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Women and The “Business Psyche”: Master Jugglers With Sound Business Skills

By Theo Giordano

What is the psyche and how does it relate to business?  By definition psyche is the human soul, mind, or spirit - derived from the Greek word, psukhe, meaning breath, life, or soul.  We are what we believe ourselves to be, or more important who we believe we can become, or what we can accomplish.  In other words, belief in oneself and recognition of one’s abilities are essential to the person we are, as well as the person we become.  Business success rests upon this belief, or what I call the “business psyche”. 

As a woman who has been in business many years, I see women, truly, as  master jugglers.  We wear many hats.  Out of necessity, we multitask.  Prioritizing and meeting not only personal needs, but those of each family member along with the total needs of the household, women accomplish monumental tasks each and every day. 

After all, most women must do it all.  Most work and still meet the needs of their families: they provide nutritious food, oversee health care, budget and balance family income, strategize short and long range family plans, shop for family necessities, cook, clean, garden, chauffeur, and let’s not forget the most important task of all - parent their children- all at the same time.  Nutritionist, economist, accountant, doctor/nurse, counselor, and employee: women are a slice of each, accomplishing a multitude of essential tasks vital for themselves as well as balance and harmony within the family unit.

Accomplishing these tasks comes easily for most women because they feel most passionate about family.  However, we must give credit where credit is due; all this requires skills – many skills that should be recognized and rewarded.  If we closely examine and evaluate these abilities it can build confidence while conveying ownership.  Owning your accomplishments and identifying strengths results in clarification, or illumination of purpose, providing new directions in life. 

Highlighting each accomplishment defines one’s expertise, and is the first step towards achieving new goals; transferring those indispensable skills - the next step - creates options and opportunities, or multiple pathways towards new choices. 

Belief in oneself, or one’s professional abilities- the “business psyche”- allows for a new direction to emerge, making it a reality.  In other words, reallocating skills to foreign situations, like that of a home business, allows for the reinvention of spirit, spelling success. 

In honor of Mother’s Day, hats off to all women who accomplish great tasks each and every day - without spectacle, or recognition.  May you recognize the value you give to your families, to society, but most important – to yourself.

Copyright 2009 Theo Giordano

 

Observe Earth Day: Pay Homage to Isaac Newton

by Theo Giordano

Happy Earth Day!  Or perhaps we should celebrate it as Universe Day; after all, shouldn't our Earth’s delicate positioning within this vast universe illustrate to us how we are all connected?  Newton said that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  It is this law that should remind us that our actions do have consequences - here on earth - and within our universe. 

 So, in the spirit of reinvention, let’s take a fresh approach to an important day, reflecting upon all things that affect our earth.  As April 22 draws closer, think of as many earth friendly - and universe friendly - things you can do to celebrate this most important event.  And, remember, just one random act of kindness extended to our Earth, or our Universe, will be returned to us; Newton proved this theory, and we must recognize it and pay tribute to it on this special day.

 1.    Take a walk: on the beach, in a park, or visit your rooftop garden; appreciate all that nature has to offer.

 2.    Schedule ahead to view the sunset: plan accordingly so that wherever you are, pause, take a deep breath, and behold its beauty.  

 3.   Bicycle for a day: Give up your car and public transportation.

  4.   Do cartwheels in the park: a metaphorical one will do, if necessary, to celebrate our place on earth.

  5.   Plant a seed, or tree: focus on sweet william, columbine, a mimosa - or any others that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees (they all serve an important role).

  6.   Enjoy a picnic lunch, anywhere: the beach, a park bench, library or town hall lawn, patio, or deck - remembering to gather all debris afterwards, even if it isn't yours.

  7.   See the world through the eyes of a furry or feathered friend (a robin or blue jay, a squirrel, a raccoon, or kitty): try imagining life from their perspective, recognizing the significance of a basking sun, the health of a neighboring tree, or beauty of an ocean shore.

                                                            

  8.   Walk barefoot outdoors: connect with the earth’s inner magnetic core and appreciate the place we hold within this magnificent universe, as well as the delicate balance that exists between Earth and all the other planets.

  9.   Stargaze: locate a guide to help you identify all the stars, either with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescope.

