Showing posts with label life lessons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life lessons. Show all posts

Sunday, June 16, 2019

What Fathers, and Mothers, can Teach their Kids to Help Them Succeed in Business and in Life!

Do Your Children have the tools they need to succeed?
As parents, we all want our children to be happy and healthy. We make sure they eat the right foods, get the sleep they need, and have time to play with friends and participate in clubs and sports. 

But when it comes to succeeding in life, and ultimately their chosen profession, are we doing all we can to get them there?

This is where teaching them these life lessons will help. Each will instill the skills they need to grow into happy, responsible, and successful adults.

10 Life Lessons We should All Teach Our Children “Tweet This”

Teach Kids the Importance of Love - Teach them to love themselves first. They should learn to protect their bodies and their mind from negative and unsafe outside influences. They also need to be open to  loving others. Explain the importance of focusing on the kind of person the people around them are, not what they have or how they look. 

Teach Kids to Never Stop Learning - Focus on why it is important for them to keep their eyes and their mind wide open. Share that learning doesn’t only come from books but from the people and world around them.

Teach Kids the Importance of Playing Well with Others - Make sure they learn teamwork and how to work together with others to achieve a common goal. Explain the importance of accepting others’ differences, to learn tolerance, and practice empathy. 

Teach Kids How to Resolve Disagreements - During their lifetime, everyone will have times when they disagree with someone. Children need to learn early how to deal with these confrontations and disagreements. They need to be taught to look at all sides of an issue, ask good questions, and focus on the problem not the person. 

Teach Kids to Stand Up for Themselves and Others - Children should learn to stand up for what is right and defend others when they are being bullied or harmed. They need to know that it is okay to let their voice be heard, and how to do it calmly and effectively.



Teach Kids the Importance of Admitting when They are Wrong and  Forgiving Others when They are Wrong - Children should understand that it is human to make mistakes. However, it is also important to own those mistakes. They need to learn how to apologize when they are wrong and to also accept the apologies of others when they make mistakes.

Teach Kids How to Live Life with a Positive Outlook - Bad things happen. It is how you deal with them and move on that makes the difference. Children need to know that focusing on the positive will help get them through the bad times. Teach them to take pleasure in the “little things”. This is a great way to deal with life’s stresses and disappointments.

Teach Kids the Value of Hard Work - There is pleasure in a job well done. Kids need to learn that satisfaction early in life. You also need to stress the importance of being on time for a job and doing their best at all times. This will serve them well at the first job and for any job after.

Teach Kids the Value of Money - Start young by assigning tasks and rewarding the completion of those tasks. Explain to them, according to their age, about saving and bills, living within their means, and credit and debt. Teach them about saving for the future by helping them open up their first savings account. Being open and honest with your kids about money and your own finances will serve them well in the future.

Teach Kids the Importance of Being Kind and Helping Others - Kindness is an often unrecognized super power! Children should see that often even the littlest gesture of kindness can make a difference in someone’s day. Stressing kindness can also help them develop compassion and empathy towards others ~ something we sorely need in this world!


Bonus Tip: Teach Kids How to Use Social Media Wisely!
You and your child should be aware that their social media posts will have an impact on how they are perceived. They can result in them being seen in either a positive or a negative light. Examples of posts that will be viewed as positive are ones that feature charity work, love of travel, participation in sports, clubs, and activities. Negative posts include posts that show excessive partying, illegal behavior, hate posts, violent posts, and negative posts on past employers.

Children and especially Teens ~ Be careful what you post. Does it show you in the best light? is it something you want your parents or grandparents to see? If not, don’t post!

Parents ~ Monitor your child’s online activities. Set a good example yourself by using your social media sites in a responsible way”, excerpt from “What We Need to Do to Help Our Children Get Ready for College, the Job Market, and Background Checks!

Each of these 10 lessons will serve your children well as they grow into teens and adults.  
People that embody these traits are good friends, partners, and members of society. In addition, future employers will look for many of these traits and skills in their new hires, and promote those employees that practice them. 

But no matter what we try and tell our children, or what wisdom we attempt to impart, the best way to reach them is to be a good role model ourselves! 
Lead and teach by example. Be kind to others. Forgive their faults and admit to your own. Work hard and expect your kids to do the same. 

Answer your children’s questions honestly and completely. Be there for them no matter what. And, most importantly, Love them Unconditionally.

Setting an example and teaching our children the Life Lessons they need to know now will give them the foundation to succeed on whatever path they choose. They will have the skills necessary to be a great employee, team player, leader, and human being.
And, as parents, that is what we really want for our children ~ for them to be happy, healthy, and to succeed on whatever path they choose.

