Quick Coach Solutions Health & Wellness Blog

Is It OK to Do Reflexology if You Are a Christian?

2010-03-09T07:26:00.000-08:00

Every now and then the question will come up about Reflexology and Christianity.

In in fact, a few years ago I was trying to access my website On Your Feet Coaching in a restaurant that had wireless and couldn't get through. The website had been classified under New Age and blocked. I couldn't believe it! I must say I was a little embarrassed that my innocuous website had been blocked but mainly I was incredulous that such a ridiculous thing had happened.

Well to cut straight to the chase. Yes, it is entirely OK to do Reflexology if you are a Christian both as a practitioner and as a recipient.

To be completely honest, this issue, in effect, ended a friendship I had with someone who calls herself to be a diehard Christian. She considers Reflexology to be completely New Age.

Apparently she hasn't read and absorbed the passage in the Bible wherein Jesus washes the feet of his disciples (John 13:2-17). And let's not forget the sinful woman with the alabaster box who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and anointed them with a expensive fragrant oil (Luke 7:37-50). Jesus completely forgave her sins!

Interpretations of this passage will tell you that in washing his disciples' feet Jesus was showing that as believers we should seek to serve, not to be served. He washed his disciples feet as an act of servanthood to show them how much he loved them. If anything was "wrong" with attending to his disciples' feet, then I am sure Jesus would not have done it. The woman with the alabaster box also shows humility and a desire to serve.

Eunice Ingham is considered to be the "mother" of Reflexology. Her books "Stories the Feet Can Tell Thru Reflexology" and "Stories the Feet Have Told Thru Reflexology" are classics. While you will find acknowledgment of Chinese Zone Therapy in her books, there is absolutely no discussion of chakras, meridiens (she simply calls the zones) or deities or anything that would suggest you practice a different religion. In fact, she has many scriptural references including one of my favorites "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings." (Isaiah 52:7).

Because everyone has feet, it stands to reason that feet would play a role in all cultures and that therapies would be developed around the feet. That certainly doesn't make Reflexology per se New Age or un-Christian. Reflexing the feet is shown to have therapeutic effects, period.

When I first experienced Reflexology as a student, I felt like I had had anesthesia. I felt completed relaxed on a mental, physical and spiritual level and knew this was something I had to share with others. As a Reflexologist, my clients tell me how renewed they feel after a session. The ability to help people relax through Reflexology is a gift and we are told in the Bible to use our gifts.

So if you have thinking about getting Reflexology or studying Reflexology and are a Christian, put your concerns aside. Reflexology is one of the most spiritual things you can do. Because you become so relaxed, it will even deepen your relationship with God because you will be so open to receive him. In this hectic world where multi-tasking has become a badge of honor, I can't think of anything better than to put your feet up and become a vessel for God to work through you and for you!

"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105)

Copyright 2010 Paula Quick

Article may be used with copyright and link to website: On Your Feet Coaching

Relaxing with A Mental PDA

2010-03-01T15:24:00.000-08:00

Relaxing with a Mental PDA - Your 5 Minute Daily Program For Stress Management

"Stressed out." It is one of the most popular phrases we use to express when we feel under stress. When it comes right down to it, however, I think that it is how we work or even relax, for that matter that triggers stress. Ever been stressed even when you're well relaxed and bored? I know I have.

"Since Error! Hyperlink reference not valid" is unavoidable in life, it is important to find ways to decrease and prevent stressful incidents and decrease negative reactions to stress. Here are some simple but highly effective things that can be done by just remembering them, since life is basically a routine to follow like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. You can do a few of them in a longer span of time, but as they say-- every minute counts.

Managing time

Time management skills can allow you more time with your family and friends and possibly increase your performance and productivity. This will help reduce your stress.

To improve your time management:

· Save time by focusing and concentrating, delegating, and scheduling time for yourself.
· Keep a record of how you spend your time, including work, family, and leisure time.
· Prioritize your time by rating tasks by importance and urgency. Redirect your time to those activities that are important and meaningful to you.
· Manage your commitments by not over- or undercommitting. Don't commit to what is not important to you.
· Deal with procrastination by using a day planner, breaking large projects into smaller ones, and setting short-term deadlines.
· Examine your beliefs to reduce conflict between what you believe and what your life is like.

Build healthy coping strategies

It is important that you identify your coping strategies. One way to do this is by recording the stressful event, your reaction, and how you cope in a stress journal. With this information, you can work to change unhealthy coping strategies into healthy ones-those that help you focus on the positive and what you can change or control in your life.

Lifestyle

Some behaviors and lifestyle choices affect your stress level. They may not cause stress directly, but they can interfere with the ways your body seeks relief from stress. Try to:

· Balance personal, work, and family needs and obligations.
· Have a sense of purpose in life.
· Get enough sleep, since your body recovers from the stresses of the day while you are sleeping.
· Eat a balanced diet for a nutritional defense against stress.
· Get moderate exercise throughout the week.
· Limit your consumption of alcohol.
· Don't smoke.

Social support

Social support is a major factor in how we experience stress. Social support is the positive support you receive from family, friends, and the community. It is the knowledge that you are cared for, loved, esteemed, and valued. More and more research indicates a strong relationship between social support and better mental and physical health.

Changing thinking

When an event triggers negative thoughts, you may experience fear, insecurity, anxiety, depression, rage, guilt, and a sense of worthlessness or powerlessness. These emotions trigger the body's stress, just as an actual threat does. Dealing with your negative thoughts and how you see things can help reduce stress.

