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I Got The Memo-Be Yourself Or Bust

2/24/2015

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Due to the overwhelming response of this post, many have requested that it remain up another week. We will have this in the archives after that as a fresh post will arrive on Tuesday March 17th. As usual we are humbly thankful for our large and loyal viewer base and appreciate the many emails and calls. All I can say is THANK YOU to each and everyone one of you~

How you feel about you comes from how you are raised, experiences and mental focus. As a youngster I became keenly aware of certain prejudices. Not allowing this to impede my progress despite my lack of maturity at the time, I toughened up pretty quickly anyway.

What made me conjure up any memories of childhood from such a long time ago, I do not know but it happened. While sitting to dinner the other night with a dear friend I glanced down at our white table cloth, meticulous settings and sparklingly coordinated stemware. For some reason at that moment I remembered an experience I had way back when. I'll get to it.

I attended a private school thanks to my mom's hard work-and yes I did appreciate it, especially so because I knew times were tough for us but I learned much later how badly she actually struggled to make this happen for me. Anyway, at school there was an excitedly high-pitched buzz racing through the classrooms, hallways and cafeteria because of the upcoming costume party. Of course most of the other parents had personal tailors, house staff or other outlets making their children shine at the party. Since there was a $50 prize at hand which was a big deal back then, I wanted to take part so I could give the money to my mom. Some of the snooty kids made fun of me and as I was the only child of color in the entire school-including staff, it made for interesting interactions.

I had never been raised to regard one race over another as being better, more significant, so when I saw this it hurt me deeply. I never felt inferior though, and I loved this fact about myself even at that tender age. As you can guess I was the one student not having a costume and knowing my mom would not be able to afford it I would never ask. Adding to this, we were going through a lot at home with my mom working multiple jobs and I stepped into the role of young adult at a time when I should have been enjoying being a kid, so my mind wasn't exactly set to finding or making a costume when the day arrived.

My third grade teacher at the time was nice but snarky, sniffing a snide remark about me showing up without proper gear for the day. Now I've always been creative, probably from the womb as some have joked. Remembering that we had a rec room filled with props and materials for our weekly plays and breakout sessions, I had a plan. Marching across the room to another slightly smaller room, filled with vintage gems, and the trail of my teachers comment still freshly coursing through the brain, swinging the double doors out as if I were the opening act on Broadway, I spotted my solace. One of many tablecloths in many vibrant colors. Wearing glasses back then, I knew it would draw a laugh, if I pulled it off just right, even if I didn't get the top prize.

Grabbing a pair of scissors, cutting a slit across the spacing that would go over my eyes, I had an instant costume! Putting the tablecloth over my head and replacing the glasses over the crisp albeit, heavy white sheet was my version of Cousin It. For those of you who remember The Addams Family, (and yes there was an updated version a few years ago), so you may know of them, anyway I was all set. My teacher, mortified at first glance, not knowing the message I was trying to send, quickly broke out in hysterical laughter as I stated my purposeful getup was in honor of one of my favorite shows at the time.

With complete confidence and the weight of the high quality remnant over me, I said with unabashed pride, "You will never stop me!" Here I am this little person amongst people who had no idea who I was, what I felt and didn't really care, for one brief moment rallied around me. Looking into the eyes of some of the kids who had perfectly coiffed hairdos, makeup and materials I had never seen before, I stood proud. Not only did I win the top prize, the respect level changed that day. Now understand, some who were just that ignorant and wanted to keep me safely tucked under some misguided idea of what I was about-simply kept that view. But for some who had previously buckled under social peer groups, melted a little.

My shoulders rose ten feet tall that day and when my mom picked me up from school and the teacher explained what happened, I floated on air as did my mom. The real prize for me was coming into my own. I was young, not dumb and certainly not crazy. And as they all found out that day, not intimidated. Never allow anyone to make you feel as if you do not matter. Too many times individuals lacking confidence themselves try passing off this insecurity on to you. My advice to you: build the courage, keep to your morals, become a positive example and live your life.

Until next time~

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Time-No Worries You've Got 24 Hours

2/10/2015

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My mother used to say it took 24 hours for you time mind your own business. While that was more personal than business, the point is solid. We all have the same amount of time each day to carry out a number of tasks. Some completed without so much as a second thought, others mind numbingly difficult, though simple in reality.

We tend to pile on too much with the reasoning: saying "no" means letting someone down. You want to seem proficient so you stay on even when you need off time. No good if you are human. The honesty of it is-we get tired, we have bad days, we come to our wits end, and you know what? This is perfectly ok to do. It does not give us license to unload issues onto an unsuspecting souls we happen to cross paths with, but it does mean you recognize that you are not infallible. 

Smartphones wise up note taking with voice messaging, all you have to do it follow up. One way to prevent overbooking yourself is by taking time to process what is on your calendar. The voice recording app doesn't always get it right so I have a hardcover day planner, that's right I said it. No shame in it either. I schedule 15 minutes to review appointments, meetings, networking. Before you know it I have solidly locked plans and no worries. I have learned not to overextend myself which means understanding my own limitations and boundaries.

