Create Your Legacy

The Forgotten Keys of a Successful Event

2010-10-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

What event are you expecting people to attend?

Whether it is a birthday party, baby shower, home shows, holiday parties, business networking event or a seminar there are some key elements that will make your event successful.

Often the "Forgotten Keys" will be left out of an event which could allow for an okay event however often left feeling like something was missing. You will want to use every source of medium possible to promote your event. To help you have an exciting and powerful event follow these steps.

Email:

Send out a "Save the Date" announcement informing people of your upcoming event with date, time and location.

Send a "Formal Invitation" with all the specific details of the event.

Resend invitation to non-responders a week later.

Email a reminder a week before and a day before the event to everyone who has stated they would be attending.

Social Media:

Use the Event pages on Facebook and invite all your local friends.

Post frequently your event on LinkedIn, Twitter and MySpace. Let people know and since everyone looks at their social media at different times you will want to post your information about the event at different times also.

Make announcements on your home page.

Have each vendor post on their social media outlets as well.

Media:

Submit a "Press Release" to your local newspapers, business journals and radio. Follow up with a call to your print publications to confirm they received it.

Hand out Cards, Flyers and Poster everywhere you go. Mail an invitation to a minimum amount of people that may not be in your email list that are in your target market.

In Person:

Go to other local event and hand out your flyers, posters and cards. Make sure to get their business card to add them to your reminder list.

Phone people you have not heard back from. Ask them if there is someone they know that may want to attend this event with them.

Phone people to remind them that the event is just days away! Build your relationship with people and offer the special touch of a personal connection. This will also give you an idea of how many people you may have attending your event. This call can be done by you, a volunteer, a personal/virtual assistant and your vendors.

If You Have Vendors:

Have each of your vendors offer a "give away" so you can promote this in your invitation.

Request that your vendors give you a list of people (minimum of 25) to send the invitation to.

Request that your vendors send out 15 or more postcards/flyers to people they may or may not know in the community.

After the Event:

Send a thank you to every person in attendance. If it is a large group you can send an email thank you. If it was smaller group send out hand written cards.

Before too much time passes follow up with your attendee. You can offer a survey for people to fill out to give you feedback. Follow up and find out one thing your attendees felt they could take and put into action from your event. If a large group select 25 to 50 people to call or get volunteers, vendors or a personal/virtual assistant to make the calls for you. You want to know what your attendees took from your event.

Request that your attendees post on their social networking sites about attending your event. You could have a script for them to make this easier for them.

The success of your event will be because "You" stepped out and did something different. You added the extra touches to your event which makes you stand out from the crowd. When you call people they are less likely to forget about your event because you created a feeling for them. When you follow up by sending out a thank you or asking what they can take away from your event will create a feeling for them as well. People skim through emails but a call will get them connected to you and they will tell other people about you. If you leave these "Forgotten Keys" out of your event you will be like most other event organizers and hope they have a successful next event!

Kimberley Borgens, CBC is the CEO of Be A Legacy. She enjoys working with small businesses and helping them gain ground to being a successful business. She coaches, consults and mentors leaders who want to make a difference in business and in thier lives. Learn more http://www.bealegacy.com

Have You Ever Lost Your Confidence?

2010-07-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Has there been a time in your life where you had things moving right along and you felt content with your life and business? While everything was going along smoothly you became a little relaxed and just went along with what was happening around you? I can say that I have been at that place many times in my personal and business life. Everything seemed to be moving forward, things felt like they were in a good place and I was comfortable in what was going on around me.

Then whack out of the blue something happens. Your clients file bankruptcy, you are fired from a job, a terminal illness is discovered in a family member, a sudden death of a loved one, divorce, rape or sexual assault occurs. You get knocked off your confidence. Suddenly the calm comfortable world you had been living in takes a turn for the worse. There does not feel like a quick ending to what just happened. You may have found yourself paralyzed from what had just happened.

When you get your confidence kicked out of you by life what do you do to bring it back? How long does it take you to breathe back in some wind after it is knocked out of you?

I have experienced many breath taking kicks along the way. I have experienced many confident damaging events in my life and yet I have found the tools necessary to get back up and breathe. Have you experienced events in your life that have knocked out the confidence for a short or long while? What were some of those events for you? Are you in one of those times right now?

I have found that when I have gotten in one of these circumstances at first I freeze. I go inward and want to shut out the whole world. I will get the necessary obligations done but have no feeling attached to what I am doing. While I am in this state I am searching in my brain what I could have done different and what I could have done to prevent this circumstances from happening. Anyone else out there like me? Get stuck in the “what I could have, should have done”! Not like I can do anything about the past however I know this is what I have done. This usually will get me into a cycle of blame shame and guilt for what I didn’t do so well. After a time, I have to find myself out of that hole and start to rebuild my confidence. This is done a lot quicker when I talk with those people I have as my support. When a hand is reached out to me I take it and get myself going a lot faster than if I were to try to do it alone.

I have heard from many people whom have shared that I inspire them and they look up to me. People have made comments about my positive attitude and my confidence. I appreciate each and every reminder from those around me. I feel like I am no different from any other person who gets back up when they have been knocked down. I work consistently to get back up on the horse that bucked me off and take the reins and ride again. I have never gone it alone even when I have felt alone. There has always been someone in my life, be it God, parents, spouse, siblings, friends, children and even strangers. Someone has reminded me to get up and get going. Who has been in your life that has kept you going when it has been difficult?

Here are a few tips I have learned along the way:

1. Keep Breathing – It takes a lot of deep cleansing breaths to get through the biggest challenges.

2. Notice What Happened - Do what you can to notice and not avoid what has happened in your life. Be aware of what you were doing and how you reacted. This helps to put it all into perspective.

3. Check Your Feelings – What are you feeling about the circumstance? For yourself and for any others that may be involved. Be honest about your feeling do not try to hide them or bury them.

4. Ask What You Can Control – What about this situation can you control? Then take action on those things. If you cannot control it then let the negative energy go from it. Do what you can and keep yourself moving forward.

5. Rebuild Your Confidence - Take every step possible to get confident again. Be with positive people, talk about your strengths, surround yourself with the good things in life, do something that inspires you or do something that scares you so you can get the excitement back in your life.

Your confidence is always there! It just may be hiding behind a tree waiting to see how you protect it. It may be afraid to come out and play again however you are the only one who can teach it to play again. Those things that knocked you down are the same things that have knocked down thousands of other people in the world. You are not alone! Ask yourself how they may have gotten through it or get in a group with others who have survived the same circumstance and learn to thrive through it.

When you get through those challenges you end up being a person that inspires others. People will see you as the person they want to be like.

Come on you can do it, I believe in you! Bring your confidence back out and play. Be like the person you admire most and learn from your circumstance so you can help someone else get up quicker too.

The Legacy of a Thank You Note

2010-05-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

As the daughter of a military officer I was taught that it was important to say thank you to others for the service they provided. I am sure I was not like you growing up being a bit resistant to my parents on all the lessons they attempted to teach me. For some reason this particular lesson had a profound effect on me and it was something that I carried into adulthood with ease.

As a young adult I learned that I had to pay the bills or they would no longer work! I learned many lessons about paying the bills. You are probably wondering why I am talking about paying the bills as a legacy of a thank you note. Do not worry I will get to the point. It was a time in life when the news was talking about how the bill payments were being stolen from the mail boxes and to make sure that your payments did not look like there was a check inside the envelope. This was important to me because I could not afford to have people steal my money when I had so little of it.

Because of the news, I made a plan to put my checks in the envelope with a piece of paper that made it look like a letter was going out. The companies did not have the self address envelopes like they do today. I would wrap up my check into a piece of paper and handwrite the address to the bill collector and mail off my payments. This cycle would happen every month without fail.

At some point in this process I began to think that the paper I was putting in was just so plain. I remembered my teaching as a child to make sure to say thank you to the people who are of service to you. So I began writing in big letters on the paper I was wrapping my check in “Thank you For Taking My Payment”. I thought that just maybe that note would let people who were often in a thankless job know that I cared.

Over the years I continued this tradition. I would happily sit down and write my notes as I made a payment to the very people that were taking all my money. The electric company, the water company, the garbage company and the credit card company just to name a few. I took responsibility for using their services and had made a choice to say thank you.

It wasn’t until about six years ago that I understood the impact of what I was doing. I like many other people had gotten so busy in life with work, kids and activities that I was late at paying the bills. I remember coming home after being away facilitating seminars and getting a notice that said I had 24 hours to pay my water bill or they would turn it off. Wake up and smell the reality! Went right down to City Hall building to pay the bill! As I was waiting in line I looked around and was listening to the people who were yelling because they too had gotten the same notice that I did and they were trying to get out of paying that bill right now and of course it was the clerk’s fault that they got that notice. I noticed something out of the corner of my eye that caught my attention. Right behind one of the clerks on their bulletin board was a note that said “Thank You For Taking My Payment”. I was amazed to see right there in public view a very simple piece of paper that I had written thanking this person for doing her job.

When it was finally my turn to pay the bill I went up and asked the clerk about the piece of paper that I recognized. She shared that the first time that payment was open they were surprised that someone had said thank you. She then shared that every month they receive this note they appreciated it so much that they began to pass them around to the different staff. Almost all the staff now had one of these notes on their bulletin boards. I was thrown back for a moment! Had what I been doing all these years really made that many people appreciate it? If this was how it was at this payment center could it be like that at other payment centers to. I had not realized or even thought that this would mean a lot to people. I said to the clerk “wow I did not know that by writing those notes that someday I would see them displayed on a bulletin board and have that kind of an impact.” She looked at me and asked if I could wait there a minute. I did and she came back with three people and said “this is the lady that sends the notes”. They each shared that they appreciated receiving them and they thanked me. They also shared that no one thanks them for taking their payments and more often than not that people are mad at them. One person shared that when they would get done dealing with someone who was rude and yelling at them they would look at the note and say at least one person cares.

A legacy happens when you consistently take small steps that improve the life or wellbeing of another. That is exactly what these thank you notes did. What will be your thank you note in life? What will you do that is small and may seem meaningless yet could potentially create an impact in the life of another? I mostly have my bills paid through auto payments now and do not send in the bills like I used to. However, I still look for ways to say thank you to the people who more often than not have a thankless job. Be it the grocery store bagger, the house keeping staff at the hotel I stay at and the list goes on. Find a way to make small steps in your life, create a ripple effect no matter how small and how it may seem like not much of a big deal! I learned a very valuable lesson the day my service was almost shut off. For me it was worth it to have written those notes for all of those years without realizing the impact and the legacy it would create. A hand written thank you note can make a difference. Go make your difference.

Creating An Environment of Accountability

2010-05-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Creating an environment of accountability can be very rewarding in many areas of your life. By having accountability the people around you see that you are serious about your business and your word. When others see you making shifts in your accountability it gives them permission to do the same in their lives. They may notice that you are being more successful or happier in your life and are wondering what is different. Understand while learning to master accountability, you will have to think differently and act differently than what you have done up to this point. People will wonder what is different even if you do not tell them. They may come to you and ask what happened.

On the other side of this is when you are not being accountable in your life, people who want success may go elsewhere to find support. You are likely going to attract other people who do not want accountability in their life. You may decide to look back in your life and may say something like “How is it that I keep getting people in my business that do not want to work”.

Having a lack of accountability can result in challenges such as:

Reduced Team Productivity
Reduced Profitability
Low Follow-Up and Poor Customer Service
Lack of Personal Growth for Self and Team Members
Stress and Frustration with Team Leaders and Self
Low Team Interactions

If you want to have people that are fun, enjoy what they are doing and reaching for new goals… Create Accountability Partners!

If you want more information on creating the best “Accountability Partner” go to the Be A Legacy web page and purchase the E-Book on Partnering Up For Greater Success. http://www.bealegacy.com/classes.htm

Know that accountability requires measurement, follow-up, consistency and consequences. Allowing someone else to help keep measurement allows you to close any back doors that would give you excuse to not go after what you say you want. By following up with an accountability partner you are more likely to complete because you do not want to let anyone down or look bad to your partner. Being consistent is important because it helps you to form a habit. When you forma successful habit it helps to eliminate a habit that is not working well for you. You trade an effective habit for a not so effective habit. Consequences allow you to put yourself on the line. If you do not do this then you pay a price. The price may end up being the loss of a great customer, a future business associate or people believing and trusting in what you say you will do. Accountability can correct these areas for your success.

Accountability is cultivated when:

1. Declare your goals publicly to a team of supporters, your family members or to one partner. When you declare publicly, you then have a duty to fulfill this declaration. This is a bold statement to the world that you are going after your life in full force.

2. Share your plan with those who will hold you accountable. What are the steps you will take to reach your stated goal? How will you break this down to be manageable for you to be successful! This shows people you have put in some thought and are serious. Get their suggestions and make changes in your plan if one of their ideas works for you. Let others know when you have completed even the smallest or steps towards your success. Celebrating small victories along the way can help to keep accountability rewarding and fun.

3. Set up a consistent meeting time to talk with your accountability partner(s). This gives you a deadline to complete so you can be at the meeting with a clear conscious. Share with your partner about what your challenges were and what you did to overcome them.

4. Give your Accountability Partner permission to always speak the truth to you. It is their truth and you can look at that as feedback from your partner. You get to then make a decision. Allowing them to speak truthfully to you gives them the feeling of trust and that they matter to you in this partnership.

5. You state your commitment and your partner says it back to you with full understanding. This is so you both are clear in what you are asking for and there is no confusion on what it is you choose to be held accountable for.

You do not have to have someone hold you accountable for every goal you go after! If you have a good sized goal or really big goal… I highly recommend getting support from an Accountability Partner!

Eye Opening Exercise
Make a list of the last 10 goals that you have set. Write next to each one “Completed” or “Not Completed”. Stop and take a look at what you have completed and what was not. Next to that write a number based on how many people you had told this goal to. And then how many of those people followed up with your. Is there a clear idea for you on what you completed with support and without support? Look back and see if you remember whether you had fun or not. Did you enjoy the process better with support than without?

Action Step to Success #3

2010-02-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

Ideas Alone Don't Bring Success

Ideas are important, but they're only valuable after they've been implemented.

How many times have you been on an airplane looking at a SkyMall catalog and seen an idea that you had and someone else did it and now they are getting paid?

Ideas are the first step in creativity. I have an "Idea Book" where I will write down all my ideas to make my business more successful. Some of these ideas I have implemented right away. Others ones are there sitting and waiting for me to take action on them or give them to someone else who could use an idea to grow their business.

I believe all the ideas I have could be for me or for me to impart on someone else. I know that my ideas have no value unless I take an action on it or give it away and someone else takes action on it.

One average idea that's been put into action is more valuable than a dozen brilliant ideas that you're saving for "some other day" or the "right opportunity".

If you have an idea that you truly believe in, do something about it. Use it or share it! The value will come when an action is taken.

What is an idea that you are ready to implement in your life today? How will implementing this idea become valuable to you?

What is an idea that you would like to offer to others? Can you market yourself to teach this to others? An idea can work for many people not just one.

Action Steps for Success #2

2010-02-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

Attitude Matters

Your attitude is the key to making anything a success. Many people have the attitude of business will find me. I just have to say I am in business and people will hunt them down to buy what they are selling. Whether it is a product or services you will have to take on the attitude of "If it is to be, it is up to me".

Many times people will act in business as they do with their family and friends. Very laid back and comfortable.

Your attitude will be the strongest (or weakest ) aspect about you.

To be successful you may want to shift your attitude to be on purpose and maybe stretch your boundaries of comfort.

Your attitude will determine how you handle the circumstances around you. When challenges arise are you handling them with looking for a solution or are you taking revenge out on the circumstances? Getting mad or taking the circumstances personally usually does not show the best in you.

Your attitude determines the self image you have. People often look to see your attitude in how you handle the hard stuff. Do you defend or justify what happened? Or are you looking for the lesson and course correcting to be better the next time around?

I believe people want to work with people who have been through challenges and have had a good attitude to get through them instead of a victim style attitude. That way they feel like if something were to happen then they will not feel beat up from the relationship.

Things go wrong in life! Challenges interfere with smooth transactions and both sides are effected by it. Make sure your attitude acknowledges the other people involved.

You are in control of your attitude! You are in control how you respond to any circumstance in your business. How will you manage it to be a success? People want to support others to be successful, remember they do not want to fight through your attitude to help.

What is one thing you can do today that will stretch the boundaries of your attitude? How can you improve a small step in attitude that will support you in growing in your business?

Action Steps for Success #1

2010-02-01T04:45:00.000-08:00

Take Action & Start Today

If you're waiting to start something until conditions are perfect, you probably never will start.

There will always be something that isn't quite right. Not enough money, timing not right, someone else is doing it or too many people are trying to hold you back.

How many times have you said you would start something and you still have not? What has stopped you? What keeps you from taking the action steps necessary to do what you want to do?

There is no perfect time to start. You have to take the risk and take action! You will have to deal with the issues and circumstances as they arise. By that time you will have already learned new ways to solve quicker. The best time to start - is Today!

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, "Each indecision brings its own delays and days are lost lamenting over lost days... What you can do or think you can do, begin it. For boldness has magic, power, and genius in it."

At the top of every profession people share one main quality - Commitment to get things done. Taking action on what needs to happen. Leaders get into the habit of putting ideas into action now! Taking action is essential to getting things done.

Be A Legacy Networking Tip #11

2010-01-30T07:53:00.000-08:00

Follow Up System

What is your follow up system? When you receive a contact or someone tells you they want your product or wants to book a presentation from you what is the system that you follow?

Are you reinventing your system with some similarities each time? Create a system that is consistent.

Follow up within 48 hours with every lead you get. You can follow up by phone, email, mail or be creative and follow up!

Have a form with the questions you want to ask in front of you. This way you do not ever get of the phone thinking you forget to ask them something. This also allows you to stay on track and will help with time management to do more follow up calls.

