Lifeworks! » independent

MIDLIFE, MILES AND MIRACLES

Jeannie Fennell — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:03:56 +0000

This is a story about a midlife crisis that resulted in internal and external miracles…and the many miles that were traveled along the way.

Midlife crisis is usually joked about as the time when people buy the fancy sports and find a young, good-looking person to ride in it. But even if you don’t approach this time in that way, midlife is certainly a time to reexamine your life, make some big changes and perhaps go in a different direction.

This is the story about how one woman is doing that & is inspiring others to create their own “new journey”.

The Inner Journey

About three years ago, Soulo Entrepreneurs member, Tamela Rich came to me to help her deal with the loss of her business and to help her find a new career direction. Tamela did a lot of inner work to connect with what she really wanted to do. She had long loved to write but had, like many of us, not seen using her talent as a viable business. But as she connected with her passion, her energy returned and doors began to open for her.

She created a successful business writing for financial markets. And after having dealt with her own crisis, she decided to write about the trade offs everyone must make in life. With the financial meltdown still playing out, she’s researching the book by talking to financial traders across the country about their trade offs – personally and professionally.

She also wanted to have some fun, live a dream, and make a difference…All great midlife goals

So next week, she will start riding across the country to conduct her research, not in a shiny sports car, but on a shiny new motorcycle. Along the way she’ll be raising money for The National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The Outer Journey

Of course, there were a few obstacles to realizing her dream. Minor ones like she had never ridden a motorcycle.

She had little money of her own, didn’t know many people around the country, and a few other “minor” challenges.

Oh yeah, and she didn’t have a motorcycle or the means to buy on

And some people who asked her, “What are you thinking? “ and other discouraging remarks.

The Dream

But she had a dream and out of that dream has come some miracles –like the new BMW motorcycle and the dozens of “little” sponsorships from friends. strangers and businesses across the country. In the spirit of “If you build it, they will come,” her dream is coming tru

Biker Babe

And on June 26, she will start her “outward journey” with lots of support. plenty of contacts, a book contract and a new bike. In the process, she has inspired all of us to reconnect with our passions and find a way to make a difference in the world…especially our own.

Tamela gives a new meaning to “You Rock, Biker Babe!

You can follow Tamela’s travels on Roadtrip.TamelaRich.com

5 Mistakes That Can Cost You Business

Jeannie Fennell — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:25:18 +0000

I will be giving a talk on this topic to The Midlands Business Association on May 18, 2010 @ 12:00 .

The Midland Business Association has invited me to speak on this topic at their monthly luncheon. In this talk I will discuss the common mistakes in using time, money & reputation that undermine many entrepreneurs and give some simple solutions to avoid them. After making lost of mistakes myself and years of coaching entrepreneurs, I have some suggestions that can help to avoid costly missteps.

This business group is made up of small businesses and entrepreneurs who are located just on the outskirts of Charlotte NC in a fast growing area close to the 485 loop.

I was recommended by Pat Allen, a former SOULO member and owner of Grannanny Soaps & Lotions. Ifelt that I could give useful information to this group and I am delighted to support them since “start up entrepreneurs “ are some of my favorite people to work with.

For more info, contact me or : joyce@weeklypostnc.com

THE CIRCLE THAT MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND

Jeannie Fennell — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:10:51 +0000

Women Holding Up the World

“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead

I was crying…

It was a very hot August day and I was crying. I felt depressed and lonely. I was overwhelmed, stressed and didn’t know where to get any help.

I had started my business and while it was slowly growing, so was my despair.

The isolation of working alone, trying to know all I needed to know and keep up with it all was overwhelming me. It was just too much to do by myself. Friends and family just didn’t get what I was doing and thought I just laid around all day.

A job a Wal-Mart was looking good

Slowly it dawned on me that I could not be the only person who felt like this and maybe by getting us together we could help each other.

So out of my despair, the entrepreneurs support group, SOULO was born. Seven years later I now know help is close by in the lives of other women; I just have to as

Ordinary women making history

So this is an article about “ordinary” women making history by just being themselves and making a difference right where they are.

