Gaia: The Momentum Group - The Committment Board - Start Your Momentum Here!

My first year- thanks to Fred and Kes....

http://blueroadspirit.gaia.com — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:06:28 GMT

Hi everyone- Sorry I have been negligent, especially after all thgis Momentum Groupo has done for me....
how can i help...could me in....

I am a testimony to what direction and empoerment can do for others....

My Spiritual development center is going great- it is finally taking off...and I am about to create 'set' hours instead of by appointment only....yee haa!!!

What I have foind is, just leap and the means will appear, I moved through the fear and the eway continues to appear....

and there are wise wonderful people who are willing to offer suppoort and insight along the way, like Fred and Kes....
so how is everyone???
I will visit and help wherever I am needed!!

Love to you all!!!

Marianne

Hey everyone- update from Marianne

http://blueroadspirit.gaia.com — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 19:43:11 GMT

Fred and the Gang!!!!!!
Wow, the months have flown by since I opened my Personal and Spiritual development center...
I miss all of you -and your support and advice...
Things are gaining MOMENTUM....lol

When I had my previous retail business it took over my life...I was open 6-7 days per week and took no time to be present with myself or my personal life..

The decision to bring the new me into the business world was -as I refer to it -"Like dating after Divorce"...knowing the pitfalls, but I am a different person now that will behave in a diffrent mannner...

I can say that Momentum was the first POD I discovered on Zaadz- and Fred reached out to me and invited me in...Momentum group is responsible for my decision to begin again..To remember what I know and gave me the confidence to keep my sights on success....
Kes (Cathy's) clear- organized and confident advice gave me the kick in the A** to dust myself off get organized and get moving...

I took that leap of faith- trusted my inner knowing and stepped through the fear of failure and opened myself to the adventure of the unknown...

And what an adventure it has been...

I have to say that If you build it they will come..and personal and professional boundaries are paramount...becasue everyone has an opinion- everyone wants their needs filled and if you aren't clear on the goal- if you are not centered - rested and have boundaries in place...you will become scattered and unfocused- you will lose MOMENTUM....do I hear an AMEN!

Now that the dust has settled- I'm back- I am here for you- and just let me know how I can be of service- because all success is based on what we can do for others and once that energy is sent forth- it can only be retured with the same love.....

How are you all?????

I would love to hear from you!!

With Love and Gratitude,
Marianne

Re: I did it- I'm back in business!!

http://blueroadspirit.gaia.com — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 18:10:47 GMT

Fred,
I'm sure I can pull that off. Yes I have a simple logo..
email me at blueroadspiritmg@yahoo.com
I'd like discuss it in more detail...
Marianne

Re: I did it- I'm back in business!!

http://fredbliss.gaia.com — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:48:46 GMT

Hi Marianne,

Well, luckily I can certainly help you with the website piece. I've been building, designing, and just recently have started taking some DM (Direct Marketing) courses, so I have a clearer picture of how things work than ever before. I'd love to help you take care of the web piece. If you could afford 15 dollars per month and about 10 bucks for a domain, we should get you set up with a real website, a look, etc.

Email me & Let me know. Do you have a logo yet?

Fred

Re: I did it- I'm back in business!!

http://blueroadspirit.gaia.com — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 16:23:19 GMT

Hi everyone!!

Well, my first 30 days are under my belt and I'm getting into a groove..
My son forgot the long hours,and he romanticized the less than fun parts, so he is transitioning too....lol

First, let me say that even though I started with an established client base, I have changed the focus of what I'm doing, which may not appeal to my old retail clients.

I had a live plant sale the same week I opened, (what the hell was I thinking??lol) and in my haste, took a big financial hit on the plants..(Cleveland weather did not cooperate the beginning of May, and I was EXHAUSTED)..I did have an expectation that throngs of people would miss me and come for that.

