Dog Day Afternoon — Bring It On!

After a wild day that started with a radio interview on the Chat with Women Show and all kinds of action around here, I am going to actually call it an early day and enjoy the sunshine.  I read Tia Ribary’s article on BizNik that suggested that taking a bit of time out is good for business, and I invite you to read Tia’s tips to see which of her highly useful tips resonate with you.   As far as taking time off, my golden retriever Shadow seems to have figured out the perfect recipe for more success with greater ease.  Find yourself a soft place to land and just surrender.  Here’s to a dog day afternoon!

A Gift Arrived on My Doorstep Today that Filled Me Up When I Needed It Most

As a service provider, giving to others is a daily commitment.   And sometimes, I get a little depleted.  Last week, I hosted two Publici-Tea™ workshops, gave two speeches, and participated in a national teleseminar.  And this week, I was on roller skates again, serving clients, attending meetings, and solving problems.

That’s why it was such a treat to receive a very thoughtful gift at my doorstop this morning.  I received a very gracious card that was accompanied by a “DREAM” Affirmawrap.  The card extended powerful words of gratitude for sharing information that inspired one of my Publici-Tea™ guests to take specific action steps to fulfill her dreams.   This gift had a profound effect on me.   Frankly, I was moved to tears by this gift.   It arrived when I needed it most.

If you have been giving consideration to how to express gratitude to the people who contribute to your success, allow me to recommend Cyndi O’Neil Dady from Send Out Cards to you.  She can make it easy for you to touch others with your thoughts and also include an inspiring Affirmawrap in the package to complete the gift and serve as a lasting reminder of the impact you’ve made on their life.

Special thanks to Bettina Carey, producer and show host of the Ultimate Marketing Makeover™, for sending such an inspired gift that I will treasure for a long, long time.

The Pride of Doing It Yourself is Priceless

Whether you are earning your own publicity or doing something else for the first time on a do-it-yourself basis, the thrill and pride of accomplishment that you feel is pretty darn priceless.

Case in point. Earlier in the week, I helped my son Kyle bake his first batch of homemade brownies. He is 11 years old and eager to get his hands into better groceries. I helped by setting out all the ingredients he would need, along with the recipe. Then, I stood nearby to help him as he added one ingredient after the other to the mixing bowl and then to the baking pan.

When the timer went off and the brownies were ready, Kyle was first to the oven — baking mitts in hand — to place them on the cutting board to cool. My husband Steve and I were delighted about 20 minutes later when Kyle delivered freshly baked and very delicious , warm-from-the-oven brownies to each of us. They were delicious. And the pride in my son’s face for having baked them himself was priceless. I know that experience is one of many pride moments Kyle will enjoy as he tries new things for the first time and brings about good results.

Whether you are baking something for the first time or going about the business of earning your own publicity in your own backyard … and beyond, the sense of accomplishment for your efforts and results is very similar. You no longer have to rely on others for what you want because you’ve taken the steps to learn how to successfully do things yourself. That’s all good.

Here’s to better brownies, better groceries, precious time with those we love to enjoy all of it, and plenty of do-it-yourself publicity successes for all!

Watch “The Grumpy Movie” and You’ll Be Glad that You Did!

I met the founders of a company called Motivation in a Minute at the eWomenNetwork International Conference and Business Expo. I was impressed with the authenticity of the owners, even though we met for a very brief moment. I just had a sense they had something special to offer. When they followed up with a personal email after the conference, I was not disappointed.

The folks at Motivation in a Minute make short, inspiring videos, and they’d like them to travel around the world as they spread motivation in minutes. Sign up for their ezine and learn more.

In the meantime, because it’s Friday and we all need a little reminder to remember what is important, I invite you to take two minutes to watch The Grumpy Movie. It’s just wonderful. Here is the link. And these folks have plenty more to inspire you.

Next time you attend a networking function, see how bright your own authenticity can shine beyond the typical elevator pitch you’ve shared hundreds of times prior.   And send a personal follow up after the first meeting to see what win-win-win possibilities can manifest.  By doing so, you and your business will be well served.    And don’t be grumpy.

Happy News on the Home Front

If you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, you know that I’ve been searching for a new house to call home for the last nine months.  I am happy and grateful to report that my husband, son, and golden retriever have officially moved into our new home.  It is everything we dreamed it would be.  I can hardly contain my joy.

I am a huge believer in the Law of Attraction, so I have journaled very specifically about the house I was looking for and the features and attributes it would offer.  From the window seat in the living room to the inspiring view from the deck, this house offers everything I was dreaming of and a few unexpected and delightful surprises.

Of course, we had to endure one deal that fell through and no less than three unsuccessful bidding wars (yes, even in today’s real estate marketplace), but this house was well worth the wait.  It’s just perfect.

Now, when our prior home sells to the perfect, courteous, appreciative, respectful buyer at a fair price point and the deal closes on or before July 31, 2008, my joy will be complete.  Plenty of fabulous folks are relocating to the area this summer to accept career positions at T-Mobile, Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing.  Many intend for their kids to attend equally fabulous public schools such as Somerset Elementary School, Tyee Middle School, and nationally ranked Newport High School.  I hope lots of them flock to our place to appreciate the tender loving care and quality updates we’ve made over the last 20 years. If you are curious and/or interested, you can check out the listing at this link.  Maybe you know the perfect buyer and just need to give him or her a nudge in this direction.  All quality referrals are welcome!

One thing I know for sure.  My enthusiasm for doing great work is at an all time high because I now have an inspired space from which to live and work.  I am very grateful, and I can’t wait to report all the magic I can manifest for my clients as a result of deploying the power of publicity to their buzz building benefit.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Olympic Hot Tub Company Co-Founder Alice Cunningham recalled a heart-warming story from Father’s Day weekend that offers proof positive that good things come to those who wait — for customer and retailer alike.

The wife of a deserving dad heard Alice’s radio commercial and asked her mother-in-law if she should get her husband a hot tub for Father’s Day, and she agreed. The couple had shopped at Olympic Hot Tub Company 12 years ago before they built their house and ran out of money. Then kids came along. To make this a very special Father’s Day present, they told him that his gift present was at the end of the map. They got in the car.  He followed all sorts of clues, driving around town until they pulled into the Olympic Hot Tub Company parking lot in Issaquah, WA. The wife said, “Congratulations! You found it. Now we’re going in and buying the hot tub.”  And so they did.

There are a few lessons here.

• Not everyone buys the first time they hear your message.

• Be consistent in sharing your message.

• Offer compelling reasons to buy that are well timed for gift giving occasions like Father’s Day.

• Develop a brand personality that helps customers and prospects choose your company above all others.

• Make your product or service relevant and welcome in the best and the worst of times — and ride on trends gathering speed as you share your story. Now that people are “stay cationing” instead of “vacationing” because of the high cost of gasoline and just about everything else, the timing has never been better to take it easy in your own backyard.

Business is booming at Olympic Hot Tub Company.  And at least one deserving dad who visited the Issaquah showroom last weekend is soaking happily having waited 12 years for his hot tub dream to come true.  Good things come to those who wait.

America, We Have a New American Idol - David Cook

Yes, I watched the show tonight. And I loved every minute. Watching Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Junior perform as Pips to Gladys Knight’s vocal performance made me laugh out loud. What a guilty pleasure. Congratulations to David Cook, a self-described “word nerd” who is a winner in every way. Rock on and enjoy the ride.