WAHM Going Back to Work

Hello everyone,

I am sure I am not alone - but I can't help but feel that way sometimes - this week especially so.  I am facing the dreary realization that I will soon have to leave my wonderful little 10.5 month old son to go back to work at my "job".  Perhaps it would not be so distressful, so anxiety-provoking, if I liked my job more; if it wasn't so stressful, so back-breaking, so exhausting (emotionally and physically).  I like what I do at a basic level (I help people when they are unable to help themselves) ... but I hate the politics, the physical strain because there is always a shortage of staff, the inability to get a day off, the thought of missing my son`s second Christmas and birthday, the stress of always worrying when I answer the phone that I will be told to drop everything and be at work in 30 minutes ... what will I do with my son when this happens?

I have struggled for 4 (almost 5) months to make Storks & Berries a successful business while I have been on mat leave.   I have, essentially, succeeded.  I am not losing money.  The problem is that  I am also not making enough to win the argument with my husband that we can afford for me to stay at home with my son and run my business.  This is a grim moment for me as I generally always win arguments :)

I have been told it takes 5 years to have your business show a profit.  5 years! ... my son will be in school already ... Storks & Berries will have to do better than this.  My goal is to run a successful business from home that I believe in, selling products that are environmentally responsible, so that I can contribute to my family`s income AND watch all of my son`s special moments.  I have determination, a very strong-will, and motivation on my side.  I am a Capricorn, and true to my zodiac sign, I tend to be successful when I set my mind to something.  My mind is set - Storks & Berries will be successful (I have lots of ideas and plans to make it so!).  I may not have had enough time to make Storks & Berries profitable yet ... but I will ... before the end of my next maternity leave.

I strongly believe that life is too short to spend much time doing something you dislike.  I have a family to think about now though ... up and quitting my job at my whim no longer seems like as viable an option as it has in the past - my family needs a (safe) place to live, my son needs a backyard to play in, we need to eat.  I will go back to work (for now), and somehow find the time necessary to continue to grow my business, so that my family can afford to have me stay at home with my son and run a business that I believe in and am proud of.  I am, however, heartbroken at the thought of missing a day of my son`s life ... for a job that I get nothing out of except a paycheck.  

What will I miss when I return to work?  Will my son finally learn to say "Mama" when I am not home to hear it?  

How will I continue to grow my business (something which I actually quite enjoy doing) to the standards that I have set for Storks & Berries ...  standards that my customers have come to expect?  How will I keep everything running smoothly (translation: perfectly ... as I am a perfectionist)?

I truly enjoy running my business, interacting with my customers, making Storks & Berries my very own - it is very rewarding - a great personal-growth experience.  I love watching my son grow day-by-day, learning new things along the way ... that face when he finally gets something he has (apparently!) been contemplating.  It doesn't seem right that I have to sacrifice moments with my son and my business to leave them both and do something I find so much less rewarding.  

I write this for those who may be in a similar place in their lives and who may be reading this.  I know I am not alone - there are other new moms (even some new mompreneurs) who are going back to work but who would rather stay at home with their babies.  At this moment, however, as I prepare to write my "return-to-work" letter, I do feel alone ... even somewhat abandoned and unsuccessful.  I know these feelings are emotional (perhaps even childish) with no bearing in reality ... but for this moment in time ... they are the feelings of a struggling  new mompreneur, of a mommy waiting to hear that first "Mama", of a woman who wants to do it all perfectly but knows that even she has limitations.

Thanks for reading.

Trade show success tip #4

I hope that someone is finding these tips useful. Vendor shows can cost a lot of money and time so its vital that we maximize the benefits.

Do you realize that there is a great, untapped pool of potential customers at every market or trade show you'll ever do. Time and again I've observed how they are neglected even though they are all around at every show. Who are they? Other vendors!

Remember that all the other vendors are busy people who need to shop for products and services too. Plus they are keen to support other business people they get to know and who treat them well.

So next time you do a show ensure that you:

- Visit as many other booths as you can either before or during the show to meet the other business people there. Shake hands, introduce yourself and get to know as many other vendors as you have time for:

- Offer a vendors only special like a free sample or a discount. Trading product can also be mutually beneficial:

- Get their contact information and follow up with a phone call to say what a pleasure it was to meet them and that you look forward to seeing them at another event soon. Next time one of their friends wants a product like yours who do you think will get the referral?

