Downstream Business...

Effortless Solutions for Business

You're a small business owner, busy entreprenuer or online business owner.  Running a business requires keeping many balls in the air at the same time...  Making sure everything is flowing and running effectively and efficiently.  You're overwhelmed with all the information coming at you on a daily basis. 

Deep breathe now, please.  That's where the Downstream Business Blog comes in...  I'll share tips, tricks and resources to help simplify your life so you can keep more of your financial resources in your pocket while utilizing powerful tools and resources.  Sit back, relax and subscribe to receive email updates. 

The Strawberry Princess!!!

Ha! Ha! Ha!  My precious grand-daughter, Hannah Belle, has a new title, aptly given in sweetness by my gal pal Jill, "The Strawberry Princess." 

She recently visited me in my new place and we had a blast!  It was like lookin' at my daughter again--she looks JUST LIKE her mom did when she was that age!  And what a joyful delight she is...

Beautiful red-hair (just like her mom) and huge blue eyes (all three of us have 'em!).  Pulled out my "toy boxes" that the nieces & nephews have played with over the years, which is now an eclectic collection of play things from some of Angie's toys when she was little to freebies from Fast Food drive thru's.

By far, Hannah's favorite were the Mardi Gras beads that are mostly from her mother's bachelorette party (a faint six years ago!). 

Know what's funny--it's been several months since I've seen Hannah and my (I really dislike this word, BTW) fear was that she wouldn't remember me, however, as soon as she saw me, she grinned as big as the State of Texas and held her arms out for me to get her out of the car seat! 

Talk about melting my heart, that was such a precious moment!  There's absolutely nothing that could ever top the way I felt at that moment!  Euphoric love is the only way I can describe it!

My question is have you ever felt or experienced the kind of joy I'm talking about?  Trust me, I've got every possible reason to live my life unconsciously, but I make a focused, conscious effort every day to find the good in people and the world so that I don't ever miss a precious, delicious moment like what I experienced with my Strawberry Princess!!! 

Feel the fear and do it anyways--honestly, ya got nothing to lose, promise!!!  :)

Is It Important to Run a "Seamless" Virtual Organization?

OMG--I can't even believe I'm asking that question because it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out (OR maybe it does???).

It's come to my attention, after some personal dealings with a "virtual organization" that this is one of THE most IMPORTANT aspects of running/operating an online business.  If you're missing this important key factor, then you're missin' the boat folks.  Period.  End of story.

My case in point...  A company that I've been working with has employees scattered throughout the U.S.  Never once did they disclose this upfront.  Nope they chose to keep it under wraps until I stumbled on this little fact while trying to communicate with one of their peeps who was physically located on the East Coast. 

Normally, not an issue, however, when the parent company that I've been dealing with is based on the West Coast, time zone does matter when you're dealing with time sensitive issues.  And honestly, it just left a bad taste in my mouth.  Felt sneaky and dishonest.  Not a good feeling or IMHO, a good way to represent any virtual organization!!!  Nope, it really paints an unfavorable light on the whole industry!!!

I'm thrilled by the fact that I was drawn and attracted to the ultimate virtual training program, AssistU and the bad (meaning good) visionary/teacher, Stacy Brice!  Stacy and her awesome instructors drove home this point (one that I've always lived)--honesty IS the best policy!  (BTW thanks to Stacy for being a HUGE CATALYST that changed my life for the better--YOU ROCK!)

Sure, on the outside it may appear to be a good thing to "puff your company up" and make it appear larger than it really is, but hey, when your clients/customers discover that you're NOT who you really say you are, then where does that leave you/your organization? 

Seriously, I urge you to consider how you're putting yourself and your organization out there!  People gotta know/like/trust you BEFORE they're gonna buy from you online.  

Working virtually rocks and I see no reason whatsoever that every company on the planet couldn't operate efficiently and productively in this realm.  Maybe not ALL departments of every company, but at least some, right?   

The key is to be honest and upfront with your clients and customers;  tell 'em that your organization is virtual and here's how it works!  Trust me, the good-will you create by being upfront and honest WILL pay-off, and it will feel so sweet and good!

Any Skeletons in Your Closet?

OMG--that's a bold question to ask total strangers, right? 

But, oh, not really THAT impolite for this down-to-earth-southern girl, right? 

Halloween was David's favorite holiday!!! In fact, I now envision him as a SUPER-HERO, in bright-blue tights with a long-red flowing cape!   You go DAVID!!!

