Before you make another complaint to a boss, coworker, spouse or friend I encourage you to pick up a copy of Jon Gordon’s “The No Complaining Rule”. It’s been awhile since I’ve completed a book that has left me so challenged to evaluate the negativity that can float around in my own thoughts and then fly right out of my mouth without being conscious of it. Is it safe to say that we’ve all been guilty of that a time or two? Complaining can sometimes seem like such an effective solution at times, but Gordon states that people complain “(1) because they were fearful and helpless and (2) because it had become a habit” (39)

Complaining can sneak up on us whether at home, at work or even at church. Gordon encourages specifically in his introduction, “one of the most important things we can do in business and life is to stay positive with strategies that turn negative energy into positive solutions” (xvii) and he shows us just how to by composing these truths into a story creating a very identifiable setting for the readers.

The story begins with Hope, a recently divorced mother of two, who is Vice President of Human Resources at EZ-Tech. Hope, already worn down with the complaining she faces day after day from fellow employees walks in early one morning to discover that her company is in severe jeopardy. The computer batteries that EZ-Tech produces have been catching on fire and the media has picked up on blogs created by EZ-Tech employees complaining of management. The company is now in a fight for it’s life to regain the credibility that is slipping away. As Hope not only struggles with the fear of an arising health issue she must also put together a plan to save the company at the request of the CEO. At a doctor’s appointment Hope is then introduced to her nurse who in turn inspires Hope with a radiant plan to save the company and renew Hope’s look on life, The No Complaining Rule.

Even before addressing ways in which we can go about fixing the negativity in our lives, Gordon reminds us of the damage that it can cause such as,

1. “Ninety percent of doctor visits are stress related, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” (28).

2. “Negativity affects the morale, performance, and productivity of our teams” (29).

3. “Negative emotions are associated with the following:

* Decreased life span and longevity
* Increased risk of heart attack
* Increased risk of stroke
* Greater stress
* Less energy
* More pain
* Fewer friends
* Less success” (29)

It’s obvious from these stunning facts that to survive a change is in order. What I think can be most be learned from this book is that there is hope and with some determination “you can get off the negative road and hop on the positive road right now” (44). Gordon provides some excellent ideas to jumpstart your positive thinking including a guideline to a No Complaining week that refocuses your attention with activities such as creating gratitude lists and beginning your day with a little exercise focused on the things you are most grateful for in life. In the book Gordon provides the “Three No Complaining Tools” (49) which you can also find and print out on his website at www.nocomplainingrule.com. This is a wonderful resource that even I have printed out to encourage my family during the day.

Gordon’s tips are endless and the best part is that they are not just compatible to the workplace or to adults only. These guidelines can do some wonderful things within the home environment and are unbelievably good habits to instill in young children.

Megan York is a small business owner and writer residing Texas. You can read more at her blog, A Boy, A Girl and A Pug.

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Posted on August 24th, 2008 by Ponn Sabra
Filed under: Empowerment, Entrepreneurialism, Opportunities | Add Your Kind Thoughts »

Please welcome Elizabeth Gordon, author of “The Chic Entrepreneur - Put Your Business in Higher Heels” with Leanna Adams, on the last day of her virtual book tour.

Here’s a couple of the stops she made on her way throughout the blogosphere: a guest post and detailed interview.

Life has been beyond hectic these days–with my biggest and newest full-time project: Salma K Farid Academy (our new site was launched this week, of course we’re utilizing internet branding with a blog!). Here’s my humble welcome letter as I feel destined for this wonderful new role…

Anyways, as I agreed to be Elizabeth’s last stop…I actually had to fit in reviewing the book myself (something I haven’t done in months!)

How timely it is!

hile I’ve been starting up home-businesses for over a decade (ie, foreclosures/short sales real estate business, freelance writing, becoming an author, etc.)–Heading Salma K Farid Academy is my biggest endeavor yet.