Some of my best hostesses are business women I've met at trade shows and markets. I'm doing a party this week with a woman who was in the booth next to me at a Christmas Craft Show! I strongly encourage you not to neglect this group of wonderful customers right under your nose!

Have a Spicy Day!

Vendor Show Success Tip #3

Hi and Happy Earth Day.

I'd like to propose that the most important phase of every trade show begins after you get home! Follow up is essential to maximizing your investment and realizing a measureable business boost.

Capture contact information from everyone you engage with at the show. Offer a draw and invite everyone who speaks with you or makes a purchase to enter. Bring a clipboard, draw entry forms and pens and pass them to your customer to fill out. If I'm not too busy I hold the clipboard and fill the draw form out for them so I can ask them additional questions and make some notes. This is a great opportunity to learn more about them and their needs!

Call everyone within two or three days after the show. You don't have to be nervous or feel like you are being pushy. Just call and say thank you for stopping by the booth. Then tell them that you really appreciate their interest in your business and that you would love for them to be a valued customer. If you do a monthly email newsletter this is also a good time to ask permission to add their email address to your list. Easy peasy right! Check whether your contact would like further information or products at this time. If not, ask permission to follow up with them in a month or whatever interval seems reasonable to you and then make sure you call them as promised.

Happy Earth Day!

I just wanted to take a minute and wish all of you a Happy Earth Day tomorrow. Please remember that it is the small steps that we take everyday that will lead to big change tomorrow. Don't throw away that paper cup recycle it or better bring your own stainless steel mug instead! I also wanted to share a picture of a new product I just received in today I thought it was fitting to share this lovely play silk hand dyed in Canada and named for the earth with all of you today. Have a great day tomorrow!

Self Care Tips for WAHMs

As WAHMs we know that each day is chock full of all the stuff we have to attend to – tending to the children, preparing meals, doing laundry, cleaning the house, running errands as well as getting our work done. We never seem to stop and there is rarely any down time. Many of us are tired, cranky and run down – hardly what we dreamed it would be like when we decided to be a WAHMs.

Here are 5 tips all of us can use to be happier and healthier.

1. ME Time. Oh, we’ve heard it before, but how many of us actually do it? We think we’ll get some time for ourselves later, but it never happens. Make it happen by scheduling it, just like any other appointment. Book that spa treatment or dinner with a friend you’ve been meaning to have. Plan a solo shopping excursion. Arrange time at the gym or sign up for a course. Book a sitter in advance or be sure to remind your partner that you’ll be unavailable. For example, my hubby is happy to be at home with the kids, but he needs me to email him a reminder otherwise he is liable to double book himself!
2. Quiet Time. If you have children who nap or have quiet time during the afternoons, you probably try to do some work or homekeeping during this time. Instead, try to have a bit of quiet time yourself. A few minutes reading a good book, meditating, stretching or taking a cat-nap will invigorate you and give you energy to get through the rest of your day.
3. Don’t Always Be A Night Owl. Although many of us start our second job after the kids are down, you need a little down time too. Schedule some light work for a couple of evenings a week, and do something fun or relaxing on the other nights. And, remember that you need to get a good night sleep to be your most effective during each busy day!
4. The Love Connection. Don’t forget about scheduling time with your hubby or partner - whether it’s for a date night or just a few minutes holding hands on the couch talking in the evening. It may not seem very romantic to schedule time with your loved one, but it is crucial to maintaining a good relationship. And besides, knowing that you have time with your partner gives you something to look forward to!
5. Comfort Kit. What are some little luxuries that you enjoy? Chocolate or other snacks? Wine? Specialty coffee or tea? A favorite shower gel or bubble bath? Scented candles? Make sure you have a few of these items on hand and treat yourself to a little happy each day. For me, a great day includes a hot shower with a favorite invigorating shower gel, homemade iced coffee and a yummy granola bar as my afternoon snack, and 15 minutes reading my favorite magazine with my feet up. Sometimes little things can make a big difference.

Taking time to take care of you really is one of the most important things you can do in order to be a better mom, wife and business woman. And when in doubt, just remember the old saying: If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!