Geez, over our 24 1/2 year gig, we experienced some incredible HALLOWEEN moments!  I now know it twas his FAVORITE holiday!  He could be someone else for a brief moment in time!  And hey, if that made him more comfortable on the planet, then so be it... 

From our first Hulk/Madonna Halloween in '83 to our final gig in '07--Halloween brought David much joy!  And it was fun watching HIM have so much fun.  Even though he almost offed himself with a fall to the concrete in October '07 as he was hanging his beloved "witch" from the front porch of our gorgeous home! 

Two inches and his head would've hit concrete--I've got the planter/pot in my living room with the broken handle to prove it (along with the beautiful geraniums that he planted).  I'll NEVER let those geraniums die...  It's that important to me--that his energy, spirit and soul live on...  What an incredible blessing he was to my life.  My rock.  My North Star.  My constant.  My Hero. 

NEVER ONCE did David question any of my motives, sanity or path, when I took off on a new tangent...  NO.  He supported me unwaveringly and unconditionally and believed in ME whole-heartedly.  Thank you, David.  I just HAD to say that, publicly.

Including the time in May of 1990 when I drove through flood waters on my way out of town for a job interview (and yes, I flooded out our almost new car) needless-to-say, he officially "divorced" me on the side of Highway 287 just south of Wichita Falls AND sent me ISO a tow truck, which magically manifested within about two seconds after I began walking!!!  Pissed him off big time, as he truly wanted me to "suffer" for messing up HIS car--his baby...  And yes, the words "I'm going to this job interview, come hell or high water" actually came out of my mouth and I did drive through high water!  And I lived in my own personal hell for a few weeks after that--I was in the dog house, no doubt!  :)

What can I say?  A lesson I needed to learn, which, thankfully, I got LOUD and CLEAR!  Let's just say I have a "healthy respect" for flood waters and will NEVER again repeat the same!  I got that lesson, easily!!!  :)

Lordy, mercy--let's get back to Halloween.  I'm busy these days contemplating a retro-version of what I wore 21-years ago.  Gimme a break--I just moved from my HOME state.  Something I THOUGHT I'd NEVER do--in a relatively short time.  Came on vacation and decided I wasn't goin' back.  Waited for the universe to work out all of the details and here I am. 

Getting settled into my new place, in a totally different state than where I've ever lived before and lovin' every single second of it!  Couldn't be in my home State at this point in time--simply too painful.

Focusing on my 'Halloween" disguise, in David's honor.  All I can say is red, fringe, fishnet's and black knee boots (or maybe red high heels?).  Diggin' for photo's of some of our incredible Halloween experiences and will post as soon as I get my hands on 'em along with new ones from  '08 (AFTER Halloween, of course;  that would just be totally RUDE to disclose my full plan before the big event). 

Stay tuned.

And, BTW, gotta get new tags for my car and I'm goin' for vanity plates (first time in my life I've been willin' to fork over the bucks!  Really).  LOL!!!  My new plates will read:

GETHAPPY

And I'll leave it at that...  Get happy or move on, please...  :)  Life's way too short!

I'm in Love... With a Harley!

Gotcha' on this one!  No, it's not a Harley as in Davidson (although I do have somethin' going on there!), it's a beautiful, kind, sweet, German Short-Haired Pointer DOG!

This one truly caught me off guard.  I like animals and it's been a long time since I've felt such admiration for an animal, but this guy is so sweet and loving! 

I decided to take him on a walk (or really I should say that HE took ME on a walk because that's how it works!) and simply had the most delightful time.  It was fun watching him do what dogs do and OMG, he has such a keen awareness of birds or any creatures out and about.

My daughter has been bugging me to get a dog--she wants me to get a little one that fits into a purse and I say NOT!  When and IF I decide to get a dog it will be one like Harley. 

What amazes me is the loyalty, unconditional love and sweetness that Harley gives, all for fun and for free!

I've already had the conversation with Harley's owner, my friend Cathy, about shared custody (ha! ha! ha!).  I even told her I don't think he wants to go with her in November when she goes home for Thanksgiving--I told her he wants to stay with me!  :)

And isn't it funny, how just when one is least expecting it--BAM--something so joyous shows up, seemingly like magic, and totally unexpected!  But know what...  You've gotta be aware and able to see the gifts that are being put before you! 

