Countdown to Xmas

Hi there,

My brother and sister-in-law came into town yesterday. It is always good to get together with family. We spend minutes catching up, yes minutes, we stay in touch with email and phone calls.

Today we all went downtown to our tech museum, to see the da Vinci exhibit. The man was so ahead of his time.

My nieces were interested up to a point and then I heard those words: I'm done from one and I'm bored from the other. We headed into the techie part of the museum and there the girls regained their interest and started to have fun again.

But the count down to Christmas has begun and my oldest niece wanted to know how many hours until Christmas eve started so they could then get ready for Christmas morning. Seeing this time of year through the eyes of small children brings the magic back - I love it! I may not be saying that tomorrow - I haven't finished my shopping, still have two gifts to get and I haven't wrapped a thing! Also I'm on tap to cook three dishes, two for dinner and one for breakfast.

Oh the hustle and bustle, it helps to bring back all the great family memories, especially those that include family members that are no longer with us. No time for sadness, instead I'll keep my spirits happy with those that are here with us still.

Cheers,

Coach Linda B

I love hearing from old friends

Hi there,

This is the time of year when old friends send out their yearly updates. I love hearing from them. I have one friend, Sandy, that I have known since we were 9 years old - yes that is a long time. And the really cool thing about this friendship is, we haven't lived on the same coast since 1968, can you imagine that. She once told me that I was the only friend she had that she penciled in, because I moved around so much - ha!

When we do get together, and I admit it has been awhile, we pick up right where we left off, just as if we had seen each other the week before. That kind of friendship is rare and really takes dedication to maintain - love you Sandy.

Today I received a holiday card from another old friend that I used to work with over thirteen years ago. She made me tear up when she wrote she missed us working together because we always had so much fun - I agree Carol - I miss you too!

Over the years I have connected with a lot of wonderful people. Wouldn't it be great if I could get all my dear friends together and they would like each other as much as I like each of them - after all they really like me :-) Unfortunately my friends are spread out all over this wonderful country, with only a few of them located in the same general area. Boy what a great party that would be!

If you have a friend or two or more that you haven't been in touch with lately, reach out, even just an email can make a difference (I just got a cute email card from another dear friend - Pamela I loved it and I saved it to share with my nieces!)

Enjoy the weekend - I'm baking cookies! ummm I can smell and taste them already.

Cheers,

Coach Linda B

Setting the intention high enough

Hi there,

I just finished up a call with my fellow coaching chapter presidents. We have been working on the planning for our upcoming joint fund raiser event. The space we have will hold 500 people and the initial budget was looking at 160-200 count as the minimum profit threshold. At some point during our discussion our Steering Committee Chair said, "well how about we just plan on filling the house." There was a moment of silence and then we all started in with our yeah, why not, let's do it. The intention was set, now instead of just trying to cover our costs and make a profit we are looking to "fill 500 seats" and make this a memorable event!

Sometimes in our personal life and in business we see the need to reach upward but we are not sure how high. I challenge you to think about this the next time you want to reach out and up - does it feel like a stretch? If not reach higher and if it does consider how much higher you can go!

I don't necessarily agree with the old saying; no pain no gain, but in this case there is truth. The things I have challenged myself to achieve always seem to mean more to me if they were really challenging and I had to work harder. Those things that came easy didn't seem to mean as much to me.

So here is my challenge to you, take a chance and reach out, reach higher.

Cheers,

Coach Linda B

Creating your own community

Hi there,

Hopefully the title caught your attention and that is what brought you here. What do I mean when I say, "Create your own community"?

No I'm not talking about the community you live in or socialize in, what I mean is related to your business. My business community includes representatives from different professions that don't necessarily have anything in common with my business. We do share a common goal however, and that is to create a successful business.

I like having access to different perspectives. What is really cool is how I can then take what I learn and turn it around or repackage it to fit my business. The meetings I have with my "community" are invaluable to me as I grow my business. They also offer a way to become known and referred to new contacts. Which then opens up new opportunities to expand my "community."

For me this is a win-win situation, and you all know that I love win-wins!