Wow! MPowered Marketing Events & Aha Moments!

As I'm planning the 4th event in my 7 event marketing training and networking series here in Calgary, I'm reflecting on the comments from past attendees. I have had several people, who have serious business backgrounds and have made career shifts, say they have had "aha moments" when they think they were "aha'd out". I've had people who have barely started their journey of business creation have the lightbulb go on and really get inspired to start their businesses on a great path by making the right first marketing steps.

I've seen connections happen purely by magnetic pull between likeminded women. I've seen one attendee leaving another attendees house as they made a connection and shared their services. I've had about 90% of attendees return and all them of them will continue to return as life, kid and husband schedules allow. We have room for more! Each event has us at about 75% capacity. I'd really love to see some of you make it out and discover some truly meaningful learning and connecting. I am so inspired by the inspiration of those who have attended and the power of their enthusiasm for their businesses and mine. The reciprocal support and encouragement has been beyond my expectations, but everything I'd hoped (planned for).

The next event is focused on the concept of "brand." I firmly believe that as a one-woman show, a business owner where YOU are the heart of your business, that brand goes WAY beyond the obvious. While it is easy to understand branding to encompass the visual elements of our business (logo, graphic design) and our name, it really starts with who you are, what your values and goals are, and how you operate your business. These things exude your company in every way and if every output is consistent with this vision, you will create a marriage of customer perception and brand. Surely you want the way you present your company and what your customers think of you to be the same!

Our guest speaker at the next session is Nichole Menard, owner of Over the Rainbow Children's Boutique in Calgary (130th Avenue S.E.). Njchole took over a popular consignment store, kept the business name anticipating leveraging the well known name while converting the store to a specialized boutique of new and trendy children's items. Come hear Nichole's interesting story about brand and the challenges she has faced as she continues to evolve her business.

Next event is Tuesday, April 28th at 7:30 p.m. in Copperfield. Full event details and registration are on my website. http://www.mpoweredmarketing.com/Events___Services.html

I'm so happy to hear about the successes you are all having and enthusiasm you are experiencing this Spring. I am enjoying reading all your posts!

Kim

New Small Wonder Website

It seems with the break-neck speed of technological advancement these days, its not possible to create something like a website, and then just leave it be. This is the third incarnation of the Small Wonder site, and it keeps getting better and better. And I keep learning more and more about creating them.

Of course, it will always be a work in progress...

Take a look and let me know what you think.

www.smallwonder.ca

Bad Economy??? What!!!

Hi every one,

Just wanted to share some great news. I know Ive been silent a while. Just been dealing with some crazy stuff at home. So my business was put on the back burner a bit. And suddently I realized that I had totally lost my momentum with my parties. Just my luck- Belinda Ellsworth was in town the week after and I went to see her speak. Belinda is a Direct Sales specialist with 20 years of experiance in the industry.

I decided to relaunch my Passion Parties Business. And OMG...its been amazing. I now have more parties on the books than I ever did. Im booked up all the way to end of May and party of June too. Yikes!!! Who said the economy was down??? Doesnt look that way to me.. Anyway I just wanted to share my excitement.

Thanks for every one who keeps posting awesome tips!!

The land of "good enough"

Have you ever noticed that when money is tighter we find ourselves making different choices and throwing our brand preferences out the window? During a recent grocery trip I noticed a new brand on the shelf called “Big Red”. It wasn’t the most expensive brand, nor was it the cheapest. The packaging was appealing, it looked like a quality product and I found myself saying “good enough!”. I had heard about this theory from Seth Godin, marketing guru, and I am a firm believer that sometimes good enough, is well, good enough.

It made me think about my clients and whether they are offering a “good enough” product in their product mix (in addition to their higher end offerings). Middle of the road may sound boring to you, but there is plenty of demand for “good enough” products that won’t blow the budget. Think of the example of razor blades with their ever increasing number of blades, moisturizing strips and ergonomic handles. Between the $20 razor and the $1 disposable razor that leaves your legs looking worse than when you started, there is room in the middle for that razor that is “good enough”.

The same thinking can apply to the size of your product. Offering a smaller size is an excellent way to lower the cost and provide customers with what they are looking for. Have a look at your products or services and see where you can add-in affordable options.

