Go Big or Go Home. That is the question….

So, many of you know that my lease was up at my office building and I was trying to figure out what to do. I love getting up and going to the office but the hassles were outweighing the benefits. Especially since little Nick joined our family – I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed by having to manage multiple locations. So I made a deal with myself. I renovated my house in order to put in a beautiful home office and I decided I was going to give it a try. I’ve put away my dream of the big glass tower with a hundred employees….tried that and hated it. What I have found has been surprising. Not only am I productive, I feel calmer, more organized and at peace.

But!! Wait – I have also come up with a list of things I needed to do, or remember, in order to make this work. Here they are:

1) I separated my space. I couldnt work on the dining room table or in the basement. So I set up a real office, complete with all the stuff I need and a door that closes.

2) I’m structuring my time. I don’t check my email immediately upon waking…not that I could with these little people running around….but I work when I’m at work and then I close the door and turn it off for the day. Sure I can be flexible…but I dont want my office to feel like it’s taking over the rest of my house

3) I’ve outsourced a ton of stuff. This past year I found a virtual assistant who is a jewel and many of my staff simply work from home. It is much easier to manage and bypass all the personnel drama that comes up. I’m a chatty person so it was often me distracting my staff from important projects (sorry guys!)

4) I dress the part. Yes I have tried working in my yoga wear and I must say – it doesn’t work for me. I feel sloppy and lazy and totally undignified. So I get dressed, drop the kids off and then head to work for the day

5) I set aside specific days for meetings. This has been great. I bank them all together and have full days of client meetings. That way the rest of the week can be focussed on getting work done. This has been excellent for me! No longer can I simply just meet up with a client or associate for lunch. If I’m feeling isolated – I could always do that but so far so good.

Sure I was a bit sad – thinking that I was giving up on a dream. But then I realized that my life was evolving, my priorities shifting and that I could accomplish a lot more by being more focussed. Who knows…maybe next year or the year after that – I’ll just buy a building..

But until then – I’m overlooking my beautiful pool and looking forward to the warm productive days of summer.

Want a 6 figure week? Join me on Ali’s latest call!

If you have a web presence, surely you’ve at least thought about launching a product or program if you haven’t already done so.
Have you achieved the maximum results you desire?

Ali Brown hasn’t only attempted it–she’s perfected it into an art form. In fact, she recently sold over 600k worth of a product in just ONE WEEK and she is now ready to show you how she did it.
The best part of it all is that Ali focuses on making the process as simple as possible.

If you want in on this simple, step by step process to make YOUR product and program launch easy and lucrative, then you’ll want to sign up for her upcoming call.

On Wednesday, March 31 at 8pm Eastern time, Ali will present:
“Secrets to Enjoying Six-Figure Online Product and Program Launches.” Do your business justice by participating, and learn how to access the specifics you’ll need to execute an amazing launch! Please reserve now:

Here’s what you’ll take away from this 75-minute complimentary
call:

*The five simple steps it takes to plan an extremely profitable online launch for your products and programs.

*How to pull off a six-figure launch with little to no team or staff.

*Ways to keep your launch simple yet successful – using tools you’re likely already using or are even FREE — NO complex webinars or videos required. It’s all about maximizing what you
already have!

*Secrets to using social media for your launches – Twitter and Facebook can work wonders even for those of you with small or nonexistent email lists.

*Exciting details on the debut of her BRAND NEW “Product Launch System,” which will lay out for you, step-by-step, how to do your own profitable launch with ease.

Again, learn more and register for this complimentary call taking place on Wednesday, March 31 by visiting:

Consider yourself cordially invited to this one-time event. It’s been engineered especially for entrepreneurs who would like to generate greater response and more money when launching a product, program, or event online.

See you on the call!

Jude

When you put yourself out there in a big way….be prepared for the Criticism

One of my favourite quotes is from Marianne Williamson “your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine…..As as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

As I’ve been working on my new exciting products lately, I found myself procrastinating the actual launch. I kept thinking my stuff needed more work, my website wasn’t exactly as I wanted it to be. etc etc etc. blah blah blah. Then I got one of my favourite ezines and as I started to read it – I felt a huge wave of something rush over me. I’m not sure if it was relief, or fear or simply a matter of all the pent up emotions of the last few months coming to a head. In any case – I started to feel liberated.

In the ezine, one of my mentors was talking about how when she first started really getting out there, in a big way, she used to cringe because although most people were positive in their feedback – often times there was a lot of negative backlash. Sadly this is the norm. Especially for women entrepreneurs. I’ve experienced it first hand many times. Women like to say they support other women, and most do, but sometimes…..they can’t even help themselves. And the reality is – it all stems from jealousy and resentment.

