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Kate Eisemann recently shot dozens of images of me for a new headshot. I was still enamored of the one she did three years ago, but based on some feedback from an unbiased third party, I decided it was time to step out as a glasses-wearing woman business owner who also happens to be three years older–not that it shows…
I would love your opinion on the narrowed down selection of shots Kate took. She generously provided me with four re-touched options for consideration. Will you vote on your favorite via the comments section?
The winner will be the one that goes onto my website and all my marketing materials for the next several years. No pressure!
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- #4
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I’ve been staring at two vision boards that hang on the inside of my closet door daily for several years now. The very first one I ever created, before these two, came to fruition within a short time. I made it by cutting and pasting images of the places, people and things I wanted in my life. I visited Japan, renovated our master bath, created a forum for high-level artistic women, entertained good friends and emulated Julie Morgenstern.
These two newer boards are taking longer to manifest. I’ve been gazing at yoginis in impossible postures, lap pools and exotic locales. And Oprah. I realized just how long I’d had these boards in my closet when Oprah’s picture fell off. The glue which had been holding her attached to my vision had dried up. I lovingly placed her image in my jewelry box so I could continue to envision having her in my life. I’m still not sure what I’m looking for–hence the vision board–I just know it includes Oprah in some form.
The reason I’m writing about this is that I believe it’s important to know what you want and to place your ad with the Universe. Clients recently have told me what they don’t want: aggravating clients, too little income, work that bores them. Among other recommendations I always suggest a vision statement or board so that they will become crystal clear and focus on what they do want.
Shortly after posting my May 1 entry about verbalizing what I need in relationships, I was heading into NYC for the day. Having heard the weather prediction, I packed the cute little fold-up umbrella my daughter-in-law’s family gave me for Christmas. It was the first time I was carrying it and noticed a large tag tucked into one of the ribs. It was the company’s warranty.
Since I had a small pocket of time while waiting for the train, I read it.
Shedrain has been creating fine umbrellas since 1947. Our quality materials and expert craftsmanship stand the test of time. All it takes is a little care and common sense.
Always treat a Shedrain umbrella with respect and it will provide excellent protection for years to come.
I’m thinking about handing out warranties to everyone I meet from now on. Treat me with a little care, common sense and respect and I’ll provide excellence for years to come.
Imagine finding reinforcement for my message from the Shedrain Umbrella company!
While I was writing today’s blog about collaboration, I went to my image resource for a photo of an iconic partnership–a couple photographed from behind with the sun beaming rays all around them, or something similarly inspiring. What I repeatedly found was this–white men in business suits shaking hands. Not my world!
Where are the women professionals? Few and far between! People of color? Forget it! Women over 4o? Not on this stock photo site. It’s not a battle I choose to take on, but a quiet reminder that there are still unspoken hurdles to leap out there in the world of business and life.
My piece on collaboration will wait until next week when I’ve had time to locate a more suitable representation for my message.
“I am committed to destroying the myth of the starving artist.”
When I read that quote in the NYTimes Sunday Business section in December, I knew I had to take action. I, also, am committed to seeing women (men, too!) thrive and prosper in their creative endeavors. I recognized a kindred spirit and wanted to reach out and join forces.
I immediately wrote a letter to the gentleman quoted and was honored to get together with him on my trip to Florida last week. Here I am after that inspiring meeting.
I once believed that if you were really talented you would never have to market yourself or take one tiny step out of your comfort zone. You would be discovered and your world would be filled with ringing telephones, opportunities and patrons.
Receiving a call from the White House in the early 80’s, which was a life-changer, substantiated that belief. I was asked to participate in the annual Easter Egg event by submitting my painted eggs to their display. That remains the one and only opportunity that came my way without my being able to trace its origin.
EVERY other opportunity I’ve ever had has been preceded by an action I’ve taken: selling my wares, sending direct mail, blogging, speaking, networking or exchanging a business card with someone over coffee.
I’m not sure what will develop from this new alliance, but I am sure that honoring the urge to schedule an appointment 1200 miles south of my home was a passion I had to follow.
One of the most dramatic professional changes I’ve been privileged to witness since I began coaching in 2002 is Jessica Bram’s transformation from public relations practitioner to full-time writer.
Jessica and I have worked together in just about every capacity I offer–one-on-one coaching, Mastermind Groups and my Create Your Own Future retreat. In that time she has created a vision for herself, done the work of transformation (no wands involved here!), grown and changed into the writer she’d always dreamed of becoming.
For years I heard Jessica say, “I want to write.” Now she says, “I’m a writer.” If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video clip is worth millions. Click on this link to hear about this in Jessica’s own words.
To learn more about Jessica’s book, her writing workshops, her commentaries and her blog click on each highlighted link.
