Passion Lives Here

Thank you to each of you who sent me your answer to the question, "What is the greatest challenge you face in your business?" I've started work on an outline for an e-book based on your responses.

If you haven't yet had the opportunity to send your answer, you can still do that by emailing me. My offer still stands that if you respond with an answer, I'll send you a free copy of the e-book when it's ready later this year…

In the Showcase Section of this issue of The Smart Factor you will find a couple of added value opportunities. I look forward to your feedback on these resources.

Have a great month. Spring is almost here.

IN THIS ISSUE
Part 1 - Passion Lives Here
Part 2 - Resource Showcase
Part 3 - Personal Reflections
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PART 1: Passion Lives Here

It’s hard to miss the Winter Olympics Games these days. Every move that our athletes make is broadcast live on television from Italy and covered online and in print media. And if you’re not able to catch the real-time broadcasts, the events are repeated later in the day and highlighted during the news.

There are also some memorable commercials running during the Games – especially the Tim Horton’s ad featuring a Chinese grandfather and son at the grandson’s hockey game as well as Bell’s series of ads with a very funny pair of Canadian beavers whose names are Frank and Gordon.

But, for me, there’s one thing that stands out above everything else. It shows up on places like the medals podium, in the ice for the hockey games, above the skaters’ “kiss and cry” area, at the top of the ski and bobsled runs, and at the speed-skating rinks. It’s only three words but it carries a punch – Passion Lives Here.

Note: If you think you know what font it’s designed in, please let me know.

So – how’s your passion? Is it alive? Where does it live?

Like I’ve said many times in workshops, if we honor our values, have a clear vision of where we will be a year from now, and have set S.M.A.R.T. goals that we’re achieving by being consistent in our weekly and daily activities, we will be living our purpose. And it’s passion that will drive the whole process.

In the definition of passion, four words stand out to me – powerful emotion & boundless enthusiasm. These words speak volumes and deserve a closer look.

Next time, we’ll look at these four words and the role they play in the passion that drives us toward fulfilling our vision and achieving our goals. Until then, think about your passion and ask yourself “How do I show that my passion lives here?”

PART 2: Resource Showcase

1. This could make a difference to you
“Ann, I love the idea but would you consider running a customized program for me and my senior people.”

I received this message from a client when I announced the Smart Business School program that brings different business owners and their teams together in a one-year coaching and training program.

He went on to say, “This program has what we need but I’d like to have it run with me and my team on our own. And I’m prepared to bring each of my team into Vancouver for the quarterly workshops.”

Within a couple of days, we agreed on the details to fill their needs and were up and running.

More and more, I find that business owners want a group coaching & training program that is customized or tailored to them, their team needs, and where they want to go as a company.

If this describes you – let’s talk.

I’m prepared to discuss the creation of a tailored Smart Business School program for you and your team. And where you’re located geographically is not an issue. Send me an email at ann@smartstrategiesinc.com and let’s explore what we can do together to help you and your team take your business in the direction you want to go.
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2. Business Mastermind for Women
Over breakfast a couple of weeks ago, I talked with a friend and fellow business owner about the need to find a format that would enable women business owners to:
• vocalize what’s going on in their personal and professional life
• identify issues they’re facing in their businesses
• support each other in their growth
• share and recommend resources

By the time we were finished breakfast I had jotted down notes on an idea that I’d been thinking about for a while – a Business Mastermind for Women. And I was ready to put it into action.

To explore being part of this group that will start in March, send me an “I’m interested” email at ann@smartstrategiesinc.com and I’ll be in touch with the details so you can make a knowledgeable decision about your involvement. The group will be limited to a maximum of 10 women.

Preliminary requirements –
• you are a bright, energetic woman business owner
• you have a full-time business
• you are eager to move forward
• you are actively involved day-to-day in your business
• you have been in business for at least 2 years
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3. Your questions matter
This month I received my copy of Esteem Magazine and eagerly flipped through it to find the inaugural printing of my column called Your Questions Matter. It was fun to write and I look forward to continuing it in months to come. Check it out at www.esteemmagazine.com/ask.html

You can also learn more about the publication and take a look at a number of good articles like “Baby Boomers & the Fulfillment Ethic” or “Canada’s Most Powerful Women” or a profile on Football Coach Mike Pin Ball Clemons, and more – www.esteemmagazine.com

PART 3: Personal Reflections

This may sound weird but – I like spring cleaning. I don’t necessarily plan to do it. It just happens. I wake up one morning (usually over the weekend) and decide to clean out a cupboard or a box of “stuff” that’s been sitting in a closet all winter (or maybe two winters).

Two Saturdays ago, as I finished having coffee with a couple of friends, we talked about what we were going to do that afternoon.

“I feel like going home to clean out my dresser drawers and reorganize them,” I said.

Both my friends looked at me like I was crazy and then one of them gave what they both agreed was great advice – “Go home and lay down until the feeling passes.”

We all laughed and then I went home and did exactly what I said I’d do. And it got me thinking (it’s amazing what comes to mind when you’re cleaning) –

Sometimes, we need to do something that others think is crazy. They look at what we want to accomplish and tell us it’s too much work or too risky or too…

Sometimes, we need to listen to them and go lay down until the feeling passes. But more often than not we need to weigh what they’ve said and then, if we disagree with them, get up and do something.

So here’s the question – What opportunity is about to pass you by because you decided to lie down until the feeling passed? Is it time to get up yet?