I'm at a time in my life to make some decisions. My fiftieth birthday is coming up and I couldn't be more excited. I have found strength over the past year that I couldn't imagine that I had. For the first time in my life, I feel like I'm doing well, I feel strong and alive. I'm making my way in this life and in this world. I am busy but it feels good. Having a handmade store takes work, and making a success of it takes even more work. Having a vintage store takes work and hopefully, success will follow, but either way, I'm taking it on...
http://northshoreclay.etsy.com
http://goodneighborvintage.etsy.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Networking or How to Have a Conversation
You know the old saying, "good things come to those who wait." In business, good things come to those who go get them. If you generally wait for someone else to start a conversation, it's time to take ownership. You own your own business right? Own your conversation too. That doesn't mean dominate the conversation, you need to learn how to be an effective listener as well and I'll go into that later, but for now, here are a few ways that you can break the ice regarding your business. Asking these questions of your conversation partner will automatically generate conversation. You might ask them:
- Describe a typical day on the job.
- What got them started in the area that they work?
- What ways have they found most effective to promote their business.
- What advice would they give to someone just starting out in business.
- What was the best job they ever had? What was the worst?
- Ask them to describe how the seasons impact their work.
- Ask them to describe the strangest situation they have ever encountered while working.
Let the natural person in you come out when talking with people. It's okay to take risks in conversation and anticipate success. Remember your sense of humor. Practice different ways of starting a conversation. It's perfectly acceptable to ask a person to repeat their name if you forget it. Be prepared to tell others something interesting or challenging about what you do.
Many of us dread going to a social gathering knowing that we will walk into a room not knowing a single person. These situations can be business networking opportunities at there best. Just remember that "small talk" connects us whether a gathering is social or business.
The ability to talk easily with people with a learned skill, not a personality trait. Acquiring this skill will help you develop positive relationships that last longer than any business card could. And finally, remember to smile and offer your hand for a firm handshake. In this day of contracts and technology, there is still something to be said for a handshake and a smile.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Chocolate Milk Scarf, oh so yummy
This cream and black scarf would be great for a guy or girl. Only $9.00
Boyfriend Scarf
It's Back! By Popular Demand the Boyfriend Scarf Is Back!
Girls, you wear it first, then slip it over his neck when he kisses you goodnight! It will have your scent on it! Is this a great idea or what?
$9.00
visit my shop
Peace Scarf
Sometimes where we begin is not where we end up. That is the story of the Peace Scarf. This scarf started as a regular black crocheted scarf and as I began to weave multiple colored yarn through the single crochet I began to see something else emerge. What I saw was all people, of every color and diverse personalities. I saw people of different religions, of different beliefs, rich and poor, upper class and lower class all beautifully blended together with no discrimination and all caring for one another. I saw no war. I only saw Peace. Let it begin with me... You may purchase this scarf at my Etsy store for &20.00 visit my shop at http://northshoreclay.etsy.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Longing
The Iroquois believe that sickness is the souls way of letting us know that we are missing something in our lives. If this is true, then a body in pain is a soul that is longing. And a soul that is longing, is a soul that has something to say. A story to tell.
Symptoms are often dreams trying to come true and therefore the best medicine is hidden in the symptoms. It seems obvious to me that when we medicate and try to eradicate the symptoms, we are in essence killing the messengers before they can deliver the dreams our souls are longing for.
Body symptoms will present you with information, like the dreams of which you are unaware until you awaken and remember. If you read your body symptoms as symbols they will have meaning. Can you put words to your body symptoms? Can you "draw" your body symptoms perhaps? Can you describe your body symptoms with color or shapes? Can you give your body symptoms a voice?
Simply telling someone to "get well" or "get over it" can be very sad words to hear if you have been struggling with painful body symptoms. Your messengers are waiting to tell your hidden story. The truth is, there is no right or wrong way for your story to be told. It may be the written word or a painting. You could sculpt your story of clay or you could sew it into a quilt.
If you give your messengers a voice, and let them roar, your body symptoms will quiet and you will be more at peace with yourself and the world will be more at peace with you.
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