The Way to Live Life

I found this video on U-Tube. It is titled, "5 Ways You Can be a Better Leader". This is true, but if you don't particularly want to be a better leader, then these 5 points will also help you be a better wife, husband, friend, mother, aunt.... the list is endless. These 5 points can help you be a better person. Enjoy. It's by Dr David Weiman from Weiman Consulting.

The Joy of Learning

From the time I was little I have loved learning. I have spent many hours listening to my dad talking about what he had learned that day in his reading or studying. He always had this intensity and sense of bursting excitement when he was talking like this. As someone who was made to end his schooling at age 12, learning for him was an undeniable passion. When I graduated from university with a Bachelor of Music Education he didn't attend. He was over in South Africa attending his own graduation. He has a Bachelor of Theology. Pretty cool, don't you think.

What I am enjoying in my 'learning about business' I have begun in the last few years, is that many people seem to be talking about integrity, morality, team work and generosity. Perhaps it is not new but my impression of those in business has always been one of greed and selfishness, the large feeding off the small.

It was a joy when I picked up the book Wombat Selling at the bookstore one day. This was more my style. I loved that it recognised the intelligence of the buyer and the fact that the buyer is the one in control of the sale, not the one trying to make the sale. The networking groups I was involved in at RYZE also promote the respect of others. I have learnt a lot from there. In my previous post I shared an email that was sent by Scott Zimmerman who I learnt about through Perry Marshall. Perry Marshall and his assossiates are people who love to teach and realise that business is best when you are helping those around you benefit. Helping others succeed brings you success. This is one of the principals talked about in 'The Secret' that made such a buzz recently.

Well, now I am a part of OurGV.com. Many of the same principals are applied and taught by the leaders of this company. One of the things we are encouraged to do is to read the blogs written by the CEO Mr Chad Shapiro. The entry I read today prompted me to write this. You can read the full post here. I will share a few snippets that made me go 'yeah!!'....

Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to stay there. To achieve our potential as a leader we need mental and moral strength. The leader must set the example...

and this one....

It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.

The post end with this little gem...

Genius is nothing but an aptitude for patience. Success is ALWAYS attainable when defined correctly, that is the effort to do the best you are capable.

If you're struggling with motivation for your business at present and feel in need of a boost, I encourage you to read the entire post and let your inner Genius breathe.

Mentoring

Being a part time teacher and tutor means that while I earn, everythings ok but as soon as holidays hit the income stops. Working part time also cuts down on my superannuation payments and I'm very conscious about the need to build a nest egg. This need is partly what set me on the search for online jobs. Over the last couple of years I have signed up for schemes to try and newsletters and groups to see what is out there and to find what will work for me. Some of these are mostly hype and some only send out 'buy this and all you problems will disappear' letters. Some people send out what I refer to as 'helpful sales letters', letters that have a product but still help me in my learning journey.

Here is one such letter I received the other day from Scott Zimmerman. He has given me permission to post it here. First, here is his blurb....

Dr. Tony Alessandra and Scott Zimmerman founded Platinum Rule Group to make the philosophy of “Do Unto Others as They Want Done Unto Them!” a standard business practice.

When you learn how to treat others the way they want to be treated, interpersonal tension disappears, trust rises and relationships flourish.

Through our books, audio/video programs, customized e-zine, corporate training, speeches, assessments, and database/communication technologies, we strive to improve our world by helping you master The Platinum Rule®.

To learn more, visit our web site: www.PlatinumRuleGroup.com
And here is the letter:

Debunking the Myths of Mentorship
by Scott Zimmerman

I’m writing this article to share some insights about mentorship that I hope will help some of you accelerate your growth journey. In hindsight, I see how I wasted so much time because of faulty assumptions I made about people. My mind was making conclusions based on poor beliefs and I’d like you to learn from my mistakes.

The first myth is that highly successful people are unapproachable, standoffish, snobbish and/or too busy to lend you a helping hand. My experience has been the exact opposite!

