Obama hit the nail on the head by publicly announcing that the “SYSTEM failed! “ He said the system failed… that mean’s the PEOPLE, the conversation and the practices failed! So, instead of firing the cafeteria lunch lady because the cow never produced milk…. (I know it doesn’t make any sense.) What if we were to address the real problem, fix it and carry on…instead of continuing to live in the anti-democracy that we have now, where the few dictate to the many?
Think about this for a second, “Your chances of being involved in an aircraft accident are about 1 in 11 million. On the other hand, your chances of being killed in an automobile accident are 1 in 5000.”
Let’s address the ridiculous overlap of government fractions and start streamlining, simplify and fix what is not working. Focus on conversation, communication and restoring the dignity of the frequent flyer. Think about how much safer it would be if the right hand knew what the left hand was doing… but that would mean intelligence sharing and to do that, it would take some intelligence to start with. Let’s get it together!
Let’s focus on what is not working…so that we can create Solutions that will create the change that will be effective.
I am on my way to the airport on Saturday, the nice thing is that it is a smaller airport so the lines etc, will not be a problem. Paying for luggage… I can handle, no carryon… is not great but let’s do something before the smaller airports have to do naked pat downs because they can’t justify the multi-million dollar expense for the transparent body scan machine. PLEASE!
Humbly Yours,
Marcia
VividLife.me Contributor
Blog http://www.eaupening.blogspot.com/
Web http://www.stockharmony.com/
Twitter http://twitter.com/Marciajk
Featured Contributor on http://www.vividlife.me/
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The Journey toward Financial Leadership – Lead Yourself Out of Debt for Good!
It was just a few short weeks ago that we enjoyed the spirit of the holiday season, but now as many of us open our credit card statements the abundance of the holidays may seem more like a case of temporary seasonal insanity!!!
It’s so easy to overspend during the holidays. After all, we’ve all seen the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and he’s nobody’s hero. If you’re one of the many who feel like you’re caught in the vicious cycle of overspending and then regretting, perhaps you’re ready for a more enlightened approach to personal finance that will prevent this cycle from repeating itself next year. Perhaps you’re ready to embark on the journey toward personal financial leadership.
Stop Here!!! Don’t let your eyes glaze over!!! There is a part of you that wants to ignore this concept and any solution that will bring you freedom…that’s the part of you that is sabotaging your best efforts and keeping you stuck in the problem. Please ask this part of you to quietly take a back seat, at least for a few minutes while you read the rest of this article and embrace a solution. It’s my hope that in the next few paragraphs you will find the motivation to lead yourself out of debt for good.
To begin, let’s take a closer look at the concept of financial leadership. I define Financial Leadership as “the ability to use money Intentionally with meaning, purpose and direction to create the fulfilling lives we desire”. First and foremost, financial leadership requires that each of us create a compelling personal vision. This is a vision for a future that feels positive and attainable. Your vision points the way. It inspires you to overcome the challenges and reveal more of your true potential. I can’t emphasize enough how truly essential having vision is to making successful choices with money. Without a vision of where you want to go, how will you make important decisions about where to employ your resources?
Still, you may be wondering how having a personal vision can lead you out of debt for good. The answer lies both in your being aware of what motivates the choices you make around money and in understanding the nature of money itself. Money = Energy. It enables us to get work done. Think about money as a natural resource: think about it in the same way you think about fuel. When coaching people to use money intentionally, I like to use the car analogy: If you are a car, money is the fuel and your vision is the destination. We all have a finite amount of fuel in our tank. If we know where we are going, does it make sense for us to waste the fuel in our tank on side trips that are meaningless and take us off our path? Or, is it wise to use the fuel in our tank to support us on our journey toward our desired destination? It is the same way with money. If you don’t use it in a way that supports you in getting where you want to go, you just may never get there. Taking this analogy a little further, if you know your journey is going to be a long one, you will want to have a reserve of energy to draw on. This reserve is like your financial foundation. The bigger your vision the stronger your foundation needs to be.
Consumer debt can weaken our personal and financial foundation: it compromises our ability to reach for the stars. Often the ‘stuff’ we buy with it weighs us down on our journey instead of supporting us in getting there. It distracts us and robs us of the energy to attain our highest goals. We suffer from this energy drain more than we realize: it limits our desires and robs us of our confidence, in doing so it creates a vicious cycle, where we spend to feel better, but we end up feeling worse; we spend to appear stronger, but we end up feeling more vulnerable.
