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What I Have I Been Doing!

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:18:56 +0100

Yes, I preach to everyone about the importance of staying current on FB, blogs, Twitter, I have often said-it doesn't have to be anything long-just do it. Okay, where's my cheerleader-pushing me to stay up on all of those items. Obviously, I need one. You THINK?

I definitely have gotten off track with my monthly posts and am extremely jealous of my dear friends: Natasha of Natasha King Photography who has a blog going of 365 days of photography. Her blog simple & to the point & always funny.( I find myself hoping that when my mail opens I have a new item in her RSS feed to make me laugh.) Cathy Benton, motivational speaker, business counselor & successful solopreneur, is always impressing me with her abilities to juggle two successful businesses and maintain daily snips on FB and I think she is posting like on 2 or 3 boards. WOW she rocks! Miss Big Bob Herself-she juggles 5 HOME schooled CHILDREN, stays extremely active in the community, sells & promotes her business while being one incredible supportive and loving wife. These women defintely ROCK hard!
So, I decided it was time to do something for me. Like seriously! While looking at HARO and BloggerLinkUP for clients, I saw a call for At Home Working Moms and said that's me! Right? My CFO is a 4 almost 5 year old. I juggle a house, a business, a family and recently decided that I needed to extended myself further and start another business. (More to come on that!) So, why wouldn't I fit that call for At Home Working Moms. Well, I responded and was shortly contacted by BizMommy.com, owner Tish Berg-a Home-Based Business Mentor. Tish sent me some interview questions. I returned them of course after midnight when the house was quiet..This next morning, I received a dose of motivation. Tish had responded back to say thanks and with these simple words: "I just love your energy and positive spirit…it practically jumps out at me right off the computer screen! J. " She informed me that she featuring me as the Biz MOMMY of the WEEK!
What a booster that was for me! It was later followed by the nicest compliment from Big Bob Herself who proclaimed in front of a group of retailers that I so ROCK! God does send you bits of encouragement along your journey of life to keep you pushing forward!

So, point of all this rambling..LOL..Do YOU! Make sure that every day is about living life to the fullest and doing you. Treat people right, don't get too stressed when things don't go as planned, take one thing at a time, and do all that you can. If someone gets upset and you know you are doing all that you can, well you have heard it before-they will get over it! Just make sure you are always being the best you. And, when you start to feel like the picture attached that Rick @ Beach Treats sent me. It's okay...Have fun with it. I know I have those days!

WOW That Rocks

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:50:36 +0100

Ok. So I finally came around to setting up my own fan page. I think that makes number 21 that I have set up and this is the FIRST one that was for me–WOW THAT ROCKS

After much thought and trying to figure out the time factor, I just did it. Along with it also came the start of a newsletter! WOW, right! WOW for anyone that knows me. I barely have time to manage my own personal stuff because I am always busy doing something for one of my clients. No complaints! I love it that way. It just refreshing to take that me time. Live the explain. Promote me. And, I have to start studying. Seriously have a test I have to pass to expand myslf even further. Wish me luck!

Now, I am dedicating more than just 20 minutes out of the month to my blog, facebook and to do me. I am going to spend a little more time promoting me and at the same time promote the people that I work with or come across. (that's one of the reasons for WOW THAT ROCKS!)

So, here I go...I'll be redesigning my own website. (It's been a year!) I'll be posting all of the time. Instead of reading-all of the time. I will be bloggin'. I will be sharing more. It may have taken me a couple months to get my new year, new me straight but it's going be a fun year. 2010 is going to ROCK for us all!

Thanks for allowing me to put this all into written format. Makes is concrete!

Peace out! Shari

Work From Home Downfalls? NOT

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:17:49 +0100

My three year anniversary is approaching me in February and I am so excited about where I work and what I do. I left behind water cooler gossip, Monday morning meetings, unnecessary reports, office politics, pantyhose, and early mornings for working at home. Yes, working at home is all that I dreamed it would be and then some. Those that know me, know I don't work within the four walls. I am an out of the box thinker and always up for new challenges and new ideas. I thrive on change. I like to be different. So, for me it doesn't bother me to be working solo most days. I don't have to have pantyhose and a suit on to get motivated. I work better if it's 2am at night with PJs and flip flops. I don't need a cheerleading section–I am the President of My Own Fan Club! (thanks, Lori) I enjoy meeting people out at their locations and at fun coffee houses like BeanThereCafe in Chesapeake or The Grey Goose in Hampton for lunch. Absolutely love my four year old working along side of me most days and the dogs snoring at my feet.