I used to believe that authors were “gods” simply because they were my heroes. I’ve never idolized athletes, movie stars or rock stars, but authors and thought leaders were huge in my mind. When I started my first business in 1989, I began reading every type of book I could find on advertising, marketing, sales and entrepreneurship. I never stopped reading! I was amazed at how much knowledge these authors had accrued and how well they could teach me through their experiences.

Then in 2003, I read a book called Relationship Selling by Jim Cathcart. It completely changed the way I interacted with my current and prospective clients. The information was so valuable to me, I called the author (dialing that phone took guts!) to thank him. I left him a voicemail and to my surprise and delight, he called me back a few hours later! I had one of the nicest conversations I’ve ever had, although I was quite nervous.

That phone call debunked the first myth. Mr. Cathcart—who is a hugely successful author and public speaker—not only returned my call, but took a true interest in my ideas and my business. I told him how I had applied his ideas and how they had helped me sell my new contact management system.

Mr. Cathcart ended our conversation by sending an email to his best friend recommending that we talk about combining my technology with his psychology, and on December 23, 2003, I had my first conversation with Dr. Tony Alessandra!

Again, Tony was incredibly successful, yet took plenty of time to talk with me and exchange ideas. During the next year, Tony took me under his wing and gave me tons of great advice about people skills (his Platinum Rule book is amazing!), marketing, selling (his Non-Manipulative Selling book is a classic) and improving my technology. Eventually, we became business partners, but he still is—without question—my most important mentor.

Second myth: Mentors and those being mentored are on different “levels". Aristotle, Plato and Socrates knew what they were doing! They understood that learning accelerates regardless if you are the teacher or the student. Swapping both roles and information enriched both people.

Tony Alessandra and Jim Cathcart are perfect examples of shedding titles, roles and pride for the purpose of accelerating growth. When they met, Tony was an expert in marketing and Jim was a polished public speaker. They became the best of friends and “co-mentors” for each other. Jim helped Tony improve his speaking skills (he must have been one heck of a teacher; Tony and Jim were inducted into the Speaker’s Hall of Fame together in 1985) and Tony helped Jim with his marketing. Each used their particular gifts and talents to help the other shore up a weakness and the results speak for themselves.

The third myth is: Mentoring is a one-way street.

I am currently being mentored by Tony, Jim, and Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, and other brilliant, successful thought leaders. I can assure you that I learn incredible things from each and every encounter!

However, I’ve come to a recent realization that they, too, have much to gain by investing time with me. All of them are my clients and I’m privileged to help them with positioning, branding, one-to-one marketing and leveraging communication technology to grow sales through my Cyrano system.

Tony helps me with focus, speaking skills and business challenges, Jim is a genius in the area of “relationship intelligence” and Charlie is my spiritual mentor. I owe them all more than words could ever say. THANK YOU!!!

Final myth: Mentoring only occurs when two people exchange information and ideas.

I have received invaluable mentoring from people I’ve never met! People mentor me through their books, their articles, their audio programs, their movies, their shows, their blogs, and the list goes on and on!

Many of my mentors have long passed on, but their ideas continue to shape my thinking as I read the words they wrote. Tremendous Jones has taught me to read biographies; it is amazing how much can be gleaned from the thoughts and deeds by Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin and the like. I still love reading books by Og Mandino (one of Jim Cathcart’s mentors!), Dale Carnegie, Napoleon Hill and Norman Vincent Peale.

Here is a short summary (copy and paste this paragraph, then email it to your “attention span” challenged friends): Everyone is approachable. The more successful they are, typically the nicer they are! Mentoring relationships can occur between any two people, regardless of either level of success and/or knowledge. Mentoring is not a one-way street; quite often the person who starts off as the mentor learns just as much from the person they are mentoring. Lastly, change your view of mentoring. You can be mentored from anything (not just people): Books, seminars, articles, etc…

In closing, I wanted to brag a little on my main mentor: Dr. Tony Alessandra. He recently appeared in a new movie called The Power of Mentorship and they just now released the DVD. Tony stars along with great leaders like Bob Proctor, Marie Diamond and Vic Johnson. This movie explores eight proven laws that accelerate every growth journey. If interested, please click here to purchase copies for yourself and all those you wish to mentor.