But, I have been MIA for 2 years, and it will take a bit of direct marketing to get them used to hearing from me again.
The bigger challenge has been to wrap my own mind around what it is that I'm doing and offering ( that is where the business plan helped me focus) and not falling into anxiety and going back to the money part, versus the service part...
Applying faith, and service to others as the focus, releases our fear of scarcity, and then the abundance flows....Fear stops the flow...

I found myself falling back into old habits of fretting about inventory (which is a big expense, and no longer my focus)thinking that if I had more 'stuff' that would get them in here....wrong....rather than focusing on the spiritual educational, development part of what I am now...If you build it, they will come.....

Remembering to be peaceful with the process, and having fun has been the best medicine... If this is my passion, then it needs to be fun- or why are we doing it?

Applying all my spiritual insight to this human process has been the key to it's slow but measurable success.....when I release fear, amazingly clients call...lol

If I'm a frazzled mess, and not present with clients- what kind of example am I in helping others achieve balance,or thrust in the Divine Order, or inspire their entrepreneurial spark ???

Sorry to go on and on..but I've missed you guys, and the Momentum group allows me to be human- to articulate my process- allowing others to see my struggles as their own- it gives me the platform to say it, hear it and move through it - kind of like a bartender, minus the tequila...lol (some days that sounded pretty good in the month of May...lol)
Thanks Fred, and Kathy who have been great at not enabling me, but speaking their truth- as they see it- an admirable quality.. I'll be back more often now..I too became an ambassador for Zaadz..and if I can be of service..just let me know ;)
Fred, I know only enough about web stuff to be dangerous, not effective...here are the sights that I created Free on AOL...(I'm sure there is a better way, and would love your input..)
http://hometown.aol.com/blueroadspirit/myhomepage/business.html
http://hometown.aol.com/walkredroad/MarianneGoldweberSerenitySunday.html

Love, blessings and abundance,
Marianne

Re: I did it- I'm back in business!!

http://fredbliss.gaia.com — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 03:18:40 GMT

Hi Marianne, Please, give us an update on your business, how are things going? I want to offer my help to you in handling web needs & some basic marketing tasks if you are interested. Recently I have learned wonderful information regarding marketing and brands, etc. that might be of assistance. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work! Fred

Re: I did it- I'm back in business!!

http://kathysmith.gaia.com — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:28:17 GMT

Cogratulations!!!

We are virtually here for you and want to know how it's going on your business. I trust that you are also on some pods here and can share some stories of your expansion as you walk this new business on it's leash forward for humankind.

Force yourself to smile and soon you'll stop frowning. Force yourself to laugh and you'll soon find something to laugh about. Wax* enthusiastic and you'll very soon feel so. A being causes his own feelings. The greatest joy there is in life is creating. Splurge on it!

Doing this in front of a mirror on down days...works!!!

Much love,

Kathy

Re: I did it- I'm back in business!!

http://blueroadspirit.gaia.com — Tue, 01 May 2007 14:50:59 GMT

Kes,
First I would like to thank you and everyone for their 'virtual' support.
I would love some marketing games..
The name of my business is A Village-retreat and education center.
the Aht is the sound of gratitiude in chanting...
and the 'A' gets you to the top of any list....lol....

I had an identifiable brand with my old business so I have been referencing that it is also part retial..That we are growing an evolving in to a great place to find a simple peaceful life...I was the only herb store in Northern Ohio, so that certainly carries some weight.

I am blessed, because I have over 1300 people on my mailing list. I am a firm believer in word of mouth advertising. I do have to do a mailer, but financially that is not an option today.

I will however be doing a 'phon-a-thon' and calling my clients...All of those years in collections are paying off...lol

I am also directly located next door to this areas largest craft store, and I am having a live plant/herb sale, that is always much anticipated by the majority of my client base....Also drawing the attention of my new crafty friends next door..They won't even have to move their car!!!