I love my office in the basement–THE CAVE. Yes there are some improvements I would like to do to the space-like add walls, take over more of the square footage, more sunlight, buy a new desk and maybe a couple new toys from the Apple store. All of which are attainable as long as my husband isn't home !

I hope you all are enjoying what you do. If you work from home, find ways to make it work for you. If you work at a location, find ways to make it work for you. Follow these simple steps:

1. Know Yourself-know what makes you tic. You have to know who you are. If you work well with structure, then develop a schedule. If structure scares you, then develop a list of must dos.

2. Make it Fun- no matter where you are working make it fun. Smile often. Rediscover your love. If you are 'stuck' in a place you don't want to be, how are you going to make it work. If you see no end in site, then make a plan and work the plan.

3. Do it with Excellence-be the best YOU that you can be. Educated yourself, surround yourself with people that will challenge you and bring out your best. (Sign up for a webinar or two!) AVOID NEGATIVE PEOPLE-they will suck the life out of you if you allow them too.

4. Seek Help-If you need help, ask for it. I would rather ask for help than not be able to perform because I didn't have it.

5. Just Do It! If you don't just do it once in awhile, you will never know. You just won't. Try something new. Venture outside of your comfort area. You will be shocked at what you will learn.

That's all for now. I hope you all got something you can take away. If you didn't read it again, and spell/grammar check it that will give you something out of it. (LOL) Now is the time to rediscover yourself, what is your passion? where do you want to take your business? where do you want to go? what do you love doing?

I will be planning a client appreciate day! Stay Tuned. All are welcomed and it will be worth your time...

A link that I received this week that is worth checking out for business owners: http://www.awhw.org/products/item9.cfm

Hats Off To The Party People

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:27:06 +0100

What has happened to all the good at home parties? Wait nothing has happened, I just am out of the loop. However, this weekend I got to experience the fun of at-home parties. You know what I am talking about. The Make-Up presentations like Mary Kay and Arbonne, the Purses, the Wall Graphics and the list I am sure goes on. Well, I definitely am missing the boat!

This weekend, thanks to Mom, I got to re-live the at-home girl party. First, a party isn't a party without a great spread of food. Although under the weather, my mom had the selection amazing like usual. She had all the finger foods and finished it off with a mix of store purchased cookies and home made pumpkin cookies. The sitting was set. My mom opened her doors to friends that she hadn't seen in awhile coupled with roughly four toddlers and the party couldn't get any better. (or wilder-imagine toddles running wild while girls are cleaning their faces)

What I enjoy the most about at-home parties is sitting back and watching others deliver their pitches about their business. I often find myself in the critic mode and I listen to every word and rework what they are saying in my head in another format. You can learn a lot by just listening. From this experienced I learned a couple of things: (1) Let your audience that you are presenting too drive you where they want to go. Don't let them get out of control but let them lead you. All of us have done it. We practice what we are going to say and we follow that to a tee. But STOP listen to what you audience is wanting. The worst thing you can do is tell your audience that they have to come back or that they have to schedule an one on one for more information. Come on-ARE YOU KIDDING ME! My time and yours is too valuable to be setting up another appointment when you are right in front of me with all the information that I need. So, take some advice. Listen to your audience and give them what they want! You will end up with more in the long run. (2) Use your audience! You can quickly identify who your advocates are. USE THEM! If you know someone has used your services or has knowledge-USE THEM to work for you. Come on, we all have been there. Your girlfriend says that a lipstick ROCKS and you are searching for it so that you can get it. You want it because she loves it. None of us want to have to trial by fire approach we want to know that it works and that others are happy with it. NOTE why so many of us spend countless hours researching on the internet before big purchases.