So take a moment as this year comes to a close and think about your "community"; is it as vibrant as you want, if not now is the time to invite some new members for a visit.

Cheers,

Coach Linda B

Closing out 2008 - part 2

Hi there,

I'm back after a day of technical computer glitches (actually my cable went out and I was left high and dry all day!) Oh well, that's life in a techno world - ha!

This past Saturday I met with my own personal coach - we meet once a month. I was filling her in on how I was "closing out 2008" which she found very interesting. Then she said something that just hit me, "Linda, I love the way you are lingering with all that you have done in 2008 and not just rushing through it."

For me this form of processing the year just seemed to be the right way to assess what I had done. By taking my time to look at what I wanted to do and what I accomplished I set in motion the plan on how to build toward 2009. The "lingering" was my way of figuring out what I did right and duplicate it in the new year.

The end of the year gives us a great opportunity to make changes; personal and professional. So as we move toward the end of the year, what do you want to take with you into 2009? Do you have some bad work habits that are doing you no good, now is the time to break the pattern. Don't just abandon what you are doing, instead decide what you will replace that bad habit with.

Last week I met with a few of the women from one of my networking groups. I offered them the chance to "close out 2008 and prepare for 2009". At the end of our hour together they were so excited to continue that we agreed to meet for 4 weeks to really give 2009 a strong start off!

I encourage you to consider doing the same. Find a coach and pull together some like-minded friends or business associates and create your own group! It will be the best investment you can make in your business.

Let me know how it works for you!

Cheers,

Coach Linda B

Closing out 2008

Hi there,

Wow, it is December 12 already! I have mixed feelings about this; on one hand I am thrilled as I only have to "work" four more days after today - wahoo! But on the other hand, I only have maybe five days to complete my year. I'm actually taking time off and going away with my family this year - a big bonus!

What I need to do is look back at 2008 and evaluate my performance compared to what I set as my goals. To help you out here is how I'm going to do this:

1. List what I wanted to achieve in 2008.

2. Break this list done into two parts; what I was successful at and what I didn't complete.

3. Taking those two lists I am now going to break them down even further. On the things I didn't complete I will get specific on what I didn't do. For those that I did achieve I will look at what I did that made it work.

TAKE YOUR TIME AND BE REALLY HONEST - DON'T TRY TO MAKE THIS READABLE BY SOMEONE ELSE - THIS IS YOUR WORKSHEET

4. Now is the time to re-evaluate what worked and what didn't. If you didn't achieve something and you STILL find value in it, then plan on continuing to work toward the goal in 2009. If you don't remember why you wanted to do something you didn't complete then let it go - delete from memory - open up that space for something else.

These are the starting points to wrap up 2008 - which will help position you to prepare for 2009.

Stay tuned!

Cheers,
Coach Linda B

I think the holiday spirit just tapped me!

Hi there,

A friend and former client of mine called me the other day. She wanted to know if she could stop by and run a new business presentation by me. I said sure why not. Of course I then looked around my living room and saw the vacuum sitting there (it has been there for a couple weeks now)waiting to be used. I also realized the only holiday decoration I had out was a yarn picture of Santa with the words "I Believe" at the bottom.

We all know that I am a great procrastinator - and yes I waited until this morning at 9:30 (they arrived at 10:30) to run that vacuum and pull out some holiday stuff. Now it looks festive and I'm starting to feel holidayish! I even started my baking. I usually start that the day after Thanksgiving! I created a new cookie, a biscotti like chai flavored creation. And if I do say so myself this one is a winner!

And to top it all off I got out the Christmas CD's and started playing them. I do have to admit that I have a couple that I really wonder what I was thinking when I bought them? Perhaps they will go to a donation site after the holidays are over.

So if you're not in the mood yet, get out the CD's and pop some cookies in the oven - the aromas and tunes will help push you along.

Cheers,

Coach Linda B

Looking for the positive!

Hi there,

I'm so tired of reading, hearing, or just being near someone that feels they have to share their fear and dread of the "current economic" situation. I've said it before, I just don't want to get caught in that hamster wheel!

