Archive for the ‘Empower U’ Category

It started like a whisper. Change.

Change means releasing the old and embracing the new. Crazy thing is, we don’t always know what to embrace.

For a few years I’ve felt change bubbling inside. The last decade I’ve helped over 1,500 mostly home-based business owners enjoy greater success. I’m a marketing mentor – and I’m good at what I do. When clients act on what I teach – and most do – I’m thrilled for them.

When “Testosterone-Free Marketing” was released I left the Robert Allen organization. Yep, author of mega-bestsellers like “Nothing Down,” “Multiple Streams of Income,” and “The Enlightened Millionaire.” I was his Executive Assistant for 18 months. Then I became the top Marketing Trainer and mentor for his Enlightened Millionaire program for six years.

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I just trashed seven comments sent here while I was out running around this afternoon.

Why? Because they all seemed like they could’ve been copied and pasted from any other blog to my blog. There’s no mention or reference to the blog post they were supposedly commenting upon. I’m a writer with a degree in Journalism (Marketing, too, btw) and I actually READ all the comments before they’re approved and show up.

Do you think I can’t figure this stuff out?

Do you honestly believe I just fell off the cabbage truck? Not.

Frankly, I’m annoyed.

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When was the last time you took a month-long vacation?

You may be scratching your head saying, “NEVER.” That’s a typical holiday in other highly-developed nations like Europe.

If you think the issue is just our current economic woes, it’s not. Twenty years ago, a two week vacation for Americans was average. In the last decade we squeezed down to mini-vacations. Long weekends became the trend.

Lately, we’ve ushered in even shorter vacations – the staycation. No travel, just spend a night or two at a local hotel to kick back for 24 to 48 hours before jumping back into the fray. Oh, and bring your laptop and your cell phone along.

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I just got a video FlipCam Ultra. And I got a great price!

Generally I don’t go for the latest technology. There’s often bugs in the first version AND it’s the highest price. I’m not a big gadget person, anyway.

I decided to get the Flip Cam because as part of “Your Excellent Adventure” I want to bring lots of videos to you. Videos with good info to share. Videos of the places I see on my travels. I needed something uber-simple or it’ll stay in the case.

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My head exploded with confusion, frustration and disgust. Digging through the trash next to a dumpster wearing plastic gloves (What does THAT say about my state of consciousness?) thinking, “This is CRAZY!” Rivulets of sweat trickled down the small of my back in the 104 degree heat.

Where did my car keys go?

In a moment of Zen, I observed my reaction, going ballistic, ready to burst into tears. I kept thinking the situation was stupid. Not that I was stupid. Bent out of shape over mis-placed keys? Why? Because replacing ‘em cost almost $300 dammit. Those cool, little clickers to unlock the car door don’t come cheap.

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The positive energy, laughter, spirit of fun and adventure was alive Monday afternoon at a Starbucks in Las Vegas. I believe today’s get-together was the most amazing ever. People were happy to be there, happy to share and really take their dreams and adventures seriously. I had a blast.

It was the largest get-together so far. In fact, six of the people in attendance were there for the first time. We’re almost getting too big for Starbucks – I think we used all but two chairs.

In the morning I got a call from a friend who said, “Uh, Denise, there might be an issue with this Starbucks.”

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Meeting Ernie was like the end of a journey. After nothing but lousy relationships I finally met the right man. If you’ve had challenges with love or are happily in love – you might enjoy my story.

It was Saturday August 2nd 1997 and I was excited. I’d just bought a computer and gotten online for the first time a few days ago. I’d heard there was a lot of information online about singles. It wasn’t fast or easy back in the dial-up days, but I was curious.

When I saw an announcement for a singles beach picnic about an hour from where I lived in Vista CA, I decided to go. As I drove I felt a sense of anticipation and expectation something great was about to happen.

I tried to calm myself, but it persisted.

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Ernie loves politics. Honestly, I don’t.

