Holiday gratitude and joy. But I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that Thanksgiving is already here and Christmas is around the corner. Jeez, where did the year go? As I stand in thanks for all the blessings this year, I can’t help wonder about how freakin’ many of us are affected by the “Me too” campaign. It’s a shame we even have such a campaign. As a cute blond working in corporate America (professional sports then hollywood) I, too, can say “me too”. I’ve moved on. And it made me stronger. You come from a place of power when you stand your ground and say “No means NO” all the while thinking, what is he going to do….fire me? If that’s the case then I say “SO WHAT” this is not a place I want to work. Knowing there is something better and safer for me.

Where do we go from here? How about teaching our daughters and sons that they can say no and mean it. And we treat people how we would want to be treated ourselves. I can’t think of a better way to instill this message than by having our kids work with 1200 lb horses. Very empowering!

Or how about this. Start your own company like I did. I highly recommend being your own boss and serving other women to achieve their goals. 2018 will see the start of “Me Too” workshops here at Begin Again Ranch. Contact me for more info, or wait for the next posting. Wishing you blessings and joy of the holiday season.

Blessings of the season to you and yours from all of us at Begin Again Ranch.

A potential client called the other day to discuss her son.  According to her, the problem with him was he rarely wanted to join in with family activities.  Only doing so “because he had to” and not because he wanted to.  These were not “let’s all go to the mall” outings.  These were group activities with other families and community events.  Brandon (name changed) preferred to sit in his room or out under a tree and read!  Oh the horror!!!  What was wrong with him?  Can I fix it?

 

In answer to the questions…..Nothing and No. Nothing is wrong with him and he doesn’t needed to be “fixed”. Brandon is an introvert. Plain and simple. Does this scenario sound familiar to you? It certainly does to me. Give me a cup of herbal tea, a good book and a cat in my lap every day and twice on Sunday. I am an introvert and I’m not ashamed.

After a long day of work and/or caring for the family, would you rather (a) go out to a loud, perhaps crazy networking event (because you “should”) or would you rather (b) stay at home and sit outside and watch the stars come up? If you chose a) you’re an extrovert and recharge your energetic battery by being with the energy of others. If you chose b) you’re an introvert and recharge you energetic battery by being alone or with one or two special friends.

Being an introvert does have it’s drawbacks. There are more extroverts in the world and they tend to get heard more, promoted faster, recognized for accomplishments quicker. Mostly because they are louder….promote themselves and their ideas first…and thrive in the ‘look at me atmosphere’ of corporate and entrepreneurial America.

If you are an introvert entrepreneur I can teach you the tools you need to be successful in an extrovert world. Contact me to discuss your options. In the meantime, here is a networking tip that has worked for me:

(Introvert tip #1)
Going to networking events is inevitable if you are a small business owner. If you are an introvert too after you get your glass of Chardonnay (or club soda in my case – more about this in the next blog) and stand next to your favorite potted plant (always a “go to” for me). Scan the room and find someone who looks as uncomfortable as you feel. Mozy up to them (no walking up with gusto – that’s for extroverts and will likely freak out the person you want to chat with) say something like “these events always freak me out. mind if I chat with just you for a bit?” And there you have it. A new comrade and possible new client. Easy Peasy! Even for an introvert≥