What you need to remember, and what I need to remember, is that is has NOTHING to do with me! It’s about THEM. If they aren’t where you are, or even where they want to be, well – that’s them. Not me. The bigger and more successful I’ve gotten, the bigger and more bitter the backlash.

Sometimes it hurts. I wont lie. I have been betrayed and put down in huge ways, all because the other person was so jealous. But I’ve realized over the years that I’m more interested in who I can inspire, who I can motivate, and who I can share my success with. It’s way more fun and it keeps me in the right frame of mind moving forward.

So from now on – I’m not going to be afraid of the small minded people out there and what they think. I’ve got big plans and some great stuff that I’m launching soon! I’m going to ignore the snide whispers that I know are out there…and focus on what Dr. Suess said “those who mind don’t matter, and those that matter, won’t mind”

I hope you’ll do the same the next time you find yourself afraid of what others might think..good luck

Don’t Quit….Don’t Ever Quit

Don’t Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won, had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit
It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.

Author Unknown

Sticks & Stones May Break My Bones…But Names Will Never Hurt Me

Over the last 16 months my team and I have been interviewing hundreds of women executives and entrepreneurs about the term “BITCH” and what they think of it.

The results were surprising to say the least.

While many women entrepreneurs and business owners don’t appreciate or advocate being called a bitch, anytime, most women felt that if they were being called a bitch; it meant that they were doing their jobs.

How sad.

Turns out women in business today believe that in order to be successful, they have to become or be ok with being a bitch.

Why then, I asked, are less than 5% of North America’s 4 million women business owners reaching top levels of success? In fact, in Canada alone only 25,000 women led companies will break the $1,000,000 revenue mark. Compared to the number of male run companies, those numbers are depressing.

The truth is that women need to reframe what the word BITCH means, for themselves and their business.

Are you ready ??

Here’s my definition:

B – Bold & Brave
I – Intuitive
T – Tenacious
C – Charismatic
H – Honorable

Be Bold.

Successful, inspired company leaders are bold and dynamic. They know what they want and they make clear plans for achieving their goals.

Bold about ideas, bold about their dreams, and bold in the level of confidence they have.

Be Intuitive.

Women have been given a direct connection to their Higher Power, and that connection is their sixth sense and intuition.

Beyond Bitch leaders know themselves deeply and trust the information their intuition gives them. They seek out gut responses and feelings in addition to making ‘mind’ decisions.

Be Tenacious.

Successful leaders take action and remain steadfast in the achievement of their goals through tenacity. They are persistent in delivering excellence – in their own lives and through their businesses.

They are not easily swayed from decisions but are also aware of new ideas and opportunities that can advance their position or cause.

Be Charismatic.

Get past the Oxford dictionary definition of charismatic which is, ‘a rare personal quality attributed to those who arouse fervent popular devotion and enthusiasm.’

They are high energy, positive thinkers, and action takers that inspire others to reach their personal best.

Be Honorable.
Live your life with impeccable integrity.

While driven to succeed, successful women entrepreneurs are always aware of the people that support and surround her.

They are honest, fair and open and they understand that their reputation is the most valuable ‘thing’ they own. Because at the end of the day, that is all you have.

So go ahead, call me a Bitch. I happen to agree.

It takes a village to raise a child….and a business

Lately it’s become very evident in my life that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish all the things that I do without having an amazing support system in place. Teachers, sitters, friends, family, housekeeper etc. They all help me to create the life I want to have without sacrificing quality, and fun. So thank you!

As I thought about how valuable my personal support network is, I immediately began to think about and be thankful for the professional network and support system I have it place. Bookkeeper, lawyer, banker, mentor, staff etc. Not to mention the countless authors and online experts I watch and learn from daily. Each person or tidbit of information has helped me to become more of who I want to be.

Today our communities and businesses are different. I live in a small town, where everybody knows everybody. Believe me – this has its ups and downs. But one thing is certain, I know my neighbors, I know my kids teachers and I know who I need to know. Since moving here almost 4 years ago, I am finally starting to really appreciate that the staff at the coffee shop know what I want before I open my mouth. It’s that old school, classic customer service that we often forget in times of technology, voicemail and automated everything. Facebook and Twitter let us tell the world what we’re doing, post pictures, videos etc. all from behind the computer screen. But when was the last time you picked up the phone or shared lunch with someone to reconnect.

Raising a business is exactly like raising a child – they develop and grow at certain stages, their needs change constantly, and it takes a lot of work, effort and love to send them out into the world successfully.

