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And The Beat Goes On

FB_IMG_1513649356967If you are my age, you will remember the song  ‘The Beat Goes On” by Sonny and Cher. That song was sung at Sonny Bono’s funeral and I believe the phrase appears on his tombstone. I was thinking a lot about that phrase a few weeks ago. Not to mention I love the song! Anyway, I had just completed an amazing project outside of the U.S. and it was a pretty big deal for my consulting company and team. I should have been on an all time high. But as life goes, I was hit with some snags, unrelated to the event, literally the next day. Nothing major, but just enough to cause some self doubt about my decisions. It was just enough to make me take pause to my direction and even question my support system. Was I taking both of my businesses in the right direction? Did I have the right people on my team? Was I doing the right thing for my team?

Those who know me, are aware that I am  pretty much, for lack of a better phrase, a glass half full kind of girl. I cant remember when I had self doubt. I just simply do not allow it in my life. I move forward. I may hit some obstacles on my journey but I keep going. So it was strange for me to have this moment of question. And then I though about all the reasons “WHY” I do what I do, and I knew at that moment I had to continue to forge ahead and not second guess my actions and decisions.

So, I find that phrase  ” The Beat Goes On” very appropriate from time to time for people like me who work for themselves.  And if you sing it, it really puts you in a good mood! Because, we may be smiling on the outside, but that doesn’t mean everything is always hunky dory on the inside. People like me know how to ‘fake it till we make it’ because we  are either expected to always be ‘on’ or we  are trying to be strong for other people. Sometimes we are putting up a great front for people who look up to us or rely on us for work. Sometimes we are putting on a great show for potential  new business. And lord knows it can be exhausting at times. Those days can feel like there is nothing left to give when I get home to my family!

So I am here to tell you, when the  doubts may seem to overpower the validation, or the road traveled is getting a little rocky, those are the days we must remember most that  ‘The Beat Does Go On.” Life doesn’t stop because we had a set back, or a failure …it continues.  And it will be great again. And the if you look around at life in general you will find that your little snag is probably nothing compared to someone else who has hit some hard knocks. People are losing their jobs, losing their homes, losing loved ones, having  their spouses deployed for months…..and your little snag, or failure….that is nothing in the grand scheme of things.

The difference between those of us who make the long journey  and have success versus others who turn back and make excuses for their failures, is remembering things like the phrase…The Beat Goes On… or just digging deep down and remembering your  WHY.

Don’t let a failure, a set back or even a friend cause  you self-doubt. Don’t let someone allow you to second guess your vision.  You set out on a journey to be your own boss for a reason. It took amazing courage.  You are not perfect. There will be failures. There will be set backs.  But there will be wins. These are opportunities for improvement.  These are the learning moments that make us better.

“And the beat goes on, the beat goes on
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain
La de da de de, la de da de da”

 

Featured

Too Good To Be True?

No Limits Sign

I am sure you have heard the phrase, “If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.”  My generation has grown up hearing that phrase. But today, this is not necessarily the case. More than ever are we seeing growing opportunities for entrepreneurs. Maybe this is because many of us are tired of the “uncertainty” that lies within corporate jobs these days. “Who is going to be the next group to be downsized?

Perhaps people are tired of spending half of their day commuting to a job that may pay well, but that is taking them away from family time. “Working for my family but never seeing my family? “ That seems to be a common theme.  Perhaps some of us are tired of working ‘our all’ just to help someone else make all the money. Whatever the reason is, there are home based businesses out there that are “tried and true.”

Don’t get me wrong. Success  doesn’t happen over night and magically you are making millions. Everything takes practice, dedication and work.  But with the proper choice in business and the right attitude, you have no limits. YOU, are entirely up to you.

Usually my blogs do not promote a particular company, but today I want to share a bit about my ‘side gig.’  Why? Because people DO think it is too good to be true and I want to share the gift that has been given to me.  I was lucky enough to listen and learn when people pitched ideas to me.  I was lucky enough to see the business opportunity  in front of me when it was presented. I was able to start a home based business, fully up and running with a website and product for under $1000.00 in five minutes. My only regret is not having started sooner.  My slow decision was probably due to the fear of what ‘others might think.’ So when you are looking at something that you think is too good to be true, STOP, THINK, LISTEN…and just maybe you can find your plan B.

  • Listen to the opportunity-what is 30 minutes out of your day ? It is nothing if you consider you are about to hear about something that may change your life!
  • Do some research. Ask questions and review the company profile.
  • Consider the ‘buy in’ and the product. Is there a valid, branded product to stand behind?
  • Don’t worry about what other people think. If you want to go for it go for it. The only regrets are the chances we never took.
  • Can you start earning immediately?
  • Are there policies and procedures?
  • Do you need to have inventory at home or is it internet based?
  • Do you need a support team to execute your plan?

