Inspire me!

My 2011 goals

2011-03-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

2009 Achievements:
Personal Sales: $74,382.00 PCV / $106,206 Retail
Personally Recruited: 9
Team Recruiting: Recruited 14 members on team for total of 14. On all 3 levels
Team sales: $163,494.73 GCV

2010 Achievements:
Personal Sales: $66,767.26 PCV / $95,381.80 Retail
Personally Recruited: 6
Team Recruiting: Recruited 26, for a total of 38 members on team. On all 3 levels
Team Sales: $307,189.75 GVC (this was an 87% increase over year before)

Shelley’s Vision:
My Vision is to develop a large and productive Sales Organization. This will be achieved by inviting others to share their goals and then empower them and work with them to help them achieve their goals. I invite anyone and everyone in our organization to partner with me and I will help you – directly and/or indirectly - reach your goals. That is my promise to each team member.

2011 Goals:
Personal Sales: $84,000 PCV / $120,000 Retail
Personally Recruit: 10 (For total of 23)
To achieve Silver Manager Status by December 31st 2011
Team Development Goals:
Team Recruiting: Recruit 40, for a total of 78 members on team. On all 3 levels
Team Sales: $400,000 GVC (Aiming for a 30% increase over year before)
1 NEW Level 1 Star Leader, for a total of 2 star leaders
Income Goal: To Earn $85,000 in income in 2011

Team Sales GVC Goal of $400,000 Status to date:

Fundraisers

Update Fundraiser Thermometer Here

Number of Recruits Goal of 78 team members, Status to date:

Fundraisers

Update Fundraiser Thermometer Here

2012 Goals:
Personal Sales: $87,500 PCV / $125,000 Retail
Personally Recruit: 12 (For total of 35)
Team Development Goals:
Team Recruiting: Recruit 50, for a total of 128 members on team. On all 3 levels
Team Sales: $500,000 GVC (Aiming for a 25% increase over year before)
1 NEW Level 1 Star Leader, for a total of 3 star leaders
Income Goal: To Earn $105,000 in income in 2012

2010-12-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most.
We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, georgeous, talented, and famous?'
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us.
And when we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
-Maryanne Williamson

I just finished a class recently with other direct sales reps from the company I represent, and what became so clear to me is that all of these women who were relatively successful with their businesses felt the same way I did. These women felt fear, they felt they were not good enough run a successful business.

Why are women so hard on themselves? Why do we have these feelings of inadequacy? Do men do this to themselves as well? It makes me wonder.

Each week participants took turns sharing their leadership journey so far. Week after week I listened to so many of the ladies who articulated so well what their thoughts were on how they were doing. These ladies could have been telling my story, as they spoke I got goosebumps as I related to much to what they expressed. One lady shared that she is in a position struggling with knowing what needs to be done to run her business, and having the determination to actually do it, day in a day out. Struggles with consistency seems to be a common thread with all of us. And negative self talk ran thick amongst us all.

I have strugged with feeling like a fraud sometimes. Yes I have had some success in my business, actually if I were to be truly honest I would have to admit I have had GREAT success in my business. This past sales year I had the honor of earning Number two in personal sales across Canada award, and also number five in new business development. But as I won these awards, it felt bitter sweet, as I felt like a fraud because my sales for August were not that great. Kinda like a "what have you done lately" feeling. Why do I do this to myself? Why not enjoy my successes and accomplishments? Why must I be so hard on myself and think of myself as a fraud instead of a successful person?

This class I took was an eye opening experience that I will never forget. As I remember listening to these ladies share how hard they were on themselves and how they did not believe in themselves, I felt sadness for them. I felt like reaching out and giving them a hug and telling them they should believe in themselves, that they are wonderful. But then something happened, and I realized that I felt sad for these ladies for feeling so bad about themselves, that I wondered why didn't I feel bad about having these feelings about myself? It was a realization I had never had before. And I am so greatful that I finally woke up to how I have treated myself over the years.

This quote from Maryann Williamson said it all for how we should treat ourselves. We need to be kinder to ourselves, so that we can help others be kinder to themselves as well. Since taking this class I am proud to report that my negative self talk has been happening less and less, and perhaps one day I will tell myself what a beautiful and successful woman I have become. Gotta be kind to self!

Thank you!

