Getting Ready for Success in “The New Normal”
Published November 12, 2011 | 
Even as we are all hurtling toward the holidays at breakneck speed, in the back of your mind you are probably thinking about the goals you want to set for 2012. For many small business owners the holiday season is a slowing down time. A good opportunity to hunker down and think about what you want next year.
I consider goals differently now because the world is changing so fast. In a post Arab Spring world, you must be flexible and adaptable. Goals must be set in Jello® not in concrete.
Otherwise you:
- Will achieve your goals faster than anticipated because of a new technology that didn’t exist before. This is the good news.
- Won’t achieve goals because you underestimated the one-two punch this economy packs. Offers that formerly resulted in a feeding frenzy of sales can result in thundering silence today.
- May set a goal that becomes obsolete. New discoveries can result in a quantum leap to something better. More good news if you’re nimble and quick like Ol’ Saint Nick.
The economic foundation and constancy most Americans always took for granted has changed. Thousands of Americans are scrambling to create financial abundance, good health, reduced stress and balance in the midst of accelerating changes.
The seismic shifts the last three years may have changed where you work, live, your relationships, and/or, your health. Truth is, few people have been unscathed by the spiral that resulted from the credit crunch and the housing bubble that went, “Pop!”
If you’re striving to return to the way it was – save yourself time. Instead, embrace a new way of 
working with change and you will create an unprecedented opportunity to build what you always wanted in the first place but perhaps never believed was possible.
Insisting others must change seems simple, but it’s a path to nowhere. Assigning blame is what we see in the media, however it doesn’t solve how to move forward in “the new normal.” Only swimming with the flow of change rather than against it will help you create the abundance you’ve always wanted, financially, emotionally, spiritually, in your relationships and in your health.
Whether you agree or disagree with the “Occupy” protesters fanning out across the country and around the globe, the only thing we truly have power over changing is ourselves. If you’re open to discovering how to make essential strategic moves now, life can improve in an instant.
Working harder may look like the solution. That’s our tradition: the “American work ethic.” Working smart and focusing on the highest and best use of your time is key. Also, working with the eleven energy surges discussed by Stacey Hall in her groundbreaking book, “Chi-to-Be: Achieving Your Ultimate B’All” is the secret to feeling an elevated level of prosperity and increased hope in every facet of your life.
Hall says, “There are times when it makes sense to take a rest stop and re-charge your batteries. Or, it may be time to surge ahead and get things done even if the result is not the picture of perfection you envisioned.”
Many Americans never considered owning a business a few years ago. Yet as the Fortune 500 and large businesses continue to morph and re-shape, sending jobs overseas, the lure of becoming an entrepreneur is undeniable. Benefits include increased flexibility, family time, time for health and personal pursuits, and, an opportunity to create greater financial success. Increased wellness and quality of life on every level.
The trade-off is less of what we used to call “security.” Twenty years ago I met a woman who worked for a Fortune 100 manufacturer. She was laid off for the third time in five years.
I asked, “Why not consider a different career?”
She replied, “And leave behind all that job security?”
As a business owner it’s impossible to get laid off – which is pretty cool. There are no barriers to entry, but there are indeed barriers to success. Many new business owners jump in with enthusiasm, but they possess few business skills. The skills to creating income in your business are marketing and selling. They are essential.
Its time to embrace these skills. Ignore new marketing and selling strategies and you don’t have a business – you have an expensive hobby. You can be yourself and have customers happily say ‘yes.’ Stretching outside your comfort zone isn’t about becoming a “pushy” salesperson. Old-school approaches fail in a sea of smart consumers. Align with your customer’s values and goals and they will rightfully see you as trustworthy and helpful.
We live in a new environment that requires different skills than ever before. Dump the old. Instead, open up and apply the skills and strategies that work in “the new normal.” That’s when you can finally create the fun and abundance you missed all those long, boring years sitting in a cubicle.
Stacey Hall and Denise Michaels are conducting their breakthrough workshop, “Occupy Your Life… NOW!” in Las Vegas, January 26-28th,2012. They will provide essential tools and strategies to make your life and business work in “the new normal” For more information and to register click here now.
Sisters Reconnecting at Long Last
Published August 6, 2011 | 
The trip I took recently to San Francisco meeting up with my sister Cherie (she lives in Denver and I live in Las Vegas) was almost a miracle in a lot of ways. In fact, just a couple years ago it would’ve been inconceivable for us to spend three days together.
While I won’t plaster the nitty gritty details of our relationship all over the internet, 
I will say that for a couple decades we had almost no contact.
We didn’t see each other for years. The only exchange we had with each other was a Christmas card with a few handwritten words.