Toward your success,

Scott Zimmerman, Managing Partner

Platinum Rule Group

If you found this encouraging let me know. And you never know your luck I might review those books for you at some stage.

Organising Post Archive

In the light that this blog will now cover more topics I have started adding labels to each post. At the moment these labels simple say 'jewellery' if the post is about my jewellery business, 'business learning' if it is about any of the things I am involved in that relates to learning how run my business. Another label is 'designer quest' for pieces entered in that competition, 'pictures' will lead you to all posts that contain pictures. I will add more labels as things appear like 'OurGV' and 'competitions' when I enter into more. 'General' means it's just housekeeping or chit chat. If you need more detailed organisation I'd love to hear from you.

Happy New Year

Well, with the new year comes a new determiation to make this blog work. I posted very poorly last year. Yes, you may scoff but I will do my best to post regularly in 2008.

I intend to change this blog's focus somewhat. It is difficult for me to focus this blog so narrowly on my jewellery business when that is only one facet of my working life. Each week I am a teacher, a tutor, a beader, a small business owner, a crafter and a student. I am going to incorporate all of these in my blog. I am building a business with my jewellery but it is only part time. I am building other things part time also.

Hopefully I will be able to organise things so this is not too confusing. I will see how I go. Keep an eye out. I'm going to be learning heaps and I hope to keep you up to date.

So all the best for you all in 2008. I hope you have as great a time as I'm intending to have.

Growth

Well, it's been a long time coming but finally Soulscape Artistry is expanding. It is exciting to add another artist to the website and therefore to the collective. Penel of Fire Bird Beads is a beader who I first met at the Bead and Gem Show in 2004. Turned out, we lived near to each other and gradually over the years we have helped each other out. I believe Penel's business will add a great deal to the live of Soulscape Artistry.

It shows that sometimes, it's just the timing that needs to be right. This beading job of mine is only part time and sometimes progress is slow because of that. Slow does not mean that nothing is happening though. These last two weeks have seen the addition of Penel to the website as well as having my work taken by two stores on consignment. Hopefully it is the start of exciting things.

Mothers' Day Open House

First weekend of May was the second annual Mothers' Day Open House presented by Soulscape Artistry. Things were a little different this time as Sarah was off shooting a movie. I was on my own. I set everything up the night before and waited for the people to roll on in just like every other time.

Two people came.

Oh my. This is bad. I was prepared for a little quiet, but nobody!!!

Depressed, I went to bed and hoped that the Saturday would be better. It was a little better.

Eleven people came.

There is nothing quite like a time where you put lots of effort into an event and you're left sitting by yourself at home hoping to hear people at the door. The car doors from next door make you strain in hopes the people are actually coming to see you, voices make you look up to the window in hopes of seeing a face. Not pretty.

Things picked up a little in the afternoon. Some people stayed for a while. Others came and went fairly quickly. I was thinking that it was good that at least some things had been bought. Nelda had sold 3 beautiful handbags by the end of the day. Marjo had sold a rock and a plaque. Sarah had sold some things, as had I.

And so the day came to an end. Now for the truth. What had we achieved? Imagine my surprise when sales were added up and we had sold just over $800 worth of goods. OH MY GOODNESS!!

So lesson learnt. Never lose faith.

The work we do is of a wonderful standard and people really do love it. There is also the possibility of a couple of the ladies who came holding a showing for their friends. I do so hope it happens. I have always planned for the business to expand naturally as people come to know what we do. I hope I am not disappointed.

Onward and upward.

Australian Etsy Sellers Blog

There is now a blog featuring the many Australian artists who sell through etsy. Different people will be featured at various times. Drop in and have a look. Sometimes there will be competitions, (there is one going now) and news of what us 'DUST'ers are doing. Here's the link:

Aussie etsy blog

Squidoo

If you look to the side you will see a new link to my Squidoo lens. I decided to have a go. Pop on by and take a look.

Second Prize!