Authored by   



Want to learn more about how to prepare your teens for the “Real World”? Contact Us!
We also invite you to check out our article “Why High Schools & Parents Need to Start Prepping Teens Now for the “Real World”! 


Sunday, November 4, 2018

Why High Schools & Parents Need to Start Preparing Teens Now for the “Real World”!

Is Your Teen Ready for the "Real World"?

Is Your Teen really ready for the “Real World”?

Most likely your answer to this question will range anywhere from “I think so”, or “I’m not sure”, to “No Way”!

The reality is that many young people aren’t really prepared for the “adult” world. They know very little of what it is like to have a job or what it takes to live completely on their own.


That is why the time is now for Parents and High Schools to step up!

More attention needs to be paid to teaching our teens the skills needed by employers and the skills needed that will help them succeed in life.

And this is what we all can do to help…..

When it comes to hiring young employees, companies are looking for a variety of things. Of course they want new hires to have at least the intro-level skills necessary to do the job.

But many are willing to hire those a little less qualified if they have the important “basic” skills that they truly covet in a good employee.  

These skills are really more like character traits. They include things like having a good attitude and a strong motivation to do a good job. Employers also desire an employee that is on time and comes in ready to focus on work.


Many employers find new young hires unprepared in these areas, and that is where schools and parents can help. 

When it comes to education, most high schools focus on preparing their students for college, or at least some type of further education or training. This makes sense when the goal is to put them on a path to getting into a good school and then landing a good job.

But there is little or no emphasis on the other skills they need to succeed once they are on that path.

And practically no time at all is spent discussing what young people need to do and how they need to behave when they get a job.


Tips to Help Teens Get Ready for “Real Life”!
Tweet This!



However, the burden to teach these skills cannot fall solely on our schools.
Parents need to do their part.

Long before it comes time for your teens to get a job or get ready for college or trade schools, parents, need to be realistic and straightforward with their teens.

Teach them “life skills” like how to open and manage a checking account, how to do their taxes, and even how to read a basic contract.

Talk about finances and the need for a budget. Explain about a pay check and the many withdrawals taken for things like taxes, insurance, and even a 401k.

Then show them how to create a household budget based on their take-home pay. Focus on the necessities like mortgage or rent payments, taxes, utilities, car payments, gas, and food. Then show them how to live on what’s left! 

Many parents are reluctant to talk about money with their kids. It is a topic often dismissed as one that our kids shouldn’t have to deal with “just yet” or one that makes some parents uneasy. But being upfront about money is perhaps one of the most important conversations you can have.

If you, for whatever reason, don’t want to share your real salary or household budget, don’t let that stop you from discussing finances. Use a hypothetical salary, or even when your teen gets their first a job, use their salary. Then help them set a budget of their own.

The goal is not to allow your uneasiness in talking about money stop the conversation from happening.

It is also important to talk with your kids about about social media. They need to recognize the potential ramifications of what they post on their future college acceptance and job search. Act as an example of responsible online behavior and don’t shy away from monitoring theirs. 

Also share with your teen what it is really like in the workplace. Focus on what employers expect and what they look for in a new hire. Use yourself and your own work experiences as an example. Do this long before they are even thinking about getting that first job. Be sure they understand that approaching each and every job they ever have with dedication, enthusiasm, and a good work ethic is key.  


Then continue by making sure they also understand that their future college acceptance and job search will most likely include a background check ~ and what they do now can have an impact!

The first, and most important, thing to realize is that Background Checks are a Reality!

They are used to make employment decisions. They help determine whether you are eligible to rent an apartment, condo, or home. And background checks are even being used by colleges and universities as a criteria for acceptance!

That is why it makes sense to know as much as possible about how you can help prepare your children for background checks now.

This preparation needs to begin early ~ long before our children are even thinking about picking a school or getting a job or apartment. And the key to this preparation is knowing exactly what will be checked, why it is checked, and what can be found during your background check”.

Find out more about preparing your teens for their job search in “What We Need to Do to Help Our Children Get Ready for College, the Job Market, and Background Checks”. 


But it doesn’t stop there.


Even after your teens have graduated, whether it be from high school, a trade or tech school, or college, it is important they understand what it will take to stand out and land their first job. 

In “Attention New Grads! What You need to Do to Land Your First Job!”, you will find 10 tips to help your new grad get hired. These tips cover everything from making sure their resume is “background check ready”, cleaning up their social media, to the importance of networking and focusing their job search. 

We all want our children to succeed in life. We want them to be happy, healthy, secure, and productive. 

And it is our duty to make sure they have the skills and knowledge to achieve these goals.


Doing what we can now both in our schools and in our homes to prepare them simply makes sense. Are your kids ready?

Authored by   







You can also find out more About Us and our Business Mentoring and Security Consulting services too!