Yes I know that times are tough right now, Yes I know that folks are afraid. Do we have to dig a hole and hide in it? What will that do, except continue the downward trend. Instead let's look back at some folks that went through worse times than what we have now and survived.

"Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. "
Franklin D. Roosevelt

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead

So, are you going to be part of the problem or are you going to step up and become the solution?

I'm working on being the solution - ready to join me?

Cheers,

Coach Linda B

A smile goes a long way!

Hi there,

Today I conducted my own survey, how many people (strangers) will smile back at me when I smile at them?

This was really fun and I encourage you to do your own survey.

I started out on the phone (yes you can smile on the phone). I was trying to make sure my local bank branch had a notary available. When I asked my question I could tell the woman answering me was a little rushed and wasn't smiling, so I made sure I was. The whole tone of the conversation changed and within a moment or two I could sense her calm down and relax. Now, was she smiling - I'm not sure, but I know she wasn't feeling pushed by me.

My next contact was in person - I held the door open for an elderly woman and smiled at her as she went in, she smiled back. The young man inside the door saw my smile and smiled at me as he looked up and then graciously directed me to the notary! Yeah I found her and of course I greeted her with a big smile.

What I found was people want to smile if you give them a chance. When I went to my office supply store (Office Depot is where I like to shop) I spent some time wandering around with a smile planted on my face. One man stopped me and asked if I knew anything about paper brightness - so of course I helped him out. Now would he have stopped me if I walked toward him with a frown or a closed expression on my face, I doubt it.

The great side benefit of walking around with this smile was that I really felt happier, no grumps, no mutterings - I'm going to end my day feeling like it was a great day - all because of a little smile!

Try it, let me know how those around you react.

Cheers,
Coach Linda B

Overwhelmed and no focus?

Hi there,

What do you do when you can't seem to do anything? An interesting question that I sometimes find myself asking. So what do you do?

I like to use a process map. I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but for me this is the way to take the overwhelm out of the picture.

Start by listing everything, and I mean everything, you want to get done. The next step is to start categorizing your list. Now here comes the hard part, you have to prioritize the list. Yes this really is the hardest part of the exercise. When you are done setting the priority levels you will realize just what you need to do and what is simply taking up space and time in your life!

How do you prioritize? Start with four levels; One - must do; Two - might get hot, do it soon; Three - can wait until tomorrow ; and Four - do it when I have finished everything else.

Okay, once this is done - get rid of all level four's!!! If there is no rush and you can do it whenever why the heck is it on your list?

This is really key to the "working smarter not harder" premise. You spend your time wisely working on that which moves you forward and brings you satisfaction. Don't waste your time trying to find time to do the little stuff.

I'm starting on a MAJOR re-do on my priorities so that I start off 2009 on the right foot. I'm not wasting my time with the little things anymore.

Are you ready to join me?

Cheers,
Coach Linda B

Trust it's a big deal

Hi there,

I don't expect my clients to immediately trust me. I work on inspiring this; I want them to feel comfortable sharing with me, knowing that I will keep what they say safe. Only with a sincere trust in me will my clients be ready to take chances, experience risks that they might otherwise not entertain.

From the other side I look to establish that same feeling of trust in my client. A trust that they will do what they say they will. Sometimes that trust is broken and then begins the slow road to rebuild what has been fractured.

What brought this up was a skill building call I was on Wednesday with many coaches from around the US and Canada. It was interesting hearing what each of us had to say about developing trust with our clients.

Trust can be as fragile as a china tea cup and as sturdy as a cast iron pot. Beautiful!

We ended with the thought, sometimes trust is a foursome; the client in you, the client in them self, you in the client and finally you in yourself. Who knew it could get so crowded.

So here is my question to you; what does it take for you to trust?

Cheers,

Coach Linda B

If the story you tell is the life you live...

Hi there,

I find this to be a very interesting thought: If the story you tell is the life you live what happens if you change your story?

When I was younger I used to tell myself that I wasn't college material. I didn't have the dedication, smarts, focus, you name it I had a story about why I couldn't go back to school. It wasn't until I was much older that I realized how much I listened to that story I was telling myself and anyone who would listen. I believed every word of it.