I just won second prize for my Designer Quest entry!! How exciting is that!!!!!! Yaay me.

See two posts down March/April Designer Quest for picture.

Happy Easter Everyone

The Night before Easter
Little bit of Easter Humour !!!

'Twas the night before Easter. All was calm and laid back.
Fred, the mouse in the kitchen, snarfed down a late snack.
The eggs were all dyed but still drippy and sticky...
To be honest, they looked just a little bit icky.
There were big jelly beans, chocolate bunnies and such,
And as Fred stuffed his face, he sighed, "This is too much!"
Phil and Rose were in bed watching late night TV,
While munching saltines with low-sodium Brie.
Then a sudden commotion rang out in the night.
It shook Phil and Rose, really gave them a fright.
Phil's hair stood on end, and his eyes bugged out big...
Rose whipped off the covers and knocked off her wig.
They lunged to the window, yanked open the blinds...
What they saw was amazing; it boggled their minds:
Across the night sky, with a noise like the dickens,
Soared a minivan drawn by eight overgrown chickens!
At the wheel sat a bunny -- cute, fuzzy and fat --
In designer blue jeans and a Panama hat.
Like a speeding space shuttle, those chickens they flew,
As the van driver called to each hen in his crew:
"Now, Ashley! Now, Sheila! Now, Kelsey and Bo!
On Bethany, Liza! On Daphne, on Flo!"
The van made its landing lickety-split ...
Nearly wiped out the shrubs and the barbecue pit!
Then up on the roof, much to Phil's consternation,
They squawked of egg prices and space navigation.
They made so much noise that Phil started to stammer,
"If you guys don't shut up, we'll get thrown in the slammer!"
Fuzzy hopped down the chimney, amidst all this racket,
And emerged from the fireplace, adjusting his jacket.
This bunny was chic, he had class, he had flair ..
Not your average bozo, not your typical hare.
His ears were enormous; his huge overbite
Was right under a nose like a pink neon light.
His manner was smooth, he was hip, he was cool;
This floppy-eared bunny was no fuzzy fool.
"While I'm here," he smiled, "Everybody relaxes ...
I'm not selling storm windows, won't audit your taxes.
I'm just here to bring you some fun and delight.
Eat, drink, and be merry! Let's party tonight!"
So they sipped diet soda and swapped silly jokes,
Those birds and their bunny just being plain folks.
Then flop-ears said, "Hey, friends, we've had quite a ball,
But my chickens and I are now due in St. Paul!"
He crossed both his eyes. Then he wiggled one ear,
And he yelled to his chicken team, "We're outta here!"
As the minivan rose in the 3 a.m. sky,
He called out, "Later, Phil! And to you, Rose, good-bye!"
As he sped out of sight, his two friends heard him say,
"Happy Easter to all! Have a beautiful day!"

Author Unknown

March/April Designer Quest

So all the entries for the latest DQ are in. I'm pretty chuffed with my entry. I'm really hoping to get some responses this time. Here is a picture.

Designer Quest Catch Up

In the past I have shown you my designer quest entries and let you know how I've gone. Well, as in other things, I'm behind. But I've just had the pictures done for me so I will show you the entry from late last year. The theme was wire. We received a heap of copper wire and a pack of beads and that was it. This is what I made. I love it. AND it's already sold. Yaay me!!

The Necklace

and the matching Bracelet.

I always like to see people's comments and 3 people voted me their favourite this time. Encouraging.

Time Flies

Goodness times flies when you're distracted. It's been four months since my last post. What with Christmas and family distractions a business can be left on the backburner very easily. But, I'm pulling myself out of my pit and I'm back. Notice the very cool 'mini etsy' to your right. Very cool. There are some new items for sale. I have two new designer quest items to show you but need photos taken first. So hang around. I will be back.

Update

Just a quick update. It's been just over a month but I've been so busy.

Designer Quest: didn't get any response again but out of 80 entries only 40 people voted so what kind of indication is that? Disappointing. I'd like to know what people think of my piece even if I don't win the big prize.