No matter what kind of business you have, how big or how small, it takes a team of dedicated people to help it grow and be successful. Instead of feeling isolated, or that you have to do everything yourself…see what you can do today to find someone to help you. Whether it’s on the work or home front, remember – it takes a village.

In praise of Extraordinary Women – like YOU!

International Women’s Day is coming up and I think the theme should be extraordinary women. I would like to share with you what I believe makes a woman extraordinary and give you some insights into ways of making your own life and the lives around you extraordinary. I am going to share with you my own beliefs and values, and I hope that you will enjoy my message and be inspired and motivated to continue on your own extraordinary journeys.

Over the last six years, I have come to know and understand what being extraordinary means. Through my own experiences and those of some close friends and associates, I have watched women do extraordinary things. They have:

Got married
Got divorced
Given birth
Mourned a lost baby
Buried a parent
Buried a friend
Started a business
Sold a business
Folded a business
Got jobs
Lost jobs
Found love
Lost love
Found financing
Had it all fall through at the last second
Hired staff
Fired staff
Made new friends
Lost friends
Wrote books
Launched websites
Gone back to school
Sent kids to university
Bought houses
Bought dogs
Bought buildings
Taken trips
Moved
And many more things.
Truly extraordinary.

Being an ordinary human means taking what this world has to offer and creating a life that you want. For every woman, success means something different, and it can measured in a multitude of ways and through a multitude of filters. In the end – it is a very personal journey.

Being extraordinary means reaching out from your life and the life you have created to positively impact the lives of those around you.

It is the extras that make someone extraordinary. It is putting in the extra time, going the extra mile and hanging on for that extra second. It is staying up late to put the finishing touches on a proposal or driving all over town for a client. It is keeping your husband interested after three children and 18-hour days, and it is for always being there for a friend – no matter what time they call.

Being extraordinary means owning your own life and owning your own power. So many women today are pushing through the pasts’ boundaries in order to create their own paths of success. Tonight we celebrate them.

A few years ago, I was asked to speak at an event about the future of young women in this country. In preparing for that speech, I was astounded by the number of women who had gone before me and who had broken down the barriers and obstacles that used to face us.

Yes, there are still challenges that we must overcome, but in general, I can stand here and say to you – there is no opportunity, no challenge, no goal that is too out of reach or unattainable. There is no skill, no job, no connection that we cannot make and cannot strive for. That is extraordinary. Now let me ask a question: Who considers themselves to be extraordinary? That is the first step. Recognizing and honouring your own worth.

One of my favourite quotes is from Marianne Williamson from A Return to Love. This happened to also be one of Nelson Mandella’s favourite quotes. It is: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?”

Actually, who is NOT to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us. It is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Being extraordinary means searching for and finding our light. Dispelling the darkness that can sometimes surround us and sharing it with the world. Are there challenges? Darn straight. But we must be courageous.

I attended a seminar last fall that for me was truly life changing. One of the major themes was courage. Now some believe that courage is lacking fear in a situation that would normally generate it. Others, in contrast, hold that courage requires one to have fear and then overcome it. John Wayne said it this way, “Courage is being scared to death – and saddling up anyway.”

Eleanor Roosevelt said this about courage, “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

But, my favourite is Ashley Hodgeson, who said this, “Strength and courage are not always measured in medals and victories. They are measured in the struggles they overcome. The strongest people are not always the people who win, but the people who do not give up when they lose.”

So being extraordinary is facing your challenges with courage in order to overcome them.

In my life and my career, I have had occasion to work with and consult many extraordinary business people and entrepreneurs. I am a perpetual student, and I have always been in love with tales of the human spirit, of personal triumph against all odds, and stories of accomplishment. While my work has taken me in many directions, I have always been focused on sales and marketing, the disciplines of growth and advancement.

One of the major findings that I have uncovered is that extraordinary people, extraordinary women in particular, have a real intolerance of one thing: Mediocrity.

Mediocrity is a disease. It is the language and spirit of “good enough.” Mediocrity keeps us from reaching, from achieving, and from dreaming. And, it is spreading.

Uta Hagen, a stage actress known for her roles in A Streetcar Named Desire, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf said:

“We must overcome the notion that we must be regular…it robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to the mediocre. Extraordinary women , not only push passed mediocrity, they actively reject it! By actively rejecting mediocrity, they are consciously choosing excellence. If you do not actively REJECT MEDIOCRITY, then you are unwittingly choosing it over excellence – and will be travelling down a road littered with broken dreams and failed expectations.”

Buck Rogers of IBM was quoted as saying, “There are countless ways of attaining greatness. But, any road to reaching one’s maximum potential must be built on a bedrock of respect for the individual, a commitment to excellence and a rejection of mediocrity.”