Monday, May 29, 2017

What You Should Know about Life Before You Graduate



As commencement ceremonies and celebrations come to a close, and new grads are getting ready to start their first "real jobs", I find myself reflecting on what I know now that I wish I had known then!

Of course hindsight is always 20/20.  But I certainly would have saved myself a lot of angst and restless nights if I had the chance to know more about myself, and what I truly wanted out of life, before I was expected to be "an adult".

I often wonder how anyone can be expected to graduate from college, let alone from high school, and know what they want to do for the rest of their lives! Seems pretty impossible to me.


Many times graduation is just when you begin to find out what it means to "come into your own". 

You have survived the insecurity and excitement of your high school, and maybe even college, years. You have had a taste of what it means to make some important decisions that can effect you and those around you. And you may have even chosen a career path that you think will be your choice for life. 

But this is only the beginning! There is so much more ~ and your path may often be a lot more bumpy than you would like!   

So as you graduate, I will share these 5 "life lessons" that will hopefully help things go smoother and that I really wish I had known when I graduated!


5 Life Lessons You Should Know Before You Graduate "Tweet This"


Take some time for Self-Reflection. 
Knowing more about YOU ~ your dreams, your priorities ~ is the best place to start! Find your passion and your purpose. Discover what success means to you, not what others think it should mean. Understanding these things from the beginning is the best way to reach your goals. 

Take it a Step at a Time and Be Happy in the Moment.
Learn to enjoy the process. There is much to be said about not rushing forward and, instead, taking the time to consider each step as part of the adventure. You will find yourself missing out on many great things if your eye is only on your end game.

Never Settle
Despite learning to enjoy the moment, that doesn't mean you can't strive for better! Having hopes, goals, and dreams is what makes life so exciting. So matter what obstacles you face, know that you can move past them. When I feel like quitting or life has become too much, I like to remember these lyrics from one of my favorite songs;  "Hey, come on try a little. Nothing is forever. There's got to be something better than in the middle. But me and Cinderella, we put it all together. We can drive it home, with one headlight"; lyrics from "One Headlight" by the Wallflowers. So no matter what dark days you may have, you can "drive it home" too!

Think of Others 
A self-focused existence never works in the long run. Cherish your family and friends. Practice empathy towards others and, sometimes, be willing to consider them more than you do yourself. Pay it forward when you can. Help others achieve their goals. Remember, any life worth living is one that makes a difference in their lives and in the lives of others!  

And, finally, Relax!

"If I have one regret, it is suffering many angst filled days because I thought I needed to have my life plan in place. I always believed that graduating from college meant I would be on my way. When that didn’t happen, the best thing I ever did was to leave myself open to new experiences.  I never stopped learning and trying new things." excerpt from; "The Top Piece of Advice of Advice I Wish I Knew When I was 22"!




Keeping your eyes and mind wide open, and your fingers crossed, can get you through whatever life throws at you. Never stop reaching for what you really, truly want ~ and great things will happen.


I will close with one of my most favorite quotes....



I whole-heartedly believe that at least considering the importance of these 5 lessons will help you be Ready to Move Mountains of Your Own!

Authored by  



You can find out more about my journey towards fulfilling my dreams on our About Us page!


Sunday, March 20, 2016

Children can Teach Us about Life and Business!

We can Learn about Life & Business from Our Children
Due to the current situation both here and around the world, many of us find ourselves spending more time than ever with our children. While this is certainly a good thing, it can also be daunting.
 We are now responsible for everything from their daily schoolwork, their physical and emotional needs, and even finding ways to release their pent up energy! And we are often doing all this while trying to do our own work! It can definitely feel like an overwhelming job!

But if we step back for a minute, 
we will soon realize that this is a rare opportunity. We now don't have to rush out in the morning. We are not as scheduled as we used to be ~ no practices, no play dates, and no appointments. And, if you take the time, you will soon find that spending this rare time with our children can teach us so much.....

You really can learn all you ever need to Know about Life and Business from children!

My very first job was as a Camp Counselor.
I was in 9th grade and the camp was run by my Honors English teacher.  

I knew very little about what being a counselor entailed. But when he asked me if I was interested, I jumped at the chance.

Several of my friends were also asked. We envisioned a summer spent swimming in the camp pool, meeting other counselors (we meant boys), and having fun.  

While we certainly had the chance to do all of that, what we didn’t, and couldn’t, know beforehand, was that being a Camp Counselor was also a lot of work!

Going in, we were all woefully unaware of what it really meant to be responsible for an entire group of children. But we would soon learn!

Each counselor was assigned to a group of campers. Mine were the Fireflies, Kindergarten aged boys and girls. And I loved them! I can still remember two of my special favorites, Ben and Lauren.  

