Hubby left for 10-day business trip.
Daughter got stomach bug.
I had to cancel the Fresh strategy session, so nobody catches the bug.
The kids bowling birthday party, with 50 kids and their parents is tonight. Food, favors and fun are my main focus.
Apparently, I picked the wrong day to upgrade from my Blackberry to a new Android phone. I can't figure out how to do anything yet, and everytime I think I'm hanging up, I'm actually calling the person back. WTH?
So, no blogging on Days 32-25.
And, no apologies, either. It is what it is.
I will resume posts ASAP. Thanks for noticing I was gone! :)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Day 31 - Insane or Strategic?
I sat around the table Friday night with my husband, Rich, three of my best girlfriends (Kris, Kathy and Cathy). My friend's husband, Chris, was in the kitchen making me the best dirty martini I've ever had.
Cathy was asking me about Fresh, and I told her about a new line of underwear and tank tops that I wanted to add to the website. She laughed at the brand name, and the whole table erupted in laughter.
"Michelle, you're crazy!" They said. I smiled. It's not the first time I've heard that.
Today, I got a phone call from a marketing friend who was calling for some advice. After answering her questions, I told her I might take her up on her offer to help me with some content development on the new website, because I knew what I wanted, but I have so much going on, it will take me a while to focus on it. She said, in a joking, but slightly sarcastic tone, "Oh, and you want to run a bakery on top of it all?" (Referring to the Sweet Cakes bakery essay contest)
"No, I don't want to RUN a bakery. I want to OWN a bakery. There's a difference. I can buy the supply chain for $59.95. I will keep the current staff and hire a manager to run the bakery. I just want the cupcakes."
Pondering these reactions to my business idea, I realized this entrepreneurship thing is not for the faint of heart. I have a very clear vision of the business as a whole, and all of the moving parts I need to make it successful. People I talk to can't possibly have the vision I do, and think in terms of their own perspective. That's okay. I don't mind if they think I'm crazy. I take their comments with a grain of salt. I know what I'm doing.
I can see that they are all thinking from the employee mentality. (And, yes, some of them are reading this, and I'm not trying to belittle you here at all!) I'm just pointing out where I would fail as an entrepreneur, if I got sensitive about every negative comment ever made about my ideas. I would never get out of the gate.
Running a business is not the same as having a job. No, it is not possible for me to do this alone. I cannot create the business myself to the scale of my vision. I cannot be out with bachelorette parties until well after midnight, drop them off at the mansion, then open a bakery at 4am, then go home to feed my kids breakfast, have meetings all day, make dinner, then go back out and do it all again that night. Now, THAT's crazy talk. I will have to get LOTS of help in this business, obviously.
The key is to have a strategic plan, which I am currently working on. What needs to be done? Who will do what? How much money do I need to fund all of this activity? How much money will be made by the various products and services? When will I break even? How profitable will I be? Who do I know who can help me plug in all the pieces?
These are all the questions one must answer when starting a business. And if the answer to all your questions is, "I can do that myself to save money," then it is not a business you're making at all.
It is a job.
And, you will be the worst boss you ever had. You will work yourself to the bone. If the business depends on you to do all the work, then it is not a scalable business, and you will never be able to sell it, unless you sell yourself. Does that make sense?
So, Friday, I have a big strategy session planned, and I've invited some key people over to go over my strategy and poke holes. I'm ASSUMING none of them will tell me I'm crazy, though I expect them to play devil's advocate and raise concerns, so that risks and pitfalls may be considered. Out of this session, I hope to get an actionable map of what the business needs to reach my vision.
Friday night, Chris came back to the table with my martini, and also asked some questions about the business. Being a small business owner himself, he was asking about the branding, potential services, and seemed eager to brainstorm a bit. I appreciate friends like this. I appreciate all feedback, positive or negative, but I get energy from other entrepreneurs who think like I do.
