Powerful Women Magazine Waterloo-Wellington Edition
Ignite Your Passion for Success
Fall 2011
From rags to riches: motivated to succeed
MOTIVATED to inspire with desire and audacity Page 12 Cover photo by Melanie Gillis
Moving along on life’s journey Page 6
Finding our G Spot Page 16
Page18
2 Powerful Women Fall 2011
Powerful Women Ignite Your Passion for Success
Contents
Motivated for Success
What’s Inside
“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” – Raymond Chandler Like most people, there are times when I procrastinate, and then there are times when I’m highly motivated to achieve a goal. In general, I’m not put off by most challenges, as long as I believe they are within my capabilities, and I often excel when completing a new and challenging task. But I do need to enjoy what I’m doing within that challenge or at least be able to visualize a successful end result. For me, while I can’t seem to motivate myself to run a marathon (I don’t exactly enjoy running and was never good at long distances even as a teen, so I cannot visualize a successful outcome), I a m definitely motivated to succeed with my business. I enjoy what I do and have a vision of where I want to be. That’s not to say I don’t have the odd off day, which to me is like a road block, but I usually give myself a swift reminder as to why I need to get motivated. It would seem that, no matter what the goal, if we don’t have the desire and can’t visualize the outcome, then nothing is going to motivate us to achieve success. Having the right attitude is definitely a strong motivator, and often a swift reminder of our desired outcome on our off days is all that’s needed to motivate us again. I use lists a lot – mostly as reminders of all the tasks to do on my busy days – and they are a big help when I hit that proverbial road block. To me, items on a list are like stepping stones to a marathon runner – they help us navigate an obstacle that’s blocking our path. Running a successful business, and managing to stay motivated through its road blocks, can be compared to running a marathon with several small creeks to cross, or indeed, life in general. As long as you have the desire, your goal is in sight and you use stepping stones to get there, you’ ll get there in the end. And, I’m sure, if I changed my attitude, I could even run a marathon. Karen Coleman, Publisher
Fall 2011
It’s your baby .......................... 4 Motivated through life’s challenges ........................... 5 Moving along on life’s journey.. 6 Motivation: the whole balancing act....................... 9 Don’t lose sight of your goals . 10 MOTIVATED to inspire with desire and audacity ............ 12 Motivate yourself through attitude.............................. 14 Finding our G Spot ................ 16 Waiting until tomorrow is not an option ..................... 17 From rags to riches: motivated to succeed.......... 18 Organize your office .............. 20 Become assertive ................... 21 Employee motivation is key to higher retention rates and productivity ........................ 22
Regular Feature Recipes R i ffor success: Power Smoothie ................... 8 To advertise or submit an article in the next issue of Powerful Women call 519-267-5050 or email submissions@powerfulwomen.ca Designed and published by Karen Coleman, Kaz Design Works g www.kazdesignworks.ca
Available online at www.powerfulwomen.ca Publisher’s Note: The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the individual writers. If you have any concerns about any of the content, please write to the publisher at publisher@powerfulwomen.ca
Fall 2011 Powerful Women 3
It’s your baby Kristel Manes
Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre
F
I love my job; on a daily basis I have the pleasure of meeting with clients who are in the initial stages of starting up their new small businesses and these clients are overflowing with excitement and enthusiasm. Often referred to as the “honeymoon stage,” these clients have endless a mounts of drive and dedication, are boundless in energy levels and convinced that customers are lining up at their doorstep eager in anticipation to do business with them right away.
or a very small percentage of these clients, it might happen depending on the product or service they are trying to sell (I would have to emphasize a very small percentage). However, for the vast majority of these eager beavers, it is a long walk on a short pier and it doesn’t take long for bewilderment, exhaustion and frustration to set in and force those proverbial honeymooners to remove those rose-coloured glasses, only to find themselves knee deep in a reality check. Bottom line is it takes time to get a business up and running and it takes a lot of personal motivation to keep things moving. It is up to each person to pull this motivation from deep within one’s self and, the funny thing is, it has a different process and meaning for everyone. I have been motivationally challenged on several different occasions in my life and if I could offer any advice it would be the following: 1. Make sure you set business and personal goals (both short term and long term). If you don’t have a roadmap or a plan of where you intend to go, it is pretty hard to remain motivated in order to get there. 2. There will always be obstacles/roadblocks along the way, but it is how you manoeuvre them with the right mindset that will make the difference; in essence, road rage is not the way to go. Considering obstacles as a positive learning experience rather than a negative occurrence will not only make you stronger but better prepare 4 Powerful Women Fall 2011
you to handle the next one on your journey. 3. Surround yourself with a strong, supportive network of family, friends and most importantly, other small business owners. Networking with like-minded peers will help build confidence, source out opportunities and provide you with a mentor who will give you a swift kick when you need it (not to be confused with the whiners club; don’t join in as it will only bring you down). 4. Invest in yourself. Take courses, attend lectures or training seminars, and read everything you can get your hands on. It will help arm you with confidence and information, two things that are crucial in running a business. 5. Finally, reward yourself an hour every day to do something just for you. We are creatures of habit; we need to be rewarded for our efforts, and since you are the one who is most important to your business, it is necessary to keep you satisfied and moving forward. A walk in the park, a workout, or even a coffee in your favourite café will help give you balance and the opportunity to recharge your batteries. Last but not least, believe in yourself. It’s your business, your baby and you are the only one who is most passionate about your business. There will be people who won’t feel the same way or try to bring you down, but you need to stay committed to loving that baby no matter what happens; stick to the plan and things will be just fine.