I thought this group would be perfect for me. I had a younger sister and brother, had already done some babysitting, and 5 year olds seemed like they would be so easy! I felt more than qualified.
Little did I know how wrong I was!

Every day was filled with arts and crafts, nature hikes, swim lessons, and even music and drama activities. We were on the go from the start of camp at 9:30 a.m. until the close at 3:30 p.m.

I quickly realized that following this schedule made for one long day ~ and my initial illusions of a carefree summer soon evaporated.

Despite this, I gradually discovered that I got so much more out of the experience than I ever thought possible! And, surprisingly, the lessons I learned there have stayed with me to this day. 
    
5 Year Olds can Teach Us about Life & Business!  “Tweet This”

Important Lessons You can learn fromWorking with 5 Year Olds:
Never Show Fear
Children are excellent at sniffing out fear. They can sense when you are unsure or incapable. I learned that if I showed the least amount of doubt in what I was doing, they knew. I would then find myself losing them.

The same can be said of your clients. If you don’t have a firm belief in the importance of what you do and what you offer, how can you expect it from your clients?

Be Confident
Instead, or being uncertain with these campers, I needed to project confidence, even if I was feeling anything but! I had to dig in and quickly find the best way to lead. No matter what the activity, I had to be ready to show, by example, what to do and how to do it.

This skill will work to your advantage in your business today. Displaying confidence and belief in your services helps reach clients…and it certainly won't hurt when dealing with your own children.

How To Hold an Audience
5 year olds have short attention spans. I found I had to capture their focus immediately, or risk kid chaos. I had to know what interested them and, if trying something new, how to “sell” it.  

Dealing with clients is the same. Learning what "speaks" to them is always your best start. Finding out their interests, their problems, and their goals is key. In this way you can hold their attention and speak directly to their needs. Then you have to be clear on how your services meet those needs. Placing emphasis on them instead of on your needs and wants is simply good business.  

Embrace Change
You know what they say about the best laid plans…..
When working with 5 year olds, anything can happen. One minute you are on a wonderful hike through the woods, then the next you find that someone has fallen in the creek, or skinned a knee, or any of the other things that can befall a group of 5 year olds. Instead of letting that completely derail our plans, I learned to roll with it.

This lesson is invaluable in running your own business. No matter how well thought out your plans may be, life and circumstances often get in the way. Learning to embrace and adapt to these changes, instead of fearing or being defeated by them, certainly helps.

How to Juggle the Needs of Many
There is rarely a “one size fits all” approach when dealing with 5 year olds. Keeping them all happy and safely occupied is no small task. Of course having more than one counselor helped. We were usually able to break off and each supervise a different group. But when that wasn’t possible, we had to get creative. I found that with a little ingenuity and a lot of stamina, I was capable of getting the job done. At any given time I may be reading a story, encouraging some to draw a character from the book, and leading still others in a crazy, zigzagging line around the room. Exhausting yes. But it was also successful in meeting the needs of as many as possible.

I have used this skill often both in parenting and in my business. Like the campers and my own children, my clients are not all alike. Each has different needs and goals. You can use the same lessons in how you think about your own clients. Striving to treat them all as individuals, and develop your products and services with those specific needs in mind, will help you create a niche for your own business. And it will be certainly invaluable in building your brand. 

Fair Play   
Kids know what is fair and what isn't. Whether it's a game of kick ball, release the prisoner, or even taking turns, there is a code. And, most times, if left to their own devices, they will get to what is fair ~ all without adult intervention. As a counselor I witnessed this many times. Games get heated, kids are anxious to get their "at bat" or time on the "best" swing. As counselors our first instinct was to rush in and solve the problem our way. But as time went on, we began to see that if we simply stepped back and kept a watchful eye, it would all be figured out and peace restored.

Sometimes the importance of Fair Play gets lost when we become adults. There are people who are more focused on what is good for them, their family, or their company, even if it is at the expense of others. Instead, remember what you learned as a child, or have seen in the children in your lives, and focus on what is fair! Businesses that take the time to think about the needs of their clients and customers, sometimes over their own, are the ones who are truly successful.

The Enjoyment of Being Active and Appreciating Down Time
Kids, especially 5 year olds, rarely sit still. They love being on the move. You can see it it their faces ~ they are happy just to get up and run, skip, and jump. But I could also see their appreciation and need for quiet time ~ the chance to hear a story or just to snuggle.

While I have sometimes lost my drive along the way, I am once again embracing any chance I get to be active. This can mean taking a walk, sightseeing (even in my own neighborhood), and, if the weather isn’t cooperating, finding a way to stay active indoors. Not only do I feel better, I find myself looking forward to the activity. But just as important is my downtime. I look forward to reading, listening to music, and watching my favorite shows. I appreciate these opportunities to recharge and find I need them to keep my sanity. Both have given me the stamina and focus to keep running my business, and they can do the same for you.

