This is my milestone birthday month and I have to tell you it has been an incredible journey. For those who know me, I like to do things differently – I like to create experiences and I love to celebrate both big and small wins!
For my birthday, I planned a Hollywood Birthday Gala Fundraiser for the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer. We had a red carpet, paparazzi and photo booth (BMP – Trevor Boller Photography) , Marilyn Munroe, and Oscar Cut-Outs. There was a fashion show by CapriceWest Consignment Store and Princess Florence Handbags & More display. Derks Formal Wear sponsored the men in my life with tuxedos! Incredible sponsorship and support!
Everyone was a celebrity as they walked the red carpet.
I are extremely grateful for all the donations, support, and all of those who came to celebrate that night – WE SOLD OUT!
There was a brief moment in time I second guess whether or not I should even host the party. Maybe there was too little time!
When I started planning the event, I had people telling me the following:
- Do you think people will come?
- Do you think people will pay to come to your birthday?
- Do you really think you can do it?
As I heard the chatter, my head began to spin. I had this idea in my head since I had a Hollywood 10th Birthday Party for my daughter a few years ago. We had so much fun; I thought I want a celebration just like that. Thankfully, I spoke to my web designer, Roger MacRae . In a short conversation, he reminded me of why I do things differently and how long it usually takes me to put together an event. In my mind, I could not understand why people would not want to come. Mindset plays a huge part of success – you need to believe!!! They did – not only to celebrate my birthday but to celebrate a cause in a positive atmosphere that created an unforgettable experience. So it got me thinking – brainstorming!
Lessons I had learned over the years that affect your business and even your life that relate to :
- Relationships are the cornerstone of your life. What happens when you do not water or prune a garden of weeds? It withers and becomes lifeless and dies- so too, do you relationships if you do not nurture them. You must tend to them and watch them grow regularly.
TIP #1: You must have a regular presence online and offline and provide value (articles, quotes, or special reports) to the people in your network. Ezine, e-newsletters, direct mail, Facebook, Twitter, and phone calls are a few ways in which you can provide value and be the PRESENT to others.
2. Celebrate and help others live to their highest potential. You probably have met people that have so much going for them that they are totally oblivious to some of the skills and talents they possess. They are usually the people who say, “Oh, it’s nothing – I was just playing around.” We often see in others more than what they see in themselves. Remember when you support others in their dreams, they will also champion yours.
TIP #2: Provide testimonials or recommendations for others to use on their website or LinkedIn. Not only are you helping another people “stretch” into who they are meant to be but you are also being noted as the one providing it. If you know, like, and trust their work – let others know. Commenting on blog posts, Facebook messages, Tweets also helps build a rapport and increases your visibility. Would you want that?
3. Surround yourself with people who build you up and not the ones who break you down.
TIP #3: Choose to surround yourself with like-minded people who help you stretch and grow, support you, and encourage you to go after your dreams. You need to focus on what you truly want and learn to stay away from those bright shiny objects that take you off course.
4. Share your dreams with others.
TIP #4: Let people you trust know about what your latest projects are and some of your goals or dreams. People cannot support you if they do not know what you need. People will be excited to support your dreams. Watch you dream explode into something bigger than you ever thought.
5. Try new things! Plan an event, host a blog talk radio show, start a membership and create a community, or create a vlog (Video Blog)!
TIP #5: Video is one of the most powerful tools in sharing your message with the world. Helps with your Google search rankings too. I was excited to watch video birthday messages on my Facebook Timeline. They mademy day even more memorable because people did some thing different – they stood out from the crowd! It was inexpensive, timely, and had impact! By the way, I love reading every message. Make sure you wish your Facebook friends a Happy Birthday on their big day!
Stay focussed on what you want and be true to yourself. You already possess what you need to succeed!
My motto is “Do not let your greatest regret be that you never took action.” Seize the day! You only have one life to love!
by Simon Sinek. This book really got me thinking about the people and the companies I do business with. Simon Sinek points out that many businesses can tell you WHAT they do and HOW they do it but few tell you WHY they do what they do. He shares real life examples of businesses who know their WHY and weave it throughout their business philosophy and those who forgot their WHY. Your WHY is reason you are in business and your mission – ultimately, why you get out of bed everyday.