When I returned to school I loved it AND I was a great student. I carried a full load, worked full-time and still was able to keep up a 3.75 GPA. What I did without thinking about it is I changed my story. By doing that I was able to start believing something new and boy did that benefit me big time.

So ask yourself what is the story you are telling yourself and how does it serve you. Is this story holding you back and if so how would you like to change it.

Here is my challenge to you; write your story down and then decide if you are still comfortable with it.

Cheers,

Coach Linda B

NETWORKING IS SO IMPORTANT

Hi there,

I know I've said this before, but listen up; NETWORKING IS VERY IMPORTANT! If you are in business for yourself, there is no reason to go it alone and that is where networking comes in.

Tonight I was invited to attend a networking meeting with a group that I have never met before. As I was signing in a woman walks up to me and says, "don't I know you?" Turns out she had visited another networking group I'm involved with, but this time we had a chance to really get to know what each other does. Here is the important part, I now have a contact that I can refer my clients to that I wouldn't have known about if I didn't attend this meeting. Add to that the seven other people I met that also have companies that offer great referral sources for me to pass on to those I know. My solo company has now increased multi-fold, I can ask for help on topics I know nothing about, but my new experts in their fields can make me shine.

This is not a one-way street - all those I met tonight have the same benefits as me, only I'm the expert they can now call on! How cool is that?

So don't hide away waiting for business to turn around, instead get out there and meet some new people. You can never tell who will be the person to bring you that next great piece of business!

Cheers,
Coach Linda B

Staying positve when all around you are not!

Hi there,

One of my dear friends is going through a major health challenge with her husband. I mention this because their positive attitude is inspiring to me. Instead of falling into the easy "why me" frame of mind they both have consciously chosen to focus on the positive aspects the situation.

Staying positive is not limited to your personal life. You should actively be engaging in this powerful tool in your business as well. Now when we are constantly bombarded with negative reports in the news media we need some positive thoughts. Just recently I was interviewed by a potential new client. When speaking with her I used active positive terms to describe the work we will do together. Did you catch that? I stated "the work we will do together" even though she hasn't actually hired me as of yet, but I'm not going to dwell on that, just look forward to the positive outcome, which is when I'm hired!

It is easy to fall into negative patterns. Sometimes we don't realize the people we share our time with have fallen into this pattern until we stop and listen actively. It is up to you to take charge and move yourself and those around you into the positive. Listen to how you speak, do your statements have a negative tone? Try this exercise for the next week. Start carrying a small notebook with you and make note of anything you say that is negative, i.e. "the economy is horrible..." now you match that negative statement with a new positive slant. "The economy is horrible..." becomes "I welcome the opportunity this opens up, I can now implement that idea for a new income source?"

Give this a try and let me know how it works for you.

Cheers,
Coach Linda B

Intentions mean nothing unless spoken outloud

Hi there,

I have been missing in action for most of this month. I had the best of intentions, however, I never actually said I was going to write or submit every day. I just sort of implied that I would "try" - ha!

So here is my intention, I'm stating it OUT LOUD! I will write a blog every day of the week during the month of December, I'm taking the weekends off unless I feel moved to write.

Today is the last day of November and we have just finished the long Thanksgiving Day holiday. I look back and want to acknowledge what I am thankful for. My family is healthy and we enjoyed a small but very tasty T-day dinner. I am grateful for my friends, some are going through trying health issues, otherwise they are doing well. I am grateful for the opportunities that continue to find me and allow me to share my passion for helping women become business owners.

Now let's get back to setting those intentions. I have found that if I don't tell anyone what I have in mind, I give myself an out to not follow through. Once I tell at least one person, or in this case everyone that reads my blog (sign up to follow me so I know who you are!) it is more likely that I will do what I said I'd do.

I'm looking forward to December, more blogs on the way!

Cheers,
Coach Linda B

A new day - a new hope

Hi there,

I just finished listening to Senator John McCain concede victory to Barack Obama. A very gracious concession speech ending with his promise of support to our new President-elect.