And, I’m it my dear: The Head Administrator–spearheading a grand opening for September with a building presently getting being constructed, hiring an entire teaching staff, and reviewing applications for an entire student body–and that’s just my main duties

As you can imagine, I’m doing thAngs-differently–with my Empowered-womanly-flare!

And, with much more risk involved than any start-up I ventured into before…God willing, the rewards will be well-worth the investment…so, I’m in great need of some advise!

Fortunately, our owners are multi-million-dollar-producing businessmen; so while I’m surrounded with great company–I will always be Me…and I’d love to say “Chic!”

So, here I am with only 2 owners dedicated to our simple mission, and our simple yet altruistic goals...They’re basically supporting me as I make some of my Biggest Dreams come true–while they honor their beloved mother, may God have mercy on her.

So, HOW am I going to forge forward, you may ask?

First and foremost, in pure faith and God will continue to shower me with health and strength if I humbly put Him and Only Him at the forefront in all that I do. Ameen.

Second, Elizabeth’s guidebook to being a Chic Entrepreneur by my side–as I network like crazy of course.

No lie–girl!

Elizabeth writes with spunk, authority, humor, and gives detailed tips, outlines and breaks things up one-to-one on an entrepreneur’s level; but reminds you of the big-picture of becoming big-corporation (only if that’s within your goals, she inspires you to reach that goal…but, if you want to remain on a smaller-scale that’s totally cool too).

Being the fashion-chick that I am–yes, I LOVE clothes–Elizabeth kept me chugging along with many Ah-Hah moments and smirks of delight.

She reminded me to stick to processes and systems–but most importantly, to document them.

People thought  I was crazy when I hired an intern during her 3rd-trimester only to loose her when everyone thought I needed her most.

Well, I really DO need her today…but we were well-prepared.Based on her critical experience with other private academies, we spent her last day handwriting out as many Process Maps (p. 134-136) as possible.

Now, I’m getting my FAIR share of criticism for my hiring processes too.

But with Chapter Four’s “The DMV or Google: Attracting and Retaining the Best Employees“–I know in my faith and heart (and thankfully–Elizabeth’s proven business-advice) that soon (possibly not until the end of our 1st year), people will be able to appreciate ALL the time I spent being absolutely nit-picky about the very staff I am hiring.

Because I believe wholeheartedly in our mission & vision, I am doing Everything in my power to have all our staff embrace our grand-goals, and will implement as many if not all the tips Elizabeth offers to retaining them for the long-run too.

Elizabeth had has me racking my brain with Chapter Nine. Everything Financial. #s, $-signs…urgh ;-(

Everything I’ve leaned heavily on hubby to do, upto now!

But, with our numbers SO much greater and Hubby and the girls overseas vacationing (yay, that’s another story)–planning, assessing and projecting our financial status is critical. And, I HAVE to understand everything myself: upfront & personal :-/

Fortunately, Elizabeth breaks things down step-by-step.

Listed above are only a few examples how comprehensive this book is.

To close, I must share that I have marked up this book Something-Silly!

There are folds on the top-corners, bottom-corners, multiple-colors highlighting phrases and sections so “important things” can Pop out the pages–but its nearly impossible to leave any section un-marked.

So, my advise–big or small (start-up or mid-career): Read & Embrace this book! It’s practical and the analogies are just well–Chic!

As for EWN–we’re making many changes, trying different writers and projects; and I’m basically leaving things it to my partner and assistants to lead its way. I’ve obviously removed myself; not out of choice, but by the demand of the limited hours of my day.

Please know that I am forever grateful for your loving support and know that whatever we do here–it’ll be Empowering to All Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners: just like Elizabeth Gordon and Leanna Adams!

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Posted on August 10th, 2008 by Ponn Sabra
Filed under: Business Mgmt, Entrepreneurialism | 1 Comment »

Whether an executive at a Fortune 500 company, someone running a business from home, or a woman transitioning back into the workplace after having kids, we all seek inspiration and guidance in our daily lives. In a era in which paying $250 an hour for a life coach to focus on your professional trajectory, communication skills, presence, self-esteem or resume, those people that make a positive impact on our lives gratis are some times less visible because we’re so accustomed to their presence.