So bring on this new wave of at-home parties! When you are invited GO! Even if you can't afford to purchase anything. The fun and FREE entertainment is worth every minute of it. What better place to try, feel and talk than in the comfort of a friendly home with great food. Lastly, if you are thinking about a home party business, make sure you are yourself. BE YOU and BE AN EXPERT at what you do.

Work at Home and Make Money

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:42:01 +0100

I have spent countless hours in someone else's office pulling my hair, getting side tracked with office gossip, leaving on Friday's with a twenty pound bag of work and working diligently for a week to just have a 4-day weekend. Some of you can relate-the work came home every night and it went on vacation with me. It was a rare occasion when the work stayed behind because when it did, it meant paying for it with work that seemed to find its way into my in basket. I soon discovered this was my boss' way of saying thanks for leaving me behind to do my job!

This weekend, I realized what so many of my friends had advised me of over the years. "Shari, keep work at work." As I stood in pouring rain watching Va Tech take on and whip the Miami Hurricanes, I realized what steps it took for me to get to this point. I had not worked tirelessly all week to take a couple days off. I had not had to put anything on hold to be with my family. I have finally mastered the balance of work and family. The balance that has only come because I work from home. I would have NEVER been able to take a relaxing weekend without a 20 pound work bag coming with me. This trip it was lite: me, the boys, the iPHONE (of course), and FUN.

I didn't think about work until I received a text message from my website that I had a new client; that text came at half-time and I thought YES! I am making money while I am having FUN. This is exactly what a good friend, Liz Urban meant by "I want to make money while I sleep." I am finally making the money and my website and efforts are working for me while I enjoy my boys. YES! I have finally arrived...

Okay, how am I doing it. I am working hard 24/7 with a great balance. Ever hour I spend on my business, I make the hour count. I look for ways to do things that will pay in dividends and I educate myself weekly on all of the latest marketing trends and look to other experts for tips/ideas that have made them successful. These simple things have made me smell success. Not to mention that I am giving back to the community that has supported me through programs like 30 New Clients. We all know what happens when we give, we receive.

I am sure you want some detailed step by step instruction on how to make millions at home. I can't give that to you because every step is different. I can give you some easy things to do to get yourself started, but the millions are truly up to you and your vision:

Find Your Niche. Uncover what you already know or what you would enjoy learning. I have a friend who recently was laid off. Immediately, she identified that she did not want to go back to an office type setting and wanted to pursue working for herself. Of course, she sees challenges ahead but we sat down looked at what makes her rock. That was just last month, she has her first paying gig this month conducting a Customer Service training class. (Something that she did quite frequently at her previous job and had forgotten that she is great at!)

Make a Plan. If you have no map, you will end up NOWHERE. This is my favorite part of anything. Making the plans which is why I am effective in marketing. I can look at the overall situation and find a solution that is successful and the steps to get there. A new client hired me to handle their website marketing. The problem: They had paid companies that had promised high search rankings and they weren't working. What didn't happen is that this company didn't take the time to make a plan. An effective plan would have gotten this client results.
Do your HOMEWORK. Educate yourself if you don't know and keep your self on top of the game so you can compete. You can never read too much. Set aside the time to learn. (Webinars ROCK!) That same client that was promised so much and got nothing would have had success with the other companies had someone done their homework. They would have uncovered quickly that the website was not set up properly on the back-end and with a couple tweeks would have most likely made their efforts result in searches that the client was looking for. One week later as my client, they are seeing results. Why? I took the time to do the homework which made a huge difference with a simple solution. Unfortunately, they lost hundreds of dollars with the other companies but I will make sure they are educated thoroughly so they will know for future. (I am also going to figure out a way for them to see bigger rewards so that their investment in me pays off to include their failed investments.)
JUST DO IT. Don't over think or second guess yourself. I weigh things based on my investment. For me, if I have little to NO money invested in a project I will launch it quickly. Why? If it fails, I win. If it works, I win. Win, win situation. We learn and grow from failures. By just doing it, you are taking a chance but if you have done your homework, what do you really have to lose?

In closing, you can find success in your company by just doing it! If you are uncertain on how to do it, look for professionals that can help you realize your dreams and get you to your goals. Often we are so far into what we are doing that we don't see the easy fixes that are sitting right in front of us. Take the steps so that you can get closer to your goals. Sometimes you have to crawl first and other times you can take off running. You can work from home and you can make money. YOU just have to do it!