Read more articles on marketing at www.GlowMarketing.ca

Vendor store success tip #2

No matter the type of business we all invest in printed marketing materials - business cards, brochures and catalogs costing some serious cash. The purpose of these materials is to support us in forging a personal connection with as many new customers as we can. Let's consider how to use these tools at vendor shows and markets to get the biggest bang for our buck.

Stock your cards, brochures and catalogs behind your table where you can easily access them but they can't be randomly gathered by passers by. Many people who attend shows will grab any and all materials whether they are interested in the business or not. This is a waste of your materials! Most of the time these harvesters won't call you and your expensive catalog will end up in their blue box (best case).

Offer catalogs only to customers who truly engage with you and are interested in your product or service. I offer an Epicure catalog with a Dip Mix sample for $2 and the customer's contact information. No contact information no exchange! Then I commit to following up in a couple of days to help them with their first order. Of course I reduce the cost of that order by the amount I've collected for the catalog. By following this process you will regularly identify quality prospects and will have an invitation to call them after the show - the beginning of that personal connection you are working to create!

Holding a draw is a great way to capture the contact information and offers more value to the customer for engaging with you at your booth. When the customer pays the nominal sum for my catalog I hand them a clip board with a draw entry slip and a pen. I encourage them to provide name, phone, email and to recommend the best time for me to call. I let them know what the prize is and remind them that I will call within the next couple of days to follow up.

Hope this was useful. It sure has helped me to get a lot more out of the shows I do. My next post is on follow up and I'll try to publish that later today. Have to see as my little guy has a rotten cold and needs lots of cuddles.

If you are in the Edmonton area this weekend drop by and say hi at my Epicure booth at the Mompreneur Marketplace. 10am to 4pm, April 19th at the Mayfield Inn. Free addmission, fab swag and I'd love to meet you in person!

Vendor show success tips

Oh to one day have a workspace (I don't even have to call it an office) with walls so I can work without having to step over wooden train track pieces, crayons and hot wheels!

I'm getting ready to take my Epicure Selections business on the road for The Mompreneur Marketplace in Edmonton this Sunday April 19th. Got to pack carefully so I don't forget anything vital. Luckily, Edmonton is my hometown and I will be visiting my parents so I've got an on the ground support team!

Vendor shows and markets are great events for direct sellers working to grow their customer base and many community events are really inexpensive. If you've never done a public show I'll be posting some tips over the next week to help you have a successful event.

Tip One - Design an eye pleasing booth you can work in.

Plan your booth in advance and practice setting it up at home.

Invest in a durable, washable solid color tablecloth large enough to cover an 8' by 4' table generously.

Resist the urge to have every product in your catalog! Take some of your top sellers and keep your display clean and organized. Don't worry about missed sales. I'll be writing about capturing customer information and followup in a couple of days!

Ensure all your inventory, empty boxes & assorted supplies will stow under your table and are covered by your table draping. Lots of stuff piled at the back of your booth looks cluttered and unorganized plus it could be a tripping hazard when you and your co-workers get busy.

A tidy, organized booth and your friendly smile will be all you need to make a great first impression!

Drop by my Epicure booth at the Mompreneur Marketplace Sunday April 19th at the Mayfield Inn in Edmonton. I'd love to meet you.

Greetings from the Owner of Storks & Berries!

Hi,

Welcome to my first blog ... ever!  I am excited to be joining the world of blogging ... and, to be honest, a little nervous as is to be expected when you do anything new.

I will start by telling you a little about myself.  My name is Dawn and I am the proud mommy of a wonderful 10-month old little boy, Griffin.  I am still amazed he is already 10-months old and by the time I grasp this concept he will be a year and my maternity leave will be over!  Time just flies so quickly these days.

I am also lucky enough to be the wife of a wonderful guy who I fell in love with and was smart enough to marry!

I love spending time with my son (mommyhood is like being handed a return ticket to your own childhood as you get to play all the games you haven't played in 30 years!), and of course my husband.  Outside is where I prefer to spend my spare time ... walking, skiing, playing, anything that gets me out into the fresh air!