· Thought-stopping helps you stop a negative thought to help eliminate stress.
· Disproving irrational thoughts helps you to avoid exaggerating the negative thought, anticipating the worst, and interpreting an event incorrectly.
· Problem solving helps you identify all aspects of a stressful event and find ways to deal with it.
· Changing your communication style helps you communicate in a way that makes your views known without making others feel put down, hostile, or intimidated. This reduces the stress that comes from poor communication. Use the assertiveness ladder to improve your communication style.

Even relaxation experts like myself can get stressed even though I'm always thinking of creative ways to get others relaxed. Whether you're the mail guy, a business owner, or probably the average working parent or caregiver,, stress is one unwanted visitor you would love to boot out of your homes, especially your life.

Optimist or Pessimist?

2009-06-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

Enjoy Your Life: Change Your Point of View

"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one sees the stars."- Frederick Langbridge, A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts

If you’ve placed second in a writing contest, will you jump for joy and push for better results the next time or will you be discouraged and find an excuse not to join again?

In life, you are always filled with choices. You may opt to have a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the optimist’s route and take a challenging and fulfilling life.

So why nurture an optimist’s point of view? And why now?

Well, optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to popularity; to good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma.

On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged housewife’s disorder but also a teen-ager’s disorder’ as well.

Here’s how optimists are in action and researches that back up why it really pays to be an optimist:

Optimists expect the best

The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events, which will last a long time and undermine everything they do, are their own fault.

The truth is optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune---it’s the opposite way. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one case.

Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the 'problem' at hand. They use 'positive reinterpretation.' In other words, they most likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by bad situation, they perceive it is a challenge and try harder.

They won’t say “things will never get better,” “If I failed once, it will happen again” and “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.”

Positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of obstacles.

People respond positively to optimists

Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those they are with.

Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably.

In life, these people often win elections; get voted most congenial and sought for advice.

When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher

Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well-being during times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise.

They persevere. They just don’t give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream.

Optimists are healthier and live longer

Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease.

Optimists’ health is unusually good. They age well, much freer than most people from the usual physical ills of middle age. And they get to outlive those prone to negative thoughts.

So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life.

Why not look forward to success in all your endeavors? Why not be resilient? Like everybody else you are bound to hit lows sometimes but don’t just stay there. Carry yourself out of the mud and improve your chances of getting back on the right track. And why not inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and see life in the bright side?

Network Marketing - the New 21st Century Factory

2009-06-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

After pledging to be done with network marketing, I recently got pulled into yet another network marketing product and one that I admittedly love.

Now for the "good" stuff. This is the umpteenth company I've been involved in but quite frankly, the only one that I am really working as a "business" versus a hobby. I think my main motivation with the other companies was to simply get great products at a discount - LOL.

How often are we told that network marketing provides great residual income as well as time and financial freedom that you cannot get from a traditional J-O-B. We are told that in network marketing you are working for yourself but not by yourself.

I wholly agree that given the right product residual income can be a terrific stream of income and I think everyone should consider network marketing for that purpose. Certainly Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki think so as they have endorsed network marketing in their book "Why We Want You to Be Rich."

But as to time and financial freedom, I beg to differ, especially when you're building a team in network marketing. My experience with all the network marketing companies I've been involved in heretofore is that there is no easy street to that time and financial freedom for most people. A lot of the top leaders in network marketing companies are career network marketers who oftentimes bring a "downline" with them when they join a company.

If you're just an average Joe or Jane, however, to seriously build a team you must eat, sleep and breathe network marketing -- always prospecting, always chasing down leads to present the "opportunity" to some unsuspecting or sometimes "suspecting" soul. To move up the various levels you need an endless funnel of leads whether they are personal, referred or purchased. It is not an armchair business.

Secondly, to stay in the game you must be a purchaser of the product or whatever the "thing" is. There's always some monthly commitment you must personally meet and that usually involves money.

Look folks, this isn't time and financial freedom to me. Chasing down leads seems like a plain ole job, but instead of being inside a corporate structure, which admittedly today is far less stable than in years past, you're totally on your own to make it happen. Even at the top of the chain, the leaders are still prospecting (or least urging their downline to prospect) lest that gargantuan monthly check find itself whittling away.

The myth of network marketing is that you sign up, get family and friends to sign up and bang, you're on your way to financial and time freedom. It's rarely that easy or simple. If it's your third foray into network marketing, for example, then your family and friends probably don't even want to know about your new company so now you must find "new" people to cultivate -- and that takes time!

The reality of network marketing is that you're still working for someone else -- your upline. Furthermore, today's networking marketing has become a well-oiled machine where the overriding model is to make yourself "duplicatable" -- different from the Corporate America model where you really want to be unique and stand out. GM and Chrysler may be gone as we know them but by golly, network marketing is the
new 21st century factory --- grind out x number of widgets and one of those widgets is YOU!

Not that there is anything wrong with being a widget. The key thing is to know what you're getting into when you sign up for a network marketing company. It's definitely not your Uncle Harry's company any more.

Happy Prospecting!

When Your Church is Not Enough

2009-05-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

A friend recently invited me to an introduction to a very popular lifelong coaching program. I was pretty amazed at the number of people at the session as well as the passion of the people leading the introduction.

What it ultimately said to me is that people are looking for "truth" they can hang their hats on and they will search high and low to find it. Just think of the millions who tuned into Oprah's "New Earth" series. Heaven knows what she has in mind for the fall season.

Based upon numerous conversations I have had amongst friends and acquaintances, there is a universal theme arising. The theme is that many people simply are not being fed by their churches. I say "many" because certainly many people are indeed being fed by their church but I suspect that the amount not being fed is really more than "many.