So, Chris, I raise my martini glass to toast you in today's blog. (I've been toasting a lot of people in this blog - see a trend? ;-) Thanks for playing with the idea, and if we ever institute a "least eligible bachelor" night at Fresh, you'll be top on my list. (It was his idea...and I love ideas! ;-)
Cathy was asking me about Fresh, and I told her about a new line of underwear and tank tops that I wanted to add to the website. She laughed at the brand name, and the whole table erupted in laughter.
"Michelle, you're crazy!" They said. I smiled. It's not the first time I've heard that.
Today, I got a phone call from a marketing friend who was calling for some advice. After answering her questions, I told her I might take her up on her offer to help me with some content development on the new website, because I knew what I wanted, but I have so much going on, it will take me a while to focus on it. She said, in a joking, but slightly sarcastic tone, "Oh, and you want to run a bakery on top of it all?" (Referring to the Sweet Cakes bakery essay contest)
"No, I don't want to RUN a bakery. I want to OWN a bakery. There's a difference. I can buy the supply chain for $59.95. I will keep the current staff and hire a manager to run the bakery. I just want the cupcakes."
Pondering these reactions to my business idea, I realized this entrepreneurship thing is not for the faint of heart. I have a very clear vision of the business as a whole, and all of the moving parts I need to make it successful. People I talk to can't possibly have the vision I do, and think in terms of their own perspective. That's okay. I don't mind if they think I'm crazy. I take their comments with a grain of salt. I know what I'm doing.
I can see that they are all thinking from the employee mentality. (And, yes, some of them are reading this, and I'm not trying to belittle you here at all!) I'm just pointing out where I would fail as an entrepreneur, if I got sensitive about every negative comment ever made about my ideas. I would never get out of the gate.
Running a business is not the same as having a job. No, it is not possible for me to do this alone. I cannot create the business myself to the scale of my vision. I cannot be out with bachelorette parties until well after midnight, drop them off at the mansion, then open a bakery at 4am, then go home to feed my kids breakfast, have meetings all day, make dinner, then go back out and do it all again that night. Now, THAT's crazy talk. I will have to get LOTS of help in this business, obviously.
The key is to have a strategic plan, which I am currently working on. What needs to be done? Who will do what? How much money do I need to fund all of this activity? How much money will be made by the various products and services? When will I break even? How profitable will I be? Who do I know who can help me plug in all the pieces?
These are all the questions one must answer when starting a business. And if the answer to all your questions is, "I can do that myself to save money," then it is not a business you're making at all.
It is a job.
And, you will be the worst boss you ever had. You will work yourself to the bone. If the business depends on you to do all the work, then it is not a scalable business, and you will never be able to sell it, unless you sell yourself. Does that make sense?
So, Friday, I have a big strategy session planned, and I've invited some key people over to go over my strategy and poke holes. I'm ASSUMING none of them will tell me I'm crazy, though I expect them to play devil's advocate and raise concerns, so that risks and pitfalls may be considered. Out of this session, I hope to get an actionable map of what the business needs to reach my vision.
Friday night, Chris came back to the table with my martini, and also asked some questions about the business. Being a small business owner himself, he was asking about the branding, potential services, and seemed eager to brainstorm a bit. I appreciate friends like this. I appreciate all feedback, positive or negative, but I get energy from other entrepreneurs who think like I do.
So, Chris, I raise my martini glass to toast you in today's blog. (I've been toasting a lot of people in this blog - see a trend? ;-) Thanks for playing with the idea, and if we ever institute a "least eligible bachelor" night at Fresh, you'll be top on my list. (It was his idea...and I love ideas! ;-)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Day 30 - The Rose
One of my Facebook friends, Kara Oh, posted a question, "If love was something in nature, what would it be and why?" Many comments piled up about rivers, and mountains and puppies. The first thing that popped into my head was The Rose, the song by Bette Midler, which is so soulful and beautiful that it brings tears to my eyes. In case you haven't heard the song in a while, here are the lyrics and a link to a YouTube video for you to enjoy.
