Business Lessons

This past weekend I connected with members of the Class of 1975 from OTHS at our 40th Reunion.  As we looked at graduation pictures, reminisced about days gone by, I realized something…… I was different.  In the past, I would have clung to the old thoughts of who was in what “clique” in HS and what someone would think of me, my business and my life.  This time is was different, I drove to the reunion with a confidence that I have not had in this type of situation before.  Why?  Because I am the CEO of my own business.  Okay, so maybe it isn’t that simple but I truly believe that it has helped in me growing as a person and as a result having success in my business.

I have a new respect for me and my business.  In the past, I was shy about telling people about my direct sales business.  I mean most people look at the “home party business” as a hobby and truthfully despite saying the words – I think deep down, I did too.  Are you ready to get gut honest about YOUR business and what you think of it?  On the surface, you work your business like a business but deep down, do you think “this won’t last” or “it is fun for now”?  Do you believe it is a career or just something to pass the time until something else comes along?

I have gained CONFIDENCE and I feel good about who I am.  My life’s journey may not look like others but it is mine and I am proud of all that I have accomplished.  The good, the bad and the ugly.  When I shared about my business this weekend I talked about “honoring others positive energy with a variety of products for you, your family, your home and your business”.  Those that were interested asked questions, if they weren’t they just smiled and said “that’s nice”.  It was okay because I LOVE my products and I know that they have value.  Thank you Eryka Peskin for teaching me how to celebrate the inner gremlins so that I can squash them.

I learned how to celebrate successes.  Large or small, it doesn’t matter they are YOUR successes.  Not what others see as success and not other’s goals.  I LOVE celebrating my customers, my hostesses, and my team for orders, birthdays and milestones of all kinds. So why didn’t I celebrate my own successes.  I usually let them pass by without considering their significance or achievement.  What about you, do you celebrate your successes and if so, how?  I CELEBRATE at least 3 things every day NOW and as a result my perspective changed.  I share the positives with the Universe and in return, I receive more positive things. Did you know that if you don’t celebrate your successes, you have a higher chance of burning out or being left with the question of “why am I doing all of this?”  Who wants that, right?

Last but not least — and perhaps the most important lesson of all — I learned to be utterly genuine. Yes, I still have a prideful streak.  Yes, I still play the comparison game on occasion. I have learned that when I genuinely share my strengths, hope and experiences that doors open up.  People begin to put value in what you say and do – even if it is a “purse thing”.  So, I always try to be kind and genuine, and offer value to to my customers.

What have you learned from running your own business?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Open For Business

Today, I am headed out to hang with some old friends… This is me with just a few hundred of my classmates at the OTHS Class of 1975 – 50th Birthday Bash.  Today, we will be celebrating 40 years since we graduated HS…. I can’t believe it.  It is a BYOB day for our picnic so, I will be carrying a Thirty One thermal….

 

I will be open for business today with my canvas crew thermal tote (a hostess exclusive), to keep my wine cold.  The big problem comes as I try to decide which bag to carry.  I mean this is a Bar B Que and who wants to carry a purse, right?  These are my top two options but there are so many to choose from:

I am leaning towards the crosstown wallet because it is more casual and fits my style.  Of course, I will have business cards with me and maybe even a few mini catalogs to share with everyone.  It is easy to share Thirty One when you are out and about because the products are cute, fun and fashionable.  Will you be open for business this weekend?

Thank you to Christina’s Creations for the graphics.

Which opportunity is for you? Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

The Bully in Your Head

TGIF!  This is the start of an exciting (and emotional) weekend – it is my 40th HS Reunion.  Yes, I graduated HS in 1975.  Over the last several weeks, there have been lots of pictures floating around including the one above from the 4th grade.  I am in the back row, 2nd from the right.

I am excited to see many old friends, introduce hubby to them and finally SQUASH the inner gremlin bully that lurks in my head.  Maybe you have one too.  “Who do you think you are?”  “You aren’t as good as ….”  Some days the bully is loud and intimidating while on other days he sleeps.  Yet without fail, he shows up to shake your confidence.  Mine has slept a lot over the last few months resting for this weekend.

Maybe you can relate.  Maybe you are applying for a new job, asking for a raise or starting your own business.  Maybe you are seeing friends and family who push your buttons. You know that you are successful.  You have awesome skills.  You have a business (or the job) that you love. You are confident.  Just as you walk in the door  — the bully rears its ugly head. “You’re not good enough, people are going to laugh at you,” What do you do? “No, what is your real job”  Do you retreat and go home?  Or do you fight the bully?

Thank you to the AWESOME Traci Bild for these five strategies that will calm the noise in your head:

1. Stay focused on what it is you want:  Talk to the Universe putting ONLY the positives out.  Move into the driver’s seat and redirect your thoughts to focus on what it is you want, what you can do, will have and are capable of.  Positive thoughts NOT negative ones.  Remember, you get what you put your focus on.

2. Restate damaging thoughts:  So what do you do when those negative thoughts creep in? The next time the bully shows up, take the damaging thoughts or words and restate them to emphasize what you want. If your thought is, “You will never have a successful business!” Restate to, “I am a success because I can pay my bills and enjoy my life as a result of it.”  Say it over and over because it’s going to feel odd, it will work.  You may have to “fake it till you make it” but as you speak the positive into the Universe, good things will come to you.

3. Retrain your brain:  How? Surround yourself by positive or inspiring thought patterns. Placed laminated quotes, images and inspiring words on your vanity mirror the refrigerator, and in your office.  As your mind naturally wonders to them, reading them multiple times a day, you are re-training your brain, every day, to focus on what it is you can do, and are capable of.  You are giving yourself the tools to battle the bully in your head. Over time, your mind will naturally focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t and that is power!

4. Protect your dream:  This one really surprised me but makes perfect sense.  Be careful who you share your dreams with. People are quick to remind you of “what you can’t do or why” because they haven’t defeated the bully in their own head. Confide only in those who support and encourage you or else risk another bully- this one outside of your head and in your circle of influence.

5. Use the risk-reward formula: Whenever you’re making a big decision ask yourself  — what’s the worst thing that can happen? If you can live with the worst case scenario, take the risk and move forward. If  you can’t then don’t; it’s that simple.

Will this squash the bully forever?  Probably not, he will will return to test the waters, to see if you’ve weakened your resolve and if it’s able to penetrate your mind enough to derail you. Be sure to fight back. Focus on what you want, can do, will have and the way it will feel once you’ve accomplished your goal.

Who is ready to reach for their goals and STOMP out that inner gremlin?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!