You can find out more about the benefits of taking “active” breaks in "Tips to Help You Gain Focus and Get Active"!

Photo by Kim Kline
To Find Joy in the Little Things
This was perhaps the greatest lesson of all. My 5 year old campers found just as much joy and excitement in holding a bug as they did at receiving their favorite snack or winning a race. They came to camp each day truly looking forward to the day ahead. 

This ability has served me well, especially when I had my own children. It is not the huge, grandiose, things that mean the most, but the day to day wonders we all experience. The way a child’s eyes light up when they see someone they love, the quiet times you spend together, and even the joy felt at the first snowfall or first daffodils. And you can never underestimate the sheer joy you get from a good laugh. I hope to never let this go.  


I continued to work as a counselor at that camp for another 2 years. And while I certainly had fun, my greatest rewards were the lessons I learned about myself and about what it truly takes to succeed in life, and in business!

These lessons can do the same for you!

(The original article was published on LinkedIn as part of their #careerlaunch suggestion!)

Authored by   









API will help You and Your Business 
Hire Safely and Effectively!

Learn more About Us and Our Services too!
Have Questions?
Visit our Resources Page!

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Why You Need to Forget Work-Life Balance!

#worklifebalance

Can we ever truly achieve balance between our work and personal lives?  


In theory, the idea of “work-life balance” seems to make sense. Evenly dividing our time between our jobs and our personal time should give us the best of both worlds. 


However, I believe that trying to achieve that “balance” causes us more angst than it should.  


We are constantly being bombarded with advice on how we can and why we should bring balance to our lives.  And when we aren’t able to achieve it, we feel guilty.  We worry we are spending too much time at work and neglecting our families.  Or we worry that taking time for ourselves means we are not dedicated to our jobs.


 We are in a classic “Catch 22”!


And I believe that the use of the word “balance” is the problem.


True Balance between our Personal and Professional Lives is Not Possible!  “Tweet This”


The reality is that, at any given time, one or the other will pull on our time and resources.  There will be days, or sometimes even weeks, where either our work or personal obligations needs to take precedence.


According to Merriam-Webster, one of the definitions of “balance” is;
a state in which different things occur in equal or proper amounts or have an equal or proper amount of importance”.


Instead of placing importance on the word “equal”, we should focus on the word “proper”.  Giving something our “proper” time and energy means that we are doing what is appropriate given the situation. 


#worklifebalance


That is why I believe that Our Lives are more like a Seesaw than something we can ever hope to balance!



Think about the times you have ridden a seesaw.  I remember that at our neighborhood playground, my friends and I would often make a game out of trying to “balance” the seesaw.  We would all carefully sit on either side, attempting to find the right mix to keep the seesaw level.


And yes, we would often win our battle for a moment.  But then, inevitably, one side would drop and the balance we had won would be lost.  The seesaw would once again do what it was designed to do, continually rock up and down, sometimes falling hard to one side or the other.


The sides of a seesaw are much like the different sides of our life, our work life and our personal life.  The weight of each side is capable of changing in an instant according to the demands placed on us.


For example, we may have an urgent project at work that requires us to put aside everything else to complete.  Or we may have a sick child, spouse, or parent that needs our attention.


Whatever the case may be, it is natural to place our focus squarely on who or what needs us at that time.  This means setting our priorities based on our circumstances.


If doing your best means you have to work a 10 hour day to get a major project done, then that is what you have to do.  Just make sure that when your project is complete, you swing your seesaw to the other side, giving the other part of your life the energy it deserves. 


Will your seesaw ever really be balanced?  It is doubtful.   And you shouldn’t feel guilty because of it.  You need to recognize that striving for “balance” is nothing but a losing battle.


Instead, we should all place our focus on who or what needs us the most now, and be satisfied with giving whatever we can to the rest. Being able to roll with it as our seesaw rocks should really be our goal.


Defining for ourselves the kind of life we want to live, and not allowing others to do that for us, is the ultimate freedom.  Creating a blend that works will make us a lot happier in the long run.  


And remember, the real fun of being on a seesaw is the up and down ride ~ so go out and enjoy it!


Please Pay it Forward and Pass this on!  And I would love to hear what you think, so leave a comment!  Thanks!


Authored by   



You can learn more about me and what I do on my site.  Check it out!

Let’s Connect!  Find links to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & more here!

Monday, June 9, 2014

The Top Piece of Advice I Wish I Knew When I Was 22

#IfIWere22

LinkedIn invited bloggers to help guide new grads by looking back to when we were 22.  
I decided to share what I know now that I wish I had known then.....