If you are calling to follow up and have to leave a message, let the prospect know you will be calling again. How is your call back system working? I have a 5 call systems in place for each person. I will leave a message using each of the 4 behaviors styles. This way it is more likely that when they hear me speak in their behavior style they are more likely going to call me back. However, my fifth call is the final call in which I let them know I will not be calling them again and though I would like to support them with their need, it seems not at this time.

If I do not make contact with the prospect I will follow up in about 15 days and 30 days with a postcard if I have their address or use email as the second choice. What will you do?

Having a powerful follow up system is most important for your business success.

When you do not follow up you are telling yourself that your business does not matter to you and you are telling the lead that they are not important.

Make a commitment to create a follow up system and follow up within 48 hours for 30 days. Watch your business success grow.

Be A Legacy Networking Tip #10

2010-01-29T05:47:00.000-08:00

Be Prepared For Success

Always have your business tools with you when you go out! Always, always have business cards, brochures or catalogs with you!

Whether you are at the store or networking events have something that people can walk away with that represents you. If you make a connection with someone and they want to connect with you and you have nothing to offer them that will allow the two of you to connect in the future, you are missing an opportunity!

Your contact information is key to business success. People are busy and do not want to have to work to make the connection that will serve you. People want fast, easy connection!

I have been to many event and at every event someone tells me "I forgot my business card". I just ran out or I am getting new ones printed. I heard "oh I can not believe I forgot them. First impression is "not serious about business!"

If you want to be treated as a serious business person bring the tools to support that.

Have cards in your vehicle, spouses vehicle, brief case, purse and any bag you have. I have taken cards to the beach in Hawaii! Do not be left making an impression that your business is not important.

Be A Legacy Networking Tip #9

2010-01-28T18:58:00.000-08:00

Wear Your Business Proud!

Wear a name badge where ever you go. At least your company logo. Get your logo and name embroidered on your shirts and jackets. Let people see who you represent. It helps you get noticed and creates credibility, professionalism and branding for you and your business.

When you go to meetings, mixers, social activities, events and shopping wear your business proud. I have picked up many clients while shopping because people have a sense of curiosity. I truly believe people want to connect, yet they do not feel they have anything in common to speak about. By providing something for them to speak about you open the door for them to connect with you. Allowing a possible start to building a relationship.

Get your car a name badge too. You are driving around anyway, so let people know who you are and what you have to offer. (Make sure you act appropriate driving and be professional.) Having business magnets or signage on your vehicle creates visibility and exposure for your company which create you as a successful leader.

If you set up a table or booth at a networking event then get a table cloth with your company name, logo and web address on it. Allow your table to sell you too.

I am not saying you have to go out and get all of these at once. Get your name badge and then work to save to get to the next level. All of these items can be inexpensive if you look for the bargains and sales. It will create greater visibility for you which will bring you a return on investment quickly.

Get a great name badge and wear your business proud.

Be A Legacy Netwroking Tip #8

2010-01-26T07:35:00.000-08:00

Get Involved In Your Community

Networking is about getting involved. Connecting with people and building relationships. Often I see people who say they are out networking and what I notice is them in a corner observing or hanging out with people they already know.

Networking is about connecting with the people you know and building new connections with people you do not know.

Getting involved in your community includes attending mixers, social networking events, fundraisers and charitable groups.

Be a giver in your community with your time and social power. If you only attend an event once you may meet a couple of people however if you attend several events people start to see you as a resource and will connect with you more.

Not everyone will be a customer to you, however they may run into someone who is looking for your services down the line. Either way the more people you connect with the more likely they will help you with ideas when you have a challenge that you are facing. You may also be able to help them with a challenge and then you are a valuable resource to them.

The more people know you, the more relationships you build, the more support you receive when you need it!

Many fabulous networks include:
Local Chamber of Commerce (Great resource for events and mixers)
Small Business Development Centers
Direct Selling Women's Alliance (DSWA) and trade organizations.
Women's Success Groups, eWomensNetwork, Networking groups,
Social Network - TweetUp's, MeetUp's
Facebook/Social Media Communities
Lions Club, Kawanis, Rotary, Local Non-Profits and more.

Be A Legacy Networking Tip #7

2010-01-24T20:28:00.000-08:00

Create A Circle Of Support

You have the power to choose who you hang around with. Ideally you want to be with happy, vibrant and positive people. People who are achieving results in life.

If you are in business surround yourself with other business minded people. You can create a team of people to connect with to support you in business and in your personal life. Ask business people to mentor you if you are just starting out. Or be the mentor for someone else who is just starting out.

If you are a parent of small children you would want to surround yourself with positive role models raising positive kids. Who are people that have raised happy, healthy and responsible kids? Connect with them and ask how they did it.

Do you want a healthy loving relationship? You will want to find out how other people have created healthy loving relationships. Ask people who have been together for a long period of time. What have they done to make it successful? What were the difficult times? How did they get through them?

Sometimes the people we are the closest to are the nay sayers in our lives. Find people to get involved with to grow your business, your relationship and all the areas of our life. Attending all your companies calls and meeting helps you be connected with the support you may need to be successful.

You can get on teleclasses for just about every aspect of your life. You can create a brainstorming team and have a call once a week or month. Utilize all the ways to find people to support you in business and in your personal life. There are a lot of people offering to support you. All you have to do look for what you need support with and start to ask for it! It is up to you to ask for the support you need. Be willing to ask and go after it.

There may be some people that you choose to no longer connect with frequently if they are not supportive of your dreams and goals. Keep looking for the people who will.

Each of us have gifts to offer others. By being with people who are supportive you may be able to see more of your gifts as well as seeing other peoples gifts.

Be A Legacy Networking Tip #6

2010-01-20T12:42:00.000-08:00

Compare Yourself Fairly

Are you comparing yourself fairly against other?

Do not expect your business to be the same as someone who has spent more successful hours in their business. Those are the people we strive to become. We will not become the big, heavy hitter in our company without putting in the productive time and efforts. If you are new to your industry, you cannot expect to have the same success as someone who has been consistently growing their business for five years. This is like comparing apples to oranges.

If you are looking for the quick fix I would suggest working for someone else. If you are determined to be a business owner then put quality business building hours into your business!

Sure, it would be nice to land a big account or person so motivated they bring in 100 people with them in business, but don't get caught up in the hype and emotion. It takes work to build your business and to keep from being discouraged compare your hours and time and talents fairly.

Keep striving for better and quicker ways to build success. Duplicate success! Follow the Leaders before you! You may be able to reach the same success that others have in less time than it took them. It still will take the time and energy that you put in to make it happen.

Check to see if you are Comparing yourself fairly in life. Ask yourself "What scale are you measuring yourself on?". Are you comparing yourself to a hope of perfection? Are your successes rarely enjoyed? Do you constantly have the drive that you must do or be better? Do you see something that you did not do well as a failure and then focus on that?

If you have given 100 percent of your skill and knowledge to a project and when it is complete look back and see where you could have done things differently how do you treat yourself? you could look back and decide that you did a great job that was 97% worthy and the 3% is what you would focus on as not enough. Put your merit up against yourself only.

Start listing your achievements and compare them to others who are the same age, gender, social background and culture. Are you comparing your physical beauty to someone else that does not live in your body or your life style?

Write down the differences. Notice the similarities and differences for yourself. Notice the negative comparisons you place on yourself and how much energy you put on worrying about them. If you were to release that energy and put it somewhere more productive where would you put it?

In your relationships with your spouse, kids, friends or at work, your business? How about positively on yourself? How do you hold back the real you from playing full out because you do not see yourself as enough?

Some things to think about and journal on could be:

• Is it possible to accept myself and treat myself in a lovingly and compassionately, regardless of my accomplishments or lack of accomplishments?
• Do I need to be outstanding, special or unique?
• Am I looking to prove something? And if so who?
• Why does failing at something transform me into being a failure?
• What would my life be like with a fair comparison?
• Can I be satisfied with progress, not perfection?

Final thought: Did you know that the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by th age of 12 was more successful by any standard in music composition. Mozart spoke 15 languages and had composed numerous major pieces of music, including an opera. He was still a child! I would not want to compare myself to that!

Be A Legacy Networking Tip #5

2010-01-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

Get In The Game!

When challenges arise make sure you take responsibility for what is going on. Get in the game and hold on. Don't look upline, look in the mirror! It is not the company, the system or the upline. We know this because the company system is working for thousands of others, so ask yourself, "What else can I be doing?"

Are you on ALL the conference and training calls? These calls may seem boring and time consuming. However, if you picked up one great tool and it brought your business to a new level it would be more than worth it. Plan to be on at least one call or training each week that will improve your skills. If your company does not offer calls or trainings know that there are a lot of complimentary tele-classes out there. Utilize what is available to you.

You can always ask to be a speaker with some great tools and ideas you have found useful. Be willing to share what works for you with your team and leaders.

Read articles and books that will advance your business! This will keep your head in the game and can give you the opportunity to be more creative. Always look to move up. Be a LEADER!

Review your website often. Update to keep up with the trends.

Create a blog. Talk about the items or services you sell. How they have made a difference for you. Offer tips and ideas to improve the quality of someone elses life.

Be involved in social media like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. if it would help you build relationships to grow your business. Keep getting in the game!

Finding ways to improve your business at least 2-3 times a week, will keep your business moving forward. Know that the person you admire in the business is doing something to keep thier business moving forward. As you grow, you will be the person others will admire.

No one else can keep you in the game. That is your responsibility. If you find you are not playing then check back in with the reason you got involved in the first place. Ask yourself "why" again and again until you take responsibility and do something. Remember, A decision is meaningless without an action!

The more you learn, the more you will earn. Be active and keep yourself playing in the game.

Be A Legacy Networking Tip #4

2010-01-16T07:23:00.000-08:00

Emulate A Leader

Take time and think of someone who is successful in your field. Or in the field you are passionate about being in.

Who is that person?
What do you admire or respect about them?
Why they are important to you?
What makes them stand out to you?
What can I learn from them?

They can mentor you with out ever meeting you! Look at what you feel makes them a leader in the field or industry. How can you do some of the things that they do? How can you get educated like them?

When the challenges arise in your business, and they will, you can ask yourself, "What would he/she do, well why don't I just do that?" And then just do it!

Even if you have never personally met them you can see how they get involved, what they do well or what mistakes they have made and course correct yourself as needed.

You can have several people that you admire and respect that you choose to take bits and pieces and make your life much more productive.

Look in all the areas of your life to find people to mentor you. I have chosen people in my walk of faith, industry, relationships and child rearing. This has been a great tool for me to get better in all areas of my life.

Know that people may be watching you as their mentor! How are you living your life? How can you live in a way that people will do what is great in you?

Be A Legacy Networking Tip #3

2010-01-14T20:33:00.000-08:00

Be Honest

When you talk about your business be honest about your products, services and the business opportunity.

Do not lead people with wild expectations. Let people know what they can expect if they join your company or become a client or vendor with you. There is a great saying that is "under promise and over deliver". This will always make you look like someone who cares when you give more than expected. At the same time do not little yourself down either.

Always be honest with people because you want them to grow in their business and it will support your growth as well. The best part of being honest is you never have to cover up or try to make better. It is just the truth!

If you fudge on the truth it causes people to lose trust in you and you find they are less productive with you. Networking and being authentic for some people is a huge risk. The risk is worth it as the reward is much greater. Some people may choose to not work with you because they do not want to be authentic with you. It is okay, the right people will come to you because they do appreciate your authenticity. If you are wishy washy with your authenticity and honesty you end up losing both groups of people and get exhausted from consistently searching for new people to network with.

You can be honest and show people the wonderful opportunities and create a greater value for long term business.

Be A Legacy Networking Tip #2

2010-01-13T15:54:00.000-08:00

Stay Focused

Set your goals for your business and stay focused on those goals!

Many people go from one opportunity after another, back and forth never staying in one place long enough to gain success.

Most people in networking have a habit of doing this, they keep jumping from company to company hoping to hit it big somewhere. They just spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars starting a business and never follow through!

Stay focused! The grass is always greener somewhere else, especially in the beginning! I have learned that the grass is greenest where I water it!

In business it takes you building a foundation for your business to last. This foundation is built on focused time an energy that you put in to it. If you allow yourself to go after all the shiny objects that are put before you you are not likely ever going to find true success.

The rewards can be so much greater than anything else you could do. When you stick to what you are going after not matter what you will find a greater network of people who will be there when times get tough.

You may think I do not know what I am talking about - I can share many stories about how in the past 17 years in business we have been through just about everything a business should not go through and have still come about keeping employees working. If I had been jumping around from business to business I would not have had the support from banks, friends business networks and every other source to help get us through the tough times.

Make a pledge to yourself that you have found a home! That this is the last network you'll ever build! Tough times don't last, Tough people do! Build your network grow both in experience, knowledge and true connections!

Keep watching for more networking tips this month with Be A Legacy.

Visit us http://www.bealegacy.com

Be A Legacy Networking Tip #1

2010-01-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

Networking Tip #1

Treat your Business like a Business

Take your business serious while networking! The income you can earn is very serious. In order to make the changes you desire in your life style you must make sure you are running a business.

Many people start out treating their business like a hobby. Put in just a few hours and hope people find them. They want the big paychecks and want to have them right away in a new start up business. Yet they are not willing to do what it takes to get the business off on the right start. Are you?

Business is serious. It requires many hours to build it up. It requires networking, getting involved, planning and goal setting. There are a lot of tools to grow your business. You can be networking locally, on line social networking as well as many other forms to get your name out and show people you are serious about your business.

Benefits of treating your business like a business include:

You can become debt free!
You can pay off your mortgage!
You can provide the very best for your loved ones!
You can give more to charities!
You can change your life style!
You can build a legacy for your family!

It will be up to you to treat your business like a business long before anyone else will treat is as such. Get serious in your business and people will seriously come to you. You have to take the long first step!

Keep watching for more networking tips this month with Be A Legacy.

Are You Ready for 2010?

2009-12-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

As the calendar year of 2009 comes to a close are you prepared to start the new year off successfully? What have you done to make sure 2010 begins with you ready in your life?

Have you put the last month on hold because you just knew that people did not want what you were offering? How about you just decided to take the past few weeks of and enjoy your family and friends? If so now is the time to get yourself moving again. No time to waste on getting a jump start for 2010!

What goals have you written down for you and your business to reach this next year?

Who have you share these goals with?

What steps do you have in place to go after these goals and be committed to achieve them?

Who are your accountability partners? How will they hold you accountable? When will they hold you accountable?

If you are looking for a great accountability partner let me know.

Visit http://www.bealegacy.com/classes.htm for more information on coaching and consulting to keep you accountable for 2010.

12 Days of Christmas Gifts That Be A Legacy Gave To Me

2009-12-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

Last year I started the 12 Days of Christmas program and have decided to keep it as a tradition.

Many people celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas as the 12 days leading up to Christmas Day. The true 12 Days of Christmas actually came as the 12 days after Christmas and began December 26 with the feast of St. Stephen a traditional day for giving leftovers to the poor and ending January 6 with Epiphany. Each day a gift was presented to the world with celebrations to serve others in the world.

I would like to offer you some special gifts to keep you moving forward in life.

The cost of these great gifts is only an email to dreamteam@bealegacy.com saying
"Yes sign me up for the 12 Days of Christmas!" Don't forget to put your name in the email.

It is as simple as that!

January 11, 2010 is the drawing to win Prize Gift Pack

THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS BE A LEGACY GAVE TO ME...

► 12 Action Steps for Success (Dec.26)
► 11 Networking Tips For Growth (Dec.27)
► 10 Tools to Resolving Conflict (Dec.28)
► 9 Ways to Think Clearly (Dec.29)
► 8 Team & Group Ice Breaker Games (Dec.30)
► 7 Areas to Create Life Balance (Dec.31)
► 6 Ways Of Getting Out of Debt (Jan. 1)
► 5 Goal Setting Strategies (Jan.2)
► 4 Behavior Style Tools (Jan.3)
► 3 Ways for Effective Follow-Through (Jan.4)
► 2 Articles on Creating Joy (Jan.5)
► and a Life Assessment Form (Jan.6)

Everyone wins with great tools and information. Join in on the fun today.

► Sign Up To Receive the 12 Days Of Christmas Gifts From Be A Legacy For A Chance To Win A Prize Gift Pack

Prize Gift Pack Includes:
Books, Audio CD's, Business Tools, Special Gifts & More. (Value over $400)

How to win the gift pack?

For every referral who signs up you receive tickets, by signing up you get a ticket, when you respond back to each of the 12 Days you get tickets. It is up to you on how many tickets you get.

1 Ticket for replying "Yes"
2 Tickets for each person you forward this message to and they sign up to receive by Dec. 23.
3 Tickets for reading information sent each day and replying back to let me know how you will use something from each day.

(Possible 3 tickets per day = 36 or more tickets)

I look forward to giving these gifts and celebrating the gifts of the New Year with you.

Thanksgiving Everyday

2009-11-24T19:13:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is upon us here in the US. We get together and celebrate with family and friends. We come together to be thankful for what it is that we do have in our lives.

What do you have to be thankful for? How far have you come this year?

What I have discovered for me throughout the years is when I focus on what I have that is working in my life and fills me with joy, that is what my life reflects.

Someone recently said "You only write about good stuff on all your posts. Is that really how your life is or are you like a duck that looks good on top of the water but is really struggling under the water?"

I thought about her comment and discovered for myself that I really do have a lot of wonderful things that happen in my life. These are brought forth by how I make choices in my life. I also noticed that I have bad circumstances just like everyone else. I just do not give them the power to bring my life down. I get back up and keep moving forward.

I make conscious choices each day to look for what good can come out of the circumstances. I look equally for the good in people, places and all challenges.

It doesn't cost me anything extra in life to offer a smile, give someone some hope or care about people and their success.