This is a subject that I will be writing about more in the future.

But for the time being I want to lay out some very basic steps for people seeking more spiritual nourishment.

#1. If you're not being fed by your particular church, then find another one! There are thousands of churches out there. The important thing is not to give up on being "churched." If traditional church doesn't appeal to you, then consider attending a "house church." Just ask around if anyone knows someone who is actually conducting church in their home. You'd be surprised at the number of people who are doing this. I truly believe that community and fellowship with other Christians are vital in getting closer to God.

#2. Start reading the Bible. I mean really reading it in a way that you can understand. You no longer have to wade though the King James Version. The Bible could not be presented in more contemporary and understandable language than what you find in "The Message." The important thing is to find a translation where the words start to resonate deep inside of you.

#3. If you feel uncomfortable sharing your spiritual disconnect with friends and family, then find someone with whom you can speak openly on this topic. Don't miss out on developing a closer relationship with God because you feel you have no one to talk to. There are people just waiting to share the "good news" with you!

Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it.
(1 Corinthians 12:27)

This blog post may be reprinted as an article and shared with others as long as you give the following attribution:

Copyright 2009. Written by Paula Quick, Certified Christian Coach, www.spiritualhospitalitycoach.com

The Law of Attraction and the Blissful Combopreneur

2009-03-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

Lest you have any doubt, the Law of Attraction DOES work, even when you're not consciously trying to put it to use. That's why many coaches focus on getting you to be a "conscious creator," versus an unwitting one.

Consider the following:

Back in September I created a social network focused on entrepreneurs who for whatever reason are doing their entrepreneurial thing AND working a part-time job and actually loving it. They're loving it as opposed to bemoaning the fact that they are working outside of their business.

Unfortunately there seems to be a stigma attached to being an entrepreneur AND still continuing to work, especially if it's part-time.

God recently shifted me into a part-time position that I really, truly love and which allows me to still do my Reflexology and Coaching without a hassle. Nevertheless, I noticed that when people see me in my new assignment, I can tell that some are assuming I am working part-time because of the "economy" and my business must be "off."

Truth be told, however, if I were to do it again, I would (and will) continue to work a part-time job whether my business is making it or not.

True, the part-time job allows some extra spending money so that I don't have to tap other funds. It is also true that having to take a reprieve to take care of my mother when she fell two years ago and then spending thousands of dollars for medical care for my beloved Shih Tzu Starr didn't help matters any. However, I can assure you that the "economy" is not why I have gladly taken on this part-time gig.

It allows me to get out of my home office -- which is sorely needed during the day --and to be in an industry where I am not trying to solve someone else's problems - I'm just allowed to "be" my happy self.

When I created the social site, which is called "Blissful Combopreneurs" I actually was coming out of a horrendous experience working part-time for a small, on its last legs company.

I'm happy to report, however, that now I am the epitome of the Blissful Combopreneur. I love my new part-time assignment and I love the fact that it integrates so well into my business. Praise the Lord!

Even though I had no idea that this new gig was on the horizon, the Law of Attraction has made me a totally Blissful Combopreneur!

If you would like to know more about this network, please visit (and join, if you like): http://combopreneurs.ning.com

Do you have a Blissful Combopreneur story? If so, please share!

Sparkly Twinkle!

2009-03-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

I had to take my darling Shih Tzu Twinkle to the vet today because she seems to have lost a couple of pounds. After having lost my 16-year-old Shih Tzu Starr in October, the idea of something being wrong with this new addition to the household was a sobering one. So far, we think she is just full of energy and has worked off a couple of pounds simply from running throughout the yard.

At any rate I found myself singing "Look at the That Face" to her (anybody remember Barbara Streisand's version?) while we were waiting for the vet to walk in.

The point I want to make is that if you are feeling blue or somehow sad, a pet can lift your spirits like nobody's business because they have no worries -- they KNOW they will be taken care of. Plus, if you can sing to them -- so much the better for YOUR health and wellness!

P.S. Some blood work was drawn just to make sure she's A-OK. I'm confident that she is.

P.S.S. Blood work came back OK. We think it's all her running around the yard that is causing her to lose some pounds. Maybe I should run with her :)

In the meantime, here is a photo of Sparkly Twinkle. I hope she makes your heart melt as much as she does mine!!!

Looking for a New Career? Have You Ever Thought About Foodservice?

2009-03-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I can't believe it has been more than a month since I posted but during that time of introspection and reflection, I have done a major revamping of my business.

Oh, I am still doing Reflexology, taking clients on a referral basis only since I also have a part-time position that keeps me engaged.

The big news is what I am doing in the coaching arena.

I spent 23 years on the marketing / advertising side of foodservice and consumer products at the legendary Reynolds Metals Company. Because I had done PR so intensely for so many years, I didn't want to do PR as a business when I started my own company. I launched into my other passions -- aromatherapy and feng shui to feed my inner desire to share these transformational modalities with others.

Truthfully, I really didn't see a practical way to weave my corporate foodservice experience into a business.

But as only God would have it he presented an opportunity that allowed me to have a big-time a-ha moment.

The result of it is that my coaching niche is now geared toward:

1. Displaced white collar professional workers who are now thinking about a job in foodservice. You would be amazed at what the foodsevice industry has to offer displaced workers who may think that working in a restaurant is "beneath them."

2. People who would like to start their own business in foodservice -- perhaps open a restaurant, start a catering business of offer a gourmet specialty, such as wedding cakes, cupcakes or chocolate.

