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

Remember those lines?

“Tumble outta bed and stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup 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

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“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?

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.