  10.  Make a modest donation to a nature reserve or National Park.

                                                                

These are just a few ideas on how you could observe Earth Day.  The important thing is that you do take a moment and celebrate.   Enjoy the day!                               Copyright 2009 Theo Giordano

GREEN: It's More Than Just a Color

By Theo Giordano

More consumers are actively seeking out and choosing green products every day. This current movement, combined with the economic challenges facing most consumers today, has reformed spending patterns; now, leaning cautiously towards products of value, consumers have once again become more discriminating, selecting those that are durable, energy efficient, of high quality, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. 

This shift in consumer behavior has created and demanded a new direction in today's manufacturing and business practices.  Congratulations!  The vision for our future is beginning to look much brighter indeed, thanks to them. 

Many of you might not know of William Deming, an American engineer, but if he were still with us, I am sure that he would be very happy about these recent shifts.  Considered a hero by the Japanese, he is credited with reorganizing manufacturing and business practices in Japan after WWII.  And what a fabulous job he did, indeed.

While learning about him when starting out as an industrial designer, I always wondered why we let a man of such significant talent go out of our reach.  It’s not that I bemoan the contributions he made to Japan.  Quite the contrary!  At such a desperate time, massive changes were necessary and vital for their re-growth.  Helping them rebuild after such devastation was more than the right thing to do.  I congratulate them on their wise choice.  But I must admit, I was always a little envious of their gift, only because our modern day direction appeared obviously devoid of his brilliant leadership. 

Deming, who considered the exploiting of short term profits along with the lack of constancy of purpose to be deadly sins, instead, focused on building quality into the entire system from step 1.  Improving quality as well as service, he adopted new philosophies with visionary leadership.  We have so much to learn from his methods; perhaps now that our economic conditions, and consumers demand a new direction, we as a nation might be more accepting of his approach, and therefore, reap major benefits: economic, environmental, as well as societal.

Companies producing green products have the potential to embody such true change in manufacturing today.  Integrating quality as well as sound environmental policies into all phases of manufacturing today, they too can become true leaders.  In the spirit of reinvention, I will examine and discuss those that stand out above all others.                                                                  

Copyright 2009 Theo Giordano                                                  

        

 

Diversification: Strategies to Recession-Proof Your Current Income

By Theo Giordano

As the recession steepens, control over your financial security is vital.  As a successful business owner for many years, I have witnessed fluctuations within the economy before, but none quite as paramount as what exists, today.  That is why diversifying your income with a home based business is not only a smart idea, it’s necessary for financial growth and stability in today’s economy.  In the spirit of reinvention, we will examine steps towards accomplishing this goal.

Each day the number of workers joining the ranks of the unemployed grows.  Statistics are skyrocketing.  Doom and gloom is everywhere.  It looks like this recession is here to stay for a while.  So, as more and more experts verbalize concern over the economy, what can you do to protect yourself?  Well, you can sit back, ride the wave and see what happens, or, you can actively pursue expansion of earnings through multiple streams of income, or what I call income diversification.  Having multiple streams of income is the strategic safeguard necessary in today's economy, resulting in both financial rewards and peace of mind.

Whatever your day job might be, a work at home strategy could be just what the doctor ordered for financial health.  Today, more than ever, choices abound for anyone wanting to increase their incomes from  home, and protect themselves from the unthinkable.  With little or no overhead and no commute time or expense, having a home based business solves many of today's economic woes.

Take logical steps when considering a business at home:

1. Strategize first: Think about what your short and long term goals are and what you want to accomplish.  Now, write them down as a commitment to yourself.

2. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses: (You know what they are!)  Are you persistent, and self-motivated?  Are you a people person?  A writer?  Or does working with numbers make you feel most at home.  Do you have 'Patience', and 'Fortitude?'

                                           

3. Evaluate the market: think about what’s selling well now and project ahead to determine what will sell tomorrow; niche markets can provide solid growth! 

4. Examine the many, varied business opportunities available: Do your homework!  Search out home businesses on the internet for the latest information and ask people questions.

5. Research individual companies prior to signing the dotted line:  Always check out the company’s history and CEO’s philosophy to see that it’s in sync with yours and ask questions.  Is integrity important to you?  What are their goals?  Are they a solid, growing company, or did they reach their peak long ago?

6. And most important, check out the support system that's there to guide you, once your decision has been made: Will someone be available when you need questions answered?

If you like the idea of building a future for yourself and you consider yourself to be self-motivated and persistent, congratulations!  These are the main ingredients for success.  With this winning outlook you are assured a victory in accomplishing your goals to grow a home based business.

