If not now, when?

Anyone who’s lived long enough has come to the understanding that living this life goes in cycles/circles. Sometime you’re riding the crest. Sometimes you’re at the bottom of the wave – drowning.

If you’ve survived enough of those circles/cycles, you trust that both circumstances will come ’round again.

My thought on this today is – no matter where you are within those circles of living today – what do you do with all your experiences? Do you succumb to the preponderance weighing down upon your creativity, curiosity and Spirit? Do you step back, take that breath, clear your thoughts and begin anew? Do you share your load with a few trusted Friends? Do you keep it all inside and muddle your way through? Do you combine a variety of known and un-known “techniques” to help yourself?

In my experiences I’ve learned to do all the above (and a bit more, too); all the while knowing in my heart of hearts that what exists (at this moment) will change. Patience. Fearlessness. Trusting the “dark”. Turning to the “light”.

If not now, when? …and, by helping yourself you are helping others when you bear witness to your own humanness.

Many thanks to those who have helped me, if in no other way than…listening. Grazi. Merci. Xie xie. Thank you.

Dance on…

Spring…forward – 2011

Question:  What’s holding you back from contributing to/doing what you can/could do?

Ginsing

Writing the lead – or – Being a good dance partner Ecademy

Writing the lead – Ecademy

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What say you, please?

Thanks and Cheers!

Jessan

Shooting Stars

Original Video – More videos at TinyPic

I doubt you’ll ever view shooting stars in exactly the same you used to after you view this.

Enjoy!

Online Business & Social Networking

Online Business & Social Networking

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THREE SPOT CHECK QUESTIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

I was recently asked by a new business owner what they could do to improve their business.

My first question was, “Do you have a long-term passion for and commitment to your business?”

“Yes, indeed!” was their reply.

My second questions was, “How do you sustain your current clients; and, what value(s) do you offer to attract new clients?”

“I sustain my current clients by ‘touching’ them a bit more often than I used to.

By ‘touching’ I mean, having learned a little about them – their family, activities that they enjoy, etc. – I make a call and/or send an e-mail or a hand-written note to say, ‘Hi!’ or wish them a happy birthday or to enjoy when they’re going on holiday; or, simply to let them know that I’m offering a new service or product.

With new or prospective clients, I let them know that I’m willing and able to negotiate a fee (within reason) to attract them or keep their business.  Neither one of us feels we’re being ‘used’ or ‘taken’; and, therefore, they feel they’re getting very good value for their hard-earned money and I don’t feel I’m working for next to nothing.  It’s win-win.”

My third (and last) questions was, “How long do you plan on being in business?”

“I plan on being in business for the rest of my workin’ days.  I figure that very few folks want to do business with someone who’s only in it for the fast buck or the short term.  They want to know that you’re going to be around for a good, long while, that you know what you’re doing; and, that if you find a better way, learn a new skill or can offer a better product or service, when you rise they, also, will rise in their association with you.  Again – win-win!”

Their answers were considered, thoughtful and clear.  Granted, “doing business” isn’t always that simple.  There can, frequently, be a lot more to it.  However, they replied to three essential questions that every business owner – whether on-line, brick-and-mortar or both – needs to answer for themselves on a regular basis in order to spot check their needs, their intentions and those of their client’s/buyer’s in order to continue to grow, improve and — succeed.

What say you, please?