In addition to all of this, I am also the owner of a great little online store called Storks & Berries (no biases here :), which is based out of Okotoks, Alberta.  Through Storks & Berries, I sell a variety of high quality and affordable baby products, including cloth diapers (which I am a huge fan of!), baby carriers, nursing pillows, skin care products designed specifically for babies sensitive skin, and a number of other really great products!  I opened up Storks & Berries (www.storksandberries.ca) at the end of December and have been working very hard since then to build my business.  So far, things are going well!

The idea for Storks & Berries was planted in my head when I was pregnant with my son.  I knew I wanted to use cloth diapers, but had a really hard time finding them locally, and an even harder time finding useful information on them online.  My initial goal was to fill this gap so that cloth diapering was more accessible for parents.  My product line has grown ... and continues to grow with some great new products on the way ... and I continue to work on the information part of my website.

I am proud of the products I sell.  I have a spent a great deal of time researching them, and have tested most of my products (and all of my cloth diapers!) out on my son.  I have chosen to offer only those products which have been able to meet my high standards.  I strive to maintain a focus on Canadian-made products whenever possible.

I hope you will read my future blogs to see how my business (and my life) is progressing.  Lots of exciting things have been happening and more are in the works.  Also, please visit my Storks & Berries at www.storksandberries.ca.  Your comments, feedback, and suggestions are always welcome and appreciated.  I am happy to answer any questions you might have.

Thanks for reading!

Dawn

Owner

Storks & Berries

www.storksandberries.ca

Meal Planning to Save Time & Sanity

As SAHMs & WAHMs, our are days are jam packed with things to do so I'd like to offer some meal planning suggestions that could help you save time, money and reduce meal time stress.

1. Begin meal planning. If you aren't used to this start by planning just 2 dinners per week and work up to including a week's worth of dinners. You are creating a new routine so give yourself and your family time to practice.

2. Before you go grocery shopping make a list of all the ingredients you need to make the meals you've planned and check your cupboards and fridge to see what you already have on hand.

3. Plan meals that can do double duty. For example prepare extra roast chicken one night to make chicken and vegetable quesadillas the next night. Also, prepare extra portions of dinner recipes and take leftovers for lunch the next day.

4. Once you get into a good meal planning routine you'll need to grocery shop only once per week. When you shop get everything you need to prepare 5 complete meals. This should help to eliminate the last minute desperate dash to the store after work that is so stressful.

5. Involve your family in meal planning and preparation. Make note of favourite meals to make again soon. Teach children to help prepare meals, set the table and tidy up afterwards.

6. Make friends with your freezer. Double recipes of meals that freeze well and put them away for next month.

7. Consider having your groceries delivered if a store in your area offers this service. The fee is usually modest and you can save a lot of time and money by ordering online and scheduling the delivery. I know that I used to spend way more than the $7 delivery fee my store charges on 4 or 5 frantic shops during the week. When you take time to plan you make healthier, more economical choices.

For more information on how to reduce stress, save time, save money and feel great contact me about Epicure's new family wellness program A Healthier You Lifestyle Guide and Cookbook This beautiful, wipe-clean binder contains more than 120 delicious, family-friendly recipes with over 60 full-page, full-colour food photos. It includes Epicure’s Plan for Health Weekly Planner: Plan out your week’s complete menus and activity time, and create a to-go shopping list - saving you money, time and stress!

Simply Connected [Calgary Photographer]

What to wear to a session....

Many times I am asked to recommend clothing for a photo session. Often I tell my clients to wear what makes them feel comfortable...not sweats, but something of their style. I wouldn't put a dress on my daughter if she absolutely hates dresses...it will show in the images!

Style

Bring your style...whatever it may be...it WILL make your personality shine! Layers of clothing that have texture to it will enhance your images. Knits, laces, worn denim, buttons, and lots of deep rich colour! Mix and match, sometimes the colour combos will pleasantly surprise you. Include accessories. Hats, gloves, socks, shoes, jewels, scarves, ties, vests, jackets, skirts or leggings. If we can "pull" it on and take it off...we will have a lot of diversity in the taken images. BTW, if you are a baby (little person, no name calling) wearing your birthday suit is always a classic;)

Of course, the most important thing to wear is a smile...:)

Brandi

www.simplyconnectedphotography.ca

www.simplyconnectedphotography.blogspot.com

403.829.6783

Calgary Moms! Marketing Training Event This Tuesday

Hello Fellow WAHMs!

