I Just Can't Do it Anymore!

Seriously.  I've had it.  It finally happened.

As an entrepreneur, we have this tendency to handle everything ourselves.  We start with our Big Idea, the one that sparks a flame inside that turns into an inferno.  We HAVE to share it with the world.  It's our passion, our mission.  We fan the flames for a little while to determine if there's a way to turn our passion into a viable business.

If you are an entrepreneur in ANY phase of the game, then you know exactly what I'm talking about.  You've been there, done that, have the T-shirt.  Er, should I say, the website?!

Stop Motion of My Own Little World on Pay It Forward Day

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Today is the Second Annual "Pay It Forward Day," an event started by David Del Mundo over a cup of coffee...literally.  As I'm writing this blog post, over 600,000 people have committed to do a random act of kindness today.  I love that this is sweeping Facebook as people express a dedication to doing something nice for others without any expectation of return.

In an online world where ROI is the buzzword (buzz acronym?) of the year, it's great to know that not everything needs to have a WIIFM attached.* 

A Graceful Thanksgiving

Today millions of Americans will gather around an abundant table with their loved ones and offer up a prayer of thanksgiving.  We often refer to this as saying Grace.

But in a world filled with imperfect human beings, there are other forms of grace I'd like to take a closer look at this week.

If you look in Webster's Dictionary, the word "grace" has many definitions.  

1. The exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor; disposition to benefit or serve another; favor bestowed or privilege conferred.

Public Isolation Project: Do TOO Many People Know Your Place?

In today's Web 3.0 world, we are bombarded with the newest, latest, greatest ways to stay connected via technology.  But the Public Isolation Project has forced many in Cyberland to take a long hard look at the real world ramifications of living in a social media world.

Those of us in the marketing industry noticed a huge shift several years ago as Social Media changed

Veteran's Day: Honoring Heroes from General Colin Powell to Homeless Veterans

Today, America honors all those who have fought for our Country.  Last week, I had the honor of meeting several men who fought for our country, and who have come back wounded....not in their bodies, but in their spirits.  I was honored to listen to their stories, to look them in the eyes, to shake their hand, to thank them personally.  These men were homeless, and I owe my freedom to their service.

Top 10 Tweets While Facebook Was Down

Facebook crashed, and the world stood still. Well, not exactly. These people were on Twitter, using their humor to pass the time.

This is my list: Top 10 Tweets while Facebook was Down. There's also a list of other fun "Facebook Apocalypse" blog posts. Enjoy :-)

Top 10 Tweets While Facebook Was Down

Until Next Time,Jacki

Stand By Me from Playing For Change

In the end of the day, it's the thread that connects all humanity together that we're all fighting for.  We are all connected, and all need someone to stand by us, to cheer us on, to lift us up when we are down.  In business, in relationships, in life.  This video Song Around the World (Playing for Change) is a compilation of street artists around the world joining in one voice.  I hope you find this video as inspiring as I do.

As you watch, ask yourself this question: "Who depends on ME to stand by THEM?"  Whoever it is, make sure you are doing that to the best of your ability.  Now stretch and do it even better.


Until Next Time,
Jacki

American Idol: Does New Age Limit Go Too Far - Mashed Report

Please read this article, and share your thoughts.  I can't be the only person in America that is tired of American Idol exploiting our children!  But maybe you have a different point of view?  If so, help me see the light!  If not, let's stand up together and let American Idol know we're tired of the games they play so they can secure the big advertising dollars.

American Idol: Does New Age Limit Go Too Far - Mashed Report

Until Next Time,Jacki

What Motivates You?

Motivation.  We think we understand what we need to light the fire underneath us, and what we need to keep us going.  The video below shows us fascinating research about the truth behind what motivates us.  Findings that offering too much money is actually de-motivating to employees fascinates me.

"Pay people enough to take the issue of money off the table."  That seems to be the key to monetary motivation.  Yet we are in a society bombarded by Self-Proclaimed Wealth Coaches, Success Gurus, and Money Masters, all who have the "key" to unlocking our unlimited earning potential.  Could it be that they're all barking up the wrong tree?

Beginning Business Relationships: Social Media Style

Facebook and Twitter and LinkedIn.  Oh My.

If you haven't set up profiles on the "Big 3" in Social Media, you might be wondering where to start.  And even if you HAVE joined the party on all 3 Social Media platforms, you may not have a full grasp on how to get the most out of them.

A quick overview:

What is Vital to your Speech?

Presentations and Public Speaking.  Getting "eyeball to eyeball" is paramount to connecting with your prospects and clients, as well as helping you establish authority and credibility in your area of expertise.