Motivated through life’s challenges As a small business owner, I a m often asked how I managed to stay motivated through all my challenges and continue to build two successful businesses.
I
want to share some of the things I did that helped me remain motivated and move forward. Financial Challenges After divorce I worked three jobs but had challenges paying the mortgage and other bills. What worked for me was to make an appointment with my bank and chat with a financial advisor. I was completely honest and I asked for help. Together we worked out a payment schedule and this helped me greatly. Health Challenges As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I knew that my health and well-being came first. I maintain a balance between work and personal life, and I delegate work to people I trust. This means I can concentrate on my speaking engagements, writing blogs and many other important aspects of my business.
Linda Ockwell-Jenner Motivational Steps
Networking I was born to network but found early on that face-to-face networking is not always possible. Integrating a solid foundation split between social media and traditional networking works well. Building relationships of trust really does pay off. You have to set short- and long-term goals and realize that not all of your connections will want to use your services. Success is different for everyone. For me, true success is being healthy, happy, loving my work and being able to give back. If you do want to succeed, I would say that three things are crucial: • Passion • Determination • Belief These three things will help you remain motivated and focused on achieving success despite life’s challenges.
Powerful Women Magazine Ignite Your Passion for Success
Missed an issue? Visit www.powerfulwomen.ca to read it online! Fall 2011 Powerful Women 5
Moving along on Carol Bremner Online Success
life’s journey
When a baby is learning to crawl, successfully moving forward motivates her to continue. Eventually, that crawling becomes walking, then running and climbing - each successful step motivating that child to strive to do more.
I
f that baby’s attempts to crawl never resulted in any movement, maybe she would have eventually given up and remained where she was. So it seems that three factors help to motivate us: a desire to move from where we are; a willingness to try new things; and some success to encourage us on. I look at my own life and see how I’ve moved along in this journey called life. Adulthood included staying home to care for my six children. Since I had only a grade 10 education, I finished high school during those years. When my youngest child started school, I found a position at a university library and was trained on the job. Years went by and, although I learned new tasks, work no longer challenged or motivated me, until the day came that the library computerized. I was so intimidated by the thought of learning to use a computer that I transferred to the daycare on campus and took care of babies instead. After a year, I missed the students and transferred back to the library. I began taking computer courses and found myself inspired and motivated again.
6 Powerful Women Fall 2011
The next step was a transfer to another department where I could use my computer skills even more. Eventually, I took a package from the university, enrolled in a self-employment program and opened a computer café in Toronto. It wasn’t long before I realized that having a physical location wasn’t what motivated me. Instead, it was helping people learn to use computers and inspiring them to try more than they imagined they could do. I closed the cafe and began home training, then approached community centres and began teaching there as well. To get me out of my comfort zone, I also started doing group presentations. Although I felt physically ill before I spoke, I knew how much it helped my confidence to take risks and try new things. I’ve also learned that a journey isn’t meant to be taken alone. Along the way, we need mentors to encourage us on. There are many people in my life who have inspired me. These include: • My mother who, at the age of 86, still takes computer courses, blogs, and even creates e-books that she sells online. I’ve seen first-hand in her life
how computer use gives her purpose, challenge, even community. • Stay-at-home mothers, not only caring for their children, but running a home business as well. • Individuals of varying ages who have left the security of an unfulfilling job to work at their own businesses. • Those who choose to work with a nonprofit, sometimes even in a volunteer capacity, to help their fellow man. When you feel unmotivated, what can you do to get back on track? Here are some suggestions: • Read inspirational stories of others
who have achieved in spite of their difficulties. • Choose something you can do and show someone else. • Learn something new. • Take a risk and try something out of your comfort zone, but not too far out of your reach. • Take your eyes off of yourself. That baby had to look ahead to realize there was more to reach. We were all created with a seed of purpose – when you touch that purpose, you’ll be motivated as well. What about you, are you reaching ahead?
MEET THE MEMBERS POWE is a national networking organization that helps women grow their businesses. Meet some local chapter members. For more information, to register as a guest, or to join this dynamic group of female entrepreneurs, visit www.powe.ca
Christine Parker RMT Registered Massage Therapist 519-502-5156 129 Park St. Waterloo ON www.christineparkerrmt.com christineparkerrmt@gmail.com
Janet Benedict
Let me show you how to Promote your Business
Susan McQuay Did you know a massage can provide more vitality?
Hot Stone Massage 519-591-4086
Spa Parties - U time - Keep Your Edge - Choose Massage
Karen Coleman
for your evolving small business
519 267-5050 www.kazdesignworks.ca
Graphic Design Website Design
Penny Jamieson
Judith Harrison
www.myshoppinggenie.com/70528
judith@powe.ca • cell 519-221-1212
Natascha Voll Nutritional health coach with Isagenix
Joyce Hopkins
Coach for Vibrant Living
519-743-1656 www.isamovie.com nataschavoll@rogers.com
Visit My Website to Send a FREE Card
519.650.2288 • joycehopkins@rogers.com www.sendoutcards.com/joycehopkins Fall 2011 Powerful Women 7
Recipe s for Su cce ss
by Dr. Erika Holenski, ND, KW Health Connection
Power Smoothie This recipe is basic but it packs a powerful punch! It is a great afternoon pick me up.