The third event in my marketing training and networking series is upon us. It is this Tuesday, April 14th. Our focus is on goal setting. I am providing a very 'get to work' approach to my training session this week. I know for myself that the personal goals and business goals overlap, and without goals, I end up in quite the muddle in how I manage my time, make decisions with income. More importantly, without goals it is easy to lose focus on both the 'why' we started our businesses in the first place and the 'how' we are going to succeed. The goal is the 'what' in the equation.... 'what' specifically do you want to achieve? The 'specifically' part is the critical development step in goal setting, and that will be what Tuesday is all about. I aim to have everyone leave the Tuesday session with a set of specific goals that inspire, motivate or reinforce business focus immediately.



As with all training sessions, we have a wonderful local guest speaker coming to support the training topic with their real-world success or challenge story. This week Sundi Hoffman, owner of Bugalug hair accessories will share her interesting marketing strategies and business development angles. Sundi has travelled North America to promote her business to all kinds of customer and business to business audiences at events, including some celebs. She won the Prairie Region Savvy Mom of the Year award. It's going to be a great session!



Registration: only $25, pay at the event by cash or credit card on the Events page at http://www.mpoweredmarketing.com/



This is personally a great week for me to narrow in on my goals. It helps manage my own expectations of myself and what I can accomplish as a mom of three young girls, with limited childcare, minor league hockey playoffs for my husband, and a growing marketing event and client-based business. Thursday evening, 15 minutes prior to rushing out the door to get my girls to their dance classes and with an evening of Easter weekend road-trip packing to do, I dropped a big glass & stainless steel pot lid on my toe. It honestly hurt as bad as labour at first, but of course, I put it in the category of stubbed toe and sucked it up. About 26 hours later, road trip completed, I found myself in the ER to get a seriously black and blue toenail taken care of (disgusting, will not expand). In my distracted state with a throbbing foot, from trying to get my family organized to leave Calgary Friday morning, I forgot to pack myself underwear and more than 1 shirt. I forgot some Easter Bunny treats. I forgot I wrote a list to remember the forgotten items. But I did remember my girls, their favourite toys, and clothes. As my toe seems to be beckoning another doctor visit in the near future, and has to be elevated a fair bit, I am just focused on my goals. I'm going to get us home tomorrow with the least amount of stress and fuss. I'm going to write my presentation with my foot up on the dashboard. I'm going to ponder marketing strategy and budget for more take out. My goal this week is simplicity. Sometimes easier said than done. But since it is now my goal, and I have some tactics around it, I'm sure I'll be able to achieve it. The best thing about great goals is that they have a timeline. Come Friday, I'll know how I did in the simplicity department to evaluate it for the next time I am clutzy in the kitchen!



Hope you all had a wonderful Easter break and I also hope to see some of you tomorrow evening for a great marketing session just for a women in business like you!

Kim

I am ready!

I spent all day Friday with my girlfriend getting my papers ready and into the computer for my income taxes. Nothing can be more frustrating then trying to learn a new computer program under a deadline. Looking back I should have started this sooner but I thought I had more important things to do. So now I am struggling to learn and get things caught up. We were able to figure out the general journal and make our entries there to generate what the accountant needs with the least amount of stress. We were also able to get my GST return completed and I am happy to say I am getting a nice return.

As for the store it's slow right now and I am still having some issues with my shopping cart but we are trying to resolve them. I have set a number of good sales please feel free to check them out and pass them on to anyone you know! http://www.smallstepsecostore.com/ as well I have set up a facebook group for the store too feel free to join for the latest news!

Fans of Small Steps Eco Store

Walking in Northern Ireland

Well, I'm back after a 10 day visit to Ireland to see my husband's family. My mother-in-law recently broke her hip, and we wanted to check in and see how she's doing.

Visiting family in Northern Ireland is not the best way to keep up with weight loss plans! We stayed with my husband's sister who's a fabulous cook. Thankfully, she's also a healthy cook - lots of greens, farm-fresh food, and a good variety. We also ended up eating out a lot with various combinations of family members, and were not always so lucky with the food selections (though all were delicious!). We both came back with a couple of extra pounds, but we chose to enjoy our time with the family, and put that ahead of keeping trim.