Most of them started a business because of economic necessity and equally important, because they wanted to make a difference in their world.

And I can honestly say, without their ideas, inspiration, advice and savvy, I would be working at Wal-Mart.

Over the years, women with a variety of businesses have been a part of the group. From a goat farmer to CEOs…all have come together to grow themselves, their businesses and each other. Someday I’m going to write a book about all of them but for now, let me introduce the current members and you will see what what I mean.

Meet these amazing Women

Meg Houlihan, Ph.D. ,has been in the group almost since it started and her quiet wisdom has added so much to all us.Meg is a psychologist in private practice and she supports people, especially children, to deal with stress thru connections with nature. Her community activism and her commitment to the environment as well as her family inspire us.(Dr. Houlihan)

Carolyn Cook is the newest member and created her business, LiveSmart Designs after she was laid off. Carolyn helps people with physical issues stay in their homes by redesigning & configuring ways to both be “green” and to be accessible. She is currently teaching “Aging in Place ” at CPCC. Her energy and openness is contagious.

Belinda Haverdill, psychotherapist, came to SOULO to find way to expand her work with woman and support their healing. Belinda has studied many traditions and spiritual paths and wanted to share her knowledge. She now leads retreats, a drumming circle and many other growth experiences.She now sees herself as a expanding entrepreneur. Belinda’s gentle caring supports us all. www.belindahaverdill.com

Tamela Rich came to the group after her business had to close and she wanted to find a way a create work out of her love of writing. She is now a sought after writer for financial markets. She is planning a cross-country motorcycle tour to gather material for a book and even has a book agent. Tam inspires us by her use of social media and willingness to take risks. www.TamelaRich.com

They think they are ordinary...

And they think they are just “ordinary” women….making history by being themselves.

I am honored to know them and to know I am not alone.

They are holding up the world…. each other, and especially me.

Without them, I would be lucky to working at Wal-Mart!

****************.

History, Heritage and Hope

Jeannie Fennell — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:23:58 +0000

Our Hope & Heritage

If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see all your ancestors.

All of them are alive and present in your body.

You are the continuation of these people.

Thich Nhat Hanh

We can gather strength today from the women who came before us. They often had challenges that we can’t imagine. Remembering them can give us strength and hope. If they did it ,so can we.

Women’s History is so important yet it is often overlooked. Since whoever is the “victor” usually writes the history, women’s contributions are often not recorded and therefore not celebrated

We can’t Honor what we don’t know.

We can’t honor what we don’t know. The contributions of women are unsung and they are usually too busy to record it themselves.

For most of my life, I didn’t think of my friends and the women in my family as heroines, but I have come to see them that way today.

I’m very sure there are women in your life whose lives deserve recognition and appreciation, including yours.

Remembering them gives me hope and courage – they faced and overcame so much. I am very grateful that their stories and their heritage have been passed down to me.

The Red Taffeta Petticoat

In my Thanksgiving letter, I wrote about my grandmother, who grew up without electricity and lived to see a man on the moon. She lived through two wars with two sons in service, weathered the Great Depression, and buried 3 husbands but still loved to dance in her red taffeta petticoat. And she thought she was nothing special.

My mother had cancer at an early age but felt she had to live to take care of her kids. While pregnant, she experienced a world war that carried two brothers into service. She had never worked outside her home but started a florist business at age 42 when my father became ill. Through very hard work she was able to send me to college. She loved to laugh and spread beauty, through her flowers, to many people. And she thought she just did what anyone would do.

We are not alone.

I know so many women like them who think they are nothing special but they truly keep the world going. And they pass on their example of courage and love of life to us.

We cannot honor them any more than to remember them and pass on their stories and their joy. And to remember, when we feel overwhelmed, that we are part of an amazing heritage and we can’t do any less. We are not alone.

Money Multiplier

Jeannie Fennell — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:00:52 +0000

Been Stressed about Holiday gifts? Have you been complaining about the state of the economy?? The Malls Madness? The lack of good customer service?

