Women Entrepreneurs' Blog of the Mohawk Valley

Sometimes all it takes is Any Minor Miracle to get you through the day...

dotcalm — 2010-03-06T15:10:00Z

I'm thankful for my life, my family, my friends, my home, my clients - I think this song sums it up...

V-

Jack Canfield inspires me...but who inspires Jack? Sean Stephenson does!

dotcalm — 2009-11-14T15:14:00Z

I just received this email from Jack Canfield... since he's done so much for me I'd like to return the favor - and perhaps you'll be inspired by this great story too!

Would you trade places with a 3 foot man in a wheelchair?

Before you say "NO WAY!" I’m inviting you to watch this video from my colleague, Sean Stephenson - a man whose life story is pure “Chicken Soup”.

Google him, and you’ll find that he’s professionally speaking and traveling the world as a person on a mission – a mission to rid the world of insecurity and help people live the quality of life they deserve, no matter what their challenges are.

If you’re inspired by Sean’s video,
please help me help Sean!

You see, Sean got a pilot deal for a show about his daily life, struggles and achievements, on the Biography Channel.

He needs a 300,000 people to tune in (this Sunday night) to push his show to the next level and get picked up as a series. I want to help Sean take his inspirational story to millions of people, helping them overcome their own adversity and limiting beliefs.

The show premiers Sunday, November 15th at 7PM and 11pm PT, 10pm ET on the Biography Channel .

Watch Sean’s video and PLEASE tune in and find out why Jimmy Kimmel calls Sean "the Yoda of personal development'.

Wishing you much love and happiness,

JACK CANFIELD
America's #1 Success Coach
CEO, The Canfield Training Group

The only time that blending in is good...

dotcalm — 2009-10-11T02:19:00Z

The only time blending in can be great
for your business! This is an amazing artist;
Standing out by blending in...
I love creativity!

http://v1kram.posterous.com/liu-bolinthe-invisible-man

You say your accountant is creating your website? How's that working for you?

dotcalm — 2009-07-27T23:59:00Z

I was meeting with a new client today (will announce his name as soon as site is complete) at a new local coffeehouse - and afterwards I had the opportunity to chat with the owner. When I mentioned I loved the space there and want to have more client meetings there, she of course asked what I did for a living... I told her I designed websites. She said she hated the computer and has some "free" thing started on Homestead and that her "accountant was working on it"....

Of course, at this point I swallow hard and smile. I love my accountant (acutally CPA, Julie Steele, www.gustafsoncpas.com - she's awesome!) but I wouldn't put my website in her hands! All my money...yes! My branding / comporate image / internet presence..NO! Would you let your lawyer cut your hair? Or your hairdresser remove your gallbladder? And then there's the "free" companies...

I'm not one to talk down about any other company - my clients will back me on that. It just slays me that people think they are getting something "free" or "cheap" because they are uninformed.

She isn't the first - I'm sure you've all found the "FREE WEBSITES!" banner somewhere and been tempted, if not taken in... "free" is seldom free - and if it is it's not necessarily good.

Most of these "free hosting" companies are only free:

for a certain number of months OR
with advertising OR
if you use their domain name in the site (like www.homestead.com/mybusiness or www.mybusiness/homestead.com). That package is only free for 30 days then it's $4.99 a month (comparable to other companies)

if you want a domain name it'll cost you - way more than $10. If you want your own name with an email address and hosting it's $140 for the first SIX months! (and $24/month after that) - that $140 would be my company's fees for a full year, including the domain name and email (heck, I even set them up for my clients - for free!)

Feeling "homey" yet? Well, then at the "starter" level you only get 30 days phone support - and at the "gold" you get 90 days! Wow! Of course, unless I sign up for an account I can't find out what their customer service hours are... But I'm guessing they're not 24 / 7 / 365 like mine - and mine are unlimited; you can call my company 15 times a day every day forever if you want and my customer service reps will happily answer your questions (or I'll beat them! kidding!)