I ordered the plants this morning from a long time vendor..I was honest in telling her that I am ordering with NO money in my account...she is a self employed business owner/entrepreneur, and she completely understands and will be holding off payment until the weekend passes...the sale will certainly cover that expense (faith).

The largest downfall during the transition from my last business to this one was I disappeared..So only the spiritual part of my clientel has heard from me for the last 2 years..They have all banded together, spreading the word and forwarding emails...I am blessed...
This is like a dog on a leash..It's imperative to stay focused, paying attention to the detail. Remaining in integrity, speaking clearly. asking for help, setting boundaries taking calculated risk, and sometimes just leaping into the unknown...

I have a group of friends who are all bearing witness to this process, and in the thick of it too and I am seeing a new sense of self emerging from them...Finding the courage to walk through fear into the exciting world of the unknown..what a rush!

My life motto-
Life's Journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out and bleeding while shouting..Holy Shit!! What a Ride!!"

I look forward to your expertise and input Kes!
Love and Blessings,
Marianne

Re: I did it- I'm back in business!!

http://kathysmith.gaia.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:47:34 GMT

Congratulations Marianne~

When are you having your ribbon cutting blessings?

You are a stellar example of what needs to be done in setting targets and goals.
I will be helping administer this and will check back to help Fred out.

Did you give your place a name?

What are you doing to help let new prospects become members?

We can help come up with some marketing games to help expand your new venture.

May you flourish and prosper.

Kathy

Re: I did it- I'm back in business!!

http://blueroadspirit.gaia.com — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:27:44 GMT

Fred,

Everything is purposeful, everything is happening for a reason..
Just make sure to rise above to look for the higher reason...
Maybe the pod is keeping you from things you really need to be focusing on ..for now...The reason will appear, but know that we will carry it until you get back...
Just our presence in this world affects those in ways we may never know....
Love
Marianne

Re: I did it- I'm back in business!!

http://fredbliss.gaia.com — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 02:23:58 GMT

HOOOLY SMOKES! That is wonderful, Marianne! Congrats! And most of all, I am really, really touched by your kind words. I can't possibly take credit for the progress you have made, but I am humbled and EXTREMELY uplifted to hear that our pod did something to help you through your challenge. It has been a difficult time for us lately, and you have come to my aid at the perfect time. I feel re-energized to know that you have done what you did. Even if we all somehow helped you in the slightest, most trivial way, then everything we've done here so far has been worth it. You have proven this pod has purpose!

Keep us posted!

Fred

I did it- I'm back in business!!

http://blueroadspirit.gaia.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 04:18:41 GMT

Ok...Fred..this is for you...
I rented a space and made a 12 month lease comittment.
It started out very high monthly, but i had my "walk away" figure and stuck to it, and the landlord gave me what I wanted...
Starting Monday I am opening a small version of my retreat and education center...

I have to say, without the support and ideas I found here, and Fred's encouragement and 2 week deadlines, I would not have had the courage to do some of the things I have done...
It is exciting and scary, but do-able....I am taking another calculated risk!!(if there really is such a thing!)

Fred, I wish you the best..good luck I am sending prayers your way..For a little while I will be REALLY busy, but I will be back..I hope one of you can take over as administrator until Fred can find his way back here again...I for one am very glad you made the comittment to get this started....
All my love and Blessings,
Marianne

Re: Tax- the ghost from Christmas past...lol

http://blueroadspirit.gaia.com — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:44:26 GMT

Well, I made the dreaded call, I had all of my facts..I faxed it all over, and they are going to sort it out and call me back...

Lesson 1- when dealing with any agency of the government make sure you dot all the I's and cross all the T's and keep records of every call, ever letter and everyone's name you deal with...Comunicate, communicate and document document.

Lesson 2- I was not accountable, and I will be from now on

Lesson 4 Organization and recordkeeping is imperitive..

Lesson 5 It's easier to handle it right away, than going into my memory banks from 7 years ago , it seems like more work to handle it on the spot, but it's not.