“A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power.” ~ Brian Tracy
The key to breaking this cycle is to focus not on the debt and the fear, but on your vision and the energy you need to achieve it. Once your vision is clear enough, you will have an innate desire to structure your finances in such a way, as to support your journey in achieving your goals. You will care enough about your resources to create a plan for their use and stick with it. The financial choices we make are highly personal and demand a personal and holistic approach based on who we “be” and who we want to “be-come”. Financial Planning is about making you stronger, so that you can embrace your future with strength and confidence. This is the essence of Financial Leadership and it will forever change the way you use money.
You know you’re capable of more…clarify your vision and get a plan to get out of debt for good!
VividLife.me Contributor
Click here to join Aileen and Marnee Bruno in a 8 week Webinar where you will learn to Build a Solid Financial Foundation and Create Wealth that Lasts!
Aileen Miga is a Certified Financial PlannerTM , Author and Coach who helps individuals, families and organizations make a connection between their vision, values, personal fulfillment, and money. Together with Dr. Janice Hughes, Aileen is co-author of Inspired Wealth: Financial Leadership for the 21st Century www.inspiredwealth.com .
Live Your Authentic Self – Even in Business
January 6, 2010 by darcelle
Filed under Business, • Headline
Happy New Year! I love the start of the New Year because it lends to a natural transition into a new phase and a time to evaluate your business success over the year. It enables you to look at where you want to be both personally and professionally.
Living authentically means living with integrity to me and honoring what truly nurtures our soul. Well, I believe you can have a successful business and be embracing your authentic self at the same time. Success means many things to each of us and having business success while important to me and something I aspire to daily and help other businesses achieve, having success within your personal life is just as important.
We do not always have to have a traumatic event to wake us up however sometimes it helps change us, and make us stronger. However, having had a wonderful holiday with many life events, 2 wedding announcements, an engagement party, and a funeral…. Life really gets put into perspective especially during the holidays when family is together and emotions run high.
What I was reminded over the holidays was that family will always be there for you or at least with you no matter what. That love is such an easy thing to share, and that truth will set you free. That the happiest people truly teach us valuable lessons, one of which is that people are stronger than they believe. What an amazing 2 weeks I experienced, and my wish for you is that you all have a prosperous and wonderful year where you honor your values and hold the people dear to you close to your heart. Life is so precious and exciting and in business all of those emotions and values can continue as we support our dreams and goals for our own business success.
Here are some thoughts to help you create the authentic life you want for yourself, your business and in your personal life for 2010.
1. Take ownership for your life as you are 100% responsible for it and the quality of it. Live by your values and have an understanding of what they are and ensure they are YOUR values and don’t belong to someone else. Learn how to transport those values into your business and keep your life consistent and nurturing.
2. Understand your true brilliance. What are your strengths, why are you here? We each have a life purpose and that is to honor what we do best. Learning about what you do well will inevitably lead to happiness within your soul and strengthen your business as you access those skills. Every minute and action you take will show your true brilliance if you are committed to yourself and mastery.
3. Have a hunger for learning. Some of the most successful business owners continue to learn throughout their career. Learning becomes an obsession, a tale about what works best, how to grow your company, what questions to ask, how to choose the right employees, how to expand your business and what are the best practices for doing so. All of these are questions business owners face at one time or another and the most effective people are the ones who can constantly shift their positions as they absorb this new information.
4. Act in spite of fear, doubt and worry. We are all told we must have positive thoughts and that our thoughts determine our results. Yes very true, however we are human also… sometimes things are not always as we want them to be. That’s ok, however being authentic and in the moment on a continuous basis despite what is happening around us truly makes for a successful person and business. How do you react to difficult situations? Are you letting your fears, and doubts stop you from taking action? How much money will that delay and fear cost your business? Make concise, educated decisions and act! Act as if you will not fail and watch what you then achieve.
5. Set Achievement Dates. Much like goals, achievement dates are a more positive non restrictive way to set a timeline on what you would like to accomplish with your business. Make sure that your achievements can be measurable or they will get lost as a wish or a good idea without a follow through action to know it have been accomplished.
Be passionate, consistent, and honor your values. Know who you are and what your brilliance is and have focus to achieve what you desire for your business. Become known for honoring your commitment to authenticity, integrity and excellence.
VividLife.me Contributor
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? Feel Free. Simply include this blurb with it: Darcelle Runciman is a Mentor, Author and CEO of Strategic Biz Builder. Darcelle mentors entrepreneurs and small business owners how to use systems and their brilliance to increase their profits and create money making businesses by showing you steps to take to gain clarity and retain that balance that we all strive for. Darcelle works with groups, through tele-classes, through her online products, and her Adventure Mentoring Programs. For more information visit www.darcellerunciman.com and sign up for her Free audio on 12 -Tips to Profiting in Business, and her Free Ezine “Inspired Business”. Also check out www.strategicbizbuilder.com