So, it was with deep reservations I agreed to attend an event this evening encompassing the cultural, spiritual and political rolled into one.

Ernie found out about this event taking place at a local Buddhist center. The community includes mostly people from Sri Lanka, an island nation of 20 million people off the southern tip of India. Congresswoman Dina Titus was making a campaign swing through Vegas and was coming to speak.

The Nevada Buddhist Vidara is located in what was formerly a modest home. Except for the large, golden Buddha statue surrounded by flowers on the altar, it was a simple room with folding chairs that looked like it could use a fresh coat of paint.

The people were amazingly gracious and kind. Women wore traditional saris in tissue-light cotton and silk, embellished with beautiful embroidery. Men wore standard-issue Indian-style Nehru shirts and lungi. Say “loon-geeys.” Think of a wrap skirt in lightweight cotton sweeping down to the ankles. Several Buddhist monks wore bright orange and deep gold robes.

This was a big occasion for the temple. A dignitary announced the temple was founded in 1996. Tonight was the first time ever an elected official has visited. A colorful fresh flower garland was draped around the Congresswoman’s neck. A high honor. She lit candles while three high school girls in white saris sang traditional songs in Sinhala, the Sri Lankan language. Titus laid a tray of flowers at the feet of the large Buddha on the altar. A monk tied an orange string around her wrist and chanted a mantra wishing her victory in the election this November.

There was no air conditioning. It was 102 degrees outside and every chair was filled. Halfway through the event the girls quietly walked around with trays filled with cold water bottles and icy cans of soda to help everyone be more comfortable in the stuffy room during the ceremony. The pop, pop, pop of opening soda cans punctuated the air for a few minutes.

Congresswoman Dina Titus finally took the tiny platform and spoke for ten minutes about issues of importance to Sri Lankan Americans. Terrorism that formerly gripped the tiny island nation for 26 years has recently ended supported by a vote she made in Washington. She also spoke about improving education and other concerns.

A bountiful potluck of Sri Lankan cuisine was served afterward.

As we strolled to our car I thought how I didn’t want to come earlier. I ran around all afternoon in the heat and a quiet evening at home sounded ideal. I’m glad I let Ernie twist my arm, opening my eyes to the gentle, kind people of Sri Lanka and their interest in making America and their homeland a better place. We have so much more in common then we often believe.

(This is part two of a two part article.)

I found a travel site where a guy does videos of the places where he stays. It appears he gets his hotel room free in exchange. You can buy a flight or book a hotel room through his site – like Expedia or Orbitz. He also sells ads. He’s got a big following. He posts the video of the hotel and writes a review. So, why couldn’t I do that, too?

Oh, I can’t approach anyone until the “remodel” on my blog is complete which will take another two weeks. I can’t really send professional business people I want to have a business relationship with to a blog that doesn’t look so great. Yet. The content is fine – but it’s got a ways to go visually. Thank goodness for Kim’s help.

Plus, I think it’d be a good idea to do videos of a local restaurant and hotel before so they can look at something as an example. Gotta get that video FlipCam when the check arrives.

It’s a case of which came first? The chicken or the egg? I’m getting impatient. *smile*

Once the makeover is complete, I need to find one or two hotels I can contact and propose my idea to. I have an idea for which hotels – we’ll see. Um, first it means coming up with a proposal. I don’t have a big following here yet (please RSS subcribe). I do have 2,800 friends on Facebook now, and 1,800 followers on Twitter.

Note to self: start using Twitter more often. I’ve been using Facebook much more consistently.

Once I know what I’ll propose, I have to find the right person to contact there. I thought I’d also approach a couple restaurants and do the same thing. I’ll do a video and written restaurant review. Okay, it’s not cash – but it’s the equivalent.

While all this is happening, every time I post here I need to post to all my Facebook groups and let ‘em know I’m here. I also need to become known on all these blogs, find more of ‘em, keep commenting and keep driving traffic here.