"The Rose"
Some say love, it is a river
that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,
an endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,
and you its only seed.
It's the heart afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance.
It's the dream afraid of waking
that never takes the chance.
It's the one who won't be taken,
who cannot seem to give,
and the soul afraid of dyin'
that never learns to live.
When the night has been too lonely
and the road has been too long,
and you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong,
just remember in the winter
far beneath the bitter snows
lies the seed that with the sun's love
in the spring becomes the rose.
You Tube offered several videos - I liked this duet with Bette Midler and Wynonna Judd.
All we need is love. And roses. In describing the Fresh concept, I keep hearing myself coming back to LOVE. Where the wedding is a celebration of the love of the couple, the bachelorette party celebrates love for the bride by her family and friends. And my company will give them a chance to strengthen that love through connection with each other, whether just for a night or for a long weekend.
Yes, we'll party and play, but there will be an undercurrent of love throughout the whole agenda. And, roses. Lots of roses!
"The Rose"
Some say love, it is a river
that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,
an endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,
and you its only seed.
It's the heart afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance.
It's the dream afraid of waking
that never takes the chance.
It's the one who won't be taken,
who cannot seem to give,
and the soul afraid of dyin'
that never learns to live.
When the night has been too lonely
and the road has been too long,
and you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong,
just remember in the winter
far beneath the bitter snows
lies the seed that with the sun's love
in the spring becomes the rose.
You Tube offered several videos - I liked this duet with Bette Midler and Wynonna Judd.
All we need is love. And roses. In describing the Fresh concept, I keep hearing myself coming back to LOVE. Where the wedding is a celebration of the love of the couple, the bachelorette party celebrates love for the bride by her family and friends. And my company will give them a chance to strengthen that love through connection with each other, whether just for a night or for a long weekend.
Yes, we'll party and play, but there will be an undercurrent of love throughout the whole agenda. And, roses. Lots of roses!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Day 29 - Serendipities and Intuition
Serendipity.
It's a word I've been hearing often lately, including last night, which gave me pause to reflect on this word.
After Googling the word, which means "the aptitude of making fortunate discoveries by accident", I got down to the origin:
"Word History: We are indebted to the English author Horace Walpole for the word serendipity, which he coined in one of the 3,000 or more letters on which his literary reputation primarily rests. In a letter of January 28, 1754, Walpole says that "this discovery, indeed, is almost of that kind which I call Serendipity, a very expressive word." Walpole formed the word on an old name for Sri Lanka, Serendip. He explained that this name was part of the title of "a silly fairy tale, called The Three Princes of Serendip: as their highnesses traveled, they were always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of...."
Well, thank you, Mr. Walpole and Sri Lanka, for that delightful word. Never mind that I then had to look up the definition of sagacity. This sleep-deprived, and creative brain of mine has no room for such trivia.
Often, we do not have the sagacity to make discoveries that are fortunate, and can have a major impact on the direction of our lives. (See how I turned right around and used the word "sagacity" in a sentence? My 3rd grade teacher would be so proud.)
But I digress. We save that business card for "someday when I'm ready", instead of recognizing the moment to start the conversation is now. Or, we shrug off a geniune offer to help, thinking we do not want to impose on someone else to make our dreams come true.
When we trust our intuition, and shut off our minds before we overthink it, perhaps jumping in before we're ready, we allow the serendipities to occur.
I recently watched the romantic comedy, "Serendipity", with Kate Beckensale and John Cusak. This movie drove me nuts. Beckensale's character, Sara, refuses to give John's character, Jonathan, her name or number, and decides to leave their future to fate.
Sara asks Jonathan to write his name and phone number on a $5 bill, while she writes her name and number on the inside cover of a book. If they are meant to be together, she tells him, he will find the book and she will find the $5 bill, and they will find their way back to each other.