Cherie and I have taken very different paths through life. No bad or good here – just different. She’s about to celebrate her 34th wedding anniversary next week. Ray was her high school sweetheart and they married young, ages 20 and 21. I went through a plethora of lousy relationships and finally met Ernie at age 39. By the time we tied the knot I was 48 and he was 60.
Cherie wanted children more than anything in the world. I saw kids as “the world’s biggest job – and a job I didn’t want.” I wanted to write and be in business. When she was unable to have kids, it was a great sadness to her. Eventually they adopted, and now those two children are grown and on their own. 
In October 2010, she finally became a Grandma at long last. Her little grandson Conrad (nine months old now) brings her incredible joy.
Because my husband is a few years older than me, I became a step-grandma seven years ago when Angelica was born. I now have three step-grandkids. My husband’s former wife (she was always very nice to me) passed away shortly before the first grandchild was born – I’m “Grandma Denise” to them. I love reading stories, taking the girls to the store to pick out a lip gloss or a story book
from the bookstore. When they come to visit they help me water my herb garden, make pancakes for Sunday morning breakfast and set the table. Even though Cherie is two and a half years older, I know she has so much to look forward to in that department. Being a Grandma, even a “Step” is a blast and something we now 
share as sisters.
We gingerly opened the lines of communication about a year and a half ago. Many Facebook messages and emails later we finally saw each other again a year ago when our Dad passed away. I think we both realized we didn’t want to be the kind of sisters who one day said, “Woulda, coulda, shoulda,” after it’s too late. After flying back home after Dad’s funeral we kept the conversation going. Again, lots of Facebook and emailing.
Cherie doesn’t work outside the home right now, however, for many years she worked in Optics. For a time she had her own gig managing optics stores and offices when the Optician or Office Manager was on vacation or off for illness. Then, a decade ago Cherie started a non-profit in Denver 
that provides eye exams and glasses for the homeless. She has 65-70 Optometrists who donate time, glasses frames and lenses to help the homeless of Denver have good vision again. She says, “For a child it can make a huge difference because they can read and do better in school, so maybe they will be that child who breaks the cycle of poverty and homelessness.” Pretty impressive.
We spent time shopping and sightseeing. We also spent time talking in our hotel room. We both wanted to get back to the connection we had as sisters 45 years ago when we played school and she taught me to read. Or Barbies. Or bike riding.
Although now we both have a great deal more wisdom and the wrinkles to prove it. She walked with a cane all weekend due to a knee injury. I totally tore up my quads (thighs) walking down Nob Hill in three-inch wedges, wishing I could borrow her cane, go barefoot or sumpthin’.
Cherie and I will never be the same. She’ll never understand the joy I experience in writing. Or, the headaches and triumphs of owning a business, moving energy and creating financial abundance. I’ll never totally connect with her compassion for the homeless that leads her to give so much time away selflessly. She and her husband are reasonable Republicans. Ernie and I are independent-leaning Democrats.
But we can come together, have fun and appreciate we’re adding to the world in our own small ways. We can finally appreciate our differences and love each other for what we do share – an unbreakable bond as sisters.
Posted in Excellent Adventure, Living on Purpose, Personal Growth | 
relationships, San Francisco, travel | 
2 CommentsMoments that Change a Life
Published June 23, 2011 | “Your life is never going to be the same. 
I’m telling you – you just changed your whole life!”
Those were the words Howie Mandel, judge on “America’s Got Talent” said to contestant Laudau Eugene Murphy, Jr. last night as he belted out a number that brought the house to it’s feet in wild applause.
The 36-year old Murphy, a car washer from West Virginia, looks sort of like a cross between Bob Marley or Milli with a head full of dreads, jeans, finely chiseled features, soulful eyes, a dazzling smile and milk chocolate complexion. An unassuming guy with a nervous, “Oh, gee, shucks,” vibe.
But when the crooner sang he channeled Frank Sinatra. The Rat Pack is back. No joke. It was the essence of Swanky Franky – powerful, throaty and raw, perfect syncopation and silken smooth. The New York City audience roared their approval.
Go ahead and click here now to listen. (And, if you like talent shows, keep watching AGT. I have a strong feeling this dude will go to the top. I predicted country singer Kevin Skinner’s win from his first performance last year.)
Sometimes we have a gift we keep inside us. It can’t bless the world there. Until last night on national television Murphy kept his gift inside acknowledging this was the first time he ever auditioned for anything. He never blessed the world with his talent before. He put it all on the line – in a one minute performance – a one minute excellent adventure. And it paid off. Keep watching Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. because this guy’s got talent.
Overcome with emotion and the adulation of the crowd, Landau wiped away tears afterward. He knew that in that one minute he totally stepped up to his greatness. Judge Piers Morgan said, “You’re emotional because you didn’t know how good you are – and now you do!”
What are you keeping inside?
Am I Making the Moment Excellent Right Now?
Published October 21, 2010 | Are you doing what makes you happy right now? 