I don’t necessarily have to do this before the first trip. I need to write 5-6 articles I can upload on article directory sites to promote the blog.

Truth is, I’m just getting warmed up. Geez, makes me tired just writing it all out.

You thought all I’m doing is sitting around until I take a vacation. Puh-leez! Am I out of my mind? Maybe there’s a better way. I’m open to suggestions.

I promised I’d share with you every step of what it takes to put together my excellent adventure. I’m honoring that promise.

Tonight Ernie’s making his amazing Chicken Curry for dinner. I mention it because we’re having a really nice couple, Sherman and Linda over for dinner. The adventure isn’t the curry. As exotic as it’s amazing flavors are what’s truly adventurous is getting to know new people.

Last night Ernie cut up the chicken thighs and marinaded it in the spices overnight. I have no idea what his secret spice blend is. Today I’ll chop the onions and tomatoes to help him out. He’ll put it all together. Did you know the word “curry” really doesn’t mean a particular dish? Curry basically means “gravy.”

I’m making a decidedly un-Indian dessert. Key Lime individual pie tarts with a blueberry sauce. Got a great recipe from Epicurious.com my go-to source for recipes for years now, even though I own a lot of cookbooks. The dessert will be tart, sweet and cool after all the spices from the curry. I had to run around checking three grocery stores to find Key Limes.

It’s all about friendship and getting to know each other and that’s one of the greatest adventures in life.

(Part One of a two part post)

To some of you watching this blog you might think, “Gee, it doesn’t seem like Denise is doing much with this excellent adventure thing.

Truth is I’m like a duck. Everything appears calm and unruffled on the surface – but underneath – I’m paddling like hell.

What have I been doing since starting this adventure in lifestyle design? The only trip I’ve taken so far was a weekend visit to SoCal to see the grandkids. Not exactly adventurous. But travel is only part of creating an excellent adventure.I’ve been discovering, scheming, learning, strategizing, making mistakes, brainstorming, talking and building. I’ve been working at getting my ducks in a row to create cash flow – or, it’s equivalent (I’ll explain later) while traveling.

So, I’m considering taking a three or four day trip to San Diego. Here’s what needs to happen before I can pack and make the trip – if I’m doing it as part of my excellent adventure.

First, I need to get a Video FlipCam – but I’m waiting for a check to arrive in the mail first. It should come this weekend or maybe beginning of next week. Then, I need to learn how to use a FlipCam. I have a friend who just bought one – so that shouldn’t be difficult

Second, Ernie had a job interview last weekend and he’s supposed to find out Wednesday (7/28) if he has a job or temporary assignment. If he has a temporary assignment for a couple weeks, no big deal – I can work around him. If he has a permanent job I might choose a girlfriend to go on this first adventure with. I’d rather have my husband by my side. But hey – you gotta do what you gotta do.

My intention is to visit San Diego. The weather’s 30-35 degrees cooler than here in Las Vegas. I lived there ten years and our first date was to Seaport Village. I’d love to return. I’d hate to come without Ernie – but if he’s stuck working – I might.

That’s just the beginning….

The third part of this little adventure involves creating cash flow. I’ve been working hard building up fans on my Facebook fan page.* Tuesday, I spent most of the afternoon making a spreadsheet of active blogs around the idea of long term travel as a lifestyle and what is called “lifestyle design.” Yesterday I spent the entire evening looking for appropriate ways to comment on said blogs. They’re not really my “ideal customers” as many are by 20-somethings just out of college, married, no mortgage, no spouse. It’s perfect for them. For me, it involves more “arranging.” You too?

I also want to put together a list of blogs that have to do with empowering women. I make comments with the idea of bringing traffic to my blog. However, it’ll probably be awhile before I have enough traffic here to attract any paying advertisers. I don’t want to wait till next year before taking some kind of excellent adventure trip – even if it’s just for two or three days.

What to do?

* To visit my Facebook Fan Page click here now.