I
n a blender add the following and blend until desired consistency: 1 banana 1 cup frozen blueberries 1 scoop rice or hemp protein powder 2 tsp fish oil (mercury-free, purchased at health food store, most are lemon flavoured) 2 cups milk (cow, rice or almond) Protein powder will give you the lasting energy to keep your task moving quickly. Blueberries provide high doses of antioxidants to keep the blood and oxygen flowing in the brain. Fish oil is an excellent source of EPA (Eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) which not only provide an instant burst of energy but enhance brain power and improve your mood! This combination of foods provides the body with the nutrients to get you motivated and stay motivated.
Naturopath Chiropractor Massage www.kwhealth.ca 519.576.2222 ‡ 417 King St W Kitchener
8 Powerful Women Fall 2011
Increase your energy Balance your hormones Live pain free
Motivation:
the whole balancing act
Shirley Anne Nowells Registered Reflexology Practitioner
We all want to bathe in the refreshing waters of motivation so that we can inspire before we expire and effect change for the greater good. However, motivation can be a tall and lofty word when we have fifty things to do before bedtime and then another fifty things to do tomorrow before noon.
T
he modern woman has been trapped in the role of being all things to all people, all of the time. A healthy approach to this is balance. To achieve a balanced state, we must be kind to ourselves and this is obtained by feeling good from the inside out, at which point motivation is so much more attainable. When taking an airplane ride, in the event of emergency, we would be asked to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first before assisting anyone else. So how do we apply this action to our everyday lives? The key component is to make ourselves a priority, which ultimately helps others. We can do this with good grounding techniques and balance. Gladly, we appear to be on the precipice of change. Women today, whether stay-at-home moms, retirees, business women or entrepreneurs, are starting to find ways to keep themselves nurtured through a variety of healthy lifestyle choices so that they may develop and introduce new concepts whilst still meeting their everyday responsibilities. When promoting a balanced lifestyle, we can
creatively effect substantial and beneficial change in everything around us. Many women are now using meditation, yoga, massage, exercise and other outlets to tap into that personal whole self space and find that inner peace. Reflexology is one such alternative health care therapy that holistically considers the whole self, nurturing the body, mind and spirit by using a massage like technique of specific pressure sites known as reflex points on the feet, hands or ears, which effect change or response to other areas and systems of the body, with the Continued on Page 11
Have you tried rHÁH[RORJ\" This ancient art of targeting areas of the body through reflex points on the feet soothes away built-up tension, anxiety and stress, promoting a balanced and relaxed new YOU!
SHIRLEY ANNE NOWELL RRPr certified and licensed reflexologist
519-830-5686
relax@reflexologybyshirley.com www.reflexologybyshirley.com
Serving Cambridge and NEW Downtown Guelph location
Fall 2011 Powerful Women 9
Don’t lose sight of your goals Natascha Voll
Isagenix Cleanse Coach
As an Isagenix cleanse coach, I a m committed to helping people live healthier and longer. Part of my work with cleansers is supporting their motivation to make lasting changes in their lives. For some, motivation is a difficult thing to maintain.
I
heard that Angelina Jolie is constantly writing goals. Goal writing costs us nothing and becomes a compass in our lives. I encourage people who cleanse to write their goals as they embark on making changes. When we cleanse, we remove harmful impurities from our bodies. We become focused, sleep more soundly and release
Let me show you how to lose weight safely and quickly! Complimentary Coaching included with affordable Isagenix products Learn how to maximize your health and fitness Schedule a FREE consultation today!
519-743-1656
Natascha Voll, Isagenix consultant specializing in nutritional cleansing, health and wellness
QDWDVFKDYROO#URJHUV FRP ZZZ LVDPRYLH FRP 10 Powerful Women Fall 2011
unwanted pounds. Summer is a time of socializing, but September is a time of renewal as we set out new goals. Remember: you cannot do the same thing and expect different results. One of my goals this year was to run a half marathon with some fabulous girlfriends. Having never run a race, my training schedule was uncomfortable and difficult, but in the end I completed it while still having the energy to celebrate it. Setting running goals made all the difference in the outcome! Changing habits is often uncomfortable. One of my marathon mates wrote: “Pursuing the next level, whether it is a healthier body or a more fulfilling relationship, is going to be met with some level of challenge. Oddly enough, the things that challenge us today are the things that, when repeated often enough, become comfortable tomorrow.” Another one of my Isagenix leaders says that “we must be willing to do today what others won’t so we can do tomorrow what others can’t.” How true is that sentiment? Of course it is easy to set goals; however, the getting of goals is another matter. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated: 1. Define or acknowledge your source
of motivation. What is it that you’re working for? 2. Educate yourself. Many people think they’re incapable, but they’re actually just uninformed. 3. Enlist support. Going it alone is a recipe for failure. When you invite others to join you, you exponentially boost your rate of success. 4. Your environment is paramount to your success. Remove temptation. 5. Write your goals. They become a reality for you. When you attain your goal, really cel-
ebrate! If you fall off the wagon, don’t give up! Everyone makes mistakes. Learn to do better and keep going. Nutritional cleansing, as with any health change, is a process too. Just remember: we are all capable of great things. We can live a life of purpose, a life of manifesting dreams and desires. Pursue your goals with abandon. Be willing to be uncomfortable. Know that anyone who ever achieved anything worth achieving braced the discomfort, grew as a person and did not quit. Go for it!