I usually promote other companies, software and other cool things on this blog... but the interaction I had today made me feel like I should just put it out there and let people know that there are all sorts of options out there and not to jump on "FREE" without doing some research...

I had another client tell me he was building a website on www.webs.com and said it was "free" - it is but:

Curently NO phone support
$19.95 for domain name (mine are less that $10)
$17.95 for privacy on domain names (mine is, again, less than $10)
You can't use your own name unless you purchase the $99/year package.
I cannot vouch for how long some of these "new" "free" companies will be in business - you're taking a risk...

My hosting company has been around since 1997, and I've personally been in business since 2003. We do not outsource or offshore any of our operations. I'm in NYS and my hosting is in the USA as well.

In conclusion - just do your research before you get started - as all these are proprietary programs - meaning once you build it there you aren't moving it... leave it or lose it! If you hated building it the first time it'll really suck to do it again! Don't pay too much, know what you're getting and what's "extra / add-ons / premium services". Also, consider getting a professional's opinion / assistance - there's a scary range of prices there too (perhaps another post in the future...?) - even a genius businessman / woman can muck up a template if given enough time!

I hope this has been helpful, feel free to contact me with questions!

PS - I'm sure webs.com and homestead.com are fine companies - I only use them to show you the range of pricing and differences in plans - if I didn't give you their names you may think I was making it up! Go there and look, and by all means if you like what you see then build your site there - we all have different needs. I'll be here if you need me ;<
V-

My Review of Studio 100

dotcalm — 2009-05-13T01:09:47Z

Discgear.com

Stylish Studio stacks to hold 300 discs!

Love this product! Now discontinued!

dotcalm Utica, NY 5/12/2009

Pros: Functional, Attractive Design, Teal great color, Stylish Design, Like printable list

Cons: Discontinued

Best Uses: CDs, Matches my office

Describe Yourself: Midrange Shopper

Primary use: Personal

Store my music cds in my office - I hope that the online printing feature will still be available to add CDs to. Keeps my music close at hand and organized, funky and clean look keeps office looking tidy.
Would love to get wood grained or metal-look for living room.

()

What defines a Hero? Captain Chesley Sullenberger says he was just doing his job...

dotcalm — 2009-01-26T14:40:00Z

Wikipedia defines a hero as:

... hero (male) and heroine (female) came to refer to characters (fictional or historical) that, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self sacrafice – that is, heroism – for some greater good, originally of martial courage or excellence but extended to more general moral excellence.

Captain Sullenberger, according to many, falls under that definition. His hometown - actually most of the world - calls him a hero... and his modest response is:

"Circumstance determined that it was this experienced crew that was scheduled to fly that particular flight on that particular day," he said.

"And I know I can speak for the entire crew when I tell you we were simply doing the jobs we were trained to do."

I hope that I get the chance to do something that amazing someday and think of it as "simply doing my job".

Did you know that he is also a certified glider pilot?

I started thinking about what part that played in the safety of the landing... then I read this article, which confirms what I thought: that he not only used his knowledge of flying a glider, but that he also was brave - brave enough to make the decision that the Hudson was a better landing choice for him and his crew. Not eveyone could so quick-thinking.

I was a bit disheartened to read some of the negative comments on that page; so many people so eager to deny him the status of hero that he did not seek - and frankly seems unwilling to accept.

Perhaps the definition of a hero should include "being able to instinctively and instantaneously use all the knowledge you have in your various fields of expertise to make a split-second decision that can save hundreds of lives".

Maybe we all won't have the opportunity to be a hero at work... but we can choose to call into play ALL our skills/knowledge/faculities the next time a client needs us. We can choose to help them the best we can by engaging in a conversation that fully utilizes our strengths to their advantage... I've "saved" clients before from bad hosting companies (no links here - not sharing bad karma!) and the stresses they create. Just today the AAA guy that jump started my car said the battery and alternator were great and he put my washer fluid in (kindly took it from my hands and did it himself); AND was surprised and gratious when I tipped him - he was my hero!!!

