Well, I've obviously been remiss in keeping up with my blog! So much has happened, where does the time go?
The last time I laid fingers to the keys to ponder, I was leaving my career in direct selling to start my own company Next Steps Motivation and Marketing. It has been an adventure like none I've ever experienced! First, when I decided to start the company and give up my salary, I based my decision partly on the knowledge that I would be receiving a government grant in October. I was so excited I could hardly see straight! I had a solid business plan ready and was looking forward to preparing marketing materials and DVDs and all the things a new business needs to get rolling.
Well, within weeks of leaving my job, I learned that the grant was actually a scam. A very good, very practiced scam. I had gone through the process of checking up on the company and individuals that had been working with me on the grant and all seemed in order. Every person checked out with a strong biography and the company had a history of securing grants. So I didn't doubt their sincerity. Of course, after paying to have the business plan professionally polished and fine tuned, everyone and everything associated with the company evaporated! Yep - phones disconnected, website came down, offices vacated. Everything to connect anyone with the company disappeared.
Of course, I reported everything to the Texas Better Business Bureau (the company was out of Houston), Attorney General and the Internet fraud division of the police in Houston. They sympathized with me, but nothing could be done. So sorry! You can imagine how that took the wind out of my sails, but only temporarily!
Once I got over the sting of being stung, I reassessed my goals and started thinking of new approaches to launching the business. I was very fortunate to gain several speaking engagements and signed some wonderful clients for Life and Business Coaching right away, but I knew I needed to do more. I began a daily posting on the website called Daily Dose and each day I write about something that strikes my fancy. But it still didn't seem like enough. So, I decided to write a book!
I've always dreamed of writing a book, but it was always just out there as a dream, nothing more. But, realizing that I needed a means of introducing myself and my style to prospective clients, a book seemed like the way to go. So, I sought the advice of a good friend who has published previously and began the thought process. I was soon having a blast remembering stories from my life that demonstrated business principles and putting them down on paper. It actually went pretty quickly and I would often find myself still sitting and typing away late into the night! Everything was simply pouring out of my brain and the framework for Bulldogs in the Rain became a reality!
As I worked on the stories, a friend helped me work on the cover design and my sister edited the book. Since the stories revolve around my sons, they read it for me and actually liked it! That was a very telling moment for me. I didn't realize I was holding my breath hoping they would like it, until they told me they did and I breathed a sigh of relief! Funny how the tables were turned and it was me seeking their approval instead of the other way around!
Well, the book is finished and is being printed even as I write this blog. I held the press proof in my hands today and I have to tell you it was an incredible feeling! Another one of my dreams was a reality! I confess that I actually cried when I held the book! A silly response, but one that I felt deep in my soul. I am very proud of the book and am anxious to get the full quantity to be able to offer on my company's website. I am very hopeful that those who purchase a book will find it inspirational as well as just pure fun!!
So, the company is up and running and it is slow going, but I'm giving it all I've got! My book is finished and I will begin sending it to companies and event planners and hopefully gaining the level of business I need to keep the company going. I'm optimistic and hopeful. I have a wonderful support system with my family and so many great friends. Without them I would have crumbled by now!
Today, I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving and celebrating my grandson's first birthday! His parents are throwing a big party and we're going to celebrate big time! He is adorable and wonderful and smart and all the things a Grandma could hope for! He brings me joy beyond measure and beyond all that I would have ever expected or dreamed possible. My 5 pugs are still plugging along and loving having me home everyday. Perhaps I'll share some of their antics in my next blog, which I promise will be sooner rather than later.
I appreciate each and every one of you and thank you for pondering with me for a while. Please enjoy your Thanksgiving and hug your family and friends. I wish you many blessings and lots of smiles!
