Metromom. connecting women, creating change

This summer, my husband and I went to a camp called Enlightened Warrior Training Camp, one of the many personal development classes that Harv Eker has hosted. One specific idea from this camp that really stuck with me is “either commit 100%, or commit 0%.” That means if you know you can’t commit fully to something, just say no, rather than do it half-heartedly. And, when you say yes, go full throttle. I want to share with you some ideas on how to focus on the commitments that will get “it” done.

 

 Entrepreneurial Moms Committing 100% Benefits Your Business and Your Kids [Metromom Podcast] [4:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

My husband and I have taken many of Harv Eker’s personal development classes over the years. Just this summer, we went to a camp called Enlightened Warrior Training Camp. One of the key messages they taught is the importance of keeping a commitment to yourself – this is really important lesson for us as entrepreneurial moms. When you say you’re going to do something, you do it.

One specific idea from this camp that really stuck with me is “either commit 100%, or commit 0%.” That means if you know you can’t commit fully to something, just say no, rather than do it half-heartedly. And, when you say yes, go full throttle.

But, what should I commit to…?

If you’re one of the many entrepreneurial moms with children at home, taking care of your kids is a priority – you’re committed. In fact, that’s probably why you chose to run your own business and work from home. You wanted to honor your commitment to your family.

Now when it comes to your business it may be harder to determine what you should commit to… Ask yourself, “How does that project serve my business? If I get this particular project done, is it going to help to build my list, generate income, or set me up as an expert?” Those are some important things that entrepreneurial moms have to think when you’re making a commitment to get something done.

I’ve been really focused on the commitment we make to ourselves when we say we’re going to do things. Over the summer I made a conscious decision of where I’d focus my business energy. I only focused on anything “Get It Done,” be it my Get It Done Circle or my Get It Done coaching program. There were a lot of other things that were showing up but I had to move them down the list. I have a certain amount of working hours, in which I want to maximize my efforts, and I’m committed to shutting down when my kids come home so I can attend to their needs.

We all have services and products that could make a big difference to the people we serve…if we offer them. However, if you’re not getting your offerings out there, your customers can’t benefit. You don’t get to make the difference you want, nor do you receive the money you deserve to be paid. I feel very strongly that you owe it to yourself to never put yourself in that situation.

The great thing about committing yourself to what’s important is you also teach your children a valuable lesson. Chances are you’ve talked to your kids about the value of commitment. This is one of the reasons a lot of parents sign their kids up for sports. You’ve probably heard the saying, “You can’t hit a home run, if you don’t step up to the plate.”

But here’s the thing, the commitment you show in your life as entrepreneurial moms is going to have a greater impact on your kids than what they learn in Little League. Take a moment and reflect on what lessons you’d like to help your children to learn. Model that same commitment in your life and you’ll inspire your children to do the same. You’ll also see momentum building in your business as you finally get your important projects off the ground.

FYI – On Thursday October 15th at 1 PM EST, I’ll be sharing more on how to get things done in my F*REE teleclass – Get It Done 101 – How to STOP Procrastinating and Tackle Your BIG Ideas with Confidence…So that You Can Make More Money and Help More People! Grab your seat here right now: http://metromom.com/gidcall .

There are times in your life when someone special shows up and you have that inner knowing feeling that they’re meant to be there for a bigger reason. That was exactly how I felt when I met Sandy Grason for the first time in Las Vegas a few weeks ago. As someone who picks up on other people’s energy, I felt a strong connection immediately. We were together as part of a group of entrepreneurial moms collaborating on something bigger than ourselves, and the spirit of abundance was incredibly prevalent in the room.

In sharing what she was working on, and the gifts that she could bring to our group, the one word that stood out for me was “empire”.  For some reason, the word empire has always intrigued me from a business perspective. Not in a Martha Stewart kind of way, but in a way that feels limitless, and feminine and full of choices and possibilities. (As a side note, when my NY lawyer father helped me to incorporate my company, he advised that if I planned on having an empire, (a very unusual word for him to use in describing my entrepreneurial pursuits) I should incorporate in Delaware. The word just felt right, and that’s what I did.)

As Sandy spoke more, I got the gist that she takes women through a fun process to create their empire. I definitely wanted to learn more, and I tuned into her artfully-created video entitled The Jerry Maguire Manifesto (which is a must-see). She asks the important question:

Why do you have to either do the work you love with your heart & soul and struggle with the money part or go so deeply into the marketing of your business that you feel like a used car salesman willing to do anything for a buck?

The answer is: You don’t. You can have the Coin and the Kwan (love). You CAN be recognized for your passion and your purpose. You can create an empire that works for you.

Before I conceived of Metromom, I was very clear that I love to connect with other women. This is a joyful experience for me, and I do it effortlessly. IMAGINE… if I could create a business where I get to connect great women to each other, provide them with lots of value, make a great income for my family AND give back in a really big way. In my first year of business, this was my vision and I moved forward on this path.