Gratutious David Bowie mention "we can be heroes, just for one day" (video for Monday inspiration)

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Blogging made easier wth Dr Wicked's Writing Lab

dotcalm — 2009-01-14T01:02:54Z

Are you having trouble keeping your blog updated? Check out DrWicked.com!

Are you having trouble with writing? Need some consequences for not meeting your goals? Like some tools to help with editing process?

Just got a Twitter pointing out this fun resource to keep you writing... or else! Set a goal for your next blog entry, ezine, or other project and get writing!

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Sometimes an (evil) plan is all you need!

dotcalm — 2009-01-09T05:22:00Z

Congratulations on being the creator of a new Evil Plan™!

Your objective is simple: World Domination.

Your motive is a little bit more complex: To show them all

Stage One

To begin your plan, you must first seduce a famous actor. This will cause the world to sit up and take notice, amazed by your arrival. Who is this threat to our children? Where did she come from? And why does she look so good in wizard's robes?

Stage Two

Next, you must vaporize the internet. This will all be done from a obsidian citadel, a mysterious place of unrivaled dark glory. Upon seeing this, the world will spontaneously combust, as countless hordes of evil clowns hasten to do your bidding.

Stage Three

Finally, you must covertly perform your arcane ritual, bringing about an end to sanity. Your name shall become synonymous with fuzzy bunnies, and no man will ever again dare interrupt your sentences. Everyone will bow before your unbreakable will, and the world will have no choice but to restore your credit rating.

Yes, I apparently have been unable to sleep, am up reading Twitter.... @KatieKonrath twittered this and I felt compelled to reply.
Beware of my evil clows and fuzzy bunnies - and goodnight!
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Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving... what does that mean for you?

dotcalm — 2008-12-24T16:26:00Z

Today I spent an hour or so creating a gift that may last a lifetime... or maybe will only last until we buy a house... or maybe only until I tire of a sage green and chocolate brown bedroom! But this gift will be a gift to my husband every night we go to sleep and every morning we awaken in our bed...

I tell him I love him a lot - and he enjoys hearing it; but, I want to remind him, with silent words, just how much he means to me every day.

So, did you get your love a gift that "keeps on giving"? Or - perhaps more importantly to the purpose of this blog - did you get YOURSELF a gift like that? If not, I'd like to offer some suggestions...things to do for yourself this year to develop / strengthen your personal and professional goals.

If you have not joined a networking group yet... first, ask yourself what's holding you back and OVERCOME IT! You know I use "The Success Principles" to get me past supposed "stop signs". You may just need to do some soul searching...or you may need a book or a mentor to help you - but networking will help you develop in so many ways - AND you'll be a benefit to others! Someone is looking for an answer to a question... someone is looking for an expert like you!
This can also lead to helping community-wide, and being known community-wide... you never know who knows who you know! A former employer of mine told me once to not be afraid to tell people what I'm good at - because "someone needs what you have and you wouldn't want them to miss out because you can't "toot your own horn"!
I'm a member of a small mastermind group, a local woman's organization and a regional group of women entrepreneurs, as well as participating in the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce Membership/Ambassador committee - pick a couple groups: one with very common interests (entrepreneurs) and one with a broad range of members (Chamber of Commerce) - I have helped facilitate interactions between the two groups that hadn't happened previously - and you can too!
Make a plan to be healthier! Yeh - this is tough... putting this in writing as a way to motivate myself too! It's only as easy as we think it is (if we say it's hard - it will be!) so let's make a pact to say, "I can do this!" and then DO IT! I'm going to join the local YWCA - I believe that's where I want to put my money and time - I need a variety and inspiration, so hoping that's the spot.
Go on a tour of a few fitness centers - most will give you a guided tour and a day or a week free! Wow - my local Y is on Twitter!
Make a plan to be wealthier! Many women have issues with making money - GET OVER IT!
Do you spend hours and hours planning the family vacation or researching where to save money on a high ticket item? We spend loads of time on how to spend money.... but have you ever spent that much time actually laying out a plan on how to make more money? I just thought of that... and it has created several emotions... fear (can I do that?) anger (that's stupid, why haven't I been doing that?), frustration (how long is that gonna take? I'm already busy enough!) [see this link for free planning tools from Jack]