That's why I Can Relate Talk Radio had David Murray, Editor of Vital Speeches of the Day, as our Featured guest.  I met David at the Communitelligence Conference in Scottsdale, AZ.  David was one of the Keynote Speakers where he gave an insightful speech on what makes a great speech.  His insights are priceless to ANY professional giving presentations, whether to 3 people or 3,000.  So listen to this podcast...it's 30 minutes of time well-spent!

A brief summary of David's interview:

Increase your "Purpose Portfolio"

It's no secret that the recession has brought about many changes in our world. But not all of these changes are negative. People trying to live within their means, bad business practices exposed, the overall greed-factor decreasing significantly, the list of positive effects goes on.

My favorite is wrapped up in the saying "Meaning is the New Currency."  I believe this to be true.  Actually, I believe it's not the "new" currency.  It's the currency we were meant to exchange all along, we just somehow lost sight of that fact somewhere in the economic boom.  So if meaning is currency, I have to ask:

What are you doing now to increase your Purpose Portfolio?

Choosing Your Future - Les Brown shows us how it's done

Last week on I Can Relate Talk Radio's episode, "Bring It!" we talked about the 3 top things you can bring to your business relationships.  We ended with our Standing Strong Segment, which was to work on yourself, so that you are bringing the best version of you to each relationship you have.

I let you know that I had recently listened to Les Brown's Choosing Your Future speeches.  This is a 6-CD series that highlights the following steps to creating the future you dream of and living your true purpose:

It's Possible
It's YOU
It's Necessary
It's Hard
It's Worth It
It's Done

If you have never heard "The Motivator" speak, then it's time!  He is a powerful man with a unique and personable style.  I first heard of him last year, and was moved by his message.  A few weeks ago, a dear friend and I were talking, and she felt led to lend me this CD Series.  After listening, I believe this message is so relevant and right on track, that I'd like to encourage you to listen to this series of speeches.  It just might be the tool you need to change your life!


Until Next Time,
Jacki

Plan Your Way to Success - Business Planning for 2010

Whew.  2009 is just a memory.  For many people, this is a relief!  But really, what makes 2010 any different?  Is there some magical, mystical reset button that is pushed every January 1st at 12:01 am?  No.

So what will make 2010 a better year than last?  There is only one real answer: YOU.

It is up to YOU to change your energy, your thoughts, your actions, and ultimately your reality.

Want success?  There's no government policy, no stimulus package, no boss, no client, and no series of magical events that will make it happen for you.  So what will YOU do to change your reality around and CREATE the successful year that lies ahead?
It all starts with a plan.  We've all heard the adage "When you fail to plan, you plan to fail."  So what stops most people from creating a written business plan?

• Lack of focus.  Many people don't know the answers to some of the tough questions a business plan forces us to think about.  So instead of doing research, or even making an educated guess, they avoid the excercise altogether.
• Lack of time.  A comprehensive business plan takes a significant time investment.  Many "busy" professionals consider this time investment to be unnecessary.  The thought process runs along these lines:  "If I put that same amount of time into making calls, meeting with prospects, and closing deals, I will be better off.  THAT is what puts money in my pocket, not spending time in front of a computer planning to make money."
• Fear.  Fear of tackling a project they aren't really sure how to do successfully.

Maybe this was the thought process you carry around...or at least, you have in the past.  But I would like to put this challenge out to you:

If you did not write a business plan for 2009, and you are one of the millions of people who thought 2009 was a tough year, then I challenge you to create a business plan for 2010.

• It's time to gain the focus.  Do some research, or at least make an educated guess on projections asked for in the planning process.
• Make the time.  Think of this analogy:  If you wanted to drive to a specific location across country, you would map out your route to ensure you made it to your destination, correct?  You wouldn't just jump in the car, turn the wheel in the general direction, and set out, would you?  No.  Because you would risk spending countless unnecessary hours driving in the wrong direction, with the probability that you wouldn't EVER arrive where you wanted to.  So it is with business planning.  A time investment now will give you a roadmap on your journey to success, giving you a much higher chance of actually reaching the destination.
• No more fear.  There are amazing resources that will literally walk you step-by-step through the process of creating your plan.  Most software will professionally format your final version, complete with charts, tables, and summaries.  

YOU and YOU ALONE have the power to change your reality in 2010 for the better.  Take the first step and begin your plan.  I started mine last week using  Business Plan Pro.  I used this software in 2008 and had a good year.  I didn't use it in 2009, and the year wasn't as good.  So in 2010, I'm getting back on track.  I'm writing my roadmap to success.  If you are too, then I'll see you on the journey!

Until Next Time,
Jacki