2010-10-07T09:45:00.001-07:00

"He who thanks but with the lips
thanks but in part;
The full, the true thanksgiving
comes from the heart."
- J.A. Shedd

Thanks giving is just around the corner. I love Thanksgiving. Getting together with family and friends to celebrate all that we are so greatful for. We usually head up to the family cottage during thanksgiving, have a wonderful meal that my mom cooks and we close up the cottage at the same time.

This year, my mom just got out of the hospital from her knee surgery. So Brent and I will be cooking the meal. There is so much to prepare for the perfect thankgiving meal. I personally just LOVE the turkey part, with mashed potates and gravey, and can't wait to get started on this great tradition. Then of course I will go on to make turkey soup. I love the whole process of making the turkey soup.

It may sound funny, but it makes me feel like I am a good home maker and mom, doing something from scratch like this to provide for my family. See I have never been much of a baker, and I am envious of those who have the knack for doing such a thing for their families. I recently volunteered to bake cookies for my childrens bake sale. And I burnt the first batch of cookie. Much to my dismay. At the end of the day, knowone got sick from eating them. So I was grateful for that! Miss Baker I am not! Now ask me to make a soup or an amazing italian tomatoe and meat sause and I am your woman! Maybe next year the school with have a soup sale at the school.

I am so grateful for having another wonderful year with my family, and having a family and a place to go to celebrate thanksgiving. The kids are getting so big, and I am very proud to be their mom. A friend of ours just lost his daughter in a car accident, and it just makes you think a little more about just how precious life is.

I used to write in a graditude journal years ago, and I am thinking that I should start that up again. I had a beautiful little note book that I wrote all the things I was grateful for. There were some days that I did not feel grateful, but I got into such as habit of writing in this journal at the time that I did anyways. I am sorry I stopped. Might as well start now!

I am grateful for friendships.

Kathryn, you have been such a dear friend of mine, like the sister I always wanted. I am so grateful to have another soul that I am so intune with. The hours we spend together fly by so quickly. Its like we were 5 all over again, talking about our hopes and dreams. I cherish every moment I have with you.

DI, you are truly my creative sister. I love spending time with you talking about all things creative. You have so much energy, and enthuiasm, and positive energy. I always leave our time together with a smile on my face.

Vicki, you are the most beautiful person inside and out that I have ever met. I love spending time with you, you are so kind, and geniune. You do not have a bad bone in your body. I feel honored to have a friend such as yourself. And I can`t wait to travel more of the world with you.

Debbie, if there is one person who is the energizer bunny, its you. You continue to motivate and inspire so many people around you, including me. How you do what you do with your business and your family, is beyond comprehention. I love seeing you, and vacationing with you, and I can`t wait till we plan our next girlfriend getaway. I am grateful that I have known you and your kind heart for 20+ years.

Brent, you have been so supportive of me and my family for so many years. You have been a friend and so much more to me. I am thankful that I took that chance to get to know you a little bit more so many years ago. You have been one of the most supportive, and loving people I have every met. You are a rock! I love our moments together, and I love reaching our goals and dreams together.

Kids, you make me so proud. I love you more than words could say. Your quirky comments, and actions put a smile on my face everyday. I am so grateful that I get to share your life and watch you grow into beautiful, amazing adults with such spirit and energy. You are all such strong personalities and so different at the same time. You teach me something every day about myself. And I thank you for that gift and so many more that you have given me. Thank you for coming into my life.

Mom and dad, what can I say, you have been there for me, for like forever! I am greatful that I have the pleasure of having you in my life. Your guidance and support has helped shape me into the person I am today. I would need to write a book to say all that I am greatful for from you, but let me say for now that I am greatful that you are both still in my life.

Mark and Chris, although I have always wanted a sister. I am greatful that I have you both in my life. Like my children, we are so different. But its nice to know that I have you out there, even if sometimes it seems so far away. I know that I could always count on you both for anything, and I would do the same for you. I am greatful to have two amazing brothers in my life.

I am greatful for having amazing inlaws.
I am greatful for having my jewellery career, and for meeting so many ladies through this company.
I am greatful for having a beautiful home over my head.
I am greatful for being creative.
I am greatful for having a dog! I love her so much! She is so happy!
I am greatful I get along with my ex.
I am greatful for my extended family.
I am greatful I live in such an amazing Country!
I am greatful that I have been to Kauai. I love it there!
I am greatful that I earned a trip for two to Cabo San Lucas!
I am greatful that I have an amazing support system around me.
I am greatful to be.

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2010-03-24T09:18:00.001-07:00

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Thanks DI

2009-03-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."
~Albert Schweitzer

A friend sent this to me, and it serves as a good reminder of the value of friendships.
(Thanks DI!)

