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We've all had those days (as adults) where we just wanted to crawl into our mom's or dad's laps and just cry. "It seemed so much easier for our parents when we were kids." Times are different and we live in a very different society than our parents or grandparents did.
It's not enough to have one income to survive and some people aren't even lucky to have one income. I was speaking to my mother the other day and told her I don't know how the average house hold survives and especially when they are working on an hourly wage that is barely above $7.
I used to be someone who would say, "Just go get a job" as if it were the easiest thing to do. I've met countless people who have been trying to find a job for over two years now and they can't. So, what do you propose they do? Start their own business! That's what we did.
We didn't have a plan when we both lost our jobs within 2 days of each other. Do you think the "Corporate Big Wigs" even cared that they just displaced a newlywed couple who relocated from California to Florida just 8 months earlier? No They didn't care that we just bought our first house 5 months prior or that we just suffered a miscarriage but desperately wanted to start a family. Nope, all they cared about was the bottom line. People are expendable to them when you reach a certain size. What they don't tell you is that a lot of their bad decisions put their finances in a situation where they had to recoup large amounts and quickly. And....what's the quickest way to raise capital? Cut overhead.
What we strive to do is create a company that will employ others, that will have good family values, encourage work life balance and creativity. We've been working so diligently for almost 2 years now and there have been many times that I've cried and thought I couldn't do it anymore. Our lifestyle dramatically changed, our marriage changed our priorities changed and most of all, our faith changed. And all for the better.
Whether by chance or by design, we have been able to use this "otherwise terrible" situation and turn it into one of the best educations that money simply cannot buy. We realized that money doesn't buy you happiness and that the fanciest cars can't fill that void in your soul. We found out just how strong our marriage really is and our priorities are much more equally yoked. I can't even describe the peace you can find in the middle of a storm when you have the utmost faith and belief.
Our story is not unique. There are millions of people weathering stroms right now. It's how they choose to respond that will determine how they will come out on the other side.
Without opposition, you wouldn't grow. If you don't evolve, how can you conquer? If you don't experience failure, how can you be responsible with your successes? These difficult times you are facing are simply life's lessons to prepare you for tomorrow's challenges.
I recently heard a gentleman speak and he made a comment that resonated so deeply with me. He said, "don't cry because you want to give up. Cry because you want to continue." I want to continue! I hope you all do too! The pain is temporary but giving up on your dreams in forever. Don't live a life of regret.
To your continued success,
Erin Glass
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Erin Glass
Crying to Continue
Erin Glass - Sunday, August 29, 2010
Getting Past the No's
Erin Glass - Wednesday, August 11, 2010
One of the most difficult things to do in business for yourself is to keep going when so many people are telling you you can't do it or you won't do it. The road to success is a difficult one, but those that can make it will reap amazing rewards. It's not easy and it takes an amazing amount of inner strength, mental strength, and belief in yourself to make it.
I believe it was Robert Frost who authored the poem, "The Road Less Traveled". One of the only poems that ever stuck in my mind as I was growing up. He chose to take the road less traveled because he was destined for a different kind of success. Along that road you will see and hear a lot of "Naysayers" and "No's" but it's up to you to forge forward.
How do you do that, I've been asked. Well, there are many ways you can keep moving forward. One is to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. As people we have been raised to believe in fact. Something that's been proven, but the shear fact is, that new ways of doing business are just that, new! There is no proven theory so it's difficult for people to see your potential. You have to maintain the faith.
Another thing that you'll learn is that you will need a GREAT MARKETING plan. Whether you are your product or your product is your product, you need to market it like no other. How many products have you seen that are virtually crap, but they had an amazing marketing strategy behind them? They go on to be Billion dollar products! Let's look at the "Snuggie". It's a robe worn backwards people! BUT, the marketing strategy was genius. They've sold over 400 million snuggies and have branched out into providing snuggies for pets and all kinds of things now. What you may not know is that the snuggie was turned down by dozens of financers before they had their big break and they kept going. They knew that they had something and that all they needed was ONE "yes".
So, when you hear those no's, just remember you only need ONE yes, so keep the faith and stay focused. I'll leave you with this:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
~ Robert Frost
Erin Glass
erin.glass@viziun.com
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Maintaining that Entrepreneurial High
Erin Glass - Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Have you ever attended a conference or an event where you left feeling so pumped up and energized about your business only to find that a week later you were just as unmotivated as you were before you left? We all have!
I just returned from an amazing 9 day conference in Las Vegas where I was surrounded by some of the most innovative and brilliant people on the planet. We were all so energized, motivated, and excited to be in business for ourselves. So, how do you maintain that high?
I think there are a few ways you can. I'll list a few that I'm going to implement myself.
1. Create short term goals by WRITING them down and reviewing them daily.
2. CELEBRATE your accomplishments no matter how big or small.
3. Stay in touch with some of the people you met. Preferably the ones with the high spirits and winning attitudes
4. Pop in a motivational CD while you're driving to and from work/appointments
5. Find a great book to read and share waht you learn.
6. Find a mentor and have regular calls to report on your progress.
7. ONLY surround yourself with people who encourage you and try not to get bogged down by negativity.
8. Go forward with a heart of cooperation and help others you met achieve their goals. (it will come back to you)
9. Feed your spirit daily. Just like our bodies need nourishment, so do our souls. This can make huge differences in your life.