Whether you (or someone that you know) want short-term coaching in this area or a longer term approach to exploring the possiblities in foodservice, I can help.

Too many businesses fail because they haven't done the adequate preparation to be successful. Let's get them coached for success!

Please call 804-363-5721 for a no-obligation 30-minute consultation.

The Economy is Ruining Our Business .. Or Is It?

2009-01-27T18:52:00.000-08:00

Two people shared this story with me but I don't know the original source of where it came from. I DO know that I wanted to pass it on. So many people are feeling stressed out over the economy. This little story should provide some solace.

The Man Who Sold Hot Dogs

There was a man who lived by the side of the road and sold hot dogs.

He was hard of hearing so he had no radio.

He had trouble with his eyes so he read no newspapers.

But he sold good hot dogs.

He put up signs on the highway telling how good they were.

He stood on the side of the road and cried; “buy a hot dog, mister?

And people bought.

He increased his meat and bun orders.

He bought a bigger stove to take care of his trade.

He finally got his son home from college to help him out.

But then something happened.

His son said, “Father, haven’t you been listening to the radio?

Haven’t you been reading the newspapers?

There’s a big depression.

The European situation is terrible.

The domestic situation is worse.”

Where upon the father thought, “well, my son’s been to college, he reads the papers and he listens to the radio, and he ought to know.”

So the father cut down on his meat and bun orders, took down his advertising signs, and no longer bothered to stand out on the highway to sell his hot dogs.

And his hot dog sales fell almost overnight.

“You’re right, son” the father said to the boy.

“We certainly are in the middle of a great depression.”

Or are we?????

Response to FOLLOW FAIL - No Taming Twitter

2009-01-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

No doubt about it. Twitter is THE pop culture phenomenon of the decade.

It was inevitable that in this "do it yourself" world we live in, there have been all kinds of articles written about how and how not to Twitter. People have even developed programs to sell, no less, on the ins and outs of Twitter.

At the end of the day, however, I maintain that Twitter is whatever you make it. A whole debate has arisen over whom and whom not to follow. I say who cares? This is not rocket science. People CHOOSE to follow you. If they don't like that you're Twittering about what you fed your kids for breakfast or a new product that you're offering, then so be it. Conversely, you're not obligated to follow anyone either just because they're following you. People are spending hours on Twitter because it is so addictive. Already I am reading about people not getting enough sleep because they've been on Twitter. Spending hours on Twitter and not getting enough sleep could be dangerous for your health.

Obviously, as some of the novelty wears off, some of the self-important "rules about Twitter" will have to change, too.

Below is a response to the points made in a recent article entitled "FOLLOW FAIL: The Top 10 Reasons I Will Not Follow You in Return on Twitter." You can read the entire article at http://mashable.com/2009/01/06/twitter-follow-fail

In the interest of time and space I'm not going into details on each one here but will give my response only.

I would love to read your comments and reactions.

1. You have no user avatar - OK, I can buy this one. Who wants to follow a faceless being in the hi-tech virtual world?

2. You list no location, no website, or no bio. This is another good reason not to follow someone. Could be a tip-off for someone you really DON'T want to follow.

3. Your “website” listed is a MySpace profile. A LOT of people (including entertainers) use MySpace so I wouldn't look down on it even though it's not my preferred website of choice, either. Solution - go to the person's MySpace page and check them out before automatically deciding not to follow.

4. You’re following over 1,000 users, have 20 followers, and no updates. Yeah, part of the fun of Twitter is reading the person's updates so I could see #4 as a reason not to follow someone but who knows what "experiment" they may be performing?

5.Your profile features any variation of “Internet expert.” Not so fast here. In this previously mentioned "do it yourself world," most everyone purports to be an expert in something! There is an enlightening book about this trend entitled "The Cult of the Amateur."

6.Your updates clearly indicate that your Twitter activity is always, only, about pushing your own service/product. OK, this is where the sound of my "Tweets is going into high-pitch mode." If you are an entrepereneur and are on Twitter, then you are not just on it because you have nothing else to do. You are there to promote your product/service either directly or indirectly, period. Anyone in business who tells you they are on Twitter just to share information and make new friends is not being totally upfront. Time is limited and will become more limited on Twitter as you get more followers and Tweets to read. Who has time to dilly dally around with unlimited factoid chitchat in this case? If someone has a new product or service to promote, they can Tweet about it all day long as far as I'm concerned. It's up to me to decide to keep reading their posts or buy their product. But drop them because they are legitimately promoting their product? Not!

7.Your following and my return follow result in a poorly-constructed auto-DM reading, “Thx for the follow! How can I help you get to a 4-Hour Work Week?” Again, I am OK with this. The person who provides this kind of autoresponse is at least cutting to the chase of why they're on Twitter and why they're welcoming you as a follower. Who has time to waste developing superficial relationships?

8.Your most recent updates make references to any need to achieve “more Twitter followers.” And what's wrong with wanting 1000 followers? We are human BEINGS not soul-less Twitter robots. People could have all kinds of reasons to want 1000 followers. That doesn't make them or Twitter shallow. So what? We live in a competitive society.

9. Your Twitter stream indicates a propensity for consistent arguing. Ok, I'll concede that one. No one wants excessive and mean-spirited negativity.

10.You do not engage your Twitter followers. Well, what is meant by engaging your Twitter followers? Having been an intense Twitterer for about three months, I am now trying to whittle myself down to hitting Twitter three times a day. Depending upon my work load, this might wind down to twice a day, or once a day. OR, I may miss a day or two altogether. Does that mean my followers will drop me? Gee, I hope not, especially if I tell them I will be off of it for a couple of days due to my schedule.