Really, Sara? The whole movie is wasted on other characters and romantic interests, and you have to wait the whole movie for them to reunite. Meanwhile, several years of their life together are wasted.
I wanted to scream, "Sara! Recognize fate when it slaps you in the face the first time, sugar!" But, that would have scared the cat off my lap, resulting in deep scars on my thighs, so I just suffered through the whole movie. (Not to mention that poor Bridget Moynihan plays Jonathan's soon-to-be ex-fiance. Talk about the foreshadowing of her real life with QB stud, Tom Brady, or what?!)
In business, as in love, you must learn to trust your intuition, and recognize when "fate" is handing you an opportunity. If I took the time to list all the serendipitous occasions that have occurred since I started launching Fresh, I'd be here all day. So I'll just tell you about last night.
I went to Tara Sage Steeves' Dreaming Out Loud workshop, at Lotus Rising in Fall River, MA. It was hosted by Maureen Umehara of WCSWANS. (Links to come) Before the dreaming exercises began, the woman sitting next to me introduced herself as Jennifer, and shared that she wanted to work for herself someday. Without wanting to be too eager to share I just wrote a book on how to start a business, I made a note to tell her this later.
During the course of the evening, I also learned that she wanted to write a novel and start a better fitness and nutrition routine. At this point, I could not contain myself, I had to invite her to join the ShapeUpRI.com team that some writer friends and I had just created to move our bodies and move our writing along! As it turns out, our walking path goes right by her house, and she joyfully accepted the invitation. It was just meant to be. She recognized the serendipity to receive instantaneous support of her goals, and pointed it out to the workshop group.
As it turns out, Jennifer is going through a divorce. I smiled and offered to throw her Divorce Party under Fresh, and again tried not to be too eager in the offer. It is, after all, a sensitive topic, and some women may not feel like throwing a party when the divorce is final. But I think a good party is the solution to everything, so I'm in the perfect industry for me right now!
Let's raise our glasses in a toast to serendipity! (The concept. Not the movie.) A toast to Jennifer, Tara and Maureen, while we're at it, for a completely enjoyable evening together. I'm glad we all had the sagacity to be there together. ;-)
It's a word I've been hearing often lately, including last night, which gave me pause to reflect on this word.
After Googling the word, which means "the aptitude of making fortunate discoveries by accident", I got down to the origin:
"Word History: We are indebted to the English author Horace Walpole for the word serendipity, which he coined in one of the 3,000 or more letters on which his literary reputation primarily rests. In a letter of January 28, 1754, Walpole says that "this discovery, indeed, is almost of that kind which I call Serendipity, a very expressive word." Walpole formed the word on an old name for Sri Lanka, Serendip. He explained that this name was part of the title of "a silly fairy tale, called The Three Princes of Serendip: as their highnesses traveled, they were always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of...."
Well, thank you, Mr. Walpole and Sri Lanka, for that delightful word. Never mind that I then had to look up the definition of sagacity. This sleep-deprived, and creative brain of mine has no room for such trivia.
Often, we do not have the sagacity to make discoveries that are fortunate, and can have a major impact on the direction of our lives. (See how I turned right around and used the word "sagacity" in a sentence? My 3rd grade teacher would be so proud.)
But I digress. We save that business card for "someday when I'm ready", instead of recognizing the moment to start the conversation is now. Or, we shrug off a geniune offer to help, thinking we do not want to impose on someone else to make our dreams come true.
When we trust our intuition, and shut off our minds before we overthink it, perhaps jumping in before we're ready, we allow the serendipities to occur.
I recently watched the romantic comedy, "Serendipity", with Kate Beckensale and John Cusak. This movie drove me nuts. Beckensale's character, Sara, refuses to give John's character, Jonathan, her name or number, and decides to leave their future to fate.