We are now being called on to stand together and help rebuild our country. It is up to us, the independent business owners, the solopreneurs, the entrepreneurs to move us forward. Now is not the time to hide away and pull back.

I am so proud to have seen this day and to be a part of what is going down as a history making event! I remember one line from John F Kennedy's inauguration speech: "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

As Barack Obama has said: this is the greatest country in the world - I can think of no place else I would rather be.

YES WE CAN!

Cheers,
Coach Linda B

If feels good to complete a project

Hi there,

I just sent off the first half of my completed project to my business associate. She wasn't expecting this until tomorrow, so I'm really psyched that I finished up sooner. With only three modules left to complete I have set a deadline of Nov. 5 to finish them and will definitely meet it.

It's funny, the original idea came out of a 3-page outline (I used a size 14 font) and now it is climbing up into the teens. Of course the content has changed drastically. I was writing to a diferent market then. I will probably be able to use a lot of what I wrote and reapply it to the original plan. I like that, do the work once, reap the benefits multiple times.

Take a moment and think about a project you have started, completed or not. Is there a way for you to use that work and create a new product. Maybe you can break it into pieces or sections and package each one separately, creating items that can provide you with passive income. Passive income is when you sell something that you don't have to make at time of order, like an e-book or a self-study guide. It sits on your website and interested clients buy it, without ever having to contact you personally.

You can even go on vacation and make money!

Bounce those ideas around and if you are having trouble coming up with some, consider working with a coach. We can do a lot to help you in that direction.

Cheers,
Linda

As Nike says: Just Do It!

Hi there,

I'm pretty sure I mentioned to you that I am the Queen of Procrastination! Yes, I am and most of the time I'm darn proud of it. Notice I said most of the time.

Today I had to buckle down and really work on a project I just kept pushing out. Well I agreed to have a good chunk of this project completed by this Thursday, 10/30. So I really had to make sure I did it.

I have to admit that once I got started it was easy to lose track of time enjoying the work, but truly that is because I had everything organized. I just needed to start writing. You would think by now with all these blogs (that I am just having a ball writing) under my belt that I wouldn't get the jitters. However, I'm human and I have this little "gremlin" on my shoulder that keeps shouting, "who every told you you could write worth beans!"

The short version of the long story is my project is close to completion. In fact I'm on such a roll that I anticipate finishing up the whole kit-n-kaboodle by the end of this weekend.

You know, now that I think about that - it really feels good to say it! I am looking forward to having the time to think about something else for a change.

So if you ever feel that you are just spinning your wheels getting nowhere fast think about this. The joy and exhilaration you will experience once your project is done is fantastic, something to look forward to.

As the Nike ad says: Just Do It!

Cheers,
Coach Linda B

The power of a partnership

Hi there,

I have this rogue alter-ego running around with me today. It's the persona that wants me to challenge the "way things are done" mentality. I don't want to run my business the way everyone else does. I want to try something different, shake it up a little or maybe a lot!

When I first started my coaching company I had some pretty "out-there" ideas. I shared them with a few close friends and was told "oh, keep that to yourself or someone will steal your idea." Okay, what's wrong with that if it means more people learn about the benefits of working with a coach, any coach! Think about it, if every adult in the US alone worked with a coach we wouldn't have enough coaches to handle them all! Coaching is not limited to the US, it is a worldwide enterprise, no borders folks. That is mind boggling to me.

So this takes me to the title of this blog: The power of a partnership. I challenge you, if you don't already have one, to develop a partnership with at least one other similar enterprise. Yes even solo-preneurs can benefit from establishing a relationship like this. Oh you say, what about competition, will there be enough business to go around? Of course there will. That is the power of partnerships, they feed you and you feed them, no one can handle everything.

It does take some courage to make that first contact. By taking your time now to identify and develop the relationship you can nullify those fears up front.

Imagine what it would be like if we all worked together, instead of trying to outdo each other. I think the state of our world would be in a much better place!

Something to think about, hmmm.

Cheers,
Coach Linda B

It's hard to be creative in a vaccumn

Hi there,

I was meeting with a client yesterday and she had invited another person to join us. At the end of our meeting he said, this was so great, I was able to get so many wonderful ideas out my head. I just don't seem to be this creative when I'm alone.