Wow - you know I'm on this journey with you when the self-discovery mode kicks in! I believe I have great success in #1, but it appears I have two other areas that I'm lacking in... but I'm not supposed to focus on lack (or I'll get more of it). I suggest that both of us celebrate the areas we're successful in and make positive plans/goals for the other areas!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah (Chanukah), and a Peaceful, Prosperous New Year to you all! I'm grateful to you for joining me on this journey and looking forward to another year of sharing in your entrepreneurial journey!

V-

All about the "stress-free" - Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging!

dotcalm — 2008-12-16T03:01:00Z

Wow - this is cool - and greener! http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200285410&pop-up=1

Amazon realizes that we don't want to hurt ourselves trying to open some of those plastic clamshell packaging - so they have selected items that are "easy open" and have a lot less packaging to throw out!

Good move Amazon!

V-

What's stopping me? Finding the one thing that will start the ball rolling...

dotcalm — 2008-12-13T16:07:00Z

I didn't look back this morning at when the last time was that I posted... I didn't want to stare that date in the face and get caught up in how I wasn't as dedicated to this blog timewise as I had envisioned. Don't get me wrong - my heart is here... so why isn't my time?

Well, I have a based of paying clients, a husband, friends, and a home, as well as (apparently) an additional career as a speaker! I still hold hope of get colloborators for this site - I'd love it to be a resource for entrepreneurial women that has many points of view and authors from different fields of expertise.

I've had women say their interested but not follow through for a variety of reasons... and I believe when the time is right they will appear. So for the moment it's just me passing along insights and info from the hundreds of women entrepreneurs I interact with; and that is as it is meant to be...

That being said, I do feel the need to set some goals for this site and my career(s). I need a mantra... or at least a couple words to keep me on track, something that will bring me back to the present and help me focus. I think we all need that so perhaps this process will be of benefit to you as well.

Teresa keeps telling me I need to be clear, that the clearer I am the more successful I will be (she says it nicer than that - it's said in the context of when I'm being clearer she notices and comments on how it is working for me and reminds me to see and appreciate what clarity brings); intellectually I know what that word means but unfortunately I can't just say, "Veronika, get clearer!" and have it magically happen (or can I?). I'm thinking I need to have a few steps in place to get me there...

So... what is stopping me - or you?

I could/would be clearer if:

I "trusted" instead of "knew" - I know I have a strong and varied skillset, I take pride in my work, and I feel invested in my clients' success. So, why do I struggle with fee structure? Why don't I "trust" that people who really want a well-designed, search engine friendly, professional website that will bring them business will be willing to pay for that website and become clients? I have seen it happen... there are people who do and have become great clients for my business; so what will it take for me to trust that there are more just like them out there? Trusting would mean that I will always:

accept clients that feel they can afford a website.
set my fee structure in writing because everyone deserves to be paid what they're worth and each client deserves to know what their financial obligation is to the project from the start.
kindly remind clients of my business policies, thereby creating a consistent course of action.

I was more consistent... I would be clearer if I was more consistent! I would be clearer with me and clearer with my clients. Consistency in Communication is what first comes to mind. About a week ago I decided to lay out a very specific plan for a client so we could get their project done (I felt they needed more structure than either of us had originally anticipated), so, I formulated a plan and sent it with trust. I said "abc", and they said "abcd"; I reviewed my business policies and "abcd" did fit into those parameters so we moved forward. All I had needed to to was be consistent with the client by informing them of what had been done, what needed to be done, and how it could be done efficiently - from a time and budget standpoint.

Constancy in communication and trusting in the outcome will create clarity in my business and personal life.

This makes sense as that will also lead to a stronger sense of serenity and organization...and who can't use more of that too! I think I'll pullout my "Success Principles" book tonight and find some principles that support those goals.

If you have any suggestions or tips - or words of encouragement! - feel free to comment here!