Sara asks Jonathan to write his name and phone number on a $5 bill, while she writes her name and number on the inside cover of a book. If they are meant to be together, she tells him, he will find the book and she will find the $5 bill, and they will find their way back to each other.
Really, Sara? The whole movie is wasted on other characters and romantic interests, and you have to wait the whole movie for them to reunite. Meanwhile, several years of their life together are wasted.
I wanted to scream, "Sara! Recognize fate when it slaps you in the face the first time, sugar!" But, that would have scared the cat off my lap, resulting in deep scars on my thighs, so I just suffered through the whole movie. (Not to mention that poor Bridget Moynihan plays Jonathan's soon-to-be ex-fiance. Talk about the foreshadowing of her real life with QB stud, Tom Brady, or what?!)
In business, as in love, you must learn to trust your intuition, and recognize when "fate" is handing you an opportunity. If I took the time to list all the serendipitous occasions that have occurred since I started launching Fresh, I'd be here all day. So I'll just tell you about last night.
I went to Tara Sage Steeves' Dreaming Out Loud workshop, at Lotus Rising in Fall River, MA. It was hosted by Maureen Umehara of WCSWANS. (Links to come) Before the dreaming exercises began, the woman sitting next to me introduced herself as Jennifer, and shared that she wanted to work for herself someday. Without wanting to be too eager to share I just wrote a book on how to start a business, I made a note to tell her this later.
During the course of the evening, I also learned that she wanted to write a novel and start a better fitness and nutrition routine. At this point, I could not contain myself, I had to invite her to join the ShapeUpRI.com team that some writer friends and I had just created to move our bodies and move our writing along! As it turns out, our walking path goes right by her house, and she joyfully accepted the invitation. It was just meant to be. She recognized the serendipity to receive instantaneous support of her goals, and pointed it out to the workshop group.
As it turns out, Jennifer is going through a divorce. I smiled and offered to throw her Divorce Party under Fresh, and again tried not to be too eager in the offer. It is, after all, a sensitive topic, and some women may not feel like throwing a party when the divorce is final. But I think a good party is the solution to everything, so I'm in the perfect industry for me right now!
Let's raise our glasses in a toast to serendipity! (The concept. Not the movie.) A toast to Jennifer, Tara and Maureen, while we're at it, for a completely enjoyable evening together. I'm glad we all had the sagacity to be there together. ;-)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day 28 - Learning to Say No
Just because I want to do it all doesn't mean I can.
I just got the following email from a very worthy cause, and it struck me as very assumptive. I changed the names to protect the innocent
"Enclosed please view the invite for the {Very Worthy Cause Organization Rhode Island} first event. We need your support for this new chapter coming to Providence soon. Many great people have surfaced including {Name of a friend} to help launch this important mission.
Please contact me directly so we can discuss your important part in this new chapter.
Thanking you in advance, {Name of organizer}"
I read her email, and clicked on the attached flyer invite. It is normally something I would happily attend. But, I already have two conflicting events that I want to go to - my fitness program at the gym - which is only 12 weeks on Thursday nights, and my friend Michelle's Soul at Work Movie Night, which is the event I have chosen to attend that evening.
Here was my response:
Dear (name),
I have heard of your organization and fully support the mission.
Unfortunately on February 25th I already have two events that I committed to. I really wish cloning technology would take off faster. As a busy woman yourself, I'm sure you understand.
Good luck with your event, and please keep me on your mailing list for future events and campaigns.
Michelle
Saying 'NO' feels pretty freaking good sometimes, I gotta tell ya. I have to try that more often. ;-)
I just got the following email from a very worthy cause, and it struck me as very assumptive. I changed the names to protect the innocent
"Enclosed please view the invite for the {Very Worthy Cause Organization Rhode Island} first event. We need your support for this new chapter coming to Providence soon. Many great people have surfaced including {Name of a friend} to help launch this important mission.
Please contact me directly so we can discuss your important part in this new chapter.