So, I will wait a few days and call back...I'll keep you posted.

Marianne

Re: Tax- the ghost from Christmas past..to be continued..

http://fredbliss.gaia.com — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 03:27:36 GMT

Hi Marianne

Seems like you are taking the steps you need to even though they are not easy! My workout is going great, go read about it in the thread I started. I'm updating every time I work out. ;)

Re: Tax- the ghost from Christmas past..to be continued..

http://blueroadspirit.gaia.com — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:40:32 GMT

Fred and gang...
My week is up...I am going to need another week...lol

When I went to break all the figues out, I didn't have all of the records. At that time, they were manually entered in a cash log ( I was new...lol) Which was at my sister's house....(don't ask)

So, I will do some data entry and by next week this little situation will be rectified..

I will keep you posted.

My biggest hurdle will be picking up the phone and calling there...to hash it all out.

I did rectify part of the problem, and sent notorized letters off to the proper people...whew....
Thanks for the support...How's the workout going Fred?

Re: My Committment: Lose 35 lbs.

http://blueroadspirit.gaia.com — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 14:35:34 GMT

Sending prayer of support you go Fred!
Marianne

My Committment: Lose 35 lbs.

http://fredbliss.gaia.com — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 02:40:53 GMT

Starting tomorrow I will begin an exercise regimen at my local health club. I am excited and feeling energized! I have wanted to do this for a while and I am fortunate to have the ability to use such wonderful facilities! Here we go!

Fred

Updates:

4/14 - Burned 400 calories today and feel great. I can see I'll enjoy doing this! And thanks, Marianne, for the encouragement.

4/16 - Burned 300 calories tonight.

4/17 - Burned 400 calories tonight, tried a precor machine. Ouch! I have a long way to go, but I pushed myself the most tonight!

4/18 - Burned 355 calories tonight, walked 200 calories and then decided to give jogging a try. Nothing crazy, but considering I just never liked running, it was a real breakthrough for me. I jogged for 15 minutes on inclines up to 5.8 degrees and it felt great. I really got a sweat going, and I loved every minute of it. Saturday I'll be doing a long hike and I hope to get to the gym tomorrow too. Onward!

6/15 - Still going strong... I love the Gym! I've lost 2 inches on my waist and 14 lbs. so far, and who would EVER think I would actually enjoy this?

Re: Tax- the ghost from Christmas past..the untold story..

http://blueroadspirit.gaia.com — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 06:20:19 GMT

Fred...Fred...Fred....

My motto in life has been I would rather beg forgiveness than ask permission....lol

I was married for 6 years and just had my son when I was told that I needed 4 hand and elbow surgeries. I had those back to back 6+ weeks after my son was born..

I had permanent damage so going back to that work was impossible... I felt sorry for myself, and then realized that I needed to be sustainable and build a future for myself and my family (little did I know how much I need to do this)..

I was putting my husband through college at that time, and he wasn't working yet.....

I started taking my hobby of herbs, teas, gift baskets and crafts and began marketing it at craft fairs and outdoor events.. At every craft fair, I had a guest list; I gathered potential clients and created an access database...

I built relationships with vendors, got catalogs and started buying inventory.. I made a goal list, and at the top was 'I will open a store in 1 year'

I told every one I met that I was opening a store in the next year...One year later.....

I found a cute little house/building that was cheap and had a small parking lot.. I gave the owner a check ( knowing I didn't;t have 600.00 in the bank) but I had 2 craft shows that weekend... He agreed to forgo the security deposit and the first month rent since I was going to clean and paint the space... That weekend I made 600.00.....

My husband was very much against this venture, he wouldn't help, he had a new life and a new job and he refused to watch our son...so I brought my son with me..he was 2...