Are you making the moment excellent right now?
Are you feeling relaxed and fulfilled with your direction?
Answering those questions is about making an assumption you KNOW what makes you happy. You KNOW what makes a moment excellent and fulfilling.
Some people feel there is no greater joy in life than helping others. Later on down the pike some of those same people reach a pivotal moment when they decide, “The hell with this! These people don’t appreciate my hard work and efforts.” So a life that’s been based on providing service and kindness to others results in burn out and feelings of disappointment and resentment.
So, first it’s about struggling to figure out what change they need. What will make them feel happy and fulfilled. Challenging when your entire adult life has been about service to others and not about even tuning in to what you want.
Another Day of Your Life. How did You Spend it?
Published September 2, 2010 | 
When I work with my marketing mentoring clients one of the first things I do is help them really understand at a deep level who their ideal clients are for their home-based business. In doing this I ask them a series of questions to help ‘em gain more clarity. The second bunch of questions fall under the category of, “What makes your ideal customer tick?”
Under that category I ask five specific questions including:
- * Why does your customer get out of bed in the morning?
- * Who is the most important person to him/her in the world?
- * What is most important to him/her in the world?
- * What do they want to accomplish before leaving this world?
- * What does he/she really love about their life?
As a result of that – I keep asking these questions of myself over and over again.
Are You Kickin’ it? Or Winding Down?
Published August 31, 2010 | This weekend I read a blog post by a woman who said she’s 
enjoyed wonderful travels over her lifetime to amazing, exotic places. However age has taken it’s toll. She wrote chances are her travels are pretty much over. She described creaky joints and how walking up curbs is like climbing mountains. Money’s tight, too. She said she’s 54.
I was stunned. Only 54? Are you kidding me?
As I’m typing this I got a hip joint that’s achy. I need to lose weight. (My weight’s always fluctuated – more ups than downs.) I have a slow metabolism that’s getting slower. My health is reasonably good – but I’m not likely to climb Katmandu any time soon.
The Changes Bubbling Up Inside
Published August 9, 2010 | 
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.
Posted in Empower U, Excellent Adventure, Personal Growth | business, change, comfort zone, marketing, mentoring, passion, Robert Allen | 5 CommentsAnother Excellent Adventure Get-together at Starbucks
Published July 20, 2010 | Yesterday I met at Starbucks with another group of aspiring adventurers. Boy, did we have fun! The purpose of these get-togethers is providing support for people ready to re-design their lives. Its about making big shifts and creating new life grooves.
We met at the Starbucks in the Chinatown area of Las Vegas. Believe it or not, Vegas has it’s own Chinatown area. I wanted to meet there because going to China and walking The Great Wall is on my “bucket list.”
We pulled a couple tables together and got our beverages. This time of year it’s too hot to drink anything other than an iced Passion Tea, for me anyway. Although there was an Iced Chai in the group, and, Ernie got a Vivanno smoothie.
We talked about our excellent adventures. We talked about the shifts we needed to make it happen. When you have commitments and a certain way of doing things it takes conscious effort to change. We also discussed creative ways to make it happen faster: from house-sharing to sleeping on trains (my husband’s favorite) to finding work along the way to provide funds.
What always amazes me is the sense of ebullient hope people show at these events. Everyone around the table yesterday has struggled with the economy the last couple years. From job layoffs, to down-sizing homes, to a recent divorce and a woman who gets around town by bus because she doesn’t own a car. Yet, I didn’t hear a single complaint. Not one moan about the recession. 
Instead, the conversation was about using the unexpected changes in our lives as a catalyst for positive growth. Turn lemons into lemonade. Rising from who you are now and gradually be, do, have something different. Totally different. It’s about your willingness to get out of your comfort zone. From an insurance agent who wants to be a life coach to a psychic who wants to write a book and travel the world.
I was proud of my group yesterday. Everyone who came is looking the right direction so they can thrive anew.
Are we a little crazy? Sure. We may drink the same iced coffee or Frappucino as the folks in suits rushing off to their jobs. But that’s where the similarity ends. We’re making happiness our aim. We’re redefining it in ways that happiness isn’t about the stuff you own. It’s about the experiences you have and the ways you share.
Join me at the next Excellent Adventure get-together coming soon.
All the best,
Denise Michaels
Author, ‘Testosterone-Free Marketing’
PS: Next month, I’m planning to put together a small tour of Starbucks in Southern California. I’ll be doing Excellent Adventure get-togethers. Want to meet and enjoy a get-together at a Starbucks near you? Can you gather a nice group of people looking to re-design their life? Let me know. I may put your city on my “tour.”
If You REALLY Look Forward to Friday – Maybe You Need an Excellent Adventure
Published July 16, 2010 | Are you champing at the bit when Friday rolls around? Excited to know for 48 hours you can give your crazy work pace a break and chill out?