Thanking you in advance, {Name of organizer}"
I read her email, and clicked on the attached flyer invite. It is normally something I would happily attend. But, I already have two conflicting events that I want to go to - my fitness program at the gym - which is only 12 weeks on Thursday nights, and my friend Michelle's Soul at Work Movie Night, which is the event I have chosen to attend that evening.
Here was my response:
Dear (name),
I have heard of your organization and fully support the mission.
Unfortunately on February 25th I already have two events that I committed to. I really wish cloning technology would take off faster. As a busy woman yourself, I'm sure you understand.
Good luck with your event, and please keep me on your mailing list for future events and campaigns.
Michelle
Saying 'NO' feels pretty freaking good sometimes, I gotta tell ya. I have to try that more often. ;-)
Day 27 - I'm Late
"I'm late." Words that would make my husband's heart drop into his stomach. Words that drive my parents (who love to be on time, especially Dad) absolutely crazy.
Words that make me drive too fast. Words that I hear coming from my mouth all too often lately. I'm late on this blog. I'm late in closing my 2009 books, I'm late for appointments, I'm late all too often.
My friend Amy recently emailed me this quote from Esther Hicks:
"My favorite line from the teachings of Abraham is that.... "When you are going 5 miles an hour and you hit a tree, its not too big of a deal, but when you are going 500 miles an hour and you hit a tree its a VERY big deal... "
I'm moving really fast in a number of areas in my life right now. I'm enjoying the ride, so I don't want to slow down. But when Amy emailed me that Monday, it hit home. I'm tired of being late, and I'm headed for a big crash. So it's time to slow down. It's time to plan a little better. Time to recruit some help.
It's time to start being on time. Time to give myself breathing room between appointments. Time to stop trying to do it all myself. Time to allow time for follow up. Time for down time. My intention for the weeks ahead are all around using time wisely.
I know that we cannot manage time, we can only manage our energy in relation to time. Miriam wrote a great column for Aspire Magazine called "Taking Care with your time".
I've never been great at managing energy. Fortunately for me, Amy just happened to have written a book, titled "The Energy of Success". She gave it to me on Sunday night. I read part of it this morning, and already found some profound wisdom in the first chapter. I think it is time to spend more time with Amy!
Words that make me drive too fast. Words that I hear coming from my mouth all too often lately. I'm late on this blog. I'm late in closing my 2009 books, I'm late for appointments, I'm late all too often.
My friend Amy recently emailed me this quote from Esther Hicks:
"My favorite line from the teachings of Abraham is that.... "When you are going 5 miles an hour and you hit a tree, its not too big of a deal, but when you are going 500 miles an hour and you hit a tree its a VERY big deal... "
I'm moving really fast in a number of areas in my life right now. I'm enjoying the ride, so I don't want to slow down. But when Amy emailed me that Monday, it hit home. I'm tired of being late, and I'm headed for a big crash. So it's time to slow down. It's time to plan a little better. Time to recruit some help.
It's time to start being on time. Time to give myself breathing room between appointments. Time to stop trying to do it all myself. Time to allow time for follow up. Time for down time. My intention for the weeks ahead are all around using time wisely.
I know that we cannot manage time, we can only manage our energy in relation to time. Miriam wrote a great column for Aspire Magazine called "Taking Care with your time".
I've never been great at managing energy. Fortunately for me, Amy just happened to have written a book, titled "The Energy of Success". She gave it to me on Sunday night. I read part of it this morning, and already found some profound wisdom in the first chapter. I think it is time to spend more time with Amy!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 24 - My Lucky Day
Twenty-four is my lucky number, so today will be my lucky day. I have a LOT of "up-in-the-air" stuff, and Mondays are usually when it all falls into place. I will update this post on the flip side of the day (or likely in the morning) and let you know how right I was about my good fortune. :)
*** As suspected I got lucky in many ways:
- In the midst of a torrential downpour of cold New England rain, a parking spot opened up right in front of the door to a crowded Panera Bread.