In conclusion, I think we miss the boat by trying to develop hard and fast rules about something so "pop culturish" as Twitter. I am taken aback at the thought of someone having to suppress their "inner Twitterer" because of some trumped up rules. I suspect that over time, people will develop multiple Twitter accounts for multiple personas. They may have a Twitter account that is for business only, and another that is purely social.

One thing for sure, Twitter is here to stay and will continue to evolve. So-called "rules" can only be a moving target.

P.S. follow me (if you dare) at http://twitter.com/mentalmakeover.

Are You a Twinkle or a Starr?

2008-12-14T14:29:00.001-08:00

This is the tale of two dogs.

My late beloved Starr was one of the kindest, most gentle and docile dogs around. A Shih Tzu, with a good pedigree, she had a sweet temperament. I used to say a flea would hurt her before she would hurt it.

The new dog, Twinkle, is the exact opposite. While as cute as a button, she is the quintessential "ankle biter." She even pulls on my pants leg, dragging behind it as am walking. Although registered with the AKC, she is more evident of what you can get dealing with a backyard breeder versus someone who breeds dogs for show.

Today Twinkle bit mother's finger, causing us to put a bandaid on it.

How does this apply to life and self-determination?

Starr was definitely a laissez-faire dog. She never even got the hang of going up and down the stairs (that's another story I won't go into here). She'd just stand there staring at the staircase.

Twinkle can now travel up and down the stairs faster than I can hit the landing. Persistent, you have to keep saying "no" and kick the "I am the master" thing into high gear before she'll stop trying to nip you or play with something she shouldn't.

Perhaps Starr was perfectly happy. All she needed was a "treat" and to sit in your lap and she was just fine. Twinkle, on the other hand, is on the go. She seems to never sleep, goes from one thing to the next and keeps nipping at you until she has your full attention. She knows what she wants and goes after it full tilt. She seems to not know the meaning of "no."

In business and in life, you need that kind of tenacity. My question to you - are you a Twinkle or a Starr?

The Original Social Media

2008-12-12T05:42:00.000-08:00

Pretty soon the question won't be DO you Twitter, but WHAT is your Twitter address?

So I am asking both - do you Twitter and what is your address?

Twitter reminds me of the early days of AOL when chat rooms were first getting started. Those chat rooms were the original social media as business seemed to rarely be discussed. It truly WAS all about connecting with people.

Twitter has taken the chat room to a whole different level. Not only is it used for social interaction on a grand international level, but also it has become a way to enhance one's business, either through contacts made or just out and out promotion.

One thing for sure, Twitter seems to be here to stay!

Oh, my Twitter address is http://twitter.com/mentalmakeover.

See ya in the sky!

A Talking Blog? Yep, That's Right and It's FREE!

2008-12-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

I continue to be blown away by technology. My netweaving friend Lamar Morgan told me about something called www.Odiogo.com. In less than a minute you can literally transform your blog text into the spoken word. Sort of like a book on tape except that it's a blog and costs NOTHING to convert.

Click on the "Listen Now Button" to experience this in action.

This is awesome, folks! What a great way to draw people to your blog and offer them something different!!!

Enjoy!

How To Thank Your Clients

2008-12-08T17:10:00.000-08:00

In this season of gratitude, I thought you might enjoy this article about how to thank your clients from one of my on-line mentors Biana Babinsky. It includes some great information including the use of social media to do this. Note the free offer at the end on how to get clients during the recession. Enjoy!

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How To Thank Your Clients
By Biana Babinsky, online business coach, expert and author

How often do you thank people around you? Make it a habit to say thank you every day of the year. Take the time and say thank you to your clients, vendors, colleagues, mastermind group members, and all of the people who have helped you make your business successful.

Here are four ideas to help you say "thank you!":

- Offer A Referral Bonus. Everyone likes to be thanked for something they have done, but what they like even more is getting something in addition to the thanks. If you have people who send clients your way, why not say thank you with either a monetary bonus or a gift? People love receiving unexpected bonuses and will be more likely to refer more clients to you in the future.

You may want to set up a formal referral system to offer referral bonuses and get more clients referred to you. You can also set up a formal affiliate program or you can do this informally. If you offer products such as seminars, teleseminars, e-books, etc, an affiliate program can greatly increase your sales.

- Offer An Unexpected Testimonial In Social Media. Did you receive exceptional service from someone you are connected with on social networking web sites, such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or others? Thank them for their help publicly instead of privately.

That way you will help the person who had provided great service for you to get more clients. This is the best way to thank them.

- Thank Your Clients By Underpromising And Overdelivering. You like your clients and you want to help them as much as you can, right? You can do that by underpromising and overdelivering on everything that you help them with.

- Just Say Thank You. This is a very simple, yet very powerful technique to thank someone in your business or life. Thank your clients, your coach, your assistant, everyone who in any way is responsible for your success.

Take a moment and thank someone today! You will be glad you did.

About The Author: Biana Babinsky is the online business coach, expert and author who teaches business owners how to create a marketing mindset that will help them get clients and make more money. Get her free report, "5 Keys For Getting Clients During Recession", at http://www.EffectiveOnlineMarketing.com

You may reprint this article, as long as you include all of the above text, About the Author box and all the links are working.

A Good Time to Quit Your Job? Maybe Not!