#IfIWere22!  When I was 22, I had just graduated from college and had already been married for a year.  To be honest, despite what others may have thought, I still had no idea what I really wanted to do.

That realization didn’t even begin to come to me until I was 34!  That is the year I, along with 2 partners, started a business.  It was 1996 and I still wasn’t 100% positive that this was “it”.  But I had two young children and thought this could be a perfect compromise between being with them and doing something for myself.


Starting a New Business was a lot of work! 

By the time 2004 rolled around, I was on my own.  As I look back now, I was actually closer than I had ever been to doing something that really made me happy.

Since then I have ignited a passion for my work and for the blog I started along the way.  I have focus.

That is why...


The Top Piece of advice I would give to New Grads is RELAX.  "Tweet This"

Not knowing what you really want to be or how to get there is not the end of the world.  


The key is to never stop learning about yourself and the world around you. That is where you will find your passion and your purpose.

If I have one regret, it is suffering many angst filled days because I thought I needed to have my life plan in place.  

I always believed that graduating from college meant I would be on my way.

When that didn’t happen, the best thing I ever did was to leave myself open to new experiences.  I never stopped learning and trying new things.  I joined relevant LinkedIn groups, dived into social media, and started blogging on issues important to small business.  

This got me ahead in my career more than I would have ever thought possible.

My Family 1987

And along the way I found I loved my life as it was, not how I had thought at 22 it should be 

That was not always easy ~ but that is okay.  Life is meant to be messy.

As an added piece of advice ~ 
Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Ride.  
Relish the unpredictability of life and cherish being with those that you love and make you happy.

It is there that you will find what matters.

Please Pay it Forward and Share this on your favorite social sites! Thanks!


Authored by  





You can find this article published directly on LinkedIn here.
Check out our website and find out more about what we do on our About Us and our Hiring, Business Mentoring, and Security Consulting pages!


Monday, May 12, 2014

Being a Mom Will Teach You all You Ever Need to Know About Running a Business


Every Mother’s Day, 
I find myself reminiscing.  

My children are now grown, but I can remember the joyful, fun, and sometimes chaotic, years when they were little. Housework was often at the bottom of the list and there were days I felt successful just getting them dressed and fed. 

However, as with anything worthwhile, I find that I would not have traded the experience for the world.  

What I have also found is that being a Mom has taught me a lot. Not just about what worked for me and my family, but many other things that have helped me run my business.

Lessons Motherhood Teaches You about Running a Small Business!  "Tweet This"

7 Lessons that Being a Mom Taught Me about Business
Lesson 1 ~ There is Never a “Perfect” Time  
If my husband and I had waited for the “perfect” time to have children, we may still be waiting! You will rarely find the "perfect time" for anything. Instead, there are simply times in your life where your best course of action is ACTION.  

This has served me well in my business. I continually remind myself that you can prepare all you want, but at some point you just have to jump in!
Lesson 2 ~ The Best Laid Plans ......  
While it is great to have goals and outline the steps you need to take to reach them, having children taught me the value of being adaptable. Learning to roll with things instead of fighting against them made my life so much easier.

It has been much the same with my company. Understanding that things often do not go as planned has saved me a lot of stress ~ and it certainly allows me to enjoy the adventure.
  
Lesson 3 ~ Patience Really IS a Virtue  
As I am sure many of you can attest to, kids move at their own speed. Trying to get them to hurry up was futile. I realized that most things would not be done on my schedule, and that was okay.

This has been an invaluable lesson when dealing with my clients too. I can respect what works for them and alter my work accordingly. Trying to push them into making decisions before they are ready serves neither of us.

Lesson 4 ~ Listening is Key  
With my children, I really had to stop and listen, with both my ears open and my mouth closed. Taking the time to pay attention to what was important to them helped them feel valued and helped me understand what they were really trying to say.

My clients like the same attention. I make sure to focus on what they are really saying, not on what I want to hear. This helps me find out where they are coming from and how I can address their needs.

Lesson 5 ~ I Don’t Have to “Keep Up” with Others  
Comparing myself and my family to others was a no win situation. So your friend’s child can play the piano at 3. So their house is “house beautiful”. So what?  

The same can be said of your business. Evaluating your company against what another company is doing can be counter-productive. What is important is deciding what is important to You.


Lesson 6 ~ Celebrate the "Little" Wins 
Raising my children helped me realize that even small things can bring joy. I remember the sense of accomplishment I would feel after a great day. Reading with my children before they would go to bed or sharing a joke with them all made me feel happy and satisfied.  

Your business “wins” can be the same. Maybe you got a new follower to your blog, or a great comment from a reader? Or maybe a potential new client contacted you for more information? No matter what it is, all deserve to be recognized for what they are...Wins!   