I've wanted a Harley for years, just never quite imagined that it would be a DOG!!!

Do Words Teach or is Life Experience the True Catalyst?

Ouch...  Being a "wordy" (i.e. one who LOVES words, language, and communication in general), it bites to admit that no, unfortunately words don't teach a thing IMHO!  The catalyst for me always is life experience.  Period.  End of story.

I was reminded of this little factoid while reading/studying "Money, and the Law of Attraction", Esther & Jerry Hicks' newest book (get this--it was released 8/12/08 and was #1 on the NYT Best Seller list within somethin' like a week!!!  Now THAT rocks!), and funny how it's something I've always known, but forgot, however, they simply reminded me. 

Are you ready...  [BIG GULP]  I ALWAYS have to take the "hard" way first.  You know, there's nothing like bludgeoning oneself to a bloody pulp!  The good news is now I recognize quicker and can stop resistant thought patterns, TG!!!   

When I reflect back on where I've been and come from, I find it humorous to know that 99.9% there was a path of least resistance, however, my country-rooted upbringing taught me that nothing really mattered unless you paid a price and gave a little piece of yourself up in the process.  Yup coughed it up and freely gave it with no strings attached, all-the-while with a smile on my face, no less.  It was my belief, at that particular given moment in time.  And all a belief is, is a consistent thought pattern. 

Ok, glad I've got that out on the table!  :)  Do you realize the amazing ability we humans have to so easily change our "beliefs?"  Doesn't require much effort or time; absolutely no money is required.  All that's necessary is a willingness (and that is free, free, free) and desire to feel better to achieve a better/different life experience.

For me, that's pretty darn powerful!  Just to know, deep in my soul, that I can be/do/have anything I want, ROCKS!  And all it takes it a little focused, conscious effort.  Stop telling the story I'm unhappy with and create a new reality--a new story/life that feels good and one that serves my highest purpose (the reason I came forth to this planet).

Geez, I could fill a novel with my funny and fascinating stories of all of the times that I decided to swim as hard as I could, upstream, no less.  Wore myself out.  And then, something kicked in (from within myself and stopped me) and helped me turn myself around and just go with the freakin' flow.  Whew...  (BTW, I'm saving all of those funny stories for my first NYT best seller--he! he!)

My key point here (believe it or not there is one!) is that life experience is what keeps me going; the powerful catalyst for change within me, and always for the better!  There truly is ALWAYS a light at the end of those dark, gloomy tunnels!  It can be so scary to walk through fear and uncertainty. 

You can talk 'til you're blue in the face (blah, blah, blah), but until something causes you (usually life experience) to want something more (gosh darn, something that FEELS better), you'll keep gettin' whatycha've always gotten!  Take my word on this one...  Make it easy on yourself and ALWAYS take the path of least resistance!  BTW, it's a saying for a reason--I didn't make it up, but I've heard it all of my life!

Would You Do Your "JOB" for Free?

Aah...  Interesting conversation with a gal pal of mine yesterday about j-o-b-s and the world's perceived value for those who do live in that world (i.e. having a corporate job) or not.  While she point blank told me she was "happy" with her job, when I asked her if she'd do it for free, she said "absolutely not!" 

Essentially (my summation, of course), she works to make money, period.  Reminds me of a statement that my very first VA client made to me:  "I refuse to prostitute myself out for money" (and she didn't mean what you're thinkin' either!).  Her statement was in reference to the fact that she lived by principles and values and she truly could not sleep at night/or live with herself if she simply took money from folks without giving them something of value (or perceived value) in return.  Her profound words made me stop and question myself, which I quickly realized that I felt the exact same way!

So my friends, therein lies the question:  Would you do your job for free?  If not, I have to ask, why not?  Are you spending your precious time doin' somethin' that feeds your passion, soul & spirit?  Are you afraid that if you don't do what everyone else thinks you should do that you'll fall into oblivion?

I'm sensing a lot of people around me (family & friends) who I feel are passing major big-time judgment on me simply because they don't know any better and they truly want to help.  They believe that they know what the "right thing" for me to do is (funny how NONE of them have ever walked in my shoes!!!).  They feel that if I took one certain course of action, it would assure me peace and serenity, which my wise inner being knows that it WOULD NOT and I'm sticking to MY path and MY journey.

I'm in the process of creating a new business, born out of pure desire and passion, and fortunately or unfortunately, life experience.  It's something that I've given thought to for at least five years, however, I never seemed to have the appropriate subject matter.