Rules are Made to Be Broken

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:56:22 +0100

Ok, I did it. I broke my first rule. Can you believe it? Those of you that know me well, know that this was bound to happen as I live without many boundaries, I like to be outside of that traditional box.

So, what rule did Shari break this time? I went into my business saying that I would never post rate cards or prices on my website. I have this belief that everyone needs TLC. So, I try hard to always accomodate clients both big and small. My husband reminds me always that so often my clients are getting me for "peanuts". And, yes they normally do. I try to tailor and price things fairly and I work hard all of the time regardless of what their check says. I am just a firm believer in that if you are a blessing, than blessings will pour back onto you.

I have been working these last couple of months on a business plan with two dear friends. We all have been in business and bring unique gifts and talents to the table. BUT, we all are tired of one thing. Small business owners not having the resources that they need to get over the hump. As a result, we are working on a networking membership organization that will be an awesome base for knowledge, referrals and growth. More of that to come later.

Back to what I have done. I posted PRICING on my website. Yes prices! I am so tired of seeing and hearing about small businesses that just can't make it to the next competitive level because they don't have resources, time or the funds to hire professional staff that can take them there. As a result, I have decided to take on 30 businesses that need help over the course of the next year. I will provide them will an array of services most of which fall under the Marketing Manager job description but include resources and skills beyond. This is a serious commitment of my time and resources therefore I am asking that the businesses submit an application and will be selected based on size of company, their need, their desires to go outside of the box, and their commitment to be number one in their industries. I only want to work with people that want the best and want to grow. People that have been dreaming of taking it to the next level but frankly can't afford to with their current budget. Business owners that are willing to invest $1,800 for the year in expert advice and skills and I am taking it a step further they can pay by month one hundred and fifty dollars.

So if you or anyone that you know is in need of help....send them my way. No storefront required. At home businesses are welcome. Independent Contractors are accepted. Only the serious need to apply.

Spread the word and as always-make it great and rock today. Be blessed to truly be a blessing.

I Became an Expert

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:51:33 +0100

FINALLY! After a couple of months of research, planning and hard work, my first book project is finally complete and printed. Yes, I became an expert and I have my client to thank for it. Lori Hobson, author of Momma Sayings, called me one beautiful spring afternoon and asked if I could help her with layout and redesign of her next edition of this amazingly popular book. Of course, I said YES! For two reasons, one Lori and I had met a year earlier at a local author meeting where I was speaking on “How to Market Yourself” Lori was impressive that night with her 60 second pitch on herself and her book. I was sold and connected with Lori instantly. I purchased her book that night after I got finished speaking. So, when she called I was honored. Second, I was up for a challenge.

Lori knew what she wanted but she was my type of client-open for anything. I quickly started my road on becoming her expert:

Research - I researched what it took to self publish including layout, covers, etc.

Found Experts - Yes, I looked for experts in the field that were doing what I needed to do for my new client

I used what I knew - I looked at ME. I realized that although I had not taken on this type of project before including not knowing how much to charge-I did have knowledge of things that needed to be in the project. Time management. I identified that Lori with her full time job was in need of someone to organize her book, establish deadlines and keep her accountable. Marketing. I know marketing and I say opportunity for a lot of new things for her latest book that was popular in its own right by her grass-root efforts. I knew that this edition, Momma Sayings and Life Reflections, could go to the next level.

She became a ROCKSTAR - I made sure that she was my rockstar and I treated her as such. From contacting associates on her behalf to acting as an assistant when needed. I made sure she knew that I believed in her and her project.

I delivered - I took everything that I knew and put it to work. I over delivered on the project and found new opportunities to make this project into a long term relationship and client.

