The Most Important Time

The wait is over. This moment is here and it is time to live.

Whatever could have been or should have been, doesn't
matter. This moment is here and now for you to live.

Live it fully and richly, as if this is the only time there
has ever been and the only time that will ever be. This is
not a time for regret or blame or putting off until later.

This is your time to live. Feel how exquisitely amazing it
is to be, and give the best of yourself to right now.

This moment you can stop giving energy to your limitations.
Give your energy to joy and creation and authentic
expression.

The most important time in your life is here right now. Live
it like it really matters, because it absolutely does.

Ralph Marston

Submitted by Becky Forton, Mary Kay Cosmetics Consultant. Thank you Becky

Athena Awards - Nominations

Lakeshore ATHENA Award Program is Seeking Nominations!
On Tuesday, October 5, 2010 the sixth annual Lakeshore ATHENA Award Program will present the prestigious ATHENA Award to an individual who has attained and personifies the highest level of professional excellence in her/his business or profession, has devoted time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community while assisting women in reaching their full potential and one who exhibits the spirit of regional collaboration. The Lakeshore ATHENA Award Program was created to seek out and honor shoreline leaders who exemplify the ATHENA philosophy.
The recipient is selected from nominations; we need your help indentifying those potential candidates! You may nominate yourself or undoubtedly within your network, there are individuals who are outstanding professionals and community leaders. We strongly encourage resubmitting names of past nominees. Although there is only one recipient recognized annually, the honor is in the nomination. Click here for Nomination Form. Forms must be completed and returned to the address listed on the Nomination Form by July 16, 2010.

The Lakeshore ATHENA Program is a collaborative venture presented by the Chamber Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, Holland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce. The program luncheon will be held at the Trillium Banquet and Conference Center 17246 Van Wagoner Rd, Ferrysburg/Spring Lake from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm. on Tuesday, October 5th where the recipient will be announced!

Information provided by Pamela Blake (Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce)

Why Businesses Fail

Business survival rates are bleak . . .
I've seen figures between 80% and 90% of all business start ups fail within the first five years.  Knowing the reason why so businesses fail should help a new business avoid falling into the same trap. 

According to the author, Michael Gerber, when one becomes self-employed they take the "technical" mind-set into business which is the personality that is associated with getting tasks done.  When a "technician-turned-business-owner" runs  a business, the focus of the business is upside down.

There are three personalities that one must balance in order to succeed in business: 

1. Entrepreneur - the visionary
2. Manager - the pragmatist
3. Technician - the doer

As a new business owner, one believes that they are their business; however, according to Michael Gerber it is important to separate yourself from your business.  Your business must be customer-focused, because without a clear picture of your customer and what they expect from your business, no business can succeed.

Rather than paraphrase his book, read "The E-myth Revisited" to see if there might be a clue why your business is not progressing the way you think it should.