As you celebrate thanksgiving this month (& every month) my hope is that you will find what is good in your life and keep your focus on that. What you focus on is what you usually will create in your life. If you are looking for evidence of how bad others are you will find it. If you look for evidence of the greatness in others you will find it! What evidence are you looking for?

What are you thankful for? Who are you thankful for?

I am thankful for your contact, friendship, feedback and support to keep Be A Legacy moving along side of you.

PS. ~ I decided I am much more like the Swan. Bigger feet creates less paddling as I continue to glide in life. Letting the tough things in life roll down the feathers allowing the elegance to be seen and admired.

Design Your Ideal Life

2009-11-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

Are you designing your ideal life?

Believe it or not you have a clean slate everyday to design the life that you want. Each day you get to choose what you will do and how you will respond to the choices around you. You can invent your life any way you choose. How you do it will be up to you.

Start designing your life by choice. Here are some questions to get you thinking and get you writing about your ideal life. Answer these questions with great detail. Describe each idea using your senses. Visualize the colors, sounds, smells and anything that can get you excited about your ideal life.

• How do you see yourself every day?
• Who do you want to be?
• Who do your spend your time with?
• Who would you like to spend your time with?
• What does an average day look like for you?
• What would you like your average days to look like?
• What do you do for fun?
• What would you like to do for fun?
• What do you do for income?
• What would you like to be doing for income?
• Where do you live?
• Where would you like to live and why there?

This does not have to be difficult. If it feels hard to visualize a long distance just visualize your ideal life for one day. What can you do tomorrow to make your life better than today? Take designing your ideal life in small steps. It took small steps to get you where you are today so pace yourself in your designing. After you get the hang of your ideal day then move to an ideal week and then month and so on. Once you have designed what your ideal day, week, month, year or life looks like then start taking steps to put it all into action. Start making the small steps and planning to live your ideal life.

We do not have to out do someone else's life. We only have to live up to our life! This is Your ideal life. You can decide how you live it, who you live it with and what is important to you.

Design your life with your loved ones supporting you and bring together the people in your life who are willing to help you reach your ideal design. What are you waiting for? Go have fun designing your life and your legacy.

Step Into The Costume Called YOU!

2009-10-20T07:06:00.000-07:00

October is the time for ghosts, goblins, tricks and treats. Often people use Halloween to be a time to transform for one night into being someone else. You have the opportunity to dress up, take risks, be like another and look silly and still be accepted. Why not take it to a new level this year and discover a person to become that you enjoy everyday.

As children you may have gone out door to door and collected candy as repayment for us dressing up. Did you come back with a lot of great sweets? You took the risk to say "Trick or Treat". And then you were rewarded. What did you do next? Eat it all, get a stomach ache and then have go visit the dentist to fill those cavities? Ok sounds kind of bleak! We were young.

Where in your life would you like to take a risk and be rewarded? Do you take the effort to bring all of you to the game? Ask for a raise? Ask a potential client to join your business? Ask for that sale? Ask an associate to support you? Ask someone to marry you? Have a child?

What is holding you back from taking those risks? Fear? Uncertainty? Worthiness? Afraid of not being accepted or that you are not enough? Waiting for the "right time" to do what you have always wanted to do?

I say finish this year with a filled bag of treats. There is still time! Step in to the costume called YOU! Take the risk and do something new. Do something unexpected that would serve you and others around you. No more tricking yourself into believing you do not deserve better. Enjoy the treats of your life! What are the gifts that you offer the world just by being who you are? Step into your great qualities & core values and live with as much excitement as those bright eyed children who will come to your door asking you for treats.

Who will you dress as for the rest of this year? What quality or core value do you want to make stronger in your life? What will you need to do to turn a weak area in your life into a stronger area? How will you go about treating yourself and stop tricking yourself?

What would help you move forward in life? Where would you like support in your life? Isn't it time for you to get an accountability partner to walk along side of you and finish out 2009 with more treats than tricks? Call today if you would like to get some new clients, build a better relationship and create income to pay bills and/buy gifts for this holiday season! dreamteam@bealegacy.com

Who Is Making Your Choices?

2009-09-02T12:38:00.000-07:00

Every morning I get up and I am ready to jump into action. I get up and go about making today a better day than yesterday. I am not saying that it is always easy to look at life this way. I am saying that everyday I have a choice on how I want to look at the world. I choose everyday to make it better.

After being in business for over 16 years I have seen a lot of challenges. We have been through just about everything negative a business can go through. In one of my companies I recall when we sold it to a Fortune 500 company and then worked as local managers for them. Within one year they went bankrupt and we were faced with a choice. The choice of letting go and moving on without doing that work anymore or taking back our company in which we were not completely paid for. We made the choice to keep it and boy did we learn a lot from that. Ten years later we are still going in that business. Oh but be clear there have been some difficult choices in those ten years. Just this spring within a two month period we had a couple clients file bankruptcy. Between them, they owed us over $100,000.00. Because we are a service industry there is no product to take back, this was all for payroll that employees must be paid. We had a choice to say should we close the doors or what can we do different? Well, we are still doing different. Batten down the hatches and hold on tight!

Our lives are made up of many choices. Choices to change course, to let go, to hold on and leave the thoughts of failure behind! What are your choices? Can you enjoy your choices even when things get tough?

Who are the people that you bring into your life to help you get through it? Are you bringing problem solvers or problem makers into your life?

Do you have people who you can brainstorm with? Are there friends, family members or co-workers who are willing to remind you why you do what you do?

Who do you have that helps you set and achieve goals? Hold you accountable to what you say you want to achieve?

I would challenge you to make a list of all the people in your life you consider close to you. Next to their name put either the letters E & D. E is for the people who bring you energy and lift you up. D is for the people who are more often draining the energy from you. Then look to see who you spend the most time with. Do you want to shift where you spend your time? You do not have to do anything different! As long as you are aware of it you can make the choice to stay the same or do something different.

If you catch yourself in a rut, evaluate what is going on and ask what can I improve in this situation? Find the solutions to lift yourself up. I live with an attitude of today will be better than tomorrow. Here are a few of the attitudes that I choose in my life most.

Excellent Attitudes of Choice:

1. An Attitude of Solution.

Finding a solution to what is going on and not becoming a victim to it. If I am low on cash I find a solution to bring more money into my life. Ask myself what can I do to bring in more money. So what ever you are facing get support from people who can help you find solution.

2. An Attitude of Productivity.

There is a difference between busy work and productive work. I can look busy all the time! I am productive when I have the attitude of creating a forward moving result. Cleaning the house when I know my business is not producing would not be a smart choice for me. I can hire a house keeper when the money is flowing in. I can delegate some of the non essentials to others who love to do that and have a business for it. This leaves me the time and energy to be productive and do what I love to do. When you slack at your job or business it says that you have a habit of slacking. You are likely to get a slack pay for your job. Do your job with excellence and you will be rewarded. It may not be rewarded from the same place however.

3. An Attitude of Optimism.

You may not be able to choose all the circumstance in your life, you do have the choice on how you handle them. Refuse to be defeated by the circumstances. Look for that silver lining. What can I learn from this? How can I teach others to get through this? Instead of a “why me” choose a “why not me” attitude. Find something good in all your doing and hand on tight. You never know when this lesson will be pulled up to help someone else along the way. As a survivor of a rape, at the time did not see any benefit in it! Now I am grateful to be able to truly understand where a survivor comes from and can help them get through it too.

4. An Attitude of Improvement.

Look for ways to continuously improve your life. Find ways to make your life or the life of someone else better today than yesterday. No one ever said life would be easy! I have found that it is easier when I find ways to improve my relationships, improve my business, improve the knowledge of my kids and improve my attitude. If I were to stay the same as I was 20 years ago I would not be worth much to the people around me and yet at the same time I know that I must change me because no one else can change me and I can not change them either. What could you improve in your life today? Take baby steps and improve a little at a time.

Remember, you have the choice to do what you want in life. Not all choices are easy and not all choices are hard. Keep moving forward and know that there are people in the world looking to help you along the way. Go find those people and allow them to keep you energetic and you will be able to return the favor.

Are You Preparing For The Holidays Yet?

2009-08-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

The holiday season is just around the corner! I know you are probably not ready for it! However, knowing that it is three months away can make or break you when the season comes and you are stressed because you were not ready for it.

What are you going to do to prepare yourself for a profitable end of year?

Since marketing your business takes time to do, now is the time to get your campaigns together. Work on them now and when the time comes you will be a head above your competition!

For my direct selling friends this means how many shows are you booking now to put on your calendar for the holiday season? How can you keep in touch with the people you are booking now? Maybe send a post card each month or twice a month to keep their show fresh in their mind. Let them know how excited you are that they are hosting a show before the holiday rush. If you have 20 or more shows on your calendar before you even get into the season you will have more time with your family, friends and the chance to do the things you want with out the stress.

If you are carrying extra inventory offer an incentive to the people who keep their shows book on the regular scheduled date. Make this worth their while. Throw in an extra bonus for those who have 15 or more in attendance. Don’t have extra inventory on hand? Plan ahead by getting a couple orders in between now and then from the specials your company is offering.

Think about some coupons that you can have ready for your customers. What incentives do you want to offer that will get people interested in your business? Products? Services?

Now is the time to recruit team members to your business. Get them in and going strong to create extra holiday cash. Remember that asking people to join you in your business is a privilege and an opportunity. Ask everyone you know and everyone you meet. In this economy to leave anyone out would be selfish.

Prepare your self now for the upcoming holiday season and you will be better off for it. Nothing better than going through the season with little to no stress because you are prepared and ready to take it on!

Are You Solution Oriented?

2009-08-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

Regardless of what we do for a living or where we live, most of us spend our waking hours at home or at work solving problems. Many of the problems we face are small, however, some may be large and complex and feel overwhelming. Anyway you look at it, problems are being solved daily.

So how do you decide when something is a problem? And how you handle it?

If my boss or upline asks me to take care of something my internal voice might say “I don’t know how to go about doing this” or “I can’t do that”. My external words say, “okay, I will let you know when this is done” or “when do you want this done by”.

There are times when moments come, and everything just goes wrong. We are now challenged to get what is not working properly, fixed. Life’s problems do not exist to beat us down. They exist to help us grow in who we are meant to become.

Let’s explore some of the problems that you may have been challenged with recently.

Why does it have to be hard to make money? I don’t understand how I can get out of debt when I can barely make my bills.

Why can’t I find a job that I love to do? I don’t even know what I love to do. So how am I supposed to find the right job?

Why doesn’t my team follow through with what I tell them to do? Don’t they understand, I know what success looks like?

Why do I keep ending up in short-term relationships? Isn’t anyone committed anymore?

(Continue Here)

I almost never use the word "problem" because most people hear drama with a problem. I don't know about you but all I have to do to see drama is turn on the TV to see a reality show, the news coverage or the old favorites a soap opera.

I look at the challenge before me and say okay, what do I have to take action on to make this work. This mindset has allowed me to find solutions instead of feeling sorry for myself with the situation. Since I cannot change what happened, I can change how I react to it. Now trust me, I have not always been this way. I could get caught up in the problem with the best of them! So how did I make the shift to see problems as challenges and opportunities for improvement in my life? Let me share with you a couple of things that I did to change how I reacted and took action on finding the opportunity in the challenge is I’m faced with.

First thing I do, is stop and take a deep breath. I look to see how this challenge affects me personally, my family, my business and my lifestyle. I looked to see who is involved. Who will benefit from this challenge being solved? Why is that important? This allows me to focus on what the issue is, instead of running, kicking, screaming or blaming someone else. Stopping to take a breath allows me to bring my emotions down so my brain can go to work. When emotions are high, intelligence is low. So, breathing can allow you to bring down the emotion level to build up the intelligence.

Next, I look to see how soon I have to make a decision with this challenge. I ask myself if I have the flexibility to gather more information, or does a decision need to be made immediately. If I have some flexibility I will research, ask for support and see how I can shift whatever is necessary to solve the challenge before me. Asking myself questions like “What do I want the outcome to be? And why is that important?” will allow me to brainstorm for the best choices available. If a decision must be made quickly, my focus must be in full gear to make it happen, which usually means take another deep breath.

Then, I look at the cause of the challenge to identify what may have contributed in creating the challenge. A brief glance to learn what to do differently, without getting stuck in the past. This allows me to determine the root of what caused the challenge. Why this happened or what got me in this situation to begin with. This is where I may get support from friends, family, coworkers or a boss to brainstorm on what may have caused this to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Finally, I decide what I need to take action on now to correct or solve the challenge. This is the opportunity for me to do something different and create a better outcome. What is my objective? What is the outcome I am looking to create? What systems do I have to put into place to prevent this from happening again in the future? What action can I take today that will bring me closer to the result I am looking for? Who will I ask to hold me accountable, to taking the necessary actions to solve this challenge?

What I have discovered as the biggest benefit to solving problems or challenges is my attitude. If my attitude is a “why me” attitude I am not likely to get very far. If my attitude is a “why not me” attitude, I am likely to move forward faster than getting stuck in the drama.

Challenges are not meant to be roadblocks, annoyance is or irritations. They really just are life happening before us. Imagine for a moment, a life where there were no problems to solve, no opportunity for growth, and no reason to invite other people into your life to help you solve the challenges you face. Who would be the people that you would have never wanted to meet, because without your challenge, you never would have met them? Now imagine a life of many opportunities, everyday growth, and all the people that you have met along the way to solving your challenges.

I know that facing these challenges can be difficult, may feel lonely and sometimes overwhelming. And at this point, I have to discover my courage to step up and asked for support. This is where I get to adjust my attitude, be stronger and more effective at communicating with myself and others.

I look at challenges and opportunities as personal training exercises. I get to exercise my skill to be stronger, more productive which become easier over time to recover from. At first your workout may appear hard, tiring and stressful. However, over time, you become stronger, smarter and recover quicker from these opportunities. So have some fun and stretch yourself to be solution oriented and have a “can do” attitude to be successful. And don’t forget to ask for help along the way. As a coach, I am your spotter to keep you safe and moving forward in your challenges and turning them into opportunities. Let me know how I can support you.

Brainstorming Business Ideas

2009-06-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Brainstorming is about expanding your thinking and generating new ideas. Bringing people together to brainstorm with you around your business and personal life can be very powerful and rewarding. Brainstorming has been proven effective with in businesses, relationships and personal goals. Brainstorming helps people over come the desire that they are alone in solving the challenges of their lives. It also promotes ideas that no one may have thought of without the proccess of the team.

Everyone tosses out ideas on a given subject. Having a scribe to put down all the ideas either on paper or on a white board is helpful so the team can be throwing out ideas and one person takes down all the thoughts. Again not in any particular order. This process may look like a lot of ideas going in all directions. This is normal and later in the process you will prioritize the ideas that you feel you can work with.

An important piece to this process is to speak out all ideas whether you think they will work or not. Whether they fall into your personal or business values or not. You can cross those off the list later. If you stop and evalute during the brainstorming process you will cut off the flow of creativity and the process will be less effective. These are just ideas and later in the process you can eliminate what you are not willing to take on.

Here are some steps to get you brainstorming.

1. Gather the troops - be it friends, mastermind teams, similar business owners or other direct selling team leaders.
2. Establish a topic to work with.
3. Set a time limit.
4. Communicate ground rules on what can be discussed and what is off limits.
5. List all ideas or suggestions that are made and encourage creativity.
6. Do not evaluate ideas. Allow what ever is said to come out and be listed.
7. As a group consolidate all like ideas and/or categories.
8. Prioritize all the ideas based on what you would commit to.
9. Put a plan of action into place to do.
10. Thank your brainstorming team for supporting you and make a plan to do this on a regular basis such as quarterly, semi-annually or annually.

Have fun brainstorming and allow others to support you in your growth as a business person and in personal development.

Visit Be A Legacy http://www.bealegacy.com for more information on coaching and consulting.

Summer Group Coaching Program

2009-06-08T15:02:00.000-07:00

Applications are being accepted for the Summer Group Coaching Program with Be A Legacy.

Only 6 applications will be accepted to be coached on your goals in this special summer group format.

Program Includes:
Goal setting
Accountability
4 - 1Hr. weekly group calls
2 - 30 minute individual calls
Unlimited emails
You choose your goal and we support you in reaching it.

For an application email dreamteam@bealegacy.com get your space reserved quickly. Best bargain for the summer.

Upon receiving your application we will review and contact you with 5 days to let you know if you are selected into the program.

Once you are selected into the program full payment must be paid no later than 7 days prior to the start of the program. An invoice will be sent to you when your application is accepted.

The program begins last week of June and will complete 4 weeks later.
Individual coaching dates will be set with each participant and coach.

How Can You Use Behavior Styles to Benefit You?

2009-06-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why…
People working for the same goals have different views?
Some people will call you back and others don’t?
Change is easy for some and not so easy for others?
Details are important for some people and others can not see the big picture?

What is your behavior/personality style? There are many models to choose from when talking about behavior styles. What ever one you choose to go by is fine. Do you know how to use the information to support you in making the best choices for your life?

Understanding behavior styles of others is important for building effective and reliable communication, building strong relationships and builds a strong foundation for success.

Even though people behave differently our success depends on our ability to function successfully with the other styles. We can determine our impact on other people and learn how to respond to their needs as well as our own.

What is your behavior style?

Dominate / Controlling? Are direct or controlling to others?
Influencing / Promoting? Like to interact with others and have fun?
Steady / Supportive? Like to be of service to support others?
Compliant / Analytical? Comply with high standards and knowledge?

I hear often comments like “if they would just do what I tell them they would be successful” or “this is business, it’s not personal so keep emotions out”. On the other side I hear “if he would just listen to how I feel I would be happier” or “I do everything she asks because I care how she feels”.

None of these statements are good, bad, right or wrong they are indicators to how different our styles are. The question is how can we adjust ourselves to improve our interactions with others without expecting everyone to change around us?