Open House: the Open House sales I have held over the last month have been very successful. The one at my house was the most successful to date. I sold over $1000 worth of jewellery! This weekend just gone was the OpenHouse in Bathurst. It was also very successful, especially being the first one. I made just under $500. Finally, things are starting to move.

Website: go check it out. I'd love some feedback. Finally, it is taking shape and looking a little like artistic people are involved. There is writing and pictures. Yaay!!

Designer Quest

Well, today is the posting day for the entries for this Designer Quest held by the Australian Beading Forum. The pack this time was showcasing some new ceramic beads and provided by the Australian online store Crystal Flair.

Here is my entry.

Necklace contains aventurine beads along with the various ceramic beads. So, as before, my aim is to have 3 people vote for me in the people's choice awards after the main event. I did better than the last few times in the fact that I didn't add too many extra things. The only things added this time are head pins and a little bit of wire. I didn't use one of the clasps though. It will be interesting to see how others used the supplies.

Every bit counts

Well, I have spent the last two days at the Sydney Bead and Gem show. Caught up with some people and manned the stall for Guru Creations. I took some of my wrapped beads that I posted below and was asked to do a magazine project based on the idea but kept simple. I'm excited. Every little bit helps. This was possible because of a contact I made last year at the show. Austalian Beader Magazine has become a fabulous magazine for beaders. Most of the projects in it are fairly basic but beautiful. The layout is really great and there are heaps of articles included about trends and artists and events which not all the magazines have. I hope this goes well and I do become published.

Being Australian

Now, I love being Australian but.....

Everytime you need to do something with other people in other countries they are in a completely different time zone. Not as in 5 hours different, but they work at what is my 1 and 2am. Really quite frustrating. I think I'm going to be short of sleep some weeks. I wonder if daylight saving will make things better or worse?

On the up side, I have found some very good American based networking groups that I will, hopefully, be able to gain much from. The ad of the previous post is for a fair that I am a part of. It's on for the coming two weeks. Small Business owners are showing their goods and you get to talk to the owners about who they are and what they sell and why they think their products are worthwhile. There are also discounts and special offers being given. Hopefully it will be another avenue for me.

Ad for Small Business Referral Network

Win a Shopping Spree

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Two Weeks of event starting Oct. 1st thru the 15th. Come join the fun. Win Prizes and find the BEST Pre-Holiday Prices of the year.

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Pictures of my wire wrapping work

Finally, I have been able to borrow a camera to photograph my work. I have been making so much lately and it has been frustrating not to be able to show what I do. When I sell things I will be able to buy my own camera, but that is a while off yet. I have made necklaces and earrings, but the things I am most proud of are my wire wrapped beads. I'll show them off today.

First up, an absolutely gorgeous lampworked bead by Wendy of Guru Creations. She's going to send me broke that girl, I just cannot resist her work. I wire wrapped it in 14k gold filled wire and am really thrilled with its simplicity. It looks really classy.

Another lampworked bead by Wendy. I'm not quite so happy with this one. I couldn't get the wire to bend enough and so, in my opinion, there is too much going on over what is already a busy bead. Oh well. It's sterling silver so I'm not just going to cut it off. I'll see if anyone bites. I do like the curl at the bottom of both these beads though. It makes them better balanced than others I've done.

This is a Carnelian bead I bought over a year ago. I just loved the orange and the shape and that touch of white patterning at the top. So pretty. One of those purchases where, once you've bought it you have no idea how to use it. Finally I thought of this pattern and I think it's stunning. Simple, elegant and very special. I think I will buy some carnelian beads and string it somehow. The loop at the bottom of the sterling ended up facing the wrong direction to what I intended but the design ended up better that way anyhow.

This last one is a bead by Anne Dundas. She makes beautiful lampwork beads. I have used a lot lately. This one was so much smaller than I expected it to be that I was at a loss as to what to do with it. I was quite excited to realise I could wrap it. It's not the best, but it's not too bad and it's the first one of this shape I've done. The loops are too small for my liking but that was all the wire I had left. Again, sterling silver.

I'd love people's comments on these wire wrapped beads.