As I embark on year two, I realize, I’m being called forth to figure out my next step, and expand and deepen the work that I’m doing. One idea I feel compelled to finally share (even though I don’t  know how it will happen)  is that I am meant to  help 12 amazing women take their brilliance and passion, and get it out there in a bigger way so they can dramatically change people’s lives. (Who are these 12 women? I don’t know yet, but I trust they’ll show up perfectly, and imagining them brings up delightful visions for me of being in a candy store.)

The timing of my meeting Sandy is serendipity and synchronicity all rolled into one. With her new program, The Fabulous Formula, that I am just thrilled to begin, she will share (with me and a group of other amazing women) a new way of experiencing your business, of creating wealth, and of BEING. She will focus on getting clear about your biggest vision and going after it. And focusing on who you are when you’re at your greatest.

The other important question Sandy asked is “who’s coming with me?” I immediately raised my hand, signing on to participate in The Fabulous Formula with her. The question I offer to you is: would you like to join us? If this speaks to you, I’d love nothing more than for you to join me on this empire-building journey. Please visit her site to learn more. I’d also love to hear your comments about your own dreams for your own empire.

Have you been trying to figure out how to make the internet work for you? Do you have questions on how to use blogs, social networking, web design and more?

In the process of building my own website – and an entire internet marketing strategy – I’ve found great tools and strategies for success but it was a lot of work. Instead of a single source, I found the tips scattered throughout various books, info products, teleseminars and one-on-one coaching sessions. My learning process has been very time-consuming!

My friends, family and platinum clients are amazed at the knowledge I’ve assimilated and quickly put into action. Basically, when it came to online success – I really enjoy trying different strategies to see what works and what doesn’t.

I recently decided I want to make it easier for other women to gather that information and put together their own formula for online success. Which leads me to my upcoming Metromom Online Success Telesummit…

I’ve been hearing from so many women who want advice on developing and maximizing a website presence. So I decided to gather together a tele-series of great speakers that are online experts – so that you busy Metromoms can have a conference from the comfort of your own home.

This summit is guaranteed to provide you with specific strategies for success. You’ll walk away with the information you need to take your business to the next level.

Sign up for more info about our fantastic line-up of topics and speakers.

It’s been just 8 months since I launched Metromom.com and where I stand today is not where I’d planned to be…it’s much more exciting. This shift happened because I stayed open to feedback and opportunities that I hadn’t envisioned beforehand, while continuing to stay tuned into my intuition.

In addition to being a connector of great women, I’m also someone who implements my ideas quickly (without worrying if they’re initially perfect). Do you have ideas that you’d like to implement? As part of the Metromom community, I look forward to sharing with you proven strategies to move your business forward.

To make sure that I provide you with the kind of information you’re looking for, I really need your input. Please fill out this VERY short survey.

I promise to implement your feedback – quickly!

As my gift for your time, please take me up on a 15-minute business strategy session. There will be a link at the end of the survey for you to sign-up.

I’ve been working from home for over ten years and I believe it’s very important that your work environment be conducive to working effectively. The right environment can really empower you to work at your full potential. The wrong environment will slow you down.

One of the benefits of working from home is that you have control over your own environment. No more cubicles! You’re the boss so make sure you make the best of it by following these tips.

•  To start with you need to remove clutter. Clutter drains your energy. If you clear out the clutter you’ll instantly feel more enthusiastic and energetic. Then, create a system to manage clutter on a regular basis or it will be back in a matter of days.

•  Make sure you have all the tools you need to do your job accessible and functioning properly. There’s nothing more frustrating than hassling with an old photo copier or stapler when you’re trying to get your proposal out the door.

•  Create a boundary between your work space and your home. Having a separate entrance to your home office is ideal. If that’s not an option try create your work space in an area as far from your bedroom as possible.

•  Position your desk so that you don’t have your back to the door. I recently had my office reviewed by a Feng Shui expert and this is what she recommended. Now that my desk faces outward, I’m in command central and don’t have my back to others.

•  Surround yourself with colors, images and items that help you feel energetic and successful. Try to design a home office that reflects the energy you want to project.

•  Be mindful of the quality of air and light in your home office since this has a direct impact on your energy level. If possible position yourself by a window with natural light or consider investing in full-spectrum lights. Make sure you have air-purifying plants in your office as well.

•  Consider hiring a Feng Shui expert. Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement and design used to balance and enhance the energy flow in our living environments. Feng Shui experts can advise you on creating an environment that sparks your creativity and allows money to flow.

Working from home brings numerous benefits and the right environment can help you be more successful. Some effort is involved but by creating harmony and balance in your physical environment you can empower yourself and your business.

Even if you’re naturally optimistic it’s challenging to stay upbeat right now. Here’s the thing, if you’re an entrepreneur you cannot afford to be negative. If you’re down, if you’re worried or stressed you can’t maintain a positive mindset, which is the key to success in ANY economy.

