by Donna Maria on March 11, 2010
Failure is uncomfortable and embarrassing. But it is also empowering, if you allow it to be. For one thing, failure helps you empathize with others. This is good not only in personal relationships, but also in business ones. When you empathize with the failures and challenges of others, you are better equipped to enhance their lives with what you have to offer.
Failure also teaches you to ask for help. Whenever I try something and get nowhere, I reach out to friends or business colleagues who are already doing what I want to do. Sometimes I have to pay for their insights, sometimes it’s free. Either way, when faced with continually failing or improving my circumstances, asking for help becomes a no-brainer. Continue Reading…
by Donna Maria on March 7, 2010
One of my favorite recent discoveries is David Allen, author of Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
. (affiliate link) Allen’s book is wildly popular and his methods are used by some of the nation’s most well-respected organizations. Recently, my friend Tasra Dawson told me about the video of part of a presentation David Allen delivered to Google employees about how to master your work flow.
(If you’re reading this via email or RSS and can’t see the video, click here.)
Allen says that someone has called this “knowledge work athletics.” I found his points so compelling that I jotted them down to share with you. It’s worth 45 minutes of your time to watch the video, but if you can’t, take note of these 5 keys to gaining control of your work flow. (These are my summaries of Allen’s words, not Allen’s words.) Continue Reading…
by Donna Maria on February 28, 2010
As you know, I believe that great readers make great business leaders. Due in part to my love for books, there are few things I enjoy more than hosting my weekly radio show. Since 2005, I have featured interviews with people who share valuable expertise and insights to help small business owners succeed. While not all of my guests are authors, most are, and they include people like Paula Deen, Jack Canfield, and Warren Brown.
These days, there are lots of fun ways to enjoy books, including audio versions, e-books and of course traditional bound books. There are so many great books that I do not have time to read them all, no matter what technology I use. Many of you are telling me the same thing — you love books, but you just don’t have time to read as much as you’d like.
Introducing “Book Bits”
I have decided to launch “Book Bits,” a book club that helps us get the most out of a book without having to read the whole thing at once. Continue Reading…
by Donna Maria on February 24, 2010
Earlier this month, I watched part of a CNN’s Black In America 2. In one segment, Soledad O’Brien interviewed Steve Perry, PhD, principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Ct. Born on his mother’s 16th birthday, into a 3rd generation of poverty, Dr. Perry had all odds against him. Today, he is a brilliant and inspiring, no excuses educator who rises every morning at 4:30 to pick up students and take them to school.
I am impressed and inspired by Dr. Perry’s commitment to improve his own circumstances, and to use his success to help inner city children be successful. His bold, no-excuses approach has yielded stellar results. One hundred percent of graduating Capital Prep students go on to attend a 4-year college. One significant thing that struck me during O’Brien’s interview is Dr. Perry’s admonition to his students that, “You have to learn to play hurt.” Continue Reading…
by Donna Maria on February 21, 2010
Part of the reason I didn’t publish last week’s roll call last week is because I am in the midst of re-working my business week to accommodate a new fitness routine. I am determined to find a rhythm that allows me to be as healthy as my business is. If I had not worked out 5 times last week, the roll call would have been published. But then, I’d not be feeling as strong as I do at this moment because of the way my workouts make me feel.
I’ve read that 90% of businesses fail during the first five years. The way to avoid that is to understand that business is a marathon, not a sprint. In many ways, it takes the endurance and commitment of a world class athlete to run the race for the long term. To do that, we must show up day after day, week after week, year after year. These people joined me as present and accounted for at our FaceBook Page last week. Some came early in the day, some a bit later. But they were all there! Will you be there tomorrow!? IBN members have the Indie leaf beside their names! Continue Reading…
by Donna Maria on February 19, 2010
This week, IBN member Lela Barker, owner of Bella Lucce in Columbia, SC, is launching an exciting new non-profit venture. From Morocco, With Love offers wonderful products imported from the beautiful nation of Morocco. I have seen this venture unfold from the time it formed as a seedling in Lela’s mind, so this week’s launch is especially exciting for me to watch.
Among the many lovely products Morocco, With Love offers is this lovely pair of women’s leather babouche slippers pictured above, alongside the company logo. In a minute, I will tell you how to enter to win a free pair in the color of your choice, plus another From Morocco, With Love treasure. Continue Reading…