10. Set aside a few minutes every day to reflect on just how far you've come and speak to where you want to be. Literally, say it out loud. "Out of the words of your mouth, come the desires of your heart."
These 10 techniques, tips or strategies can help you maintain that high and take your personal or professional life into "hyper growth".
I'll leave you with this quote.
"My list of ingrediants for success is divided into four basic groups: Inward, Outward, Upward and Onward." ~ David Thomas
Be sure to opt-in to receive notifications of any of my teleclasses, webinars, or live speaking events by visiting my website and filling out the webform on the homepage. Be sure to check off the box that says you want to be notified.
To your continued success,
Erin Glass
Your Calling
Erin Glass - Friday, July 16, 2010
I think the age old question is "What am I supposed to do with my life?" Well, some people just know immediately while others have to go through a journey to discover their purpose. We each have a calling and sometimes you just need to listen to those around you to discover what it is.
I have helped dozens of people launch their business and I've heard so many times the question, "What is it I am good at?". I usually say just listen and your clients, friends, family, colleagues will tell you. Our business direction changed several times based on what our clients were telling us that they found most beneficial.
Secondly, by communicating what it is that you do and having a clear delivery, people will respond positively or negatively. I never once considered myself a "writer" yet I've been told numerous times that my blogs or topics I've written on have been helpful. Perhaps my calling is to share my experiences with others so that they too can learn and move forward.
A lot of people define success by what car you drive or by the size of home you live in and while that's all great it isn't necessarily the best measure of true success.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being prosperous and it is our God given right to do so. I think the area where things get fuzzy is that having money makes you happy. I have friends whose families say that if you aren't making a certain income or living a particular standard of life, that you are not successful and I would beg to differ. I also have friends who, on paper, have it all and are the most miserable.
If you are content in what you do, find passion in your endeavors and seek to give before you receive, you are prosperous. Do what you love and the money will follow. Money alone does not buy happiness and I think if you ever doubt that, look to Hollywood.
Many celebrities have all the finances in the world but can't seem to fill that void. That "void" will never be filled by money or material things alone. True joy comes from a heart of giving and following your calling.
One last thing I'd like to share. Sometimes following your "calling" can be scary but the rewards can far outweigh the risks.
Be blessed,
Erin Glass
To receive free monthly success tips, sign up here. If you know someone who could benefit from this post, please forward along.
I have helped dozens of people launch their business and I've heard so many times the question, "What is it I am good at?". I usually say just listen and your clients, friends, family, colleagues will tell you. Our business direction changed several times based on what our clients were telling us that they found most beneficial.
Secondly, by communicating what it is that you do and having a clear delivery, people will respond positively or negatively. I never once considered myself a "writer" yet I've been told numerous times that my blogs or topics I've written on have been helpful. Perhaps my calling is to share my experiences with others so that they too can learn and move forward.
A lot of people define success by what car you drive or by the size of home you live in and while that's all great it isn't necessarily the best measure of true success.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being prosperous and it is our God given right to do so. I think the area where things get fuzzy is that having money makes you happy. I have friends whose families say that if you aren't making a certain income or living a particular standard of life, that you are not successful and I would beg to differ. I also have friends who, on paper, have it all and are the most miserable.
If you are content in what you do, find passion in your endeavors and seek to give before you receive, you are prosperous. Do what you love and the money will follow. Money alone does not buy happiness and I think if you ever doubt that, look to Hollywood.
Many celebrities have all the finances in the world but can't seem to fill that void. That "void" will never be filled by money or material things alone. True joy comes from a heart of giving and following your calling.
One last thing I'd like to share. Sometimes following your "calling" can be scary but the rewards can far outweigh the risks.
Be blessed,
Erin Glass
To receive free monthly success tips, sign up here. If you know someone who could benefit from this post, please forward along.
Having Faith
Erin Glass - Thursday, July 15, 2010
One of the most challenging things to maintain during anytype of new venture is Faith. Faith is the belief in something without proof. It's almost counterintuitive for the business professional because we live and die by numbers, right? We need proof that something is working or else we will adjust our approach.
There are somethings that you can't analyze or run a report on and for those you need Faith. Faith is a powerful tool that many people leave untapped. See yourself accomplishing the goals you have set forth and REALLY truly believe in yourself. If you don't, who else will. Confidence comes from within and knowing that you have the right to be a success.
Think about all of the great success stories out there. Do you think they were without struggle or opposition? No. They too went through valleys and climbed mountains. The difference between those who succeed (even after failures) and those who fail and just give up is FAITH. They believe enough in themselves to get up, dust themelves off, and keep going.
Just when you think the road couldn't get bumpier, it just may. There are lessons uncovered down the bumpy roads and you will grow, become wise, and ultimately be better prepared for larger success because of those bumps. You know the saying, "Nothing good comes easy"? There is so much truth behind that statement.