2008-12-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

I came across a post by someone who cited 10 reasons why it may be time to quit your job. The author cited 10 really good (but classic) reasons, such as like boredom, getting to work late and leaving early, feeling angry and resentful, etc. I won't list them all here. The author then goes on to say every year thousands do it (kiss their jobs good-bye). Why not you?

Now to the author's credit, the writer does make reference to the need for a solid exit plan that involves examining the worst case scenario.

But this is where it gets really sticky.

I think it is perfectly natural for employees to start imagining "the grass is greener" on the entrepreneurial side when you've been in your job for awhile and perhaps have hit a bump in the road such as less than ideal boss or for whatever reason. I left Corporate America five years ago and I really feel for today's employees in this totally challenging environment that's been building for awhile.

Now hear this. I am no way suggesting that someone remain in an environment that is causing mental and physical strife all for the sake of having or keeping a job. On the other hand, I take issue with suggesting somewhat cavalierly that thousands leave their job every year for entrepreneurship, why not you?

I believe it's that kind of goading and egging on that drives people to start businesses prematurely rather than taking their time to really make sure they have everything in order before hanging out the "Open for Business" sign. Most businesses fail within the first five years and there is a whole subculture that has evolved around the feeding frenzy called social networking.

People complain because they say in working for somebody else your time isn't your own. Well, guess what, your time won't be your own working for yourself, either. You'll work doubly hard and probably see less of a result initially than you would working for "the man."

I know. I've been there. And as far as the worst case scenario is concerned, it's easy to say well I can always get another job when you already have a job or before you really need one. It's easy to look at the world through rose-colored glasses when you can't even imagine that you would ever face the worst-case scenario.

My suggestion to anyone today who is thinking about leaving their job to start their own business is to make absolutely certain that you already have customers lined up to carry you through at least six months as you continue to fill your pipeline. If that's not the case, and if you're REALLY dissatisfied with your job, then quit and get another one and use that time (six months to a year)to get all your resources in order before starting a business.

But I would caution anyone about going from the job dissatisfaction frying pan into the fire of entrepreneurship. If you do, then make sure you have a fire extinguisher close at hand.

Last but not least, if you're still burning to make the leap into entrepreneurship, anyway, make sure you at least do "The Check-In."

Is Social Networking A Never-Ending Ball of String?

2008-12-06T10:58:00.000-08:00

There are some really juicy discussions and blogs taking place about social networking and making money.

My question: Is it all just a never ending ball of string of networking sites, blogs, profiles, seminars, classes, conference calls, self-promotion etc.?

Below is a response I wrote on another social networking site. I would like to read YOUR responses:

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I frankly am just now taking a more firm "make money on line" position when it comes to social networking.

My first foray into social networking was in Ryze beginning in August of 2007. I had heard of Ryze (www.ryze.com) but didn't know exactly what it was. So I joined in that capacity -- only to find out that people were using it pretty hot and heavy to promote their products and services. The thing is, I had no digital products to promote and was still finding my stride in my service business so for me, Ryze became primarily social (I have gotten SOME clients)as opposed to a huge business building machine.

I think we are at point now in social networking that until you have all your ducks in a row, you can network but don't expect a lot of business simply because you're on a dozen social networks.

Someone recently wrote about the need for information products. That is SO true. I think it is hard for people to buy ideas, but they WILL buy products and they WILL buy ideas that have products behind them.

I have a wonderful service that I offer called "The Check-In" but do not have an accompanying information product at this time. But I'm not going to get wigged out over that because the service stands alone and I have gotten a great person-to-person response to it.

I think the issue is that there is a tendency to get caught up in social networking as your primary means of getting business because it is so easy and fun -- when you really need to get away from your computer and start meeting people face-to-face. That's how you REALLY start to build relationships unless you just happen to hit if off with someone. And that brings me to another point. It's not just a matter of networking, you actually have to CLICK with someone (as networking guru George Fraser wrote an entire book about). First you network, then you connect, then you click, Fraser writes.

Simply sending out e-mails about your product, seeing your face everywhere promoting your product, being invited to 1000 conference calls on your product may be networking, but it is not necessarily causing me to "click" with you. There has to be a balance and I think balance is being lost in social networking.

Last not least, I'm at the point now where when I join the primary Ning group, that's the one I'm sticking with. I'm not going to create profile after profile for every new subgroup that begins.

So to answer the question (finally) for me, social networking is just a part of my marketing approach. As a solopreneur, social networking fills in the gap of working alone. I like being able to carry on conversations with people I don't know. It's cheaper than BNI, but there again, BNI allows for one-on-one contact. Social networking allows me to tap into pop culture to see what's happening. Social networking allows me to have a presence. It's kind of like a trade show. At minimum it shows that you are a player and promotes your brand, but hopefully you're not totally depending upon a trade show for all your business. Social networking allows me to throw out some ideas, test some ideas. If I get business fine, but I am very clear about what my priorities are here.

When I have digital products to promote I will do so, but I'm not going to just throw something together hastily either.

At the end of the day, social networking is serving an adequate purpose for me. It allows me to market myself, socialize and connect with people around the world with whom I feel I genuinely have something in common. For me, that's totally worth the time and effort and is not just a never-ending ball of string.

Looking forward to reading additional responses. By the way, lead I DO lead a network on Ryze called Marketplace Ministers, in case anyone is interested.

Be Blessed!

Paula Quick
"The Check-In" Begins Before "The Secret" Even Starts

It's Official -- "The Check-In" is a Website

2008-12-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

I have now created a website devoted to "The Check-in." I have received an excellent response to the concept. The response is coming from people on-line, many of whom have been exposed to the positive thinking concepts so it has been great to see that people "get it."