Motivation: the whole balancing act... Continued from Page 9
aim to create total balance within. Tension, illness and fatigue experienced in daily living can all cause stress, and experiencing reflexology can bring back harmony and equilibrium to the body, helping us to achieve what is known as homeostasis, the state of natural balance. The alleviation of stress and the introduction of relaxation are just a few benefits this therapy can offer. It is important to remember that this modality is meant as a complementary therapy, however, and is not a substitute for other traditional treatment. A carefully chosen certified and licensed reflexologist will never diagnose, prescribe or treat a condition, but rather aids clients to be more aware of their own bodies. In short, the benefits of regularly using some form of “me time” leads to a balanced mental and physical state which is the first step to vitality and good health. Ultimately, this will contribute to a stable and calm presence of mind with forwardthinking and positive attitude, which in turn will provide energy and the ability to produce wonderful things. So before we can have our “light-bulb” moments, our first step must be to take
care of our whole person, so that we may feel dynamic and empowered, with inspiration becoming second nature. Now we can take the hand of motivation and glide along the exciting pathways of life towards our personal successes.
Global Wealth Trade Corp. DOROTHY FRY CELL: (905) 308-4769 HOME: (519) 748-9435 EMAIL: frysecurity60@gmail.com www.globalwealthtrade.com/ security60 Recorded InfoLine: 1-877-GWT-CONF (1-877-498-2663) Call to find out more about the distribution rights and receive a complimentary $100 gift certificate. INDEPENDENT LUXURY CONSULTANT Fall 2011 Powerful Women 11
MOTIVATED to inspire with desire and audacity By Carolyn Parks, President, Outstanding Women Speakers
Recently, Shevaun Voisin received a note from an audience member who attended a Toronto event where she was delivering a keynote entitled “The Power of Audacity.” In the letter, the writer said, “Your presence on stage was incredible. It was as if there was a rod of positive energy connecting you to me… You truly shine brightly, from the inside out. I have never met such an engaging hu man being that resonates kindness, compassion and authenticity like you do...”
D
ifferent people say it differently, but they all say it. There is no doubt that Shevaun has a special gift. And she is ready to share it with the world. Shevaun, a native of Kitchener (and passionate advocate of Waterloo Region) lives with her husband Steve and their four children. Shevaun is the Publisher of MOTIVATED magazine, a now internationally distributed publication with the intent to inspire and create shift in people’s lives. Shevaun shares the refreshing goal of the magazine simply. “It invites world leaders to share their stories and advice first-person, from the heart. Their message isn’t diluted or tainted by the views of a reporter; they tell their own story. So my measured intention is to inspire readers to go within; it’s up to readers to decide whether they will, and if they will, what they will do with what they find.” Shevaun’s star is rapidly on the rise, with a successful magazine, a flourishing speaking career, and many other emerging platforms to spread her unique and inspiring message. But these stripes have been earned. For Shevaun, the trigger to embrace her calling came from life-altering, external events. In the span of six
12 Powerful Women Fall 2011
months, Shevaun and Steve’s son Declan died, and Shevaun self-diagnosed Paget’s Disease and had a mastectomy. “Holding death, and staring at it in the face, forced me to ask, ‘Why are you really here? Have you done what you were meant to do?’ When the answer was ‘no’, I spent a great deal of time seeking the answer as to why.” After some serious soul searching, Shevaun realized she had always inspired others on a small scale, but was playing small. She knew she had the ability to do it on a much larger scale. And thus was born MOTIVATED magazine, a complete labour of love and pure intention. MOTIVATED is published by Declan McAndrew Publishing, named after Shevaun and Steve’s baby son. One of Shevaun’s most cherished phrases these days is “in perfect timing,” alluding to the fact that opportunities will unfold as they should. In the beginning, with limited time as a new mum (baby Ireland was welcomed at the same time as Shevaun purchased and took over the magazine), Shevaun focused on ensuring interviews and articles were ‘from the heart’, which in turn would touch readers’ hearts. In determining content, Shevaun’s strategy is simple. “Because it be-
gins in the heart for me,” she says, “every issue explores a theme that has interested me! Happiness, Audacity, Fear, Mentorship, Tenacity, Risk… it seems whatever I have recently explored on a personal level becomes the spark for an issue. Shevaun’s pure vision is clearly on target; her magazine is now distributed through two bookstore chains in the U.S. and all major airports. It is also distributed to thirteen countries around the world. When asked what motivation means to her, Shevaun is candid. “For me, being motivated is completely an internal affair; it comes from within. It’s the fire within us, a bursting flame, pure desire, that when paired with intention, results in creation.” But for those who need a bit more grounding in how this seemingly mythical process works, Shevaun explains that “if we take the initial desire and we allow it to lead us to the rich exploration of endless possibility, and that possibility is accurately translated into intention within the mind, it activates the brain to create a result.” And here is where Shevaun has another favourite term: audacity. She says, “It’s clear to me why my favourite word is audacity. Audacity cuts through the negative thoughts of the mind and heads straight to intention and results.” Are there times when she finds it harder to stay motivated when faced with challenges? And if so, how does she tackle that reality? Shevaun’s response – as with any of her responses – is given with refreshing Truth (with a capital T). “Essentially, I look at ‘the challenge’ and determine the context in which I want to choose to see it. It will always come down to the mind again,” she shares. “Having said all that, I think one of my greatest lessons out of Declan dying was realizing how temporary everything is. I thought at the time I would never be happy again; that my joyful spirit and my
Shevaun Voisin, Publisher, MOTIVATED magazine love for wearing red and my spontaneous playful nature died along with Declan. What I learned is that everything is temporary, and it’s a great perspective to have. I feel emotion fully, but recognize that tomorrow is a new day, and it’s a gift to be given breath; it’s not a given.” Shevaun is careful to point out that not everyone needs to travel the difficult road she has trod in order to find this spark within. “You don’t have to face catastrophe to be motivated! You can find the spark, the light inside, and determine what to contribute to the world.” One cannot really get enough of her light (in referring back to the words of the audience member at the beginning of this article). And the reason we cannot get enough of her light is that, delightfully, Continued on Page 15 Fall 2011 Powerful Women 13
Roblynn Hunnisett Touchstone Event Management
Motivate yourself through attitude
Regardless of the season, a good attitude is always a “must have” in your wardrobe – it has the power to create a fulfilling and happy life full of great opportunities and experiences. So what attitude are you wearing? Are you someone who makes things happen or are you watching from the sidelines as life passes you by?
