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3 Tips to Avoid the Money Trap

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Stairs of rock to fit and placed into a natura...Image via Wikipedia

Written by Karen D. Swim

“As she rounded the second flight of stairs, she caught sight of something on the step. Folded green paper. She paused, leaned over. Twenty dollars. As her fingers brushed the bill, a current of air swirled behind her.

The man looked down at her body, sprawled awkwardly over the steps. A twenty placed at eye level.  A human trap.”

The passage above is from the fictional book, “Exit Strategy,” written by Kelley Armstrong (This author apparently writes otherwordly fiction but this particular book is a good old fashioned murder mystery).  In this passage a serial killer uses a folded twenty to divert a victim’s attention.  This particular victim was on her way to work and had already been reminded of her money problems.  As she mentally ran through solutions to help her afford a new dress, the money appeared in her path. Transfixed by the bill, and laughing at her good fortune she never looked above or below her to ensure she was safe in a deserted stairwell. Her focus was on the money alone.Dollar stair

While you may not meet an end as bleak as the one described in this fiction read, it is possible to fall prey to this very real human trap. We are besieged with the promise of easy riches. We live in a day and age where anyone can seemingly be rich or famous. Videos, emails, and advertisements place dollars at eye level in hopes that you will take the hook. If the opportunity for money intersects with your point of need, you may be tempted to grab that dangling carrot, without considering the consequences. And yes, there are consequences, and a real danger if you do not raise your eyes above eye level.

Money plays a big role in all of our lives. It is the trading commodity used to buy the goods and services that we need and want. We must be prudent with how we spend, save and invest this commodity. Our checkbooks are a mirror to our soul as they reveal what is truly important in our lives. Yet, how we make that money is an equally important decision that should not be made based on dollar signs and decimal points alone.

Before you reach for the money, here are three things you should consider:

  1. What strings are attached to the currency? Let’s face it there’s always a string! You may not see them all at once but they are there. A large salary may have a string attached to lots of travel and time away from your family. A business opportunity may be attached to giving up sole control. You cannot avoid the strings but you can choose which ones you will allow in your life.
  2. Who’s holding the cash (and strings)? I have known many people who reached for the money only to discover later that they were in business with a boss, investor or partner who neither shared their vision nor values.  The promise of financial relief quickly gave way to misery.  It is easy to make a financial decision but harder to walk away from one.
  3. Is the face value the real value? I learned this lesson early in my corporate career. I added up the hours I was working and discovered that my six figure salary was not so attractive after all. With the hours I was working, my hourly salary was equivalent to flipping burgers.  As an entrepreneur you may take a client job that seems valuable only to realize it would have been more profitable to walk away.

It’s nice to believe that money comes easy but in reality it rarely happens that way.  Even lottery winners have had to make trade-offs for their windfall. Most unprepared for the “easy” riches end up broke again.  I am definitely not anti-money but believe that when you allow money alone to motivate your decisions you may end up with a pocketful of regret.

Have you ever made a decision based on money that you later regretted? How do you maintain balance when making decisions that involve money? Add your two cents (or twenty dollars) right there in the comments. Your money is good here. 😉

Dollar bill stair image ©Alexander Dolgin | Dreamstime.com

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Rocking the Sunshine Spirit Year Round

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Cities such as Asbury Park, New Jersey inspire...Image via Wikipedia

Written by Karen D. Swim

Have you ever noticed how every season has its own rhythm, its own unique flow? Summer with longer days and warmer weather has an upbeat but casual rhythm.  Rays streaming through the window in the morning are energizing, encouraging you to get up and get moving. However those same rays during the work day can be distracting as they beckon you to come out and play.

This week Ellen Wilson wrote about “the flow.” For many achieving flow in summer is a challenge because of the various distractions. For others, the combination of fun and work is exactly what is needed to achieve flow.

In summer we tend to lighten up. From clothing to food to reading choices, we shed layers and allow ourselves to have a little fun. Many of us find ourselves playing hooky in  summer to take a stroll, go for a run in the park, play a few holes of golf, or go to the beach. We give in to that little voice that says “Let’s play!” We take vacations with the family, visit amusement parks, and have impromptu backyard cook-outs.  It is a season when we achieve what eludes us during most of the year – balance.

Summer is the perfect time of year to regain a more balanced life and schedule. We can let go of the language that holds us captive in other seasons – “I must,” “I should,”and “I have to” change to “I can,” “I get to,” and “I choose to.”  It is a shift that would serve us well all year.