These are just a few of the questions I would ask. But in the end, what have you got to lose?I was lucky enough to learn about Rodan & Fields and I have been an Independent consultant for over a year. I have been supplementing my income from where ever I am-at home, on vacation, at my day job and anywhere!.  I am running my business from my phone and it is a blast!

My final point, have a BLAST! You need to LOVE what you are doing. I am lucky enough to be having fun while I work this business. And so, as  I know “it is entirely up to me” to be a success, I have decided to put more time into this side gig year two. And you know what-I am making money and learning a lot about business.  Some of what I learn with my side gig has helped me be even better at my main gig. So, the next time someone presents an opportunity to you that seems ” TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE,” the time has come to take a listen and learn. You may just find your PLAN B!

 

 

The Power of Positive Affirmations

Poolhouse CEO

I know what you are thinking. “Mumbo Jumbo…Fluff Stuff” is not going to bring me an extra paycheck, less chaos or better luck. But I would ask you to consider that while there is no magic bullet to success, there is power in keeping you, your team and your family laser focused on the tasks and goals ahead.

One could say “focus, dedication and a belief in one’s abilities” are at the core of any great leader. I can share that certainly when I start my day with “I can, I will..or I am success” there is no question my head is on straight and I have focus.

This seems to be the never ending ending topic and one that will continue to fund books, seminars and speakers. “What makes successful people successful?”

I can gurantee you that successful people are not walking around saying things like:

• This will…

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The Power of Positive Affirmations

I know what you are thinking. “Mumbo Jumbo…Fluff Stuff” is not going to bring me an extra paycheck, less chaos or better luck. But I would ask you to consider that while there is no magic bullet to success, there is power in keeping you, your team and your family laser focused on the tasks and goals ahead. 

One could say “focus, dedication and a belief in one’s abilities” are at the core of any great leader.  I can share that certainly when I start my day with “I can, I will..or I am  success” there is no question my head is on straight and I have focus. 

This seems to be the never ending ending topic and one that will continue to fund books, seminars and  speakers. “What makes successful people successful?”

I can gurantee you that successful people are not walking around saying things like:

• This will never work

• I won’t be able to pull that off

• I am not smart enough 

There is no room  for the “I can’t or I won’t ” in their vocabulary. 

There is another differential in successful people. They are not afraid to take a risk or dream big. It is that simple. 

  • Positive thinking provokes creativity.
  • Positive affirmations enhance energy and drive.
  • Positive thinking drives persistance.

Being happy and thinking happy must become a habbit…not just a celebratory sentence or quote. This is easier said than done, but if you walk away from this blog with one piece of the ” secret sauce,” that would be it. State your positive affirmations and intend to live them every day as a habit.

“Working 9 to 5, Ain’t No Way To Make My Living”

Remember those lines?

“Tumble outta bed and stumble to the kitchen, pour myselfcup of ambition”

That is the opening line to one of my favorite entrepreneurial songs. Why is that? Because those lyrics resonate more and more as I enter my mid 50’s working on the plan for my exit strategy. You know, the one that lets me live debt free, happily ever after with my family and my pups waking up every day drinking my coffee while gazing at the sunrise upon a glistening lake. The birds are singing and the air is calm and I can say “I didit my way.” Catching a theme here?

Okay, so I am not quite there yet…but getting closer every day. I thank the lord above and the company that downsized me over ten years ago for giving me the opportunity to see my entrepreneurial strengths. Yes, that fateful day I was forced into the realization I had to put my big girl panties on and stop  working hard to put money in someone else’s pocket. It was time to get busy controlling my destiny toward making a better life for me and my family. Time to put money in my pocket.laura-christine

 

 

 

This picture was my business partner and I with huge visions of opportunity after we met with our web designers in Maine. That was just the beginning of our dream to be world famous consultants with two thousand dollars of operating expenses and one client.

But vision is what we had and it is what’s required.  Combine that with goals, a plan and the willingness to suffer through failures, closed doors and  more failures …that equals the journey to success. We can tell you all about the “nos” and the “closed doors.” I would rather tell you about one open door in particular, along with the few loyal friends who always came and still come through.

Success does not happen overnight although it may appear so to many. It takes hard work, discipline, some good friends who will take a chance on you and the willingness to listen.