V-

Updates, Status Reports, Touching Base...Don't lose touch with your customers!

dotcalm — 2008-10-12T17:14:00Z

Been awhile since I sat down to blog! Figured I better do some updating - "practice what I preach!"

Rojeti... The Donny Deutsch show, The Big Idea, was postponed a couple nights so Joyce still hasn't seen her segment last I knew... very disappointed over this and we hope to be able to get a copy of the broadcast from someone so maybe I can show it here!

Elwood's... I believe it is no longer so you may see the site fade to black soon; I think it took a lot out of them to lose so much in the fire; I think they're moving on...

Teresa Huggins... The book is out! Should have copies at Panache this week! Book signings will be scheduled soon in New Hartford, Clinton and Whitesboro (at least). The companion blog for the book is here.

Julie Falatico... The CD is out and that too shall be at Panache - see her website for gig dates and song samples!

Seth Godin & triiibes.... We "cutting edge" folks that bought a copy sight unseen were privileged enough to receive an advance copy this week in the mail!!! So, we got a freebie that we can read and pass along the other copy to a friend or client! He's just that good!!!

MVBWN... I have secured full-color printing for the next directory so if you've been considering joining the network now is the time!

I have several new sources of info and cool events to list soon; will I see you Wednesday at the SOHO in Syracuse? Or the great event Friday for Women TIES? And don't forget to mark your calendars for the WISE Conference!

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Mohawk Valley's eco-friendly travel accessories company to appear on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch!

dotcalm — 2008-10-05T15:31:00Z

I was so excited to receive this email recently from Joyce Finnigan, owner of RJT Products, LLC, whom I recently met at the Key Bank for Women event at the White Whispers Day Spa in Clinton:

I had sent in an email to Donny Deutsch (on Wednesday) requesting some advice on bringing the Rojeti bag to the next level and at 7pm last night I rec'd a call from a producer on his show asking if I could be in NYC by noon today!

Something in my email caught their eye and they wanted me and the bags on the show - well, they didn't have to ask me twice - I wouldn't have missed that chance for the world.

What happened next is somewhat of a blur.........and I still think I'm dreaming.

I thought I was going to be part of their 'ask Donny a question and he'll give you advice' segment - but instead they had other plans for me.

They have a new segment - The Big Break - and that's exactly what it is - a big break.

They surprised me in a big way - Larry Broughton of Broughton Hospitality (owner of 13 high-end boutique hotels) was also on the show and is going to put the Rojeti bags in the Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica!!!!!!!! I was floored - and there was no forewarning that they were going to do this - but not to worry because it has been captured on tape and you'll be able to see my reaction on Monday night (when the show airs on CNBC)!

Isn't that awesome!?!? I thought she had a great product: a reusable, washable, discreet and attractive way to stash and carry your dirty laundry - that's a lot of value in one product!

There are several styles/colors available; of course I'm all about the pink polka dots!

You can also get them custom embroidered VERY affordably - thanks to an association struck at the Key4Women event, where Joyce met Amanda Potter from A&P Master Images! These bags make an awesome holiday gift for any traveler - and you're supporting a great woman-owned business!

Here's to hiding your dirtly laundry and having a safe journey!

V-


PS: The bags with the pink ribbons are from their "PinkTab" collection - part of the proceeds from the sale of these bags goes to National Breast Care Foundation, as a show of Rojeti's support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

It's not all about the money... but you can't work for free!

dotcalm — 2008-09-21T16:07:00Z

If you're in business ONLY to make money you're in the wrong business - you need to be passionate about what you do and then the money will come because you are honest and dedicated passionately to your work.

That said, I love the song I've included as a podcast in this post, (Peter sent it to me a couple years ago) as it is something that many entrepreneurs can identify with - especially if you are in a service or "idea" industry "where what you know" is a valuable commodity but people want to pay you only for what you "do" - they want the thinking about / brainstorming / idea-generation to be free as they can't touch or quantify it.