You see, you too can become an expert. You have to have a willingness to learn from others, ask questions when you don’t know and be up for the challenge. If you keep your foundation solid and understand that your goal-no matter what your specialize in-is to make your client ROCK, then you will win every time. I won big on this one. I was able to work with someone that I admired from afar. I developed a new skill that I will be able to continue to perfect and use. And, I was given the most powerful thank you that one can get. Lori shared with me that she would not have been able to produce her 3rd edition in the time or quality that she was able to with me. That ROCKED. My heart smiled later that same day when I opened up my autographed copy of Momma Sayings and Life Reflections and it read: “To Shari, my blessing, you do rock!” Thank you, Lori for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself enough to realize that I can do anything as long as I am up for the challenge and am ready to work hard. “Hard work does pay.”

In closing, become an expert today. If you aren’t one in your field, do what you have to so that you are. Perfect your skills. Learn. Study. Grow. Find a class. Find a mentor. Take chances. Make YOU - ROCK. Just do it!

Read Lori’s review on her book and I encourage you to buy the book by visiting her website www.findingyourbeauty.com.

HELP! I am ADDICTED TO WEBINARS

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:35:44 +0100

Okay, it's one thing when you get sucked into reality TV but I am getting sucked into webinars, teleseminars, phone conferences, self help videoes...I have signed up for them with Hubspot, Ellen Britt, The Barefoot Executive, The Braveheart Women, and Keith Ferrazzi to name just a few. I am really uncertain when it first started or with who. I just know it has started and there is no end in sight. And, to be honest-I am okay with it. However, I have started planning better about the seminars. I was signing up for classes and then forgetting that I had until way to late to hear it. I have found that there is a simple solution. PLAN! A good plan is your best bet if you have this addiction or see that you are signing up for webinars and MISSING the call. Here is what I would suggest and I hope it helps you. As I have found out, that most of the webinars (free or paid) that I sign up for are inspiring me or giving me tons of knowledge and saving me invaluable time in the long run. So here's my simple plan for others that are addicted to webinars:

1) If you don't have a loose or structure plan for your week-GET ONE. Being able to set your week and days to activities will help you manage your time better. I have started with a daily "loose" schedule. Since I work from home (YAY) I decided very quickly that I DID NOT WANT TO WORK on Mondays. I dreaded Mondays when I was in the corporate world. So, most Mondays are Housework Days. Tuesday and Wednesday are appointments and project days, Thursdays are any research, development (self or for a client), Fridays are volunteer days and any non-profit (non paying) projects I may be doing. Saturdays are free days for me to decide what I want to do. Sundays are family, church and Lifetime & HGTV.

2) Don't hide your schedule on your iPhone, PDA, "crackberry", MAC or PC. Post your schedule in front of your work area; either for the day, week or month. By posting it and seeing it, you will keep yourself from over committing or getting off course. (which is easy if you work from home-housework always looks better when you are having a hectic day!)

3) Stick to it. If you are like me, I prefer to have a loose schedule for those just in case days. For instance, if I have a client that needs my assistance on Monday. I will quickly decided to either use my time on Saturday to do housework or I will swap a day out of the week. The only day that is stone for me are my Fridays. I volunteer in the community and give back that day.

4) Don't be afraid to sign up for seminars that are on your development day. If they offer replays or it is an on demand video, sign up or bookmark the video and wait until your developmental day to watch it. I also will sign up for anything that is scheduled at night for me during normal me time. (Like this week's Wildfire Women's Rally-it was at 9pm each night. I would normally be reading a book, instead I am getting inspired and great tips from amazing women.)

In closing, if you haven't taken a class or listened to a speaker online-do it! You would not believe how many things are available for FREE that will not only inspire you personally BUT will take you and your business to the next level. Information is power. AND, I don't know about you but I am taking myself to a DIY business owner. I want to know the processes and understand, especially this internet world, so that I can make informed decisions about products and services that I may need or my clients.

SIDE NOTE: For those that are paying attention. One, I work from home. Yes, my paid work week is really 2-3 days a week. YES, I am making a decent living. WHY, because I am getting the work done 2-3 days a week so that I can enjoy my family, my life, and grow & give.