TWO GLASSES OF WINE

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,
when 24 hours in a day are not enough,
remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 glasses of wine...

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in
front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and
empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.
He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between
the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it in to the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else
He asked once more if the jar was full.
The students responded with an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two glasses of wine from under the table and
poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space
between the sand The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to
recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things;
your family, your children, your health, your friends, and
your favorite passions; things that if everything else was lost and only
they remained, your life would still be full.'

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and
your car. The sand is everything else; the small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'There is no room
for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you
spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room
for the things that are important to you.'

'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. Do one more run down the ski slope.

There will always be time to clean the house.
Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the wine represented.

The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that
no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of
glasses of wine with a friend.'

Share this with a friend. I JUST DID!

It has been a while...

2009-03-13T08:22:00.001-07:00

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."
~e.e. cummings

Hummmm a lot has happened since my last post. My dad had a close brush with death in the fall after some heart issues. (He is much better now.) I am now working for myself representing a line of fine sterling silver jewellery that is sold mostly through home parties. Oh, and I turned 40 last month!

Sometimes things happen in one area of your life, and it gets you thinking about many areas. I think turning 40 had me thinking about my life, what I have accomplished, and what I still would like to accomplish. It had me thinking alot about my career. In some peoples eyes, I had done well in my career. My official title this past fall was VP of Marketing of an HR company. I had worked in the HR space for over 18 years. I got to thinking that it will probably be over 20 years before I retire, did I want to be doing this for another 20 years? I needed a change. Change is what I got, and I could not be happier!

I came across selling a new line of jewellery as an after thought. My old boss called me and told me about this line of jewellery. It was a wierd conversation at first. She knows that I designed my own jewellery and sold it at various tradeshows and craft shows. She called and told me how she had gone to a jewellery party the night before. That I should sell this jewellery. I have to admit, my first reaction was something like "ok... why would I want to do that? I take great pleasure in designing my own jewellery and selling it." She told me that the rep who did the show sold over $2400 in jewellery that night and she earned 30% of that in commission. Not only that, the hostess received 30% of the sales (over $700) in free jewellery just for hosting the event in her house! Ok so that got my interest.

When I went to the jewellery showroom at head office and I saw all of the jewellery, I signed up right on the spot! The hard part was deciding which pieces I was not going to get.

I have had many jewellery shows since I signed up and I have made some good money and have earned lots of free jewellery. I love meeting new people at each of the shows I do, and I love sharing the business opportunity with my friends. Life is good! I could not be happier. Plus I am working towards a goal of earning a free trip to Aruba!

Wish me luck!

goin on vacation.....

2008-07-31T11:21:00.000-07:00

Those that say you can't take it with you,
never saw a car packed for a vacation trip.
~Author Unknown

Tomorrow morning we will be packing the coolers and the cars, and then get a jump start on the annual trek up to the family cottage for our week long vacation with the kids, family and friends.

During the week long vacation there will be no less than 6 children aged 13 to 6, and at the start of the week there will be no less than 5 adults, with that number going up to 9 adults during the last half of the week for a mini family reunion. That number of people required me to take a trip to Costco (can’t get out of there without spending at least two hundred dollars club) last night. By the time I was done shopping I am sure I looked like a freak trying to fit in seven hundred dollars worth of groceries into the cart that seemed to shrink as I took things off the shelf. I was barely able to push the cart to the check out, because it was so heavy. It was a good thing that Brent showed up just in time as I was checking out, as he was able to bring me an extra cart to take things out to the car with. Besides he has the bigger trunk in his car.

Packing all this food and then the kids into the car tomorrow morning should be interesting. Hopefully they will get along for the car ride.

A vacation is like love -
anticipated with pleasure,
experienced with discomfort,
and remembered with nostalgia.
~Author Unknown

I am looking forward to going to the cottage. There is something about being up there that takes a layer of stress off. Once you get there, and unpack it is total relaxation. The kids are usually so excited to jump into the lake. It’s a pretty simple life we lead up there. Sleep, eat, swim, dry off, swim, go for ski or tube ride, eat, swim, dry off, swim, eat, boat ride, eat, build campfire, cook marshmallows just the way you like them. Say yes when the kids want to cook you a marshmallow, even though you know Olivia will burn yours and you will eat it and smile, saying how yummy it is. (She wants to cook for mommy after all) I love making these memories with the kids. It’s so much fun!