I would like to share with you 10 Choices that I have learned that you CAN make every day, every minute, in order to ensure you are on the road to Extraordinary and are actively rejecting mediocrity.

1. Choose to be ENERGETIC – instead of permitting yourself to get run down and burned-out.
2. Choose to be PASSIONATE – instead of permitting yourself to be aimless and indifferent.
3. Choose to be ENTHUSIASTIC – instead of permitting yourself to be half-hearted and discouraged.
4. Choose to be SELF-DIRECTED – instead of permitting yourself to become uncertain and directionless.
5. Choose to be PREPARED – instead of permitting yourself to be shortsighted and reactive.
6. Choose to be FOCUSED – instead of permitting yourself to be scattered and impulsive.
7. Choose to be SUPPORTIVE – instead of permitting yourself to become critical and judgmental.
8. Choose to be SYSTEMATIC – instead of permitting yourself to become haphazard and disorganized.
9. Choose to be TIMELY – instead of permitting yourself to become distracted and preoccupied.
10. Choose to be PROACTIVE – instead of permitting yourself to become procrastinating and hesitant.

At every point in time, you make these choices. Thomas Watson, Founder and past Chairman of IBM, said that if you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. As of this second, quit doing less than excellent work. I say we should all be striving for extraordinary.

As women today, we are extremely lucky. W have access to all the information and knowledge we can acquire We also have access to powerful associations, networks and groups. Use them: To connect with each other, to share your stories and your experiences, to support and uplift yourselves and each other. Encourage the growth and advancement of each other. For that is what we exist for. I leave you with a final quote and a personal challenge for each of you.

The first is this:

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again. Who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause. Who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
— Theodore Roosevelt (The Man in the Arena)

The hidden gem in learning how to prioritize

If you do not spend 30 minutes doing invoicing and it delays you from sending it, you delay yourself in getting paid.

I once had a partner who could not grasp this concept. I would even bring it down to a parenting thing.

It is 12:30pm, my son is hungry. I need to go to the bathroom and he needs his diaper changed. We are going to have pasta for lunch which has not been cooked yet. What would be the most efficient way to take care of all of us.

Some of you will say, go to the bathroom and then sort it out. Even though I am desperate to go to the bathroom, I spend 30 seconds and put a pot of water on to boil, then I go to the bathroom, then I change the diaper. By the time I am done, the pasta is done.

Still having trouble?

First, ask anyone who can get all the Thanksgiving dishes on the table, all at the same time, and most importantly, all hot.

In sales, and salespeople that have been in the business awhile know, you always need to be prospecting and looking for the next opportunity. It does not diminish the effort or value you put into existing clients in any regard. You need to put a plan together now for ensuring both elements of the business are serviced at the highest standards.

A five-minute phone call today can save you time and money later. Invest the time to learn how to prioritize.

Need help? Give me a call – I know how to get it all done.

It’s not personal…it’s business….and other stupid things people say

1. It’s not personal, it’s business.
I know better than to let my emotions dictate my decision making at work. And I’m great at compartmentalization. But let’s get real. When you are the owner, the visionary, the chief, cook and bottle washer – IT’S ALL PERSONAL.

It’s personal when I make a commitment to work on Saturday, get a babysitter for my kids and then you don’t show up. It’s personal when I put my life’s learning to work on your account and then you change your mind and decide you don’t want to pay me. It’s personal when I spend hours and hours pouring over your file, your market and your client information only for you to disagree with my recommendations. It’s personal.

Many many years ago Picasso was painting a canvas on the street when a young couple approached him. “Picasso, my goodness! Would you please paint a portrait of my new lovely bride?” Immediately Picasso set to work and in 30 minutes produced a beautiful rendition of the bride. When the young man asked Picasso how much he owed him for such a masterpiece, Picasso replied “$5000″

“$5000? You must be joking. It took you only 30 minutes” came the astonished young man’s reply.

“no, no dear sir” said Picasso, “it took me my whole life.”

2. The check is in the mail.
Listen, I run a small business. I understand cash flow. I also understand how the postal system works. If you don’t have the funds or haven’t made it to the post office because something came up, please just tell me. Don’t blow smoke up my skirt and tell me it’s in the mail. My mailman really hates it when I give him a dirty look if he passes by my office with no delivery for me.

I can take the truth. I’m a big girl. Let’s all just commit to honoring our commitments.