How many times do you call on a prospective client/customer and leave them the same style of message every time you call? Speak to people in the same manner and expect to get a different response? Knowing and understanding the different behavior styles allows you to connect with more people and ultimately will improve communication and sales.

I often share with my clients to plan on making four call backs to potential clients/customers. Each time you call you change your language and style to match one of the different styles. You are more likely to get a call back when someone hears you speak their language. It is a lot like calling a different country and speaking your language, if they do not understand the message they are not going to call you back!

A Dominate style would likely leave a message like “This is (name) from (company) give me a call back at (phone number), talk with you soon”.

An Influencing style would likely leave a message like “Hi (client/customer name) this is (name) and I am excited to share with you about what (company name) can do for you. Call me back soon at (phone number) we will have fun talking”.

A Steadiness style would likely leave a message like “Hi this is (name) and I wanted to call you to see how you feel out our conversation the other day. I would like to visit and share with you about how friendly my company is. I hope to talk with you soon. If you have a chance, call me at (phone number) bye”.

An Analytical style is likely to leave a message like “This is (name) from (company) I would like to share with you about the plans and services that we have to offer you. My number is (phone number) and the best time to reach me is (date and time). I will call you back in two days if I do not hear from you before then.

I mentioned this on a call and one of the listeners called me the next day to ask if this could be used in the wording of advertisements. I shared with her some different language tools that could support her in placing adds that are the same however appeal to the different behavior styles.

As you can see the same information is pretty much shared in all the examples however the language is more about getting to the point, having fun, feelings and facts. Each style has a different way to get the same information covered and we usually will respond to the style we are most often like. How can we use the different styles in our communication with our clients/customers, team members/coworkers, spouses and children? How effective would you like to communicate and create results will be up to you.

To learn which behavior style you are and more details of how you can relate best to the other styles sign up for the DiSC behavior profile test below. You will be able to see how each behavior style has its own characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. How to use each style to compliment your business relationships and how your style influences the way you act, react and interact with the others style.

DiSC Behavior Style Profile $34.95

Email for more information or to sign up for the DiSC Behavior Profile dreamteam@bealegacy.com

How Efficient Is Your Home Based Business?

2009-05-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

If you work out of an office you probably have most of the tools needed to run your business. However you might want to read on for some tips for the home based office that may entice you to make a couple shifts to your space at the office.

A home based office can be simple to elaborate! You may have a room at home dedicated to your office space! You may have a TV tray set up that you are using. Either way is not as important as what you do with your space.

What does your space look like?
Does it reflect the great traits about you?
Simple is great as long as it is functioning great as well!

Do you have a calendar to set up appointments, see what is happening today, planning for the future or logging your work hours?

You may or may not have a computer in your space. If you do, how is it set up? Can you use it for all of your business? Is it shared with others? I found a lap top works for portability however use what ever you have available and find the best ways to make it work for your business. A computer is helpful to make up flyers, keeping track of your customers and clients and do research to improve your business.

Get a cork board to pin up your goals, invitations, encouraging notes, up coming events and reminders. Put up pictures of the places you want to go in the next year or two. These could be the incentives that keep you going. Use this space to keep you going on those days you do not feel like working yet know it would be the best thing to do to be sucessful.

Is there a telephone near you? Many people are using their cellular phone as their business phone. Cellular phones are great however may not be cost effective anymore. Check with your provider to see if you are on the best price plan or would a land line work better for you! Remember a land line can be forwarded to your cellular phone if you need to leave. Find what works best for you and use it to its fullest!

Have a business log for yourself. Log your incoming and out going calls for your business. How long did you spend on the calls and in what way did that call serve your business. Log where you go for your business. What meetings did you attend? How long was the meeting and how did that meeting serve your business? Log your mileage, gas purchases, any meals with clients and travel expenses. Log your accounts receivables and your payables. There are many computer programs to support you with this however if you do not have a computer put it all in a log and keep track of it! (Do not just wing it and hope it all works out!) Think for a moment on why I would suggest logging everything. How do you see logging as a benefit for you and your business? Ok now that you came up with your own reasons why, here are some reasons why I do it! I log to see how much time I am spending in my business, where I am spending my time and is it cost effective for me to be in business or make some shifts. I also get to see what my average time I spend on calls, with clients, traveling and thus an accurate picture of what I make per hour in my business!

When you go out do you have a business card to give to people? There are several free options for business cards! There is no excuse to not have one! This is how you will be remembered when you leave. Always carry business cards! You may need to hand one out to the person in the grocery line or at a restaurant! You never know who you will run into so be prepared! The basics to have on your business card is your name, phone number, email address (different from your personal email) and maybe a reminder of what your business is! The rest is extras! You may want to put a PO Box on your card for privacy reasons, if you have a web page or blog page you can add that onto your card. Adding a quote that serves your business may be a good asset also. Remember you can always change your business card so do not get stuck in it having to be perfect the first time out! Just get one done and get it out to people who are potential customers/clients for your business!

Set up a system for your receipts. Use envelopes, accordion file box or a filing cabinet. Just create a system so you can log everything for your taxes at the end of the year! Trust me you can file your taxes quickly and not get stuck in looking for everything at the end of the year. Create something that you will use! I like to use envelopes. I categorize them as.
Expenses
Supplies
Utilities
Travel
Meals
Training
Insurance
Licenses
Trade Associations & Memberships

One of the most important tips I have for having your home based business is to treat it like a business! Get up in the morning, get dressed to go to work, get into action and work your scheduled business hours! Many times I hear “I like that I can just sit in my pajamas and go to work!”. That is fine if you are the kind of person that can truly take that on. I would suggest testing yourself. For two weeks go to work as you currently do. Log all your calls and new business. Then test getting dressed, add a little make up and making the calls and logging everything there as well. You may find that you accomplish more when you get yourself ready instead of just as is. If you are sitting occasionally in your pajamas ok! But what is your standard business practice? Remember you are in business. A hobby is something different and thus treated differently!

Being a business owner is a great way to be independent and fulfilled! The question you will want to ask yourself is “Do I want to be successful too?” if so, then get out there and go for it!
Know that Be A Legacy is here to support you in your success.

What Kind of Business Would You Start?

2009-05-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to start your home based business?

I would suggest you get an “Idea Book” any notebook to write down all your ideas about starting a business or growing your current business. I don’t know about you, but God provides me with ideas in the oddest moments! While driving, sleeping, washing the dog talking to the neighbor and flying on an airplane.

When these ideas come along I do not discard them because I do not need that idea right now! I write them down even if it is on a napkin and then transfer to my idea book.

When ever I am in a rut or ready to do something new in my business I go to my idea book and think back over the ideas that I have written and I do not have to try to remember them. I have found that when I do not write them down then I think about having a great idea and not remembering what is was about and then that bugs me! Anyone else like that? Maybe I am alone in this one?

Start writing down ideas today to start or expand your business. Any spiral notebook or fancy journal will do just fine for all your great ideas!

What kind of business would you start?

What can you offer the world? Inspiration? Information? Product? Service?

Skills In:
Management
Marketing
Finances
Human Resources
Health & Nutrition
Team Work
Team Training
Virtual Assisting
Web Design
Web Tool Training
Mental Wellness
Consulting
Coaching
Spirituality
Relationships
Kids
Teenagers
Marriages
Friendships

Look at all the great business ideas to start thinking about.

Direct Selling Business
Network Marketing Business
Get Paid to Read Emails
Blogging for Dollars
Starting a Blog
Online Tutor
Home Tutor
Transcription Jobs
Freelance Typing Job Resources
Online Data Entry Work
How To Write a Novel
Assembly and Craft Work at Home
Clerical Work From Home
Online Proofreader
Ad Placer Online
Making Money by selling on eBay
Selling Items to Consignment Shops
Virtual Assistant or Secretary
Community Greeting Service
Personal Shopper
Web Site Developer
Gift Basket Business
Reference & Referral Service
Freelance Writing
Answering Service
Genealogy Research Service
Medical Billing
Start Your Own Daycare
Crafting from Home For a Profit
Teaching- Music teacher, Home School teacher, Writing teacher, etc.

What ever you choose to start you want to make sure you are passionate and excited about it! Starting a business is not something that is a whim! It takes time to plant the seed, nurture it by watering in ideas, information, support and commitment. As it flourishes you watch to make sure you cut back when necessary, you give it extra attention to have it grow in the right direction and you enjoy its beauty. Share it with others to make a bigger difference and cover it to protect it from the harsh realities of life! When you do this you reap the rewards of a healthy business that you started from a thought into a blooming success.

Here is my quote again

"Starting a home based business is not difficult to do! The difficult part is when you start a business you are not passionate about and then choose to make it difficult by not following through on what must happen to be successful!" Kimberley Borgens

Watch for the next posting on starting a home based business.

Starting Your Own Home Based Business

2009-05-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Starting a home based business is is not difficult to do! The difficult part is when you start a business you are not passionate about and then choose to make it difficult by not following through on what must happen to be successful!
Many people will jump into a home based business for many reasons.

See if any of these reasons may have been yours.

Because you got motivated to do so.
Someone said it would be easy.
Wanted to be like others around you.
Looking for extra income.

Create a future for your self & family.
Passionate about what you do to make money at it.
Saw a need in the world for your product or service.
Want to make a bigger difference.

Some of these reasons are great reasons to start a home based business. Some of these reasons will get you started, however not likely to keep you moving during the difficult times.

When starting any new adventure there must be follow through to be successful.
When that follow through is ignored you are creating a recipe for disaster.

To start a new business all you have to do is decide you are starting and then implement a plan of action.

What kind of business will you start?
What are your products or services?
Have you researched what similar businesses are charging for similar product and services?
How much money will you like to make to each month?
How much money (if any) do you have to invest in your new business?
Will your business be a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, LLC?
Will you be in business with a direct sales company or a network marketing company?
Who will you market your business to?
How are you creating a contact list to market to?
What is the name of your business?
How will customers/clients contact you? Phone, mail, email, web page?
How will you contact your customers/clients?
What are you hours of operations?
What kind of support will you reach out for?

There are so many opportunities to start a business. Whether you choose to start you own company or get on board with a direct sales or network marketing company you are still in business for yourself. Many people believe that means they are on their own. I said you are in business for yourself not by yourself!
There are many people who are willing to offer mentorship, consulting and coaching for small businesses. However the responsibility is on you to ask for support and follow through on what it will take to make your business a success!

If you choose a direct sales or network marketing company to start know that there are a lot of role models who have made it big in the industry. You will want to find out what they did to be successful!

If you are starting a business that is your own then you too will want to find out how the leaders in the industry started out and use their knowledge to become successful as well.

What did they do when they first started out?
What mistakes did they do along the way?
How did they reach out for support?
Why were they determined to be successful?
What would they do differently?
What kind of education did they need to be successful?
What keeps them going today?
What have others said about them?

Here is a common story I have heard:

I want to be the one who says “I was self taught”! I want to be able to say that I did everything and that has made me be a better man/woman!

This statement has always lit a fire under me to educate people in life. It is almost like telling our children that they do not have to go to school because they will figure it out! Yeah, they will make mistakes along the way but they will be better for it!

There are enough people in this world who have done it the hard way! They have put in the blood, sweat and tears enough for everyone. These are the people you want to familiarize yourself with! Thank them for are their hard work and now use what they learned to reach your success, quicker, fewer obstacles and less painful! They were not meant to be leaders in challenge they have been through the fire and offer you solutions!

Many of us think it has to be difficult to be successful! Image a business that starts and runs smoothly that allows time and energy to create balance in all areas of your life. To me that is when I know I am successful! When my business is running smooth and I have a life too!

Are you ready to start your small business today?
The first step is making a decision!
Second step is answering the questions above.
Third reach out and get support.

Keep watching for more information this week on starting a home based business!

Network Marketing - Question Asked

2009-03-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

A question that was asked was:
What positive experiences have you had with network marketing?

My Answer:
I have been in and have work with many business owners in network marketing. I have coach and watched some people move their network marketing up 1 to 4 levels in a six month period of time. There are great benefits to a network marketing business. Your time line, your health, confidence building, sales building and much more.

Here are some of the qualities and attributes I have found with some of the most successful in the industry.

Commitment - Staying committed to what you signed into. Even when it gets difficult. Staying with it as you continue to learn about yourself. There will be times when you get frustrated. Just like any business you do what it takes.

Passion - Being passionate about your product will show in all you do. When you are sharing and inviting others to join your business or buying your products your passion will be what they buy into first.

Business Minded - This is a business not a hobby! If you treat network marketing as a business and you seek business support you are more likely to be successful. Run your time and your calendar as you would any business.

Follow Through - If you agree to something then follow through! Do what you say you will do. If something comes up renegotiate the agreement do not just take the other party for granted. People will usually forgive and yet not forget. You set the integrity of your own business by what you do. A great staement is to Under Promise & Over Deliver!

Courage - Having the courage to run a business and take many "No's" is the key to having a healthy business. Remembering that people are not saying "No" to YOU they are saying "No" to the opportunity. Do not take the "No's" personally. Say thank you and let them know you are there when they change their mind.

Follow Up - When you get leads follow up on them. Do not just leave a message and expect them to call you back. A message is not a contact! Call back using a different approach. Change your personality and be excited, direct or gentle. If it takes 4 calls then so be it. Use a different personality style on each call and you are likely going to connect with them one way or the other. Do follow up's a week apart as someone may be out of town for a week. ALWAYS Follow Up.

Most of the network marketing companies I have worked with have people who are very successful and people who are just in it to socialize. Ask yourself which you are. If your are looking for success, listen to your upline, utilize the systems they have already created for you and stay focused on what you want to create in your business. (By the way sometimes an up line is not going anywhere. If this is the case ask others for support even if they are not directly above you. The great ones will help or offer another to support you.)

Be willing to ask for support! Networking is a two sided affair. You can offer support and you must be willing to receive support as well. Be involved with your team and remember there is enough for everyone. There are billions of people on this planet.

Have fun and enjoy your Network Marketing or Direct Sales Business!

20 Inexpensive Ways To "Be With" Your Personal Relationship

2009-02-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

Being in relationship with your spouse or significant other can get lost when we put so much focus on success and work. Here are some inexpensive ways to connect and be together and keep your relationship as important as anything else in your life. Take some time to plan and put some effort into your romantic life.

You might want to dress yourself up a little, write a note, or just think about how you want your attitude to be while you're together. If you want your spouse to enjoy being with you, make your attitude enjoyable.

Be a tourist and go around your town and rediscover your town and rediscover each other. Likes, dislikes, passions and so on.
Visit a local museum or art gallery, look around, share with one another which items or pieces of art you like and don't like.
Go to a fancy restaurant after you've eaten dinner at home and just order dessert and coffee.
Light candles in your bedroom, get a bottle of warm massage oil, and give each other massages.
Hire your kids to make you breakfast in bed and serve you both.
Go to a local coffee shop together and talk about all the ways in which each of you feel blessed these days, as well as your hopes and dreams for the future.
Find a cookbook, pick out a delicious looking meal or dessert, then make it together.
Play board games, cards or do a crossword puzzle together.
Go to a community play, sporting event or a school concert.
On a Saturday morning, make breakfast together, take it back to bed and eat and then snuggle together.
If you have a wood burning fireplace, set out a blanket, play music, make a fire, and make popcorn or S'mores in the fireplace.
Read a book out loud to one another.
Take a blanket outside somewhere (or even on the roof) and stargaze with your sweetie.
Make a date and both of you create a dream board for your relationship together.
Put your favorite hot beverage into a 'to-go' cup, bundle up, and go on a walk together at a nearby park.
Feed the kids early and rent a movie for them to watch. While they are watching movie have a candle lit dinner for two and then invite the kids back for dessert.
Set up a tent in the back yard and camp out for the evening. Lay out and star gaze and enjoy each others company.
Set a date in the middle of the day while the kids are at school or napping. Enjoy sandwiches and cuddling.
Trade off with other couples for babysitting and date nights.
Bring your minds together and discover an inexpensive date together.

Getting Out Of Debt Depends On Your Attitude

2009-02-11T06:34:00.000-08:00

If you do not know where you are at how will you know what you need to do when it comes to your finances? Begin today to map out your life with money and your finances.

Make Finances Simple!
If you are not sure how to budget your money and you are going from paycheck to paycheck guessing what bills to pay it is time to do something new!
Get a cheap notebook.

Write down all your income for each month.
(How much from your job, business, passive income, gifts and other.)
Add those up! That is your gross intake.

Now write down all your bills.
(Household bills, groceries, credit cards, loans, vehicles, insurances, medical expenses etc.)
Add those up! That is your outpour.

If the outpour is greater than the intake you will need to do something different!

If there is extra intake ask yourself where does it go normally?
What will you do differently with any extra income? Make a bigger payment to pay off credit card? Create a savings? If you have a saving are you using it?
On a bigger scale you can hire a bookkeeper or accountant to do this for you to prevent feeling overwhelmed. You need to know where you are in order to get where you want to go. There are many ways to get there so allow others to support you.

Pay Off Credit Cards & Loans!
When paying off your debt you want to start with your smallest debt and work your way up. With your credit cards, store cards or loans begin making extra payments on your lowest loan. Keep paying at least the minimum on all debt as you make extra payments towards the smallest loan. Get that one paid off and then move to the next one. When you work towards getting one paid off you will have a sense of accomplishment and you will begin to feel like you are making strides towards success. Start basic and work your way up. This is called the debt snowball.

Here’s the short version:
Put your debts in order from lowest balance to highest balance.
Designate a certain amount of money to pay toward debts each month.
Pay the minimum payment on all debts except for the one with the lowest balance.
Throw every other penny at the debt with the lowest balance.
When that debt is gone, do not alter the monthly amount used to pay debts, but throw all you can at the debt with the next-lowest balance.
It still takes time to pay off your debts, but you can see results almost immediately.
Sometimes we have to go back to the basics in order to move forward.