On Monday a coaching client mentioned feeling inadequate to put herself in front of high-end clientele . The next day I heard the same fear articulated by another woman I was coaching who also had that “less than” thing going on. Then, over lunch with a colleague yesterday same story again.
So, what started as an “hmmmm” on Monday, took on trend status Tuesday and proved to be an epidemic by Thursday. Definitely a blog topic for today!
I’m traveling to Florida next week to be with good friends and have also scheduled an appointment while I’m down there to meet with the President of an acclaimed art college to offer a collaborative event. My gremlins are SCREAMING: “Why would he be interested in YOU?” “He has millions of alums who can do what you do in high heels and backwards.” “What could you possibly offer that he doesn’t already have enough of?”
Do you need me to share more to qualify for this sorority? I didn’t think so…
Fortunately, I participate in a spiritual fellowship every Friday morning and heard just what I needed today to address this issue: the fear that lies beneath our desires.
I believe that my intuitive hit to contact this gentleman, based on a quote of his I read in the NYTimes awhile back, was the spark of God in me. And that my gremlins represent FEAR and are combated only by action.
What’s on the other side of this impostor/less-than/fear-of-success syndrome is faith, success and the unknown. It used to be more comfortable for me (us) to wallow in the familiar, icky as it may be. I can’t do that any more.
The way I get beyond my saboteurs, head games and paralysis is to name it and claim it, to ask for help and to do the next right thing. I pick up the phone, describe what’s going on to a caring friend, and describe the action I’m going to take on my behalf. It has worked every time I’ve done this and is the underpinning for my success to date.
The fear doesn’t go away. I keep doing scarier and cooler things in my business. But the muscle I’m flexing to overcome the fear is growing stronger every time I use it.
I received a phone call last night on our home phone that now rings only in the kitchen. An office line and cell phone numbers have long since become our primary means of communication, so checking messages on 1-0-3-2 usually entails simply deleting calls from telemarketers who got through.
This was from a woman in Albuquerque, NM who had saved an old copy of Victoria magazine (1992) and wondered if my eggs were still available. I hesitated before returning the call since I haven’t touched a kistka–the tool I used to decorate with–in nearly five years. But, personally, I like to have closure and appreciate when anyone returns my call, so I dialed her back. We had a lovely conversation. She might even purchase a copy of my book on the subject –Decorating Eggs: Exquisite Designs with Wax & Dye.
The call brought up several thoughts which were worth sharing:
- I marveled at the shelf-life of the printed word. Victoria Magazine ceased publication in 2003, not to mention the 17 years since this piece was published.
- When the article did appear, a book on the subject wasn’t even a twinkle in my eye.
- I didn’t regret losing a potential sale, nor spend one second contemplating pulling out my tools and dyes in fear of this economic slowdown.
- You never know when the seeds you’ve planted will sprout, where or how.
Stay positive!
For the past couple of weeks I’ve been talking about parties: my clients’ –341 Studios–cooking party for their subcontractors, my thank you event for my clients and the idea that now is a great time to send out invitations and find something (anything!) to celebrate.
When we’re together in a positive environment and among friends, colleagues and peers, the challenging news of the day ebbs from the foreground. For me, it is an essential ingredient in keeping the faith.
I wanted to share this photo I just received taken at a party I had the joy of attending last November. Lion Brand Yarn, a family-owned business with whom I have the privilege of working, opened its first Studio on 15th Street in New York City. It’s a gorgeous space with a vast array of yarns and inspiration.
It was such a wonderful night as everyone associated with this great company’s success was part of the celebration, including their knitting enthusiast spokeswoman, Vanna White. Sharing the photo with me and Vanna is the CEO of Lion Brand, David Blumenthal. I’m grateful to Gale Blumenthal for this image.
No vowel jokes, I promise.
Taking my own advice I’ve decided that rather than offer a Luxury Spa Retreat at Canyon Ranch for women business owners, I’d make a change.
What feels right to me, at this time in our economy, is to offer a similar experience–allowing time to focus on what you really want in your business and your life–but at a more economically sound location:Kripalu, one of my favorite places on earth.
I’ve been going to Kripalu for about 20 years for rest and renewal, for experiential programs, juice fasts, meditation retreats and fun. I credit it with being the home of much of my transformation in my life and work.
Now, I want to invite my participants to join me there. The program will be exactly the same, but the carpeting won’t be as thick. The food is delicious and health-focused, there’s a great sauna and whirlpool, massages and other holistic treatments are available and the price is right. Instead of the $2500 price tag for the Canyon Ranch experience, our early bird offer (sign up by February 15–a great Valentine’s gift to yourself, and it’s deductible) is $995. That’ll include all meals, housing, yoga and dance classes as well as the Create Your Own Future program. Watch for your invitation early next week…
It just feels right.