Imagine being faced with a looming deadline and an invitation to attend a Springsteen (insert your performer of choice here) concert where you will have front row seats and backstage passes. In your non-summer language you might say “I can’t, I have to meet this deadline.” Ah, but it’s summer, so instead your internal voice says, “How can I find a way to meet this deadline and go to the concert?” By changing your language, your brain now fixes on solutions and you are empowered with the freedom to choose.

We all respond better when we are in the position of making a choice rather than having one forced upon us.  The good news is that you can rock the power of sunshine year round by adopting a mindset of choice and balance. Your Monday Morning blues can become Monday Morning Choose. You hop out of bed (or rise slowly if that’s your thing) equipped with the power of choice. You can either “get to” go to work or “have to.” The choice is yours.

What about you? Are you able to maintain a healthy balance year round? Does summer mean more playtime for you? Feel free to play and chat in the comments. 🙂

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How I Made the A-List with Little to No Fanfare

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Written by Karen D. Swim

Pink Tiara

My hard work has earned me a spot on the A-list. Yes, it is true I have crossed that hallowed ground and now stand on the other side of the velvet rope. Only, this A-list is not for those dodging paparazzi or blogerrati. You will not see this list published on Media Bistro or the Huffington Post. In fact, this A-list only matters to a small group of people and for me the only ones that count.

Last week famed blogger, Jason Calcanis announced his retirement from blogging. Other A-list bloggers discussed the retirement and engaged in debates about the disintegration of the A-list. Is it still relevant in our all access world? Was Jason’s retirement a cheap ploy to market an “elite” new service? These and other questions swirled among the blogosphere in a blazing fury.

In the midst of all the activity, I celebrated my quiet rise to A-list status. How did I get there? By being a business that “is a joy to work with,” a networker that “connects people to really good people,” a friend that “supports and encourages,” and a family member “that helps a lot of people seeking nothing in return.” (Now before you think I have turned into  a bona fide egomaniac, these are honest to goodness true quotes from people.)

My A-list has nothing to do with traffic stats, subscribers, or the size of my bank account, but is dependent on how I treat others. That dear readers is far more important than being crowned with a fleeting label.  My A-list celebrity puts me firmly out of the spotlight and shines the light on the impact of my actions upon others, and that includes you dear readers.

Each time I hear that I have made you smile, or touched on an issue that is important to you it is as thrilling as a mention in the New York Times.

Don’t get me wrong, the other A-list has value.  I learn from the trailblazers, the thought leaders and the industry experts.  However, many of these people are true givers, not enamored with their status. Liz Strauss is an excellent example of someone who is the A of A-listers but is on a mission to embrace the world. She continues to be at the forefront because she has maintained a passion and purpose to take others along on the journey.

One day I may ascend to A-list status (If Oprah calls I will not turn her down). However, whether I make the A-list or the D-list the most important thing will be touching the lives of others and making a difference even if that difference is simply doing a job and doing it well.

What about you, what does the A-list mean to you? Are there any A-listers that serve as mentors? Let’s chat it up here in the comments on Twitter or hey even by email. Wherever and however you want to talk, I’m listening!

Embrace Your Obstacles

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Written by Karen D. Swim

“Obstacles are necessary for success because in selling, as in all careers of importance, victory comes only after many struggles and countless defeats.  Yet each struggle, each defeat, sharpens your skills and strengths, your courage and your endurance, your ability and your confidence and thus each obstacle is a comrade-in-arms forcing you to become better…or quit.”—From The Greatest Salesman in the World, Og Mandino

Can you imagine your life without obstacles? Go ahead close your eyes and envision your life completely free of challenges? You may have smiled as you imagined a trouble free zone without stress of any kind. The thought of a challenge free life is appealing until you start to examine the consequences.

If everything was easy, we would never push ourselves to reach higher. Strengths and talents would go undiscovered and we would simply live in complacency. Where’s the fun in that?

As I look back over my own life, those darn obstacles have been my greatest teachers. Obstacles have forced me to overcome fears and try new things. They have moved me from a comfort zone to greater discoveries of my abilities and myself. Obstacles have not blocked my progress instead, they have opened new paths for me to travel and given me just the right tools to navigate the road.

As you consider your own life, I am sure that you have countless examples of the good that came from challenge.  I am acutely aware that there is no testimony without a test.  We have all benefited from being students of adversity. Yet, with every new obstacle is the potential to forget that it is a “comrade-in-arms.” There are challenges that we believe we simply cannot face down and we get scared and want to quit.