I read a good post about problem-solving recently, and one of the commenters asked the question:

Paul, this issue has been bothering me for a long time. Any good designer would argue that defining the problem is just as important, if not more important, than generating a solution.

Bill Buxton talks about the difference between getting the design right and getting the right design. The former is when a designer is forced to use intuition and experience to iterate on a single solution so that it is well-received. It will look pretty and it will work, but it won't be useful to the intended audience. The latter happens when designers are given the opportunity to analyze the situation and identify pain points instead of simply being told what to do. Research, synthesis and prototyping together ensure that the solution is the right one.

But how do we characterize these skill sets that often go unused? How do we name the activity so that we can better sell it to our clients? Is it Strategy? Discovery? Plain old Research, which sounds dry and redundant to many companies? There's thinking and then there's doing. What can we call Thinking so that it doesn't sound like a waste of time to the people paying the bills?

Posted by: Whitney Hess

Let me know your thoughts; do you have a story you'd like to share? How do you handle people trying to get info from you that should be charged for? How do you let clients know that "thinking" is what some people need to get paid for? People sit and think in an 9 to 5 office job and get a paycheck; how do you help them understand that even though you think on the beach, or in bed, or driving to a meeting, that your time is worthy of monitary reimbursement as well?

Here's to using your brain - and paying the bills!

V-

Click to play, lyrics below

I'M BILLING TIME
(sung to the tune of "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper)
by The Bar & Grill Singers

Sometimes you call me up,
and beg me for free advice.

You're stealing from me,
and wondering why I'm not nice.

My mind and my time
are my merchandise;
Don't make me say this twice.

(chorus)
If you come to my office or call my phone,
I'm billing time.

If you stop me at parties to whine and moan,
I'm billing time.

You say you want the best,
but then you don't pay the fee.

Notions cost money,
but you think they should be free.

You cry, "Oh why
is my bill so high?"
Well, let me clarify:

(chorus)
If you come to my office or call my phone,
I'm billing time.

If you stop me at parties to whine and moan,
I'm billing time.

If I think of you when I am all alone,
I'm billing time.

If you're late for appointments,
I will be waiting.

...and billing time.

Still billing time.

I'm billing time.

Do you care more about your clients' businesses than they do?

dotcalm — 2008-09-15T14:52:00Z

I found this fascinating quote today:

So the question I would like to explore is this - at what point are there consequences if customers don’t live up to their part of the bargain? At what point do you stop inspiring, cajoling and yelling and just start backing off or disengaging all together? What about building monetary penalties into service agreements that kick in when a customer does not complete assignments they agreed to?Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing, Sep 2008

It is difficult to hold ourselves back sometimes; as service providers and women eager to see others succeed it is hard to watch them not do the things you feel/know will help grown their business. Sometimes they say they're invested in their business but it seems you are spending a lot more time and energy on it than they are... which means you're spending less time and energy on your other clients and YOUR business!

Read about what John Jantsch and his followers have to say - it's an interesting conversation...

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Finding Your Inspiration in the Words & Music of Women

dotcalm — 2008-09-14T19:29:00Z

	So excited to report that the book is out and I have an autographed copy! It is already inspiring people and the companion blog, Create The Ripples, is nearly ready as well! Teresa's journey to Colorado will have her joyously interacting with 250 women in an amazing setting... there will be ripples created there that will reach all the way back to NY!
Also thrilled to report that Julie's CD is at the printer, and should be back in less than 30 days! If you go to her site you can hear some song samples... I've already sold a copy! They will be available locally at Panache on Main Street in Whitesboro, and I think you'll find Teresa's book there as well. Her site also lists her upcoming appearances, in case you'd like to see her and the boys (Matt Vacanti & Joe Ferlo) in person! She working on a book as well... very cool to be surrounded by such literary women!
I'm working on a few literary adventures myself - but will wait to report on them until... well, until there's more to report! So, have you been inspired to begin or revisit some form of self-expression? I think it's an amazing world where you can do what you love to do and be supported by it (ie - get paid!); I know I love creating things for these women as they support my goals - not merely financially - but by being spiritually and emotionally supportive... which is the greatest reward anyone can offer you. I hope you take time for yourself every day to feed your muse, by reading or writing, listening or singing, watching or participating, learning or teaching... whatever your passion is. I'm blessed to have my passion bring really great women into my life! V-