Cut expenses!
Look at your household expenses and start to look at ways to cut back. I am not implying to settle for less what I am saying is to be diligent and responsible with your money.
Eat out only for special occasions. This can cut out a big expense if going out every week to eat. Use grocery coupons when you shop.
Look at your house phone plan. Can you switch service providers and save money? (I went from a $200 a month phone bill to a $50 a month phone bill by bundling up services.)
Can you cut back on cell phone services or use? Texting is costing more these days.
Super premium, premium and regular gas. Does your vehicle require a specific kind of gas or can you cut back and save a little.
Can the thermostat go down 1 degree to save a little money?
Are you comfortable with the same insurance company and have not shopped for a better price with the same benefits? Sometimes you can go to your current company and find ways to cut your costs back.
Pay your bills on time to avoid late fees. (One year I paid over $1000 just in late fees.)
Look for ways to get more bang for your buck as you work your way out of debt.

Look For Ways to Improve Your Current Income!
The more the money you bring in, the more you will have to handle your debt. Always look for opportunities for picking up tasks with higher commission, or over time pay or something that will result in a bonus. Many times an employer is looking for someone to pick up the slack somewhere. Take your job seriously and work productive everyday. This will pay off for you and help to pay off your debt.

Sometimes it is not easy to simply increase your current income at your job. If that's the case, look at means to create additional sources of income. Do you have a hobby that you can turn into a money making venture? Do you have skills that you can use to get some part time income? Do you have computer knowledge that you can use online? How about the network marketing/direct sales business you have been treating like a hobby?
By creating extra income you can get your bills paid off quicker, build a saving as a back up if your job has layoffs or cutbacks! Be in charge of your income!

Stay Busy!
An idle mind is a retailer's dream come true. When you are daydreaming and bored you have a tendency to think of fun things to do. Shopping at the mall and on the internet. You are likely to end up buying stuff you likely don’t need. If you hang out in front of the TV doing nothing, then the advertisers are bound to plant a seed for something that you wouldn’t have wanted otherwise. Like the blanket with sleeves! Throwing away money to keep yourself entertained when you could be using that time a lot more productively just won’t cut it if you are serious about getting out of debt. Entertain yourself with ideas to improve your business, make calls to prospects, spend quality time with family and honoring your commitment to paying off your debt will create greater rewards.

Change Your Attitude!
Like everything else in life, getting out of debt is heavily dependent on your attitude. Switch to a “Yes I Can” attitude. No longer give into the victim mentality or self-doubts of whether you can do it. Start attacking debt and don’t stop until it is all gone. One of the best ways to do this is to get an accountability buddy. Someone you share your getting out of debt goals with and have them connect with you on a regular basis to hold you accountable to what you are committed to. Your attitude must come from the mindset of success! Your quality of life style depends on it! Find another person who wants to eliminate debt and do it together! Sometimes you may have to pay someone to push you. In the long run you will end up with the biggest savings because the person you paid was committed to your success and could help drive your commitment!

Debt Testimonial:

"Kimberley was an integral part of me shifting into my greatness and choosing the best. This was a priceless event in my life and I would encourage anyone, no matter what place in life you are in, to jump in with her to move past the mountains in your life and make them easy anthills. I have success, and freedom now and I owe a lot of that success to my course and my awesome leader. I paid off $60,000 in 10 weeks and moved up a level in my Network Marketing business, including doubling my team and income." A.F.

If you would like support in the area of cleaning up your debt connect with Be A Legacy. http://www.bealegacy.com/ Go to our web site and sign up for our free newsletter. The March newsletter will focus on money and finances.

Who taught you about goal setting and achieving?

2009-01-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

On January 14, 2009 I was reminded about the person who taught me about goal setting and achieving with the passing of Ricardo Montalban. As a young child I would watch Fantasy Island. Mr. Roarke would grant people their fantasy. He would take a dream and turn it into an opportunity for people to achieve. He did not just give them the dream. He actually made them work for. Fantasy Island was a place for people to take action on their goals.

I remember watching one episode where Mr. Roarke was (of course in his white shining armor suit) dancing a waltz with a beautiful woman. I watch as they danced around and how elegant and graceful they danced together. I was mesmerized by the eloquence and connection they had together. I knew in my heart that I wanted that! Hence a dream was born. For many years I would visualize myself dancing with Ricardo Montalban. I would see myself dancing gracefully and enjoying each step that I would take. I would daydream about dancing the waltz.

Of course this was not the typical thing a young teen was involved with. Many people thought I was nuts. And despite what other people thought I had a dream to fulfill. I started going to a place to dance. I picked up lessons when I could. Did not have money for lessons so when I could go and someone would show me a couple of steps I would be thrilled. I was committed to learn how to waltz. I was lucky to have a mom who also liked to dance. So every Sunday the two of us would go to a place called Little Switzerland. The Gruber family owned and played the Oktoberfest style music. For about five years I was dancing the polka, waltz, tango and any other dance you see on the ballroom competitions. I became a wonderful dancer. I had a lot of fun and met many great, supportive people who wanted to see me succeed. I learned a lot about myself through dancing and still have the opportunity from time to time to waltz with my husband.

I read about Ricardo passing away and took a few moments to honor him in my heart. I still vision myself dancing with him in his white suit. I still visualize the opportunities of someone setting up your dreams and goals and then hands that opportunity to you to reach the desires in your heart. Fantasy Island was for me the beginning of setting and reaching my goals. Because of his character and his personal demeanor I too wanted to be like Mr. Roarke. Set up other people’s dreams and goals in such a way that they could take action on them and reach the desires of their heart.

Thank you Ricardo for teaching me how to visualize what is in my heart and taking action to my dreams. You will be remembered forever in my heart and thank you for letting me dance with you in my dreams.

So, again I ask you, the person reading this message, who taught you about goal setting and achieving? Are you acting on your dreams? Do you visualize success? Are you surrounding yourself with successful and supportive people? Do you let other peoples views stop you from going after what your heart desires?

If you could use support in this area contact me. dreamteam@bealegacy.com I had a great teacher to start me on the journey of setting and achieving goals. I have found other great teachers to work with to improve my skills along the way! Dreams are meant to be fulfilled! How will you take action today towards achieving your dreams and goals?

10 Ways of Increasing Confidence

2009-01-11T09:25:00.000-08:00

A few tips to increase your confidence. Increasing your confidence is a challenge to take on everyday. You may have days when you are completely confident and then there may be moments when you struggle to find confidence. These tips below are ways to step back in when you need support. Enjoy and share with those you care about.

1. Think about someone who is confident and act, talk and walk like them. Model their mannerisms and behavior. It works for them; it will work for you.

2. Learn from the past; don’t beat yourself up about it. Throw away your hammers. It’s gone; it’s never coming back. Instead learn from it for next time. Forgive yourself and move on.

3. Are you prepared for situations? Are you prepared enough to meet any challenge that may come up? Are you prepared for that meeting, that presentation, that job interview, when you meet someone for the first time? If not, get prepared!

4. Play to your strengths. Know what you are good at and expose yourself to these opportunities at every opportunity – because you’re good at it, you’ll enjoy it and have more confidence. As you get more practice you will have more strengths.

5. Improve your weaknesses. Know and appreciate what these are and put a plan in place to improve them over time. Practice your weaknesses so they can become your strengths.

6. Learn how to say no to people. Don’t be afraid, you’ve got nothing to be afraid of. If you think you want to say no then say it. People may not like to be told no, but they will respect you for standing up for you.

7. Be in charge of your thoughts at all times. What is a thought? It’s just a question that you’ve asked yourself and the thought is you’re answer. If you’re thinking negative thoughts, you’re probably asking a negative question. Change the questions to be more positive. Positive questions will move you forward in life.

8. Do you let the words of others affect you? Do you mind what they think of you? Remember that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. It’s not what they say to you that’s the problem it’s what you say to yourself after they have stopped talking that’s the problem. Shift your thinking to support you not them.

9. At the end of each day list your achievements and successes throughout that day. Keep a journal for yourself on the “Greatness I See In Me”. Open it up and review it as needed. Any bad day will do.

10. Improve your body language. The way that you move your body has a massive impact on your confidence levels. Move your body assertively and walk with your head up, shoulders back and as though you’ve got somewhere very important to go. Feeling low in confidence? Change you body language! Be proud! You Matter!

You only live once, so any time that you are down just ask yourself in 10 or 20 years time – will what I am worrying about really matter? Since we do not know what day is our last day on earth live as though today is it! What do you want to do today that if tomorrow doesn’t come people will remember you positively for?

Sign up at the Be A Legacy website and receive 10 more tips to increase your confidence as you will receive "20 Ways To Increase Your Confidence" free for signing up to receive our monthly newsletter. http://www.bealegacy.com

11 Networking Tips To Grow

2009-01-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

1. Treat your Business like a Business
Take it serious! The income you can earn is very serious. In order to make the changes you desire in your life style you must make sure you are running a business. Many people treat their business like a hobby. Put in just a few hours and hope people find them. Business is serious. It requires many hour to build it up. It requires networking, getting involved, planning and goal setting. There are a lot of tools to grow your business.Benefits of treating your business like a business include:You can become debt free!You can pay off your mortgage!You can provide the very best for your loved ones!You can give more to charities!You can change your life style!You can build a legacy for your family!

2. Stay Focused
Set your goals for your business and stay focused on those goals!Many people go from one opportunity after another, back and forth never staying in one place long enough to gain success. Most people in networking have a habit of doing this, they keep jumping from company to company hoping to hit it big somewhere. They just spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars starting a business and never follow through! Stay focused! The grass is always greener somewhere else, especially in the beginning! I have learned that the grass is greenest where I water it! In business it takes you building a foundation for your business to last. The rewards can be so much greater than anything else you could do. Make a pledge to yourself that you have found a home! That this is the last network you'll ever build!

3. Be Honest
When you talk about your business be honest about your product and the business opportunity. Don't lead people with wild expectations. Let them know what to expect. Always be honest with them as you want them to grow in their business as it will support your growth as well. When we fudge on the truth people get discouraged and will leave or not be productive. You can be honest and show them the wonderful opportunities and create a greater value for long term business.

4. Emulate A Leader
Think of someone who is successful in your field. Who is that person? What do you admire or respect about them and ask yourself why they are important. They can mentor you with out ever meeting you! When the challenges arise in your business you can ask yourself, "What would he/she do, well why don't I just do that?" And then just do it!

5. Get In The Game!
When challenges arise make sure you take responsibility for what is going on. Don't look upline, look in the mirror! It is not the company, the system or the upline. We know this because the company system is working for thousands of others, so ask yourself, "What else can I be doing?" Be on ALL the conference and training calls. May seem boring and time consuming and if you picked up one great tool and it brought your business to a new level it would be more than worth it. You can always ask to be a speaker with some great tools and ideas you have found useful. Read articles and books that will advance your business! Always look to move up. Be a LEADER! Review your website often. Create a blog. Keep getting in the game! Finding ways to improve your business at least 2-3 times a week, will keep your business moving forward. The more you learn, the more you will earn.

6. Compare Yourself Fairly
Do not expect your business to be the same as someone who has spent more successful hours in their business. Those are the people we strive to become. We will not become the big, heavy hitter in our company without putting in the productive time and efforts. If you are looking for the quick fix I would suggest working for someone else. If you are determined to be a business owner then put quality business building hours into your business! Sure, it would be nice to land a big account or person so motivated they bring in 100 people with them in business, but don't get caught up in the hype and emotion. It takes work to build your business and to keep from being discouraged compare your hours and time and talents fairly. Keep striving for better and quicker ways to build success. Duplicate success! Follow the Leaders before you! Do not compare yourself unfairly!

7. Create A Circle Of Support
You have the power to choose who you hang around with. Ideally you want to be with happy, vibrant and positive people. Surround yourself with other business minded people. You can create a team of people to connect with to support you in business and in your personal life. Sometimes the people we are the closest to are the nay sayers in our lives. Find people to get involved with to grow business. This is where attending your companies calls and meeting help. You can get on teleclasses outside your business. You can create a brainstorming team and have a call once a week or month. Utilize all the ways to find people to support you in business.

8. Get Involved In Your Community
Attend mixers, social networking events, fundraisers and charitable groups. Get Involved. The more people know you, the more they build a relationship with you, the more they support you!Many fabulous networks include:Local Chamber of Commerce (Great resource for events and mixers)Direct Selling Women's Alliance (DSWA)eWomensNetworkLions Club, Kawanis, Rotary and more.

9. Wear Your Business Proud!
Wear a name badge where ever you go. It helps you get noticed and creates credibility, professionalism and branding for you and your business. When you go to mixers, social activities, events and shopping wear your business proud. I picked up many clients while shopping because people have a sense of curiosity. Get your car a name badge too. You are driving around so let people know who you are and what you have to offer. Creates visibility and exposure for your company which create you as a successful leader. Get a good name badge and wear your business proud.

10. Be Prepared For Success
Always have your business tools with you! Always, always have business cards & brochures with you! Whether you are at the store or networking events have something that people can walk away with that represents you. I have been to many event and at every event someone tells me "I forgot my business card". First impression is "not serious about business!" Have cards in your vehicle, spouses vehicle brief case, purse and any bag you have. I have taken cards to the beach in Hawaii! Do not be left making an impression that your business is not important.

11. Follow Up
Follow up within 48 hours with every lead you get. You can follow up by phone, email, mail or be creative and follow up! Most important for your business success. When you do not follow up you are telling yourself that your business does not matter to you and you are telling the lead that they are not important. Make a commitment to follow up within 48 hours for 30 days and watch your business grow.

Let the WORLD know you have a business opportunity for them to look at. Take all out massive action for the next 30...60...90 days and grow in your business! What will you do towards growing your business? Ask yourself what holds you back from networking and growing your business. If you feel you can use some support to get through what is holding you back connect with www.bealegacy.com for support.

12 Days of Christmas Gifts from Be A Legacy

2008-12-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

Be A Legacy would like to celebrate you!

The gift of your friendship, acceptance and compassion have been truly rewarding. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life and your growth. I hope these gifts I offer below will let you know how much I celebrate you.

Many people celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas as the 12 days leading up to Christmas Day. The true 12 Days of Christmas actually came as the 12 days after Christmas and began December 26 with the feast of St. Stephen-a traditional day for giving leftovers to the poor and ending January 6 with Epiphany. Each day a gift was presented to the world with celebrations to serve others in the world.

Following in the tradition of the original 12 Days of Christmas I would like to offer you some special gifts to keep you moving forward in life.

THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS BE A LEGACY GAVE TO ME...
12 Millionaire Quotes To Read (Dec.26)
11 Networking Tips For Growth (Dec.27)
10 Ways To Increase Your Confidence (Dec.28)
9 Powerful Life Questions (Dec.29)
8 Affirmations (Dec.30)
7 Key Areas Of Focus (Dec.31)
6 Ways Of Getting Out of Debt (Jan. 1)
5 Goal Setting Strategies (Jan.2)
4 Personality Quadrant Breakdown (Jan.3)
3 Articles On Relationships (Jan.4)
2 Visual Boards To Create (Jan.5)
and a Life Assessment Form (Jan.6)

Sign Up To Receive the 12 Days Of Christmas Gifts From Be A Legacy For A Chance To Win

A Prize Gift Pack Prize Gift Pack Includes:Books, Audio CD's, Business Tools, Special Gifts & More. (Value over $600) Prize Pack will be sent to winner on January 9, 09

Sign up today to receive these free gifts from Be A Legacy

email dreamteam@bealegacy.com or go to http://www.bealegacy.com/ and sign up to receive these great tools.

The Goal!

2008-12-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

The goal is to build others up! This Includes You!

I am putting out this dare to you, me and anyone willing to take this dare on. I dare you to get up in the morning, look in the mirror and say “good morning you caring, compassionate and confident man/woman”. Really take yourself on when you first rise to meet the world.

Notice throughout the day what you have done well for the day and tell yourself the greatness you stepped into for the day. Find something you did right. “I gave my all today” or “I honored myself today”. Find ways to recognize that you made a difference for this day.

I am not a finished product and neither are you. We are both still learning to be better at life. Today I am better then I was yesterday. This year I am better than last year. As I learn more about me and what makes a difference in the world around me I can not help but be a better person today than yesterday.

Are there people around you that are confident and make a difference? What do you admire about them? Would you like to bring that person into your life closer to you so you can learn from them? If there is not anyone in your life like this right now, I would say it is time to seek them out! Bring people into your life that challenge you and show you how to get to a new area in your heart.

There may be many people who look to you as the person they admire. Are you giving them your best? Are you leading them in the direction that would move them forward? People are always watching us. Some possibly out of admiration and some possibly out of envy. How are you watching others? Are you coming from admiration or envy? When your goal is to lift others up, including yourself there is not time for envy. Who is the person that others admire when they see you in action?

If you can see the great value in others why then do you not see it for your self? Are you looking to the outside world for validation and approval? If that is the case what will you do about it? Are you ready to take yourself on? Is it time to start self validating? Our inner critic has a habit of taking us to the outside world. The things we did not do so well. Areas we have not had much practice in and expect to be perfect at it. It’s time to teach our inner critic to notice the great things about us and help others teach their inner critic the same.

Have you noticed how the negative voices always talk the loudest? It is time to notice what we are doing well and speak over the louder voices. When you do something good, talk over those loud voices! Change the language you speak to yourself. Shift messages like “I wish I had …” to “I am grateful I have…” or “I should have…” to “I can do…”.
Shifting your language will support you in learning to silence the critic more often and you can life a more fulfilled life.
So go on, dare yourself to be better today than you were yesterday! Set a goal to lift yourself up and bring others with you!

Do you feel like your kids are pulling you down in life?