Unruly, Frizzy, Curly Hair Met Loop Rod Rollers

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:44:38 +0100

Yes, I did it..I tried something new. For those that don't know me, I am known for a ShariTail. Customary ponytail. Those that know me may not understand exactly why I sport a ponytail most of the time. Well, my thick, frizzy curly hair is unruly to say the least. Heat or humidity makes it grow like a Chia Pet. Water makes it curl up. Nice curls but carrying around a water bottle throughout the day to keep my hair wet-hard option when you work on a computer daily! Short Cuts..Um NOT GOOD AT ALL! I start looking like a Monchichi Doll. So, with the restraints on our family budget-I skipped the trip to the beauty salon and went to the beauty store. What great finds! Nail Polish-Cotton Candy $1.00. Hair Color-Cocoa Brown 75 cents. Hot Red Flip Flops $2.99. So, buying the loop rod rollers for $6.99 for 25 was a steal. So I stop by Walmart to get my new favorite organic chocolate, Green&Black Toffee,completed my girl pamper day at a bargain- all for less than 10 bucks! Hair, nails and sweets!

Here's where the fun began. The Loop Rod Rollers came with NO directions. YES NO DIRECTIONS! For a non-girlie girl this was going to be a difficult task. But rest assure, google is my friend. I googled: Loop Rod Rollers. I found one review. It was not favorable. Basically, all thumbs down from this fellow unruly hair girlfriend. So, I preceded with extreme caution and no hopes of success.

To my amazement, the loop rod rollers where very easy to use. I started with small sections of wet hair and applied setting lotion and began to twist about an inch and half of hair in one direction and then started back up over the hair to get the rod to stay in place. (The article told tales of it slipping out!) I took my time and got 25 loop rod rollers in my hair. Yes, 25 of them. The trick is small sections and go up and then back down to wrap hair on rod. The secret is to interlock the rods once you get going so that they do not slip or flap around. See my crazy picture.

The only problem I had was drying my hair. Remember THICK UNRULY. I sat under a dryer. Of course forgetting that the rollers are plastic and they started poppin and meltin. YES. It was funny! So I stopped immediately and then started planning how I was going to sleep sitting up. The Cost of Pretty Curls!

The next morning after scaring my husband who did not see me when I went to bed! I adjusted my neck and began to remove, after spraying my hair with a humidity hair spray. The curls. OMG! So worth the crappy night sleep! They were perfect beautiful curls. Better than I had ever imagined. Unlike my fellow unruly hair girlfriend, I give the Loop Rod Rollers thumbs up! Side note: The crappy night sleep brought me three days of beautiful fun curls! Yes, I will be using the loop rod rollers and will most definitely go back to my local beauty supply store to buy another size and see how the curls come out with varying sizes. The key to start early in the day. Sit around do a little laundry. Do some BACKyard work. Watch some Lifetime and let them dry naturally all day to skip the crappy night's sleep. As the curls keep their bounce after a night's sleep (without wrapping my hair-I haven't figured out how to do that yet!)

After much harassment from my friends, here's two after pictures. These pictures were taken after a couple nights sleep on the curls,

iPhone got WET and now it works

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:35:58 +0100

My iPhone works. For those that know me, they know that I am much like a little kid with my phone. It is not just a mode of communication for me. I read on it, learn on it, share on it...My iPhone carries so much around in its little frame. My Bible, my family photos, and my favorite game, Scrabble to name just a few.

Ok, here's how my sound and iPhone came back to life. First, I forget to thank iFrogz. This is where I purchased my hard case and invisible shield. Without either, I don't think my iPhone would have made it.

Now for the rest of the process to bring your iPhone back:

I took out the sim card by using a safety pin. Once removed, I carefully wiped it down.
Used a blower set on warm for 5 minutes on both ends and side with audio button
With headset plugged in, I had my son play a game on it until the battery was drained ( i had read that I should get the battery hot on a blog post and at this point I still had no sound)
Fully charge the phone (leave it alone with charging, of course)

To my surprise, my iPhone is completely back and 100% okay. YES, you read that right 100% okay after taking a dive into a pond. It may have taken 3 days but I only was without the iPhone the first day (as I have no patience and had to use what I could on it during the day! and gave it therapy at night) I wish you luck if your iPhone has met water recently. I recommend not giving up hope or just right it off as gone. There is a possibility it will come back to you. Also, if you do have an iPhone or any cell phone, BUY A HARD CASE for it. The investment may safe it from drops and water.