Oh, but how the universe has such a great sense-of-humor, and has delivered to my proverbial door step, the topic.  The topic that I've become so familiar with by no choice of my own, however, it has touched my life experience in a very deep and profound way.  It's exciting for me to know that I have wisdom that I can share with others who've experienced the same, who are seeking a different solution than what's out there because my solution is 180 degrees different than the "norm."

Something to ponder...  If you find yourself in judgment of someone else and their life experience consider this:  "It is not a good idea to stand in your perspective and try to evaluate the appropriateness of what anyone else is living because you will never be able to figure it out."  (from the new, New York Times best-selling book "Money, and the Law of Attraction" by Esther and Jerry Hicks.

And if you wouldn't even consider doing your job for free, I encourage you to give that some thought.  Get happy.  It's really not rocket science folks--pretty darn simple!  We all have an emotional guidance system and if you're feeling good, then keep on keepin' on.  If you're not decide what would feel better and go for it! 

Life is way too precious and short to waste your time, god-given talents, skills, desires and abilities!!!

P.S.  Stay tuned 'cause I'm workin' on the new biz--it's still in it's infancy, however, I know it's now time to step out onto that scary limb, alone, and hopefully help someone else who is seeking a different perspective!

Do You Believe in Metaphors and Coincidences?

I do!  I believe that everything happens for a reason!  Funny how my daughter told me several months ago that she thinks that's hogwash, but hey, to each his own!

I'm a metaphor kind of girl and being a conscious creator, I see signs all the time.  I use them as indicators letting me know whether or not I'm on track (on the path that's right for me!).

I just realized while doing some laundry that I've amassed a wardrobe with some interesting brand names.  Nothing that I bought because of the "brand name" or "label"--it's just ironic when I look at it now!

My jean wardrobe now consists of:  Lucky Jeans, See Thru Soul and Adiktd to Life!  Ha! ha! ha! ha! 

Now if that's not a huge metaphor for me, I don't know what is!  And I find it fascinating that I made NO conscious choice making these purchases other than I liked the way they fit!

Funny thing is I've always considered myself a "lucky" person; I've won countless prizes throughout my lifetime, beginning with a little B&W Hitachi TV that was the first "prize" I ever won.  It was from a drawing at a new lumber yard that opened up near the small town in northern Texas where I grew up.  It was the summer when I was 8 yeas old!

Went with my Grandpa to the lumberyard and he put my name in the hopper.  What I REALLY wanted to win was a mini-bike!  I remember praying and bargaining with God as much as one could (ie, I'll be good for the rest of my life and I've blown that one for sure!), and as usual, he had a sense of humor! 

Didn't win the mini-bike but won the little TV, which in hind-sight, was much better for me!  I would have hurt myself ridin' that mini-bike out in the pasture like a wild-child and I suspect that God knew that!  Plus, we didn't have a TV, so it was really a gift!

As for the "See Thru Soul," I've always felt somewhat "transparent."  Several years ago I did a lot of personal writing on this very subject and finally came to the conclusion that it's who I am and I'm finally, totally 100 percent OK with that (and who I am period, thank goodness!).

And I've just realized that I am "Adiktd to Life"--I love livin' this life experience and everything that comes with it--the good, bad and the ugly (of course!).  I say "bring it on!"  Nothing is gonna stop me or hold me back EVER again!  I was put on this planet for a very specific purpose, which I now finally understand and I'm gonna see my purpose to fruition before I leave this time/space reality!

So in my world there are no coincidences or accidents and believe you me, metaphors are messages for me from the universe/God/angels and whatever higher beings exist out there! 

How 'bout you--do you "listen" and "see" the signs and gifts that are put before you?  Sure do hope so 'cause if not, you're missin' out!!!  :)

Is Busy-ness a Dis-ease?

I believe so and I'm speaking from a recovering perspective of having to fill every minute of every hour, of every day!  I had a conversation last weekend and was amazed at the shallowness of our dialog.

All I heard was how this person was busy doin' this and that and underneath it all was a very depressed, sad sounding voice on the other end of the phone!  I wanted to scream (but didn't):  what are you doin' to bring joy into your life and have some fun? 

When one dissects the word "disease," you end up with two syllables:  "dis" and "ease."  To me, that says it all right there folks!  My translation = uncomfortable just being; not being who you were meant to be on the planet!  We're not "human doings;" we're human "beings." 