T
he exciting thing is that we all have full control over our attitude – it’s the one thing in life that you always have the power to change, regardless of how hard that may seem at times, and no-one can take it away from you. Your attitude is a choice about how you want to feel, how you are going to react, and what you are going to do about a given situation. Your reaction determines what happens in your life and the meaning you assign to it creates your attitude. So just like your wardrobe, you get
14 Powerful Women Fall 2011
to choose what attitude you’re going to “wear” each and every day. Now as simple as that sounds, we all know that choosing a positive attitude can at times be really hard! Taking full responsibility for your life will give you the results you want, both personally and professionally, but that means you have to stop blaming, quit feeling guilty, give up self-sabotaging and instead decide to wear an attitude that conspires with you to achieve success. We’ve all had times in our lives when
we’ve been really motivated to get something done, maybe because a particular situation had become too uncomfortable to deal with any longer. At that point, you would have experienced a complete change in attitude and your life changed to some degree. You expected more for yourself and you changed your attitude in line with that. How can you get to that place regularly and sustain the attitude and motivation you need to live a better life? Firstly, you need to have a clear vision, or goal, that you wholeheartedly want to achieve, and then you need to choose the attitude required to get there. For example, if you want to find a job you love and are passionate about, you need to have the right attitude to make the vision a reality. If you want to change career, instead of saying to yourself that it’s not possible to have a job you love or that you can’t change career because of your financial responsibilities, be determined enough to find a way to secure a job you’re inspired by and one which complements your lifestyle. Your attitude needs to match your vision and, on top of that, you need to be
committed to “wearing” your attitude every day. It needs to be a part of who you are and you have to live and breathe that attitude at all times. So take a moment now to think about one thing you would really like to achieve in your life. Get a clear picture of what that looks like to you, hear the sounds that are going on around you, imagine how it feels to be in that moment and what it means to you to reach that goal. Once you have that picture clear in your mind, ask yourself: What attitude do I currently have about achieving this goal? What attitude do I need to have to achieve this goal? Now that you’ve identified the ideal attitude to help you achieve success, “try it on” and see how well your new attitude fits. Wear it, test it out, make sure it’s comfortable, and see what results it gets. Notice the changes you experience as a result of your new attitude, and review the changes to make sure they support your goal. You cannot always choose what happens to you, but you can choose what happens in you.
MOTIVATED to inspire with desire and audacity... Continued from Page 13
she cannot stop herself from shining it. Shevaun concludes with “the reality is that it all starts within, and anyone that continues to let precious time pass buying into the concept that they ‘just don’t know what they want’ hasn’t done the sometimes difficult work of going within. I believe if the desire is there, the rest is easy. It’s also important to remember that so much of the joy of life is in the process, not in the final product or destination. Enjoy each step. Pay attention. Give yourself permission to fail so that you can succeed on a spectacular level.” She is a calming presence, a person
who walks softly and carries a big stick (to give us the bonk on the head with the cosmic two by four that she so often refers to in her own life). The urge is to tuck her away into our handbag/portfolio so that we can have a shot of inspiration just when we need it. But this is the thing with Shevaun. She is trying to tell us that we can do this on our own. Motivation is about desire and audacity. She’ll continue to shine her light on everyone she meets, and we will all hopefully start to feel what she’s talking about and allow our own lights to shine. Fall 2011 Powerful Women 15
Finding our G Spot Jenn Killins Dollars & Sense
E
Most of us know what the female G Spot is, but both men and women have a hard time finding it and making it happy. Since it’s so hard to find, I luckily discovered and created another! But what does my discovery have to do with finance or motivation?
verything! You see my discovery is a state of euphoria. It is an exaggerated physical and psychological state of well-being. Most will experience this state with accomplishment of something that consumes and takes over both body and mind. It is an extreme high from the excitement of achieving a goal or observing others achieve theirs. Your G Spots are unique to you, as is the climax of emotions you feel when reaching them. Money is not always required to have a good time. But come on, let’s face it, it sure helps and does make this crazy world go around! You see, most of everything that has been taught about finance is logical. We’ve all heard it: don’t buy your morning coffee; cook at home; write down every penny you spend; do your own hair and nails; don’t buy those designer shoes; and so on.