It proves you’re ready to pursue a home business.  And there is nothing else quite like it.  Once you taste the experience and autonomy of having a business of your own, chances are you will wonder why you hadn't thought about it before.  It’s one place where your hard work will always pay off and no one else but you are in control of your earnings and financial health. 

Copyright 2009 by Theo Giordano                

                                  

 

                                                           

                     

Creative Reinvention of the Business Persona

      I believe that at no other time in history, is the spirit of "reinvention" more vital and necessary.  Seeking fresh and innovative approaches to business, health, family life, energy, the environment, design, the economy, to one's own personal image.....as well as life, itself.....must be considered and adopted in order to achieve revolutionary solutions.  Adhering to these guidelines, while following a plan of action, allows each of us to overcome any and all obstacles in life. 

    Most important and timely, "reinvention" of spirit can allow for expansion of your skills, while laying the foundation for career diversification.  Positioning yourself securely, it provides for strategic protection from recessionary pressures.  The time to act on such inventiveness, rather, "reinvention" of the spirit, is now.

    In light of this premise, let's examine the word "REINVENTION":   "To change -  so much so, that it appears to be entirely new....to reinvent oneself......to adopt a radically new job or way of life"....or new way of looking at life.   

    Keeping abreast of trends, stars have done so repeatedly over the years, with the clear purpose to remain current.  They've recognized that "reinvention" of themselves, creatively, retains their popularity, and therefore, viability.

    If such actions can lead to a more self-actualized way of life, why, then, do most of us resist these radical, but possibly, positive changes?  It's about comfort, clear and simple.  Risk-taking threatens our comfort level.  Not only do most of us not enjoy this - we, at all odds, go out of our way to resist and avoid such.   

    Now, don't misunderstand me.  I am not saying that all risk aversion is a bad thing.  Quite the contrary.  Keeping us healthy, and safe, it serves to protect us.  However, holding rigid boundaries about risk also keeps us from achieving better things in life. 

    Channeling controlled risk allows us to meet and accomplish our greater goals for  higher achievement.  Done skillfully, it serves as a catalyst for a new, more positive, and enlightened direction.

    Life is far from static.  It is, forever, changing.  So much, so quickly, at times that  staying on top of current trends and technologies - or even those ancient, yet foreign to us -challenges even the most intelligent, aware person, when first introducted.  Filtering such information, one can easily become clogged with confusion, overloaded, and paralyzed.

    But, as Disraeli once said, "the secret of success is constancy of purpose."  Proving persistence works, he overcame mountainous obstacles, while finally achieving a greater good, as a result.             

    Remember: knowledge is power!  Re-educating yourself about incidentals that keep you from achieving any goals, can be empowering and instill a renewed sense of confidence and self -worth.  Success is destined for those willing and persistent enough to sort through the tangled web of facts or new technologies in order to achieve a greater good, allowing for "reinvention" of the spirit, be it business, personal or spiritual.  

    There are many choices available to us when approaching these barriers to change.  We can sit back, comfortably, allowing changes around us to pummel ahead, without our participation or engagement; or, we can actively embrace revolutionary changes.  These are the two most obvious, and extreme examples, of course. 

    Selectively integrating new concepts into our lives in a more personal way - rather, in a way that suits us best - can serve to nurture and enrich us, leading to a third, most balanced approach.  Allowing us to follow our own individual rhythm, or metronome of life, while choosing from either sides of the pendulum at will, proves that growth can be both enriching and comfortable.  Choices....

     Adopting fresh strategies for "reinvention" of self serves as a catalyst for  a new, enlightened direction in business and in life, itself.  Inspiring us towards a more conscious awareness within the confines of the business milieu, while adapting to the ever changing world around us, allows for more freedom, more individuality, and a more balanced sense of self, paving the path towards self-actualization.  Through chaos, emerges enlightenment.

    Our business mission at ZUMBLE is to forge ahead - steadily, progressively, successfully, yet, comfortably.  Sifting through the vast array of new technologies and marketing strategies -choosing and discussing those which suit our individual needs to accomplish our greater  goals best, will be illustrated and discussed. I invite you to join me, witness the process, and share your experiences and similar stages of "reinvention"  of career, business, or life.    

                           

                    Copyright 2009 by Theo Giordano