- Inside Panera, as my meeting with my buddy Frank was winding down, our friend Jeff walked in. He was meeting with Pat Cruz, of Southern New England Woman's magazine, who just happened to be a dynamic woman I've been wanting to meet this year. Done. Met her, and I'll be attending her huge women's conference on 2/17. The door to a future conversation was opened.
- I had the chance to meet with a brilliant, talented woman named Joan who has amazing products (a series of children's books, with merchandise and screenplays) who appreciates my marketing expertise, and is eager to join the Sassy Ladies Club for visibility.
- I was invited to apply for the Betaspring incubator program to launch Fresh, a move that would advance the company by quantum leap. This is normally reserved for technology companies, which Fresh is not, but they see the potential of the concept.
- I got an email from my friend Amy which moved me to tears. She is going to provide me with some much needed support. As I have gotten the vision for this business, and the amount of work that it is going to take to make it succeed (on top of everything already going on with The Sassy Ladies and the kids, I have begun to realize that there is no way I can do it all myself. In talking to her recently about my plans, she noticed that, too, and stepped up to offer her assistance. She is an angel.
- Last night, I attended my dear friend Melody's father's funeral. It was a joyful celebration of his life, filled with gospel music and boisterous eulogies, and an enormous buffet meal. I left the church late, and was worrying about driving home sleepy. As I approached my car, I noticed I was boxed in by a minivan. Two women in front of me were walking in the same direction. I used all my power to envision them inserting their key into the car behind me. (The Law of Attraction works for more than just prosperity, you know.)
Sure enough, it was their minivan! I shouted out loud, "Praise the Lord!", which is not like me, but I had just left a gospel funeral and it seemed appropriate. I was so grateful that I would not have to wait, it made my whole day. They spun around, and we all laughed as I told them I was parked in front of them.
It was my lucky day, indeed.
*** As suspected I got lucky in many ways:
- In the midst of a torrential downpour of cold New England rain, a parking spot opened up right in front of the door to a crowded Panera Bread.
- Inside Panera, as my meeting with my buddy Frank was winding down, our friend Jeff walked in. He was meeting with Pat Cruz, of Southern New England Woman's magazine, who just happened to be a dynamic woman I've been wanting to meet this year. Done. Met her, and I'll be attending her huge women's conference on 2/17. The door to a future conversation was opened.
- I had the chance to meet with a brilliant, talented woman named Joan who has amazing products (a series of children's books, with merchandise and screenplays) who appreciates my marketing expertise, and is eager to join the Sassy Ladies Club for visibility.
- I was invited to apply for the Betaspring incubator program to launch Fresh, a move that would advance the company by quantum leap. This is normally reserved for technology companies, which Fresh is not, but they see the potential of the concept.
- I got an email from my friend Amy which moved me to tears. She is going to provide me with some much needed support. As I have gotten the vision for this business, and the amount of work that it is going to take to make it succeed (on top of everything already going on with The Sassy Ladies and the kids, I have begun to realize that there is no way I can do it all myself. In talking to her recently about my plans, she noticed that, too, and stepped up to offer her assistance. She is an angel.
- Last night, I attended my dear friend Melody's father's funeral. It was a joyful celebration of his life, filled with gospel music and boisterous eulogies, and an enormous buffet meal. I left the church late, and was worrying about driving home sleepy. As I approached my car, I noticed I was boxed in by a minivan. Two women in front of me were walking in the same direction. I used all my power to envision them inserting their key into the car behind me. (The Law of Attraction works for more than just prosperity, you know.)
Sure enough, it was their minivan! I shouted out loud, "Praise the Lord!", which is not like me, but I had just left a gospel funeral and it seemed appropriate. I was so grateful that I would not have to wait, it made my whole day. They spun around, and we all laughed as I told them I was parked in front of them.
It was my lucky day, indeed.
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