How many of us actually do the logical thing? Not many. Why? Because we are motivated by emotion. Emotion and logic are like oil and water when it comes to money. You know you shouldn’t do it, that’s what “they” tell you. But living for today and finding those G Spots is what it’s all about. Of course, we need to be ready for tomorrow as well. Finance for most is boring, misunderstood and painful to think about. That has all changed with the G Spot. It’s time to get sassy and take control of what you work so hard to earn. No longer does budgeting have to be like a diet – strict, hard to follow and unrealistic. Embrace those emotions and get motivated to take control of your hard-earned cash! Because isn’t that what it’s all about?
BUY THE DAMN BOOK
& F ind Your Spot! 16 Powerful Women Fall 2011
www.dollarsandsense.info
Waiting until tomorrow is not an option Procrastinating on your “Protection Risks” will cost you – guaranteed! You are never as young and possibly as healthy as you are at this very minute.
T
oo often I, and many other insurance/investment advisors, see people who want insurance protection too late. It often takes a scary visit to the doctor’s office or a health scare within one’s own family that really motivates people to get insurance protection. Insurance advisors are in the business because they really care about wanting to help people. I lost my husband suddenly six months ago and can honestly say, “He did not leave me enough life insurance!” The main risks in life are living too long (especially if you have family longevity in your genes), dying too young (with a mortgage and other debts), or becoming critically ill/disabled in your working years. By sitting down with an insurance advisor, you can learn where you are at risk, and the advisor can show you various protection plans that can help you avoid a financial disaster that could take away your savings, assets, or even your home. You can’t walk into a store and buy personal insurance off the rack, and since insurance companies have been selling insurance for years, you need one of their licensed reps to legally put your protection in place. Insurance advisors can still visit you around the kitchen table, which can effectively save you a lot of time.
Valerie Meyer Sickness Benefits and Finance
The insurance industry often looks at your age at your nearest birthday. Waiting past the six-month anniversary of your birthday will cost you more on a monthly payment basis. As well, as we age, we develop more health problems, and that can lead to payments that cost you more too. The insurance company knows how your health condition can increase your risk of possibly dying too soon. My best advice to you, as a woman, is to get yourself protected as soon as you can. Too often, we see our best friends getting cancer (most often, breast cancer), and it motivates us to think hard about our own mortality. We are told that more and more people are developing diabetes, whether young or old; and this is a health condition that insurance companies do not like. Insurance Continued on Page 19
www.sicknessbenefits.com
EDUCATING WOMEN WITH PERSONALIZED KNOWLEDGE Individual Meetings AND Workshops
VALERIE MEYER 519-888-8361 val@sicknessbenefits.com Fall 2011 Powerful Women 17
From rags to riches: motivated to succeed By Paisley Cozzarin
A small woman in heels will usually deliver vital information if we give her the chance to speak. Self-made millionaire and motivational speaker Tahani Aburaneh seems like she’s never had a problem getting people to listen to her – though she may beg to differ.
W
hat immediately struck me about Tahani was her sense of humour. She’s frank, easy to talk to and has a warm charm that is instantly disarming. She’s not only a successful motivational speaker and self-made millionaire, but also an immigrant to Canada and a single mother of two children. Initially, challenges such as these motivated her to pursue business in order to survive, but her perseverance led to a success in the real estate world that today is unmatched by most female realtors in Ontario. Tahani’s story is a modern day rags-to-riches tale, one that hopes to inspire women to redefine their independence and to pursue financial freedom. Born in a refugee camp in Jordan, Tahani clearly started with humble beginnings, and at just fifteen years of age, her life drastically changed when she joined her now ex-husband in Cambridge, where she learned English and completed high school. After three years of marriage, although Tahani was expected to start having children, she badly wanted to continue her education past high school. Tahani chose a three-year program at Conestoga College, during which she struggled to balance school and marriage. 18 Powerful Women Fall 2011
A few years later, Tahani had her first taste of the business world when she opened a dollar store in downtown Cambridge to help her brother who couldn’t start the franchise on his own. Tahani secured a loan after being refused by nine banks and turned the store into a profitable business. Later, Tahani left her marriage. “When I left him, I didn’t have anything. It’s so hard to start a life as a single mother raising a family. But I thought, how lucky am I to be a woman in Canada.” Even without money or a partner, Tahani was fiercely motivated to support her family, “I didn’t feel sorry for myself. I was a relentless hard worker. I thought: I’m going to survive. I’m going to make it on my own.” Tahani stayed positive, but it was a challenge to pursue a career with children, “I cared more for my kids than I cared for myself, but I wasn’t going to go back to a marriage that I was unhappy with, a life that was unfulfilling… a lot of women stay in marriages because of financial security. They think that they can’t do it on their own.” This motivation to survive urged her career forward, and utilizing the business skills that she possessed since she was a young girl in Jordan, Tahani began her journey in real estate. After obtaining her realtors license in 1995, Tahani worked at Remax for eleven years. She started selling houses, but her passion for real estate investment trumped her interest in home ownership resale. She began meeting investors, and realizing she was making them a lot of money, she decided to start investing in properties herself. Without any financial backing, her first property made her over $150,000. “It wasn’t just the selling and buying that motivated me; it was the business of buying property and making a profit from it. I started buying house after house and then I started buying land and developing it. I evolved into one of the top realtors for the region.” In the fall of 2009, Tahani started a development company, through which she buys land, develops it and then hires contractors to build for her. At the same time, she also started a real estate brokerage, focusing on servicing investors who are interested in buying and selling real estate investments. Land developing is renowned for its risk,