2008-11-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

I have spoken with many people who have made comments like “if it wasn’t for my kids I would be able to do what I want in life” or “I can’t do that because I have kids”. I am a mother of four and I do not ever recall making those kinds of statements in regards to my life. Nor have I blamed my children for my challenges and hardships. I will say at times it was challenging to find a babysitter for four. There were times in which I had to make a choice to not attend something because I did not have a babysitter. And I know that it was my choice to make.

I have never once felt like my children were ever a burden! We have had challenges along the way. I do not have the most successful kids on the block. We have been through serious illnesses and challenges at school. I do have pretty confident kids and the conversations I have with my kids have been powerful and eye opening for me. When my teens have struggles they come and talk to me. When my young adult son feels challenged or lonely he talks to me. My young daughter tells me what is bothering her and about the boys she wants to go to dances with when she is older.

I recently read an article from Nebraska where parents are dropping off their adolescent to teenage kids to the safe haven. One father who flew from Miami and left his teen behind at the “safe haven”. That tears at my heart. One day I hope to adopt a young girl into our family. I was asking myself what would cause a parent to bring their children at these ages to a “Safe Haven” and just leave them there? Is it because they can not put food on the table? Is it because the children are difficult to handle because the parent was negligent in raising them confidently? Is it because of medical issues that the parent can not afford? Have we as a society let the TV and video games be the babysitter in our busy lives and still expected confident kids? When crisis comes to our homes how are we handling it? Will we abandon those people we are responsible for? Are we seeking support from family, friends, neighbors and our community? I know for some communities times are challenging. How are people reaching for help and support through the tough times?

Raising confident kids is not an easy or simple thing to do! It takes effort from parents, family members and the community. Teaching kids to be confident is very deliberate. Everyday make time to talk with your kids, challenge them to come up with solutions to their problems verses giving them the answer. When I do give solutions I offer several for them to choose from, allowing them to build up their trust to make the right choices in life. Everyday my kids are asked some simple questions like “What are you thankful for?” and “What do you like about yourself?”. Asking questions like these allows them to look at what is important to them and be confident in their answers.

One day my son came home from school and asked me “Mom would you be really mad if I beat someone up?” of course I said yes. Then I asked him what was going on. He shared with me how everyday this one young man kept telling him he was a terrible football player and bad quarterback. He was belittling him in front of the other kids at school, tough time for 13 year olds. I asked my son if he really wanted to beat him up and he said no. I asked him what did he want to see happen. My son told me he just wanted the other boy to stop making comments like that because he was working hard to be a good football player. The solution we came up together was the next time the boy made a comment my son would ask this question “Since you think I am not good at playing football will you step up and teach me how to be better?’. The next day in school he had the opportunity to use his solution. The other boy made comments and my son stepped into action. The results were the other boy told my son he was a good player and apologized for making the comments to impress his friends. They are now friends and work as a team. Are we teaching our kids to be responsible for the things that challenge them? Or just waiting for our kids to get over frustrated and allow violence to be the solution. Or abandon the kids because as a parent we were not willing to be involved.

I asked my sons how they would feel at 13 and 16 to be left at a “safe haven”. They said they will feel like they were not loved and would be very sad and hurt. Imagine what those teens that have been abandoned feel as they have been left at the hospitals in Nebraska. Image if it was you who had been left. How would you feel? As I look back at my childhood, my parents taught me many things in life. Confidence was not one of them. I learned that as I got older. I was taught that as a child I had no say in decisions. I learned that a child can go to bed without supper now and again and would still survive. I learned that pain does hurt and emotional hurts make a bigger scar. Even though I did not often feel loved by my parents it would have been much more difficult to have been abandoned. I love my parents and know that they too had challenges raising four kids.

I traveled to Uganda, Africa last year where many parents are dying from Aids and the kids are working together as a team to build each other up because the parents are very sick and dying. I was able to see the poor conditions these children live in, the huts they live in and the lack of food and healthcare. The babies that were thrown on trash piles and left in public restrooms because of the rapes and lack of food. Yet the people in Uganda that I experienced were not afraid to ask for help. There is enough in America and many times pride will get in our way and stop us from asking for help.

I strive everyday to build the confidence of people around me. I have learned that most people just want to feel like they belong somewhere. Most people want to be part of a family and community. Many times judgment and a feeling of not being accepted push people away and create a feeling of not being loved. Gangs are about being a part of a community. I am choosing to have my family and friends to be part of a community without violence and without hurting others. It is never too late to start building confidence in kids. It is never too late to build confidence as an adult. What are you going to do to build up the confidence in parents so during crisis they choose to get help and support and not abandon the children in their lives? I will offer classes and speak to groups and do what is necessary to help stop the abandonment and violence towards the kids in the world. It is time to step up in the tough times and say people matter first! The time is here to be deliberate with those we are responsible for. Are you willing?

Do You Know If Your Life Is In Balance?

2008-10-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

Do you address the issues and find balance in your life?

What are the key areas in your life that you may want to set goals and address concerns around?

I see 7 Key Areas of Focus in life that unless all are in alignment can create the space of being out of balance. I would like to share with you the 7 Key Areas of Focus that may entice you to look deeper into your life and create a more balanced life.

Key 1: Self & Contribution – Who you are matters in the world! How you contribute to others and yourself is your greatest asset. Your attitude in life will either move you forward or hold you back. How do you talk to yourself? Do you feel you are making a contribution in your life?

Key 2: Work & Career – What you to do to make a living matters! What matters is how much you enjoy your work & career. You may want to evaluate your thoughts and feelings around work. Are you satisfied? Do you want to make a bigger difference?

Key 3: Relationships – Who you connect with matters! Have you ever stopped to really think about all the relationships in your life? How do you see those around you? Have you clearly defined your circle of friends? Are there relationships you would like to improve? Are there relationships you may need to let go of because they are toxic?

Key 4: Money & Finances – How you honor your money & finances matter! Have you taken an inventory of your money and finances? Do you avoid looking because it may not be where you want it? What is your income? What are your debts? What is your plan to manage your money & finances? Do you even have a plan?

Key 5: Spirituality – Your sense of meaning and purpose matter! Do you know the deepest parts of you? Religion, nature, art, meditation and pray are just a few ways to express spirituality. What is spirituality for you? How do you bring out your best through your spirituality? What do you do on a regular basis that shows your faith spiritually?

Key 6: Health & Fitness – How you feel in your body matters! How do you take care of your health & fitness? What do you do regularly that takes care of your health? How are your food choices? Do you get enough exercise and sleep? How do you envision your health and fitness? How do you handle stress?

Key 7: Fun & Recreation – How you have fun and re-create yourself matters! When was the last time you feel you truly had fun? What were you experiencing that made it fun? Have you made a list of all the things you love to do? When was the last time you did one of the things on your list? Is it time to do something fun and re-create yourself?

When I have balanced myself in these 7 Key Areas of Focus I find that my life runs a lot smoother.

I take responsibility for my life, my actions and my outcomes. As I am more balanced I enjoy myself, my career, my relationships, my finances, my faith in spirit, my health is important and I have a lot of fun!

Where are you at in each of the 7 Key areas of Focus?
What actions would you choose to create more balance in your life?
How is your legacy in the world around balance?

If you would like support contact dreamteam@bealegacy.com

What Price Are You Paying For Leaving Yourself Out?

2008-09-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

What price are you paying for leaving yourself out of your life?
Something to think about! Might be a great topic to journal on.

Are you so wrapped up in your life and all the tasks that you are leaving yourself out of your intimate life? If you feel that you are leaving yourself out what will you do today to step in and be all of you? What are the prices and benefits to leaving you out?

If you feel you are playing full out I say wonderful! Are you bringing someone along with you and are they playing full out? What are the prices and benefits for playing full out? What are the prices and benefits to bringing others along with you?

There have been many days that I have found myself so busy with task that I have left all of who I am out of the day. I can get locked into the tasks that I will focus more on that than how I feel or how those around me feel.

I invite you to join with me and do a self check. Where am I today? What am I feeling? Is today a task day? Is today a connection day?

Who will I become today by getting the tasks done?

Who will I become today by making connections today?

What ever you choose is just great! I say be aware of your days and choose your days to serve you. Do not create the space where you are always serving the tasks and not allowing yourself to be served too.

Task Day or Connection Day - What will you choose?

You matter! You deserve a wonderful life!

I say "keep questioning yourself and living up to your legacy because it all matters". You can go to www.bealegacy.com and sign up for our FREE Newsletter "The Buzz" and stay on the questioning path in life.

Be Blessed and Keep Making a Difference!

Legacy Mentor Program Tele-Class Topic Schedule Dates

2008-09-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

When you join the Legacy Mentor Program you will start receiving Daily Legacy Steps, Legacy Tips, Access to all Tele-Classes, Call times for One-On-One's with CEO, Articles and more. Let Be A Legacy support you in continued growth.

Legacy Mentor Program Tele-Class Schedule

October 9, 2008 - Qualities of Leader/Core Values
October 21, 2008 - Prices & Benefits/Consequences
November 13, 2008 - Recovery Time
November 25, 2008 - Self Honoring
December 11, 2008 - Giving/Receiving
December 22, 2008 - Goal Setting "SMARTER" Goals
January 8, 2009 - Visioning
January 20, 2009 - Deserving Money

You will get the opportunity to challenge yourself & reflect on your life up to this point. By taking action steps you can also create your future success. Together we can team up & share information that may enhance your business relationships, personal relationships, relationships with children and future relationships.

$35.00 a month to receive all the benefits of the Legacy Mentor Program. What value will you place on your continued growth? Contact us for payment options or sign up through Paypal and start taking action today on who you will become in 2008. dreamteam@bealegacy.com

Legacy Mentor Program

2008-09-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

New Launch

Be A Legacy Mentor Program

Be A Legacy Mentor Program is an opportunity for ongoing coaching and consulting that will keep you moving forward by implementing, holding you accountable and teaching you new ideas every month for your business and personal success. Have someone to fall back on to support you as questions or concerns arise in your business and personal life.

Your monthly membership price of $35 gives you access to the Be A Legacy Monthly Tele-Classes, Monthly Call-In Days (One on One calls with CEO Kimberley Borgens), Monthly Newsletters, Monthly Legacy Tips (Monthly emailed thoughts and questions to ponder on.), Daily Legacy Steps (Daily email that allow you to journal, take action on and create new for your life.), Articles, Email Support and More.

Your membership is $35 a month and you can cancel at anytime. Are you ready to take your business and/or your personal life to the next level? Sign up today to start creating more value in your life. Why wait to take on your life?

Note: Business Consulting and Coaching Clients who sign up for our 8 Week Program receive the Legacy Mentor Program Free for 2 Months. Are you open to become a Consultant/Coaching Client?

It is easy to set up! Contact is at dreamteam@bealegacy.com and we can get you set up with your credit card or Paypal. (Contact us if these payment option will not support you and you are ready to sign up. We are open to working with you!)
This is a Great Gift idea also. Is there someone in your life you would like to gift this monthly program to? We can even send an e-gift for them anonymously.

You will be emailed with advance notice of all Tele-Classes and the Monthly Call-In Days. Put them in your calendar and prepare to get excited in your life.

Monthly Tele-Classes will be published with the time and date. You can join in on the call and listen to topics such as Confidence Building, Goal Setting, Goal Accountability, Competing Commitments, Belief Systems, Qualities & Attributes, Community Involvement and much more. Some of our Tele-Classes may have Special Guests join in and offer new ideas and suggestions.

The Monthly Call-In Day is when CEO Kimberley Borgens sets a day where you can call in any time during the set time frame and ask what you like. You have the opportunity to pick her brain on information from goal setting, speaking, competing commitments, business systems, business consulting and much more that would move your business forward. How about personal family issues such as marriage, raising empowering leaders, trusting your intuition, discipline and consequences. You get to choose what to talk about that would move you and those around you forward in life.

What would hold you back from signing up? What beliefs are you ready to transform?

Ready, Set, Launch :)

Do You Limit Your Power?

2008-09-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

The only limits of power are in the boundaries of our beliefs. Our beliefs are the most powerful leading forces that effect our behaviour and leadership. The statement "You change you life when you change your mind" is saying when you shift your beliefs you are likely to shift your life.

Your beliefs either empower you and push you forward or they hold your back in life and take away your power.

What really is a belief and how did we come about them? A belief is something that we accepted to be true or real. Now we may not know for certain that it is true we just believe that it is and therefore we have formed our belief system. We mentally accept that it is true and then carry on in our daily habits that it is true. We build confidence around the belief in the truth as we know it and we can even convince others in our belief as well. We will base our experiences around our beliefs.

Think about some of the beliefs that others have convinced us of because they were confident in their belief. "Men should be at work not at home with the kids." "Women are not reliable CEO's because they should focus on their family." How about this one "Women should not be vice president" or "Black men should not be president". One of those two beliefs is about to shift. One way or another we will have a black president or a woman vice president. What about our traditions? How we celebrate traditions in our family are they conscious or are they a subconscious beliefs. Do you celebrate Thanksgiving the same way your parents did? How about Christmas? Did you adjust to share beliefs with your spouse? Did you create your own traditions? Will your kids do it your way because you tell them this is the way it is to be done?

Today how about assessing your beliefs and ask yourself if your beliefs are from your parents, community, education, religion or your very own. Ask yourself some conscious questions.
Do my beliefs empower me or do they limit me from moving forward?
Do my beliefs support me in risk taking?
Do my beliefs support my family in moving forward?
Do my beliefs allow me to enjoy the work I do?

Now that you have started asking and assessing your beliefs is it time to make a shift in your life? Transform what you once believed to be true to the possibility that you could view your belief a little different. Maybe not so much confidence in the belief yet more confidence in you empowering new possibilities in your life.

The four areas of our lives to create balance in are Physical, Mental, Emotional and Financial. So how are you prepared to transform your life in these areas?

Are you physically fit to manage transformation? Do you exercise regularly? Do you get enough sleep? Do you eat a healthy diet that gives you steady energy?

Are you mentally fit to manage transformation? Do you routinely sharpen your mental skills? Do you learn new things in business and personally? Are you open to new ideas? Do you get involved with discussions in business and in your community?

Are you emotionally fit to manage transformation? Do you continually work on cleaning up the past hurts? Do you get clear with relationships that you still have energy with? Do you heal the wounds of your past where you felt hurt? Do you let negative remarks beat you down or do you let them be feedback and look to see if it would serve you to make a shift or not.

Are you financially fit to manage transformation? Are you living paycheck to paycheck or above your means? Are you enjoying your job or business or do you dread going to work everyday? Could shifting how you look at work improve your paycheck? Do you have money in savings? Are you tithing?

Transforming your consciousness around your beliefs is the first step to making shifts in your life. When you focus on your belief "Shift Happens"!

Are you ready to make some shifts?

(Note: The word Transformation creates a sense of moving forward and excitement in life. The word Change creates a sense or hard, dread and resistance.)

Are you ready to transform your beliefs and use your power in making choices that will move you forward?

Am I Comparing Myself Fairly?

2008-09-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

Do I compare myself fairly with others? I find I am frequently comparing myself to others. Not smart enough, not skinny enough, not strong enough, not talented enough, not relaxing enough, not disciplined enough, not brave enough and so on and so on!

Are you caught in this cycle of Not Enough? I am successful and powerful! I have accomplished many things in life as well as many lessons. I have moved up in business and have some wonderful personal relationships. Yet I still sometimes go to the not enough thoughts.

The question I would put out is this "What scale are you measuring yourself on?". Are you comparing yourself to a hope of perfection? Are your successes rarely enjoyed? Do you constantly have the drive that you must do or be better? Do you see something that you did not do well as a failure and then focus on that?

If I have given 100 percent of my skill and knowledge to a project and when it is complete I look back and see where I could have done things differently how do I treat myself? I can look back and decide that the job I did was only 97% worth and the 3% is what I would focus on as not enough.

Have I allowed the influence of others to determine who I am or "should" be? Have I allowed my parents limited skill, my family, spouse, community and culture define who I am?
Am I allowing things I heard in my youth and interpreted in my youth create a negative effect on me now in my adulthood? How are you doing in this area?

Now is the time to start comparing myself fairly! The next time we get in the mood to compare lets stop and see what scale we are using. When you are feeling like you are not enough ask what scale are you using. The perfection scale that does not really exist?

Start listing your achievements and compare them to others who are the same age, gender, social background and culture. Are you comparing your physical beauty to someone else that does not live in your body or your life style? Write down the differences. Notice the similarities and differences for yourself. Notice the negative comparisons you place on yourself and how much energy you put on worrying about them. If you were to release that energy and put it somewhere more productive where would you put it? In your relationships with your spouse, kids, friends or at work, your business? How about positively on yourself? How do you hold back the real you from playing full out because you do not see yourself as enough?

Some things to think about and journal on could be:
• Is it possible to accept myself and treat myself in a lovingly and compassionately, regardless of my accomplishments or lack of accomplishments?
• When did I decide I was not enough and why?
• Do I need to be outstanding, special or unique?
• Am I looking to prove something? And if so who?
• Why does failing at something transform me into being a failure?
• What would my life be like with a fair comparison?
• Can I be satisfied with progress, not perfection?

Final thought: Did you know that the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by th age of 12 was more successful by any standard in music composition. Mozart spoke 15 languages and had composed numerous major pieces of music, including an opera. He was still a child! I would not want to compare myself to that!

How Coachable Am I?

2008-09-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

Considering a business or personal coach?
The first question for you to ask yourself is. . . "How Coachable Am I?"
Are you really ready to ask this question of yourself?
Do you wonder how receptive you might be to coaching?

If you 're open and available to coaching you can be relied upon to take coaching seriously.
To be coachable you will believe this is the right time to accept coaching.
You tell the truth to yourself and are willing to challenge your self-defeating beliefs.
Being coachable means you are willing to do the work and let the coach do the coaching.
People who are coachable keep their word without struggling or sabotaging.
Coachable people experiment new ideas that the coach chooses for me.
A person who is coachable can express what they need or expect.
Sees coaching as a worthwhile investment in their life.
Is humble enough to share the credit for their success with the coach.

