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

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

_The other night I was watching the T.V. show, Restaurant Impossible.  At the end of the show, the restaurant owner,  filled with emotion, says, "It's light, bright and a new lease on life." Tears came to my eyes as I watched this hard working boomer who was 'stuck'. He owned and operated his business for 30 years and he was desperate to bring pride back to himself and his wife. The restaurant wasn't doing well and that made him feel like a failure. Not true! Sometimes you just need to allow yourself to hand over your control to someone else who can see you and your business in its best light. It will give you a new lease on life.

I enjoy make-over shows, whether it's for homes, businesses or people. My friend, Jenn Merritt , coined me as the 'transformation specialist'. I know how to transform people, places and businesses with my vast experience (mentioned below)...and I get my 'high' when we can do it quickly and affordably for you.

A common phrase the astonished recipient of home or place transformations is , "It's so light, bright and airy!" You can feel their burdens being lifted. You can feel the new energy it provides. The next time you watch one of those 'room make-over' shows, I  guarantee that you will most likely hear the words,  light, bright and airy. Yep, you will think of me with a smirk on your face. Another common phrase always said after a personal transformation is, "Look at my eyes!" or "I can't believe I can look this good!" It's as though they are seeing themselves being beautiful for the first time with a new set of eyes....and it's only make-up! ...or hair...or clothes.

5 Action Steps To Start Transforming Your LIfe:
1) Treat yourself. Make the decision to re-direct your money to the one 'stuck' thing that bothers you most. You are worth it.
2) Personal Clutter - Hire a clutter coach. Hire a professional organizer. Hire a friend who is really good at organizing.
3) Mind Clutter - Start reading good personal development books. Do daily affirmations in front of your mirror.  Write things down.
4) Business Clutter - Hire someone who is good a putting systems into place. Systems will give you freedom.
5) Home Clutter - Hire a professional home stager even if you aren't re-selling. Do you have a friend, family member or neighbour whose home you admire? Invite them for dinner and ask them for suggestions or assistance. Have your own "Trading Spaces" event within your own home. Get two rooms done in two days with the help of your teenagers and family. Have a professional decorator oversee the projects.

Simple transformations can make an all around impact in your life in ways you would least expect it. Let's get you started for the New Year.

To your success,
Floydilou

As mentioned above, here is my experience that brings me to the passionate 'transformation specialist'. 

I am an accredited CSP,  Certified Staging Professional - the art and technique of preparing a home for sale beyond de-cluttering.
I am a 22 years veteran in the restaurant industry - front of house, mostly face paced, high turnover or pub style
I have 15 years in a direct sales herbal and botanical cosmetic company,  - from Hollywood makeovers to personal development training

As the New Year approaches, did you accomplish what you set out to do? "
"Is your  life any different from last year?"

Would you like to start your own business but fear leaving your career...continue reading.
If you have skill or passion in the following categories,
I have 11  'off the hook'  and low cost start-up biz ideas for you that are unique and exciting:

Business/Personal Development Books
Mechanic or Cars
Greeting cards
Babies and Motherhood
Art
Cooking
Parades
Writing
Rural Living
Restaurants
Video

In today's world you can start your own business while maintaining your career.In matter of fact, I highly recommend you keep your job or your corporate position until you match your income. You can start your own business without spending daunting hours after long work days. Having a strong mentor and coach who helps you to laser focus, you can get much accomplished in a shorter period of time. Technology and other creative solutions such as interns, students, and virtual assistants can only expedite your journey as well. Your coach and mentor is able to hold your vision for you and guide you along so that each week and every quarter you see results. To start, I recommend working in 90 day increments. Most people can make a commitment for just about anything for 90 days. This allows you to take a step forward. If you don't start, what will change?  Work with someone who not only understands what you want to accomplish but can really help guide you. There are consultants and coaches for specific niches such as lifestyle, health, relationship and business.

Make a comment below and if you are seriously interested in starting a business for 2012, let's talk. I love showing and guiding people on how to turn their passion and skill set into a profitable business, quicklly and affordably. Will you take me up on the offer?! I look forward to connecting.

To your success,
Floydilou

Passion is the main secret between people who spring out of bed in the morning ready to take on the day and those who just simply trudge through the responsibilities of life.  My friend, Lora Colautti, once shared a powerful term with me - Passion Plan.

The Passion Plan is a step by step guide to discovering and developing your personal passion. Most people are not lucky enough to get to live their dreams and passion.  Instead, they work a 40 hour a week job pay their bills and just get by.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  Many times discovering your passion is the best way to start a profitable business.

In order to find your passion you have to search deep inside your soul.  Start by asking yourself questions such as “If I could do anything what would it be?”  Or “If I could spend each day doing something, what would it be?”  And "If money were no object, the bills were being paid, and my house was paid for, what would I be doing every day?"

Answering these questions is the first step to devising your own Passion Plan.  Devising your own passion plan is the first step to finding personal and professional happiness.  People who are happy do things better and with more confidence, which always equates to more success.  More success breeds more happiness so it becomes a positive circle that your life is wrapped up in.

Start to find your passion and see how it can equate into profits for you.  When you are doing something you love it never feels like you work a day in your life.  The first step to becoming that kind of person is to identify your passion and put a plan into place to start making it a part of your everyday life.  In the coming days, I'll be sharing an incredible offer with you that will help you discover your passion and your purpose. Stay tuned...there's more to come soon!

_

Sometimes the best way to figure out how to do something is just to do it.  Many people get stuck in the planning process and become so overwhelmed by it that they never get to the part of actual doing something.   

Although good planning is not always a bad thing, over planning and over analyzing can lead to missed opportunities.  You may wonder,  “Well if I don’t do all the planning what if I do something wrong?”  The answer is that is okay.  Mistakes are one of the best ways to learn.

You learn far more by doing something and making a mistake you then to try to plan ahead for everything.  Even with the best planning many times you will still make several mistakes.  Rather than trying to anticipate and avoid those mistakes, get out there and make them and learn from there.  There is no better way to become successful at something than by just immersing yourself in it and going forward!

As you move through the steps of doing something, you will find out the how along the way.  Doing and learning also offers another advantage that is that you can learn in baby steps and break down a large task into several small steps. This can make it easier to accomplish and make you more successful.
 
The next time you have a new idea that you want to do in your personal or professional life, start by getting in there and getting your hands dirty!  You will figure out the how along the way once you start to act. And if you really want to ACT NOW and implement your savviest idea, contact me to find out how I can help you _start living your passionate best today.

"Be helpful. When you see a person without a smile, give him yours." -- Zig Ziglar

Some people think the idea that you can change the way you live is by being more positive is ridiculous.  That could not be further from the truth.  Though a positive attitude and the power of a smile, it keeps your spirits up to get through the more difficult times.

A smile is also a great gift.  Sometimes a simple smile for someone is enough to lift their spirits.  The best thing about smiles is that they are free and take little effort.  Yet, the power of a smile can have a profound effect on your mood and those around you. 

Next time you are feeling uneasy or unhappy just smile!  Smile alone, smile at other people but whatever you do just smile.  See how quickly it can bring your mood up and allow you to plow through whatever you need to tackle or think about.   

Being happy is a personal choice you make everyday.  You can choose to be happy or you can choose not to be.  The power of a smile is so simple and so easy.  Even if you don’t believe a smile can change your day, try it anyway, it costs you nothing and just might bring a whole lot of happiness your way. I challenge you to smile to 5 people today unexpectedly. Then come back here and share your experience.