Lesson 7 ~ I am a Master Manager 
I had to learn early to appreciate my children’s different personalities and abilities. By allowing them freedom to make decisions and contribute, they grew confident in themselves. And, needless to say, my negotiating skills are through the roof!   

This has also proved invaluable in dealing with my clients. Clients like being treated as “unique” and treating them as individuals has made a difference. I enjoy discovering what they are all about and tailoring my services to match.

Being a Mom has been the most rewarding and best learning experience of my life.  

The satisfaction of seeing my children grow, and the unparalleled love I feel for them, has undoubtedly changed me. And I am a better person for it.




But what has really surprised me is that being a Mom has also given me the tools to run my business in a way that suits me and, hopefully, my clients.  
I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Authored by   





for more articles and tips focused on You and Your Small Business!

And find out more 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

What My Favorite Sports Movies Have Taught Me about Business ~ And Life!



I have gained many life lessons from playing sports, watching my children play, and cheering on my favorite teams. The belief in hard work, fair play, and team work is something that has had a great impact on me.

I am also a sucker for great sports movies. Whether they are funny, uplifting, or inspired by real events ~ it doesn’t matter. I find myself wanting to watch them again and again.

What I have also found is that by watching them I can learn a lot about life, and my business. Here are some of my favorites and what they have taught me.......

Brian’s Song (1971)
Tagline: An inspiring true story of friendship and courage.

Brian’s Song is the first sports movie I remember watching. When it was released in 1971, I was only 9 years old, but even now I vividly recall the overwhelming sadness I felt when Brian Piccolo died. I cried for at least a half hour even after the movie was over.  

The strength of the friendship that grew between two strangers, Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo, was magnificent to watch. Despite competing for the same position, and their differences, their love of the game of football forged a strong bond between the two.

The scene that embodied this best was the speech Sayers gave as he accepted the George S. Halas award. Sayers closing remarks; “I love Brian Piccolo. And I’d like all of you to love him too. And so tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him.” This scene gets me every time. Watch it here!

What this movie taught me was that time is short. There is little value in saying that you will do something “tomorrow” as there is not always a tomorrow.

We all need to embrace the time we have and “go for it”. These parting words when sharing Brian Piccolo’s death from his coach, George Halas, say it all:
“Brian Piccolo died of cancer at the age of 26. He left a wife and three daughters. He also left a great many loving friends who miss and think of him often. But when they think of him, it's not how he died that they remember - but how he lived. How he did live!”.


Hoosiers (1986)
Tagline: They needed a second chance to finish first.

I didn’t watch this movie until years after it came out, but what a story! Like Brian’s Song, this movie is inspired by true events. It follows a basketball team from a small Indiana high school as they pursue a state championship ~ and who doesn’t like to watch an underdog make good?

At its most basic, Hoosiers is a story of hope and second chances

Characters Shooter (played by Dennis Hopper) and Coach Dale (Gene Hackman) each get the opportunity to rise above their past and achieve something worthwhile through coaching this team.

So no matter what may have gone before, each of us has the ability to put it aside and start over. I have done this often in both my business and my life. Sometimes it is necessary to leave the past behind.  

However, the life lesson from Hoosiers that had the most impact on me is that there is no glory in winning at all costs. The glory is in playing to the best of your ability. That is what really matters.

In Coach Dale’s words; “If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don't care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in my book we're gonna be winners.” Watch his speech here!


A League of Their Own (1992)
Tagline: This summer, Tom Hanks and the Rockford Peaches prove that a woman's place is at home...first, second & third.

A League of Their Own taught me a lot about how women struggled to be taken seriously in sports, and especially in professional sports. Despite real talent, it is suggested to the players that they need to put on a “show” to draw a crowd ~ resulting in the famous “catching split” performed by Dottie Hinson (Geena Davis).

However, as the film goes on, the women gain a real following.  Their hard work and talent even convert men, who originally came to only see the novelty of women playing baseball, into fans.

What I also loved about League was how it touched on the balancing act these women had to navigate. This scene between Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks) and Dottie when she is leaving the team to go with her husband says it all!

Jimmy’s belief is that despite the sacrifices, having the opportunity to do what you truly love is worth it“It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great.”


This is how I feel about being an entrepreneur, and this lesson has served me well. I love running my own business, but I also know that it is not always easy ~ especially when I also need time for my family. Rarely is anything worth accomplishing easy. And like Tom Hank's says, if it was easy "everyone would do it"!

Bonus Favorite: Watching Tom Hanks deliver the line;  “There is no crying in baseball”!


The Sandlot (1993)
Tagline: A piece of paradise a half block wide and a whole summer long.