and Tahani acknowledges that it is a starkly male-dominated world. “I was told I was the first female developer in Cambridge. It was really scary to take that big step forward, but I did,” she adds with a smile, “I even bought a pink hard hat.” This testosterone-charged real estate field wasn’t always easy on Tahani and created insecurities that could have crushed a less determined woman. “Men, even if they are insecure, they don’t show it… I lost touch with my feminine side. I became harsher. There were a few years in my life where I would never cry.” Still, Tahani’s motivation never faltered, and once finding success, found that both her self-doubt and severity faded. “I softened a lot… and I’m still kicking butt.” In the Spring of 2010, Tahani landed a book deal with Wiley Publishing and will be the first female realtor in Canada to publish a how-to book on real estate investing. It’s meant as a step-by-step guide on how to start a real estate investing business. She credits Don Campbell from the Real Estate Investment Network for inspiring her to write the book. “He believed in my work and in me.” Tahani continues to speak on main stages all over Canada, hoping to inspire women into taking control of their life and believing that they can do it on their own. She sends a powerful message: “It doesn’t matter what background a woman has or where she comes from; it doesn’t matter if her husband is good or not; it’s what she can do really, by herself. We constantly blame our circumstances, and we lose sight of how grateful we should be in Canada. Stop blaming and take responsibility. In my life
Tahani Aburaneh now, I want to inspire women to take control of their future, families and financial freedom.” Although it has not been easy for Tahani Aburaneh, she is proof that, when motivated, women can take charge and gain financial freedom. Tahani is a small woman in heels, truly motivated to succeed. Read next issue’s article comparing the differences between two cultures and both the challenges and benefits of moving to Canada from Jordan.
Protect your income, health and life now not tomorrow
companies will not offer protection to anyone who is insulin dependent. Therefore, as we see younger children become more obese than in past generations, their parents should consider getting them insurance protection at a younger age, so that they can have some insurance in their lifetime. Don’t let this important protection for your income, your health, or your life be
Continued from Page 17
delayed until next week, as often next week becomes next month, and next month becomes next year, and then it could be too late. If you know that you have to protect your house and your car just in case they get damaged, would it not make a lot of sense that the person who pays for that insurance be protected as well? Call any insurance advisor today, as we are here to help you. Fall 2011 Powerful Women 19
Organize your office Cathy Mendler A New Leaf
“Whether your home office is command central for running a business or the collection point for all paperwork related to running a home, it needs to be organized and orderly.” Clutter Cutters
I
t’s difficult to motivate yourself to work if your office is out of control. Location and Layout Is your location ideal? Do you meet with clients in your office? Are you the only person who works there? Change your office layout. Try a number of layouts to decide what works best.
and scan. Avoid placing your printer on useable desktop space. Supplies stored in decorative boxes on shelving keeps them easily accessible. If you prefer items to be stored out of sight, consider a pantry-type cabinet, and use containers, baskets or trays inside to separate items. Store similar items together.
Desktop
File Cabinet
Only items used daily should be kept on your desktop. Items used several times a week can be stored in a desk drawer or close to your desk. If you only access items on a weekly basis, store them close by. Items accessed once a month can be stored further away.
Clean out your file cabinet; 80% of what you file will never be looked at again. Don’t discard any business-related records that need to be kept for tax purposes.
Office Equipment and Supplies Laptops save space. Are you left- or right-handed? Position your telephone so that you can make notes. A desk light should be 100 watts. Purchase one piece of equipment that will print, fax, copy
Paperwork Use a tray or basket as an inbox – either on your desk or hung on the wall. Have a routine to keep paperwork under control. Designate a spot for filing and a time to file your paperwork. Do a quick tidy up of your office at the end of the day. That way you’ll be more focused when you start the next morning. Rewards An organized office will increase your efficiency and productivity. Whatever your motivation – whether it’s spending extra time to grow your business or improve your work/life balance – an organized office is worth the effort!
20 Powerful Women Fall 2011
Become assertive Being assertive enables us to communicate effectively with one another, whether in business, with fa mily or with friends. Assertive behaviour enables a person to express their needs and achieve what they want in a non-threatening way. When we focus on being assertive, we create a win-win situation for everyone involved, essentially creating fulfilling relationships. What is assertive behaviour? Assertiveness is the state of being confident and able to articulate thoughts clearly, in an honest, respectful and non-threatening way. An assertive person is able to express needs while being open and considerate towards the opinions and feelings of others. Unlike aggressive or passive behaviour, assertive behaviour does not take aim at intimidating others, avoiding conflict and being taken advantage of or settling for whatever everyone else wants. People who engage in assertive behaviour are respected by others and achieve what they want through effective and direct communication.
How do you become assertive? Replace “you” statements with “I” statements. By using “I” statements, we avoid potential conflict and eliminate blame and defensive behaviour towards another person. “I felt overwhelmed when asked to complete this report in two hours. I would like some assistance with the report.”
Allan Teal
Jennifer Kruger The Inspiring Minds
Develop positive affirmations! Remove the “I wish, I hope, it would be nice if” statements with “I have, I am, I need” statements. For example, if you’re in debt and want to get out of debt, refrain from saying “I’m in debt and want to be debt free.” Try saying, “I am paying my bills easily and want financial prosperity” or “I am financially prosperous.” Separate facts from emotions. As humans, we tend to react with our emotions rather than assessing the facts of the situation. When faced with a conflict or problem, ask yourself: What are the facts? How does the situation affect me? What do I need? Communicate effectively and listen attentively. Be attentive to the person you are talking to. Make direct eye contact and let the other person speak. Paraphrase what the person has said so their message is understood. Ask open-ended questions and be clear when making a point. Becoming assertive takes practice!
