As a young child what did you daydream about?  What are your first fond memories of childhood?

As a young girl, I was always drawn to the riverfront. I would ride my bike down to the river and gaze at the Detroit skyline. I would sit by myself for an hour or so. I would feel the grass between my feet. I would look at the tall buildings across the way. I could hear the freightliner sounding it's horn and watch the birds in the sky.  Imagine a 10 year old sitting by themselves just dreaming and staring off at the skyline for over an hour. No other friends. Just me and all the other people off in the short distance walking by. It makes me recognize my independence today. I am more productive when in solitude but love to be surrounded by interesting and loving people.   I tend to travel and live in places close to water and with beautiful tall buildings surrounding me. It's a combination of architecture mixed in with nature. For me I choose places such as New York or Waikiki. Others may prefer Easter Island or Machu Picchu. I must have a view of a city skyline and lots of people around for the energy! I also grew up in a dance studio and that was my 'play' place. Music, costumes, learning new steps, movement and lots of people around me in the classroom. Yes, I always preferred the solo routines on stage with the bright blinding spotlight. Nobody but me, my music, a spotlight and a loving audience surrounding me with love.

I share this memory with you because of late, I have noticed my clients are completely stumped by my first two basic questions that I ask them:
1) What is the vision of your business and why do you want it to be successful?
2) What was it that you wanted to be when you were a younger person and why did you not pursue that dream?

Some are in businesses that do not hold true to their authentic self. Others are in businesses they think they 'should' do.
Even as I write this today, more of my own memories flood my mind and I recognize how much more of what I do today is reflective of my childhood.

After reading the next questions, I want you to think of what brought you joy and take 5 minutes daydreaming and 30 minutes to write down those memories. I want you to think about your favourite place to play when you were a child.  Were you alone or were you with many friends?  Did you sit back on a couch and read a book by yourself or were you playing stick ball on the streets with all of your friends. Were you the leader? Were you the instigator? Did you prefer to have others to take centre stage? What was it that  you wanted to be when you grew up? What did you do on a daily or weekly basis that brought you joy?

Ready!...Now sit back, close your eyes and remember those fond childhood memories. Afterwards ask yourself what you can do to bring more of that into your business and life.

To your success,
Floydilou

One of my favourite comic television characters is 'The Old Man' on The Carol Burnett Show. As a comment on the post states, " I love that Conway has the comic presence to know he's completely shattered the illusion of the sketch by breaking the fake wall, so he ends it perfectly by just walking through the window. Brilliant."
So my question to you in this simple blog post is, 'What do you do to fix the problem quickly? Do you whine, panic, cry
or quit?....or do you enjoy the moment and go with it! Please feel free to share your thoughts or your own outtakes.

To your success,
Floydilou

Step into your spotlight. OWN your message. Move with purpose. Speak confidently. Present yourself authentically.
Have you ever noticed the way people walk down the street when you are sitting at an outdoor cafe? Do you notice how people network at a business function? Even if this isn't something we have thought about, we know that people's body language speaks volumes. I am not a body language expert, however, I do know who I like to connect to personally and professionally. I also know who commands my respect.
I love people watching. I find that how a person walks can tell so much of who they are, how they work and how they receive energy. Working as a waitress and bartender for many years, I would immediately be able to assess the style of service my co-worker would give simply by their walk. I walk fast and move around fast. My service is fast. As a customer you would come to my section if you needed efficiency and to get back to your office meeting in 30 minutes. (I only lasted 2 weeks in fine dining...too slow for me....smile). If a co-worker was slower in their walk,  it did not mean they were incompetent. It could mean they were orderly and systematic. It could be that a customer who liked to chat and be leisurely may enjoy that service more.  With that being said,   guess what you can expect from me when hiring me for consulting or  business ideas?....yep, FAST.
As long as you OWN your actions and how you present yourself with authenticity and you are working/living in your pocket, the spotlight will shine on you.  You will stand out. It's about being the best you can be and attracting the best match of people and clients to you.
Would you do business with someone who walked aimlessly? Had no conviction? How do  you talk or present yourself. Are you upbeat and well groomed? When you give your 30 second intro or you simply meet someone do you have that same strong conviction? We know that a firm handshake and eye contact translates to confidence as well as interest.
In your business it is essential to present yourself authentically. If you are shy, that is okay, however learn how to be in the spotlight YOUR way. OWN it. I remember teaching a very shy person how to prospect  for clients easily at the grocery store. She could do it with ease, once we discovered how to do it authentically. We were able to focus on her strengths. She could OWN it with confidence.
Be aware of your essence. Is the energy you are putting out in your walk/talk/posture truly how you want to be? Are there things you can improve? Do you know what could be improved? There are professionals that can guide you and coach you.
People are watching you even when you don't think they are. Shine bright in your spotlight...always.

To your success,
Floydilou

If ever I am given a longer deadline, I tend to procrastinate. There always seems to be a negative connotation with the word, however, I love the strength it has.

Why I believe procrastination works:

1. When you procrastinate there becomes an immediate deadline.
2. You get it done because you are not distracted.
3. Decisions can be made quicker and easily because there is less choices. You are targeted.
4. You can focus with just that one subject at hand.
5. You are living life in the now.

We tend to complicate things when given too much time;  we think, we stress, we over-compensate. If you do not want the label of being a procrastinator, may I suggest you give yourself shorter deadlines. Personally,  I don't mind the label of being a procrastinator. I know that I get things done. I do them well, if not better because I am in the present and only have the best options from which to choose.  

To getting it done fast!,
Floydilou