I know just what he means. My creative juices really start moving when I'm in a group, one or two or more, doesn't have to be a huge amount of people. It seems like we need that push to open the valve. When I'm alone in my office I can sit and think and not generate anything beyond, oh that's an idea.

I think meeting up with others helps us feel we have the resources to call on to help us find the answer or see a new perspective. The reality is we probably end up doing it all ourselves, but just knowing someone is there to help opens up the door!

Recently I met up with three other coaches, together we formed the SF Bay Area Coaches Council. We meet periodically to brainstorm potential solutions to topics each of us want to address. It was a great two hours, went by really fast.

If you would like to join our group or want help starting your own just drop me an email, coachlindab@coachlindab.com


Cheers,
Coach Linda B

There is so much support available

Hi there,

I LOVE being a coach! I especially love when my fellow coaches send out offerings of support. Whether that be in the form of a comment on my blog or forwarding a super article they wrote or received from someone else. That is what coaching is all about, supporting you, giving you the hand to hold while you try something new.

It's kind of like this. A few weeks back I was at my sister's house. We were getting all the Halloween decorations out and starting to put them up. Katie, my oldest niece, had no problem climbing up and down the ladder hanging stuff on the house eves. Emily, the youngest, decided she wanted to hang something up too. She looked at me and asked "will you help me up?" Of course, so with my foot on the bottom rung I placed my hands on her hips and guided her up where she hung her bat (backwards, but who cares!) She came down the ladder and yelled to her Dad, look what I can do! So again she started for the ladder only this time she told me not to touch her just keep my hands close, when she got to the top she turned and said, "put your hands down Auntie Linda I don't need them anymore."

That is what I do for my clients. I offer you all the support you need until you are confident you can do it alone. I'm always here for you, just give me a shout.



Cheers,
Coach Linda B

The value of being organized

Hi there,

It is Wednesday and I have just committed to completing a long running project by next Thursday! In addition I commited to upping my marketing output. What in the world was I thinking?

Now the good thing is that I'm really a very organized person. The bad thing is I'm the Queen of Procrastination!! (That's why I had to make those commitments, no end date, no urgency to complete the task, bad girl)

One of the systems I use to stay on track and organized is a process map. I have a big blank wall in my office that I tape over with BIG pieces of paper. Then I start listing the projects and break them down. Each project has a pocket folder for any supporting data and of course there is a file on the computer.

I'm also big on outlines. I outline everything and then start to fill in the blanks. In fact the first project I will be working on is already 2/3 finished. I just need to fill in the details on the orginal outline. Piece of cake - HA

The second one might take a little more thought and effort. I have to get out of my office and mingle with the public! I wonder would sitting in a coffee shop count, hmmm. Whatever it takes I will do it. After all this is how I'm building my business.

Anyone interested in meeting for coffee (tea's my bev of choice) early next week? I'm available.

Cheers,
Coach Linda B

I love this time of year

Hi there,

I love this time of the year. The leaves are changing their color from green to deep reds and golds, the air has a crisp bite to it. It takes me back in my memory to where I grew up, Manchester CT. We had an enormous backyard with a lot of trees. So you guessed it my brother and I, little sister was just too small, had to do all the raking. The great thing though was we got to jump in those big piles of leaves and get lost!

At times like these, where everyone is starting to get, or maybe you already are, anxious over what it taking place in our country and the global arena it's kinda nice to let those fond memories come forward. Back when I was growing up we were still allowed to burn off the leaf piles, who knew we were contributing to global warming, agh... Still the smell of burning leaves or wood smoke always teases those happy memories out for me. I think this time I'll let them linger a little longer before I return to reality, such as it is.

I like to use this time of year to look back on what I have done. What I haven't done and then see where I can improve. Maybe some of those things that seemed so important just don't feel that way any more. I'm okay with that.

So take some time to let your mind wander, think back on a favorite childhood memory and enjoy. Let it stay around for a bit, after all the sun will still come up tomorrow, so enjoy the evening!