I know I have done that a lot and felt unable to do much about it but I think I have found some help for all of that …& it can be fun & rewarding besides…what a great deal!

The solution? Multiply your money locally!

The solution is to shop locally with independent (not chain store) merchants in your ‘Hood. Shopping locally can generate huge dividends in improving your community & your pocketbook.

You can help contribute directly to your own well-being and someone else’s. The monetary amounts from such spending are are huge:

If 3 people spend $50.00 a month locally it would generate over $42.6

BILLION annually….which would be spent locally.
For every $100.00 spent in an independently owned business, $68.00
comes back to us.
If you spend that in a national chain, only $43.00 comes back & if you spend it on line, your community & your business gets ZERO!

I am really fortunate to live in an in-town neighborhood where there are lots of diverse shops and great gifts to chose from. But wherever you are, I know there are places to go where you will have a wonderful selection as well as doing your part to support folks working hard just like you. It can save you money and time.

Every community has locally owned restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, bakeries and other businesses that will really appreciate you and your business. And the parking is easy.

Gotta love the 3/50 Project

The wonderful 3/50 PROJECT is all about this. It encourages people to buy & support local businesses. This is such an important idea because these businesses contribute so much to, our local economy and our community. We really do like to do business with people we know and trust. And personally, I liked to be called by my name and greeted like a valued customer, not an account number.

Social media is great but nothing takes the place of a person who is happy to see you and wants to help you. So check out this out how you get known and appreciated in your “village.”.. You will never get that from a chain store. To find out more at the 3/50 website.

Pick 3 locally owned independent businesses to check out and stop in & say Hello. Buy something that makes you smile.
Find time to talk the owner of a local business about their business and yours. You may be able to support each other and will have made a friend…and they will be sure to remember you next time you come in.
Eat in a neighborhood restaurant, ask to meet the owner and thank them for improving your quality of life. McDonalds will never do that.
Hold your “meet- up” in a local coffee shop or resturant,they will be happy to have you and give you special service.
If you need a product or service but can’t find it, ask the local merchant if they can recommend someone. Chances are they will give you a good recommendation and will say “Tell them I sent you “; always a great way to get good service.
Subscribe to your neighborhood association’s newsletter & get on the email list for the local merchant’s newsletter. Great way to find inexpensive deals and events.
If you already have some favorite local businesses, stop by and thank them or send them a referral. They will remember!

SOS Tip: It Really Does Take a Village to Raise A Business..

Jeannie Fennell — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:00:40 +0000

It Really Does Take a Village to Raise A Business… or Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!

Recently I found out from my favorite bookstore, Park Rd Books, about the wonderful 3/50 project that encourages people to buy & support local businesses.This is such an important idea because these businesses contribute so much to our own businesses,our local economy and our sense of community. We really do like to do business with people we know and trust.And personally,I liked to be called by my name and greeted like a good customer,not an account number.We all want to be known & valued.Social media is great but nothing takes the place of a person who is happy to see you and wants to help you. So check out this month’s tips to find out how you get known and appreciated in your “village.”.. You will never get that from a chain store. To find out more at the 3/50 website.

The idea of 3/50 is that if 3 people spend $50.00 a month locally it would generate over $42.6 BILLION annually….which would be spent locally…like in your business. For every $100.00 spent in an independently owned business, $68.00 comes back to us. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43.00 comes back & if you spend it on line, your community & your business gets ZERO!

Pick 3 locally owned independent businesses that you value and stop in & say Hello.Buy something that makes you smile.
Find time to talk the owner of a local business about their business and yours. You may be able to support each other and may have also made a friend…and they will be sure to remember you next time you come in.
If you need a product or service but can’t find it locally,ask the local owner if they can recommend someone.Chances are they will give you a good recommendation and will say “Tell them I sent you “; always a great way to get good service.
Subscribe to your neighborhood association’s newsletter. Often you can advertise inexpensively there and can also find businesses in your community to meet your needs.
Attend local events & be a sponsor or donate a service.People putting these together as well as attendees will remember you & your generosity.
If you already have some favorite local businesses, stop by and thank them or send them a referral.They will remember!