If you’re a mom all the more reason to keep a positive attitude. Even small children are picking up on the negative news about the economy. They’ll pick up on your mindset even if you’re not aware of it. Make sure you’re modeling through your thoughts and actions a positive attitude.

So, what are you doing to stay positive? I’ll share some tips that work for me:

1.    Choose to only surround yourself with positive people. Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on now and then but if all you hear is whining and complaining consider finding healthier friends.

2.    Manage your intake of outside information – particularly the news. You don’t have to bury your head in the sand but you can’t watch CNN four hours a day and not feel the impact on your attitude.

3.    Give yourself some quiet time to meditate daily. I’ve recently been listening to the Holosync CD’s from www.centerpointe.com.

4.    When you feel yourself going into negative fearful thinking, catch yourself, shift gears and do something different to shift your energy. Go for a walk, call a friend or read something positive.

5.    Exercise daily. My favorite is yoga as I feel the benefits mentally and physically.

6.    Read a daily intentions statement of what you want to bring into your life. Read my blog post on how to write an intention statement and why it’s such a powerful tool.

Let’s support each other as we stay positive, please share comments on what works for you.

I just got back from Arizona where I experienced a major breakthrough with my mastermind group with Kendall Summerhawk. I started the session in a challenging place. My husband has been making a career transition and as a family we’ve been feeling some additional financial pressure.

Thankfully I opened up and shared my concerns with the group. Later that evening, I met over a glass of wine with a woman from the group and we talked about what I’ve accomplished with Metromom since our last meeting in May. After listening she shared, “Kim, you’re an incredible implementer. I’ve never met anyone who can make ideas happen as quickly as you do.”

My energy shifted as she said these words because I realized that, although they were true, and I knew it about myself, I hadn’t really let it seep in and accepted it as valuable. I do make ideas happen REALLY quickly and I can’t even tell you how excited I feel to really own that.

This recognition allows me to really dig deeper on what I can offer as a coach to women in my Metromom community. After speaking to this woman, and others in the Mastermind Group, I was also inspired to do more one-on-one VIP private coaching. Stay tuned for the details!

The lesson I’d like to share is the value of opening up and then listening to any positive feedback we receive. Don’t be overly modest and dismiss the praise, instead acknowledge your strengths. Sometimes we walk around with a “story” about ourselves and for whatever reason we chose not to recognize our true talents. Please share a comment on a “hidden” strength or talent you’ve recently owned up to – I’d love to hear your stories.

I’m really passionate about empowering and supporting women, especially when they’re going through difficult times. With that in mind, I’m looking forward to participating in a live TeleRetreat with my friend Colleen Bushby, The Savvy Divorced Chick.

I’ll be one of the 5 featured experts sharing invaluable information. If you or a friend have gone through a divorce and are looking to create power, security, and direction in your life after divorce, you won’t want to miss the Savvy TeleRetreat. It begins January 27, 2009 through February 5, 2009.

My segment will be on Rediscovering Your Professional Savvy. If you’re reentering the workforce or maybe looking to start your own business – where do you start? I’ll show you how to increase your confidence and professional savvy when starting out in a new career.
You will learn:

1. How to get clarity on what drives you and what you want to accomplish.
2. The importance of having a support system – both professional and personal.
3. How to conquer limiting beliefs and make the time to commit to personal growth

This educational, entertaining, and empowering event will focus on areas of Mindset, Health & Wellness, Finance, Career, and Relationships.

Ask yourself…

1. Are you secretly worried about what the future holds?
2. Do you feel you need to make a change in your career or personal life, but can’t see how it will be possible?
3. Are you looking for inspiration and a solid plan of action to make 2009 your best year yet?
4. Would you like to learn the secrets of people who have walked in your shoes and made their dreams a reality?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then I’d like to extend an invitation to a very special FREE teleconference, featuring several women (including me) who were fearless!
Call Topic:    LIVING FEARLESSLY IN 2009!
Date:            Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
Time:            9 PM Eastern

This call is based on an audio series I was interviewed for – Living Fearlessly: Stories of 7 Fearless Women Who Felt the Fear and Did it Anyway. As one of the 7 women featured, I share my story of overcoming various fears in order to create the life and business I have today.

The series creator, Carey Powell, is an Associate Certified Life Coach and owner of Fearless Soul Life Coaching. Her vision was to bring together the dynamic stories of 7 different women to inform, motivate and most of all INSPIRE FEARLESSNESS in others looking to live their dreams!
On this call, you will:

1. Hear secrets and tips from Carey and the audio series experts on how 2009 can be your most fearless year yet!
2. Learn the 3 things you can do RIGHT NOW to get “unstuck.”
3. Identify the one BIG thing that is holding you back from moving forward.
4. Begin an action plan to propel you forward and out of fear.
5. Have the rare opportunity to ask questions of Carey and the experts on the call live.

If you can’t make it to the live call make sure to register anyway. Everyone registered for the call will receive a link to the recording, so be sure to register either way!
REGISTER for this powerful FREE call.
I hope you’ll join me in making 2009 your most fearless year yet.