Quitting is always an option, of course but it really is not a solution. You may forego the immediate discomfort, but the lingering impact is far more damaging.  You will never build up your endurance to challenge if you simply quit. In the same way that regular workouts make you stronger and faster, obstacles are the weights that build your faith muscles. Each workout makes you stronger, better and more confident.

Embrace your obstacle, it is your partner in success. Use it to make you tougher, smarter and better. You will never regret facing a challenge but it is almost certain you will regret quitting.

How do you deal with your obstacles? Please share your thoughts and insight in the comments box.  Remember you don’t have to be a blogger or even have a website to join in the discussion, everyone can comment.

5 Things Freelancers Should Know About Sales

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Written by Karen D. Swim, Photo:© Wolfgang Amri | Dreamstime.com

puppet master

For many non-sales professionals, the mention of salesperson is synonomous with manipulative money-grubber to be resisted at all costs. So, it comes as no surprise to me that small business owners and freelancers cringe at the thought of “selling” their services.

My background in sales management has proven valuable in my professional and personal life. As a business owner, it is an area in which I am extremely comfortable and I love demystifying the process for those new to selling.

  1. Sales is not manipulation. The object of the sales process is not to twist your prospect’s arm into buying something they neither want or need.  A sales person uncovers needs and finds solutions, making them more matchmaker than manipulator. Remember that you are building a relationship with a future client, and the sales process establishes a good foundation.
  2. It is a numbers game. It’s true selling is all about the numbers. You have to generate a certain amount of leads to get a certain number of prospects to make a certain number of presentations to get a certain number of new clients. The numbers may vary with industry and your level of expertise but the bottom line is you must work the numbers.
  3. Keep your pipeline full. You should always have a steady flow of leads, and sales in progress. A big mistake that new freelancers and business owners make is to neglect sales when things are busy.  You should spend time selling every business day. I try to set aside a minimum of one hour per day and one day per week I may spend 4-6 hours on sales activities.
  4. Two ears, one mouth. The old adage says that God gave us two ears and only one mouth for a reason. Sales is all about listening. People will tell you exactly what they want and need if you will listen. Ask questions, and take notes.  When they’ve discussed their needs, validate what they said by repeating it, taking note of any adjustments they make. You now have a blueprint of their problem and can give them a solution tailor made to their needs.
  5. Don’t fear objections. Objections are part of the sales process. List the most common objections and overcome them in your presentation before they are asked. Objections are not an end to the sales process but simply an opportunity to provide more information and dig deeper into your prospect’s needs. Answering objections effectively will strengthen your relationship with your potential client.

The sales process is not limited to business owners or freelancers. As an employee you may sell your ideas to your colleagues or boss.  Job seekers must sell their unique value in the market place. Everyone can benefit from understanding more about the sales process.

Are you comfortable with selling? What tips have worked for you? Share freely in the comments.

Making MERRY from Failures

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Written by Karen D. Swim

Are you familiar with the sound effects that accompany total failure? It sounds a little like this…did you hear it? Exactly, it is so silent you can hear dust move across the floor.

Public failure can be especially difficult. There is no covering it up when you blow it while others are watching. Yet, it’s not often humiliation that stings the most, it is our own heartbreak when our results don’t live up to our expectations. The reel of negative self talk plays in a never ending loop. My MERRY tips have helped me to hit the pause button on the torture tape and move on.

  1. Mourn the Loss. Yes, it is a loss! To deny what you feel only prolongs it. I give myself a specific time period to mourn the loss. I find that 6 1/2 minutes works magic. I can cry, brood and feel sucky and then it’s time to move on.
  2. Examine your Expectations. Were your expectations realistic? There’s a fine balance between aiming high and setting yourself up for utter disappointment. The balance lies in managing your expectations. Aim for the moon, but if you land in the stars, celebrate your accomplishment rather than mourn your failure.
  3. Re-evaluate your motive. If you launched a product to make a zillion dollars, land on Oprah and party like Diddy with no thought of the end user and their benefit, well your profits may fall short of expectations. Yes you rock, but you must rock with purpose.
  4. Roll up your sleeves and learn. Failure teaches us tremendous lessons if you’re willing to learn them. Perhaps the results fell short of expectations but there is much to be gained from the experience. Be willing to honestly examine your process, preparation and attitude. Take notes and use what you’ve learned to continue to move forward.
  5. You’re not done yet! So you bombed, it’s not the end of the world. I can prove it, you’re here reading this post aren’t you?

So there you have it my MERRY tips for recovering from failure. How do you move on when something has not gone quite as expected? Share your thoughts in the comments.