It is in my every day travels that I run into people that DON'T get it. The business people who have never heard of Twitter, the people who are so busy running their businesses that they aren't able to get out to network, the people who are questioning if they've done the right thing or the people just starting to think about creating a business. It's pretty amazing, because "The Check-In" is an upgrade to a concept I created a couple of years ago now called "The Uncertain Entrepreneur." I am so blessed that God gives me the opportunity to be creative and share these concepts with others.

I myself have to get out and start networking live on this. The Internet is great but I think its primary value is simply to establish a presence on this and to be the expert, not to spend hours on social networks without a specific purpose and intent in mind. I WILL use the Internet, though, for talk shows, blog tours, etc.

I have ordered new business cards which should be here in a week. I cannot wait! This is going to be big!!! I finally have my life coaching brand -- and it feels soooo good!

All for the Love of a Dog!

2008-12-03T10:38:00.001-08:00

Pets are wonderful stress relievers. I can't think of a simpler health and wellness strategy than simply holding a dog in your lap and petting it. Or coming home to a dog who is so happy to see you they almost turn inside out.

At any rate, I wanted to show off my new puppy, Twinkle, who received her first really professional grooming today. The one at one of the pet store chains was so awful - I wound up not paying :)

This new dog is a handful -- I definitely need to show her who is Alpha dog. And actually, "Are you a Twinkle or a Starr?" will be the title of an article I will be writing. Starr was my late dog's name.

The good news is that under all the excessive chewing, nipping at my heels and general mischievousness, is a dog with the cutest little face. Twinkle is a Shih Tzu, by the way!

Shhh, baby's sleeping now. She is tired from her grooming and walk afterwards!

"The Secret" vs. "The Check-In" - The REAL Missing Ingredient of Your Business

2008-11-30T16:36:00.000-08:00

I am writing this post over sheer concern about an alarming trend I am seeing in business start-ups today.

It all starts with "The Secret," that little book that brought the Law of Attraction to the forefront (although there were many of us who were familiar with this concept going back to the 60s and even before that). Very simply, The Law of Attraction states that what you think about, you bring about or we attract into our lives that to which we give our energy, focus and attention.

The result has been an explosive industry with books, tapes, courses, seminars, et al all based upon "if you wish it hard enough it can be so" and "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can." And certainly there is nothing wrong with maintaining those positive attitudes as negative thinking gets us nowhere.

But there is a flip side to this. I have a friend who owns a business that is in trouble for a variety of reasons. Having been involved in several business startups that I have seen tank like a sinking ship (and having to make adjustments in my own business methodology) I am all too familiar with scenarios where a business pin prick turns into a cut and then a cut into a full-fledge hemorrhage.

For sure we need to encourage each other. But when something is blatantly hemorrhaging, you almost have to hold a mirror up and say you see, your business needs triage. In fact, maybe you just need to admit it into the ICU until it can get well again. To keep encouraging someone to stay in a particular business when maybe they just need to admit that it is time to move on isn't really fair or honest with your friend or acquaintance.

It doesn't matter how great your business idea is, but it requires time, money and marketing to make it work. Yeah, you can get into some network marketing companies on a shoestring, but I have seen it time and time again where a brick and mortar business owner is complaining about lack of customers and they are putting zero dollars into marketing, zero time time into networking and they expect their business to flourish. Of course, some entrepreneurs for whatever reason may hit the sweet spot right off the bat and their business takes off like gangbusters, but that isn't the norm. Most people are trying to figure out how to bring in more customers (and quickly,too) and therefore the proliferation of social network sites. Make friends and get customers.

The other side of "The Secret" and all the positive thinking is what I call "The Check-in." For example, have you identified and written down all the reasons why you want to have a successful business so that you can build upon and rely upon your commitment to that decision -- especially during challenging times? Do you have a well-formulated strategic plan with objectives, goals and related actions? Do you have adequate financial reserves in place, available to invest in the growth of your company? Are you REALLY following your heart or are you too proud to admit that the business just isn't working and you would rather do something else? These are just some of the questions that any business owner should always be asking himself or herself.

Know that when some of the components of your business building system are missing or not working at peak capacity you will not achieve the optimal results from your business building activities. This can manifest itself in several ways depending upon what needs fine-tuning:

*Lack of focus, motivation, or confidence
*A low conversion rate
*Fewer new opportunities and clients

No amount of positive thinking or over-encouraging from well-meaning friends and family will fill in your business building gaps. Even from a spiritual standpoint, God requires that we take action., e.g. "My people perish for lack of knowledge," "write the vision, make it plain."

It is imperative that you do "The Check-In" or a regular basis, especially during these challenging financial times.

If you would like to know more about "The Check-In" and how it can help your business I am only a phone call/
e-mail away at quickcoach4u@aol.com or call 1-888-364-9529.

Are your tired of coming up against brick walls? Are you tired of trying to figure it out by yourself? When will YOU do "The Check-In"?

Always The Bridesmaid

2008-11-20T05:15:00.000-08:00

Are you getting married and for whatever reason need a bridesmaid real quick? Then enter Always The Bridesmaid. Always The Bridesmaid will provide an instant bridesmaid, so to speak, and provides other services as well, such as The Aromatherpay Wedding and Deluxe Reflexology Services. For details please contact me at paula@bridalsuitereflexology.com or call me at 1-800-364-9629. While you're thinking about it, please visit http://www.bridalsuitereflexology.com

Are Entrepreneurs Wired Differently? Yes, According to Study!