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Success is always in your grasp if your willing to be open to opportunities. Let’s face it, times have changed.  There are ways to make  money on your own time schedule from multiple locations. Today I can put in a load of laundry, do two Skype conference calls, write a proposal for Aesthetics 360 and go for my walk with my dogs all before noon while earning residual income from my skincare business. Then I can visit with a friend, shop, run errands and still be making money being one click away from my cell phone.IMG_20170925_115318_008

This photo was actually taken on a work trip. Yes, I had a lay over in Dubai after working a contracted project with Johnson & Johnson in India.  While I was halfway around the world on a different time zone, I got to coordinate a learning event, be a guest speaker, ride a camel, attend high tea and still make renewable income with my skincare business. A little more curious now about working for yourself?

As you can see, nine to five is not for me and may not be for you!

This is my office in the summer! I may not be in front of the lake yet, but I am the #poolhouseceo #poolsideceo. This living comes with its challenges.  There are ups and downs. But it is on my terms. 20171015_175835

Call me a dreamer if you may, but I invite you to come along for the ride.  Give me ten minutes of your time to share the gift of financial independence and if it is not for you..that’s o.k. Just remember, there’s a better life if the nine to five shift is not your wheelhouse.  Don’t forget to ask me about our 60 day challenge! I cannot wait to be working with you in 2019! Email me at lap2913@gmail.com!IMG_20170306_104219_095

Anything’s Possible

laura-christine

“I push to the limits, I climb every wall. I keep on believing that anything’s possible.” – Lea Michele

Great lyrics to a song by Lea Michele. The opening lines are very meaningful to me in regards to the last seven years of running my own company. We push to the limits and we believe anything is possible.

The picture posted is Laura Jackson and myself, which seem so long ago, in the first year of launching our company Aesthetics360, LLC. I think I was full of dreams and Laura was cautiously optimistic. I think she was somewhat in shock that we were pushing forward with “rose colored glasses.” But we did it. We pushed, we pulled, we waited and we conquered. So it was no shocker to my family when I decided to launch my second business, or plan B- being an Independent Consultant with Rodan & Fields. If you want to be part of a disrupter, this is a company to definitely look into. But it is not a get rich quick scheme. Just like any business, it is yours to make or break.

In business and in life we take risks. According to Harvard Business Review, “It takes a special kind of courage to be the person who will take calculated risks. People who become good leaders have a greater than average willingness to make bold moves, but they strengthen their chances of success through careful deliberation and preparation.”

If you have ever thought of going into business for yourself, know this:

  • The road is not filled with instant success, it is tiny wins that happen over and over again. And after a while these wins become the small accomplishments that bring you one step closer to your destination.
  • You need to set attainable goals. Again, each accomplish will bring you closer to that financial freedom you are looking for.
  • Don’t ask your family what they think of your  new business idea. They will be the first ones to tell you all of the cons. Often this is because they are relying on you for steady income or they are concerned that you might fail and they think they are saving you some grief an aggravation.  Either way, leave your family out of it. (just my opinion)

Also know, that being the CEO of you will be the most liberating  and terrifying job you have ever had. You  will make your own hours and you will work as hard or as little as you want. You will  not have to worry about being downsized or passed over for a promotion. The job will be all about what you put into it. And that is they-what you are willing to put into it.

If you push to the limits and keep believing, you will be a success.

 

 

You Are A Champion

champions“I am always the most positive person”  said no one ever. Because….everyone has “off” days. But you know what is so great about having an “off day?” It is an opportunity to pick yourself back up and be even better the next day. It feels great when you can get out of that funk. The key is to remember that life will hand you “ups and downs” and “obstacles.” The key is to never give up and understand that these obstacles are simply little detours  in the road to our destinations. How do you find your way back?

  1. Surround yourself with supportive and amazing people. The key to a great leader is to surround oneself with people who are even greater. Form a united team of friends, family and colleagues.
  2. Remember that everyone has ‘challenges.’ You are not unique in this category. I know it is hard, but it is true. The key to success is in how you address your challenges and work through them.
  3. Help someone else. I always find that when I am having a down day, what can make me feel better is to give some of my time to someone less fortunate or someone who needs a helping hand or an ear to listen.
  4. Learn from your mistakes. Our biggest challenge lies in ‘not’ repeating the same mistakes. Look back on a situation and ask yourself “how could I have handled that differently?” I learned this lesson with age, so maybe I can help someone learn that a little earlier.
  5. Ask for help. There is no shame in asking for some help. Another lesson learned with age. It is not a sign of weakness. it is a sign of strength.
  6. Never give up on your dreams. When you give up on a dream you are giving up on making the most of your amazing gift-life. So use every second of every day to make your dreams a reality. Set your goals and your possibilities are endless.18684