HANDYMAN
519-835-7380
Residential
Commercial Offices
Landscape, Decks, Fences Painting, Flooring, Tiling Patios, Yard Clean-Up, Raised Gardens Renovations (bathroom & kitchen)
Maintenance, Renovations and Repairs Furniture Assembly Window Coverings and Wall Fixture Installations Keeping your office looking professional
AL-DO-IT
Busy schedule? Honey-do-list getting long? I’m here to help. Give Al a call today!
aldoit@beyondrewards.ca
www.aldoit.ca Fall 2011 Powerful Women 21
Employee motivation is key to higher retention rates and productivity Tanya Walesch Beyond Rewards Inc.
T
Employee morale and employee retention go hand in hand. If employees do not feel motivated at work, they will most likely start to look for new jobs elsewhere. Tracking employee morale is essential for measuring retention rates within a company.
he only precise way to measure employee morale is fairly easy: ask the employees directly. This can be done using polls, surveys, suggestion programs, or even informal-type interviews for smaller businesses. The results can be quite shocking. Typically, employees are enthusiastic and have a high morale when they first start a job, but in a study done by Harvard Business School, they found that in about 85% of companies, employees’ moral drastically declines after their first six months on the job. This continues to decline as their tenure increases. Employees are often looking for three key goals that motivate them throughout their employment. These are equity, achievement, and camaraderie. Equity deals with being respected and treated fairly in terms of pay and benefits. Employee achievement is established when employees feel proud of their job, their personal accomplishments, and their employer. Lastly, camaraderie is generated when employees have close, productive relationships with other employees. In order to have high retention rates within a company, employers must ensure that they meet all these goals. Employers and management can do several things to ensure they meet the employee goals. Three main practices can be put into place to begin to increase overall motivation: Instilling purpose within a company typically comes from a dynamic organizational mission statement that gives all employees a reason for coming to work aside from compensation. Individual departments can have
22 Powerful Women Fall 2011
purpose or mission statements as well that focus on their main goals. These statements not only give an employee purpose, but a sense of importance, camaraderie and belonging as well. Focusing on employees as individuals will boost morale within a company. Providing employees with recognition, or coaching them for improvement shows them that the company is showing interest in them and that they are being appreciated for their work. Receiving recognition for achievements shouldn’t be overlooked since it is one of the most fundamental human needs. Opening and promoting channels for transparent communication between employers and employees is a quick way to boost respect, and thus increase motivation. When employees feel that they are respected, trusted, and involved in workplace functions, all three goals are met. Transparent communication does not just mean communicating fully, but listening to and involving employees wherever possible as well. Employers often disregard lack of motivation as a factor of a high turnover rate and retention problems, but motivation problems quickly permeate into other aspects of the job, eventually causing employees to search for something new. Being aware of motivation levels within a company is the first step to improving overall retention, not to mention increasing productivity and efficiency as well. Sources: hbswk.hbs.edu/archive/5289.html, www.inc.com/magazine/19970101/1146.html
Human Resource, Risk Management & Training Consultants Human Resource Services Audits & Risk Assessments Health and Safety - Training & Onsite Management Policy, Procedures & Employee/HR Handbooks Ergonomics • Recruitment • Human Resource Consulting Career Planning & Outplacement Services
Training & Development
Online Training, Custom & Face to Face
Toolkits
Violence & Harassment in the Workplace - Bill 168 AODA; Business Continuity; Pandemic Planning Conflict Management and more!
519-821-7440 | info@beyondrewards.ca
Fall 2011 Powerful Women 23 www.beyondrewards.ca
Created out of the concern and passion to help those less fortunate have a Special Christmas. Through the generosity of its donors, Power of HOPE donates toys and pyjamas to various agencies in Waterloo Region, Wellington County and Perth County. As well as providing for children, Power of HOPE donates pyjamas, socks, linens and toiletries to single moms and low-income families.
To continue this work, we are very proud to announce that Power of HOPE is now a registered not for profit organization. Throughout the year, we hold a variety of events, such as Christmas in July, to help us raise awareness and financial support for our efforts. This July, we received donations of 56 pairs of pyjamas, plus many other items as well as cash donations. Please look for us at the Healthy Choices Wellness Show in September.
We need YOUR support! To achieve our goal of “Helping Other People Everyday”, these are just some of the items we collect: new or gently used stuffed toys, new pyjamas for all ages and genders, baby blankets, socks, knitted items (hats, mitts, scarves), linens and toiletries. For more information about Power of HOPE Community Organization, our events, the agencies we assist, or how to help us help them, please visit our website www.powerofhopeontario.ca or call Penny Jamieson at 519-848-5024 This advertisement is sponsored by these generous businesses. Intrigue your community (519) 265-4933 intrigueme.ca
WENDY LYNN OWENS Aesthetician
Eat • B E Breathe h •D Dance • Celebrate C l b
www.keepintouchstudio.com
www.healthy-choices.ca 417 King St. W. Unit B1, Kitchener
(519) 954-7872
(519) 745-4654 ext 116
www.toffson.com
www.powerofhopeontario.ca