I painted and prepped, and rented a u-haul to bring all the inventory from the house to the store...I bought slat wall and hooks, baskets and shelving COD..hoping I would make enough that first week to cover the checks...lol

I sent a mailer to all 800 people, and told all my friends to spread the word... I opened 1 year and one month from the date on my goal list...

My son and I were practically living there, he slept and I packed product..we spent many nights sleeping there..I couldn't afford to hire anyone, and my family and friends came to help.

I made a profit that first year, and every year after. The first year, I could take all my startup costs off my taxes... my second year I made 40,000.00. before inventory costs.

At the start of my second year, I found that I wasn't the only woman in my husbands life and he filed for divorce...He had me served at the store...in front of clients...

He moved out of state to work..My little store and I were the sole support of my household..I also had a house with a mortgage, and now 6 sets of utilities...

But by the grace of God, and the amazing people met, we made it.. Many women started cottage industries because of us and bought their supplies from me, and in turn, they took over making many of the things I originally did, and I paid them for their products...

I wore all the hats, and was a mom....my clientele ranged from the Herb guild ladies to Pagans,Wiccans, Buddhist monks, Priests, Native American healers and every possible practitioner you have ever heard of...

My son still misses it- he is very well rounded and diverse , he is spiritually connected because he has had some amazing experiences and amazing teachers...

Eventually, I was torn between my spiritual path, my son's need for freedom from the confines of the store, and the business itself..and after much prayer and meditation I chose to close at the height of my success....

I packed what was left up, and moved it back home.. I took a 1 year sabbatical, and began teaching, and working with clients in my spiritual capacity...

I currently need a space to do that more effectively in order to be of service to many once, in a central location...and to generate more revenue..

That's the condensed version..there is suspense and intrigue; all we're missing is romance and murder. You'll have to wait for the book to hear the rest.....lol

So, there you go Fred......is it a wonder that I am dragging my feet???...not really.- I'm ready...;)   lol

Marianne

Re: Tax- the ghost from Christmas past...lol

http://fredbliss.gaia.com — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 01:23:06 GMT

Okay, now we are talking here!

Marianne, great post! You have captured the essence of what can make this pod very, very powerful! I understand what you are saying here. It's very easy to bury memories such as this, but as you have said, they come back to haunt you!

Now, what piqued my interest is that I saw the potential for turning this into a positive within your post. Allow me to quote:

It has all the great parts of a academy award winning drama

Well, how about taking an hour and writing something about this point in you life? If only just for some closure? How about turning this into a writing project? I don't know a bit about this point in you life but you have interested me!

Could you possibly turn this into a potential opportunity? The best teachers are those who learn from experience, and that is you! Can you teach us from your experiences, and by doing so, help us move forward with confidence in our endeavors, as well as help you do the same?

Please give us some more!

Fred

Tax- the ghost from Christmas past...lol

http://blueroadspirit.gaia.com — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 21:19:36 GMT

Alright...Fred has inspired me with his comittment board...
I am not making any more excuses for my PROCRASTINATION...

I have learned through an amazing journey is the unfinished deatails WILL come back to haunt you....
I'm coming out ....and confessing..If I say this 'out loud' it will take the power away...

I have an issue that I thought I resolved, but what really happened is I didn't follow up and make sure it was resolved...so...I tried to refinance my house and could not because the unfinished issue with sales tax from 5 years ago is still lurking... becasue of my denial...

It's paid, but misapplied, so once again, it will require a weeks worth of phone calls, faxes and explaination....

This matter is not just about the tax....it brings up emotion from a very turbulent time in my life....my issues with authority...It has all the great parts of a academy award winning drama.....

I cannot fall into the human part of filing this issue with emotion, I have to remain detached and just handle it..It's just business....not personal....lol

So...my committment is in the next week...by April 17, I WILL have this issue resolved...
It is the (secret) reason I have been dragging my feet on starting my new venture, and I CANNOT allow this ghost to haunt my future....
I need some cheer leaders!!!

Humbly yours,
Marianne