Over time, she learned she could create poetry out of the stories people told her. I am so fascinated by that because I feel that all of life is poetry. If we just stop to listen, we would hear the sounds of poetry all around us. We would see the colors of poetry drifting in the breeze. For Lisa, it helped her create a world of confidence, empowerment, and reward. That sense of giving back, whenever she could deliver a poem to a person, created from their story. It gives me chills! It's exactly what story is all about. Read more →

For now let me share this, our conversation was sort of all over the place because there was so much to talk about! We talked about individual people having talents and being put on this earth to use those talents. We talked about success and how sometimes, being silent in success, or not so flamboyant that you attract media attention, is better because you get more done. We don't all need to be in the spotlight. Read more →

The tale gets interesting about ten minutes in when Melanie shares her story of heading out for a yoga retreat, overseas, and becoming stuck in Paris. With no luggage. Then, on to the retreat the next day, still without luggage. She learned a good bit about asking for help and understanding that it's better to be 'in the moment' than to rely on strictly laid out plans. And, to let other people dress you. Well, that's in the video - I'm not explaining here. Watch and learn.  Read more →

In my work, I talk with would-be authors, and new start-ups - generally solopreneurs - who are holding on to the past as if it will keep them from hanging themselves on the future. Somehow they believe past performance is a predictor of future earnings. While it's good to reflect on the past, it's never good to live there. Paul shares his epiphany at around 11 minutes in - the only tense if future tense. It's an arrow in flight and you want to grab it and shake it into what you want it to be. Read more →

What does being one of "those people" even mean? It means, like my kids, but especially my eldest, Chloe (pronounced Kl-oh... not Klo-e, thank you very much) who began her entrepreneur's life as a bookkeeper, Pam is a numbers person. She makes poetry with numbers. She reads your tea leaves in numbers. She looks at your palm and tells you the future in numbers. Read more →

Once upon a time when I was an employee, I worked at a company that sold software and trained folks how to use the software. I was their new marketing manager. That sounds impressive but in an office of three, where I was the only woman, it's a little less remarkable.  Read more →

Of course, we didn't limit ourselves. The avatar was merely to get us comfortable with how the company was going to grow a community of fans, eager to buy and share and support us. And we had to start somewhere, right? Starting with a detailed, well-thought-out description of our ideal customer got us into the station wagon and ready for our journey.  Read more →

This is why I asked Kae to be on Smart Conversations. She knows story. She bowled me over with her description of "cave man" storytelling! I almost fell off my chair! So brilliant! Read more →

I learned it's good to look pretty. No, I don't mean run out to the beauty parlor. Or rush out to get a haircut. Or, put on your party duds. I mean, take a shower. Comb your hair. If you wear make-up, put it on. If you have a button down shirt, wear it.  Read more →

I would love it if we could rely on the advice and insight of family and friends, but the truth is so different. These are not the people to trust when it comes to deciding to write a book. Their opinions will be suspect. Yes, share and discuss and take their thoughts to heart. But don't believe them when they say, "Yes, that's a great idea! It's going to be a best-seller!"  Read more →