Sticky notes prove invaluable but you can quickly become mummified if all you do is take notes. Try instead to organize your thoughts by the hour, making callbacks sooner than later keeps you accountable. Note threshold: 10 per hour to make good on promises of a return call. Take breaks instead of thinking that you have to tough it out and make every call back in 5 minutes, which isn't fair to you or your clients and potentials.

If all else fails, step away from the desk for a moment. Put the phone down and just breathe. Whatever it is you need to accomplish is not that serious so as to make you miss the point of the day-enjoying life. If you can't go sailing, this just might be the best throwback mood improver of the week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7khQNR7s1Ho

Until next time~

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Not Dis-Ability...Ability

2/3/2015

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In this 21st century it is hard to believe that the conversation is still taking place concerning equal wages for women and men. Same jobs, assignments, careers, yet under the surface the demands are not the same.

The overall view is still superficial. Recently I had a meeting with a new client and the topic of hair dying came up. The more we talked about it the happier I became that I went out on my own. While there is nothing wrong with working in a corporate environment, if you have to, it wasn't for me.

 Back to the conversation. She was a little stressed about it because she like many know of the health risks associated with most dyes. But aside from this the reality: men can climb the corporate ladder with distinguished greys while women had better think twice before prolonging the inevitable trip to the salon for a fix. Skills or ranking for women is in the slow lane. Brave women take the major steps of starting their own businesses, others work it out in corporate, working hard and taking names. As to whether they make the money they deserve is the bigger question-still.

Another aspect of this is pride. We all like to be recognized for a job well done, but ideas given can remain fluid or be taken as the bosses' idea. Making us rethink if the next time we should just hunker down. Nope. Don't do it. Other ways exist to make your ideas take flight. Joining a networking group is a good option. You can discover which work for your business model even if the goal is not the totally strike out on your own. Networking is good for anyone looking to stretch outside of their comfort zone. Optimizing essential skills other employers may see as an asset to them.

Obviously you can run into the same fishbowl of checks and minuses, but you may gain more leverage as you increase your exposure, possibly your net value. In a time when employers are hiring at fewer hours per week, if this is something you can realistically handle, why not try out working a few assignments for someone or starting up a small business of your own. Now, you have to be careful, as your current employment may be similar to what your new project involves, so you need to research so there is not a conflict of interest. If it is polar opposite, why not see what you can do to keep the locomotive on the right track.

Either way, communities may offer other options, free ones, so you can see your dreams realized. Volunteer work can lead into an active, paying role where your ideas are not shoved into a drawer. Smaller companies will sometimes put an ad in the classified or online requesting new ideas for their companies. If the ideas are accepted, there could be a small stipend or invitation to come on board. The pay might not settle all of the monthly expenses but the idea is that you not jump from your job to the next big thing. Progressive, planned steps are best. See how the plan can mold into success.

Instead of actuating abilities to the lowest bidder, think outside the box, better yet, create your own unboxed, concepts to realities. There is no crime in trying. You deserve it.

Until next time~


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    The Floral Greens Publishing Concept


    First off-let me thank you personally for visiting us here at Floral Greens Publishing LLC. Our Target Focus: World Class Customer Care and dedication in offering fun, professional results without breaking your wallet, adding positive value to your business.

    The concept is simple. Deliver honest, stellar work. The rewards: balanced wellness for home and business. We love exceeding our clients' expectations! So bring on your deadlines and count on well researched, accurate work every time.

    As CEO, Owner and Founder of Floral Greens Publishing LLC Dawn is dedicated to fulfilling all of your publishing needs, offering traditional & digital services in:

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    Speaking-where we create customized discussions and project enhancements that target and strengthen business and home life. Whether you work as a team, solopreneur or just want to better organize your daily thought-life, the skills you achieve with us will prove to be the gift that keeps on giving.

    Getting our start as Independent Publishers also known as Indies, we have gained momentum and continued respect as a powerful force in social media and publishing arenas.

    As true advocates of spoken and written word we support our public libraries and appreciate their positive effects on our communities in building literacy across the country and the world. Through our ongoing efforts we diligently strive to shed renewed life on Deaf Culture with stories, poems and novels featuring American Sign Language.
     
    Why stop there? As a self-professed "Frugal Guru" Dawn loves writing about bargain shopping and sharing her many successful tips, recipes, consignment finds and other interests for the everyday lifestyle.

    Writing has been a life-long dream now realized and here at Floral Greens Publishing LLC we have hit the ground running!

    ~Remember, everyone has a voice, it is up to you how you want to be heard~Dawn

    Other Credits:
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    Amazon Author with three Kindle books to her credit:
    A Flowered Thorn
    A Letter For Brighton
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    "Making What You Write-Right"

    Contact Dawn at Floral Greens Publishing LLC for a free no obligation quote on freelance or contract needs at: dawnaharden@gmail.com or call 860-995-8772









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