"Tough times never last, but tough people do." Robert Schuller

Cheers,
Coach Linda B

Are you ready to handle what is ahead?

Hi there,

The other day I had to spend an hour unraveling a knitting project. It was a lovely lacey wrap, very easy to work on and I was almost done with it. So why did I undo all my work? Well I made a critical miscalculation when I started that left me short of yarn at the end. If the wrap had been for one of my young nieces it would have been perfect, but for me it was about 12 inches too short.

Now I'm not a novice when it comes to knitting. I know how to design a pattern and figure out how much yarn I will need and all that. This time, however, I took a chance on having enough, I was wrong. So when I had to take it all apart I started to think where in my business might I have made a similar error.

This is a very intersting exercise to try. Here is what I have done.

1. Listed out all the projects I want to complete

2. Estimated the investment required to complete; time and money

3. Projected the cost of each project

4. Established a timeline for each project

5. Identified potential collaborators, partners, affiliates for each project

6. Review and prioritize

7. Scrap any project that doesn't make the hair on the back of my neck stand up
(that means I'm not really into it and why waste my time and energy)

So, back to my knitting project; I'm ready to start again. I don't have any more yarn than I did the first time. What I do have is experience and knowledge. I know that the yarn I have will make a lovely wrap that will be narrower but much longer! I guarantee it will be beautiful and suit me to a "T" this time.

Cheers,
Coach Linda B

Take some time

"We rarely take the time to reflect on what we value most deeply."
Coach Linda B

Hi there,

If I asked you right now what your values are would you be able to tell me?

Let's start by identifying what a value is.

• What is important in your life - what gives your life meaning and relevance.
• An inner framework of how you make choices.
• A sense of what lights you up from within.
• Your deepest motivators; what really makes you tick.

When we are honoring our values we make choices that allow us to live a good and fulfilling life. Take some time and write down what you want your values to be. Being clear on your values will help you in other areas, like setting personal boundaries, learning how to say NO, and reclaiming your time. Oh the possibilities...

Cheers,

Coach Linda B

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Get creative

Hi there,



I have found that sometimes when I'm stuck and just don't know which way to move the best thing for me to do is engage my creative side. Now with me that can mean anything from taking out a knitting project (I have a beautiful wrap I'm getting ready to start on) to creating a new book. I'm a bookbinder, took a class in college and have been hooked ever since.



Another avenue I explore is poetry. I have no illusions that I'm going to be the next Poet Laurate, but I do have fun. Here is my secret ... I write alphabet poems, yes a little juvenile - I don't care for me they are fun. So here is one I'm willing to share, enjoy!

CREATIVITY

Courage to try somethng new

Risking the unknown

Eagerly I show what I can do

Adventures wait around each corner

Trusting in who I am

Imagination will keep the ideas flowing

Variety prevents boredom

Inspiration will show up in unexpected places

Tenaciously I will hold onto my dreams

Yearning for new challenges, I'm ready!

Here is my challenge to you: don't be afraid to try something new! Write a poem and see how far you go.

Cheers,

Coach Linda B

Change is in the air

Hi there, me again!

Change is in the air, that is the message that keeps coming through loud and clear. Now we all know that I'm the "glass half full" kinda gal, so what this means to me is opportunity for growth.



If you are thinking about making some kind of change in your life, whether it be a new career direction or starting your own business, I encourage you to talk to a coach. The benefits of having someone on your side, someone who isn't tied to the outcome and the changes that have to take place is really important. A coach can also help you maintain your focus and be side-tracked by outside influences.

I was asked this morning what do I love about what I do? I love when the women I am working with "get it" that tingling feeling inside that only they can feel that tells them "wow I did it or I can do this." It's wonderful to watch or sometimes just hear the intake of breath and the soft "oh." When you have someone on your side who totally supports "YOU" you are more likely to take that next step, the risking move, the bigger challenge. Go for it gals!!



So while change is in the air it is up to you what shape it takes. Will the changes affecting you be positive or negative? The choice is yours,


Cheers,
Coach Linda B

The value of a referral

There's an old saying in business, "It's not what you know but who you know that is important."



