BabyBoomersBlueprint

Seth Godin is a person who people listen to when he talks…. and he does share many of his thoughts on his blog, as well as in numerous publications to his name such as, Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable, and also,  Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us.

In a recent post of his “Fast In, Fast Out” he touches on trends, fads, and those who jump on to the “next best thing” band wagon.  The fact that some folks just aren’t applying patience to see the fruits of their labor, and continually move on and thinking new is always better.  Sometimes just basic marketing strategies are still the best.  We are a “fast food” society, and were not satisfied if things take too long.  With technology making things even faster, of course we want our business results to be lightening fast too.  Online businesses still require managing, knowledge, time to develop, and grow, as do brick and mortar businesses (of course without the same overhead).  With commitment, patience, persistence, (and a sense of humor helps), you can see results if you master one area of marketing at a time, instead of jumptagging around….

Until next time, J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

Can you take control over destiny? Do you think it’s possible to create a secure financial future for yourself and your family? And can it be done today, even in these economic times?

The answer to each of those questions is a definite, yes.

In his bestselling book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill stressed the importance of the subconscious mind. Our subconscious mind can achieve anything that the conscious mind sets out for it. It is our conscious mind that lays out a set of rules for our subconscious mind to follow. These rules are created based on our values, our beliefs and our everyday experiences. When we allow negative thoughts and situations to influence us, our subconscious mind follows in this pattern. Tell yourself you cannot do something often enough and soon you will believe it to be true.  One of my favorite sayings is, “whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you are right.”

Conversely, if we allow positive energy to flow towards us, to inspire us; then our mind is energized and we know we can achieve anything we set ourselves up to accomplish. Think of all the successful people you know or have heard about. They seem to be  always positive and upbeat, even when the situation appears grim and the cards stacked against them. Think of sportsmen, celebrities and artists who stand out from the rest. These are the ones who always have a positive frame of mind. They believe they can do it, and so their mind instructs their body to follow through. And they win the race, act their Oscar winning performance and paint a masterpiece.

All of the above holds true when it comes to envisioning a healthy financial future for ourselves. We need to believe it’s possible and only then will our mind draw towards us, the positive energy, resources and ideas needed to make it happen.

But how does one always stay positive and focused on a brighter tomorrow, especially if our today’s are not so sunny? Changing our mindset is the key to positive programming. Visualization is one technique which works really well. Use it on a daily basis to see yourself in a better and financially secure future. Taking steps towards accomplishing this future is also important. Think of how you can make  extra money? Creating multiple income streams, going into an alternative line of business, supplementing your income by starting a side business, increasing production, diversifying- these are just some of the options that may be open to you.

However, in the end it boils down to just two things- how committed are you to a better future and how persistent are you in achieving it? If you are ready to take the next step forward, then you need to commit to training your subconscious mind to work for you. If you can see, feel and breath success in everything you do despite failures and setbacks, then you are definitely on the right track to amassing the wealth and fortune of your dreams.

Until next time,  J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

Ask anyone what the central focus of their lives is; and chances are you’ll get a blank stare or an unclear account of what they think they want; as their response. Most of us find it hard to pinpoint a single focus or central element in our lives. We move from goal to goal, happy if we achieve some of them, unconcerned if others are unfulfilled. And then we sit back and wonder why we’ve not achieved the financial success we had hoped for.

Successful entrepreneurs will tell you that focus is one of the key ingredients that allows them to move forward and step their businesses up a notch. Desire, combined with focus and a single minded determination will push your mind into over-drive. You begin to visualize what you want and see it happen on a daily basis. You talk about it, live it and breath it, and most importantly, you believe it to be true. You take the first step toward controlling your financial destiny and your future.

Gaining this focus is easier than you think. Make a list of what you really want to achieve and next, make a list of those clients, products or services you work with, that can help you achieve it. This follows the 20%-80% rule as outlined by Brian Tracey in his book, Focal Point. (Link here for a Kindle version). It’s the top 20% of your clients, products or services that will contribute to 80% of your income.

The same hold true no matter what kind of business you run or how many income streams you tap into to make your money. For example, if you work with affiliate marketing, then identify those affiliates which offer a larger percentage. If you offer consulting services, make a list of those clients who are willing to pay a premium price for your services. It doesn’t have to be a large list. In fact, a smaller list will allow you to earn more income with less number of hours put in.

The 20%-80% rule doesn’t work only for your career; it can be applied to any aspect of your life. Within your wish list, make a note of all the things that are currently working for you. At the same time, write down those which are not working for you. Can you downsize, delegate and eliminate much of these things? Hire a cleaning company to help get your home in order; find a nanny or babysitter to look after the children for a few hours each day; get a personal trainer or dietician to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. By completing tasks of higher value and outsourcing or if necessary, downsizing tasks of lesser value, you are automatically realigning your focus onto achieving more in a lesser amount of time.

