Thursday, April 23, 2009

New Eagles' Group - Come On Down, It's Free!

Our recent workshop participants have expressed an interest in starting an Eagles group that meets monthly. An Eagles group is a group of like-minded people that get together to keep track of one another, keep each other motivated and encouraged, learn together and generally keep each other sharp. The meetings are free. We will have time to chat with each other and, by the request of the group, I will then facilitate discussions and learning regarding marketing, sales, and other similar business topics.

We will be meeting the 2nd Monday of each month, starting Monday, May 11, 2009 at 6:30 PM. The location is pending - I'm working on securing a convenient location for us to meet, but I won't have the word on that for about another week. Stay tuned for that, but it will be here in Chattanooga for sure.

The first book we will start with is called "Getting Everything You Can Out Of All You've Got: 21 Ways You Can Out-Think, Out-Perform, and Out-Earn the Competition" by Jay Abraham. This book is awesome for everyone who would like to build a business, increase your current business, build your customer pool, etc. It's a book about marketing and selling your product and how to serve your client in the best possible way. If you need this knowledge, (and who doesn't?), come on over to the Eagles group and meet us! The group is open to all; there is no charge to attend; and you'll leave motivated, inspired and with a passel of new friends that all think outside the box. If you have questions, email me or post to the blog. See you there!

Jamie

My New Favorite Artist: Kate Townley Smith

One of the businesses that was born (or perhaps reborn) as a result of the recent 48 Days class is an art business by artist Kate Townley Smith. She is definitely my new favorite artist. She has an art education but was working in a different field that didn't fit in with her passions and dreams. So she has changed careers and is now focusing on her art full-time. I'm so excited for her!

Kate's work is incredibly happy and charming; it's colorful and modern. In my opinion, it's perfect for a happy, stylish home. (Some art I have seen I wouldn't want anywhere near me, but I'd happily fill my walls with Kate's pieces.) Check out her website, including her Etsy store, at http://www.katetownleysmith.com/.

She brought one of her pieces to the last 48 Days class and I fell in love with it and bought it immediately. I asked Kate if I can blog about it and she sent me a low-res image of the piece. Here it is; it's called "My Mom Loves to Knit":





Isn't it gorgeous? I've already put it up in my office. Kate, thanks for producing such a wonderful piece and chasing your dreams! You're a great example. I can't wait to see your progress!

Jamie

A Big Decision

Bruce and I have made a big decision.

We are going to add another member to our family.
Now, wait, those of you who have been waiting for years to give me a bunch of Pampers. No, it's not that time yet. We're going to rescue a kitty cat.

I've wanted a pet for a long time. I'd like to have a Golden Retriever, but a dog takes a lot of care that we really can't provide right now. A cat, on the other hand, is a little more independent and a little less rambunctious. I really like cats, and I work with a lady who has one that needs a home.

You know why this was a big decision? Bruce told me he's ok if we get it and ok if we don't. So, the ball was in my court. I wanted it really badly but then almost talked myself out of it because of all the money we'll have to spend on litter, scratching posts, food, collar, etc. (He's already been fixed and he's already had all his shots, which is a good thing.) But you know what? A person could talk herself out of about anything that's beneficial if you focus on all the negative. I finally decided to get the cat (Moses is his current name; not sure if I'll rename him or not) when I realized that if I wait for a convenient time, I'll never get a pet. I think the fun and enjoyment of giving Moses a good home and getting to love him, pet him and snuggle him will completely beat out the negative aspects of having a kitty around.

Of course, you know me. There has to be an object lesson somewhere. Does this sound familiar? Are you waiting to live your dream until a more convenient time? I'd be surprised if that time ever comes. Start now whether it's convenient or not, and things will fall into place. Just give it time, lots of patience, prayer and hard work.

Jamie

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Life Balance: Creating Success In All Areas

One of the things I teach in my workshops is the importance of life balance – paying attention to all areas of life and being successful in each of them, rather than letting one thing, like WORK, dominate your life. Another thing I talk about a lot is the need to guard against your weaknesses.

Well, since I began to do work I love, I have noticed that sometimes I get so excited about a new project or business idea that I’ll let it take up too much space in my life. That’s one of my weaknesses. The biggest thing I tend to do is to let work push around my exercise routine. It’s so easy to tell myself that I’m going to exercise at lunchtime, and then when lunchtime rolls around I’m more excited about working, so I neglect exercise and work instead.

Well, I’ve had it with doing that. If I don’t take care of myself physically, I won’t be able to do any of the things I love! So, I’m putting my fitness goals here on my blog so the entire world can keep me accountable.

Here’s my very short-term goal:
I’m exercising at lunch every day this week. I love to walk or run for exercise, so that’s what I’m going to do. I started (again) today. Yayy! I only walked a mile, but prying myself away from my desk and getting it done was the hard part. When I was out there in the sunshine, though, it felt really good! I had a blast!

I’ve also signed up for a race – the “5 Mile Run for Education” – on May 2. That will give me an incentive to keep my lunchtime workout going next week. I’ll sign up for another one after that one is over.

Everyone has weaknesses like this, and we all have to make a focused effort to create success in all areas of our lives. What is out of control in your life? Do you need to spend some extra time with your spouse? Need to exercise, clean the house or get to work on that business plan? Don’t procrastinate! Make the change today!

Remember: You will only change when the pain of staying the same exceeds the pain of change.

I dare you to post a blog message that outlines your goals for the next week or two! Let us and the rest of the world keep you accountable too!

Jamie

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Welcome to our new blog!

We're starting a blog at LiveOnPurpose so we can easily provide you with updates to upcoming classes, workshops, networking meetings, and other cool info. Our local "48 Days To The Work You Love" class participants will soon be starting a monthly get-together "Eagles' group," so if you'd like to attend, stay tuned! It's a great way to get inspired, motivated, focused, and make new friends with like-minded, out-of-the-box thinkers!
Jamie