Some of my fondest memories are of building campfires with my parents at this very cottage and then cooking treats over the fire. Sometimes we would have caught a fish that day that was big enough, and we could have it for an after dinner snack. That was so yummy. My brothers and I would experiment with throwing pine needles, cones and leaves into the fire to see what affect it would have on the fire. We would all have our own marshmallow stick which was an old branch that we found, and my dad would have sharpened it at one end so that we could stick the marshmallow on it. That was our stick for the week, so we better take good care of it and not play too much in the fire with it. For playing in the fire, we would find other sticks that we would use to poke at the amber wood and make little sparks that would fly up and disappear into the night sky. There is something so magical about a campfire. That is definitely part of the experience.

If you are wondering what this has to do with being creative and inspiring. I would ask, how could someone be surrounded in nature and not feel inspired by it all. For example, I have been fortunate enough to become acquainted with a local artist who works in all different medias. Her work is entirely inspired by nature. I have a feeling that I will be thinking a little like Linda Lee this week, and absorb all I can from this inspirational and world of nature. When I think of it like that, it’s kind of like going to an art gallery for inspiration.

What inspiration are you going to have this week?

Take care and have a great week.
Shelley
☺

The Last Lecture you ever need to experience

2008-07-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

Don't follow your dreams; chase them.
- Richard Dumb

Randy Pausch (Oct. 23, 1960 - July 25, 2008) died this past week. I know that perhaps people are wondering why I might be talking about someones death on a blog that is meant to inspire. But Randy's message is one that is truly inspirational.

Randy was featured on Oprah, he is the professor who has terminal cancer, and who is probably most known for his Last Lecture. Reading this, you might think, oh yeah I heard about that guy. I truly I hope that everyone who is near and dear to me, and even those who may not even know me watches this video.

In this video the Carnegie Mellon Professor gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed Auditorium. In his moving presentation, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," Pausch talked about lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals. But its so much more than that! Please if you were planning on watching summer reruns tonight I beg you to watch this lecture first. Enjoy, you will be inspired....

For more, visit www.cmu.edu/randyslecture.

Welcome to my first blog!

2008-05-09T11:10:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my blog. The other night, I finally figured out how to incorporate it into my site, after some trial and error, so here we go.... In this blog, I plan to write about all things inspirational, quotes, things I think are inspirational, updates on what I am doing personally and also in regards to my glasswork. My wish is that you will leave my site feeling more inspired than when you arrived. Also, that maybe you will think of me the next time you think about purchasing a unique gift for family or friends.

I figured my first entry would need to be something that had impact. Little did I know that inspiration would come its way to me in the form of an email from Mac Anderson, and his simple truths newsletter that I subscribe to. This man is truly inspirational and I love it! Mac Anderson is the man who founded Successories, the inspirational posters you see in some offices and homes. The posters usually have a great photo with an inspirational message or quotation.

The email was promoting a book called "The Race: Life's Greatest Lesson". In the email there was a link to a movie about the book topic. When I watched the movie I developed a lump in my throat, and I had one of those Aha moments that Oprah refers to.

This video made me think about the trade show I did this past weekend, and how disappointed I felt about my results shortly afterwards. (I was not thinking of the bigger picture) Its was a small show in my home town. I did well in sales at last years show, that I thought for sure I would do well at this one. But I was wrong. I was so disappointed that evening that I went to bed right after dinner, feeling exhausted and defeated. I had felt like the boy in The Race story, I felt like giving up.

The next day it got quite sunny out, so gardening was the item on that days agenda. There is something about gardening to me that is so therapeutic, similar to how I feel when I do my glass work. It clears the mind, and allows for positive thoughts to come in. I started to feel better about the show I did the day before, and thought about how it was more of a networking, awareness and marketing event for myself and my glass work. I started thinking about how I could expand my artistic abilities, so that my work will appeal to more people. I started thinking what I could do for the next show that will improve my results. All in all I felt much better about the show on the weekend, and about my abilities to make each show in the future a positive experience.

As of today I have received two calls from people at the show who are interested in making a purchase. One lady who made a purchase from me during the show received so many positive comments on the piece when she has worn it, she asked me for a stack of business cards to help promote me. So far my site stats are higher this week than they were the week before. So I am feeling pretty good about all of that!

I guess the lesson here as in the Race movie, is Never, Never, Never give up! Here is to not giving up.

Have a great weekend and for all you mothers out there, have a wonderful mothers day!
Shelley
:-)