Remember that putting this formula into action is a matter of personal choice. You can choose to rethink your focus and strategies or you can choose to continue along your current path. If you are not happy with the way your choice goes, you can further make a decision to change it. Accepting responsibility gives you a sense of control over your actions and your future.  You are the driver of your own destiny.

Until next time,  J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

You can achieve financial success and secure your future with a little careful planning and thought being put into it. Building a road-map to a bright future is easy if you follow the steps outlined below. After all, thousands of successful entrepreneurs and businesspeople have done it before you. It’s a time-tested process and anyone can get ahead in their game. What you invest into the future is what you’ll get out of it.

1. Create a workable vision: This means a vision that works for you and is achievable. It could be a new home by the sea, a convertible luxury car, a million dollars in the bank. Most goals are in fact achievable, but in order to do so, you will need to make some decisions. Can you support your vision on your current wages? What are the steps you need to do to make this vision come to life? Are you willing to do what it takes?

2.  Change your mindset: Your mind is a powerful tool and will guide you unconsciously along the path that you will it to. Thinking negative and harmful thoughts can and will set you back. Envision your goals and dreams daily and your mind will work hard to make them come true.

3. Write down your visions and goals: What are your future plans? Have you got them down on paper? Do you view them on a daily basis and update them regularly. Visualization is a strong way to ‘seeing’ things the way they should be. Create your vision board TODAY!

4. Create a route to achieving them: Doing all the above is necessary, but it will not take you forward unless you have a plan to integrate all these components. Create business and marketing plans for your company. They do not have to be sophisticated, but they do have to be workable. You plans need to include your company’s vision, values and goals, both long and short term.  (This works for personal goals as well.)

5. Amass knowledge: Gathering knowledge about finances is important. If you do not have a financial advisor, then reading books and undergoing courses are the next best alternatives. Getting financially savvy and knowing how your money is working for you is what will put you ahead in the game.

6. Create multiple streams of income: Just like it’s hard to earn great wealth on a waged salary, it’s also hard to earn a large amount from one source. You need to create multiple streams or sources of income. Nowadays, there are a number of opportunities online to gain wealth. Pick some that you feel comfortable with- perhaps you enjoy promoting affiliate products, or are involved in MLM, or network marketing.  How about freelancing or consulting? You can create and sell eBooks, ezines and reports on your site. There are plenty of opportunities, so think about which ones will work for you.

7. Create a savings plan: Always have a saving account. This is money that you will not be touching. It can be as small or as large a sum as you can afford. But deposits need to be consistent . In his book, Start Late, Finish Rich, David Bach encourages wage earners to save at least one hour’s worth of income each day. If you are self employed, then this figure should be increased by a substantial amount.

8. Invest: And finally, invest your savings and your profit to make your money work for you. By reinvesting what you earn, you can receiver higher returns in a shorter period of time.  Keep abreast of changing market trends. In doing all of the above, you are assured to a financial future you and your loved ones will feel safe and and secure in.

Until next time,  J.

“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

We have had a lot to celebrate in our household this past month.  Our son graduated last month from Chico State, and our daughter graduated last weekend from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.  After a 4:30 AM wake-up call we attended the traditional “Dads & Grads” (Mom’s welcome too!) in the local bars at 6:00 AM ~ BEFORE the actual ceremony!  I’ve got to tell you I have “closed” many a bar, but this was a first to “open” them.  I thought we’d be the only parents crazy enough to go along, but was I wrong!  There were lines out the doors and standing room only ~ 50% were parents ~ guess we were all pretty excited….

During the ceremony most of the speakers addressed how this is a very different time for these graduates to be looking for work.  How they will need to get creative and be resourceful.  How they will need to remain optimistic and positive, and to not take a “no” personally.  There are numerous markets that are still growing, it’s just the competition is greater.  Not too far in the past it was a “slam dunk” to get hired if you had a business degree in marketing.  Mikaila has that, plus another in Event Planning.  Of course over the last couple of years many companies have cut back in that arena.

Mikaila worked 20 plus hours per week all through school, and is no stranger to long hours.  Juggling work, holding a Sorority “office”, living in Italy part of her junior year, and finishing school in 4 years with a double major was no small task.  Yes, we are really proud of her and her accomplishments!  Now to REAL life!  I would love to hire her to work with me as she is incredibly talented, technologically savvy, and organized.  She however, doesn’t want to work from home with her Mom!

If you have any suggestions for her or would like to see her resume, please let us know! 

Until next time, J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”