3. Telling me I’m amazing and then not listening to my advice.
I’ve spent close to fifteen years honing my craft. If I make a recommendation to you it’s because I have spent hours learning your business, understanding your customer and running all of this information through my experience and expertise filter. I’m not just making this stuff up. Really.

If I make a recommendation it’s because I truly believe that if you put it into practice you will achieve the goal you shared with me. If you haven’t been upfront about your goal – well, that’s another story.

4. “We don’t know what to do – but we just want to bring it to your attention” And it’s too late for me to do anything
Ok, this is my least favorite especially of late. If you have run into a snag and aren’t going to be able to do what you committed to doing, please tell me as soon as you know. I wont be upset (little girls get upset), I wont get angry. I’ll work with you to come up with a solution.

But please do try and come to me with some solutions. Mistakes happen. We all make them. I know, I’ve been there. But some ideas about how to fix the situation would be helpful instead of dumping the issue back on my lap in the final hour. It makes me cranky.

5. “I don’t want to pay you, but can I call you every day and ask your advice?”
NO. You can’t. This also makes me a bit cranky. I’m a helpful person. I truly want to see you succeed. But after coffee and picking my brain – sorry you’re going on the clock. You expect to be paid for your expertise – right? So do I.

On the other hand, if you’re honest and upfront – heck I’ll do my best to help if I have the time and the expertise. I love being helpful.

6. “it’s not MY JOB”
Honey. It is your job. If it wasn’t I wouldn’t ask you. And if it isn’t and I just need your help, I’ll say so.

And finally, #7. “You SHOULD do __________” When the truth is – you have no idea what you are talking about.
I really try hard not to ‘should’ on people. I anticipate that people would then not ‘should’ on me. If I ask for your advice, great – give and give it to me straight. If I didn’t – then don’t.

Have a great weekend!
Jude

What my 6 year old can teach you about persistence….

Those of you with kids will get this I’m sure. For those of you without….get ready for a chuckle and hopefully some insight.

My son Sam, 6 1/2 going on 30 is as sharp as a whip, funny as heck and as persistent as running lake water on stone…..just keeps at it until he achieves what he sets out for. Being in sales – I watch and listen to him with great appreciation (and sometimes a bit of frustration!) And I really believe that if more people in business took pointers from their children, they’d be way more successful.

So, here’s the deal. On Friday’s and Saturday’s we typically allow Sam to stay up a bit later to watch a movie or something. Because it’s the weekend we can hope he’ll sleep in or at least not be cranky and tired for school. With this past weekend a long weekend we let him stay up on Sunday night as well mainly because we had friends over. So last night, he was intent on staying up again. Dear Dad and I disagreed.

7 pm rolls around and I tell Sam it’s bath time. Ok. “Can he have a snack first” he asks ( he’s now decided he’s really hungry). Ok.

It’s now 7:30. Bath time, fun, fun, fun. “Ok Sam – pull the plug – you can play until the water runs out then it’s time to get out.” says Mom. “ok” comes the reply. Meanwhile he has figured out how to sit on top of the drain so the water doesn’t run out. haa haa (NOT)

It’s now 8pm which he really should be in bed asleep by now. But ok. I get him out. “Oh, mom I have to go to the bathroom”, comes the cute little voice. “ok, do that and let’s brush our teeth. It’s late, Sam so only one book tonight.”

10 minutes later we are finally settled in to read a book and sing a song. What song does he want? Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah – all 5 verses. Ok fine. It’s now 8:35. Kiss kiss – goodnight Sam, see you in the morning.

“can I have a drink” “no”
“I’m still hungry, can I have another snack” “no – go to sleep”
“Mummy – can I tell you something?” “what?” “yesterday when we went to the beach, blah blah blah blah….” story goes on and on. I’m now standing at the door sighing heavily. “Sam – tell me the rest tomorrow – go to sleep”

“Mummy?” “What?” “Can I tell you one more thing?” “no – tell me tomorrow – go to sleep – I love you”
“but Mummy I’ll forget – I just want to tell you one more thing?”

It’s now 9pm and nobody is sleeping. “Sam – tell me tomorrow go to sleep!” “Mummy why do you always get mad at me when I want to talk to you?’ Sigh – he used it. The bad mummy card. Nice.

So finally – 9:20 I close the door and hope he goes off to sleep. Did he get his wish of staying up? YEP. What can we learn from this?

There’s always a way to keep coming at it. To extend out the conversation, to drag out the approach until you find success. You just gotta keep at it until you find your in, however small, and once you’re in stick to it.

Do I think he went to sleep smirking at me? hmmm a little. But what Sam doesn’t know is that I can do the same to him. ;0)

Enjoy your day everyone! And remember, if at first you don’t succeed, try try again.