We did, however, keep up with walking. Ireland is a beautiful place to walk! Rolling green hills, lots of birds, fresh, moist air (compared to the near-desert air of Calgary) and restful scenes. I loved walking there!

I posted my walks on Facebook, and I'm putting the links here in case you want to check them out. Some great pictures there!

Check out the pics here: www.PraiseWalker.com

Spirit of Poverty - Final Lesson!

Well, here we are at the final lesson on the Spirit of Poverty. I hope you've been able to keep up, and that this has changed the way you view your life, and your current circumstances!

Today we're going to look at how to get out of the bondage of this spirit. Here are Bill's words:

How to Overcome the SPIRIT of POVERTY

The Bible teaches about poverty and its effects on people. To write or speak about a spirit of poverty does not fall into the arena of prosperity teaching. A spirit of poverty has nothing to do with how much anyone owns what they eat or wear. A spirit of poverty can oppress, and not infrequently does, wealthy people. Many people below the "poverty level" are not oppressed by this spirit. It has nothing to do with wealth or lack of it. It is related to greed and fear of loss.

A spirit of poverty can be defined as a demonic spirit empowered by iniquity and sin in the areas of giving and receiving. It operates generationally through iniquity; therefore it is a familiar (or family-line) spirit. This spirit is related to Belial, the destroyer, described in Psalm 18:4 and 2 Corinthians 6:15. A spirit of poverty is a condition in a person, a people, and / or a land.

WHAT EMPOWERS A SPIRIT OF POVERTY:

Read more here: www.PraiseWalker.com

Dan McCormick
Team Elite
Founder of Millionaire Training Circle
Author of
LESSONS FROM GREAT LIVES
will be in Calgary
Wednesday April 15
at
Hilton Garden Inn
2335 Pegasus Rd SE
corner of Barlow Trail & McKnight
6:30-7 pm demos & scanning
7-8 pm Presentation on the business of a lifetime
Registration $20 p.p.

Guests are free
R.S.V.P.
email: aphrodite@nsedreams.com
or call Josie at 403.988.6326
CAPTURE THE ANTI-AGING REVOLUTION
ERASE THE PAST
PERFECT THE PRESENT

Fit For Faith

Last week I told you about Praise Moves - a great Christian Alternative to Yoga.

Today I want to tell you about another great fitness program that also incorporates faith (isn't it wonderful how many people have figured out how to work faith into fitness? Very cool!)

This program is called "Fit for Faith" by Kimberley J. Payne. I've had the pleasure of a couple of conversations with Kimberley, and I really like her humble, down to earth style. Great lady.


Read more here: www.PraiseWalker.com

Get an accountant early on!

So I created & owned my own business for a little over 2 years. Never in this time did I hire an accountant, I was watching pennies. Well, my suggestion to all WAHMs today is to *get an accountant*... it makes filing Sales Taxes and Income Tax way easier than doing it yourself (unless of course you ARE an accountant ROFL). I'm doing my own Income Tax now and I have to tell you there is *a lot* to know. some things I just don't understand. And because I no longer own the business, it's complicated further. I'm sure if I had an accountant things would be going much smoother right now.

So I just wanted to say... do some research and hire an appropriate account... in the long run it will really benefit you and your business! I'm kicking myself for not spending the extra because I honestly think it would have made life way easier for me and my family!

Spirit of Poverty - Part 7

Happy April Fool's Day!

As you read this, I am in Northern Ireland visiting family. So much easier to do my walking here! No snow!

We have the second to last installment of the "Spirit of Poverty" series by Bill Axtell today. Basically it's a continuation of last week's post on the Words of our Mouths. Great stuff to remind ourselves about!

Faith is not a feeling. Feelings are a result of what happens to us, whereas faith is a matter of our will! We need to speak or confess that which we believe.

Also notice, in Matthew 12, that Jesus said, "Therefore I say"
Jesus spoke and lived faith! He taught what words meant and cost us. We are either justified or condemned by our words.

Matthew 15:11, 18-- "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.'' But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man."

Read more here: www.PraiseWalker.com