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

Is living small the new BIG?

Over the past couple of years, I have simplified my life. For awhile I had no car,  no cable and lived in less than 900 sq. feet which allowed me to really de-clutter.  I have been on a new venture to simplify even more. In doing so, I will be moving from a large country home of 4 beds, 3 baths to a 1 bedroom casita in a UNESCO Heritage city. A place where you can walk everywhere and capture every wonderful moment because your life has been simplified. You have more time and more money to really enjoy all that matters. And for me, it allows me to go after bigger dreams and ventures without being attached to things.
We know that with technology things are getting smaller. We also know that with cars, the SUV may still reign but with the Smart Car and oncoming Scion IQ), we know that smaller can still give us comfort and convenience.  Now what about those monster suburban homes.  Is it necessary to have these spacious homes with the extra rooms in case we have a guest? Strangely the guest room, in most cases, becomes a space rarely used; mind you it is pretty with its hotel style comforter and designer pillows. To go along with that big home,  we have a second or third car to get around since we aren't in a pedestrian neighbourhood with quaint local shops.  We need to drive our children everywhere. We pay more out with gas, insurance, maintenance on the home and cars, taxes, utilities...and the list goes on.  
This gal's savvy mind says, "Let's live a smaller BIGGER life." Let's downsize and move downtown or to a city with excellent pedestrian and transit services. No car needed. Shopping becomes more local thus you support local. You have more freedom. Less stress, less headache. When I grocery shop at a small store I am in and out in minutes. If I go to one of those big box stores, I have to walk a couple of minutes to one side of the store to get the butter and then back a couple of minutes to the other side to the 20 cashiers, of which only 3 are open.
Now don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with the million dollar home. (I recently was invited to a broker's open house of a 1.6 million dollar home in Mexico, and it was stunning....calling out my name and luring me in. It can serve a purpose ) nor driving the lovely luxury car. I just find that sometimes people have a bigger dream and different vision for their life and that they could easily attain it by living the smaller BIGGER life.

To your success in simplifying,
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

We all have our story as to why we can't or shouldn't. Our stories are so strongly developed that we don't even notice them and how they can hold us back from our full potential. The good stories we create will propel us forward.  The bad ones are just excuses. They may sound like this, "when I {fill in the blank}, I will {fill in the blank} or words such as   'because", 'due to", "that's how I roll".

So if we don't notice this pattern who will? A professional coach or mentor is my favourite choice. They are not attached to your outcome emotionally. They help you to discover it on your own and guide you to your next steps.   Choose a coach or mentor who is where you want to be, not where you are at. Have them stretch you.

A spouse or close friend may be able to help a bit, but they are emotionally attached. They are most likely on your same playing field too. They may have the same stories as you (the old adage, of like attracts like) You want somebody who can stretch you. 

I was caught in one of my 'stories' just the other day. I am making plans to move part-time to a Spanish speaking city.  While visiting the city in preparation, my husband suggests I start learning the language during the trip.  My response,  "When I get here, I will learn". He replies, "You are here now."  Busted! Thankfully I have the skills and tools to change the thought pattern. It's great to have someone call you out on your story. It is even better when they can guide you and assist you with accountability. As mentioned, a spouse, friend or colleague most likely will not take you to the next steps. A mentor, consultant or coach will.

Get called out on your story! You will feel liberated knowing what to do next which will move you onward and upward. You will learn the skills and have the tools in your kit.  I would love to help or refer you to the best suitable coach or mentor.
To your success,
Floydilou