Mid-Week: Time to slow down & regroup, release those overwhelming feelings.

dotcalm — 2008-09-10T15:13:34Z

“Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.” - Maya Angelou

Te resa encouraged me to visit the site of Dr Rob and that quote was what awaited me there... so today, a stress-filled day for many reasons, I choose to use this quote to it's fullest. I'm placing a very relaxing piece of music here - I like it's varied tempos, and it's title seems to fit it well, "Cradle With Love" by Samite.

For our senior yearbook we had to find a quote that we liked... I searched for music and found this quote by Anne Rutledge

Out of me, unworthy and unknown;the vibrations of deathless music.

I hope you take a moment for yourself today to release whatever is stressing you; music works for me but make a point of finding what works for you and put it where you can get at it when you need it - I try to surround myself with those things in my office - without creating too much clutter!

Well, calmer and ready to be productive - wishing you the same,
V-

Click button to play

Do you Google in IE or Foxfire? Why not Google in Google Chrome?

dotcalm — 2008-09-07T14:25:00Z

I was twittering today and noticed that one of my tweeps was pretty darn happy with Google Chrome.
I've downloaded it and it seems to work quite nicely - I like that it stores the pages I've visited most so I can click on them quickly.

Pages seem to load very quickly, and they have this cool feature that lets you add numerous "home pages" so you can open several tabs instantly at startup! Cool - my email accounts, twitter, and whatever else I choose will open in tabs automatically - like it!

They also say that if one tab self-destructs that tab/page can be closed without the whole browser closing - didn't you think it sucked that if one window locked up IE just closed everything?! Chrome will keep the other sites open so you can continue working - love it!

It works with Tiny URL - I didn't have to do anything special, it was just on my toolbar - like it!

I frequently turn to CNET when I want expert opinions, you can read what they say about Google Chrome here.

Seems to be working very well so far - does anyone have an opinion they'd like to share?

V-

Giving someone their dream may be more important than fulfilling yours sometimes...

dotcalm — 2008-08-24T16:50:55Z

Softball Miracle

This moving six-minute clip goes way beyond softball to touch the heart.

Softball Miracle (6 min)

I was forwarded this by a member of Triiibes and felt like I wanted to share it here. It is a story of surrenduring to what is "right" and "honorable"; of letting go of the need to win; and doing whatever it takes to give someone else their moment of glory. I think I heard about this briefly, but until I saw it - the people and emotions involved - I had no idea how powerful and beautiful it was.

Be inspired...

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Who's got the time? I do!

dotcalm — 2008-08-24T02:17:00Z

Who hasn't complained about "not having time"? Or "not having enough time"?
So... you'd think I'd listen to someone who told me how to save time... well, apparently not at first!
But, after a conversation with Miss Laurie Ann Dowell (the nail goddess of nail 911s) I finally broke down and bought the most amazing time saver ever!

It's a WAGNER PAINTMATE PLUS and I don't know how I lived without it!

Now, you will find naysayers out there... but, from my experience (and Laurie's):

it does not leak
it can be heavy BUT there's no law that says you have to fill it ALL the way
it saves your back
it saves time
it takes some time to clean (but what doesn't?)

So, inspired by Laurie, I have added the Wagner Paintmate Plus to my toolbox, and the category of TimeSavers to my blog - as I think saving time is a valuable entrepreneurial tool/pursuit!

No, the room isn't finished yet, but I'll have pics when it is... and now I must rest... although I must admit I really would love to keep painting - the chocolate paint I chose looks like pudding... pudding... pudding...

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Well, calmer and ready to be productive - wishing you the same,

V-

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Who's got the time? I do!

Your objective is simple: World Domination.

Your motive is a little bit more complex: To show them all

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Your motive is a little bit more complex: To show them all