2008-11-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

Risky Decision-making Essential To Entrepreneurialism, Scientists Conclude

ScienceDaily (2008-11-14) -- Whether someone will become the next Richard Branson, Steve Jobs or Henry Ford may be down to whether they make risky decisions, scientists have concluded. ... > read full article

Music for the Soul

2008-11-18T09:13:00.000-08:00

Music is great for relaxation. Now you have the chance to create your own music for the soul. Just click on the piano board below and you can create your own tune!

My Health and Wellness Gift to You!

2008-11-13T00:54:00.000-08:00

I spent the greater part of the evening updating my various websites with some amazing opportunities for those wanting to get a taste of life coaching.

While there is a variety of life and business coaches in practice, truth be told, everyone needs a coach. Even a coach needs a coach who will provide a soft place to land during times of transition, change and uncertainty. We are not meant to try to figure it out all on our own or by ourselves.

If you are struck, trying to pull your business together, or simply do not know where to start, then you owe it to yourself to take advantage of this gift.

I am offering a 15-minute Gift Consultation to anyone who would like to spend just 15 minutes that could change your life for the better during these challenging economic times. I guarantee you will walk away with a key takeaway that could positively impact your business or life.

If you are interested, then please contact me at coachlikeme@aol.com. You also can visit http://www.onyourfeetcoaching.com to see some of the exciting new programs.

I would love to help you reach for the stars!

How To Juice Up Your Wedding Planning Business

2008-11-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

One of the things I do is work with businesses to show them how they can integrate networking marketing into their current business. After all, we know that both Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki are fans of network marketing.

To that end please take a look at an article that I wrote for E-Zine Articles on a creative way that wedding planners can juice up their business.

You can view the article here:

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Juice-Up-Your-Wedding-Planning-Business&id=1650378

Please read, rate it and comment as you are so led.

Thanks!

Are You A Forward Thinking Wedding Planner?

2008-11-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

I just had this incredible brainstorm this morning about a great way to integrate MonaVie, the hottest functional beverage around, into your business.

If you are working with someone who is having a small wedding and for whatever reason doesn't want to serve alcohol, then MonaVie would make a great option for them. You can get about 25 1 oz. pours from a bottle of MonaVie -- twice that amount if you cut it to 1/2 oz. This would be perfect for a toast. Not only is MonaVie delicious, but also it provides a boost of energy, which would be ideal by the time the reception rolls around. I would recommend the Pulse (with its incredible strawberry/banana/pineapple blend) or the Original.

The Original MonaVie would be perfect for the kids' table.

MonaVie also would be a good drink to offer the bridal party simply as an energy shot during the reception. Weddings can be quite long and tiring. MonaVie will give the bride and groom the energy they need to endure a reception.

There are all kinds of ways to integrate MonaVie into the wedding coordination or other special events.

For more information on MonaVie, please visit http://www.monavie.com/. Be sure to view the Momentum video which you can watch under Company Overview. Then give me a call and let's brainstorm how you can provide a tremendous value to your customer and bring in some additional revenue with MonaVie.

Contact me at coachlikeme@aol.com or call me at 1-888-364-9529.

Do Not Get Antsy Over Delays

2008-11-02T01:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when we are working toward a goal we can become really antsy about it, wondering why God is not answering out prayer even though we feel we are being obedient. Have you ever felt like that? I know I have.

And feeling antsy can lead to anxiety, frustration and all kinds of unwanted emotions, which are not healthy.

I came across this lesson from Crosswalk.com and I wanted to share it with you. It will put life's delays in a whole other perspective. Enjoy it and please share any feedback. This information came from the Today God is First. newsletter. You can sign up for it and others at http://www.crosswalk.com/newsletters.

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November 2
Obedience With a Cost
References:
Exodus 5:23 Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and You have not rescued Your people at all.

Have you ever felt like you have been obedient to the Lord for something He called you to do and all you get are more roadblocks? This is the way Moses felt. When Moses went to tell Pharaoh to release the people because God said so, Pharaoh simply got angry and made the people make bricks without straw. Moses caught the blame for this from the people. Moses was just learning what obedience really means in God's Kingdom. You see, Moses had not even begun to release plagues upon Egypt. He hadn't even gotten started yet in his calling, and he was complaining about his circumstances. There were many more encounters with Pharaoh to come, and many more plagues with no deliverances in sight. Why would God tell Moses that He is going to deliver them and not do it?

It was all in timing. God never said when He was going to deliver. He just said He would. In the next chapter, we find Moses arguing with God about not being capable of the job God had called him to:

But Moses said to the Lord, "If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?" Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron about the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, and He commanded them to bring the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 6:12-13).

Do you get the feeling God was losing His patience?
God had a good reason for His delays. He said, "And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it" (Ex. 7:5). God not only wanted the people of Israel but also the Egyptians to know Him. It would be the greatest show of God's power on earth.

God often causes delays in our lives that we cannot understand. Sometimes it seems our obedience is not getting rewarded. Jesus said He learned obedience through the things He suffered (see Heb. 5:8). Imagine that-Jesus having to learn obedience. What does that say for you and me? Sometimes God's delays are simply because He wants more glory in the situation, more recognition, more Christ-likeness in you and me through greater patience and obedience.

Faint not, for the promise may yet come.

Welcome to the Quick Coach Solutions Health and Wellness Blog

2008-10-31T15:09:00.000-07:00

This blog will cover a potpourri of subjects regarding health and wellness including general wellness, the brain, Biblical references to health, as well as some avant garde information thrown in, as well.

I hope to make this blog robust and a place you will want to visit often.

I encourage you to leave comments.