Knowing all of this are you "Coachable"?

The bonus is you can learn to be more coachable as you are being coached. Do not be alarmed and think you are not coachable if you do not see yourself in all of the statements above. As you allow yourself to be coached you will gain more ability to be receptive and open to coaching.

The greatest gift we can give ourselves is to allow ourselves to learn more about what challenges us and take action to be better at those challenges. Having a coach can support you with what challenges you. Allowing yourself to see through the eyes of someone who may see your challenge as a success tool for you.

Find a coach who will support you, hold you accountable and wants you to be a success. The best coach is a coach who has shown success in their life and business. Somene who walks the talk. Research and ask questions about the coach you are looking to hire. Then make a decision that would serve you in reaching your goals and dreams.

Contact Be A Legacy to see the successes they have had in business, personal relationships and their community.

September Legacy Foundation Day

2008-09-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

Septembers Legacy Foundation Recipeint is the Women's Center of San Joaquin County.

Be A Legacy creates awareness with Legacy Foundation Day.

Legacy Foundation Day is an opportunity for you to receive a 30 minute coaching session for free. In turn, we ask you to make a contribution of $30.00 (or more, it's up to you) to the cause, organization, or individual we've chosen each month that we support because they are also making a huge difference in the world.
We choose to model how simple it is to walk the talk, take a stand, and do something for another. And we invite you to join us.

Here's how it works.
• Every month we'll highlight on our blog the month's charitable focus.
• You complete the 'Give to Receive' form on the Be A Legacy website to request your 30-minute coaching session.
• After receiving your form, you will be contacted by one of our Be A Legacy coaches to schedule your session.
• Your session must be scheduled within one week of your request.• After the session, please make your donation. Simple honor system applies.

Here is some information on the Women's Center:

For more than three decades, the Women's Center has been the lifeline to help and hope for thousands of women, children, and men in San Joaquin County, and now reaches over 30,000 individuals each year. The Center is the sole certified provider of services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in San Joaquin County, and operates the only undisclosed emergency shelters for battered women and their children.

The agency also provides prevention education and community outreach to numerous local schools, businesses and organizations, to prevent more people from becoming victims and to help stop the violence.

The Women's Center is driven by its mission to provide a wide range of supportive, educational and crisis intervention services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, enabling them to regain control of their lives.

Mission
To provide a wide range of supportive, educational, and crisis intervention services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, enabling them to regain control of their lives.

Vision
The founding and continued vision of the Women’s Center of San Joaquin County includes:
A community where women can share ideas and feelings, examine their role in society, and learn to bring about change.
An environment conducive to growth and self-empowerment where women can teach and learn skills important for dealing with a changing world, and further community cross-cultural understanding.
A forum where women’s issues and concerns can be brought before the public.
A place where women, men , and children in need can find supportive services.
A catalyst for change pursuing societal goals of equity and self worth, working to insure the provision of quality services, community education, and new programs for women and children.

Goals
The Women's Center's goals are to serve and empower victims, raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault, dispel myths and misconceptions, and reduce violence in our communities. Ultimately, our goal is to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault, but we work to ensure that our services are available as long as there is a need.

Mentoring Yourself

2008-09-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

Mentoring yourself is another great tool. Do you know that it doesn't really matter how others see you as much as it matters how you see yourself?

Other people might be able to look at you and share that they can see your greatnesses. They can truly believe that you are compassionate, powerful, courageous and more. The challenge arises when you do not believe these qualities for yourself. Letting go of many opportunities because you say to yourself "they are not talking to me" or "I will let you know if I see anyone like the customer you are looking for". Are you looking inside yourself to see it that opportunity is for you?

What qualities are you going to commit to awakening every moment?
If you are not willing to acknowledge your qualities then you are not likely going to achieve your potential in life. Making it almost impossible to achieve your goals and dreams. Today is the day to mentor yourself. Mentor your old beliefs and transform them into a powerful voice inside of you that serves you moving forward. Awakening a quality to serve you and practice everyday until you are transformed into believing in it.

How are you going to mentor yourself so you are coming out a winner everyday?

Mentoring yourself takes effort and consistency. Your ability to do this begins and ends with your mentality. Your mind set is to be about serving your purpose and moving forward in life. What will you choose to tell yourself everyday? If you have negative self talk then notice that it is not moving you forward. Putting away the hammer and choosing to take action to mentor you can shift future generations.

As you mentor yourself you create space to mentor others. When you enjoy you then people enjoy being around you. Every contact with another human is an opportunity for a "Mentor Moment". How many "Mentor Moments" are you going to create today?

Mentee -Are you willing to ask for a Mentor?

2008-09-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

Who is a mentee? A mentee is a person that wants to further his/her career and/or social development. Signs that the person wants to progress are statements/questions such as: "I would like to make more friends.", "My teachers thinks that I can get better grades.", "I would like to get a better job.", "How can I get a promotion?", "How do I get on the basketball team?", "I want to go to college.", "I would like a better relationship with my kids or spouse. "
"I'd like to make more money in my network markting business. What do I have to do to make it happen?"

It is very difficult to help someone who does not see the need for help. You can suggest to someone that he/she can do better in a particular area, but the individual must appreciate and accept the need for change. They must see the value in creating a shift.

Mentees must have trust and respect for the mentor. Mentees must realize that the success of the relationship is up to them and they are responsible for the actions they take. Mentee's must take responsibility for their own development. Finally, the mentee must value the role of a mentor in achieving these objectives.

Maintaining the Mentoring Relationship with the Mentee

A key element in maintaining a good working relationship with your mentee is to ensure that he / she is responsible for his / her own development. The mentor can coax, persuade, cajole but must never coerce the mentee.

Honestly is always the best policy. Some things may have to be coated with some sugar and honey to sweeten them up, but never compromise the truth.

Being a mentor is a rewarding responsibility. Take your mentoring responsibilities seriously, and insist the mentee do likewise.

Do not hesitate to invite others to get involved in the mentoring relationship if you feel that it is in the best interests of the mentee. This step can be difficult for the mentor to take because it may admit to some weakness on his / her part. However, realizing when others can do a better job bringing is a hallmark of maturity.

Focus on the big picture and don’t worry about small things. Substance is important, style less so. Each person is unique, and the mentee’s individual style may need to be modified, but not suppressed.

The mentor should not look for immediate gratification in the mentoring relationship. The value of the lessons learned from the mentor may not become apparent to the mentee for months or even years later.

Mentoring -Are you willing to be a Mentor?

2008-09-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

Mentoring is the art of helping others to develop their talents, aptitudes, and interpersonal skills and to reach their full human potential. Mentoring can take place in many settings, on the job, in school or college, in a club, within the community, in a social setting, and within a family.
A mentor is someone who resembles your vision of yourself in the future in some area. In common language, the person doing the helping is called the "mentor", while the person being helped is called the "mentee". However, this language hides the fact that mentoring is a mutually beneficial relationship - both mentor and mentee gain from their interaction. The characteristic of an effective mentor is that he/she is trusted and respected by the mentee.
Trust and respect create the foundation for open communication that is essential to a successful mentoring relationship.Other important characteristics of an effective mentor are:Self-awareness, knowing your own strengths and weaknesses.
Communication skills - a willingness to listen and an ability to communicate with the mentee.Openness to new ideas - Having a willingness to learn as well as teach.Patience. Perseverance. Honesty. Integrity. Commitment.A sense of fairness - observing & communicating both the positive & negative in a situation. Sensitivity to the mentee's strengths and weaknesses, intellectual and emotional development. An ability and willingness to work with the mentee on his/her challenges and needs.
For mentoring in work situations, the mentor may require technical knowledge (how to get the job done). This requirement will vary from need and requirement. In some instances it may be necessary for the mentor to teach skills to the mentee. If this is the situation, then the mentor must have the technical knowledge and the ability to communicate with the skills needed. In other circumstances, it may be sufficient for the mentor to know where and/or how the technical knowledge can be obtained.

Tip - This list of characteristics may seem to exclude many people from being a mentor. Not so! Awareness of the characteristics is more important than possessing them at the beginning of a mentoring relationship. Mentors can (and most probably will!) develop many characteristics while working with one or more mentees. We are all learning in life.

Establishing a Mentoring Relationship
Now that we have an individual who wants to grow as a person (mentee), and have selected a suitable mentor, (or mentors) the next stage is to establish a mentoring relationship.

While the mentoring relationship is an informal one, it is best to give it some structure.
There are three basic questions:
Where are we going, what is the desired goal?
Where are we now?
What do we need to do to get to the desired goal?

The mentor is best to lead a discussion with the mentee along the following lines:
What are the mentee’s desired goals?
What is the current situation?
What steps must the mentee take to reach his/her desired goal?
What resources for the goal are available to the mentee and mentor?
What resources need to be obtained from elsewhere?

Resources to be a better mentor include:
The mentor, Other mentors, Training Courses
The mentee (skills and aptitudes are identified through the personal profile).
Skilled professionals such as teachers, doctor and nurses.
Schools, colleges, universities, books, video and cassettes.
Parents, other relatives, colleagues, libraries and museums.
Government, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, pastors, counselors & friends.

What Is Commitment

2008-07-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Does commitment come when you say you are committed? Does commitment come when you think you are committed? How do you know you are committed? Is it just a feeling or just something you decide?

I attended a wedding this weekend and allowed myself to dive into what commitment is for me. So I took a glance at my life. I have been married to my husband for 15 years next month. We have been together for 19+ years. There have been many times when I was ready to leave the marriage and I know that my husband has felt the same upon occasion. So how have we made it through the last 15+ years without walking away? How has commitment shown up? Besides the obvious we are still together it has taken many times of truly choosing and acting upon staying married. We have consciously made a choice everyday to remain married. When times have been hard and circumstances have been difficult we each have made the choice in the moment to work through what ever challenges have come to pass. We have loved and hated each other through the rough times and still remained committed.

I use to come from a place that if I could make my husband mad and he left me then he would leave me on my terms! I would challenge his love and faith by pissing him off so he would leave while I was in control. He would just tell me that he married me for life and he is not going anywhere so I might as well knock it of. Trust me I tested that also. I will give than a lot of credit when it comes to commitment. He has taught me great lessons. Now mind you my husband is not perfect. Oh and neither am I! Yet we remain married in spite of ourselves.

What actions have we taken to be committed to this marriage? We have given each other space when needed. The space to cool off and rethink our circumstance. We have looked at ourselves and how we have reacted to what ever has come before us. We have sought out counselors to get us through some of the really rough times. We have re-chosen to our marriage at least a million times and will continue to do so. Every five years we get married again. We send out invitation, have a vow exchange and renew our commitment to each other. People ask me why we renew our vows ever five years and I tell them this. When we first married I knew just enough about him and was willing to marry him for what I knew about him up to that point. Every time renew I am vowing to accept what I now know about him. As we grow together and learn more about each other we can now say that I will marry you for all the weaknesses and strengths that have come to surface in the last five years. It is an opportunity to heal from the challenges and reward ourselves for the successes. I now desire the long term commitment with my husband and I have stopped testing him on leaving me. I enjoy being around him more and love to go just about anywhere with him. Our commitment has not only grown our marriage it has continued to grow our business. We have been in business together for over 15 years and it has been the actions that we have taken that continues to keep that business moving forward.

Commitment without action is just like a hope, wish and want. It is something we desire yet are afraid or lazy to take action on. Just waiting for life to happen around us and hoping we will survive is not very rewarding.

Commitment with action is work and perseverance. You will usually learn a lot about yourself in the process and will most likely be rewarded for your courage to take it on. Actions can be big or small and still it is a step with forward momentum. Commitment with action has a lot to do with people following you as well. The saying “do as I say not as I do! “ Those are the words probably of a lazy, non action person. I have found that when I am acting on my commitments people want to do the same. I am a leader and a follower of greater leaders. So be a leader of excellence and keep acting on your strengths and challenging your weaknesses until they become strengths.

Mind you all action steps may not seem like successes. However if you are willing to really look at the ones that were not successful and learn the lesson they have to offer then you will find a small success there too.

What are you committed to take action on? What actions will you take for yourself? Whether it is a job, a relationship, a goal for yourself or a dream what will you take action on today? What will you end the day with? A notice of action or a day when you felt like you did not make much difference because you chose to just wait for life to happen or you took action to create your life? Which one will feel better for you? I am choosing to take my life to the next level and with that I will continue to take actions in life. My desire is that you will join me and create the life you desire and be committed to yourself by taking actions for you!

How Will You Celebrate Your Independence?

2008-06-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Is it time to accept freedom in your life...

Is your independence important to you?

Do you enjoy the freedom to speak what is on your mind?

Do you enjoy the freedom to choose your religion? Your Church?

How about the choice to join the military or work at a certain job?

How many children you choose to have?

How about the food you eat? And what you drink?

I have been to many places and have heard from others on how many areas the government decides how many kids you can have and what you can say. The kids at 16 (or younger) that automatically get put in the army to fight a war. I have been to places where the water is not good to drink and people have to fetch it and boil it before they can even taste it for their own safety. Where even in tragedy the government takes the food! Everyone must believe a certain way or they are killed. This is reality for some!

Today I say Celebrate! Celebrate that you live in an awesome country! I did not say a perfect country! Whether you like the government or not is up to you. And we as a nation have so much to be thankful for.

My question is what are you doing today or everyday to keep this country one of the best freedom places there is?

Are you reaching out to someone who is without food, clothing or shelter? Have you reached out to others and just offered your hand to help? Have you just listened as a friend spoke about a hard time? Have you reached out and given someone a much needed hug? Invited someone to join you at church? Have you accepted a hand out because someone cares? Have you reached for support because you are not alone in this world? Have you returned that phone call? Been that friend? Cared Enough?

I say as we celebrate this Independence Day we step up to our country! We act as if we are from the Home of the Brave and the Land of the Free and Be Brave and Free.

My challenge to you is to find and do 1 Random Act of Kindness A Day for 1 month! Are you up to the Challenge? Are you willing to Be the leader in a country that leads the way for so many other countries?

Enjoy your Independence and Celebrate with others and Enjoy Your Freedom!

Legacy Foundation Day

2008-06-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

July's Legacy Foundation Recipeint is Kids Inspiring Kids.

Be A Legacy creates awareness with Legacy Foundation Day. It is an opportunity for you to receive a 30 minute coaching session for free. In turn, we ask you to make a contribution of $30.00 (or more, it's up to you) to the cause, organization, or individual we've chosen each month that we support because they are also making a huge difference in the world. We choose to model how simple it is to walk the talk, take a stand, and do something for another. And we invite you to join us.

Here's how it works.
• Every month we'll highlight on our blog the month's charitable focus.
• You complete the 'Give to Receive' form on the Be A Legacy website to request your 30-minute coaching session.
• After receiving your form, you will be contacted by one of our Be A Legacy coaches to schedule your session.
• Your session must be scheduled within one week of your request.
• After the session, please make your donation. Simple honor system applies.

Go to www.kidsinspire.com click on the donation page and make your donation to support kids in Africa.

The Encouragement File

2008-06-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

Today I ask that you create a file for yourself. You can use just a plain manila folder or you can create a piece of art for yourself. Decorate it with pictures, quotes designs or what ever your heart desires that will move you forward. Place somewhere you can access everyday if needed yet in a place it will be safe.

Every time you receive a compliment, a note of encouragement, a thank you note, an email with praise your job will be to put that in your File of Encouragement. Print out a copy of the email, write down the compliments that are told to you. Create a page just for compliments that you may have heard over the phone, face to face with another and when you find something you compliment yourself on.

If you are feeling like you need some encouragement on any given day or moment bring out this file and lift your encouragement bar. You are the master of your own encouragement. You are responsible for shifting your attitude to a place that serves you.

If your encouragement file is a little lean right now I would suggest you write yourself a few notes. Write down what you like about yourself. Write about a wonderful memory from your childhood. What are your gifts and talents? What are you good at? What do people admire about you? Fill your file with encouragement for your self to get you started. Your compliments matter also.

Catch yourself doing something right and then compliment yourself. Give your self credit! you can turn around a challenge and bring your self credit for doing something right in the challenge. Maybe you made a commitment to be somewhere on time and you were late. Acknowledge you were late, recommit to that person for next time and then compliment yourself for getting there instead of turning around and going home and giving up on your commitment. Many times we are used to bringing out the hammer and hitting ourselves for what we are not good at, made a mistake at or where we were not accepted. We will tell ourselves that we do not matter and beat ourselves down. Today I say stand up and put the hammer down and take on being the best encouragement for you.

If no one else is celebrating you right now you must step up and celebrate you! If you are not hearing people say nice things about you then you need to step up and say the nice things about you. Be your best encourager!

Everyone of us is good at something in this world. Whether you are a good listener, talker, public speaker or behind the scenes kind of person you are good at something. Drawing houses, constructing, writing, cooking, working with kids, working with elderly, shopping, teaching, caring and so many other great things to be proud of.

Today begin celebrating the greatnesses you have. When you do not see your greatnesses pull out your file and read through it. Every day or twice a day until you start bringing your encouragement up. You can not always rely on someone else to be there when you need them. So today you can step into being there for you when others are not available.

You matter in this world and even the small things you do in this world make a difference. You have gifts and talents that are only yours and it is up to you to use them for great things and even when life is discouraging you get to step up and re-encourage yourself to keep going. You deserve to life a fulfilling life. Do this for you because you deserve to feel encouraged everyday.

(This is a great tool to use with kids. Teaching them early will support them in life later on as well. School can be cruel so arm them with the tools to lift up their encouragement as well.)

ENJOY CELEBRATING YOU!

Motherhood Is Leadership

2008-06-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

Motherhood is leadership! Motherhood and working in a business compliment each other. Motherhood can prepare us for compassion as well as vicious tiger like qualities.

