Self-Confidence Can’t Be Bought, But Can Be Borrowed

self-confidenceIt would be wonderful if we could simply walk up to a cosmetic counter and purchase a bottle of self-confidence the way we can buy “revitalizing” or “lifting” creams for our faces.  Unfortunately this spiritual elixir, like an expensive perfume, is different on every woman because of individual chemistry.

When I was younger, my self-confidence potion was heavily scented with attitude, optimism and faith; experience, knowledge, and wisdom had to come later.  But even today, every new opportunity or challenge requires that I prepare a special batch of moxie for myself.  I do this by becoming as thoroughly prepared as possible and by looking the part – wearing an outfit, for example, that exudes self-confidence.  Next I say my prayers and ask for the Power to be switched on.  Then “it’s showtime.”  I act as if I’m self-confident and the world takes me as such.

Marketing On A Tiny Budget

Small BudgetMore and more small business owners are finding ways to cut costs.  However, there are areas in your business that you can’t afford not to spend money on such as Marketing.  There are ways to get the word out about your business that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.  If you have a tiny marketing budget, you can try the following examples.  I’m pretty sure there are other entrepreneurs that may find a few marketing ideas to try as well.

Word-of-mouth advertising and referrals cost nothing yet very powerful. There are a couple of ways to go about this. Contact your customers and ask them to refer a friend or a business associate. Or, you can ask each of your friends and relatives to recommend three of their friends. Then, write a letter to them introducing your services. Generally when you have customers that appreciate your service they are usually happy to help you stay in business.

The Best Time To Do Anything Better. . .

Change_Better Way. . . is NOW.  Yes, there is always a better way.  So many times we are afraid to step out and try something new, or become fearful of some change that is happening, and even spend many hours worrying about circumstances that never come to pass.  How can we get the most out of our lives (and our jobs, since much of our time is spent at our places of work?)

We can start by looking at our work and processes in different ways, not “checking our brain at the door,” and start by becoming actively engaged in our daily tasks.  Waste occurs in many forms in the workplace, and for too many people, it looks normal.  Some examples are:

  • Defects and rework
  • Machine and office equipment breakdown
  • Wait and down time
  • Inefficient work process
  • Stored inventory
  • Not using people’s talents

When we begin to question “this is not the way it should be” our creativity kicks in and we can begin on the road to improvement.  We don’t want to end up like the character played by Bill Murray in

The Single-Syllable Lifesaver

Saying NoShameless procrastination.  Reluctantly saying yes.  Complaining relentlessly.  Feeling like a martyr.    You go through all that, when a two-letter word  could have set you free from obligation:  “No.” Darn it, I can’t.  Sorry, no. Love to, but no, can’t do it this time. That’s what your inner bobblehead was screaming as your mouth said, “Yes, I’d love to host this year’s Superbowl party.”

Thinking you are a bad person for saying no is a symptom of “the disease to please.”  Do the right thing – for yourself and others – by opting out.  Don’t feel guilty.

Saying No, Step-by-Step

  1. Dodge first, then digest.  Never answer in the moment.  Try “Let me get back to you.”  This gives you time to weigh your options and compose yourself before answering.

Health is Wealth. . . Learn to Manage it Well

health_wealthI think it’s safe to say that we all strive to live a better life.  We try to manage our personal and professional life and somehow do our best to create some balance.  We love to take care of our loved ones, our customers, our bosses.  But one thing that we certainly neglect from time to time is to take care of ourselves.  Health, after all, is something that we cannot take for granted.  Well, not for long.  Without our health, we definitely, lose the ability to take care of all those things that we think are all so important.  Remember that health is wealth.

It’s easy to put off managing your health.  Do it soon, though.  In fact, do it right now.  Learn to manage your health.  The general advice follows:

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