I got so "busy" in my life that I was totally unaware of situations and events going on in my life experience.  Totally unconscious and what I've experienced is the universe will eventually get my attention, whether I like it or not.  Not a fun way to live people...

Moving from an unconscious state of being to a conscious state of being does take work, however, the easier it gets, the easier it gets.  And once you're living consciously you just can't go back to livin' the other way!  It just doesn't feel good! 

My question today is do you fill your every waking moment with "busy-ness" or do you exist in a conscious state of being?  There's really no comparison! 

What experience do you want to live?

Genetics or Environment?

I really don't have a straight answer for this question, as I totally believe that I'm a product of both!  Being adopted at birth and then reunited with the maternal gene pool provided some answers, however, I can't honestly say which aspect has had more impact. 

Honestly I think that I'm just ME, gathering life experiences and lessons as I've walked along my life journey.  I've kind of followed the "take what you like and leave the rest" philosophy, meaning I've picked up the good stuff that felt right from each and every person I've ever interacted with!

For instance take my cousin, Kenya, who's from my adoptive family, who I've just spent five weeks with and we had a blast!  Funny story that Kenya shared with me for the very first time--how her in-laws (many years ago) used to tell her how we "looked alike." (As you can see from the photo, we look NOTHING alike--ACT alike, yes!!!)

Kenya was the closest thing I had to a sister growing up although she's 10 years younger than me and she lived in Colorado and I grew up in Texas.  But that really didn't matter 'cause when we spent time together, we always made the most fun of whatever we were doing! 

She's a January Aquarian and I'm a February Aquarian, and again, we're not blood relatives, however, we are so much alike in many ways.  She looks for the good in every situation, as do I and we just love to laugh! 

So here's to Kenya and her fabulous family--Larry, Kaylyn, Austin & Camden--thanks for letting me hang out with you guys and have lots of fun! 

As far as genetics or environment--really, who cares?  I am who I am and have my own internal guidance system that directs me on this life journey.  However I'm extremely grateful that Kenya is my cousin...  You rock!  :)

What Does Your "Language" Say?

Funny that I've become very "keen" about listening when I'm having conversations with people (both verbal, non-verbal and written).  I'm what I call a "wordy" meaning that I love "words" and communication.

Just had a meeting this morning with a delightful woman whose name is coincidentally Janet (and hey, there aren't that many of us that I've met in my lifetime) and I was amazed at the unconscious self-talk that she communicated.  She used the words "hard," "challenging" and "difficult" at least 30 times during our brief conversation (OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but she used negative language almost every other sentence).

There were a lot of statements made about how "bad the economy is" and how "tough" things currently are!  Well hell, if that's what you believe, then what would one expect to show up in your life experience? 

All of this scarcity talk/mentality is perpetuated by none other than the mass news media!!!  It's what sells newspapers, magazines and the biggie, advertising!  It's all about greed and $$$!  Think about it for a minute--if they didn't talk about all the doom and gloom, what else would they have to say?  This is why I NEVER watch the news and rarely turn on the TV--it's such a waste of my precious energy and life!

I can tell within about two minutes of conversing with someone whether they live in "positive" or "negative" emotion simply by listening to the "language" they use!  Don't get me wrong--I used to do the same thing and it's taken very conscious effort on my part to break that pattern so I can live totally in "positive" emotion.

I mean c'mon folks--you don't walk out the door every morning and try to "breathe" in your share of oxygen for the day!  There's an abundance of EVERYTHING on the planet!  The world isn't broken, nor are the people who inhabit the planet!  Each and everyone of us gets to choose the experiences that we bring into our lives, plain and simple.  And if you're focusing on the negative aspects, that's what you're gonna get! 

A few weeks ago I had a great conversation with my 8-year-old cousin, Camden--he told me about getting a "refocus" at school.  I love the fact that it's now called "refocus" vs. "disciplinary action" because the simple rewording moves the experience from negative to positive! 

I've dealt with a LOT of adversity in my life experience so far and yes, I could "choose" to focus on the negative, however, there's the part of me that screams "NO WAY" am I gonna let these experiences drag/keep me down!

So my challenge is for you to pay close attention to the words that you use to communicate and simply "observe" as you encounter and converse with others.  It's truly a telling exercise--if you don't believe me, you'll just have to trust me on this one until you experience it!