Exactly Who’s the Boss Here?

Exactly Who’s the Boss Here?

This post appears on the NAVAC Blog. By Sheila Edens-Brown Thursday, Juy 29th, 2010 After 20 years in the corporate world, I experienced burn-out to the point where just thinking of going to work would make me literally sick. It was at this point that I knew that it was time to put my dream of being a business owner in place. After going through the motions and getting everything in place, it was time to hang out the shingles. Just the thought of being a business owner was exuberating. I had my first client within two weeks, even though she is taking a break from her business because of the death of her husband, she is still my client and we have had a wonderful relationship. All have not been like her. There were control issues; money problems and just not letting me do my job because they felt they knew better than I how to accomplish the task. After becoming a part of the NAVAC group I discovered that I was still working under the employee mindset and that my clients were calling the shots. Kim and the group showed me how I needed to be in control, that this was my business and that I was the one to determine how my business was to be run; I was the boss and not the employee. It was at this point that I revised my policies and payment procedures. A clear line was set as to my office hours, how task would be completed that would benefit the client and myself and that I was the one...
Atlanta, Here We Come!

Atlanta, Here We Come!

Image via Wikipedia We’ve been on the road now for about 5 hours. First day of vacation as we travel from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA. I have been waited to take this trip to Atlanta to be a part of General Conference for over a year. A trip to connect and reconnect, not only with family, but with my family in Christ as we come together to fellowship, meet new family members and elect new officers for our world-wide organization of Seventh-Day Adventists. The morning started off with me having to get up way to early. I had not packed a stitch of clothing because my body crashed after getting home from church on Saturday. So, after sitting on my bed for a while I got up to start packing, but did more piddling around then anything else, but once I got started everything started to fall in place. Clothes packed, computer bag packed, and cereal and banana readied. Out to gas up the car and pick up the grandchildren.  Finally, on the highway two hours behind schedule – 7:00 a.m. instead of 5:00 a.m. But what the heck, we’re moving. As I look up we are entering into Kentucky. Look for more post from Bill, Sheila, Charles and...
Advertising in a Social Media World

Advertising in a Social Media World

The last few posts talked about advertising in a world where social media is growing  leaps and bounds. The traditional marketing way is still here, but it may not be the best form of marketing for you or you may need to combine the traditional with the social. We need to remember that we are working with two different mediums. What works on one – even if it's your strongest ad – may not work on the other. It's important also to match the ad with the right social network. My husband whose career is in sales says that the best salesperson has mastered the real secret of selling: Don’t appear to sell. Instead, “help” the customer figure out what she needs – and provide it. Social networking is ideal for this friendly, conversational approach. However you choose to advertise – traditional media, social media or a healthy mixture of both – do make sure that you fit it in as part of your long term marketing...
The Spoils of Eden

The Spoils of Eden

For me, my me time is curling up with a good book, something to drink and some popcorn. Being a romantic at heart I love books with a love story — along came The Spoils of Eden written by Linda Lee Chaikin. The Spoils of Eden is book one in a series entitled, The Dawn of Hawaii Series. The story is set in nineteenth-century Hawaii. Eden, one of the main characters find herself in the middle of making the decison to work with her father's dream of curing leprosy or being with the man that she has loved since childhood. Broken dreams, shattered happiness and lost dreams is what you will find in The Spoils of Eden. If you are looking for a historical inspiration read you will want to pick up The Spoils of Eden. I found it to be good reading, and I will read the other books in the series. The book can be purchased at...
Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose

Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose

I received free advance read copies of Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos. It was an excellent read on applying the science of happiness to running a business, to help employees grow personally and professionally. I was curious and was seeking to see how what he did could be added to my virtual business. The book discussed things that I know should be included in building your business, such as: Building your brand Being passionate and determined Pursue Growth and Learning –our potential is found within and needs to be unlocked. 3 types of happiness. All with a twist I had not thought of – happiness. If the ultimate goal is happiness, then wouldn't it make sense to study and learn more about the  science of happiness so that you can apply the research that's been done to your own life? (pg. 231, p. 5) By applying the knowledge to our businesses, how much happier would our clients be. Happiness is contagious. Zappos purpose is delivering happiness to the world.  I recommend that you pick up a copy of the book and let me know how it affects you. You can visit the site at http://www.deliveringhappinessbook.com. You can purchase a copy at http://www.amazon.com/deliveringhappiness. I have an advance read copy that I will  give to a reader of this blog. If interested, please contact me to let me know that you are interested in receiving it. I will send it to the 11th person to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.      ...