This summer, take the time to extend your gratitude to the women in your life that help you find the answers to your questions. Treat a colleague you admire to lunch. Send a thank you note to the friend whose ability to juggle toddlers and an impressive career make you believe you can do it too. Thank your sister for believing that you could make a break from the corporate world and succeed as a freelance consultant when you had your doubts.

For a unique twist on tokens of appreciation, you might want to let these women know, You Are My Inspiration. Created by Step Up Women’s Network, You Are My Inspiration provides a meaningful way for women nationwide to gift the women that inspire them, while paying it forward to the next generation. 100% of funds raised will be directed at Step Up’s innovative work with underserved teen girls, the majority of which live below the poverty level.

Not only will your inspiration have a daily reminder of your appreciation (a product from Ulta’s private label collection or a limited edition private necklace), but you’ll have paid it forward to the next generation of girls by directing your purchase price towards the cost of program equipment, like digital cameras for the photography program; a college tour for 10 girls and instructor stipends.

A simple thank you can make a world of difference.

Andrea Zak is an aspiring social change agent.

Step Up Women’s Network is a national non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls. Through teen empowerment programs for underserved girls, women’s health education and advocacy, professional mentorship and social networking opportunities, we educate and activate our members to ensure that women and girls have the tools they need to create a better future.

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Posted on July 13th, 2008 by Ponn Sabra
Filed under: Empowerment | 3 Comments »

In the comfort of your own home or even in a cubicle if you’re working from an office, this is the workout to stay energized and focused throughout the day. As Julie Kirk points out in The Entrepreneur Technology Hangover, it’s important to schedule breaks throughout the day. For your mental sanity and physical well-being, this workout is designed to invigorate the entire body.

It’s a good idea to take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour. Start off making one of those breaks, an Office Chair Workout. Progress to three or four every day. Since the exercises are bodyweight dependent, you can do this routine daily.

Rotate through the following 12 exercises for ten minutes. Are you ready? Let’s take a break from the computer. If you have a chair with rollers, lean it against a wall or the desk when completing the exercises.

1. Chair Squat

• Keep your knees behind your toes
• Back relaxed and straight
• Hands out for balance
• Increase speed for more intensity
• Don’t transfer weight to the chair
• Keep the abdominals tight
• Breathe out when sitting

2. Leaning Leg Extensions

• Lean forward on the chair with back parallel to floor
• Extend Right leg back to make a straight line from shoulders to heels
• Repeat 15 on right leg
• Switch to left leg and repeat 15 more times

3. Chair Dips

• Place arms on seat of chair with palms on cushion
• Shift weight forward with bent knees (straight legs are more challenging)
• Dip about 85 degrees down with upper arm not quite parallel to the floor
• Do not dip upper arms to a point where they are directed more toward the floor
• Complete 15 repetitions

4. High Knee Toe Taps

• Stand upright, face chair
• Alternate toes on top of chair seat
• Speed up for greater intensity
• Complete 30 repetitions

5. Hip Rotation

• Extend body out from chair
• Place palms on arm rests or seat of chair
• Shift body weight from one hip to the other
• Focus on using the abdominals and obliques to move the hips
• Complete 30 repetitions

6. Knee Presses

• Lean slightly back in the chair
• Lift knees toward the chest
• Return to outstretched position
• Complete 15 repetitions

7. Leaning Side Leg Extensions

• Lean forward on the chair with back parallel to floor
• Extend Right leg to the side
• Repeat 15 on right leg
• Switch to left leg and repeat 15 more times

8. Rear Incline Push Ups

• Place feet in the seat of chair
• Walk hands out until body is in one straight line from shoulders to heels
• Complete push up with upper arm parallel to floor
• Complete 15 repetitions