With my first child I wanted everything to be perfect! I would boil the nipples of his bottle and pacifier. Everything was sanitized and cleaned daily.

With the second child I stopped sweating the little details. Cleaned the nipples and no longer boiled daily. Let him fall to sleep on a less rigid schedule and did not clean his face every moment. And the more I had the more I just let go of being stressed about being perfect. I gave birth to 4 children and they each have survived early childhood.

Many mothers will forget their own identity to put on the identity of a mother and even more so as a mother/employee or mother/business owner. Some times they forget they are also an individual who needs to also accept their own greatness and who they are meant to be.

After the kids are all grown and away from home the mother is very skilled with leadership qualities and sometimes they become confused with what to do with these skills now that the kids are gone and they may not feel any value left.

I want to support women in finding ways to see how what they have learned in being mothers to bringing those skills to the community and to businesses.

Whether you are a mother who is working away from home or a business leader in side your home you have great qualities in leadership to share.

Ask a few friends what they think your greatest qualities are that they have witnessed in you as a mother. Ask family members what they admire about you. Ask church members how they see you successful.

What have you worked with your kids?

Time Management - Prioritizing - Commitment to Responsibility
Patience and Listening Skills - Interpersonal Skills
Understanding - Endurance - Conflict Management - Balance
Negotiation Skills - Cleanliness and Manners
Decision Making - Budget Management - Project Management
Yard Maintenance - Catering Cooking and Preparing Menus

Some women must work to provide for their families.
Some women must work to help provide support for their families.
Some women work for security just to make sure there is enough for extras.
Some women work for the sense of accomplishment.
Some women work because they feel obligated.
Some women work because they feel they need to earn their way.
Some women work because they feel if they don’t then when their children grow up they will not have the skill and will have a difficult time finding a job then.

If you are a working mother why do you work? Do you also fill your time with taking care of you too?

How do you fine time to unwind and relax? Find a hobby for yourself?
Take a bath? Visit with friends?
Get involved with your church and/or community organization?

No matter whether you are parenting, working, exercising, playing, building a business be intentional about what you are doing. Are you working to your fullest potential? Are you parenting to your fullest potential? In all you do Be Intentional!

Mentor Moments

2008-06-18T04:17:00.000-07:00

What is a mentor moment? A Mentor Moment is when someone comes into your life and offer you a moment of wisdom that teaches, coaches or steers you in a forward moving direction. A mentor moment can come from any source and may only be the only connection you will have. Meeting someone on an airplane, bus or train and they impart a saying, a tip or a direction that will support you in moving forward in your life is a mentor moment. You can create relationships with people who can provide you with many mentor moments or a one time mentor moment. Once you learn what you need from the person you go on about life and pass on your moments to others in the future.

You can also be the teacher of a mentor moment! Are you looking for ways to enhance other peoples lives? Do you have a piece of wisdom in the moment that could support someone else? Do you take the time out to see how you can impart wisdom into someone else’s life? Where can you coach, teach or steer someone in a forward moving direction? Where can you impart a bit of wisdom into the life of another? A family member, friend, co-worker, teen, child or a stranger?

I was on an airplane and spoke to a woman across the isle. She was reading a book I recently read and heard the author speak. We shared a few moments about the book and I was able to share with her my experience with the author. It was a nice exchange. We began talking about what we each do in life. She was intrigued with my share about coaching and supporting leaders. As we got off the plane she said she appreciated talking to me and I inspired her to go out there and teach others what she has experienced in her life. She is a retired professional team calf roper. She has won many awards and big belt buckles. She told me she was inspired to go back out to the roping industry and teach the newer people some of the lessons she has learned. What a great moment we shared.

Do you take the time to talk to the person next to you on local transit? How about in the line at the store, bank or doctors office? You never know who you are meant to impart wisdom into or who has a nugget for you. So go out there and create moments to be a mentor and receive mentor moments for yourself. I heard about "Mentor Moments" from a speaker who challenged the audience to connect and creating more of these moments in thier lives. I have since kept in touch with her and we have the connection to give and receive Mentor Moments.

Creating a Goal or Dream Board

2008-06-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

Do you know what a Goal Board is? Do you know what a Dream Board is?
You can create a way to view and see your goals and dreams everyday by creating a visual of what you want or are committed to. Using magazines, newspapers, photos or what ever creative ideas you have to create a daily visual board. A collage of what you want to create for yourself and your loved ones that show your goals and dreams.

Some people will use a poster board to do this. Others will use a wall in their home or office, one wall of a cubical or utilized the refrigerator. I have heard of people who have painted a wall with magnetic paint so they can use magnets and add or take away what they put up on their goal/dream board. Be creative how you do this. This is something you will see everyday and remind you of what your goals and dreams are.

When you have your goals in front of you your subconscious sees this as the only option. You are constantly reminded of what you have set out to accomplish. A daily reminder of what is in your heart. The more you see your goals and dreams the more likely you will keep going in the direction of reaching your goals.

Why would you want to put your goals and dreams in front of you each and every day? Do you think it would support you in reaching your goals? Most people who set up goal and dream board are more likely to achieve their goals and dreams. Having a visual everyday keeps you more focused and therefore more likely to achieve.

Some ideas to add to your goal or dream board would include your dream home, car, spouse, children, jewelry, money, bank account totals, career, art, hair style, motorcycle, computer, Olympic gold medal and what ever else you dream of. You get creative and enjoy seeing your goals and dreams right before your eyes.

Why not give yourself the best possible chances to reach your goals and dreams?

Have You Heard of Becky Hammon?

2008-06-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Becky Hammon?

Becky Hammon is the basketball player from North Dakota who has been a professional athlete with the WNBA. At 31 years old she still had dreams of playing basketball in the Olympics. Half of her years playing basketball she spent in the US playing as a powerful team member. The other half of the year she was in Russia playing basketball as a powerful team member. When the opportunity came to play on the Olympic team Becky was ready to fulfill her dream. The challenge that has come from her accepting her dream and playing out her dream with the Russian team! The US team did not ask Becky to join the Olympic team until Becky’s allegiance was challenged. Becky had already made a commitment to the Russian team.
Becky since saying yes to her dream has been called a traitor, selfish and unpatriotic just to name a few. She has stated that she was raised to love her country, God and her heart is American.

I write this as I look at people out in the world going after their dreams. How many people will call others names because getting a goal or dream is suppose to look a certain way? How many people are wiling to take the heat? How many people will do what ever it takes to honor their dreams and goals? How many people will give up because they are called names? How many people are more committed to looking good, not offending others or worse yet giving up to satisfy others?

I am not talking about something that would hurt another human being.

I would like to just put out there that getting your dreams and goals is about what is in your heart. Are you worth getting your goals? My heart says yes. Can you handle the criticism that others may put out there? My heart say yes. No one is alone in this journey. Who are you going to put into your life to support you? Becky had two teams that she loved, respected and won for. The US team did not choose Becky on their team until her patriotism was challenged. Becky already had made a commitment to the Russian team. Besides all the negative comments and challenges Becky has remained strong in her commitment. Becky’s goal was to play basketball on an Olympic team. Is she unpatriotic really? Is she a traitor? Each person could be a judge and decide for themselves. I am going to leave that up to Becky and God. Becky said she loves the country that she was born in and still believes in the values of being an American. She also stated that the cold war was over years ago. This is about her dream to play basketball and she is reaching her dreams!

I say hats of to Becky for honoring herself and her commitments. What will you be challenged with to reaching your dreams?

Setting Goals Is Easy! Or Is It?

2008-06-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

Setting goals is the easy step. People set them all the time. Many people set goals for a New Years resolutions. Setting goals, putting goals on paper, saying you will reach a particular goal does not mean you will succeed. Setting goals can be a lot like a hope, a wish and a want.

Acting on the goal is different than setting the goal. Acting on the goal requires you to do something about the goal. Putting goal accomplishments into action can be challenging for some. The biggest challenge could be being truly committed to the goal. What are the action steps you will need to take in order to be truly committed to the goal?

Get up everyday and get to work no matter what the circumstances are. You are tired, do not feel good or busy working are all great excuses to not work on your goals. However, they become great excuses for you to not be committed to your goal. To reach your goal you will need to get past all the great excuses and circumstances. When you allow all the excuses and circumstances to slow you down or deter you from reaching your goals you tell yourself that you are not worth reaching the goals.

Each time you set a goal, act upon reaching the goal and accomplishing the goal you tell your subconscious that you matter. Setting and accomplishing goals reward you with greater confidence, acceptance and commitment. The value of letting other people know that you set and accomplish goals allows others to build trust and respect in you.

Setting and accomplishing goals is a great way to reward yourself and others around you. As you allow people to see you step into your life and you create success you also lead the way for them to do the same. They will want to achieve goals in their life as well.

Go out and make a bigger difference just by setting, acting on and accomplishing your goals in life!

Setting "SMART" Goals

2008-06-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

Why is it important to set goals?
Goals allow us to stay focused on what we are committed to achieve.
Setting goals connects us to our dreams for better jobs, homes and material items, relationships and connection in the world.
When you set and achieve a goal you tell yourself “you deserve it and you are worth it”.
Setting and achieving goals shows others that you are serious about the life you live.
Achieving goals allows you to build self esteem and fuels your passion in life.

Setting SMART goals is the best way to stay on track with a goal. Many people have set goals only to find out that they were really just a hope, wish or want and because they were not realistic they did not work. Once they do not work most people will say “see what is the point of setting a goal?” then they quit setting goals all together. When you set a SMART goal it supports you in being specific. Thus creating a space for you to really win with your goals.

SMART Goals

• Specific – This means get very specific with what you are going after. Example is do not just write “I want to buy a house”. Write specific details about the house you want. “I want a two story, five bedroom house on ten acres of land in city and state.” The more specific you are the less likely you will feel like you settled for less down the road. And being specific helps you really see what you want.

• Measurable – This means that there must be a way to measure the accomplishment of the goal you set. How do you measure a goal like “I have a #10 relationship with my spouse” verses “I have published my first book”? To publish a book is easy to measure because you can have the book in hand. Measuring a relationship can be done and you really have to put some creative thinking into measuring it. You want to allow others to hold you accountable to your goals, so measuring the goal is important in the success process.

• Attainable – This is something that many people may not pay much attention to. If you are over 25 and 5’10” tall setting a goal like I will be 6’tall in 1 month is not likely to ever happen. This is not something that is attainable. We can not change out height! So really paying attention to what you goals are and how attainable they are is key to setting successful goals. “I have released 20 pounds in 60 days” is something that is attainable.

• Risk Taking – You want to set goals that have some level of risk for yourself. When you set a goal without a risk behind it there is less of a sense of accomplishment. Putting risk behind a goal can keep you in tune with why the goal is important. You can ask yourself “if I tell someone about my goal is there a feeling they will not like it, support it or judge me?” This is a great indicator if there is a risk behind the goal. If you answer yes then it is likely you feel there is risk in setting and telling others about your goal.

• Timely – Setting goals with a specific time frame on them puts more edge to achieving them. I am committed to reaching goal A by specific date and time. Is a specific step in achieving the goal. Setting a time frame allows others to hold you accountable and you to hold yourself accountable. You will stay more focused on the impending event and more likely to reach the goal.

Big goals are great! Underneath every big goal is a lot of mini goals. You can make a Big Goals list and then break them down into smaller goals. Some examples would be: Buying a house – you may need to clear up credit score, start a saving account or decide where you want to live. So break the big goals down and then they do not feel so overwhelming and out of reach.

Lastly, make sure you let other people know about the goals you have set. As humans we are usually much more accountable to others than we are to ourselves. We are more likely to let ourselves of the hook for not reaching our goals. Yet when we know about others goals we will watch to see if they get them. Tell people what your goals are. Put them before yourself at work. Hang your goals somewhere you will see them everyday. Put them where others can see them. Display your goals at the office, in your bedroom or on your car dash. Where ever it is that you can see so you will stay in tune with what you set out to accomplish.

You can also hire an accountability partner. If you do not feel someone around you could hold you to what you set your goals to hire some support. An accountability coach will have great tools to support you in reaching your goals. They can be a great asset to get you started in your new goals setting and achieving life!

Life's Wonderful Questions

2008-06-10T23:44:00.000-07:00

Who are you?
What do you want in life?
When is the last time you paid attention to what you want?
What kind of person are you?
Are you outgoing or do you tend to be reserved?
Can you motivate and discipline yourself?
Do you adapt to change or attempt to hide from it?
What are your strengths?
Do you enjoy your strengths or just use them for work?
Do your strengths bring out your passion in life?
What are your weaknesses?
Are you being honest about your weaknesses?
Do your weaknesses hold you back?
Do you find yourself hiding so others do not see your weaknesses?
Do you strive to turn your weaknesses into your strengths?
What are your hopes?
What is the future you see in your mind?
How is the future different from right now?
What do you like about the future?
What are your dreams?
Are they really your dreams or someone else’s?
Do you pay attention to the desires in your heart?

So what are you going to do with your wonderful life today?

The Power In Saying No

2008-06-10T22:35:00.000-07:00

Why would you want to say No to people?

Why is a No powerful?

No is a way to trust yourself. Trusting your insinct on making a choice.

When you say no to someone that is a way that you honor yourself. How often do you truly honor yourself?
No does not mean that you are a bad person or someone who does not care.
No is just saying this does not work for me right now. No I can not do this for you as I can not put anything more on my schedule.
This is about you honoring your previous committments and not creating overwhelm for yourself.
When you say no, I have found that some people will actually honor you more. They will respect you for having boundries and honoring who you are.
Now don't get me wrong some people will take advantage of you if you tend to not say no often. However you are the only one to blame for not setting healthy boundaries for your self.

No can be a very powerful statement! It can show that you pay attention to your life.
A no puts power in you feeling like you have a choice and you have the power to do what supports you best.

Can you say no and still say yes? No to what is being asked and you can put in a yes for the future. Like no I can not be part of the play this month, please do ask me again in the future. If I am available I will let you know. This is a way that shows you are still open to supporting others yet is just does not work at this time. This allows you to have the control in your life and honor yourself and be there when others can use your support.

So what lessons can you take from saying no?

Learn how to say no to people.
Don’t be afraid, you’ve got nothing to be afraid of.
If you think you want to say no then say it.
People may not like to be told no, but they will respect you for standing up for you.
Ano can mean not at this time please ask me again in the future.

Today is your day to say No! A loving, compassionate and healthy No! Practice on small things and work your way up to the bigger No's. What is the gain in saying no? It is up to you to find out!

Commitment verses Compliance

2008-06-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in a place where you had to do a job that you really did not want to do? The price for not doing the job was too great so you just did it? Did you do that job because you were committed to getting that particular task done? Or did you do the task to avoid a negative consequence? Did you get the task done out of compliance? Or commitment? Many times people will make comments like "I had to to that or I might lose my job". Or maybe something like "If I didn't do blank then my spouse would be mad at me". Those are both statements out of compliance. Getting others to to what you want them to do where both side feel like they won is coming from a place of commitment.

Commitment usually comes from a place of enrolling someone to do something because they know the reward in the end is worth it.

Compliance usually comes from a place of a threat or fear of losing something and it may get done and someone feels they paid a big price.

Where do you feel like you come from commitment or compliant?

When you are asked to do something do you feel like you have a choice in doing the task? Do you feel like you are winning it what you are doing? Do you feel like both sides are winning? In a marriage do you compromise so both sides win? Do you do things that you might not do for the average person just because you are married?

If you can answer yes to these questions then know that this is the place where commitment comes from.
If your answer is no then you will want to look to see where you are being compliant.

When you are coming from a place of compliance you may feel like you are a victim or uncared about. You may feel alone or that it doen't matter anyway the Eeyore syndrome. Many people will come from compliance because they may not know how to say no. (See upcoming blog for how to say no.)

When you are coming from a place of commitment you may feel satisfied and like you have a say in the choice you made. You may feel as part of the team and that what you hve to say does matter.

Notice when you are coming from compliance or commitment. Which will serve you best?

Confidence Stealers - Who wins?

2008-05-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

The people you have the most contact with will have either a positive or negative affect on your levels of self-esteem and confidence.

Do you allow them to steal your confidence?

How do the people around you make you feel?

Happy and joyful to be around? They walk into a room and everyone else’s attitude has a positive affect? People are excited to see them.

Negative thinkers who never see opportunities? Drain your energy and bring you down to their level? You want to look busy to get away from them?

What affect would you say your family has on you?

So to make sure the people you hang around empower and support what you stand for here are some tips:

1. You have the power to choose who you hang around with. Ideally you want to be with happy, vibrant and positive people. They want to be around you.

2. If you have friends who are most often negative and you still want to be around them let them know how you feel. True friends will respect you. Just acknowledge that this is what they are like and block out the negativity.

3. The same can be said for family. We might not know how they got that way so appreciate where they came from and again block out the negativity.

4. Remember, nothing has meaning in life except the meaning that you give it!

Confidence

2008-04-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

Do you struggle with confidence? Who do you see when you look in the mirror? Is the person you see strong and confident? Do you like the person you see?

A few steps to boost your confidence.

Think about a person that you see as confident and act, talk and walk like them. Model their mannerisms and behavior. It works for them; it will work for you!

Smile a lot! This doesn't mean putting a silly grin on your face. It does mean smile more when you walk down the street, when you meet people and just be happier in general even if you are not feeling that way.

Are you prepared for situations? Are you prepared enough to meet any challenge that may come up? Are you prepared for the meeting, the presentation, the job interview, when you meet someone for the first time? If not, get prepared. The more prepared you are the better confidence you will have.

Learn how to say no to people. Don't be afraid, there is nothing to be afraid of. If you think you want to say no to someone say it. People may not like to be told no, but they will respect you for standing up for you.

No one else can be confident for you! This is your job! You are meant for greatness so step into your confidence today and teach others how to be confident. You may be the person someone else brings to mind to model!