Planning for my future
February 25, 2012
Sunday, first morning on the Carnival Cruise line getting ready for Day 1 of the Indie Cruise and our first Master Minding session. I woke up excited, refreshed and did I say excited? Donna Maria had our full agenda ready for us and we were getting to meet for the first time, in one room for our first session. I had my breakfast, took in the slight gloominess of the day, weather was a bit overcast until the 3 day on the ship, but was ready for what was ahead.
I was in a kid in a candy store when I walked into the room and I saw Stephanie from Embodico, VT (formerly Honeybee Soaps), Jennifer from KleanSpa, LA, Lela from Bella Lucce, SC, Dawn from Pooka Pure & Simple, NJ and the cover girl for the February edition of Black Enterprise, La Shonda from SoapCoach and Nyah Beauty, NJ, Jewel Emery from Lily Moon Naturals, IN, Shannan VerGow from Entwined, LA, Robin Parker Schmidt from Dragonfly Handmade Soaps, MA and of course Donna Maria from Indie Beauty, SC. I felt like such a little guppie in a big pond. Despite my insides jumping, I was humble and grateful to be there.
We were put to the task by taking a look of our business, what makes it tick, what makes us tick, what do we want to improve and what goals we need to start working on. I was paired with Stephanie who was an absolute delight to be with. I learned that being a single mom isn’t a negative thing, although I don’t feel like it is but thought others perceived it to be. I learned that I work hard for my son and his future. I learned that I can have a successful business while being a successful mom. Wowzers!! Loads to take in and absorb and I will admit I had my fair share of tears. This was my first time away from my son for more than 2 days and my phone was on the fritz, so calling him goodnight every night was something I couldn’t do. In my sadness and weakness I was building strength. I went back to my room that night and wrote a few things in my special notebook:
- I want to create a better balance in my life (because I still work full time out of the home)
- the development of my pie chart
- Money! No need to be afraid of it
- Creating my funnel..the funnel of opportunity to allow me to grow my business.
- so much more…
My journey will continue
XOXO
Melissa
Melisaa, that first session was deep. We had to actually create a pie chart of the streams of income and girl…I had my pie all cut up into pieces…LOL…but I am on track now…It is good to take time to look inside our businesses to see really where are money is coming from and are we paying attention to what is making us money or what isn’t. It was a great eye opener!
Melissa, thanks for the reminder of all that transpired that day and all that has happened since. I need to get more on track and get moving on that path- things keep coming along to distract me and I need to walk on by them.
Marilyn, always call me for a reminder! We did and experienced so much roomie!!
Pie charts rock! You can see the big picture easily and see what is making you the most money, and what you can cut like long hair. Go Melissa, Marilyn, and La La. And Marilyn, don’t be so hard on yourself. I see you blogging like there’s no tomorrow. You are doing a great job and so give yourself credit for that. We are all on a journey. Progress is sometimes slow, sometimes fast BUT ALWAYS STEADY!