Small Business Success in 2013

Mornin' from the Ojai Coffee Roasting Company!

Sitting here, reflecting on the year, and have a thought:

I'd love to contribute to small-town newspapers and journals in the new year...

I can meet by phone - this week or next - editors who have room on their website or in their print edition for a "small business success column" based on my book: http://ow.ly/1ObTZk




These articles will give small business owners a strategy and three tactics every month that will help them succeed in this economy.

The most limited resource (isn't time)

It is attention. So, here's my ask, next time you're out, check page 103 of the most recent (December/January) issue of Inc. Magazine.

KDSK.com - news channel 5 in St. Louis, MO

Where The News Comes First

Well, I'm a little bit early, and...ready to go on air! Today, @ 4 we are going to talk about "better" holidays.

I loved the fact that the producer of the show sent me questions to think about. For this audience, she wrote, they're wondering how to get it all done: Family visits and work and travel and more...

So, to get me thinking, I went for a little walk. There's the Arch, behind me!




I'm going to share as much as I can (in less than 5 minutes!) about how we can really focus on having a "happy" holiday season. One thing I hope I get to share:

"Let's not think about 'unplugging' but instead focus on what we ARE plugging in over the next few months."

Like when we do plug in that holiday strand of lights inside or outside the house, for a few weeks it does grab our focus.

So, let that - or some other thing you've put up or taken out - act as a reminder to you to take a moment and focus on your MITs - your Most Important Things.

TEDxWomen showing in Ojai

It was amazing to watch the live stream of TEDxWomen yesterday in Ojai, CA. At one point there were 8 of us gathered together listening to speakers share their truths, ideas and insights from the stage in Washington DC.

At the end of the presentations, the discussion at our house continued. (Yup, Jodi coordinated this so that people came and went over the course of 7 hours of presentations.) At one point, someone asked aloud, "What was your favorite presentation?"

(If you're new to the TED Family, go - right now - over to www.TED.com and look around for 7 minutes. Set a timer, and go!)

Me...I didn't have a "favorite." Each person's individual sharing was unique, meaningful and important. The theme...that is what has me wondering the most. The idea that there is "a space between."

I liked the stories around the significance of stopping (for whatever reason) and starting again. My little idea, "What if stopping could be intentional as opposed to reactive?"

Willing to try? Share something you're looking to stop doing so you can get started!