So, treat the challenges as lessons that will ultimately make you a better person and keep faith that you will succeed and remember, YOU are not alone.
To your continued success,
Erin Glass
If you'd like to receive my FREE monthly tips, please click here to register. And if you know someone who could use a little pick me up, please pass this along.
There are somethings that you can't analyze or run a report on and for those you need Faith. Faith is a powerful tool that many people leave untapped. See yourself accomplishing the goals you have set forth and REALLY truly believe in yourself. If you don't, who else will. Confidence comes from within and knowing that you have the right to be a success.
Think about all of the great success stories out there. Do you think they were without struggle or opposition? No. They too went through valleys and climbed mountains. The difference between those who succeed (even after failures) and those who fail and just give up is FAITH. They believe enough in themselves to get up, dust themelves off, and keep going.
Just when you think the road couldn't get bumpier, it just may. There are lessons uncovered down the bumpy roads and you will grow, become wise, and ultimately be better prepared for larger success because of those bumps. You know the saying, "Nothing good comes easy"? There is so much truth behind that statement.
So, treat the challenges as lessons that will ultimately make you a better person and keep faith that you will succeed and remember, YOU are not alone.
To your continued success,
Erin Glass
If you'd like to receive my FREE monthly tips, please click here to register. And if you know someone who could use a little pick me up, please pass this along.
Going After Your Dreams
Erin Glass - Saturday, June 05, 2010
Well, so much for my resolution of blogging every day. It's been 5 months since my last update and shame on me! I just spoke to the Women's Realtors Council Thursday morning about the benefits of a blog and here I am being lazy! You know the 2nd most viewed page on our website is my Blog and I haven't updated it in months?
This goes to show you that people really are interested in blogs.
I want to share with you a few things that I've been up to over these last few months. There is a lesson here, I promise so bare with me!
In April I heard about the TV show The Apprentice casting for season 10. I had secretly been saying for the last year that if they Apprentice ever went back to having normal people on the show that I would audition. I saw the casting call over Easter weekend and the next audtion was that Wednesday in Atlanta, GA. I decided, you only live once, so why not give it a shot.
Gary drove to Atlanta and I had a business meeting so I flew to meet him. We got up at 2 am (because they only guaranteed the first 500 would be seen) and were literally the very first people in line! Talk about dedication! They made us wait around until 9 am to be seen and they took us into the rooms in groups of 10.
The moderator asked us to introduce ourselves, state our name and where we were from originally and how had the economy effected us personally. After that they threw out the topic of "Do you think the recession is over" and we were supposed to just jump in like lions and have at it.
After 10 minutes of debating, the moderator stopped the discussion and asked each of us who we would hire and who we would fire. I'm proud to say I was hired and NOT fired!!
Then, they gave us the speach, don't call us, we'll call you. Well, I didn't get a call back so Gary and I assumed I had not made it and drove back to Florida. About a week later I received an email stating I had made the call backs! I was ecstatic BUT I had to submit a 5 minute video answering very specific questions along with professional headshots all within the next 3 days! I had a celebration dance, freaked out for a minute and then just got busy. I submitted my video and they informed me that I would hear something in about 3 weeks if I did make it.
The time has come and gone so I'm assuming I didn't make the show but what an amazing experience! I learned that I was a little more daring than I had thought and that you just never know who is intrigued by you or your story.
The trials and tribulations you experience help develop your character and your story so don't be ashamed to share. No one is perfect. We are incapable of perfection! Be confident in who you are.
Another quick story I'd like to share. When I was 15 years old I went with my older sister to a model casting call for my adorable 2 year old niece. Well, I was asked to attend this convention instead and was completely shocked! I went to Indianapolis, met with modeling agencies and did the whole catwalk thing. Nothing ever happened because I was about 75lbs and 4'11! I wasn't tall enough to be a model for my age bracket and didn't really look like a 10 year old!
That had stayed with me for a long time and I was quite self conscious about it. Well, about a month or two ago I came across a magazine called Bella Petite which is trying to start a movement for petite models (under 5'6"). They were conducting a search for cover models and editorial spreads. All you had to do was submit headshots and measurements. The old Erin would have NEVER done that but after The Apprentice audition, I thought why not? So, I submitted my headshots and measurement (5'2" tall by the way) and didn't hear anything back.
About 3 weeks later I got an email stating that I had made the call backs and that they were going to consider me for an upcoming cover shoot and/or editorial spread! Again, I did my little happy dance celebration and then thought to myself, "I need to work out and eat better!". This is another example of just putting yourself out there. If you don't try something you'll never know if you could have accomplished it.
No matter what your goals or aspirations are, you HAVE to at minimum try. What's the worst thing that could happen; you stay exactly in the same place as you are today? So what? And the alternative is to follow your dreams.
Now, I chose to leave out all of the tough tough things I've gone through because they don't matter. Focus on the positive and surround yourself with people who lift you up. This is vitally important. Keep the negativity out of your heart,mind and soul and you will see great changes in your life.
Create your dream board and make it a goal to go after each one!
Best wishes,
Erin Glass
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