I have found that the time I spend building and expanding my network of contacts is invaluable. I don't have to be the expert at everything, instead I can call on those I know to help me fill in the blanks where necessary. These people become my referral resources.



It also means that I become a fantastic resource for others. They know that if I refer them to someone it must mean that person is great at what they do. I don't give out half-hearted referrals.



Now I want to ask you a question. Are you a good referral source? Do you give referrals? If I asked you to recommend a dentist, a family lawyer or whomever, would you do it? I have met people that flat out won't refer anyone, even if they are totally in love with their services.



I base a large part of my business on referrals. I work hard on the relationships I build so that those contacts will feel comfortable referring their friends, family or colleagues to me. I do the same for them.



So, I'll ask you again; Are you a good referral source? If you are in business or thinking about starting a business you better be clear on that topic. My philosophy is if I want business to come to me I better be ready to refer to others.



Note: above I mentioned a dentist and a family lawyer, well if you live in the Silicon Valley here are the two women I refer to. I know them both and respect each of them. They are my personal choices to refer you to.



Dr. Donna Cotner 408-255-2550

Rachel Baer http://baerlawoffice.com/

Give me the giggles anytime!

Hi there,



I have to say I really don't like looking at the stock market numbers! Are you like me and your first reaction is to hide your eyes? Okay we know that isn't going to work - so what do we do?



Well I have decided to let go of my attachment to what is going on. I simply refuse to buy into all this "fear mongering" . The anxiety this causes is horrible. I feel it in my bones, my muscles, everywhere.



So here is what I'm going to do...



I'm going to concentrate my focus on those things I can control. That means ME, I can control how I react and how I look at things. How I interpret what is happening. Do I let those icky numbers rule my outlook, nope I'm going to give them the all encompassing raspberry. Come on join me in sticking your tongue out and blowing the noisiest, wettest raspberry you can.



I'm laughing here kids, I have no idea how to even interpret the sound a raspberry makes into letters, HA. But listen, what just happened? The tension has gone out of my shoulders, my tummy is tingling with the giggles, and I have the biggest smile on my face.



Yep that is what I'm going to do from now on when those icky numbers and reports come in. And to reinforce this I think tonight is a "feel good comedy" movie night. Bring your own popcorn!



So here is my wish for you - don't buy into all that media hype with all the bad news, gloom and doom. Instead feel good about yourself, I know the info won't go away, but hey this will get better, it always has in the past.



Cheers,

Coach Linda B

You have to have FUN!

Hi there ~

I believe fun is one of the most important things in life. I just can't take myself or life too seriously. I did it for too long in corporate America and it sucked the life outta me, which is why I went into business for myself.

I share my opinions openly & boldly. I hope you do the same. When we do this, it gives us confidence to make our own decisions and not base our opinions on what someone else tells us what to do and think. When I was 18, the legal voting age was 21 and when I turned 19 it was switched to 18. I was ecstatic about having this new freedom to express my opinion through voting. EXCEPT that my father told me how to vote!

I came home and told my dad that I was registered and his response was, "Great! Now here's how you're going to vote." At this young age and in the early 70's I told my dad that I would make my own decision and I voted the way I wanted to. This was a turning point in my life and one of the first steps into independence.

Who knew that only a few months later my dad would pass away and it would be me stepping into his shoes as the breadwinner in our family. But, that's another story for another post. I know my dad would be proud with what I have done with my life. I have created an amazing legacy for my nieces and nephews to be proud of. In fact, the lessons I learn from my gang has helped me create a thriving coaching practice where I help women entrepreneurs turn their dreams into realities.

You truly can do it all....whatever it is. You just need to know how to turn that dream into a reality. That's where my logo comes from. We all have a spark within us and with the right support you can ignite a fire in your life. I want you to experience that for yourself, which is why I've created this blog. So that there's a place to find answers to questions, be inspired, open your mind to new possibilities, and celebrate your succes!

So sit back, relax, read, be inspired, comment boldly, and come back often because I am here to light your fire!

Cheers ~
Coach Linda B