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September 2009 will mark the one year anniversary of my business! Since they say 50% of businesses do not survive their first year I view this as a major accomplishment.

As the 1yr mark approaches I am finding myself reflecting on how my business has evolved.

When I began I only knew that I loved designing websites. Coming from a corporate past where your job description is fairly specific, I soon learned that I was in for a shock. I had no experience or vision in the areas of marketing, bookkeeping, business plans, networking or any of the other hat required by small business owners. I simply wanted to design websites.

Yet as the year progress I learned. Now, as I look to the future, I do have a vision for marketing, bookkeeping, business plans and networking along with designing websites. I can see how I want to grow my business. None of this would have been possible without the relationship I developed with my business coach and networking group.

Having your own business is a lot of work. It comes with ups and downs and lots of uncertainty. But if you work with others, believe in yourself & continue to learn you will succeed.

I wish a happy 1st birthday to my business and all the other turning one this year!

Have you ever had a task that you knew you should do but for some reason fear was a road block?

For me the task was Video Testimonials. Now this may not sound like a big deal – especially to those who have crossed the hurdle but for me it was a real stresser.

I knew I needed to do it. A Video Testimonial is ten times more powerful that a written one. Yet fear kept me frozen. In my case it was the fear of imposing.

This past week I decided to bite the bullet. With a business partner I knew well I decided that we were going to go through this together. At first we were both unsure and promised each other that nothing would be posted with out the approval of the other. Then I turned my camera on. My little Cannon Powershot. We each took turns stating our name, our business and how the other person’s business impacted our own.

Wow! It was so easy. It took 20 seconds each and when we were done we each had a great testimonial for or site. Success! A hurdle crossed. It was so empowering to succeed.

So my advice – Go for it – Push beyond your comfort zone – and if necessary – Take a friend along for the ride … who know – you might both win

Have you ever found yourself in awe of someones skills? Amazed at what they can create. Here is the latest in icons that I have discovered.
Mozak Web Design Portland OregonNow these are not rocket science creations yet at the same time … my mind would have never created them.

As I journey from “pure techie” to an “artistic techie” I often wonder if over time my brain will evolve and learn to create these things. It is hard to say since creations are a combination of hard work and innate talent.

Guess I’ll have to wait and see where I stand :)

How about you? Do you have an area that you are branching out into that seems within reach but you are not sure you can quite grasp it? If so please share.

“Clear your focus
&
Grow your business”

This is Kaya’s tag line and it could not be more accurate. She literally guided  me and my business from an idea to a reality.

Here is the story of how our business relationship began: It was June 2008 right before my birthday. My oldest was at nature camp for the morning and I was at Me Too Cafe of Beaverton enjoying some coffee & wifi time while my youngest was playing in the kids room.  I began speaking with another mom about her business. I expressed that I was toying with the idea of starting my own web design business.

She asked me point blank: “Do you have some money to invest in your business to ensure its sucess?” I answered yes I did. She gave me Kaya’s number.

Later that day I called Kaya. After speaking with her on the phone for a half hour I knew she would be the difference between my floundering and probably failing OR having guidance an giving this business a real go.

Well – that was a year ago. I can now say – I did it!!! (with her help)

I have taken my dream to reality. No matter what path my business takes I will live my life knowing that I took a risk and succeeded. Investing in support was the best gift I ever gave myself.

BTW – to learn more about Kaya and her business you can find her at www.awakeningbusiness.com

Have you ever gone through one of those periods of time were you just could not seem to feel connected to a higher power. Now I’m fairly certain the issue here is all on my side. I know (hope) he is always there – I am the one who floats in and out.

It is lonely during these times.

The challenge for me all circles around  faith. And faith is hard when you are seeking proof. I prefer how I feel when I truly believe. Life is to amazing for it to be an accident. Yet it is so hard to connect & trust in something you can not see. Something that seems, for the most part, like a one way dialog.

Have you ever felt this way? I am certain I am not alone. What steps have you found to help reconnect when feeling disconnected?  To believe when you are not confident it is true.

Category: Faith  91 Comments 

This blog represents a huge step for me. For so many years I have found myself typing phrases into Google hoping to find a match with someone who was feeling as I was at that moment. Or learn tips and tricks others had discovered. Now it is time for me to give back.

So I hope you enjoy what I have to say and find some benefit. I welcome all feedback.

Jocelyn

Category: General  58 Comments