The purpose of life is to be happy. To create the condition of happiness. It’s also to have an experience that satisfies our curiosity and longing to discover the world around us. First we must give to ourselves. Make ourselves happy. Then we can give to others and make their lives better.
Pretty tough struggle doing that from a cubicle.
Also, challenging with a business where you do the same thing over and over. Having Tupperware parties. Recruiting distributors. Or, selling houses. Over and over.
I get it. It costs money to live. Believe me, I’ve been working since I was 12 years old. I worked through college. I worked through divorce when I was heartbroken. I got to work two days after moving from Detroit to San Diego. I worked when I was married and when I was single. I’ve known disappointing struggle and dizzying success.
I’ve spent many years doing the “work as passion” thing. It feels less like work. Yes, it’s completely possible to love your work. However, no matter how you frame it, some things still feel like work. After all, helping people solve problems is why many businesses exist.
When you wake up if you can’t wait for it to be your day off, maybe you need an excellent adventure. Most home-based business owners never take a day off. We may lighten up on the weekend. But, if you’re truly dedicated and creating cash flow, true days off are far and few between.
Here’s a little homework assignment: go to http://www.bing.com It’s a search engine competing against the big boys: Google and Yahoo. Every day they display a beautiful picture. It might be the skyline of a European city. Fishermen off the coast of India. Or, a gorgeous shot of the Liberty Bell on the Fourth of July.
Mouse over the picture and you’ll see questions appear. Click to discover the answers. You’ll learn about an area of the world perhaps you never considered. There are people living, eating, working there every day. It’s a small, safe, free way to take a mini, five-minute excellent adventure.
Sure, an excellent adventure is far, far bigger. But it’s one tiny way to whet your appetite. Get started now.
Oh, Just Stop It!! (video)
Published July 11, 2010 | Sometimes we have a tendency to make life more complicated then it has to be.
If there’s something you’re doing or not doing – that isn’t getting you the results you want in life – the answer is simple. It’s right here in this hilarious video.
Don’t over-complicate your life. You CAN make positive changes in an instant.
Enjoy!
The Paradox of Learning
Published July 8, 2010 | I walked out of the airport and was in Istanbul. A teeming city of 12.8 million people that straddles two continents, both Europe and Asia. The air sparkled from a recent rain and green leaves fluttered on the trees as cars whooshed by. Quickly, I hopped in a cab. Traffic signals and lanes mean nothing in Turkey. It was a death-defying ride to the hotel.
Turkey was an awakening. I didn’t know much about the country and the people. I loved everything about it.
The people were gracious, gentle and kind. The architecture and history was amazing. The food was, well, in a word, “yum.” The Grand Bazaar was an amazing day of sights, sounds and shopping. What’s not to love?
Didn’t research much beforehand. I was too busy with business. I knew what the weather would be like. I knew a few hotspots I wanted to visit. I knew it’s a more moderate country from its conservative neighbors. That was about it.
I mentioned in my last post sometimes as women we have a tendency to hesitate and over-analyze. We hold off from taking action and getting out of our comfort zone because we’re unsure if it’s the right thing to do. We take forever making decisions. Visiting Turkey was the perfect thing for me to do. The thing you’ve been hesitating about, your excellent adventure, is probably the right thing for you, too.
But doubts linger. So we hold back from something we really want to do. You may have no interest in visiting Turkey. Your excellent adventure may be something totally different
A few years ago I discovered something called, “The Paradox of Learning.” It speaks to how we can get overly caught up in analyzing, researching and not doing.
Let’s say you decide you want to do something to change your life – start a network marketing business, travel to Istanbul or play tennis in a tournament. You know almost nothing. Let’s say everything you know about it is the size of a grape. Everything you don’t know about playing tennis is touching the outside of that grape.
So, you decide to learn more about playing tennis – or whatever. You watch a couple tennis matches on TV. Now everything you know about tennis is the size of a lime. Which means everything you don’t know is touching the outside of that lime.
You decide to learn more. You buy a couple books about tennis. Everything you know about tennis is now about the size of an orange – but everything you don’t know? It’s grown, too.
You research online about tennis. You spend endless hours hunched over your keyboard. Everything you know about tennis is about the size of a cantaloupe. But what’s happened to what you don’t know? It keeps growing.
So when do you know that you know enough?
Answer: when you know that you don’t know everything – but you’re willing to get out of your comfort zone, take a risk and get started. That’s when you know enough.
Posted in Adjusting to Change, Excellent Adventure, Personal Growth, Travel Adventures | adventure, change, comfort zone, doubt, fear, travel | 6 CommentsWelcome!
Dedicated to every 40+ person still kickin' it. If you have dreams and adventures you refuse to abandon - follow me on the journey. Life is one big adventure! Make yours excellent.
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