Unlike the other sports movies I have listed here, there is no big game or winning home run scene in The SandlotWhat it does have is one of the best depictions of the sheer joy to be found in simply playing.

Some of the best friendships many of us will ever have in our lives were found in our backyards and local courts. There you could always find a pick-up game of some kind. I spent many summer evenings playing kickball, “kick the can”, “release the prisoner”, or any number of games with my friends. 

We also learned how to solve squabbles without any adults present, how to play fair, and how awesome it was to be able to do it all over again the next day. Watch the trailer to see what I mean!  

Bonus:  One of my favorite lines from the film (and I use it often) is “You’re Killing Me Smalls”!


The Little Giants (1994)
Tagline: For everyone who's waited to be chosen, and wasn't... your day has come.

I still love watching The Little Giants. Getting the chance to watch a group of kids no one thought could ever learn to play football become a team is priceless.

For me, the best lesson comes from discovering that a team that “should” win doesn’t always win. The half time locker room speech from Coach Danny O’Shea tells it best: 

“Well, wait a second, guys. Who said you had to be good to play football? You play football because you want to. You play football because it's fun. You play football so you could pretend you're Joe Montana throwing a touchdown pass, or Emmett Smith going for a long run. And even if those Cowboys are better than you guys, even if they beat you 99 times out of 100, that still leaves...
Tad: One time.
Rudy Zolteck: One time.
Junior Floyd: [Smiles] Yeah... one time!”

It is important to realize that the possibility of losing is no reason not to try. And, you never know, when it will be your “one time”, so go for it!

Bonus:  Greatest play ever “The Annexation of Puerto Rico”.  For years when watching football I have predicted that the next play would be “The Annexation of Puerto Rico”. And then ~ I saw it actually used in a pro game!  


Remember the Titans (2000)
Tagline: Before they could win, they had to become one.

For me, Remember the Titans is the ultimate “team” movie. It shows the power that can come from looking beyond the surface of a person to find what is inside and become part of a true team.

Remember the Titans tells the true story of an Alexandria, VA high school football team in the early 1970s at the height of desegregation. The journey from a team divided by race to one of strong bonds and teamwork is fantastic to watch.

The movie is full of inspirational moments!

In everything from the speeches given by Coach Boone, to the players’ transformation into more than teammates but friends, we see what can be accomplished when people learn to be more open and accepting.

One scene that sticks in my mind is when Gerry Bertier is in the hospital after a tragic car accident leaves him paralyzed from the waist down. Julius attempts to visit and is stopped by a nurse saying; “Only kin's allowed in here”. Gerry responds; “Alice, are you blind? Don't you see the family resemblance? That's my brother.”.

I also love when Coach Yoast tells the team; “I hope you boys have learned as much from me this year as I've learned from you. You've taught this city how to trust the soul of a man rather than the look of him. And I guess it's about time I joined the club.”.

From Remember the Titans we can all learn that change is rarely easy, but changing what is inherently wrong or no longer working is worth it. Many times people in business stick with the status quo simply because it is seems easier. This can be a mistake.    

We can also learn to look beyond the surface to find the true essence of a person. That is where we will discover if they are worth knowing. This can be invaluable when hiring or deciding whether to do business with someone.

Bonus: Remember the Titans has a Killer Soundtrack - House of the Rising Sun, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye, Up Around the Bend, Peace Train, and the list goes on!

The Rookie (2002)
Tagline: It's never too late to believe in your dreams.

In The Rookie, real life high school science teacher and baseball coach Jim Morris tries out for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball team after making a deal with his high school team.

Morris finds himself, at the age of 35, surrounded by much younger players. However, his blazing fast ball gets him noticed, and ultimately into the big leagues.

What I take away the most from The Rookie is the importance of dreams. According to Morris; “If you don’t have dreams, you don’t have anything”

And dreaming is not only for the young. It is important to have hopes and dreams throughout our lives. These can be ongoing ones that we hold on to and ones that change according to circumstance.

Many times dreams are not meant to be practical. They can be things that may seem fantastical one day, but can become reality with hard work and focus.

I also love how in The Rookie, even when Morris' dreams are coming true, things are not always easy. He experiences times of self doubt. However, it is then that he remembers his “why” ~ for the love of the game; “You know what we get to do today?  We get to play baseball!”. Watch that scene here!

That is the kind of enthusiasm I try to keep for the choices I have made in my own life. I keep dreaming of where I want to go, and find joy in where I am now. I think that is one of the greatest lessons anyone can learn!

Please share your favorite or inspirational movies, I would love to see which ones you would pick!

Authored by  






Please visit our website for more articles and tips on Small Business ~ and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing!

Find out more About Us and our Background Investigation, Business Mentoring, and Security Consulting services too!