9. Bicycle

• Lean slightly back in chair
• Crunch one knee in toward the chest with one leg extended
• Alternate movement
• Complete 30 repetitions

10. One-Legged Lunges

• Place one foot on chair
• Lunge without extending knee over toes
• Complete 15 repetitions with one leg
• Switch legs and repeat

11. Punches

• Sit up in chair
• Keep abdominals tight
• Alternate fast, powerful punches
• Complete 30 repetitions

12. Military Presses

• With or without weight
• Place arms to side and lift overhead
• Complete 15 repetitions

Repeat the cycle until the 10 to 15 minutes are up. Without a major change to your routines, incorporating exercise into the day can be fun and invigorating.

How did you do? What other moves do you throw into your regular working routine?

Cindy Posey, CI-CPT, is a physical trainer and author of Go Workout Mom, a blog designed to motivate moms to prioritize physical fitness. She is married to a wonderful man with two toddlers serving as her inspiration. She juggles life, tutoring, mystery shopping and a part time personal training job at a gym near home. For a dose of motivation, check out her Motivator Newsletter and free Mom’s Journal in Fitness to begin your journey in fitness.

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Posted on July 10th, 2008 by Cindy Posey
Filed under: Health & Wellness | 3 Comments »

Am I the only one who’s ever felt it? All you entrepreneurs spend ALL DAY in front of a computer screen. Writing, typing, programming, THINKING. By the time you walk away from it, you’ve got what I call a Technology Hang-over. Your eyes are blood shot, your head aches, and your neck is likely stiff. Does this sound familiar?

In this day of work-from-home technology-infused business opportunities, we’re all in the same boat. No one (that I know of) addresses the problem of what to do at the end of the day when you feel terrible from sitting and staring all day long. If typing burned calories, I’d be 20 pounds lighter rather than my spread a couple inches wider. Over the years, I’ve come up with a couple ways to avoid this unwanted side affect from too much technology:

1. Create a reminder or an appointment to get up and walk around. Sad but true, we now have to purposely schedule this kind of time into our calendars. At least I haven’t had to schedule in bathroom time…yet!
2. Pace while you’re on the phone. If you’re lucky enough to have contact with the outside world, even if by phone, then get moving while you’re talking! Invest in a hands-free headset for your phone so you can take your talk time as walk time too.
3. Splurge on a Treadmill Desk. That’s right - someone (A doctor at the Mayo Clinic!) invented a desk that is integrated with a treadmill. If you can afford the cool $6,500 for it, go for it and let me know how it works for you. I tried one at a conference recently and although it only goes up to 2 mph (I guess that’s all you can do and accurately type at the same time), over an 8 hour day they say you can burn an average of 100 extra calories per hour. The nice part is, there is a version that you can rotate so you can also sit down when you want to. Costs more, it’s less effective, but I guess if you’re a true couch potato you’ll need that out.
4. Just say no. Take a day or at least an afternoon of unplugged time. Pretend that your internet is out (OK you guys, stop hyperventilating!). Really…what’s the worst that can happen? You can take a walk through the woods or have lunch with a friend. Find a reason to step away from the screen and no one will get hurt.

I am curious – does anyone else have this problem? I am SURE it isn’t just entrepreneurs that experience this and I know I’m not the only one. What do you do to either avoid or get over your Technology Hang-Over?

Julie Lenzer Kirk is a serial entrepreneur, author, and mom. She is the founder of Path Forward International, which provides companies and individuals a “Boot in the Butt(TM)” to launch new ideas, grow existing ventures, find their work/life balance and fine tune their leadership skills. Her book, “The ParentPreneur Edge: What Parenting Teaches About Building a Successful Business” (Wiley) is available online wherever books are sold.

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Posted on July 3rd, 2008 by Julie Lenzer Kirk
Filed under: Family Life Balance, Health & Wellness, Home Office | 1 Comment »